REFLECTION 

    Up until last July, when I began graduate school, I had only done one Powerpoint presentation.  Now, I seem to be doing a presentation every other week, which is just fine with me because I am enjoying getting to use my new knowledge.  Finally, I'm starting to find my way around the program with more ease than in the past. At the time I created the following Powerpoint, I was still finding myself being very slow with the program, mainly because I would get caught up in making sure the font and color were 'just right.' It was more difficult for me to come up with a presentation idea than normal, but choosing booktalks turned out to be a fantastic fit for me, especially since I have been using this class to get a clearer idea of different ways I can actually USE technology in the classroom.

    Since I decided to use booktalks as my topic, I spent some time researching the novels I selected to share and figuring out what I wanted to say about them. In some cases, I decided to use the booktalks found on www.nancykeane.com.  (Check out this great website to see if you can find those I borrowed!) I also had to learn how to record narration. I didn't explore much on my own on that one, instead I followed the directions Dr. Stansberry and my dad gave me!

    One of the best lessons I learned with this assignment was how to use my time more efficiently.  With a project as large as this I think it worked best for me to spread out the assignment. For example, I designed the slides one week week and then came back to do the narration. If that hadn't been my pattern I think my frustration level would have increased, especially after sitting at a computer for 3 or 4 hours!  Within the use of Powerpoint, I learned how to hyperlink websites into the presentation and actually use those links!  Also, I learned how to do narration.  Please forgive the poor sound quality...I had to make due with what I had.

    Below, you will find a link to my actual presentation. The result is an example of a way I could incorporate this technology in class. Booktalks are very valuable in introducing students to books of which they were not aware. However, I don't always have a chance or take the time to booktalk with my students. The idea behind the presentation is that you could set it up on computers available to students or connect it to a website and students could view it at their own pace. Ideally, the presentation would be updated throughout the school year. I'm incredibly excited about implementing this next year.

March Booktalks

http://fp.okstate.edu/stansbe/cied5483/hudgens/booktalk.htm