Week 2 and Tech Explorations 4-6

Some interesting things I read this week had to do with the new technology and how it applies to our current world.  Terms like: complete cultural change, digital nation, multitasking and immediate gratification.  I think these were stated to show that as technology changes, our normal ways have to change and we need to be prepared to not only guide our students thru the instruction on how to work the most recent technology changes, but to also show them how to be good stewards of this immediate world.  Another piece talked about how every student needed to be able to be fluent in technology, have communication skills and be problem solvers. 
   

Databases & Spreadsheets:

Databases and spreadsheets .....not just for the business world anymore!!!  I have used databases & spreadsheets (excel, ultipro, and ethicspoint) in my college courses and of course in the corporate world.  In my former career I was in Human Resources, so these were utilized on a daily basis from tracking applicants, to taking employee complaints, and more. Originally I was thinking of classroom usage just from the data collection stand point for grades and contact information, being that this has been my only exposure.  After reading the various topics, I had never thought of using it for math lessons and then converting data to charts.  AMAZING!!  I really liked the fraction examples as well.   I think learning a bit more in regards to lesson planning and playing with the excel program more creatively, I would love to work the two together and see how it can benefit the students.  I think it could spark an interest if they can see what amazing things it can become. I look forward to seeing what I will be able to offer my students once I am in a teaching role.

A great site that I found in regards to excel in the classroom was: www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech079.shtml

Wiki, Wiki....

 

My only experience with wiki before this class was helping my daughter do research and looking on wikipedia.  I know, completely clueless.  I did however learn the difference between a blog and a wiki, from the one I chose to review.  I found out that a blog is strictly a journalling method with one writer, whereas a wiki is an evolving piece with several writers.  I learned that it is a webpage, that is easily edited and that the changes can be seen as well as who changed the information. I learned that learning is messing, but with technology, it can be edited, challenged, and so much more.  Vicki's Cool Cat wiki page was amazing.  To see her site, was like seeing her classroom right online.  Her teaching goes way beyond any classroom.  

Tech Exploration #4

Bubbl  (bubbl.us)

iMindmap (http://www.thinkbuzan.com/us)

1.	Describe what you learned from exploring this resource.  Be thorough in your response.
	Okay, I have to admit that the mapping was a bit over my head for a bit.  I was totally overwhelmed.  The Bubbl site was very animated looking.  It seemed to me to be somewhat easy to use for quick projects.  It is a brainstorming site that allows for simple connections.  It appears that you start with an idea or ‘parent’ and then build from there. You can continue to add bubbles of context, with the ability to change font, color, etc.  Hyperlinks can be added in the bubbles as well.  Once the text is typed in, they aren’t in a permanent spot, so that you can edit their movement if you change the way you want things to relate.  An easy way for me to look at it, was doing a quick family tree aspect.  I could type my name, add bubbles below me for my children and then beside me for siblings, etc.  iMindMap Software was amazing!  I never in my wildest creativity would have thought about this concept.  The software is a great tool that combines brainstorming, note taking, planning, organizing and presentations.  Instead of looking at a blank piece of paper and not knowing where to even begin, you can utilize this software and start working.  It starts with a concept and can gradually grow as the writer’s pace.  The overall piece looks like fibers in the brain all connected. The creator Mr. Buzan was intriguing to listen to, in explaining his idea for this program.  He spoke of how the brain absorbs better the curved visual vs the linear.  So, the circled center would be your starting point and each curved branch would be a one word text, and then branches off with another one word text.  Pictures can even be added to this concept to offer a stronger connection.  The theory is that associations are the key to the connections, especially in learning.  This model is trying to be a reflection of how the brain works.
2.	How could you use this resource in a school setting?  It does not matter if it is in your field or level, you need to understand how the resource might be used in educational settings.
	I could see Bubble being used in the classroom in making connections during various subjects as well as putting this up on the smartboard for the class to review.  It could be an overview of a new concept and then used again towards the end to connect all the pieces.  I could also see the students using this during brainstorming for a writing project or science project. The iMindMap is limitless in my opinion when it comes to resources for a school setting.  Look at how a teacher would present a new science topic!  The fact that students could place concepts in groups, color code them, make associations and then later add new ideas is a great way to start new learning concepts.  This could most definitely improve their critical thinking.  At the intermediate level is where the group assignments seem to really take off.  This tool could be a huge advantage for them to continually add pieces and elaborate more off different branches.  The software even offers a presentation piece, to which they could show at the end of their assignment. As an educator, a public library is available to share lesson plans.  Once you access, you are able to modify the plans for your particular class and even publish your new edition.  I believe it opens a whole new world to what we could offer these children.
3.	Would you recommend this resource to other educators? Like/Dislike; Ease of use, fee or not, and so forth.  Why or Why not?
	Bubbl was pretty easy to maneuver and I believe it would be an easy piece to teach the students how to use at any grade level. iMindMap has been my favorite so far that I have explored.  I would highly recommend this to another educator.  It is easy to use and can be used by both students and teachers.  There is a basic option, with an escalated cost depending on what extra benefits you wish to add.

