Aha

My biggest "aha" moment of the course was when I learned how to insert a link into the text to where someone can click on a word and it takes them to a website. I have always wondered how to do that and now I know how. Another useful thing I have learned was how to operate Pixlr and edit photos. I learned how to insert text and how to use all kinds of effects to make the picture look professional.

IBA

For my Inquiry Based Activity I chose to do an activity that would teach students how to say the different body parts in Spanish. I gave the students three websites to look at so they could complete the questions. They were to look at two interactive websites that would allow them to hear the words and match the body parts. The students also were to look at a youtube video that went over the different body parts in Spanish and English. I had so much fun doing this activity. I studied Spanish in college and I had forgotten how much I had missed it.

Web 2.0

Monique and I drew Pixlr for our Web 2.0 project. I had never heard of Pixlr before this assignment. I really enjoyed playing with it and figuring it out. Pixlr is the best website I have seen for editing photos.  The picture above is a photo I edited while teaching myself how to operate the site. I love the tint and the vintage effect on this picture. I will use this to edit my own photos but also for the purpose of gifts. The editing features allow you to add text to the photo. This would be perfect to add "Happy Mother's/Father's Day" to a picture of you and your parent for a special addition to a gift. The most useful aspect of Pixlr is Pixlr Grabber which can be used to capture part of the whole of the content of a website open in a browser. This tool could be used for a project such as this to explain how to sign up for a website.

Website Evaluations

I am so glad we did website evaluations. It can be difficult to figure out if a website is a reputable source or if it merely appears to be reputable. Before Tuesday, I had never been formally taught what to look for to distinguish whether or not a site is one I would want to use.  There were several criteria listed on the evaluation that I would not have known or thought to look for such as alternative text located on the graphics. Typically when doing research online, I play it safe by using websites that I know are reputable such as a university site. For this activity I evaluated a resource site for foreign language teachers for grades K-8. I found the site to be mostly reliable. However, there were several sections of the site that had not been updated in over three years. This could be a sign that it does not have the most current methods and resources for teachers today. 

Course Expectations

I have high expectations for this course. I use basic social networking sites and am somewhat knowledgeable when it comes to technology. However, I have a lot to learn when it comes to constructing my own website. Also, previous to this class I had never even heard of a wiki. This is one of the few classes I have taken where I can immediately implement what I am learning. The information is relevant and applicable now. Another aspect of the class that I like is the laid back environment that has been created.