Hello Class,
When I saw we had an assignment on Excel I was far from excited. I used to be terrified of Excel! I thought it was so complicated with all its formulas and split cell commands….Since I began working at my current job, I have been forced to become somewhat familiar with Excel. However, I was still not comfortable with it. After reviewing the Excel tutorial and taking the quiz I realized I was as bad at Excel as I thought and that it is actually a great tool to have knowledge of. With the assignment I played around with Excel formulas and charts and realized once you know the basics, Excel is a necessary tool…especially for teachers! Needless to say, I learned a great deal about Excel with this most recent lesson and I think that from a teacher’s standpoint working knowledge of Excel is mandatory!
With the software evaluation, I learned a great deal about some of the educational software that is out there. For one, I learned that most of the software is available for parents as well as for teachers. Because I am not planning on becoming a teacher, but I am planning on having children, I found this assignment very interesting. Many of the software I reviewed, like Timez Attack and Starfall’s Reading and Writing Journal, I would buy as a parent. If I had a child at home who was learning to read, I would definitely buy Starfall’s software. This software is easy and fun to use and would be very useful when teaching a child to read.
I also enjoyed the articles on WebQuests. Before class the other day, I had absolutely no idea what a WebQuest or Filamentality was. In the first article, “5 rules for writing a Great WebQuest,” I learned the five important points to consider when creating a WebQuest: find great sites, orchestrate you learners and resources, challenge your learners, use the medium, and scaffold high expectations. The last point I find very important because one of the main things WebQuests allow a teacher to do is help the student along. When working with younger grades or even special education children, the teacher is able to give more help in a WebQuest and less help with older students. I like that with WebQuest, a teacher can tailor a lesson or an assignment to meet different needs. WebQuests are a great way to implement Bloom’s Taxonomy because WebQuests require students to understand the material, not just memorize facts. I also enjoyed the fact that WebQuests mostly include real world problems or controversy. This small dose of reality keeps students aware and involved in the world around them.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
Blog # 7
Hello Classmates,
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Excel this week. When I first started using Excel, I found it to be a little intimidating. However, after I learned a little about it, I found Excel to be extremely useful! I thought I was very familiar with Excel because I use it for work frequently, but I definitely learned a few new things from this lesson. From the tutorial, I learned some new formulas. For work, I often use the sum and average formulas so I am very familiar with them, but rarely do I use the percentage and division formulas. Besides the percentage and division formulas, the tutorial included all the formulas I could ever think to use as well as how to create graphs within a spreadsheet. I enjoyed learning about graphs because I think it makes the spreadsheet much more visually appealing. Regarding the Excel quiz at the end of the tutorial however, I felt it was a little bit easier than it could have been. I enjoyed the review and the idea of the quiz, but I felt it could have been a little more challenging. Questions such as, “The Advantage of Using a Spreadsheet is:” and, “The Intersection of a Row and a Column is Called:” could have been replaced with questions about types of formulas and the process for entering in those different formulas.
I think, “Teaching Students to Use the Internet as a Research Tool,” is a great article for teachers. Most students use the web for their research anyway so I think it is very important to teach them how to use it correctly. The article gives many good tips for web users regarding valuable sites. For example, the fact that if you have to pay for the information on a website, that information is probably of value. Also, a good way to find a reliable URL is from an article’s bibliography. For example, if a student is doing a project on asteroids and has access to one good article on asteroids already, a good way to find more credible information is to check that article’s bibliography. The article also discusses using search engines properly. For example, it may be a good idea to use search engines that specialize in one subject and do not search the entire web. One example the article give is ‘Argos.’ ‘Argos,’ specializes in medieval worlds. Also, search engines such as Magellan guarantee not to link the student to pornography or hate groups. The article as gives examples and descriptions of websites designed for teachers such as Teachers.Net and many others. Given the broad use of the internet in education today, I think this article is a must read for teachers!
I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Excel this week. When I first started using Excel, I found it to be a little intimidating. However, after I learned a little about it, I found Excel to be extremely useful! I thought I was very familiar with Excel because I use it for work frequently, but I definitely learned a few new things from this lesson. From the tutorial, I learned some new formulas. For work, I often use the sum and average formulas so I am very familiar with them, but rarely do I use the percentage and division formulas. Besides the percentage and division formulas, the tutorial included all the formulas I could ever think to use as well as how to create graphs within a spreadsheet. I enjoyed learning about graphs because I think it makes the spreadsheet much more visually appealing. Regarding the Excel quiz at the end of the tutorial however, I felt it was a little bit easier than it could have been. I enjoyed the review and the idea of the quiz, but I felt it could have been a little more challenging. Questions such as, “The Advantage of Using a Spreadsheet is:” and, “The Intersection of a Row and a Column is Called:” could have been replaced with questions about types of formulas and the process for entering in those different formulas.
