I wish all my classmates a happy rest of the summer. I have only one more class and my Master's degree will be finished!!!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
End of class surveys
I took all the surveys at the end of the Class Activities page. It said I didn't have to make a blog post. These surveys caused me to stop and reflect on what I have learned in this class. Thank you, Dr. Pierce, for an excellent and challenging experience.
I wish all my classmates a happy rest of the summer. I have only one more class and my Master's degree will be finished!!!
I wish all my classmates a happy rest of the summer. I have only one more class and my Master's degree will be finished!!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Trying again: Google Survey
I tried again to get my Google survey to show on the blog page. I worked with Dr. Pierce to try to resolve the problem, but neither of us could resolve. I went back and tried again, but still can't get it to show. I saved the doc but can't access the results. I went back and fixed several other projects but this one just wasn't meant to be. I posted my reflection on the due date.
Trying again: Jing Screencast YAY--SUCCESS!!
OK, got it now.
This was my Google tutorial: How to Use Google docs.
If the screen looks black, click on it anyway and it will play.
What I did: Finally. I completed this project in June (SEE THAT POST), but could not get it to embed. As noted previously, I am better with HTML code now, so I tried it again. On Screencaster, I copied the embed code and posted it on my blogger. It was black. Also very large. I did some troubleshooting. First I worked on getting the video to show. At the very end of the very long embed code, I saw "Can not display. Need Adobe Flash Player." I had made several attempts to download this before. I went to Adobe's site and finally got that app to download. Then I copied and pasted the embed code again. Still black. Then I saw that "Can not display message" was still there even though I had installed Adobe. I deleted that last part of the code and guess what-- it finally showed on the page! But still was really large, and needed to be resized. I went back to the dashboard, to edit HTML. I played around with some numbers for height and width and finally got it to fit in the post. It does play. Life is good.
What I Learned: I put my knowledge to good use. This was knowledge I did not have last month, so I had to leave the project. It was still time-consuming to post that Jing video (about another 1 1/2 hr.), but I had more idea what to do (with the code etc.) so I wasn't frustrated to the point of tears.
NETS-T: and How It Can Be Used: Refer to previous post 6/16.
This was my Google tutorial: How to Use Google docs.
If the screen looks black, click on it anyway and it will play.
What I did: Finally. I completed this project in June (SEE THAT POST), but could not get it to embed. As noted previously, I am better with HTML code now, so I tried it again. On Screencaster, I copied the embed code and posted it on my blogger. It was black. Also very large. I did some troubleshooting. First I worked on getting the video to show. At the very end of the very long embed code, I saw "Can not display. Need Adobe Flash Player." I had made several attempts to download this before. I went to Adobe's site and finally got that app to download. Then I copied and pasted the embed code again. Still black. Then I saw that "Can not display message" was still there even though I had installed Adobe. I deleted that last part of the code and guess what-- it finally showed on the page! But still was really large, and needed to be resized. I went back to the dashboard, to edit HTML. I played around with some numbers for height and width and finally got it to fit in the post. It does play. Life is good.
What I Learned: I put my knowledge to good use. This was knowledge I did not have last month, so I had to leave the project. It was still time-consuming to post that Jing video (about another 1 1/2 hr.), but I had more idea what to do (with the code etc.) so I wasn't frustrated to the point of tears.
NETS-T: and How It Can Be Used: Refer to previous post 6/16.
Trying My Hand at the Looping Video Assignment
Now that I'm almost done with the course, I have time to go back and tackle that assignment that was changed to optional. Melinda Ronat said she found the trick.... so I tried it and it worked. Very easy! So easy I wanted to do it twice, so I looped two videos.
The assignment was to post a video from You Tube and make it "loop" (as in play all day, or until someone screams "Turn that off!") This will be POPULAR with the Pre-K set!
Here are 2 video's from "Sounds Like Fun" by Barbara Milne.
Opposites Are Tricky
If you can stand it, this is the Alphabet Song, Pre-K's really enjoy this song, and it's great for early phonemic aweness!
What I Did: I logged into YouTube, and found these two videos close together. My children used to listen to these, and I still use them for younger students in my class. The assignment had proved difficult, and Prof. Pierce said it was optional. But smart Melinda figured it out, and posted the solution on the discussion board. Click here to see Melinda's solution.
What I Learned: The more I do this kind of thing, the more comfortable I am with HTML codes. It's always looked like gibberish to me. I saw that I had to replace "embed" with "v". I think that shows an insertion. I also had to add "&loop=1" to tell it to keep replaying. Greater minds than mine understand HTML code, but her solution made sense to me.
