#Grades

The commitment to the cause paid off! (:

Voki: Ms. Champ's Avatar

My Introduction and my avatar!  

For this assignment I was required to register with Voki and create an avatar that introduced who I am.  I did have to register and I did receive a username and password.  I then created an avatar.  You can select the type: male, female, and/or other.  You can also change your eyes, hair, height, and many more features.  I then added an introduction (through text) about who I am.  I learned through the Voki assignment that students can design characters to match the text they might be reading or researching.  I did look through Voki's Lesson Plans and discovered many usable activities/lessons that I could use for my fifth grade classroom.  I believe this is a great assignment for Jigsaw learning.  For social studies each student can be assigned a different character from any given time frame and create a Voki (you can determine word minimum and maximum) that represents your character.  For science, each student could be assigned an animal and/or an important scientist.  When students then produce their final avatars to the class, the class then learns from the other students about the important concepts and who these people were remembered for.  I can definitely see the importance in using avatars in the classroom.  Once again, this is an innovative lesson that enables students to explore different types of learning experiences.  In particular, students with special needs or struggles would appreciate the assignment.  It would be "fun."  Also, this would be a great "unconventional" assessment that the students wouldn't even see coming! (:

What am I? (great example for an avatar lesson)

NETS for Teachers: I feel that this lesson meets many of the tech standards.  This lesson would most definitely inspire student learning and me teaching it to them would be me facilitating.  It's also very creative.  I could use my knowledge of avatars to create a virtual environment where my students can enjoy engaging in academics on the technology level.  By creating and using avatars I am modeling digital-age work and learning.  Avatars are the new thing in our digital society.  Lesson plans are being designed around the idea and using these tools are beneficial to any instructor of learners.  I am once again promoting digital-age citizenship and responsibility and my students can learn from that behavior.  I also am constantly engaging in professional growth and leadership and believe it is a vital part of being the best when working in teh line of education.  My goal is to never stop learning, model these experiences for my students, and then provide them technology-rich lessons that "boggle" their minds! #technology

Wordle: 2000 vs. 2008

The 2008 Version:

 The 2000 Version:

The NETS T Standards have shifted and evolved to the technology-rich society that we live in today (2013).  During the year of 2000, I was a junior/senior in high school.  I did not have a cell phone.  I did not know what social networking meant and we still used 3.5 floppy disk.  Times were much different.  Technology has been nothing but a "race-to-the-top" since.  During the years of 2001-2002, I did receive my first cell phone (once I was in college), as well as, took an Introduction to Technology course through Fairmont State University (FSU).  The 2000 version of the standards was focused in this same direction.  Microsoft Office was up-and-rising and was the "Google" of 2000.  Computers and the "Internet" were all very new to a large part of society.  Therefore, the 2000 version was more focused on teachers using technology to enhance their lessons (PowerPoint), teachers using technology to be more productive (Excel), and/or teachers were using technology (computers) to share lesson plans on the world wide web.  The new direction that NETS T took was absolutely appropriate.  Eight years later, revisited and revised, the NETS T standards revolve around teachers and students using technology to enhance learning experiences and collaborating in ways which we would have never imagined in 2000.  In summary, we went from teachers using technology to using technology as teachers and students.  

Wordle is a great digital tool that teachers & students (along with many others) can use to create "word clouds."  After completing the Wordle assignment, I began to ask myself, "What did Wordle force me to do?"  I think Wordle is a great tool for focusing on key words or concepts when reading text.  I think any assignment where students were asked to read a text and then create a "word cloud" as an assessment of the reading and comprehension by using the key words and key concepts.  It is also a unique form of assessment and student won't even realize they are being assessed.