I think, “Teaching Students to Use the Internet as a Research Tool,” is a great article for teachers. Most students use the web for their research anyway so I think it is very important to teach them how to use it correctly. The article gives many good tips for web users regarding valuable sites. For example, the fact that if you have to pay for the information on a website, that information is probably of value. Also, a good way to find a reliable URL is from an article’s bibliography. For example, if a student is doing a project on asteroids and has access to one good article on asteroids already, a good way to find more credible information is to check that article’s bibliography. The article also discusses using search engines properly. For example, it may be a good idea to use search engines that specialize in one subject and do not search the entire web. One example the article give is ‘Argos.’ ‘Argos,’ specializes in medieval worlds. Also, search engines such as Magellan guarantee not to link the student to pornography or hate groups. The article as gives examples and descriptions of websites designed for teachers such as Teachers.Net and many others. Given the broad use of the internet in education today, I think this article is a must read for teachers!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Blog # 6
The Southern Regional Educational Board website is a fantastic resource for teachers! The SREB provides reliable and current information for teachers of grades K-12. The SREB provides one point of access for multiple sites dealing with all kinds of topics. The, “EvaluTech,” section contains an Evaluation Review Criteria page that features links to lesson plans and other useful resources. Lesson plans on all topics can be found here including: math, language arts, social studies, science and more. Not only are lesson plan links found here, but so are enrichment activity ideas and digital libraries! EvaluTech has reviewed and evaluated these sources ensuring that the information is of high quality. The EvaluTech tab also contains a section dealing with technology for students with disabilities. This section provides teachers with information about the latest technology that can make technology available even for students with disabilities. EvaluTech also evaluates the latest ‘E-learning software’ by certain companies. This information takes the guesswork out of picking software for your classroom. If a specific software program is recommended by EvaluTech, teachers can feel confident that it is a good program to use. This section also provides examples of programs that are appropriate to use at certain grade levels and in certain subject areas. In the, “Challenge to Lead,” section of the site, teachers can look to see how their state is doing with regard to educational progress. This is a good idea in order to keep state educational progress streamlined. All in all, I think SREB is a great resource for teachers who want to make a difference.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Blog # 5
Hello Class,
I found Bloom’s Taxonomy to be very interesting and very useful. Being a student myself, I see how often teachers use the basic level of ‘Knowledge’ to teach their students. I can see why this is done…it is quite a bit easier to ask yes or no questions or multiple choice questions. These types of questions are also a lot easier to grade…mindless almost. It is easier to evaluate right and wrong and thus easier to dole out grades. However, I think education is making huge progress. I see more and more teachers applying Bloom’s Taxonomy by asking more in depth questions (essay questions for example) which force students to demonstrate their understanding. This is what education should be about. I know when my mom was in school, school was more about memorizing fact after fact. Memorize the 50 states, memorize your times tables, memorize your vocabulary words, etc. A lot has changed since then. It is very useful to have the chart demonstrating Bloom’s Taxonomy as well. For us visual learners, the concept of Bloom’s Taxonomy might be lost without the chart. The chart includes sample words that indicate which level of understanding is required. The types of questions that ask the student to “argue” or “assess” the given information are the ones we most dread (at least I do). These are the questions that usually demand the most effort. However, when a teacher says the test will be multiple choice or definitions, or true/false, students are usually very relieved because only the most basic effort will be required of them. So, it makes sense that the natural tendency is to ask the types of questions that require the least effort on the part of the teacher as well as the student. Thankfully, Bloom created his theory on Taxonomy….hopefully all teachers will start to teach more on the ‘Evaluation’ level and less on the ‘Knowledge’ level!
Regarding the multi-media we learned this week, I think PowerPoint is an extremely useful tool in the classroom. From a teacher’s point of view, PowerPoint is an easy way to condense a lot of information into a visual presentation that may keep students more engaged. PowerPoint divides information into separate slides which make it easier for the teacher to stay on track and stay organized. Also, once a teacher creates a PowerPoint presentation for a lecture, it is very easy to go back in and edit a few pictures and information to create a whole new presentation. From the point of view of a student, PowerPoint is very helpful when there is a lot of information. As it does for teachers, PowerPoint divides information up into easy to see slides and allows the student to take organized notes. The visual aids available in PowerPoint help the student to stay interested in the information being presented as well. I would use PowerPoint to organize myself and my students and to facilitate a better understanding of the subject matter. I think PowerPoint is a very easy program to use once you try it and its benefits are abundant! PowerPoint is a visual, organized and efficient means to present all different types of information….I would definitely use this program in the classroom!
