Where – Page 2 – UAS MAT Program ~ 2016 Cohort

My Alaska- E.P.

My Alaska – Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires

I have learned that… I have a lot to learn in terms of utilizing tools such as this for my classroom! I am someone steers away from technology when possible.;) It was fun, it has kept the entire class occupied for over two hours and I can see how this is an amazing learning opportunity and activity for the classroom. Allowing students a few different options to choose a way to creatively address a subject, giving them a set amount of time to accomplish the task and then providing a space to view their peers work in order to get ideas for the next activity. Brilliant.

Visiting Juneau, where I’m from: A Walking and Driving tour

The Alaskan Capital City of Juneau has a lot of beautiful things to see and fun activities to do. Southeast Alaska is allows for quick access to a lot of different terrain to hike, waterways to explore, wildlife, and recent history that is well documented in our state and city museums. Here are a few locations that are easily reached by foot or by vehicle and that together can be seen in one day. Many of the places and activities available here are best enjoyed only during certain seasons (mostly summer) and require more then a day to fully experience. Following this map can also show you many other sites to see in passing as you explore Alaska’s Capital City.

Where I’m From-PDX

PDX – Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires;

I come from a place that is rich in other’s culture. Portland has a very specific vibe and for me, it feels like home. I wrote a little thing to help bring some key words and imagery that reminds me of the Portland-metro area. I spent a lot of time in the woods and yes, Sasquatch is a real thing. I have never seen him myself but when I go out into these evergreen filled woods, it often looks “squatchy”. Although I speculate if Sasquatch is an actual animal/person/beast thing, I know that being an Oregonian means that the legend must live on. The Cascade Range is something dear to my heart in more than just a geologist-kinda-way (but that helps). The Pacific Ocean is a place I go to embrace all my precious memories at the family beach house. Lincoln City and the Pacific Ocean go hand-in-hand for me and just the smells take me straight back to my very favorite memories of growing up. Craft beers and cultured cuisine are some of Portland’s biggest selling points. Food carts galore! But one thing that can never be explained is what is really meant by, “Keep Portland Weird”….because it really is something you have to feel and experience in this city I call home.

I have had some experience with Google My Maps so I decided to challenge myself and try something new. I found Haiku Deck to have a simplistic user interface but it took some time to find where all the tools were located. I think my biggest problem with Haiku Deck tools was there are no words to associate the symbols in the toolbox. It was easy to use once all the tools/symbols became familiar. Also, the product came out visually pleasing. That being said, I’m not sure if I would use this in a classroom setting to the effect of sending students home without some kind of introductory lesson or detailed instructions with screenshots. The fact that it limits their options for editing and design is a major plus!

Where I’m From

Where I’m From – Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires

I am from Seward, Alaska but my Haikudeck project goes a little bit more into my past. Starting first with my dad’s family growing up in Catholic Dairyland Wisconsin and my mother’s railroad working family in Chicago. My parents, meeting at work while forest firefighting eventually moved to Alaska, where I was born. Growing up in Coastal Alaska, I fell in love with the ocean and boats and fish and all things water. That included swimming which helped me earn my college degree in biology and my passion for science really awakened.

The Beauty of Sitka

I am from a place where… – Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires

I’m from Sitka, Alaska where I remember taking a walk around Totem Park in the summer time. In this presentation I attempt to paint the senses that I experienced on one of those walks. I hope this captures a picture of the average summer day, especially for those that have been to Sitka or will be at some point in their lives.

By exploring HaikuDeck, I was able to create a short presentation by utilizing the search bar for a background picture. This feature allows the presenter to change the background to something deemed more effective that captures the meaning. In my teaching placement, since I will be teaching social studies, this program will be used for an assignment where students need an easy way to document their knowledge. Easier to learn than powerpoint, this is perfect when dealing with middle schoolers.

Where I’m From: Full Circle

Where I’m From: Full Circle – Juneau to Erie and Back Again

Where I’m From: Juneau to Erie – Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires
Refection:
This assignment made me think back to the times when I was a boy and to think about where I was from. After reading the poem “Where I’m From” written by George Ella Lyon, I thought about where I was from with a different lens. In the poem, the author doesn’t just list the actual places that she is from but things that make up where she is from. These things are like playing in the dirt and fudge and eyeglasses.

This method made me rethink the question and assignment and to think more abstractly. I dug into my mind and found the elements of where I am from and what made me who I am.

I think this Haiku Deck program can be very helpful in teaching and other presentations. I learned a new tool today and a new way look at where I am from.

Where I’m From, Ketchikan AK

How I got here. – Created with Haiku Deck, presentation software that inspires;

I have learned from this activity that technology can be useful for teaching to an extent. It can make projects easier to organize and research. Haiku deck is a great example of a program where you can easily jump in and get started and programs like Google are great for research. On the other side of the coin technology offers many opportunities for distractions and procrastination students can easily get caught up on Facebook or messaging each other on google docs. I think a good way of utilizing technology involves having the students complete what they can before bringing out the computers. For example have them plan out their slideshows on paper before starting on the computers.

When using technology to teach it isn’t just about learning the subject matter, allowing the students to learn how to use technology productively is also an important skill. Many students grow up to use similar technologies at work and throughout their daily lives.