Excel Spreadsheet Grades

We were to use Excel to create an online grade book.  I think this feature is very useful and will become more useful to a teacher.  I actually use Excel to balance out my family's home budget and keep items current with the trucking business.  These programs are very useful in the home, business, and school environment.  Excel can be a little confusing with the formulas and functions but it is getting better on the help part if you have questions.
Here is a link to my Grades Spreadsheet.

Google Calendar

I used Google Calendars to make a Calendar for the month of July.   I think this feature would be well used in a classroom.  I would personally use it a syllabus guide.  Put assignments, quizzes, and test dates on the calendar and give to the student and email the student a link to the calendar.  This way they would have two ways to access the calendar.  Also too you could make changes and announcements on the calendar online.   The calendar is a great way to keep everyone updated and informed online.

Google Forms 1

Google Forms are a neat idea to use in the classroom or workplace.  These forms can give anonymous information or public information.  You can use them to gather opinions or how to improve the class or a business.

Here is the link to my Survey through Google Docs and my Spreadsheet to see results.



You can use forms online by invitation or you can save and print them and then enter them by hand.  I would suggest you email and invite people to take your survey.  This way the data can be transferred into a spreadsheet to be evaluated all at once.  You will have to have an invite to take a survey in Google docs.  If you do not have an invite then you are probably taking a public survey.

Shortening URL's For Faster Access

I used Tiny to shorten the URL for a Gmail account.  I found after clicking through addresses to find a long one the gmail email access was a long one.  So I used Tiny a URL shortening program to shorten the web site address.

I think this site will be useful for a teacher if they have a syllabus online.  They can shorten the URL's in the syllabus to save time and know that everyone in the class has the same access through the URL.  Also too, a student can use Tiny to shorten web site address for favorite sites or bookmarking.

This activity mostly relates to NETS T Standard #3 Model Digital - Age Work and Learning.  This activity allows students to demonstrate computer skills in a computer based world to complete assignments. 

Graphing Tools

I used Kid's Zone to create two graphs to show West Virginia's Math, Reading, and Science scores compared to the National Scores for the 4th and 8th grades.  My data information for the graphs came from the National Assessment of Educational Progress where you can compare data from all 50 states.  I think this is a neat activity where you can compare data and show a chart to emphasize your studies.

I did the comparison on the scores for the 4th Grade Math assessments for West Virginia compared to the Nation.  You will see that West Virginia has lower test scores than the National average.      

Here is the comparison on the scores for the 8th Grade Math Assessments for West Virginia compared to the Nation.  You will see that West Virginia once again has lower test scores than the National average.

I feel that West Virginia is slowly falling behind in Math when compared to the Nation.  I feel if we allow more funding to students and teachers in the math field then we will be able to purchase items to use in the classroom that will enhance the learning for Math.  A student will be able to use advanced calculators, computers, and hands on activities to learn different Math techniques.  Math does not always have to be frustrating and irritating if only a student had a different learning method that allowed them to learn the Math.

Web Survey

I created a web survey using Zoomerang.com.  I like this idea if you need to get an idea from students.  You can do a survey or a poll online and it can be done anonymously.  No one has to know who put what.  I think this could be used in a lot of classes and be a useful tool. 
Here is the link to my Web Survey. 

Word Cloud by Wordle

Wordle is a neat program and idea.  I think a literature class would be neat using this program.  You can put quotes in it.  If you put all the states in the US in it then you would have a neat study guide.  That was neat by the way, I did try it.  This is a very creative way to do a bulletin board with students.  This is a tool to get everyone involved using their activities and names to get started on one.  I am a math major so I put math and teaching words in mine.  You can be very creative with this one.

Jing Screencast

I really like this project.  I had a little trouble figuring out what to do for the video.  I thought about it and this is what I came up with.  I think this should be a video for new students not familiar with logging into Blackboard.  So here is a video to show you how to do that.


How to Log into Blackboard Learning System Via Fairmont State University.

Jing Image

I am a math major so this is the Jing image I captured to use.  This program could easily be transitioned into the classroom setting especially if the teacher wanted to use a specific image to teach or make reference to.  If the teacher found an image online then they could capture and save the image for future use.  No need to keep storing the website addresses.  I also like this tool because you can add text to the picture to give further and detailed instructions.  This would also work to to print sheets out for projector use if needed. 

