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Portfolios, Portfolios, Portfolios.... oh.. and some juicy technology!

Today's focus was on journal articles focusing on the importance, or lack thereof, of portfolios for educators and students alike.  I learned today that the best type of portfolio in this day and age is an electronic portfolio, and that the thesis or core of a portfolio can encompass several things such as a portfolio on a particular subject, an introspective portfolio, and a professional portfolio.

As a future teacher I've learned that a professional portfolio has a very real future in my career.  And while having a professional portfolio is important, so is an introspective portfolio that focuses on professional development.  I know what a portfolio is and have read articles upon articles about their importance, but I haven't found a single format for one, nor have I seen how one is laid out.  That is my current goal.  I need some visual examples so that I can get a modeling idea and maybe gain some perspective about the kind I want to have.

The other little thing I had to do today was work on my blog post summaries as all my weekly assignments for my tech class were do tonight!  I found two "gems" in my search and you may already know about them, but I sure didn't and I was excited to discover them.

1)  There is an application in the accessories folder of Windows 7 called  "Math Input Panel"  This panel is used for writing mathematical computations and then you can import them into word.  Word will then convert your written expression into a typed format.  Yes I said WRITE.  As in use your mouse, or you finger, or stylus depending upon the type of computer you have.  VERY cool application for math teachers and students!

2)  PREZI  Do you know what this is?  It is like power point on steroids.  Prezi takes presentations to a whole new level and I don't even know if I can describe how but here goes.  Essentially your presentation is one screen but you format PREZI to move around your screen zooming in and out to give your presentation using drawings, text, and other multi-media.  Instead of the same old slides over and over again, you can touch your screen and have a blast.  Here is a little video from YouTube that explains Prezi a bit better than I can!





I want to see if I can combine PREZI with say Microsoft Movie Maker or is there even a need?  I can't wait to play around with it and I encourage you to as well.  The basic version is FREE.  So what exactly is bad about that!  Wish me luck, I have a presentation assignment coming up and I am going to try and incorporate PREZI with it so I can be different!


I hope you have a great evening!  As for me, I have 3 chapters to read before class tomorrow night and I need to work on my big project coming up for my legal courses.

God Bless!

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