Part A- Brainstorm Session

Links to recorded video of initial meeting
https://www.msu.edu/~bramble4/meeting1.swf
https://www.msu.edu/~bramble4/meeting2.swf
https://www.msu.edu/~bramble4/meeting3.swf

I was not part of the web meeting so I have some extra work to do to make up for my absence.

Group 3 has chosen to look at ToonDoo as a viable learning tool. Immediately after watching the video I thought of how it was unique to incorporate hands on in class learning with a digital medium to create a final project. Because there is a limited time trial period to ToonDoo students would need to storyboard their ideas before creating their final project. Another alternative some Mac users might know of is ComicLife. I have had moderate success with students using ComicLife. I would love to go back and find a few examples to share.

I agree with my partner Catie that "the Toons seemed sort of short", but that may end up being a benefit. Comics are short and to the point. If we have a concept or objective we want students to learn they will have to really focus in on it. Minimizing the words and instead creating interesting dialogue. To that they add images that can take on symbolic meaning. This would mean students would not merely know but actually understand the concept we want to teach.

For my part of the groupwork I am open. I could do

"The Basics of ToonDoo (how to sign up, the profile, Tools, the help Wiki)"

or any other part of the project. I only say that because its similar to my project for 811 on Google Calendars

As far as the advantages and disadvantages of using a web conferencing tool. It is obvious that some people may miss the conference. Whether that is due to ignorance (on my part) or distance (on Catie's part). A benefit, however, is that you can record the information and the person can view it later.

The year before I got a job as a teacher I worked as a District Manager for a Supplemental Educational Services (SES) Tutoring company. I can now think of lots of ways I could have coordinated information between my tutors through an online conferencing program. I could even use e-mail reminders and text alerts so people like me have no excuse for missing out. :P Sorry group.