When searching for this video, I also noticed that there are quite a few educational videos for the younger set. Good for future reference.
NETS-T: This activity aligns with:
- Standard 3c, which says that teachers are to "communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of diguital-age media and features." These songs are effective for conveying basic concepts when presented aurally, but are even more effective through the visual media. Looping frees me from having to keep "hitting to rewind button" (very last century!)
-Standard 2b, which says that teachers "develop technology-enriched learning environments..." Use of this educational format promotes the technology environment in the classroom.
How It Can Be Used: I have a music background (BS, Music Ed, University of VT, 1983). I use music extensively in my classroom. Sometimes it is background, sometimes to set a mood, sometimes to teach. I dislike having to come back to the machine to keep replaying, so I know I will use this feature. My district dislikes YouTube, so I will have to check to see if I can use the educational YouTubes. (Or maybe TeacherTube.)
The assignment was to post a video from You Tube and make it "loop" (as in play all day, or until someone screams "Turn that off!") This will be POPULAR with the Pre-K set!
Here are 2 video's from "Sounds Like Fun" by Barbara Milne.
Opposites Are Tricky
If you can stand it, this is the Alphabet Song, Pre-K's really enjoy this song, and it's great for early phonemic aweness!
What I Did: I logged into YouTube, and found these two videos close together. My children used to listen to these, and I still use them for younger students in my class. The assignment had proved difficult, and Prof. Pierce said it was optional. But smart Melinda figured it out, and posted the solution on the discussion board. Click here to see Melinda's solution.
What I Learned: The more I do this kind of thing, the more comfortable I am with HTML codes. It's always looked like gibberish to me. I saw that I had to replace "embed" with "v". I think that shows an insertion. I also had to add "&loop=1" to tell it to keep replaying. Greater minds than mine understand HTML code, but her solution made sense to me.
When searching for this video, I also noticed that there are quite a few educational videos for the younger set. Good for future reference.
NETS-T: This activity aligns with:
- Standard 3c, which says that teachers are to "communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of diguital-age media and features." These songs are effective for conveying basic concepts when presented aurally, but are even more effective through the visual media. Looping frees me from having to keep "hitting to rewind button" (very last century!)
-Standard 2b, which says that teachers "develop technology-enriched learning environments..." Use of this educational format promotes the technology environment in the classroom.
How It Can Be Used: I have a music background (BS, Music Ed, University of VT, 1983). I use music extensively in my classroom. Sometimes it is background, sometimes to set a mood, sometimes to teach. I dislike having to come back to the machine to keep replaying, so I know I will use this feature. My district dislikes YouTube, so I will have to check to see if I can use the educational YouTubes. (Or maybe TeacherTube.)
Monday, July 25, 2011
Timeglider
What I did: Family history is one of my hobbies. I chose 1864 to chronicle because, like most US families, mine was in crisis. The Little family lived in southwestern Pennsylvania. They were ordinary people: coal miners and farmers. The cruel war hit them hard. Sometimes I think how hard life was for them. Daniel Little, my great-great-grandfather was a soldier in the Civil War. At the same time he was caring for his family and his brother Mathew's family. Mathew died in the war in September of that year, shortly before Daniel had to begin his service. No doubt Daniel was also caring for his elderly parents nearby and his sister's family. Daniel's sister's husband was missing in action, never to be heard from again.
This was a fun project and I'm pleased with the way the presentation turned out. As the year 1864 progresses, we can see these dramatic events unfolding and empathize with the family. We can see events overlapping, and understand how overwhelming it must have been for them.
What I Learned: I learned how to use Timeglider. It's a free program. I had never heard of it. This was an orderly way of presenting historical information that I've been collecting. I chose to just do one year in the life of this family, but I could have made it much broader by changing certain settings.
NETS-T: This project aligns with
-Standard 2a, which states that teachers are to "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity." This application adds an element of interest rather than just a presentation of "dry facts". History can be very dry to students unless they are encouraged to think about human aspects.
-Standard 3a, which states that teachers are to "demonstrate fluency in technology systems..." This is an application that the teacher should model for frequent use in the classroom, and teach students how to use.
How It Can Be Used: 3rd and 4th graders are required to make timelines, but they usually hate it. It's fussy and cumbersome for them to handwrite. They would enjoy doing a timeline this way. It requires them to research dates for accuracy and to prioritize events as to significance. It is fast and easy.
To navigate through Timeglider: Click the green start button. Locate the double blue arrows to go through the presentation. >>forward, << back. Significant events are in bigger letters. Hold the cursor over the event to see. Click and a text box will appear with background info. Click the X to close the box.
