Multimedia and Contiguity Principles

The first project in EDTECH 513 was to create an educational slides show that reflected my understanding of the Multimedia and Contiguity Principles using the Google Docs Presentation tool. I chose to create a slide show that teaches the primary steps of video production for my middle school film class. In creating the slide show, I was sure to choose images that clearly reflected the specific concept I was trying to convey on every slide. As the Multimedia Principle outlines, I attempted to use a very small amount of text and let the visuals further illustrate the information provided in the narration. I was also careful to follow the Contiguity Principle, which states that corresponding images and text be in close proximity to one another. Here is the slideshow, created first in Keynote, then imported in to Google Docs.  For speaker notes, click on the cog wheel icon at the bottom of the screen. 

Creating My Learning Log

After creating this new blog site for my EDTECH classes, I am still ruminating about how to make it function more like a real website.  Blogger allowed me to design a customized page, down to some of the smallest details.  One of the details I am still trying to work out is how to add specific posts to certain pages that I have created for each of my EDTECH courses for this term.  One of the helpful aspects of this site is that it will give me a place to share my writing on a variety of topics relating to my coursework at BSU.  I can also connect my work with specific AECT standards to meet graduation requirements for my degree. Creating this blog site as a way to both create and share my work has also allowed me to meet one of the standards, "2.3 Computer-Based Technologies".

A Little About Me...

Hello Everyone,

My name is Tara Miller and welcome to my Learning Log!  I teach Technology Education at the middle school level in Beaverton, Oregon.  I just completed my 6th year teaching basic computer, software and research skills.  I also teach graphic design, video production, animation and sound design.  I feel so lucky to have such a fun and challenging job that I have been able to build and hone, based on my personal skill set.

For my undergraduate degree, I attended San Francisco State University.  At SFSU I studied Film and Animation, and a few years later, Elementary Education.  As an animation student, I created an animation workshop for kids, which I taught as an after-school enrichment program for 4 years.  I soon realized that teaching and working with children was a prefect fit for me, so I decided to pursue my teaching credential in 2002.  After graduation, I moved up to Portland, met my future husband and began my career as a teacher.

My only formal technology education is in video and audio editing, and the experience I had gained as a student.  I decided to pursue a degree in educational technology in order to establish a firm background and new skill set in a field that is constantly growing and changing in so many exciting ways.  By obtaining a Masters in Educational Technology, I will be able to teach my students more effectively and be able to deliver new, cutting-edge technology curriculum.  Looking in to the future,  I am interested in teaching online courses though Oregon’s Virtual School District.  In order to focus on this set of skills, I plan to complete a certification in online teaching through the MET program.

Until next time,

Cheers!

- Tara