 Ms. Champ's WORDLE Center

The NETS T Standards Involved are: #1- Did this Wordle Activity facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity?  I do believe by facilitating experiences such as the one involved in this lesson, students will advance.  Virtual environments are so much more fun.  Using Google Docs I designed an English/Language Arts (ELA) center that engages students through text with technology to focusing on key words and concepts when reading and comprehending.  Standard #2 states that I (the teacher) can design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments.  Is my Wordle Center a digital-age learning experience and can I use it as an assessment?  Yes and yes!  The center is technology rich: the Google Docs, the digital-age tool called Wordle, and then the emailing of the finished product.  Students are also watching me (the teacher) exhibit the knowledge and skills of an innovative professional in a global and digital society.  Using this digital tool will also allow my struggling students a more unique learning experience that may enhance the experience.  By engaging in professional growth and leadership, I am providing digital-age learning experiences not only to myself but also modeling that leadership for my students.  My goal is to engage my students in creative processes that will allow them to grow and evolve along with technology instead of years behind it.  Through taking this course, I have realized that I do need to put more of an emphasis on my “technological side.”  I also feel as though this course has prepared me  for teaching in this technology crazy world.  I have high hopes of teaching my students how to blog and utilize that blog in order to communicate with me (the teacher) and their peers (their classmates). 

Google Sites

Visit My Google Site

For this assignment I was required to design and develop a Google Site.  I feel as if the hardest part was figuring out WHO to design the site for.  I decided to design a site for my parents/students.  I followed the simple "create" a site directions.  I did struggle with figuring out how to edit.  After looking at classmate's sites and Dr. Pierce's sites, I feel as though there is most definitely more for me to learn about Google Sites.  I did struggle with this particular assignment more so than I have with other assignments.  I feel as if editing the site is a task.  I can see the benefits of using the Google Sites to improve the technological aspects of ones life.  Looking though the different templates, I quickly realized that you can pretty much design a website designed towards any theme.  Through a Google Site one could collaborate or connect with others using the world wide web.  I do a lot of professional development for my county and can see how I might apply the Google Sites assignment to that aspect of my life. 

Find my RESUME...

Find my RUBRIC...

ISTE NETS (Standards for Teachers):  

Standard #1 states that as a teacher I should be able to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity...in both face-to-face and virtual environments.  As a teacher, I am responsible for exposing my students to multiple digital tools.  Standard #2 is almost directly related to the first standard.  It states that teachers are responsible for designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments.  I can think of multiple opportunities to use Google Sites

as assignments/projects that my students design which would also be an excellent way to assess my students learning experiences as well.  Standard #3 is directly related to my Google Site.  The site can be utilized by teachers and students and exhibits that I use digital-age work.  I can survive in a global and digital society and my students and parents are aware of that through their experiences with me.  Standard #5 states that teachers engage in professional growth and leadership continuously to improve professional practice.  The amount of professional growth and development is unlimited, as well as, the amount of digital tools that are "out there."

Excel 2: T-Test

Upon reading the assignment and working on the activity, I think it was one of the more challenging activities we have had.  Understanding the "t test" and how it works was a difficult concept for me to fully comprehend.  I did use Excel to develop descriptive statistics on both the males and females from the NCES State Comparison's Website found in the prevous activity.  The males generated the following data:

The females generated the following data: 

After doing this, I simply used the Data Analysis tool again and selected:

I then generated the following data:

I also used the T-Test Statistics Calculator online and generated the following data:

Looking at the results makes me think that there is no statistical difference, but upon closer examination I noticed the E-07 which told me about the scientific notation and the results were less than .05 for both the P(T<=t) one-tail test and P(T<=t) two-tail test.  With the results of both tests being less than .05 there is a significant difference between the national results for males and females.  Now if the results were greater than .05 we would accept the null hypothesis, that there is no difference, but my results show there is a difference.

I would like to do research on student behaviors in correlation with implementing a positive behavior supports system (PBS) built by the teachers themselves.  I would like to compare data from previous years (no PBS implemented) to data that generated after a PBS was implemented.  The study's participants would be approximately 165 seventh and eighth graders, male and female students that range in age from 12-15 years old.  The independent variable would be the actual PBS itself (the rules, expectations, and procedures do not change).  The dependent variable would be the students and their positive and negative behaviors.  My research question would be: Does implementing a positive behavior system in the middle school make a difference on positive and negative behaviors (discipline).  My hypothesis is that there would be a significance and that the PBS will result in more positive behaviors at the middle school level and that the number of office referrals will decrease from office referrals in the past (prior to a PBS).  My null hypothesis is that there would be no significant difference and that a PBS would not result in positive behaviors and that there would be no difference in the number of office referrals or an increase in the number of office referrals (discipline). 