Self Portrait

This is a self portrait drawn by me using Picasso Head.  This is a really neat feature.  I had a lot of fun with this.  I liked trying all the features and then choosing which one to use.  Kind of puts me in mind of a Mr. Potato Head.  You can put his pieces in and if you do not like them then take them out and start all over again, but with this feature you can change the size and color of the pieces you are using and you can choose a face.  This would be a great activity in an online classroom to get an idea of a student.  This program would be a huge bonus for an art class.  An art student can be very creative with this program.  Here is a link to my self portrait using Picasso Head.

Snipping Tool

This is my Snipping Tool art.  You can find this Snipping Tools on your computer.  You click on the Windows logo and type snipping tool in the search box.  It comes up and you click on it to use it.  I do not think all versions of Windows has this feature.  This feature allows you to cut anything and save it to your computer so you can use the item later or you can use the item right away.

I cut the Facebook graphic and used it.  I then used the pen and highlight features to make it a little colorful.  I think this feature would be very useful on a Power Point presentation.  Especially if you are wanting to include a logo for example.

Reading Assignment 4

The convergence of the cognitive sciences and neurosciences provides new insights into the field of multimodal learning through Web 2.0 tools. Explain this in your own words like your are explaining it to your grandmother.

   Web 2.0 is a feature that will allow students to learn to work on a computer and in a classroom on line.  The student has goals that can be achieved in different ways.  A student can use all senses in this type of learning environment.  They can see the image, they can hear the word for the image, and use a mouse to click on the right answer or enter an answer on a touch screen.  This enables a child to think and decide on an answer and also to work at their own pace.  This new learning style will help the child gain knowledge on their own or as a class guided by an instructor.  The child will also enhance their own learning ability by using the web tools to gain knowledge, search for answers and to ask questions.     

 

 

Multimodal Learning Principles

Based upon the first 6 multimodal learning principals, pick 5, rank them from importance (most importance to least important). Explain your ranking and explain why you eliminated the principle you did. 

1.  Temporal Contiguity Principle
2.  Spatial Contiguity Principle
3.  Multimedia Principle
4.  Modality Principle

5.  Redundancy Principle
6.  Coherence Principle


I think when students first start learning they learn with Temporal Contiguity Principle.  The student is shown a picture along with a word to become familiar with the word and what the picture is.  Then Spatial Contiguity Principle is used to determine whether or not the child is understanding and linking the relationship from the picture to the word or vice versa.  The Multimedia Principle is used more today due to more technology available to the classroom.  The pictures are shown in retention and over and over for practice.  The Modality Principle allows students to view the pictures and associated words on a television or projector in a show rather that staring at it on a screen.

I think that Redundancy Principle and Coherence Principle fall in the same category for me.  They both rank near the bottom in learning.  In Redundancy Principle each item is taught one way and one way only.  If one student does not get the lesson in that form then that child is therefore left behind.  Every person has their own learning style and technique.  In Coherence Principle is where each thing is taught separately.  The picture is presented with no words or the word presented with no picture.  There is no word to picture association to correspond the two together. I do not understand how a child could comprehend the picture and word relation if they are constantly shown separately.

Reading Assignment 3: Memory, Senses and Multitasking

Explain how the reading expanded your knowledge of how we use our senses and memory  interact with the world. 

     I have learned that there are three types of memory:  working memory, sensory memory and long-term memory.  Working memory is the main part of the brain where the thinking part is done and deals with short term memory issues.  The working memory has two buffer areas: The first buffer area stores verbal and text elements and the second buffer area stores visual and spatial elements.  Sensory memory is long term memory where a person can reflect something and retain it in memory.  Long-term memory allows someone to store lots of information.  This information ranges from memory, ideas, thoughts, and repetitive processes.  All of these memory forms allow people to communicate, remember things, function properly and expand their horizons.


Provide some examples of the various types of memory from your academic career. 


     My example of various types of memory from my academic career are learning to retain information and study habits.  I like to read information and then reread it.  I also like to take notes while reading.  I seem to retain information and recall it if I stop and write it down.  I have also started to paraphrase what I read out loud to make sure I understood what I just read.     I think these tasks help me to understand my readings and I am able to recall things easier.
     I am a math major at FSU.  I think you have to retain information on how to use math and then build off of what you all ready know.  In order to continue on in math you must remember how to go from the bare essentials of a problem and build up until you get an answer.  This process also goes in reverse.  You start with the answer and must work your way back to the bear essentials.  You must remember and retain the information and then interpret when to use it and how to work your way through a problem.  

