The first three projects required for this class entailed the use of Microsoft Word Processor, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Excel. Overall given my previous experience using these programs the assignments were not overly difficult and very enjoyable to complete. I ran into no major problems when completing the projects as I finished and completed them ahead of schedule.
The first project, which included the use of Word, required me to make a parents flyer for a meeting which I would be holding. I did not include any true information on it, but the template which I learned how to access on Word is going to allow me to easily complete professional looking flyers in the future.
The second project had me working with the Excel program where I completed a break down of 5 grades from this previous semester. While I used real grades from this school year, I did not use the student’s name. Instead I used characters from my favorite TV show, The Office. At times I had a difficulty making the graphs which were required, but after a little work I was able to figure it out and get the graphs the way I wanted them.
The final project had me complete a PowerPoint review for my students. I had a short review on the 50 states and their capitals. This was especially beneficial because I was able to use this exact power point in my class for review with my students. I originally had a difficult time understanding how to link all the slides together, but after about 20 minutes of searching around I figured out the problem and the rest of the assignment was quite easy. Overall, all three assignments could be beneficial for any teacher looking for betters ways to contact parents, break down grades, and review with students.
Progress Chart
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0BxEIWWTaf7cIZDkxNDkxMzktMTRmMS00OTVlLTkzODgtYjBjNzkyOWMzYmNi&hl=en
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0BxEIWWTaf7cIMjYwNzg1MWQtN2Y2Zi00ZTU5LWEwZWItOTc0YWRmYWM0MjM4&hl=en
http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0BxEIWWTaf7cIYjIxYjNmZmItYmU2Ni00MTcxLTk3ZjEtYjNjZjY2NDc3Mzk3&hl=en
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Week 5 Question 1
What is productivity software? How can it be adapted to benefit teaching and learning? What are the advantages and features of electronic spreadsheets? How do you see them as a benefit in an educational environment?
According to Lever-Duffy and McDonald, productivity software is “general business-application software that educators can adapt for the administrative and professional tasks they must address” (168). Overall, productivity software can be considered word processors, excel spreadsheets, power points and any other data base manager. Now while many would consider these administrative tools useful in a classroom setting, there are several benefits to this productivity software. The most useful of all software is the word processor. Outlines for note taking, and letters to be sent home to parents are only a few of the possible uses of word processors for teachers. In my personal experience students can use word processors for more than just typing papers. When we cover different states, and countries students have the opportunities to make brochures advertising these places. Word processors have templates made to allow students to easily complete these assignments. Another productivity software which can be used in the classroom is the desktop publisher. Desktop publishers allow students or teachers to manipulate the look of a word processing pages. A few of the features on publishers are graphics and clip arts, tables and columns, auto-format, and word art.
Another very useful resource is power point. A teacher can use power point for anything from lessons, to making review games where all the slides are connected together. I personally use a power point Jeopardy activity with my students when it comes time to review for a test. Not only is it a very beneficial form of review, but the students love it. These are just a couple of ways that power point can be used in the classroom environment. There are several productivity software’s which are very useful to teachers and students in the classroom.
Another major productivity software is the electronic spread sheets. There are several advantages and features which come along with electronic spread sheets. These spread sheets have built in math formulas which easily allows teachers to keep track of records (178). Along with these formulas spread sheets, it gives you the capability to produces graphs, pie charts and other tracking graphics. According to Lever-Duffy and McDonald, spread sheets always produce accurate results (179). Spread sheets also produces “What-if analyst.” The authors use the example of students wanting to know what a future average would be based on their hypothetical grade. The “What-if analyst” on a spread sheet allows a student to find out. Students can also use the spread sheets in the classroom by keeping track of recorded data for a science class. Overall, there are several benefits to using spread sheets in an educational environment. It allows teachers to keep easy records of grades and other charts and graphs. Also, they allow students to keep track of data or other analyst for their classes. Spread sheets and other productivity software have a useful place in all classrooms.
According to Lever-Duffy and McDonald, productivity software is “general business-application software that educators can adapt for the administrative and professional tasks they must address” (168). Overall, productivity software can be considered word processors, excel spreadsheets, power points and any other data base manager. Now while many would consider these administrative tools useful in a classroom setting, there are several benefits to this productivity software. The most useful of all software is the word processor. Outlines for note taking, and letters to be sent home to parents are only a few of the possible uses of word processors for teachers. In my personal experience students can use word processors for more than just typing papers. When we cover different states, and countries students have the opportunities to make brochures advertising these places. Word processors have templates made to allow students to easily complete these assignments. Another productivity software which can be used in the classroom is the desktop publisher. Desktop publishers allow students or teachers to manipulate the look of a word processing pages. A few of the features on publishers are graphics and clip arts, tables and columns, auto-format, and word art.