I found Bloom’s Taxonomy to be very interesting and very useful. Being a student myself, I see how often teachers use the basic level of ‘Knowledge’ to teach their students. I can see why this is done…it is quite a bit easier to ask yes or no questions or multiple choice questions. These types of questions are also a lot easier to grade…mindless almost. It is easier to evaluate right and wrong and thus easier to dole out grades. However, I think education is making huge progress. I see more and more teachers applying Bloom’s Taxonomy by asking more in depth questions (essay questions for example) which force students to demonstrate their understanding. This is what education should be about. I know when my mom was in school, school was more about memorizing fact after fact. Memorize the 50 states, memorize your times tables, memorize your vocabulary words, etc. A lot has changed since then. It is very useful to have the chart demonstrating Bloom’s Taxonomy as well. For us visual learners, the concept of Bloom’s Taxonomy might be lost without the chart. The chart includes sample words that indicate which level of understanding is required. The types of questions that ask the student to “argue” or “assess” the given information are the ones we most dread (at least I do). These are the questions that usually demand the most effort. However, when a teacher says the test will be multiple choice or definitions, or true/false, students are usually very relieved because only the most basic effort will be required of them. So, it makes sense that the natural tendency is to ask the types of questions that require the least effort on the part of the teacher as well as the student. Thankfully, Bloom created his theory on Taxonomy….hopefully all teachers will start to teach more on the ‘Evaluation’ level and less on the ‘Knowledge’ level!
Regarding the multi-media we learned this week, I think PowerPoint is an extremely useful tool in the classroom. From a teacher’s point of view, PowerPoint is an easy way to condense a lot of information into a visual presentation that may keep students more engaged. PowerPoint divides information into separate slides which make it easier for the teacher to stay on track and stay organized. Also, once a teacher creates a PowerPoint presentation for a lecture, it is very easy to go back in and edit a few pictures and information to create a whole new presentation. From the point of view of a student, PowerPoint is very helpful when there is a lot of information. As it does for teachers, PowerPoint divides information up into easy to see slides and allows the student to take organized notes. The visual aids available in PowerPoint help the student to stay interested in the information being presented as well. I would use PowerPoint to organize myself and my students and to facilitate a better understanding of the subject matter. I think PowerPoint is a very easy program to use once you try it and its benefits are abundant! PowerPoint is a visual, organized and efficient means to present all different types of information….I would definitely use this program in the classroom!
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Blog # 4
Hi Class!
I particularly enjoyed Ariel Owen’s article, “Mapping Student Minds.” I wish this type of technology was available when I was in 6th grade! In this particular article, 6th grade students were introduced to the health of one particular creek and given the opportunity to evaluate what factors affect the creek’s health. I think the idea of gathering data from a real or virtual field trip and then entering it into an online data base is great. Once the date is entered, students have a visual tool to see the causal relationships between factors and creek health. This concept of causal mapping is designed to show, “…the causal relationships among kinds of objects and events in the world,” (p.9). Being a visual learner myself, I can see how this tool would really increase a student’s understanding of a scientific concept….especially if the map is kept simple. According to the article, once a student makes his or her causal map, he or she is encouraged to present it to others. In doing this presentation, students are able to see what they created and then correct their mistakes if there are any. One challenge for the students is keeping the map simple and only including relevant factors. It is easy to overload on information when learning a new concept. These types of maps can be used in various situations. As long as there is, “measurable data and dynamic cause-and-effect relationships in that data, this is a terrific tool for focusing and expressing student’s thinking,” (p.10). I think causal maps are a great way to get students involved in the world around them.
I particularly enjoyed Ariel Owen’s article, “Mapping Student Minds.” I wish this type of technology was available when I was in 6th grade! In this particular article, 6th grade students were introduced to the health of one particular creek and given the opportunity to evaluate what factors affect the creek’s health. I think the idea of gathering data from a real or virtual field trip and then entering it into an online data base is great. Once the date is entered, students have a visual tool to see the causal relationships between factors and creek health. This concept of causal mapping is designed to show, “…the causal relationships among kinds of objects and events in the world,” (p.9). Being a visual learner myself, I can see how this tool would really increase a student’s understanding of a scientific concept….especially if the map is kept simple. According to the article, once a student makes his or her causal map, he or she is encouraged to present it to others. In doing this presentation, students are able to see what they created and then correct their mistakes if there are any. One challenge for the students is keeping the map simple and only including relevant factors. It is easy to overload on information when learning a new concept. These types of maps can be used in various situations. As long as there is, “measurable data and dynamic cause-and-effect relationships in that data, this is a terrific tool for focusing and expressing student’s thinking,” (p.10). I think causal maps are a great way to get students involved in the world around them.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Blog # 3
Hi Class!