Excel 1: Descriptive Statistics

I simply went to the NCES State Comparison's Website and downloaded the data into an Excel Spreadsheet. I then watched the JING videos. I inserted an add-on for "data analysis" and this then allowed me to simply select what data I wanted to analyze and it organized it for me.

The United State's average is 220.4077278 and West Virginia's (WV) average was below that at 214.6402149. Therefore, we scored 42 out of 52 sections/states in Reading (Grade 4) during the year of 2011. There were nine states that scored less worse than us and forty-three that scored better than WV.

Standard #2: Design & Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences & Assessments...

Rubrics

Rubrics are used for (enter def.).  Rubistar is a free online tool that allows users to create rubrics for whatever purpose.  They provide templates for common topics, as well as, they allow users to create from scratch as well.  Once users have created their rubrics, they can access their work through the Teacher Home Link.  Here one can view, edit, analyze, and/or duplicate. 

My Rubistar Rubric Link
My Google Rubric Link

Maps 2: Google Earth

Google Earth is a great tool for exploring the world and going on virtual adventure's from anywhere, for example, from a classroom.  In the past, I have used Google Earth to look for my residence and other locations.  Only now, through this course, do I see that Google Earth is much more than what I had remembered it to be.  It is a bit scary to think of how powerful Google Earth truly is.  Just this past Friday night on the popular TV show 20/20, co-hosts were doing a story line on a troubled individual who crossed the lines with Paris Hilton by trespassing onto her property and knocking on her door.  The young adult was being interviewed and admitted that he simply used Google Earth to study the streets and then him and his friends did it.  Also, the popular TV show Duck Dynasty has discussions involving Google Earth and how often it is updated.  Hence, they actually placed about 50 duck decoys in a pile on the warehouse roof in order to see when Google Earth actually updated the image of their warehouse.  Google Earth is a very popular tool. 

KML- The transfer from Google Maps to Google Earth was very easy.  It was as simple as a few mouse clicks.

Google Earth- After downloading Google Earth, I had to explore the new features.  I then simply went to "file" and then to "open" and opened the KML that I had saved to my computer.  After importing the file into Google Earth I was able to go on a silent tour, zoom in and around locations, design a virtual field trip, and much more.  I can definitely see the advantages of this new innovative tool: Google Earth!

Google Earth for Educators:  Although I'm not sure that I am navigating in the correct places, I did find some great resources from the Google for Educators site:

• Doodle 4 Google: This would be a great innovative way to involve your students in something great!  Students design Google Logo.  
• Google Science Fair: A great way to take a Science Fair Project to a higher level (gifted/advanced students).  

"With technology we can remove the limitations of the traditional classroom and transform the way we teach and learn." Eric Curts - Educator and Technology Coordinator, Ohio

This lesson allowed educators to meet the ISTE NETS T Standard #'s: 
#1: I feel as though I am inspiring student learning if I use this lesson (Walk Two Moons Virtual Field Trip) along with the text in order to help struggling students relate to Sal as she describes her stops along her journey to find her mother.  Also, creating a map called on my creative skills which led to my modeling creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.  We are taking ideas and providing students with images to tie them to.  
#2:  I most definitely designed/developed digital-age learning experience, as well as, in section B: If I take this project and turn it over to my students and allow them to plan a trip out as we did and then teach them them to upload it into Google Earth, can you image the curiosity that would evolve?  <3!  Also, this would allow me to step away as the instructor and simply facilitate the learning environment while the students do the teaching and learning by themselves.  
#3,4,&5: Through modeling digital-age work and learning in a variety of different ways, I can demonstrate fluency in technology through this assignment and many others, I can collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using these digital tools in order to inspire student creativity and inspiration.  Using digital tools and resources to communicate with peers is something that I have thoroughly enjoyed doing this summer through this course.  the knowledge is vast and practical   I continue to learn through this evolving digital culture.  The fifth standard recommends teaches to exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion and participate in local and global learning communities.  

