| Wednesday, July 18, 2007 |
| Training through the Web |
Summer is an opportune time for educators, like me, to learn about and experiment with new teaching tools. Since the end of the Spring term, I have done research on classroom response systems (specifically i>clicker) and networked classroom control systems (such as SchoolVue). I found that most vendors of these systems offer the convenience of Webinars to familiarize potential customers with their products. Web conferencing is a real-time medium for company representatives to connect with customers, providing a way for customers to experience and ask questions about the products.  I have also been experimenting with Macromedia Captivate to create training video clips, demonstrating how to do a variety of tasks in the Learning Management System at KWC. These clips are a few minutes in length and can be downloaded at the user's convenience. I plan to develop a library of "QuickTip Clips" to use in the place of or in addition to printed step-by-step instructions. After briefly sharing what I learned about creating mini-movies with Captivate, one of the faculty members began using it in his online class to show his statistics students how to do Microsoft Excel laboratory exercises. With the course being mostly asynchronous, the students have commented that the video clips proved very helpful in understanding the procedures and being able to complete the assignments. He plans to provide the clips for future face-to-face classes, as a resource for struggling or absent students. Labels: online learning, technology in the workplace |
posted by SG @ 3:51 PM   |
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| Monday, June 11, 2007 |
| In the Studio |
A few years ago, I began writing a series of newsletter articles for the teachers at Theodore Roosevelt School showcasing technology tools used in different career fields as well as the technology skills workers with varying educational backgrounds are expected to know. It was interesting to interview individuals from varied occupations including nursing, engineering, and manufacturing and learn about the many real life applications of technology. Since then, my students have carried on the series by interviewing friends and family members in food service, sales, education, ministry, secretarial, legal, distribution, and medical careers about how they use technology to carry out daily work-related tasks. Knowing the computer skills necessary for jobs in clothing manufacturing, for example, aids teachers in planning technology-infused lessons that adequately prepare students for the work-force.
Thus, when I was invited to come along for a studio recording session this past weekend, I jumped at the chance to learn about what technology tools are employed in the music production business. What I saw was fascinating! The primary software I observed used to capture, edit, and mix the tracks was Logic Pro, an Apple product. The producer's role throughout the session fluctuated among conductor, arranger, musician, lyricist, and programmer. He primarily worked in front of a powerful Mac Pro, developing a grid to which he aligned the vocal and instrumental parts. Strings, drums, bass, and other instruments could be created digitally within the program to become a part of the finished product or to merely serve as placeholders for live performances to be added in later. Though not used during this session, the producer also utilizes Pro Tools, a professional hardware/software solution for non-linear audio production.
Even though it is not fully complete, the rough draft at the session's end is incredible! The sound quality could not have been achieved without the use of technology.Labels: audio, technology in the workplace |
| posted by SG @ 2:50 PM |
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| I am attempting to develop practical instructional applications of developing technologies and provide educators with tools to implementing instructional technologies effectively. |
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MUVEs, Web 2.0, assistive technologies, digital video |
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