Class 5 Reflection

I learned all kinds of new things in class yesterday. One of the best things about this class is that we can learn from each other. Lauren showed us how to import a video clip into PowerPoint, which is something I've never even tried to do. I learned how to export an Inspiration document into Word, which I've never thought of doing before either. I usually just copy and paste!
I really enjoyed looking at other people's PowerPoint presentations. PowerPoint is such a great program because it lets you be creative. Even though we all had the same assignment, each project turned out very different! It was neat to see what other students had done. It gave me ideas on what I might like to try the next time I create a PowerPoint (which will be this weekend!).
I am excited to try using Microsoft Publisher. I created a brochure and a newsletter in one of my EDM classes last semester, but we used Word. It will be fun to learn a different way of doing it. I've never used Publisher before, but it looks like a lot of fun!
I'm very glad we got to use Qwizdom in class. I learned about it in Marie's class, and I presented on it in Special Needs last semester. But I hadn't had the chance to try it out before. I can see the benefits to getting instant feedback from students, especially with survey questions. And it forces students to participate, since you can see who has responded and who has not. One question I have is would it be possible to not display the main screen when students are answering questions, if they feel self-conscious? I know the questions have to be projected, but maybe if the screen was minimized or something students wouldn't worry about being the last to answer. That is my biggest critique with Qwizdom. I also don't like that you can't see what you are typing in until the class results are shown on the screen, but I believe you said that is changing in newer editions.
Anyway, class was very interesting yesterday because I learned some new programs and tried some things I hadn't before. I'm glad I'm taking this class! I know it will be very useful when I am student teaching and when I get a job in a media center.