Maps 1

My Word Doc: All About My Map was based on a book titled Walk Two Moons.  The theme of this map would be Salamanca's journey with her grandparents from Ohio to Idaho.  When my students go to this website, they will be able to check their own maps (they have been creating as we were reading the story during whole group).  They will then determine if they have all fifteen stops.  They will develop a map that leads me from our school (Franklin Elementary School, Franklin, WV) to their house.  Students will utilize Google Maps and see what it has to offer.  During other units, we will use this feature as well. 

Through this assignment, I am able to promote and model digital citizenship and responsibly engage in growth and leadership.  Educators are able to now, through a free and easy-to-use tool (Google Maps), are able to take our lessons to a higher-level by utilyzing technology in order to engage our students to the fullest extent.  For example in Walk Two Moons, Sal's journey is what the book is about.  If students are able to take that virtual fieldtrip they are more likely to thrive. 

Walk Two Moons: My Map

Self-Grading Form

Walk Two Moons Vocabulary Pre-&Post-Test

Google Self-Grading Spreadsheet

Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed the Self-Grading Assignment and can see the importance.  The YouTube link really helped me to understand how to use the spreadsheet and formulas to do self-grading.  Google provides users with TONS of free programs/tools that are innovative.  I have been utilizing these tools through this course and now am developing classroom tools that also enable students to utilize their computer skills.  I developed a vocabulary pre- and post- test/quiz.  My students will be asked to take this test prior to reading the book Walk Two Moons.  I will then take the data from the pre-test and determine what words will be my "power words."  Which words do a majority of my students NOT know.  We will then focus on these words.  Once we are done reading and learning from the vocabulary, students will be asked to take the post-test.  I will then analyze the data and determine if my student "grew" or not.  Which students did not grasp the vocabulary? 

This assignment met a number of ISTE NETS standards: 1c, 2d, 3a, 3c, 3d, 5c, and 5d. This activity taught me how to promote student reflection and record their understanding of concepts. Through this activity I was also able to demonstrate fluency in technology by converting my current knowledge to a new technology, communicate relevant information in a digital format, model information using digital-age media and formats (i.e., Internet, Google Docs, forms, surveys, blog). Finally, I was able evaluate and reflect on current professional practice to make effective use of existing digital tools, as well as engage in professional growth.  <3 Google!

Google Forms

Introduction Quiz

Responses Spreadsheet

The Google form is actually a quiz (link), the responses are delivered through a spreadsheet that I designed.  The data is easy to analyze and the pie and bar graphs make it user friendly.  The program was easy to manipulate and the assignment was fairly easy.  As a teacher, I can utilize this tool in multiple ways.  The easy to analyze data (responses) can be used as evidence of learning.  I could simply print out a slip of paper with the website on it and have parents communicate with me through the links.  Parents that didn't have internet, could do paper/pencil copies and I could enter them.  I have actually used Google Docs with classmates several times.  I am currently working on a test with a lady in another county designing a test for a novel we are going to teach.  I even considered the uses that I could get out of it with my family.  I can post the link on my Facebook and communicate with family members about birthday parties, weddings, events, etc.  Its great for organzing and analyzing.  The possibilities are endless.  I love it and the best part is its accessible from anywhere, its free, and when you update it...the link automatically updates as well.  It's an amazing tool. 
NETS T Standard: #2 states that teachers will design relevant learing experiences and assessments that incorporate digital tools and resources (Google Forms) to maximize learning.  Standard #2 also states that teachers will provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments that align with the technology standards.  #3 states that one will collaborate with students, peers, and parents using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.  Also that one will communicate relevant information and ideas using a variety of digital age media and formats.  Surveys home to parents, online assessments, working documents amongst student groups all seem like AWESOME ways to use this variety of digital age media.  #5 states that one will engage in professional growth and leadership.  I am continuously improving my practice and I take pride in the fact that I am a lifelong learner.  I model good student behaviors to my 5 graders when discussing my college demands.  My students are well aware that I am in college and they are well aware that Ms. Champ is not done learning.  One should also model leadership in the school, as well as, in the community.  I have taken on many roles other than teacher since beginning this journey.  I do most of it to help my community and the families.  I also use technology while doing this. 

This Google Forms assignment has been yet again another unique learning experience.  This course has been well worth the time! 