Another very useful resource is power point. A teacher can use power point for anything from lessons, to making review games where all the slides are connected together. I personally use a power point Jeopardy activity with my students when it comes time to review for a test. Not only is it a very beneficial form of review, but the students love it. These are just a couple of ways that power point can be used in the classroom environment. There are several productivity software’s which are very useful to teachers and students in the classroom.
Another major productivity software is the electronic spread sheets. There are several advantages and features which come along with electronic spread sheets. These spread sheets have built in math formulas which easily allows teachers to keep track of records (178). Along with these formulas spread sheets, it gives you the capability to produces graphs, pie charts and other tracking graphics. According to Lever-Duffy and McDonald, spread sheets always produce accurate results (179). Spread sheets also produces “What-if analyst.” The authors use the example of students wanting to know what a future average would be based on their hypothetical grade. The “What-if analyst” on a spread sheet allows a student to find out. Students can also use the spread sheets in the classroom by keeping track of recorded data for a science class. Overall, there are several benefits to using spread sheets in an educational environment. It allows teachers to keep easy records of grades and other charts and graphs. Also, they allow students to keep track of data or other analyst for their classes. Spread sheets and other productivity software have a useful place in all classrooms.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Week 4 Question 3
Reflection #3- How do increasing computer power, decreasing size, and wireless communications make technology-enhanced classroom more flexible? What is a virtual environment? What potential does it hold for education?
Growing up during the technology boom of the 1990’s and 2000’s I have witnessed the transformations of computer and other electronic technology. From the days of dial up internet on my families giant Packard Bell to the capacity to be able to surf the internet on my iPhone. Myself, along with all Americans have seen the rapid advancement in computer technology. With such a growth in the computer arena it would be foolish for school districts, schools, and teachers not to take full advantage of the opportunity that technology has presented to us. There has been major advancement in three areas, computer power, the decrease of size, and wireless communications. Through these advancements it has also made it easier to incorporate into a normal classroom.
The advancement in education technology can deliver a large degree of flexibility to any classroom. Increase speeds of the computer have made it possible for students to look up information in the blink of an eye, and has allowed for teachers to scan and post items faster than they could have ever imagined. The decrease in size of technology can be seen throughout technology. Computers are constantly becoming smaller, it is now possible for students to pull a lap top from their book bags and never have the need to leave the classroom. Palm pilots and other PDA’s have also made it possible to never carry a notebook again. In the palm of your hand it is now possible to take all the notes for all your classes during the day. Decrease size is also noticeable through saving devices. Gone are the days of floppy disk, today all your document and media files can be saved onto a simple zip drive which you can attach to your key chain. The decrease in size of educational technology products has made reaching students through these outlets easier than ever. Wireless networks have allowed students and teachers to access the Internet from nearly any location. Using portable wireless computers, students can research a topic on a field trip before ever returning to school (Lever-Duffy McDonald, 153). With the invention of Wi-Fi networks gaining access to the internet has become easier than ever, for students and teachers.
The final advancement in educational technology is virtual environments. This is perhaps the most important of all previously discussed. Virtual environments allow for students to enter a world which they are discussing in their class. Lever-Duffy and McDonald use the example of students searching the Amazon rainforest. As a 6th grade teacher if I was given that type of technology when discussing Latin America, I believe my students could have a better grasp of the wildlife in that region of the world. Overall, as teachers we must do all we can, with the resources which are provided. Through the possibilities that are being presented to us, we have the potential to reach students in ways which could not even have been fathomed five years ago. It is our duty to do everything we can with, the technology provided to us to reach each and every student.
Growing up during the technology boom of the 1990’s and 2000’s I have witnessed the transformations of computer and other electronic technology. From the days of dial up internet on my families giant Packard Bell to the capacity to be able to surf the internet on my iPhone. Myself, along with all Americans have seen the rapid advancement in computer technology. With such a growth in the computer arena it would be foolish for school districts, schools, and teachers not to take full advantage of the opportunity that technology has presented to us. There has been major advancement in three areas, computer power, the decrease of size, and wireless communications. Through these advancements it has also made it easier to incorporate into a normal classroom.
The advancement in education technology can deliver a large degree of flexibility to any classroom. Increase speeds of the computer have made it possible for students to look up information in the blink of an eye, and has allowed for teachers to scan and post items faster than they could have ever imagined. The decrease in size of technology can be seen throughout technology. Computers are constantly becoming smaller, it is now possible for students to pull a lap top from their book bags and never have the need to leave the classroom. Palm pilots and other PDA’s have also made it possible to never carry a notebook again. In the palm of your hand it is now possible to take all the notes for all your classes during the day. Decrease size is also noticeable through saving devices. Gone are the days of floppy disk, today all your document and media files can be saved onto a simple zip drive which you can attach to your key chain. The decrease in size of educational technology products has made reaching students through these outlets easier than ever. Wireless networks have allowed students and teachers to access the Internet from nearly any location. Using portable wireless computers, students can research a topic on a field trip before ever returning to school (Lever-Duffy McDonald, 153). With the invention of Wi-Fi networks gaining access to the internet has become easier than ever, for students and teachers.