Tech Exploration #5

Animoto: http://animoto.com

1.	Describe what you learned from exploring this resource.  Be thorough in your response.
	Animoto is a slideshow version of a person’s video clips and pictures.  It can be shared through a variety of avenues.  For example: email, facebook, twitter, pinterest and other social networks.  The basic edition is set up in 30 second clips.  After checking out different samples, it reminded me of quite a bit of car ads via the web in how they show off the interior and exterior pics of the new car.  Samples showed ways to send seasonal cards and invites as well as to just share a scrapbook via a slideshow.
2.	How could you use this resource in a school setting?  It does not matter if it is in your field or level, you need to understand how the resource might be used in educational settings.
	I can see animoto used in a technology lab at school to learn how to quickly put a presentation together. In looking at a science project, the student could take pictures of different stages of their project and load it into the slide show, keeping them from bringing in a huge board to present.  A teacher could put the morning routine and work expected on a slideshow and let it play on the on a loop for the students as they come in for the morning.  Lessons can be generated and put into the slideshow.  It is just a simple way to add a little wow to presentation.
3.	Would you recommend this resource to other educators? Like/Dislike; Ease of use, fee or not, and so forth.  Why or Why not?
	Animoto would be one of my recommended sites due to its ease and quickness. Simple 30sec slideshows are free.  With adding unlimited time, the plans start with a low monthly cost and go up in price depending on what all you want to add.

 

Tech Exploration #6

Google docs
Photopeach:  http://photopeach.com

1.	Describe what you learned from exploring this resource.  Be thorough in your response.
	Photopeach is similar to animoto, being that it is a site that offers uploads to create slideshows.  The difference is that it seems to have more user options under one classroom setting.  It is ad free, so there is no fear of an unexpected pop-up.  This site has the video and picture uploads with an unlimited time allotment for the slides.   With the user options, it allows the teacher to manage a multi-account without the students having to access thru an email address.  It is easy to organize, has security settings, and has a way to keep the students from accidentally deleting things.  There is a way to ‘follow’ Photopeach as well, so that families and communities can view with certain security settings.   ........ Google docs is another way to offer word processing, spreadsheets and presentations. This avenue however allows multiple users to see and share, allowing collaboration.  It has a lot more options in design and creativity.  It is located on a Google drive and comes with 5 free gigabytes of storage.  More storage can be added for a small fee.  It is also easily accessible from various technology.  With it being on a drive, it is definitely more portable to the user.
2.	How could you use this resource in a school setting?  It does not matter if it is in your field or level, you need to understand how the resource might be used in educational settings.
	With not having a limit on time, pics or videos, Photopeach can be used as a great tool to set up class instruction.  I can see it used to introduce new curriculum amongst educators, ESL classes, student assignments and more.  ................... Google docs could be a great resource in sharing between teachers and students.  It is just a matter of connecting with other users. It can be accessed via tablets as well as your desktop, giving more functionality.
3.	Would you recommend this resource to other educators? Like/Dislike; Ease of use, fee or not, and so forth.  Why or Why not?
	I would recommend Photopeach to other educators.  I liked the ease of this program, and the fact that there are so many security settings.  There is a cost to the program, however I think it would be worth it just for the security and unlimited time of slideshows.  .................................. I can see Google docs being a great avenue to share information between colleagues.  It seems to be rather easy and is a quick download.   Individual users are free.  However due to budgets, it might not be economically sound due to more than that at one time is $50/year/user or $120/year/user with advanced security.