Udate C

This week I worked with a variety of multi-media tools to create  a presentation on ecosystems for my third graders.  I started by researching graphic design software and decided to download a trial version of Adobe Photoshop. The software is very intimidating when I first began exploring it. I decided to watch videos from Atomic Learning to help me learn the basics of the program and give me direction on how to create a graphics to use in my presentation.  This is the graphic I decided to start with for my title page.  After I watched the basic videos for the Photoshop, I noticed Atomic Learning had tips and tricks for using the software.  I watched the video on manipulating fonts for my title.  After that, I watched a video on utilizing the layers portion of the program to design a graphic to create a photo montage.  Here is the end result.  I really liked how it turned out, but it took A LOT of time to learn the software and create the graphic.  I think I could do it more quickly now after working in the software.

After I made the title page, I wanted to incorporate it into a presentation program.  I have utilized PowerPoint very often and feel very confident with the program, so I decided to try Microsoft PhotoStory, a free download available on Microsoft's website.  I read about the program from another tech. course that I am taking this summer.  Here is the presentation that I created.

PhotoStory is fairly simple to use, however, I am not completely satisfied with my presentation as it is.  I think it would work okay as an introduction video.  I wish I could incorporate more text for my visual learners.  I may be biased but I think I prefer working  with PowerPoint for this very reason.  PhotoStory would be a great tool to use with students who struggle with written expression.  It allows the student to present what they know verbally or in addition to limited writing. I have updated my checklist for this week to include my increased knowledge within these areas.