The final advancement in educational technology is virtual environments. This is perhaps the most important of all previously discussed. Virtual environments allow for students to enter a world which they are discussing in their class. Lever-Duffy and McDonald use the example of students searching the Amazon rainforest. As a 6th grade teacher if I was given that type of technology when discussing Latin America, I believe my students could have a better grasp of the wildlife in that region of the world. Overall, as teachers we must do all we can, with the resources which are provided. Through the possibilities that are being presented to us, we have the potential to reach students in ways which could not even have been fathomed five years ago. It is our duty to do everything we can with, the technology provided to us to reach each and every student.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Week 3 Reflection 2, Question 2
Reflection Question 2: What is the difference between formative feedback and summative feedback?
As an educator, it is our responsibility to teach the material in a manner in which each student comprehends and understands it. The best way to make sure that the delivery of the information is being understood is through assessment or feedback. Feedback is the return of information regarding the success of each step in the instructional process. Feedback can be measured through a number of assessments, other than just test and quizzes. Writing prompts, white board review, and interactive games on the computer can all be considered forms of assessment. As educators it is our responsibility to assess our students in order that we make sure they understand the material being presented. The two major forms of assessment feedback are Formative feedback and Summative feedback.
Formative feedback occurs during the event or process of learning, rather than at the end. Formative feedback is constantly occurring in many different shapes and forms. Formative feedback does not have to always be a long or generic assessment. Many times educators will simply pass out prompt cards and have students answer each question as they leave the class. According to Lever-Duffy and McDonald, “Formative feedback ensures a way to facilitate, the continuous flow of information as a system is implemented so that corrections and adjustments can be made while the process unfolds” (48). Formative feedback is occurring during each step of the learning process, and is a great tool for teachers to make sure that their students are understanding the material every step of the way.
The alternative to Formative feedback is Summative Feedback. This form of feedback and assessment is measured at the end of the learning process, as opposed to throughout the process in formative feedback. Summative feedback allows the teacher to make adjustment to the process for future use when using Summative feedback. Generally Summative feedback is measured through test and/ or quizzes. Summative feedback can be used in any setting of teaching.
Lever-Duffy and McDonald believe that feedback, “encourages a teacher to create a dynamic instructional process that remains responsive even as you are actively engaged in planning and implementing instruction” (49). Overall in my two years as a middle school teacher I believe the best method for feedback is formative. There is not a feeling worst than when you complete an instructional period and then you assess and realize that the students have not understood the material as successfully as you first hoped. Therefore I feel it is best to gather feedback throughout the process so that you may know if your students do not completely understand early on. Through this method you can make the appropriate adjustments in order that your students understand the material which you hope to deliver.
As an educator, it is our responsibility to teach the material in a manner in which each student comprehends and understands it. The best way to make sure that the delivery of the information is being understood is through assessment or feedback. Feedback is the return of information regarding the success of each step in the instructional process. Feedback can be measured through a number of assessments, other than just test and quizzes. Writing prompts, white board review, and interactive games on the computer can all be considered forms of assessment. As educators it is our responsibility to assess our students in order that we make sure they understand the material being presented. The two major forms of assessment feedback are Formative feedback and Summative feedback.
Formative feedback occurs during the event or process of learning, rather than at the end. Formative feedback is constantly occurring in many different shapes and forms. Formative feedback does not have to always be a long or generic assessment. Many times educators will simply pass out prompt cards and have students answer each question as they leave the class. According to Lever-Duffy and McDonald, “Formative feedback ensures a way to facilitate, the continuous flow of information as a system is implemented so that corrections and adjustments can be made while the process unfolds” (48). Formative feedback is occurring during each step of the learning process, and is a great tool for teachers to make sure that their students are understanding the material every step of the way.
The alternative to Formative feedback is Summative Feedback. This form of feedback and assessment is measured at the end of the learning process, as opposed to throughout the process in formative feedback. Summative feedback allows the teacher to make adjustment to the process for future use when using Summative feedback. Generally Summative feedback is measured through test and/ or quizzes. Summative feedback can be used in any setting of teaching.
Lever-Duffy and McDonald believe that feedback, “encourages a teacher to create a dynamic instructional process that remains responsive even as you are actively engaged in planning and implementing instruction” (49). Overall in my two years as a middle school teacher I believe the best method for feedback is formative. There is not a feeling worst than when you complete an instructional period and then you assess and realize that the students have not understood the material as successfully as you first hoped. Therefore I feel it is best to gather feedback throughout the process so that you may know if your students do not completely understand early on. Through this method you can make the appropriate adjustments in order that your students understand the material which you hope to deliver.
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