Image Capture

For this assignment, I used Microsoft Works to create a graphic that I wanted to copy and use. So, after I made the graphic, I then used the print screen button to take a picture of the screen. I later learned there may be a better way to do the printing of the screen that may not copy all of the taskbars and everything. But, I had already went through this much of the process and so decided to just erase all the additional things that were on that picture. I edited and experimented with the Paint program to get the final result. I decided to save it as a jpeg because most programs can open those types of files. My final picture saved at the size of 52.7 KB. To obtain my graphic that I used, I simply chose something from clip art that would be good to use in a classroom setting and then added my own text around it.
One thing this could be used for in the classroom is to explain how to do things on a computer. The brief explanation of the Print Screen button that I read from Windows explained that it could be used to take pictures of various screens to show the steps in doing something. This could be used to help explain and demonstrate a step-by-step process of how to do something. It would provide a small visual for the students to follow along with and would help them understand what their process should look like.
I had never used this application before and I can see how it could definitely be useful for the classroom setting and in everyday use as well.

http://www2.fairmontstate.edu/users/elong/imagecapture.jpg

desktop graphic

Okay, so everything is still a new experience every day. I had an in-depth heart-to-heart with a friend of mine after church this evening to try to figure this thing out. I'm sure it's not all as hard as I make it out to be but if it's something you're not used to, it takes a while. So.....I'm hoping all my links are working okay. The one that's on the most recent last blog looks a little strange but I can't even remember putting it there. Huh...Anyway, for this project, I considered using Microsoft Word to pull up my file, take a picture of it, and then use that. But, I decided to make something that I think would be more useful for in a classroom setting. This one graphic I made could be used with a science lesson about different environments for animals or a number of other lessons. While discussing some other options to make this graphic, I ended up choosing Microsoft Picture It!, mostly because it was right there when I went to look for a program to use and it seemed to work pretty well. It wasn't a bad program for someone who is not very experienced in any of this. I was able to find a picture I had on my computer already and then could add the text in any shape I wanted and could easily crop the picture. I would feel pretty comfortable trying to use this again to create graphics. My one issue with using this program on my computer at home was that I could not find the right disc to run the program correctly and use one of their pictures. That was a bit frustrating but my computer is not the most up to date so it is challenging at times. When I saved the file, I made it into a jpeg so that it would be fairly easy to open on most computers. The size is 108 KB. Because I saved it through my ftp and will be putting the hyperlink on here, I think the program should open in Internet Explorer, like any other web site would.
After some learning, I think older elementary school students could be able to use this program to piece together different photos like a slide show or power point of sorts to give presentations to their classmates. When I was in elementary school, I remember doing a presentation on polar bears and having to draw out my slides on an actual strip that got put through a projector. These types of new technology would be a great start for students to learn how to do these things. Then, they could further their experience and knowledge for upper grade courses.

So, here is it. PLEASE let me know if these are not working correctly.
www2.fairmontstate.edu/users/elong/penguins.jpg

cone of learning

We had to take a look at a Cone of Learning. The cone showed that the more we are hands-on with material, the more we can remember it two weeks later. This is mostly true I think for people who are active, hands-on learners. But, if someone is more of a visual learner, they would need things written down and would remember more of that material than the hands-on things.
http://www2.fairmonstate.edu.edu/users/elong/stillpics

Trying something new every day

Okay, so, I am trying to use this blog for another class as well and hopefully this is what I'm supposed to be doing. As for my previous experience using FTP, I have used it to save some files from the past. Some of which are from the first instructional tech. I think it is a good way to keep track of your files and an easy way to access them from different locations without needing a flash drive or the need of being at your own computer. I must admit that I almost forgot about the FTP and how useful it can be. I am learning more all the time and hope to learn more from this class as well. Here is my example hyperlink file from my FTP. Sorry it's not more exciting and hope it links okay. http://www2.fairmontstate.edu/users/elong/example.doc

Here it is again...