Presentation 3/Prezi Praise!

A Camping Spree Link (Prezi) 

I am so excited to be sharing this post with you.  I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment.  At first I struggle with what to even do it on.  I will be teaching fifth grade next year.  I plan on doing centers during reading/language arts.  My Prezi is a Learning Center.  I am sure it meets many content standards: comparing/contrasting, listing/sorting, text-to-text, etc.  There is a book by Chris Van Dusen titled, "A Camping Spree with Mr. MaGee."  This Prezi is based around this book.  I did struggle with Prezi in the beginning, but immediately seen the advantages in using it.  It is a great presentation tool.  PowerPoint is so "old school."  Prezi is so 2013/2014.  It allows you to display your text/images in a presentation manner except its a different twist on the visual presentation of it.  The spanning and zooming is fun and leaves the viewer wondering what is next.  It is the same as PowerPoint in the sense that you are presenting information in a certain order.  There are many of the same features; however, Prezi is just WAY COOLER!  The biggest advantage of Prezi (in my opinion), is the twists and turns and the panning and zooming.  Its fun & interesting.  Not bland and boring. <3!

Standards: 

#1a: I, the teacher, am using my knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that take student learning to the next level through creativity and virtual environments.  By exposing my students to the Prezi learning center, I will be promoting, supporting, and modeling creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness. 

#2a,b,c,&d/#3a: This Prezi presentation is 100% Digital Age Learning.  Students are navigating their way through web pages, images, videos, etc. in order to have authentic learning experiences and all while providing me with evidence of learning.  I have designed several Prezi presentations and by using them, my students are exposed to relevant/modern learning experiences.  Technology-rich learning environments have many benefits and I want my students to see me modeling the appropriate behaviors in order for them to want to follow in my footsteps and "buy into" my technology lessons. 

#5: Since taking this class, I have become part of Symbaloo, Google, Jing, Diigo, Edmodo, and many more "upbeat" websites.  I feel as though this has been the absolute best "professional development" EVER!  Its exciting and if it makes me excited, I know it will make my students excited. 

Digital Movies from Powerpoint

Photo Story 3 for Windows is awesome!   

Hello (:  I must say that this assignment was particularly interesting to me.  I spent A LOT of extra time doing my movie and am very, very pleased with the outcome.  I found it fairly easy to figure out how everything worked together.  PhotoStory3 is a great download.  I can think of endless possibilities for this in the classroom.  My students could design their own storybooks.  I was thinking this would be ideal for a higher-level group project.  Outcome: Students design and develop their own digital videos.  ISTE NETS Standards #1: I will facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity.  As a user of the technology, I will promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.  The 2nd standard states that one will design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote students learning, as well as, develop technology rich learning environments (according to their diverse learning styles).  Standard #3 states that the teacher will exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional global and digital society.  I can now annotate and upload my own YouTube videos relevant to my interests!  How 2013!! (:  Finally, standard #5 states that professionals will participate in local and global learning communities, exhibit leaderships, and contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.  I thoroughly enjoyed this assignment!  Great resource!

 

Here's the link to my digital movie on YouTube.

Presentation 1

Dropbox Link to My PPT

PowerPoint (PPT) is a great Microsoft Office Tool.  I have been using PPT for many, many years.  I teach out of a series titled Connected Mathematics in a seventh and eigth grade classroom.  I have been working on PPT's for all of my initial lessons.  I believe they help me stay focused when teaching.  I also print out the "handouts" and provide copies to students that may need that extra accommodation in order to be successful.  I enjoy using PPT.  I did not realize how easy it was to record your own voice and embed it in the PPT.  I also have never been successful at embedding links into my PowerPoints; however, I was successful this time. 

Jing Screencast

Jing Video: Advanced Search on Google???

