Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

In some ways I preferred synchronous because it seems like it would keep students' attention better. Students would be more likely to goof off during a recording, causing us to possibly re-record, but there's no going back if you're live. Synchronous would work better for demonstrating actual communication in German with a native speaker. For such activities, synchronous could be very helpful.
Overall, asynchronous seems to offer more benefits for German. As a class, we would have the opportunity to replay difficult speech patterns rather than asking someone to repeat themselves. It would also give me the opportunity to make sure that all video that we as a class might send out will be respectful. I would like to use asynchronous video to communicate with a class in Germany. It would be a big step above having a German penpal. Students would prepare video messages to send to their German peers. This would give them a realistic context for communicating in German.

The Difference Between TPACK and TPK

TPK in German instruction will simply be using technology to help students to learn. This could be anything from having students collaborate using Google docs to using powerpoint presentations to keep students' interest. These activities could be used in almost any other classroom to help students learn while using technology. Collaborating can help students to share what they learn and gives them a way to share it while Google docs give them technology through which they can do it.

TPK only becomes TPACK when it involves an activity that is only applicable to the German classroom. Having students create videos in which they perform a script which they have created, focusing on proper German pronunciation, shows TPACK. It serves a specific purpose in German, it gives the students an opportunity to be creative as they approach German, motivating them to learn, and it utilizes technology to do it.

Synchronous Video Messaging

Asynchronous Video Screen Shot

My experiences with new web tools

It wasn't long ago that I had questions about "embedding." Now I totally love it. I enjoy being able to gather tools that I could use for my class all into one place without using a ton of memory. HTML actually means something to me now. I've embedded videos, maps, calendars, and a google doc. Videos will help me to keep the attention of my students while introducing and/or exploring important themes that we will address in class. I can access videos that are meant to educate on teacher tube. I also learned how to put together a wiki, a place where I can gather everything. The wiki is probably the most important resource so far because it is a place where I can gather and offer access to important materials for class. The diversity of tools that can be connected with a wiki seems to extend into realms of technology that I am still not familiar with. At the same time, the wiki was probably the most difficult tool to use. I had some difficulty getting items to show up on the wiki and it kept causing my internet explorer to randomly shut down after 30 second increments (probably a virus, bug, or other fun-loving technology blip). In any case, the trouble was worth it. Google docs and google maps were nothing new, but google calendars seems to have a lot of possibilities. I feel like a barely touched the surface with the events that I put in the calendar. I didn't use any special functions. Beyond the google apps, I found that it was really easy to put together an online survey that I could use for my class, and skype seems too good to be true, causing me to consider making skype calls rather than phone calls to my family and friends, as well as native Germans who could demonstrate valuable language skills for my students.

Which video is actually mine?

I was really tired when I was completing all of this and I thought I needed to embed others' videos. Once I regained my senses, I realized that only my video was needed. It's the chocolate one.

Chocolate Video