This week we were asked about our opinions of the blog. Personally, I don't mind the blog and appreciate it as an historical tool for our final project for the program. However, I have found the repetitive, "How can you use what you've learned in your classroom?" a bit mundane. I realize it is important for me to think about how to use what we have learned about, but sometimes I would like to have another topic to discuss. I also find it difficult to comment on two other classmates' blogs when they are discussing how to use what we have learned in their classrooms, an entirely different content area than mine. I struggle to question them or expand on what they have talked about without knowing more about their area of expertise.
We were also asked about Internet learning resources this week. After reading three articles about possible resources, my eyes were opened a bit about what they can be. I had this idea of learning tools for students to learn to expand their thoughts about the subject previously discussed in class. I was surprised to see that teacher resources and tools are considered Internet learning resources also. I use these frequently, as I am sure many teachers do, to spice up or revamp some of my lessons.
I will admit I was a bit fearful of the wiki when I first saw it, but am much more comfortable with it now that I have looked around a bit and used it. It is a different platform to use and I enjoy seeing a different tool be used in our program. I am still a bit worried that I will lose track of assignment due dates, but I will just have to keep track of those on my own to be sure I don't.
Landon
Monday, February 7, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Summary of 515
After reviewing my previous blog posts for 515, I realized that I forgot how much we have done for this course.
We began the class by creating a graphic. I chose to use Image Chef to create my graphic. I think that I would be able to use some of the programs in my classes, but I would have to be careful, since some of them have questionable images to use.
We also had to create a presentation using an online presentation program. I chose to use 280 slides, which was very easy to use. Advertising: The Art of Attracting an Audience I have students create presentations in many classes and using an online presentation software could be very helpful, especially if a student has internet access, but not PowerPoint at home.
The next week we explored different online word processors. I actually have implemented Google docs into one of my classes this semester. I am very excited to see how it goes for the students, but so far they have really enjoyed doing it. All of the students I have in this class, I had in a previous class. A couple of them have a hard completing their homework on time, but that has improved since using the Google docs.
We also learned to work with online spreadsheets and created a spreadsheet involving a recipe. This was a great way to play with spreadsheets and their formula ability. I have never manipulated a recipe in a spreadsheet, so this was fun for me. I chose to work with my recipe for Chili.I use spreadsheets in my Accounting 1 class and could easily use Google spreadsheets as an alternative. If I use Excel, the students may be forced to complete the homework at school if they don't have Excel at home.
Finally, we moved on to creating a calendar with Google calendars. I hadn't ever worked with Google calendar before and found it to be a great experience. I am considering using one for my track team. I would be able to put practices and meets on it. Parents would be able to access it and check on practice times over spring breaks and check on meet times if needed. I created one for myself to use everyday.
All of these programs that we worked with can be valuable in my classroom or coaching. We also researched lessons that implemented spreadsheets by using NetTrekker. NetTrekker is probably a good resource for core subject teachers, but I struggled to find a lesson in my content area. We also worked with different software evaluation tools. With so many classrooms implementing more technology and softwares, an effective software evaluation tool becomes important. Ineffective or eventually unused software can take up server space and become a hindrance to school district ITs.
I learned about a lot of great tools that I can use in my classes and that can help my district save money and resources in the long run.
We began the class by creating a graphic. I chose to use Image Chef to create my graphic. I think that I would be able to use some of the programs in my classes, but I would have to be careful, since some of them have questionable images to use.
We also had to create a presentation using an online presentation program. I chose to use 280 slides, which was very easy to use. Advertising: The Art of Attracting an Audience I have students create presentations in many classes and using an online presentation software could be very helpful, especially if a student has internet access, but not PowerPoint at home.
The next week we explored different online word processors. I actually have implemented Google docs into one of my classes this semester. I am very excited to see how it goes for the students, but so far they have really enjoyed doing it. All of the students I have in this class, I had in a previous class. A couple of them have a hard completing their homework on time, but that has improved since using the Google docs.
We also learned to work with online spreadsheets and created a spreadsheet involving a recipe. This was a great way to play with spreadsheets and their formula ability. I have never manipulated a recipe in a spreadsheet, so this was fun for me. I chose to work with my recipe for Chili.I use spreadsheets in my Accounting 1 class and could easily use Google spreadsheets as an alternative. If I use Excel, the students may be forced to complete the homework at school if they don't have Excel at home.
Finally, we moved on to creating a calendar with Google calendars. I hadn't ever worked with Google calendar before and found it to be a great experience. I am considering using one for my track team. I would be able to put practices and meets on it. Parents would be able to access it and check on practice times over spring breaks and check on meet times if needed. I created one for myself to use everyday.