The Jing Video tool is amazing!  I love it.  It is so easy to use.  You simply install and GO!  Once you have installed, the program is simple.  A yellow "bubble" should be on the outter parts of your screen.  Scroll you mouse over the "bubble" and three miniture bubbles will appear.  The first one is the image capture and/or video bubble.  The second one is the users history of images and/or videos.  The third one is other settings.  Once you select the first bubble (image/video), you can then select the crossheirs.  From here you can capture the screen or record a five-minute video.  There are several features in the "image" settings, as well as, useful settings along with making your own video.  Once you are finished, you can share your work by uploading them and copying the link.  It is so easy!  The possibilities are endless.  I think in particular one could use this to introduce/model a TechSteps lesson.  Another possibility might be to show students how to log on to a program at the beginning of the year through a video instead of the traditional way. 

ISTE NETS Standards: #1,2, 3, & 5 meet the requirements of this activity.  I believe that through this assignment using Jing I can provide my students with learning opportunities.  I can utiilze this tool to have students report back how they may have found a resource online.  I can have students do a text set using online resources and a group taught whole group.  The possibilities are endless.  This class amazes me more and more each assignment.  The resources are overflowing.  Love it!

Jing Graphic

Tumble Books Link to Graphic

After installing the Jing software, I was immediately pleased with how fairly easy the tool was to use.  I have recently returned from a training through the state department provided to special education teachers.  At that training, I met a very wonderful teacher in Mercer County @Mariette!  She introduced me to this wonderful website Tumble Books.  I thought I might share this wonderful resource with my classmates as part of this Jing Graphic assignment.  I find Jing absolutely amazing.  I think of the different ways I can utilize this in my classroom.  I could have lessons prerecorded and simply play them anytime I am trying to navigate students on a computer.  This would free me up to monitor the classroom and maintain discipline in a more effective manner I would imagine as well.  Also, it can be used by the children as part of projects to make a Jing Video and present the video to the class (this could be a group project &/or individual project).  The possibilities are endless.  Standard #3 states that modeling digital age work and learning is an important concept.  If I can demonstrate fluency in technology & then transfer that over to my students- then I have provided them with that opportunity.  I do have a question-  would the tech guys for schools want this on the school computers?

Anything is possible with Jing!  Download and let the sharing begin!

Diigo

My Diigo Account was easy to register for.  I have been using it to "bookmark" websites classmates have metioned in blogs and discussion postings.  I recently attended a conference and learned about many resources and shared those on my Diigo Account as well.  It is titled Diigo books and if you teach in the content area of reading, grades K-8...it is a great resource.  Also, I tagged the "Information-Age Mindset" article because I found it interesting and would like to refer to it later.  I can already see the benefits from using Diigo.  I did struggle with the Diigo add-on; however, I do have it installed now and I can tag pages easily; however, I cannot download the tools for bookmarking and highlighting.  Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

Social bookmarking is a way to virtually "tag" websites in order to utilize them to one's fullest potential.  It is also a social networking (almost like an online PLC (professional learning community)).  The advantage to this resource is the fact that so many people can share their favorite or most valuable resources with other teachers.  Compared to "old school" ways of bookmarking websites- this new innovation is quite addicting.  I have opened a Parent Group and am working on keeping it up to date in order to inform parents of websites that they can utilize to their benefit and the benifit of their child's education. 

An add-on is supposed to enhance something.  I am assuming that an add-on is the little things you download onto you computer or onto your toolbar that allow you to use special features while using your computer and the internet.  The only add-on that I have utilized is the Diigo add-on that allows me to add bookmarks easily.  Add-on's sort of confuse me because for some reason I want to think that "Google Chrome" might be an add-on.  I use Google Chrome and Google to do online searching, documents, schoolwork, etc.  I am new to all this technology.

Using social bookmarking in the classroom is so 2013.  I have heard teachers discuss using Edmodo and I do think that would be a great resource.  I also am interested in having my students use blogs.  No matter what the students do, the more technology it involves the better.  Using social bookmarking through Diigo with students is an excellent idea.  Throughout the day, I can expose the student to bits and pieces of text.  They can then be tagged online for students to access later on at their own convenience.  I have already opened up a "parent group" and plan on sharing my resources with parents through Diigo. 

