Module 5: Multimedia

PowerPoint Recording

This week I learned about PowerPoint Recording. This would be a very useful tool in the classroom, especially when dealing with presentations. I can use this to record my lectures and allow students to watch them on their own time. I could also have my students use this wonderful feature. If my students were preparing a presentation to share with the class, I could offer for them to use PowerPoint Recording to help with their presentation. I could have students pre-record their presentations to share with the class. This would allow me to still give their presentation even if the student wasn't in class for some reason. I could also allow students to use this instead of getting up and presenting in front of a live audience. I know that some students struggle with presenting in front of a group of people. This would allow them to still present and give all of their information without having to stand in front of a class. 

One challenge that I would have to consider would be the availability of computers and webcams/microphones. If a student does not have access to a computer or a webcam and microphone, then they will not be able to use PowerPoint Recording. This would make it difficult for students to work on their presentations. They would have to work on it at school, which can be extremely difficult if you are trying to record video and audio of yourself. We would have to find a private space and time for students to work on their presentations at school.

 Module 4: Desktop Publishing

Sway

This week, I learned about Microsoft Sway and the different uses that it has. First, I created a brochure, a flyer, and a newsletter. After creating these, I posted my newsletter on Sway. Posting my newsletter in Sway allowed me to share it with all of my classmates without having to email a Word document to each of them. Sway also has a different feel than your normal Word document. It made my newsletter seem a little more modern and fun. This would be a very useful tool in the classroom. I plan on teaching math after I graduate. One way that I could incorporate Sway into the classroom is by having my students complete a group project and posting it on Sway for all of their classmates to see. For example, I could have my students create a flyer for a math-related event, and then I could have them share it through Sway. I could also make them complete a project relating to whatever topic we are covering and have them post it on Sway. After they post it, I will pull it up on the board/projector and allow them to present it to the class. 

While Sway would be a very useful tool in the classroom, there could be some challenges when using it. One challenge would be internet access and familiarity with this tool. For some students, it might be very easy to get online and use this tool. However, not everyone has access to good internet when they are away from school. Even if they do have access, this does not mean that they would be aware of how to use it. Some students might be able to figure out how to work Sway, but you cannot assume that all students will be able to figure it out. You would have to show them how to work Sway, but this could be very time-consuming if students tend to struggle with technology.