How has this class so far interacted with your existing schema of instructional technology? 

This instructional technology class has sort of helped me conquer my fear of technology.  I am not a big fan of technology and also I am a bit "click happy" with the mouse.  I get carried away and click way too much and then I am like where did it go?  I am learning to try new software and use its components to do different things on a blog page.  I really like being able to blog and use the new techniques.  Since we are in a growing technology world, I feel this class is very essential for someone wanting to learn more about technology and how to use all aspects of it. 


Multitasking: Fact of fiction based upon your reading.

I feel that multitasking is fact.  A person has to listen and respond to what they are hearing.  This has to involve thinking before you speak to respond what is said to you.  If you responded in jibberish then the person would know something was not right.  You have to involve your mind and your senses together (multitask) to make you function.  Yes, sometimes multitasking can be interrupted but most of the time we do it and we do not notice it.  When we think about being interrupted on tasks this is when we notice that we were multitasking and one minor thing interrupted it.  

     

Reading Assignment 2: Dale's Cone of Experience

1. Why might Dale’s cone of Experience be of interest to someone in an instructional technology course?
    
      Dale's Cone of Experience would be needed and probably studied in an instructional technology class.  Dale's Cone breaks down the learning process.  It shows how people process things, how they use them, and then how they remember to use them. 
   

   

2. Dale’s Cone of Experience: Science or Nonsense?

      I do not think Dale's Cone of Experience is nonsense.  It does make sense if you sit and think about it.  The cone breaks down the learning process.  Some people learn quicker than others and then some people have a different learning style.  The cone shows all the processes to learn on a broader scale.  I think this cone can be used in different fields.  May be helpful more in some fields than others.
      I think the one important field that would benefit from this would be the medical field.  My example:  A doctor performing surgery.  The doctor must do his research from x-rays, scans, patient information and how to cure the ill patient.  The doctor then must discuss a game plan of action with the patient and family and decide or make a strategy of how to do the procedure.  Upon completion of the procedure the doctor then meets with family to discuss the situation and update the family on the patient's condition.  I think this is a great example of where Dale's Cone of Learning would play a big part.

I also wanted to include this quote from Confucius that sort of supports Dale's Cone of Learning.

"I see and I forget, I hear and I remember, I do and I understand." - Confucius

Web Browser Experiences

What is a browser add on?
A browser add on is a feature you add to the toolbar of your browser. The add on gives you the ability to use different features and functions. You should try different add-ons to get one that best suits your needs. Each add-on has different functions and applications for you to use.

Give an example and explain why they are useful (if they are useful Which ones have you used?
One example I like to use FoxyTunes. FoxyTunes is a Firefox add on that allows you to use Itunes or your Windows media player from Firefox's toolbar section.

What browser add-ons are you currently using?
I currently use Foxytunes, Diigo, Adobe, AOL toolbar and most importantly Java.

What is your experience with add-ons? Did you installations work smoothly?
My experience with new add-ons is going okay. The add-ons worked smoothly after a couple of days of working with them. (I get a little click happy with the mouse and things come up missing.) I have to use them a little to get used to the different things each one does. I am not able to just install it and go.

What ISTE NETS T (EDUC 2201 and 6305) or NETS A (ED. Leadership) standard would you consider this activity most closely matches and why?
I think the activity that most closely matches all of the ISTE NETS T standards would be keeping the blog and being able to view other classmates blogs. The blogs allow everyone to be creative and add their own style to each activity. I think the blogging allows each student to keep in touch with other class members of the same class on line without being face to face. I also think this teaches students computer etiquette skills of being proper and using verbal skills.  It also allows students to ask questions in writing or in the class so the teacher can emphasize the answer to the class as a whole (such as our discussion area).  I really like this idea myself.

Diigo Toolbar

I like using this toolbar feature. I find it very helpful and you can join groups on items that interest you and your teaching field. You can also compose your library and use sites that interest you and help you in the classroom.

Teaching Philosophy

My Philosophy on Teaching.



I love this Voki!! We could pass for twins. lol lol

Resume

Resume for Teaching Position