HIT:: HyperStudio Inservice and Ideas Part 2

["Edmond - Rebecca M." <rebeccae@umd5.umd.edu>]

I am so sorry about posting this hit so late.  There just doesn't ever
seem to be enough time.  I recived a box from Roger Wagner today!!  They
sent me booklets and demo cd-roms of the program, enough for our entire
staff.  The booklets look great.  I have recomended to our staff that they
go through the tutorial in the book that comes with the full-blown
program.  The only reason why we didn't do it initally was because there
really wasn't enough time.  Hope this helps anyone that want's to use this
program.  I have teachers still speaking about it, 10 days later, I
consider that pretty good.

From: Algean Heimann <heimann@netrunner.net>
Reply to: heimann@mailhost.netrunner.net

The greatest selling point for HyperStudio is that kids will use it!
I also teach at an academically challenged school and know the
frustration of tired teachers and worn out kids.  Perhaps for your
presentation you can create a pathfinder with hot buttons and sound.
It is such fun to create a presentation but it does take time.  If you
are able to provide the time to really help the kids and relieve the
teacher of some of the responsibility, maybe the success of the kids
will help keep them coming back.  Also remember that some of their
reluctance might be thier fear of this "new contraption".  Also you
might stress that in order for kids to create a presentation they have
to process information.  You know, main idea and supporting details.
Last but not least, a pat on the back for you.  As media specialists
we are caught up in the future because the future in education is
coming form the media center and it is here now.  It is our vision
that will make the difference.  Good luck, Jean
*************************************************************************************
  I have been doing teacher training on various types of software for
approximately five years.  My district is very technology literate.  I
also do training outside of my district.  One of the things I have
learned over the years (mostly the hard way) is to give plenty of time
for teachers to work with the software.  This year I did a series of
workshops on HyperStudio (our district just purchased it.)
Unfortunately, they did not purchase training, so I am still trying to
educate myself.  Thank goodness I have another teacher to work with.
Our sessions ran thusly:
        1.  Introduction to HS.  I created three simple stacks to demo
what could be done.  You might try to ascertain what teachers are doing
in their subject areas right now, and create something simple in those
areas as teasers.  We then walked the teachers through the menu.  The
rest of the first session was given to exploring the sample stacks for
further ideas.  The assignment was to plan a short stack which could be
used in an upcoming unit and to bring a storyboard of the stack to the
next session.
        2.  This session began with a review of basic tools and how to
use them.  The remainder of the time was a work session to begin
creatinmg the stacks.  We walked around and helped as needed.

        3.  This session began with questions/answers.  Basic
troubleshooting support for those who worked on their stacks during the
week.  There was some work time, and the final hour was a sharing of
what has been done so far.  It was great to see what had been
accomplished.

We have one more session to run, on using the periphals (scanner,
digital camera, etc), but that has been put on hold as the lab we were
using has been dismanteled.  We will probably have to go to each school
and work with the teachers directly.  We are hoping to have an
additional set of sessions, but have not figured out how.

The one thing I would recommend you change, is to put two teachers
together at one machine.  That way, they can collaborate and support one
another.  HyperStudio can be very frustrating to beginners.  I still get
frustrated when I can see it in my head and I can't get the computer to
do it!

Karen Becknell
The Lamphere Schools
Madison Heights, MI
becknellk@hiller.lamphere.k12.mi.us
OR
becknellk@voyager.net
*************************************************************************************
I have never taught HyperStudio but when I have taught
computer classes I have the teachers bring something
that they need to do for their classes.  I do not like
to work on a project in a class that I will never use.

Emily Jean Honaker, Media Specialist            EMILY_H@TRECA.OHIO.GOV
Delaware JVS The Area Career Center
1610 St. Rt. 521, Delaware, Ohio 43015-9001
*************************************************************************************
If you have time, ask each participant to bring something that could use
for their classroom rather than a generic lesson.  That way what you
demonstrate  is meaningful and useful.  Good luck!

Deborah Lang Froggatt, Library Media Specialist
East Ridge Middle School
Ridgefield, CT
*************************************************************************************
I would create a small four card stack just like the example in the
back of the HyperStudio manual.  At the end of the first class, I
would ask them to bring in information on creating a stack they would
like to create.  They will pay closer attention if they know that
they will be leaving with material that they will use in the
classroom.

I have taught the class to teachers and student in middle school.
Remind them how long it took you to create your first stack.  On the
PC version, I took me 36 hours to create that stack.  I can teach my
students and teachers in 2 1/2 hours to 4 hours.

I also have several stacks that the students have made if you would
like to look at them.  Also use the stand alone version's CD to show
the endless possiblities.
*************************************************************************************
i usually show a few stacks (not to many) do an altogether stack
 (takes about an hour--stack is 2 or 3
cards, with text, painted text, button and clip art.  last hour (or 45
minutes) i give them assignment.  usually it is to create a card about
something relevant to the time of the inservice (ie snow days, pay day,
going back to school, summer vacation)  i know i am supposed to be
curriculum based, but i perfer fun.  anyway at the end be sure and show
your introductory stack again.  they will realize how it was done and it
wasn't that hard.

usually teach one to computer, but when i do two on a computer for
hyperstudio they are happier--misery loves company, 2 heads are better
than one.



* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Becky Edmond            *
* rebeccae@umd5.umd.edu   *
* Technology Coordinator  *
* Annapolis Middle School *
* Annapolis, Maryland     *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *