Time Glider Online Time Chart

I was unable to get any photos to upload [I noticed that everyone posting to the discussion board is having similar issues]. Additionally, I tried to find applications of this program/software for Chemistry or Biology and I was unable to illustrate any of my ideas successfully due to the limited variations to this program. For example, the dates would only accept years rather than generic labels. I think that this program would be great for displaying concepts in history but other than that I am not sure that this program could have any applications to science concepts due to the narrow focus of the template.

7/22 For now here is the narrative and I will continue to try to develop a Time Glider time chart :0

7/24 Update, I am still unable to successfully comple this assignment so I am hoping the my looped Youtube video will at least give me some points toward this assignment, please:(

7/28 Still unable to figure this one out:(

This type of visual display would be great to teach the passing of time or in the case of Biology and/or Chemistry the order in which something occurs. For example, I attempted to display the processes of meiosis and mitosis in order to give a visual order of the process(es) for the students to study. I could also have the student create one of these time-lines to display his or her understandings of biology and/or chemistry concepts. Therefore, the Time Glider Chart could be used to "apply technology in assessing student learning of subject material..."(IV-A) and would give a technology-enhanced experience to address content standards (III-A).

Photostory

The first step in this assignment was to download the Photostory 3 software onto my computer. I then had to search for a definition of the cyber bullying and all the related information to address the content assigned. After composing a script in Microsoft word, I then used google images to find images related to what I wanted to talk about, saved them in a folder, imported them into my story and after reading the script to correspond with the pictures, I finally saved it to my computer. Finally, I uploaded my video to You Tube and embedded it into this blog post (see above).

The ISTE standards most closely related to this assignment are II-A, II-E & III-B. Using a multi-media presentation to instruct students would definitely be technology-enhanced instruction and would support learner-centered strategies that address diverse needs since the students could use the video to "self-instruct". For example, a teacher could photo story their lesson on new material. This would allow the student to view the video an many times as they need to in order to complete independent tasks related to the content making it learner-centered. Also, a student could access the video at any time to help with homework assignments. Therefore, there is no more excuses such as "I didn't understand it so I couldn't do my homework."

Grade Your Resume

I uploaded my resume to the grading site provided and received the following score.

I never knew that this type of website existed, but it looks as if it is a great resource for evaluating your resume before you submit it to potential employers. The suggestions for improving my resume do not surprise me much. I do know that my resume has gotten longer over the years and occasionally I would trim it down but I haven't done this lately since I have not searched for new employment in quite some time. Also, I prefer the objective section of my resume over the "professional heading" as the software suggests since it provides potential employers with a introduction to more specific information on what I am looking for a my intentions for growth within the company. Finally, the evaluation says that I should not refer to references. This must be something new because I have always concluded my resume with "references available upon request". Overall I am not sure that I would change things much except for the length of my resume. However, I do believe, as the evaluation states, that it is too long. Therefore, I will shorten it and take away the reference section and re-evaluate it.

It seems that the score for my "improved" resume actually went down after I removed the reference section and shortened it by deleting details from an older job description. I am not sure why this occurred. However, I am happy with my resume as is and will probably not make any changes.

The ISTE standard most related to this assignment would be I-B since using this type of website would demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge. If an update to your portfolio was necessary due to a change in position this website would help "polish" your resume for presentation at your interview.

Jeopardy

I have used jeopardy games since my first year of teaching. My first version was a laminated poster board with pockets that I placed index cards into for each of the categories and point amounts. The students created the "answers" and questions for a grade with a contest on who designed the best question for final jeopardy. I did not judge the questions but rather the students judged each others and helped each other improve the wording of both the answers and questions. I then moved to an overhead version but now I use online templates. The jeopardy website for this assignment is not usually the site I use, but I did find a great biology jeopardy already created. I have included a snip of the template below.

I would use this for a sample/demo and still have the students create their own questions using the template from this example. I think that the students would enjoy typing their own questions into the template and "testing" each others games.

The ISTE standard most related to this assignment would be IV-A since this uses technology to assess student learning of subject matter. It would also include III-C since the creation of the questions and collaboration between the students to edit and revise their questions would foster higher order thinking skills and allow for creativity. Jeopardy is very popular with the students and adding the technology component can only improve upon the students motivation to learn.

Code Monkey - Just for Fun:)

Daniel Radcliffe sings "The Elements" - The Graham Norton Show - Series ...

File Converter

I used this file converter to assist me with appropriating a YouTube video. All that was needed was a link to a YouTube video which I copied and pasted into the appropriate window on the webpage, clicked on "convert" and the video was then downloaded onto my computer in the chosen format. I really didn't know which file format would work best but I chose AVI and it worked fine. I was then able to view the video from my computer in this format with no problems.

The ISTE standard most closely related to this assignment is II-C since this converter is identified as a tool that makes saving videos from the internet very easy to use and therefore is a great technology resource suitable for this purpose.

Power Point

FINALLY MY POWER POINT SOFTWARE IS FIXED! THANK YOU MICROSOFT:)
Luck has it that I did not lose much of my work, yeah!!! So here it is...

I have placed a link to my power point presentation here.

Once I created the power point using google images I had to share it using slideshare in order to post it online. I chose a very simple concept that sometimes eludes even the best students in Chemistry (and Science 9). I also embedded the presentation below:

What state are you in?

The ISTE standards that most closely relate to this activity are V-C & V-D since the use of these types of power point presentations would not only increase productivity but also can be shared to assist peers, parents, students, and the communities of the world with learning/teaching various concepts.

Appropriate YouTube Video

Still running into difficulties with my power point software, awaiting a fix so... in the meantime here is my You Tube Video.

I searched YouTube found a video and used bender converter to save the video to my computer. I chose AVI format because I thought that it looked good. I don't know if this was a good format to choose or not. I then composed a blog post and uploaded the video to this blog post from my computer using the movie icon within blogger.

I had some difficulty when uploading. It would get to 99% then return to 12%-16% and start over and over again. It eventually finished and is posted above. Apparently this upload is hosted by google video but the video is kept private and not included in the google video searches from the web. As you can see I was able to post it to my blog.

Finally, I was able to uploaded it from my computer back to YouTube by going to the YouTube site by  logging in using my gmail account, uploading it from my computer using the browse feature, put the settings at private so that only those with the link could view it, and finally placing the link to the "new" version into this blog post. Therefore, it is possible to re-post back to the internet once it is saved to my computer.I then embedded it below from the new link.



The most obvious of the ISTE standard for this assignment would be V-D since this type of activity could be used to share instructional materials with a larger audience such as students, parents, peers, etc.  Another standard could be VI-B since these types of videos can enable and empower learners of different ability levels.

I gave the original author credit in my description so I am hoping that I did not break any copyright laws.

Prezi

I am having some technical difficulty with my Power Point software; therefore, I decided to do this assignment while I work out the difficulties....

I learned how to use Prezi in a staff development session. At first I would just convert old Power Point presentations and sometimes edit shared presentations to fit what I wanted. Here is a Prezi on Cell Organelles I just recently created for a review and/or introduction to cell organelle functions.

Also, the actual presentation of this Prezi for your viewing pleasure.



Prezi presentations are different because they are not just simple slides with text and photos, you can put animations and video into a more exciting format. The entire page is a canvas for writing with just about unlimited space. You can turn each area, enlarge or shrink each area,  place graphics and videos from other sites. It is somewhat the same since you are still creating a presentation that could be used in much the same way as Power Point. As far as better or worse is concerned, it is probably better for the student since it is obviously more visually exciting and appealing. I thought that one problem that made it worse than Power Point was creating the path. I found that as I placed the items on the canvas and then went to form the path it was difficult to find the items. I had to keep shrinking and enlarging the canvas to read and/or find which item I wanted to place next. The advantages are the ability to link and embed, but I think that you can also do this with Power Point presentations so... as far as advantages or disadvantages I believe that they each have their own.

Spreadsheet - Grades 2 (Excel)

First, I downloaded the excel template and tried to save it to my desktop. Apparently the template was created in an older version of excel so it would not save. I had to convert the file by following prompts given by my current excel program (2010). Once I finally got the template to save to my desktop. I then used the excel help menu to create the formulas necessary to complete this assignment. Finally, I uploaded my excel spreadsheet into google spreadsheets, published it to create the link, then I shared it with the professor so he could view the formulas. FINISHED:)

I have used excel before and even took a few staff development sessions over the years. We were shown many features, how to use them and sometimes given time to practice certain skills. However, laptops were not as common as they are now and searching for a computer to use within the building was usually a pain, so I never felt as if it saved me any time. Some after edline appeared and was mandated for all teachers. It has a multitude of functions to get whatever reports and analysis you may need. Excel will not replace this for me since I am required to enter all grades into edline and post to the students and parents weekly but.. who knows? I do, however, see many applications for student projects (II-A,B,C). I will more than likely use Excel more for the students than for myself. For example, when we need to analysis data in a Chemistry lab students could create spreadsheets and graph their data to provide then with a visual tool to assist with analysis.

Google Calendar

My course calendar with all future assignments posted.


I decided to embed the code rather than just paste a link that way you can view the rest of the course one month at a time. Are we there yet? One month down and one more to go!

I think that this calendar could be used for a multitude of applications in regards to teaching. Time always seems to be an issue in the field of teaching (there is never enough of it). Also, if we are collaborative teachers we could place our lesson plans into a calendar and share with our co-teacher (II-E). We could use the lesson plan calendar to collaborate in a real time environment from two different rooms or, if needed, even from home (V-D). I believe that the calendar will "roll over" into the next year (V-C) giving us a basis to start with for the following year's lesson plans. In other words, we would only need to adjust the pacing and build on the activities that did or didn't work last year. We could then add new and more innovative activities without starting from scratch on the pacing and content helping us become more focused on the individual learners every year:)

Google Forms

I created an introductory activity to be used at the beginning of the year to get to know my students and gather the contact information I may need during the course of the school year. This would allow me to access the information at anytime and/or update it without keeping a file of index cards on my desk (ISTE, V-C). It would also give me access to the information at home since the form is published on the web and the results are placed in a spreadsheet that I can view from any computer by accessing the file in google docs. I can view the form in a summary context or the actual answers placed in a spreadsheet (ISTE, V-D). This allows me to sort the information which ever way the context of the answer allows. In other words, text can be alphabetized and numbers can be analyzed (ISTE, IV-B) for statistical purposes (although this is not my intention for the form I created). I have a google docs place created and I access the form through this site. However you may be able create it and then e-mail it to yourself so I am not sure if google docs is required or just easier. I also placed the survey below. I had to change the code in order to fit the image into my post (one of the problems I encountered on the Jing assignment) and not have it cover the entire screen.

Tiny cc/Bitly

I decided on the website tiny url for this assignment. I then tried it out by going to amazon and finding a product I wanted to possibly buy or just thought was cool:) I pasted the link to this item into the page and shortened it by clicking on the "Make TinyURL!". See below ( I used the snipping tool!):

The site then creates a unique "tiny" url to use that is much easier to distribute to anyone else who might be interested in purchasing the same item.

This is an extremely useful tool in general but even better when you need to give your students an address to type in order to access a particular site, image, etc. for an assignment. The ISTE standards most closely related to this activity would be III-D since it would help to manage student learning activities.

Reading Week 4

I created a word document to explain why I chose the five learning principles from the article provided. The link to my document is here.

The ISTE standards most closely related to this assignment are II-A & III-B. Information related to these learning principles would assist teachers with planning learning activities and use technology to support learner-centered strategies.

Online Graphing Tools

First, I went to the website for the testing scores. I had to view three different year's scores in order to make a comparison, 2005, 2007 and 2009 since the scores were listed by testing years.

Next, I created a document comparing the 4th grade reading scores for West Virginia students to the national average with a bar graph to illustrate the summary comparison included in my document.

Finally, the 8th grade reading scores for West Virginia students were compared to the national average with two pie charts to illustrate the summary comparison included in my second document.

All of the graphs were created using Kids Zone graphing tools.

The ISTE standards modeled in this activity would be V-A&B since this activity is more for the professional development of the teacher and could be used to reflect on professional practices. Although the national testing and evaluation practices may not be under our control the results could be used as a small part of  the much bigger picture in regards to our evaluation of professional practices.

Reading Week 3

I read the next three pages of the assigned article and addressed the prompts given for the second reading assignment.

The ISTE standards most closely related to this assignment are II-B (current research), III-C (higher order thinking/creativity), VI-B (special ed students).

Blog Poll Gadget

As you can see I placed a poll onto my Blog regarding Obama's health care reform. I hope that everyone keeps a sense of humor when you read the possible responses.

Polls would be beneficial for collecting and analyzing data in order to interpret results to improve instructional practices and hopefully move toward maximizing student learning (IV-B).

Web Survey - Zoomerang

I went onto the Zoomerang website and created a short survey. I then created a link to my survey and included it here.

There are many potential uses for this type of application. For example, we could customize these surveys for use as quizzes, tests, self-evaluations (such as the self assessments in this course), etc. The most applicable of the ISTE standards is IV-A if we use this app in the mentioned forum. We could also design a survey for the students to evaluate a particular project or activity, maybe even evaluate us so that we may self-evaluate, which would relate to standards IV-B and II-E.

