Recent Changes

Scratch
Now that is what I was looking for. I am proud of you as well. Aaron, I usually run three Skype sessions on Scratch as it is asked and look at storyboards twice, you didn't ask one question but went to your resources. Don't forget to include the person who assigned it to you :) Great job and completely self taught. Wow! I have never ever had a student do as much as you have with out more guidance and questions. I am usually skyping via requests and making movies to help them along. You sir are impressive or stubborn, I think both :)

Netvibes
I couldnt agree more. Love the gadgets, but the page format is too busy for me. Cumbersome indeed. iGoogle, thank goodness for you!

Netvibes
I couldnt agree more. Love the gadgets, but the page format is too busy for me. Cumbersome indeed. iGoogle, thank goodness for you!

Scratch
Wow, finally done. Scratch has been a labor of love. The interface is very easy to use once you understand how the commands work. I can see students who are digital natives taking to it quite quickly. I had to struggle a it to understand how each of the command items worked together. The most difficult thing for me was understanding how the different sprites worked together ie. how you get one sprite to understand when to receive a broadcast of another sprites messages.
It took a lot of work, including trial and error, looking up and watching tutorials, and referring to the scratch help page. Without these, it would have been impossible for me to complete the project.
I think that I bit of a lot to chew and made it more difficult than I needed. This is pretty typical of me!
I can easily see how this is effective software for kids to use. The best part is the graphic interface and how the pieces just 'fit together'. This allows visual learners to see what is happening in more than just traditional code, number, or words.
The proof for me was in the process as well as the product. The real learning was the nuts and bolts of using scratch. It was very rewarding to see the finished piece which I am proud of.

Digital Storytelling Reflection
We are very much on the same page in our thoughts on education and integration. You brought up some key points I found/find very important with digital storytelling in any form, we need the format to get to a really great story. I also love the collaboration! You truly correct that the goal really is to "share". It really does help students show and reflect on what they have learned. I love that both art and technology are so incorporated in your school system. So important! Thank you for a great summation!

goanimate
I'm so glad. It is a lot of fun. Ah, the possibilities. I'm glad the boys like it as well.
Great job. Loved the story. The end is in sight :)
Thanks for a great project!

goanimate
Wow, I loved goanimate! even though the free version is limited to 2.00 minutes and a few characters, it looks well worth it.
The characters were very easy to manipulate. THe text to voice was a very easy way to make your characters talk. I will recommend this to our tech teacher next year. I picture kids using this to create short little videos to express themselves creatively as well as presenting information from their classes. Lots of fun. My family loved it. Ryan wants to make one now. If he does I will post on my page as well.