BP_13-Persuasive Message

Cherie Hellenbrand's Persuasive Message:

PE_6-Flash ActionScript

Hellenbrand’s Screen Shots—Experimenting with Action Script

PE-6

My final Flash adventure was using ActionScript.  With ActionScript it is very very important to follow the video step by step.  If you miss one step it will really come back to haunt you; especially when controlling your buttons.  I found the code snippets very helpful.  Flash is an extremely complex program.  The more I learn the more I realize I am just seeing the tip of the iceberg.  

PE_5-Flash Motion Tweens

Cherie Hellenbrand's Example Motion Tween

After shape tweens I wanted to experiment with motion tweens.  There has been a big change between CS3 and CS5.  Some of the key points I learned with motion tweens are:

• ·      You can only animate symbols.
• ·      They use property key frames (diamond shaped)
• ·      How to use the motion editor to fine tune the tweens

I spent a majority of my time using the motion editor.  It takes a while to learn the interface and how to manipulate the effects.  After you become use to it, it is awesome. 

PE_4-Flash Shape Tweens

Practice of Shape Tweens Video:

What I wanted to continue focusing on is Flash animations.  For the first step of my practical learning experience I focused on shape tweens.  Some of the key points I learned:

• ·      You cannot shape tween groups or symbols.
• ·      Fixing a broken tween.
• ·      The importance of only having one shape per layer.
• ·      Adding shape hints.

When I published it as a .mov file it did not show exactly as the original Flash animation.  Several pixels and lines remained.  I will have to read more info on how to prevent this from happening.  If anyone knows please leave me a comment.  

W4_Reading

Week 4 reading

W3_Reading

PE_3-Flash

Cherie Hellenbrand's Example Learning Flash Movie

    

    

     

     

I really enjoyed listening to the Lynda.com videos and trying an animation on my own.  The more I learn about Flash, I realize there is so much more I want to learn.  Because I have enjoyed working with the program so much I will continue with it next week.

PE_2-Flash

I really enjoyed working with the new Deco tool in Flash.  While this is something different then the classic animations, it is a quick way for students to see instant feedback.  The learning curve is simple compared to other types of action script.  

PE_1-Flash CS5 comparison

For my practical experience I explored Flash CS5.  For my web page design class I teach a small unit with Flash.  I would like to accomplish two goals with this weeks practical experience.

1.     What has changed between CS4 and CS5

a.     After watching the video the following enhancements have been made:

                                               i.     Updated interface

                                              ii.     Working with guides you can control down to the pixel

                                            iii.     FLA files are XML based

                                            iv.     Easier to test flash video

                                              v.     Easier Actions scripts without knowing Actions Script 3.0

                                            vi.     Advanced Deco tool

                                           vii.     Spring-realistic physics to animate the objects.

                                         viii.     Text layout framework

                                            ix.     Code Snippets

                                              x.     Integration with Catalyst and Builder

2.     Increase my knowledge of creating animations

a.     This will include creating animations and using action script 

BP_12-Video Classroom Jeopardy

For my video review, I chose Flash Classroom Jeopardy.  Here is a link to the site.  Hope you enjoy the video.

BP_11 Comment on Karen's Blog-Animoto

Here is my link to Karen's really cool review of Animoto.  Click Here :)

BP_10 Comments Anna Dooley-Drop Box

Here is a comment about Anna's awesome review on Dropbox.  Click here :)

BP9_Jeopardy Web 2.0

Flash Classroom Jeopardy Web 2.0 review by Cherie Hellenbrand

http://www.superteachertools.com/jeopardy/

The web 2.0 tool I reviewed was entitled Classroom Jeopardy.  This is a flash based website to create your own Jeopardy game.  After reviewing several sites that created jeopardy games, I chose this one as my favorite for the following reasons:

·      Ability to select the number of players

·      Keeps score for the individual players

·      Ease of use when creating the questions and answers

·      Put an X through the question when it has already been read

·      Can play either on or off-line.

With the program being web based teachers do not have to rely on a certain program to run the software.  If you need to play the game, but might not have access to the Internet, you are also able to download the Flash player and the game you created.

Creators of the games need to save their projects locally or they can access them through a provided url. You can also access games other people have created.  The site has created a Game Library.  The Library is organized by the date the game was created.   I gave the Game Library and sorting method a thumbs down.  The best way to avoid it is to make sure you always download and save your games.

The ease of creating the questions was the biggest reason why I liked the site so much.  Creating your questions is very user friendly and easy.  You can also embed videos and pictures into the questions and answers.  This feature definitely gives the site the extra edge. 

No matter what subject you teach, I would recommend the site.  

W2 Reading

WISCareers and Career Crusing

BP8_Video Review of Creditable

For my video, I did a brief overview of the Web 2.0 site called Creditable.  For the stick animation figures I used in the video, I used the other Web 2.0 site I reviewed call Go Animate.  I needed to pay one dollar to download the video and use for personal use or to post on You Tube.

I hope you enjoy my video.

BP7_Comment on Sonni-ology

Here is a link to Sonni-ology blog post on Wall.fm.  I have made a comment on here blog.

BP6_Comment Karen's Corner

Karen has an awesome review of Fotobabble.  Click this link  or on the picture to see the comments I made on her Blog.

BP5_Go Animate

Go Animate

I decided to pick Go Animate as a presentation tool that could be used in many of the classes I teach. I could see the program being used in our Business Law class. The students would be given a term or situation. They would have to research the terms meaning and then recreate it with Go Animate. Here is an example of a video I made describing the difference between a person stating a fact and giving their opinion with the sale of a car.