All of these programs that we worked with can be valuable in my classroom or coaching. We also researched lessons that implemented spreadsheets by using NetTrekker. NetTrekker is probably a good resource for core subject teachers, but I struggled to find a lesson in my content area. We also worked with different software evaluation tools. With so many classrooms implementing more technology and softwares, an effective software evaluation tool becomes important. Ineffective or eventually unused software can take up server space and become a hindrance to school district ITs.
I learned about a lot of great tools that I can use in my classes and that can help my district save money and resources in the long run.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Google Sites and Software Evaluation
This week's focus in 515 was creating a Google site and evaluating software. I created a Google site in which I included work I have done for 515 and also a presentation I created for 510. I found Google sites very easy to use. Creating pages and editing them was very straightforward. I'm not sure how much I would use a Google site in my professional life. Our school district website allows us to create a page of our own from the district website, so if I were to use a website, I would create it there. I think that this will be a great way to create a portfolio of my work throughout this Master's program. In my personal life, I could create a Google site for my husband's business. It would be a great way to direct potential customers and exhibit some of his work.
As a group, we had to evaluate three different software evaluation tools. We looked at Sun Prairie's Evaluation tool, Children's Technology Review and Kathy Schrock's Software Evaluation Form. All were very easy to use; they utilized checklists, provided an area for cost, and provided an area to include standards that would be met by the software. We liked Sun Prairie's the best as it listed information about the software, cost, rationale for purchase, standards that would be met by the software, and provided room for comments by administration and tech support. The evaluation is very inclusive and leaves little to be desired. This is a tool that I would be very comfortable using in my own district.
On a side note, I have incorporated Google docs into a class this semester. The students were very receptive to it and had no problems creating accounts and learning to use the docs. They have had a good time using the software and have not had any complaints so far. I am very happy to have integrated something I have learned in this program into my classroom. I hope that I can continue to do so.
Go Pack!
As a group, we had to evaluate three different software evaluation tools. We looked at Sun Prairie's Evaluation tool, Children's Technology Review and Kathy Schrock's Software Evaluation Form. All were very easy to use; they utilized checklists, provided an area for cost, and provided an area to include standards that would be met by the software. We liked Sun Prairie's the best as it listed information about the software, cost, rationale for purchase, standards that would be met by the software, and provided room for comments by administration and tech support. The evaluation is very inclusive and leaves little to be desired. This is a tool that I would be very comfortable using in my own district.
On a side note, I have incorporated Google docs into a class this semester. The students were very receptive to it and had no problems creating accounts and learning to use the docs. They have had a good time using the software and have not had any complaints so far. I am very happy to have integrated something I have learned in this program into my classroom. I hope that I can continue to do so.
Go Pack!
Monday, January 17, 2011
InTime video - Virtual CEO
This week I chose a video from InTime that was close to my content area. The lesson was Virtual CEO and is actually from a social studies class. However, much of the components of this lesson are things that I focus on in my business classroom.
In this lesson, the students use a software program called Capitalism Plus to create a virtual corporation. Incorporated with the software are tutorials to help the students so they can make better decisions about their corporation. The students attempt to make as much money as possible through retailing, wholesaling, and investing in the stock market. They also create a website for their corporation. The teacher, Chris Hungerford, said he liked the program because he likes the constructivist approach to the software. The students must make decisions and come up with ideas on how to make their corporation succeed. He said that the students control how well their corporation does by interacting with the simulation. He acts as a facilitator and leads the students in the right direction. The simulation allows the students to learn in a hands-on way, rather than using worksheets and tests to learn and show understanding.
This is a great way to get students to learn. I really like that the students are in control of their success. They need to be able to make decisions based on what they have learned and what they think the outcome will be based on their choices. They learn how to succeed and fail because of their decisions, and if they fail, they learn to come up with another idea that will hopefully lead to their success. I find that anytime a student learns by doing, it is valuable. They can learn what they need to do in order to succeed and they can learn what they need to do to correct any failures.
In this lesson, students use many types of technology to assist in their learning. They use a software program, but they also create spreadsheets, graphs, presentations, and a website. Using all of those technology tools is a great way for students to get exposure to many different learning tools.
I have added Entrepreneurship to my curriculum and am considering a project similar to this, but it would be based on a sole proprietorship rather than a corporation. But many of the ideas can be used in that course for the students to create their business and study trends and learn how to make money for their business. There are some great ideas in this lesson that I could incorporate into my classroom.