I don't think it's done yet, because I haven't figured out how to get images on the Timeglider I'll work on that more tomorrow. Also it's saying I don;t have the right Adobe. I'll have to play with that..
UPDATE: I downloaded the latest Adobe, hoping that would do the trick. It didn't. I couldn't get any images to upload, from my computer or from Google. I do think my date and events look nice.
Use this link to learn more and get started in Timeglider
Use this link to view my Timeglider history: Oh, What a Year! 1864
This was a fun project and I'm pleased with the way the presentation turned out. As the year 1864 progresses, we can see these dramatic events unfolding and empathize with the family. We can see events overlapping, and understand how overwhelming it must have been for them.
What I Learned: I learned how to use Timeglider. It's a free program. I had never heard of it. This was an orderly way of presenting historical information that I've been collecting. I chose to just do one year in the life of this family, but I could have made it much broader by changing certain settings.
NETS-T: This project aligns with
-Standard 2a, which states that teachers are to "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity." This application adds an element of interest rather than just a presentation of "dry facts". History can be very dry to students unless they are encouraged to think about human aspects.
-Standard 3a, which states that teachers are to "demonstrate fluency in technology systems..." This is an application that the teacher should model for frequent use in the classroom, and teach students how to use.
How It Can Be Used: 3rd and 4th graders are required to make timelines, but they usually hate it. It's fussy and cumbersome for them to handwrite. They would enjoy doing a timeline this way. It requires them to research dates for accuracy and to prioritize events as to significance. It is fast and easy.
To navigate through Timeglider: Click the green start button. Locate the double blue arrows to go through the presentation. >>forward, << back. Significant events are in bigger letters. Hold the cursor over the event to see. Click and a text box will appear with background info. Click the X to close the box.
I don't think it's done yet, because I haven't figured out how to get images on the Timeglider I'll work on that more tomorrow. Also it's saying I don;t have the right Adobe. I'll have to play with that..
UPDATE: I downloaded the latest Adobe, hoping that would do the trick. It didn't. I couldn't get any images to upload, from my computer or from Google. I do think my date and events look nice.
Use this link to learn more and get started in Timeglider
Use this link to view my Timeglider history: Oh, What a Year! 1864
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Get a Blog Using "Blogger"
My digital skills have grown immensely since the start of this course. I'm looking through my assignments and updating some of the early ones.
What I did: As the assignment directed, I got a Google account, then obtained a "Blogger" account. I did this in the first week of the course. Although it was new for me, it was very easy to sign up. At first, I was confused, but I've learned how to use the template. It is customized and reflects my style.
What I Learned: I learned how to use the template. I explored the tabs and settings. I learned how to customize the blogger and use text, images, embedding and linking.
NETS-T: This assignment aligns with:
-Standard 3c, which says that teachers are to: "communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats." Blogger's format was so simple to learn that I felt comfortable in a short time. It is a very good communicative format.
-Standard 5a, which says that teachers are to "participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning". This entire project has been a professional learning committee, using Century 21 tools and standards, and modeling etiquette.
How It Can Be Used: I needed to use Blogger as the portfolio of my work in this course (EDUC 6305). It can be used as a classroom page to keep parents informed.
What I did: As the assignment directed, I got a Google account, then obtained a "Blogger" account. I did this in the first week of the course. Although it was new for me, it was very easy to sign up. At first, I was confused, but I've learned how to use the template. It is customized and reflects my style.
What I Learned: I learned how to use the template. I explored the tabs and settings. I learned how to customize the blogger and use text, images, embedding and linking.
NETS-T: This assignment aligns with:
-Standard 3c, which says that teachers are to: "communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats." Blogger's format was so simple to learn that I felt comfortable in a short time. It is a very good communicative format.
-Standard 5a, which says that teachers are to "participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning". This entire project has been a professional learning committee, using Century 21 tools and standards, and modeling etiquette.
How It Can Be Used: I needed to use Blogger as the portfolio of my work in this course (EDUC 6305). It can be used as a classroom page to keep parents informed.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
RezScore posting
What I did: I submitted my resume to RezScore for feedback. This is a free online service, very fast. After reading posts from my classmates, I expected it to be tough, so I did some re-vamping. I thought sure it would get a high mark. I got a B- (72%)
Click here, to read my "un-exciting" resume. Be careful that it doesn't make you sleepy, because RezScore seemed to think it was dull. I disagree, but hey, they must know better! To be on the safe side, you shouldn't read my resume if you are operating heavy machinery!
What I Learned: RezScore offered this feedback: "This resume provides a good picture of your value to an employer, but it can do better. To create a better resume, keep your resume concise and impactful. Make sure every word counts, and use vivid language to get employers excited."
