Classroom Rules & Video

What: This week's assignment was focused on utilizing Google documents to create a presentation. The program we are using is fairly similar to Microsoft Powerpoint. The subject of this presentation was "Classroom Rules". I am continuing to be amazed by all the free, easy programs Google provides and I can definitely see how they are great tools for teachers to be aware of.
So What:
Initially, I thought this assignment would be pretty easy seeing as how I have used Microsoft Powerpoint for much of my life. However, I was quickly reminded that every program operates differently and even though you can usually utilize the same tools, there are very different techniques to use when getting there. Google documents is a great program because of the numerous benefits it provides. I like how it doesn't overload you with details and different options. It makes it easy to keep your project simple while learning how to do something new. I do like the collaboration option because it makes it a lot easier to send back and forth between several contributors rather than having to send the project as an attachment.
I have really enjoyed seeing all the different programs that are included in Google documents. I think I will like using these programs even more once I am a teacher because they will allow me to work with other educators on a tight time schedule. I have also been finding ways to use Google documents in my other classes. In my psychology class, I have to do a presentation with a partner and I have introduced Google documents to her since we have been having difficulties finding a time when we are both available to work on the presentation together. I can definitely see Google programs becoming a great tool to use in my other classes as well as the future.
Now What:
The more I learn about technology in classes like this, the more I begin to believe I will be able to utilize it as a tool in my classroom. I would love to allow my students to use programs such as Google documents to complete assignments. I really like using the presentations tool and it would be interesting to have students complete their own slideshows on a particular topic with a partner. It would also be a fun experiment to have them collaborate on a project with a student at another school. This is such a great way to prepare them to use teamwork and to function in an increasingly paperless world.
I also noticed that by emailing our work through Google documents, we are able to work together and feed off each other's ideas. By having colleagues send you a completed document they are using in their classroom, you could easily find ideas and alter their work to fit your own students. It also allows you to work on projects at your own pace and during times when you might be able to collaborate, but not meet up in person.
I love working with new computer programs and learning about how they can contribute to my future as a teacher. I think that by the time I am teaching, incorporating technology in the classroom will be essential and I want to be able to do that in the best ways possible. By learning as much as I can about programs that students and teachers can benefit from, I can prepare to become a great teacher.

Video:
I think this video is my favorite one so far. I like how casual Alex was about what he was saying. It seemed like it was really easy for him to be himself. It was almost like he was in the actual atmosphere of a film set. I think it is great that he realizes the importance of education, even though many of the big time film directors today did not attend college. I think no matter what you are planning on majoring in, the experience of higher education is something to be valued.