In this lesson, the students use a software program called Capitalism Plus to create a virtual corporation. Incorporated with the software are tutorials to help the students so they can make better decisions about their corporation. The students attempt to make as much money as possible through retailing, wholesaling, and investing in the stock market. They also create a website for their corporation. The teacher, Chris Hungerford, said he liked the program because he likes the constructivist approach to the software. The students must make decisions and come up with ideas on how to make their corporation succeed. He said that the students control how well their corporation does by interacting with the simulation. He acts as a facilitator and leads the students in the right direction. The simulation allows the students to learn in a hands-on way, rather than using worksheets and tests to learn and show understanding.
This is a great way to get students to learn. I really like that the students are in control of their success. They need to be able to make decisions based on what they have learned and what they think the outcome will be based on their choices. They learn how to succeed and fail because of their decisions, and if they fail, they learn to come up with another idea that will hopefully lead to their success. I find that anytime a student learns by doing, it is valuable. They can learn what they need to do in order to succeed and they can learn what they need to do to correct any failures.
In this lesson, students use many types of technology to assist in their learning. They use a software program, but they also create spreadsheets, graphs, presentations, and a website. Using all of those technology tools is a great way for students to get exposure to many different learning tools.
I have added Entrepreneurship to my curriculum and am considering a project similar to this, but it would be based on a sole proprietorship rather than a corporation. But many of the ideas can be used in that course for the students to create their business and study trends and learn how to make money for their business. There are some great ideas in this lesson that I could incorporate into my classroom.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Spreadsheets and Software Evaluation
Over the last two weeks, we have been working with online spreadsheets and discussing software evaluation. I am fairly comfortable with spreadsheets as I have used them often in my classroom, but there are always new things to learn when using a new software.
I have used Microsoft Excel for many things in my own life. I coach track and field and use spreadsheets to track athletes' personal records and points earned throughout the season. In my classroom, I use spreadsheets often in Accounting. The spreadsheets become a valuable tool for the students. Once we cover basic accounting principles and the students become comfortable doing problems written, I then require them to work with spreadsheets for many problems. I create the form they will be using, and they fill in the required information and the formulas needed in the spreadsheet. The spreadsheets make journalizing and posting transactions much faster and prevents errors in math. The students also use spreadsheets for the financial statements. Again, I create the forms and they enter the appropriate information and formulas. By using these spreadsheets, students see there is another way of doing accounting. I also use spreadsheets in Personal Finance when the students are creating budgets. The spreadsheet allows them to use categories for income and expenses. The students can then use a formula to total each section and then subtract the totals to balance their budgets. It is very easy for them to then change the numbers the next month.
Where I teach, teachers are responsible for evaluating software and submitting a request to purchase the software. On the form, the teacher must indicate for what class the software will be used, how the software aligns with curriculum and what learning objectives will be reached by using the software, who will be using the software and where it will be used, how many copies of the software are required for purchase, and hardware/software requirements. The form is then submitted to the district technician for approval. If it is approved, the form must be attached to any requisition form to be approved by administration. It is a good process since the teacher is the one requesting the software and knows it is valuable to their curriculum. It also is a good process because the technician is consulted to see if the servers and computers have the capabilities required by the software.
This week's lessons have been very valuable for me and could easily be used in my classroom.
I have used Microsoft Excel for many things in my own life. I coach track and field and use spreadsheets to track athletes' personal records and points earned throughout the season. In my classroom, I use spreadsheets often in Accounting. The spreadsheets become a valuable tool for the students. Once we cover basic accounting principles and the students become comfortable doing problems written, I then require them to work with spreadsheets for many problems. I create the form they will be using, and they fill in the required information and the formulas needed in the spreadsheet. The spreadsheets make journalizing and posting transactions much faster and prevents errors in math. The students also use spreadsheets for the financial statements. Again, I create the forms and they enter the appropriate information and formulas. By using these spreadsheets, students see there is another way of doing accounting. I also use spreadsheets in Personal Finance when the students are creating budgets. The spreadsheet allows them to use categories for income and expenses. The students can then use a formula to total each section and then subtract the totals to balance their budgets. It is very easy for them to then change the numbers the next month.
Where I teach, teachers are responsible for evaluating software and submitting a request to purchase the software. On the form, the teacher must indicate for what class the software will be used, how the software aligns with curriculum and what learning objectives will be reached by using the software, who will be using the software and where it will be used, how many copies of the software are required for purchase, and hardware/software requirements. The form is then submitted to the district technician for approval. If it is approved, the form must be attached to any requisition form to be approved by administration. It is a good process since the teacher is the one requesting the software and knows it is valuable to their curriculum. It also is a good process because the technician is consulted to see if the servers and computers have the capabilities required by the software.
This week's lessons have been very valuable for me and could easily be used in my classroom.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Online Word Processing and Search Engines
This week we have learned about many different things. We have looked into different search engines, online word processors, and important things to know about internet browsers.