Word Cloud

Philosophy of Teaching
Cheryl G

I decided to use my philosophy of teaching for my word cloud. I also provided the directions on how I completed this assignment using the Jing video assignment.

I believe that my students would really enjoy this activity. It is simple and fun :) and could be used in a multitude of applications. This culminating activity could be used for assessment and evaluation, therefore the standards most closely related would be IV-A,C. Students could place a product for anything into this program and have some fun before they submit it.

Jing Screencast

Here is a link to my video on how to create a word cloud.

This was the toughest assignment so far. I think that I spent 3-4 hours on just the video.


The answer to the questions are below:
The file types that come out of Jing are .png (images) and .swf (videos). We can save these files to our computer and to the internet. They are stored in the windows photo gallery and the video folder on your computer and on the world wide web (URL). They can also be stored in a personal  library account if you choose. You can link to a screencast by simply using the provided url. The Jing objects are automatically saved in your history and you can retrieve them by simply clicking on the history bubble and choosing the file. The file type for our Jing screencast is a .swf file because we did not get the Pro version. No we cannot convert the images and videos unless we upgrade to the pro version of Jing.

Both standards that applied to the Jing Image could also be applied here along with III-C because potentially you could have students create a video therefore, develop their higher order thinking skills and foster creativity.

Jing Image

Here is my Jing Graphic for a flow chart

used in my Chemistry class to explain how to determine what type of chemical reaction is taking place.

The ISTE most closely related to this assignment is V-C since this application would apply technology to increase productivity. It could also be used to communicate and collaborate with peers so V-D could also be applied here.

Self Portrait

I had fun making the self portrait. I am not sure that it looks very much like me but...


I had very few problems with the creation of the portrait. The only minor problem I encountered was that I wanted to add color and I thought that I would do this last. However, when I went to select things to color I had trouble clicking on the correct spot to color the item I wanted since everything was in layers. I did not want to start over because I liked my image so I settled for a few colored items. It turned out better this way :)


I then saved the image in the gallery and e-mailed a copy to myself. It took me awhile to figure out that I needed to use the snipping tool to get the image into my blog. At first I spent some time looking for the code in order to put the image into my blog post. I soon realized that this was an adobe file and that the only way to display it would be to "scan" it into the computer.


The site I used to create this artifact is included here.


The ISTE NETS for this assignment would be the same as for the Snipping Tool assignment since it utilized the same technology.

Snipping Tool

I first created a shortcut on my desktop to the snipping tool by following the directions provided in this assignment. I then wanted to get an image of the Microsoft excel toolbar since some of my students have never seen this program used. I opened the excel program then clicked on the snipping tool shortcut and created a new image by dragging the rectangular window to "capture" the parts of the toolbar I wanted to include.

The reason I chose this image is that I thought that I could include it in the typed directions that I usually provide for my students when we use this program. This would give them a visual of the toolbar and I could also circle things mentioned in the directions. When they enter the program they could then look for the images of the icons that are described in the written directions.

The ISTE NETS standards that apply to this assignment are many. The three major ones are: II-A since using excel helps to support the diverse needs of learners; III-D since this tool provides a way to manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment; and VI-E since the improved directions would facilitate equitable access to technology resources.

Reading Week 2

I read the first eight pages of the provided article and created a document in google docs to answer the two questions posed in the assignment.

I am not sure whether I need to connect this assignment with the ISTE NETS or not but... I believe this assignment would address II-E because it helps us to plan strategies that manage student learning in a technology-enhanced environment. Also, II-B because the article provides information used to plan learning environments based on research; V-B since it helps us to evaluate ourselves in regards to whether technology will support student learning by helping us make informed decisions regarding what type of technology to use in certain situations or to teach specific objectives; and finally, VI-C the information assists us in identifying and using technology resources that affirm diversity. How does this information do this? Click here to find out more.

Diigo Assignment

What is a browser add on? Give an example and explain why useful.
I believe that a browser add on is a chunk of software connected to more complex software, browser, to enhance its features, improve experiences on a website by providing multimedia or interactive content. Two common examples are extra toolbars that provide easy access to e-mail, galleries, links, etc. and pop-up blockers which stop all the annoying advertisements and/or block other programs access to your computer.

Which add-ons have you used or are you currently using? What is your experience with add-ons? Did installations work smoothly?
The only add-ons I have used and are currently using are the extra toolbars that came with my antivirus software and my past or current browser. I did, however, have an add on called forecast fox weather when my primary browser was Mozilla, but now I am using Google Chrome and I do not use any add-ons right now. In fact, I haven't even customized my home page much. The installation of the one add-on I did purposefully use went very smoothly since my son did it for me and he downloaded it directly from Mozilla. Any other add-ons I may currently be using had to have been automatically downloaded with my browser.

