Picnik Use on my Curriculum Video

I used Picnik to edit all the photos in my video. I used the settings to enhance color, sharpness, and resize the images. I also used a variety of different frames for the pictures. I had a hard time with the stickers function, but I did use the text feature on some of the photos. The text on black screens is not from Picnik, only the text that is on an actual photo. Fun project, I am addicted to it. I am in the works for the next production. I showed my kids today and they went nuts. I know I can do better with more practice, but they loved it and they are my audience. Good thing I teach Second Graders!

Curriculum Unit Video

Podcasts

I subscribed to a couple podcasts in iTunes U. The first was Corey Dahl's Tech Stuff. This is a great podcast I found under Nebraska Education. This podcasts has video tutorials on using things such as blogs. I think this could be a helpful podcast for me to explore and work with technology more. I like the fact that I can have this as a reference right on my i-tunes library.

The second one I subscribed to was: Teachers TV. There are tons of videos on any subject for elementary. These videos give teachers tips on how to spice up your lessons as well as give you videos that can be used to preview subjects or review them at the beginning of  a lesson or unit. I could also use them as  a review of subjects. This is one that I will need to dive into much more. There are tons of things to use here, I am glad I found it.

Article Review Project

Week 1 Letter

Hi, This is Jason Rohde! I am a second grade teacher at Reagan Elementary in Millard. I have taught second grade for 6 years now. Reagan is my second school assignment. I am originally from Santa Barbara, CA. I am married and have a 2 1/2 year old daughter Hannah. We are excited for the arrival of number 2 in September. I went to Bellevue University where I got a degree in Physical Education. I then went to Peru State and got a degree in Elementary Education. I also coach baseball at Millard West High.

I have quite a bit of experience with technology. I am a MAC guy for sure. I have no fear with technology but I wouldn't say that I am an expert. I try to go bigger than I am capable maybe a bit too much. I use technology on a daily basis in my classroom. I am using Office 2008 on my Mac. I would say that I am game for any type of technology, I just can't guarantee that I have done it before. That is why I am here though, to learn how.

I am pursuing my Masters degree to work my way up the pay scale and to expand my knowledge to become a more effective teacher. I plan to use the information I gain from this program to make myself  more effective. I have no desire at this time to do anything but teach in the classroom. I have been approached to look at administration, but I don't see myself going that route at this time. I just love what I do and I figure I got into teaching to teach.