They said my resume would benefit from a more "professional tone". (Oh really, like I'm some amateur after nearly 30 years teaching!)
For only $49.95 they propose to re-vamp my resume, presumably to make me "more exciting to employers". I guess I'll pass on that. For jobs, they matched me with a 1st grade classroom and a part-time counselor. (I don't think I am certified for that-- bad match!) I'll stay where I am--I like my job.
NETS-T: This assignment aligns with:
- Standard 1b, which states that teachers are to " engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources". Job-hunting is a very real-world issue for many, (Thank you, Lord, I am in a secure place!)
-Standard 5c, which states that teachers are to "contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession..." Keeping current is vital to teachers so they don't stay stuck in 1983 techniques.
How It Can Be Used: If I'm ever unlucky enough to be in the job market again, I will use this service to review my resume. In that case, I would even spend the $49.95. Other resume services cost much more than that. I do hope to be in this school (or at least in this county) till I'm ready to retire.
If I ever teach or mentor high school students, I would recommend this service. My college-age son would benefit from this.
Click here, to read my "un-exciting" resume. Be careful that it doesn't make you sleepy, because RezScore seemed to think it was dull. I disagree, but hey, they must know better! To be on the safe side, you shouldn't read my resume if you are operating heavy machinery!
What I Learned: RezScore offered this feedback: "This resume provides a good picture of your value to an employer, but it can do better. To create a better resume, keep your resume concise and impactful. Make sure every word counts, and use vivid language to get employers excited."
They said my resume would benefit from a more "professional tone". (Oh really, like I'm some amateur after nearly 30 years teaching!)
For only $49.95 they propose to re-vamp my resume, presumably to make me "more exciting to employers". I guess I'll pass on that. For jobs, they matched me with a 1st grade classroom and a part-time counselor. (I don't think I am certified for that-- bad match!) I'll stay where I am--I like my job.
NETS-T: This assignment aligns with:
- Standard 1b, which states that teachers are to " engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources". Job-hunting is a very real-world issue for many, (Thank you, Lord, I am in a secure place!)
-Standard 5c, which states that teachers are to "contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession..." Keeping current is vital to teachers so they don't stay stuck in 1983 techniques.
How It Can Be Used: If I'm ever unlucky enough to be in the job market again, I will use this service to review my resume. In that case, I would even spend the $49.95. Other resume services cost much more than that. I do hope to be in this school (or at least in this county) till I'm ready to retire.
If I ever teach or mentor high school students, I would recommend this service. My college-age son would benefit from this.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Photostory: Cyberbullying
My Photostory is about Cyberbullying. Ths information was used in the narration of the video. . It contains my references
Click the arrow to begin viewing my YouTube video: Helen's PSA.
What I did: This was a heavy project. I downloaded Microsoft Photostory. That took a while because I also needed Windows Live Essentials. I researched cyberbullying, then wrote a 3-page report on the subject of cyberbullying. This was my narration. I created a Photostory using Google images. I added the images to Photostory, then arranged them to fit my document. I bought a microphone and narrated the story. After quite a bit of fussing with the thing, I was finally able to save my finished project to Windows Movie Maker. From there it was quite easy to upload to YouTube. I embedded the video on this page with a link to the narrative, and documentation of my references.
What I Learned: I learned that the schools and the police are quite ineffectual in stopping this plague on our young people. But I didn't add everything I learned into my video. I didn't want to help the bullies feel "safe" in their wrongdoing. In the video, I stressed that it is against the law, not to mention mean and cowardly. I encouraged open communication between children and parents and the school. Privately, I am worried...It's never been so easy to be cruel and get away with it.
I also learned how to use the microphone. There were issues with the sound settings. It's ok now. I've never used Windows Window Movie Maker or Photostory. The next project will be easier.
NETS-T: This assignment corresponded with:
-Standard 1a, which states that teachers are to "promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness."
-Standard 2b, which states that teachers are to "customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources."
-Standard 4c, which states that teachers "promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information."
How it can Be Used: It don't know if I would use it for class presentations. It was too time-consuming for something that kids would look at once. It would use it for presentations to the faculty. It would make me look very S-M-A-R-T. Anything I use Photostory for will have to be something that is viewed more than once for more than a few people.
This could be a good project for my LD students, in place of writing a report. They show and speak better than they express themselves on paper. It would have to be 4th and 5th graders.
I think my daughter will like to learn how to do this, because she enjoys digital photgraphy and online scrapbooks.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Interesting quiz re Bullying
http://www.education.com/quiz/bullying-myths/score
Click on the picture to take this quiz.
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