I guess in a nutshell my experience with add-ons is very, very limited:(

The ISTE NETS standards that most closely match this activity would be for the most part I-A and I-B since I was not very familiar with add-ons and have now learned a little more. Additionally, II-C may apply as well since I did locate and identify resources and evaluate them for suitability.

Philosophy

I first created the answers to the two provided questions in Microsoft Word,changing the wording and sentence structure of my paragraphs until the Flesch-Kinkaid reading level was as high as I could get it (22.7). Finally, I uploaded the document to google docs. and posted my philosophy to the web.

I then created an avatar using the voki link on the assignment page.

The ISTE NETS standards, I feel, used in this assignment are I-B, III-B, IV-B, and V-C. Since this activity provided a demonstration of growth in technology for myself, it supports learner-centered strategies by addressing the diverse needs of the students (reading levels), improves instructional practices by assisting the teacher with preparing activities appropriate for all reading levels, and finally, increasing teacher productivity when students "get it" the first time when the assignment is on-level with their reading abilities.

Test Questions- Learning Styles

The learning styles are visual (spatial), aural (auditory-musical), physical (kinesthetic), logical (mathematical), social (interpersonal) and solitary (intrapersonal). Knowing the learning styles of your students and even yourself can assist students with retaining information. The more areas of the brain involved in an activity the better since research has shown that this improves that speed and quality of learning. If you know your own learning style you can better assess your teaching methods to see if you are favoring one type of learning. In other words, do you pick activities related to your own type of learning style(s) or do you encompass all learning styles in your teaching methods?

I believe that it does matter, especially in special education since these students all struggle with education for different reasons. Knowing the learning styles of your students helps you to work through some of the issues each individual student may have with learning the material you are presenting. It teaches them a thought process rather than basic facts.

Introduction of Me

I am married with two young-adult children whom are both currently attending college at WVU. My husband and I just celebrated our 23rd wedding anniversary on the 20th of May. I entered the teaching profession as a second career in 2000. I currently co-teach Biology and Chemistry at the high school level to both special education and regular education students. I am taking this course to finish my Master's Degree in Education. I look forward to learning all that I can about helping students succeed in the classroom and prepare each of them for their futures in society which will, of course, involve technology.

Browser Wars Test Questions

I learned that a Browser is a software app used to retrieve, present and traverse information on the world wide web. Also, according to the linked website provided in this course, as of April 2011 Firefox is number one with 42.9% of the market and Chrome is second at 25.6%, Internet Explorer is third at 24.3% and Safari is fourth at 4.1%. Personally, I currently use Google Chrome. I just recently (within the last 3 months or so) switched from Firefox although I still have Firefox loaded onto my computer.
A browser war is just that a war between companies to control the market and remain on top by producing better and better features to meet the needs of a diverse population that includes many different world cultures. It's all about the money. This is what drives the war. If a company can remain on top then they can market their software to more and more companies making compatible games, software, etc.

Just my thoughts:)

Post my Resume

I have uploaded my resume to google docs and I am placing a link to access it now in order to receive credit for the assignment.

Learning Style Test Comparison

 My results were Kinesthetic 10, Visual 6, Read/Write 6 with Aural at 3. Comparing these results to my previous results/thoughts, it looks as if the results are basically the same. [I am assuming that Read/Write is equivalent to Logical.]
I find that these learning styles also seem to be my preference with teaching students various concepts. In other words, I tend to avoid the textbook and note taking methods and instead prefer more hands-on activities. When I first started teaching this was very difficult especially when I was assigned to teach subjects that I was not very familiar with, especially when I taught language at the middle school level. The most difficult part of teaching for me sometimes is trying to figure out what the students do not know and therefore need to learn before I implement the activity.

Learning Style

I had my students take a learning style test several years ago when this became a focus in education. I took the test myself at that time. Although I could not find the print out I believe that it showed me that I was somewhat equal in all learning styles. However, Aural (auditory) was marginally weaker with Physical (kinesthetic) being marginally the strongest of my learning styles. However, I always felt that my strength was in Logical since my best subject in school was always math. Additionally, I could NEVER memorize anything without some type of mnemonic device to assist me or some type of logical progression.

Link to my course page

When I sign onto my computer and log into gmail I can access my blog easily so I wanted to get to my course quickly from my blog page since this is where I will be finding my daily assignments.