The article, "Oh the Changes We’ve Seen," is very interesting to me considering I was in elementary school in the 80’s (like many of you I’m sure). I can relate to many of the programs. One of my favorite programs the article mentions is Oregon Trail (p. 5). I used to love that game! I had no idea all the concepts it was teaching. “Teachers put students in teams that had to reach a consensus, providing opportunities for purposeful interaction,” when they used programs such as Oregon Trail (p. 5). The article also mentions the numerous roles technology allows students to play. The roles include Learner of Facts, Programmer, Problem Solver, Editor, Designer, Collaborator, Adventurer and Sense Maker (p. 2). As a previous student of the 80’s, I can relate to many of these roles. I remember being taught how to perform basic functions as a Programmer, learning how to type in commands and then watching them work. I can also remember being an Editor and Designer. I loved using different types of fonts and working with paint shop to make my homework 'pretty.' Although, I did not learn how to use PowerPoint until much later….I find it fascinating that younger students are using this program in school!
Because we did not have class last week, I cannot say much about the tools I have learned and practiced. I completed the 4 Nets for Better Searching project early and previously discussed what I learned from it in Blog #2. I have not yet started the Newsletter project which is one project I feel I will learn a great deal from.
The article, "Oh the Changes We’ve Seen," is very interesting to me considering I was in elementary school in the 80’s (like many of you I’m sure). I can relate to many of the programs. One of my favorite programs the article mentions is Oregon Trail (p. 5). I used to love that game! I had no idea all the concepts it was teaching. “Teachers put students in teams that had to reach a consensus, providing opportunities for purposeful interaction,” when they used programs such as Oregon Trail (p. 5). The article also mentions the numerous roles technology allows students to play. The roles include Learner of Facts, Programmer, Problem Solver, Editor, Designer, Collaborator, Adventurer and Sense Maker (p. 2). As a previous student of the 80’s, I can relate to many of these roles. I remember being taught how to perform basic functions as a Programmer, learning how to type in commands and then watching them work. I can also remember being an Editor and Designer. I loved using different types of fonts and working with paint shop to make my homework 'pretty.' Although, I did not learn how to use PowerPoint until much later….I find it fascinating that younger students are using this program in school!
Because we did not have class last week, I cannot say much about the tools I have learned and practiced. I completed the 4 Nets for Better Searching project early and previously discussed what I learned from it in Blog #2. I have not yet started the Newsletter project which is one project I feel I will learn a great deal from.
Monday, February 5, 2007
BLOG # 2
Hello Classmates,
I think one of the most useful tools I learned about this week is all the Yahoo resources. I have Yahoo as my personal homepage and I still was not aware of all the useful and FREE services that were offered. I already used the maps and movies features over the weekend. I played around with a few more of them and they are all very easy to access and to use. This will be a very helpful resource now that I know it exists. J I am also particularly interested in the Yahoo groups. I had no idea there was so much information available to share and be shared for free! This is a great resource for teachers and for anyone else who is looking for information within a certain context.
I think the article, “Teaching Understanding,” is a very good article for teachers and parents to read. One topic the article touches on is the use of technology to find the misconceptions soem students have. Once these misconceptions are identified, a better understanding is possible. According to the article, WebLearn is one of the programs available that helps identify these misconceptions. I think the concept of first identifying misconceptions and then teaching accordingly is very important for a greater understanding. Another way modern technology aids in a better understanding is through visual learning programs. The example the article gives of teaching the concept of retrograde motion with a program that allows the student to manipulate a model of the solar system is exceptional. I am a very visual learner myself and these types of concepts (such as retrograde motion) are harder for me to grasp. I think that if a program like this would have been available to me as a student, I may have had an easier time understanding these types of concepts. I had no idea how abundant the software for interactive learning has become!
Hello Classmates,
I think one of the most useful tools I learned about this week is all the Yahoo resources. I have Yahoo as my personal homepage and I still was not aware of all the useful and FREE services that were offered. I already used the maps and movies features over the weekend. I played around with a few more of them and they are all very easy to access and to use. This will be a very helpful resource now that I know it exists. J I am also particularly interested in the Yahoo groups. I had no idea there was so much information available to share and be shared for free! This is a great resource for teachers and for anyone else who is looking for information within a certain context.
I think the article, “Teaching Understanding,” is a very good article for teachers and parents to read. One topic the article touches on is the use of technology to find the misconceptions soem students have. Once these misconceptions are identified, a better understanding is possible. According to the article, WebLearn is one of the programs available that helps identify these misconceptions. I think the concept of first identifying misconceptions and then teaching accordingly is very important for a greater understanding. Another way modern technology aids in a better understanding is through visual learning programs. The example the article gives of teaching the concept of retrograde motion with a program that allows the student to manipulate a model of the solar system is exceptional. I am a very visual learner myself and these types of concepts (such as retrograde motion) are harder for me to grasp. I think that if a program like this would have been available to me as a student, I may have had an easier time understanding these types of concepts. I had no idea how abundant the software for interactive learning has become!
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