Wow, I really almost forgot this thing even existed. But, here I am again with all the craziness of a blog. Who knows if anyone will come to this part or just see the profile from class but thought I'd just put something more recent in here. I haven't been doing much lately other than working all the time it seems. Oh well, that's how it goes, right? Btw, I re-read some of the earlier posts on here and wow. Yeah, that's all I can say is wow. The one was about a fish with a lip ring. Seriously, how tired was I to write that. But anyway, maybe I'll just put things on here to keep myself occupied if I find the time and stop doing things I don't particularly need to do and actually do the things I'm supposed to. Did that make sense? Probably not yet but maybe one day it will. Enough for tonight. Homework to work on and finish if I can find where to put it and what to do. We'll see how all the online stuff works out. *Fingers crossed*

Graduation???

So yeah, I think I'm the only one of us who apparently has no life or nothing better to do at the moment because I am blogging again. So, I was just getting sad again because I'm thinking...wow, four more days and it will be officially the last day of class and then the next day is graduation. Hold up, graduation? I've been in denial that it's actually happening. Exhibit A that I'm in denial: I forgot to take the day off from work. Exhibit B: I have no idea what time I'm supposed to be there or where I'm supposed to go. Exhibit C: I haven't picked up my cap and gown yet and almost forgot about doing that. Okay, so, enough exhibits, I'm still kinda in denial. It just doesn't seem like I should be graduating. And...even though I'm technically still going to be in school, this is the graduation I'm walking in because I love you guys! Can't imagine walking with the education people, just not really close to basically any of them. But anyway, Jas, you better not make me cry again on Friday.

So, practicum was nerve-wrecking and good all at the same time. After I got a little more comfortable with interpreting, I think it went a lot better. Every day though I went home and thought, why didn't I sign that different? I have a feeling that I'm going to be thinking that for a long time, no matter what I'm interpreting. Hopefully it will lessen after some time and more experience. It seems like practicum went by really fast. Doesn't seem like it should be over yet. Well, anyway, I guess I'll stop here. There was no real point to this blog except that I felt like writing something. I got lonely in my head all by myself. I will see you all soon! Oh, btw, you all better be there. I mean, come on, it's the last time.

Tip of the week...

I sent April a text the other day saying we should have done our song videos to 'I Will Survive.' That's pretty much how I felt last week. I interpreted Tuesday and Thursday by myself. And I don't just mean that I was interpreting in the room, I mean that I was the only interpreter in the room. The interpreter I'm working with had to attend a conference last week so guess who that left? Your one and only. I was a nervous wreck the first day but am glad to say I feel like I did better the second day. If you ask the student, you might get a different story but... at least I felt a little better.

The initial sitting in front of a class who is used to seeing one interpreter and then I get in the seat and they're all like, huh, a different interpreter, let's watch her and see what she does. Even though they had no clue what I was signing, I felt like there were that many more Deaf students in the class and all critiquing (sp?) me. But, as Jas was saying, it's helpful to be encouraged. And, I'm fortunate enough to have an encouraging interpreter to work with but also an encouraging student to work with. Oh, get this too. I totally signed 12 instead of 22 the other day. The student corrected me, cuz I didn't even know I did it (that was disheartening) but was totally kewl about it. So, it's nice to have a student that is helpful without being really criticizing.

THEN...after my second day of interpreting on my own, I was headed back to Fairmont to work and all was well in the world. Until...I turned on to Locust Ave. I was sitting at the stop light and all of the sudden...BAM! Yeah, that's the sound that comes when someone crashes into the back of your car and then there's another BAM! when you hit into the car in front of you. That was my other big event of the week. Wonderful whiplash and pain in the shoulder continues. How ridiculous is that? I have physical therapy to look forward to. Again, how brilliantly ridiculous is that?? And what does the girl say caused the episode? Her flipflop got stuck under the gas pedal.

What's the tip of the week, kids? If you're going to wear flipflops while driving, make sure you're not a blonde and know how to get it unstuck from your gas pedal! How do you do that anyway? Does it require skill? Well, at any rate, it's a skill I don't want. Too much damage results. Sorry for the blonde part to any who are and who aren't as stupid as this girl.

Survive, All!