Web-based Tutorials

I have recently been exposed to some really cool freeware for making web-based tutorials.

Sliderocket is similar to a Powerpoint presentation in its design, however it is web-based and can be viewed only over the internet. One feature I found useful, that Powerpoint lacks, is the ability to embed videos right into the presentation without having to hyperlink them. See how I incorporated two videos into my presentation on the Angle Sum of Polygons. The animation features and template backgrounds vary in style. I found this program to be very user-friendly, and the best part is it's FREE!

Flikr is a great tool for sharing photos. As an educator, this site can be used for many purposes. For educational purposes, I used Flikr to add annotations to a photo/diagram to show the relationship between various quadrilaterals (Quadrilateral Family Tree).

Screen-o-matic is another useful application to have in your back pocket! It allows you to capture (record) what images are on your computer screen. For instance, it could be used to walk students through the process or demonstrate how to do anything computer-related. I used this program strictly to transform a Powerpoint presentation on Polygonal Shaped Structures into a video; a format that could easily be uploaded to YouTube.

Goals... Near and Far

Where I'm at and where I'm going...

I am really eager to get back in the classroom as a teacher! Currently I am a SPED Instructional Assistant (at Inza R. Wood Middle School in Wilsonville, OR) while I'm working towards earning my MSEd:Information Technology degree. Without a masters degree, I have reached a roadblock in my career!

While I have a license to teach Basic Math at the high school level, I am looking to add the middle level endorsement in hopes of opening new doors. In fact, I'll be on campus at Western Oregon University taking a test, the ORELA, next weekend. After I pass this test, I will be able to teach middle school/junior high as well as high school level math.

Once I obtain a full-time teaching position, I plan to incorporate technology into my math class. I'm eager to work with a Smartboard (or other interactive board), but I'd be happy with a Document Cam-- although I'm not opposed to an old-school overhead projector! My main goal is to enhance learning, motivate students, and ignite a desire to learn mathematics. I want more students to see how fun math can be!

My So-Called Bucket List:

• Experience child-birth (start a family)
• Buy a house
• Travel to Europe (Germany, Italy, France... I've already been to Ireland!)
• Go skydiving/hang-gliding
• Travel to all 50 states
• Buy a new car
• Add Advanced Math endorsement to my teaching license
• Be a Photographer for a hobby
• Travel to a Rain Forest (more than likely the one in WA, not the Amazon)
• Be an accomplished teacher-- maybe nominated for Teacher of the Year Award
• Make a difference in the lives of those I'm around
• Go scubadiving
• Do wild, crazy activities that are dangerous, but worth it!

A kind of sappy goal of mine is... to love my husband more than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow, to keep building a solid foundation in our marriage where close communication with each other and the Lord is key.