I looked at a couple of different online word processors. These have the advantage of being able to access documents anywhere there is internet access. Many of them are very similar to Microsoft Word, so the students would probably make the change easily. I find that these could easily be implemented into my classroom. I do many projects and assignments for which the students use Microsoft Word. Using an online word processor would cut down on paper usage, ink costs, and storage space. This is very beneficial to a small district with budget problems.
We also are investigating different search engines. I have always used Yahoo for my searching needs, ever since I started using the internet. I haven't had the opportunity to use many other search engines, but have occasionally used Google or Swagbucks. Swagbucks checks other search engines for results to a search which is advantageous. We also discussed mistakes people make when using a search engine. I found I need to improve my search skills to maximize my results. I am excited to use Boolean searches more to find better results. Hopefully I can then help students become better searchers.
I looked at a couple of different online word processors. These have the advantage of being able to access documents anywhere there is internet access. Many of them are very similar to Microsoft Word, so the students would probably make the change easily. I find that these could easily be implemented into my classroom. I do many projects and assignments for which the students use Microsoft Word. Using an online word processor would cut down on paper usage, ink costs, and storage space. This is very beneficial to a small district with budget problems.
We also are investigating different search engines. I have always used Yahoo for my searching needs, ever since I started using the internet. I haven't had the opportunity to use many other search engines, but have occasionally used Google or Swagbucks. Swagbucks checks other search engines for results to a search which is advantageous. We also discussed mistakes people make when using a search engine. I found I need to improve my search skills to maximize my results. I am excited to use Boolean searches more to find better results. Hopefully I can then help students become better searchers.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The beginning of 515
As I start a new class I am always nervous. Am I going to understand what we are learning? Am I going to have enough time for the work required? How many technical problems am I going to run into along the way? Well, so far I understand what we are learning and I have found time to get my work done. I have had a hiccup at home with my internet access, but it was brief, so on I go.
I managed to create my graphic using Image Chef. It was very easy to use. I chose to create a word mosaic, but it had many other options to choose from. Some of the other programs allowed you to create a short video with a character that you create and script the character and have them do certain things. Other programs allowed you to create a comic strip. Some programs were like paint programs. I could easily use many of the programs in one class in particular. I teach Intro to Business. One of the projects is to market a new football team. The student must create a new team logo, which could be created in one of the programs I have looked at. If we have time, I also do a short unit on advertising. The project for that unit is to create a cereal box for a new cereal. Part of the project is to create a TV commercial and draw the story board for the commercial. Instead of drawing the story board, the students could create a comic strip for it or actually create the commercial instead.
I also use many presentations in my classroom and sometimes the students have to create presentations. Any of the presentation software programs could be used instead of PowerPoint. PowerPoint is available at school on all of the computers, but if a student needs to work on the presentation at home and doesn't have PowerPoint, they are forced to find time in study hall to finish their assignment. Also, if students are working on a group project, they all would be able to access it. It is risky for students working in a group to save on the public drive at school. I have had many students lose projects because of other students deleting them. This would eliminate the possibility of other students deleting work. We have also had server problems at school this year and some of the students lost work on their personal drive. Using online presentation software would eliminate that. I would also not lose work by using online presentation software.
So far I am enjoying what we are learning about and am excited to learn more!
I managed to create my graphic using Image Chef. It was very easy to use. I chose to create a word mosaic, but it had many other options to choose from. Some of the other programs allowed you to create a short video with a character that you create and script the character and have them do certain things. Other programs allowed you to create a comic strip. Some programs were like paint programs. I could easily use many of the programs in one class in particular. I teach Intro to Business. One of the projects is to market a new football team. The student must create a new team logo, which could be created in one of the programs I have looked at. If we have time, I also do a short unit on advertising. The project for that unit is to create a cereal box for a new cereal. Part of the project is to create a TV commercial and draw the story board for the commercial. Instead of drawing the story board, the students could create a comic strip for it or actually create the commercial instead.
I also use many presentations in my classroom and sometimes the students have to create presentations. Any of the presentation software programs could be used instead of PowerPoint. PowerPoint is available at school on all of the computers, but if a student needs to work on the presentation at home and doesn't have PowerPoint, they are forced to find time in study hall to finish their assignment. Also, if students are working on a group project, they all would be able to access it. It is risky for students working in a group to save on the public drive at school. I have had many students lose projects because of other students deleting them. This would eliminate the possibility of other students deleting work. We have also had server problems at school this year and some of the students lost work on their personal drive. Using online presentation software would eliminate that. I would also not lose work by using online presentation software.
So far I am enjoying what we are learning about and am excited to learn more!
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