Blog #1

ETEC 5213 - Introduction to Educational Media

I am currently enrolled in ETEC 5213 Introduction to Educational Media. The first week of this course was becoming familiar with the layout and the expectations of course. During week two and three, we were assigned two projects. One included using Microsoft Word and the other was using Microsoft PowerPoint. Below is a summary of my experiences with the two projects.



Description of how Microsoft Word and PowerPoint has been used in this course


During week two of this course, we were required to create an instructional manual that shows the process of downloading and installing software to a computer in Microsoft Word. We also had to include a table that listed the system requirements for the software. The instructional manual that I created was how to download and install the Kodak EasyShare software.

For the third week of this course, the assignment was to create an instructional PowerPoint presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint. The presentation had to include downloaded pictures, website links, digital photos, and a scanned image. The instructional PowerPoint I created was on water erosion. Water erosion is an eighth grade Earth Science topic.

Obstacles encountered using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint

While creating the instructional manual in Microsoft Word, the biggest obstacle that I encountered was my own lack of confidence. I have been using word for some time now; however, I had never used it to create an instructional manual.

The other obstacle that I encountered was trying to decide which software I wanted to use to create the manual. I looked at many different ones to use but ended up deciding on the Kodak EasyShare software.

There were more obstacles in PowerPoint for me. The biggest obstacle I dealt with when creating the PowerPoint was copyright issues. I would find the really great pictures only to find out they had a copyright. I was not completely sure of the law regarding educational purposes. So, instead I used pictures from government sites that stated the pictures could be used. The copyright issue was very frustrating to me. Obviously, copyright laws are an area I need to research and gain understanding of what is allowed.

The second obstacle I faced in creating the PowerPoint was my limited experience with scanning. I watched the required lessons regarding scanning; however, I still experienced a little trouble. I was trying to scan a picture of the Grand Canyon. I scanned three different pictures many times. I had issues with the coloring of the photo and making the photo look like it was real. I continued scanning until I was happy with one of the pictures. I really need to spend additional time learning the different scanning techniques.

The last obstacle was including the digital photos. I had to take many different shots of the area I was trying to capture before I felt that the picture was acceptable. I was taking pictures of the ground to show water erosion. I found a wonderful area where the water had eroded the land down to rock. It was difficult for me to create the image I was seeing into a photo. I found out that it is not so easy to take the picture when you are trying to create a certain image for others. I wanted others to see what I was able to in the photo. I do not feel I was able to do this in any of the photos I had taken. I kept two of the photos and included them in the presentation. I did realize that I need to continue practicing this in order to be successful.

Obstacles Resolved

I was able to resolve all of my obstacles. To resolve the obstacle of my lack of confidence with Word, I showed the instructional manual on downloading software to a few of my friends. I asked them for feedback on the manual. One of my friends, who is not very fond of technology, took the software and the manual and successfully downloaded the software to her computer. I knew if she was able to follow the manual that anyone could! Her ability to load the software help to increase my confidence with the project.

Selecting the software to use for my instructional manual was another obstacle that I had to overcome. I was not sure what software to use to provide a good instructional manual. I selected the Kodak EasyShare software because I felt the steps were easy to follow, the downloading process was visually pleasing, and the software was something that I could use. The software was great and my manual turned out perfect.

When creating my instructional PowerPoint I had issues with copyright, scanning, and using a digital camera. The most frustrating obstacle was the copyright issues that I kept facing. I would find a nice picture only to find a copyright with it. I overcame this obstacle by using photos from government websites such as the USGS, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the USDA. All three of these sites permitted copying and reproducing of the images as long as they received the credit. Once I found the sites, I was able to find all of the pictures I needed to complete the presentation.

Both the scanning and digital camera obstacles are clearly from lack of experience. I continued to scan images and take pictures until I thought the images were acceptable to include in the presentation. I guess the best way to describe how to overcome the obstacle would be that I continued working on the images until one came out that I could accept.

What I learned

I have learned so much from these two projects! The most exciting thing I learned was how to use a screen capture tool. I downloaded Lightscreen and used it during my instructional manual. I love this free tool! I have been using it a lot since the project. I will continue to use it in the future too.

While creating the instructional PowerPoint, I learned about the 6 x 6 rule. I have created many presentations. I use these daily while teaching. I had never heard of the 6 x 6 rule. Now that I know the rule, my students will be able to benefit more from my presentations.

I also learned to use the Alternate Text when including pictures for PowerPoint. This is used to help if a screen reader is being used. Again, I have created many presentations and have not ever thought about this being an issue. I know now to include it with every picture that I use.

I learned how to put a You Tube video into PowerPoint during this project too. I always thought that you could copy and paste and the video would show up in the presentation. I found out pretty quickly that is not how you need to do it. I was able to find instructions on how to put the video into the presentation. So, the You Tube video is now in my PowerPoint.

Uses in the Future

I have been asked to do a yearly workshop at my school district to show how to use the Senteo systems that we have. I will be able to use the screen capture to create an instructional manual now for those who attend! The screen capture will make the instructions more clear to them and will help them when they need to use the Senteo.

Also, I use PowerPoint on a daily basis. I now know how to change the presentations that I am using to be appropriate for the classroom. My students will benefit from this new knowledge.