GoAnimate.com: Bussiness Law Example Video by cherie21

Like it? Create your own at GoAnimate.com. It's free and fun!

While the site is fun, many things can be confusing. They advertise the program is free to use, they consistently want you to purchase add-ons to your characters and other layouts.  After exploring the site more, I was able to create many characters without having to pay.  Their marketing strategy was very good and I believe many people would pay.

The learning curve to create the animations is pretty simple.  If I were to use this I would give the students a brief overview and believe they would have a solid understanding of the program within 10 minutes. The variety the site offers is exponential; from different backgrounds to having your characters look and do anything you imagine. 

When finished with the video you have the option to save and publish.  Unless you have the premium version or pay one dollar, you cannot download the video to your computer.  You can view the video from their web site as often as you choose. Another concern I have with the site is it is always asking for the information to log on to your Gmail account and Facebook page.  It would be extremely important to teach the students not to give out personal information. 

While I thought this was a neat Web 2.0 tool, I think it would be better suited for the middle school student.  I showed this site to some of my current high school students to get their feedback.   To my amazement 90% thought the program was really cool and said they would like to complete a project with the program.

BP4_Creditable

My Web 2.0 Review-Creditable:

The Web 2.0 Tool I investigated was called Creditable. The site would be perfect for our Personal Finance classes. Once you register and become an anonymous user of the site, you can track your debit and credit accounts. Setting up your individual goals with interactive charts and tools help you visualize your financial goals.

The user is able to form groups, collaborate and share goals and experiences. Another great resource on this site is the Credit & Negotiation Letter Generator. The Generator helps the user compose letters such as debt validation, dispute verification, goodwill, stop calling and stop calling employer letters.

Besides helping users write letters and establish goals, the site will help you select a credit card to meet your needs. At the Wall of Credit Cards the user is able to pick a card based off their current credit situation, such as credit rating and income level. Pertinent information is given on each credit card such as rates, fees and rewards.

As a teacher this could be implemented by giving the student mock credit simulations. Each student would be given a slightly different credit situation. They would become users and determine what their credit score is. From there the students would set financial goals, join groups with other students and determine how to move forward financially.

Not only will this site give the students a practical experience, it will also be a resource they could use once they have their own credit cards.

W1 Reading

After reading many source reviews on different options for e-portfolios, I feel that I am beginning to narrow the software that would meet our needs. I will also be looking more in-depth at WISCareers and Career Cruising. The site map above displays the different e-portfolio I was unaware of before my research.

BP_Diigo Group

Practical Experience 2 – Diigo:

· I created a group called MHS Portfolio Assessment.

o I invited my critical friends to join my group.

· I have request to join the Ripples group.

· For fun I joined Google in Education.

BP2_iGoogleScreenShots

iGoogle PLE

Here are the screen shots from my iGoogle page:

Home Tab:

FSO Tab:

AR/CBL Tab:

ETC Tab:

BP1_Google Reader

Hello everyone and welcome to Cherie Hellenbrand’s first Web Log or Blog for short. Like many of you this is my first time establishing Google Reader and RSS feeds. I was also amazed to read a review by Davis D. Janowski from PC magazine on August 2006. Janowski gave the Web 2.0 a nice review, but it made me realize I am behind the times; seeing this review article is from 2004.

After totally getting caught up looking at sites with RSS feeds and my classmates’ blogs, I have picked 5 favorites to write about.

The Gadget Lab: This is a link off the popular site Wired. Why I was drawn to this site was because it showed off the latest devices. As an educator, I like having conversations with my students about the latest and greatest technology devices.

Edutopia: This is one of the greatest educational sites. The reason I am excited about subscribing to this RSS feed will be because of the inspirational articles. This year our district has had enormous amounts of technology related issues and many of my colleagues have been frustrated. I read a great article called How to Weather the Frustrations of Technology Integration by Andrew Marcinek. It talked about over coming set backs due to technology failures and how to overcome them.

Tech & Learning: This is a new site for me, but one of the reason I decided to subscribe was an article I read called 5 Ways to Build Your 1.0 and 2.0 Personal Learning Network by Lisa Nielsen. I found this article very intriguing seeing how educators are changing their methods of networking through technology. I hope to continue to see more cutting edge information and maybe even add my own information in the future.

Droid Apps: I love the way my smartphone keeps me on task. I love all the extra apps that help make my life easier. I am excited about subscribing to this RSS feed for two reasons. First, I personally will download and try many of the new apps. Second this is a great conversation topic with my students. Many times when I am finished with class and there are a few minutes before the bell rings, talking about the newest apps with the students is always a big hit.

New York Times Education: The Times always has great articles pertaining to education. Often times I don’t have time to go to their site and read them, but now that I will subscribe to the RSS feed I will be reading a lot more.

Reference:

Janowski, D. (2004 August, 23). Google Reader. PC Magazine. Retrieved September 29, 2010, from http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2007522,00.asp

Marcinek, A. (2010 September, 24). How to weather the frustrations of technology inte.gration. Edutopia. Retrieved September 29, 2010, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/how-to-weather-technical-frustrations?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EdutopiaNewContent+%28Edutopia%29

Nielsen, L (2010 September, 29). 5 ways to build your 1.0 and 2.0 personal learning network. Tech & Learning. Retrieved September 29, 2010, from http://www.techlearning.com/article/33176