ISTE NETS T Standard #3: Model Digital Age Work and Learning- the fact that I can exhibit knowledge, skills,and work in a professional & digital society.  The Diigo (social bookmarking site) is a way for me to share websites not only with myself but I can also access classmates websites and use their resources as well.  I am also getting more and more comfortable with this type of technology system and could possibly allow my students to design such a webpage that shares kids educational games.  My students would be assigned to find one educational game a piece and then all the games could be uploaded to their own Diigo pages.  They can then be required to upload one educational game per week.  Each student can share their own Diigo accounts on their blogs all as assignments (defintely ties in with writing).  The collaboration between students, peers, and parents is endless with Diigo.  This effective social bookmarking is new and interesting to me.  I can think of several ways to utilize the tool. 

Prezume- Prezi Template

Click here to view my resume "Prezi Style"

The goal was to utilize Prezi and develop an online resume that was unique.  I simply used my resume from Google Docs (Google Docs Resume) and transferred the information to Prezi.  I used a resume template that was already designed.  I did change several features of the template (for example added more circle) in order to better fit my resume categories.  I struggled with inserting a picture at first, but then I finally seen the toolbar above the presentation labeled "insert" and immediately figured out how to insert a pictures.  I also seen that you can insert a YouTube video.  I really enjoyed the task at hand simply due to the uniqueness Prezi has.  Prezi could be utilized in the classroom in order to do book summaries.  Teachers could preselect the templates and model for students how Prezi works.  Then ask students to design a presentation based on a book they may have read.  I also thought it could be used for social studies to create a timeline of yourself or someone else.  Prezi is fairly easy to utilize and I think students would enjoy using it to create/develop presentations. 

I believe this assignment met some of the ISTE Nets T Standards.  I believe it met the 2nd standard: Design & Develop Digital Age Learning, as well as, the 3rd standard: Model Digital Age Work & Learning.  I have stated in previous blogs and will state again: the teacher must utilize the technology first and foremost.  Once that technology is learned, then teachers can move forward and teach students those same skills that will be necessary when they graduate into the "real world."  I absolutely believe that is why this assignment and all others relate to standard 3 because we (teachers) are exhibiting the knowledge and skills and then passing that knowledge and skills onto our students.  This allows them a chance in a global and digital society.  "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity."  (Albert Einstein)

Revisiting the Resume

Resume Scorer Link! 

My original resume received a:

After deleting the references, I scored a:

Link to my resume!

I also received an email from REZSCORE that went into more depth about my resume:

We further broke down your resume into three categories, scored from 0-100 (100 is best):

Brevity: 81

Impact: 74

Depth: 97

Self Portrait

It was my goal to create a "Picasso Head" and add links and an artifact to my blog.  After making the Picasso Head, it was very easy to email the link to my Live account.  After receiving the link, I created a link in my blog that connects others to my "Picasso Head" self portrait (Click Here to see my SELF PORTRAIT).  My "Picasso Head" represents who I am.  I have brown hair, blue eyes, and I enjoy signing my name D. Champ.  (PICASSO HEAD website)

I'd like to have a learning computer center that is "working on your blog" focused.  In that center I'd like to have several activities such as the "self portrait" assignment in order for students to have options.  This self portrait site/activity could be a task for my students after they have initially created their blogs and have learned the skills of posting, adding artifacts (snipping), adding links, etc.  Also, I can link it to another center I have which is making shape poems.  The students could then add the link to their shape poetry in a blog and so forth.  <3 it!

I really didn't encounter any problems with this assignment other than the "snipping tool" concept.  I am using a laptop and I found out that a laptop is a little different.  When you want to do a CTRL + Prnt Scrn it is actually Function (FN) + Prnt Scrn instead on a laptop.  I have not figured out the "snipping tool" shortcuts concept yet.  

This assignment relates to the:

• 2nd Standard: Design and Develop Digital Age Learning-  It is my duty to  design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences such as the "blog center" and the activities/tasks that revolve around it that will encourage students to use technology skills that align with today's constant technological world.  Blogging, capturing screens, adding links, etc. are all skills that are helpful in today's work skills basics.    
• 3rd Standard:  Model Digital Age Work and Learning-  I am constantly working on the skills that are necessary to work with and teach the students of the "information-age mind set" era.  The more fluent I become with technology, the more my students will benefit.  Until recently I would have thought I was up-to-date with the 2013 technology; however, the further we advance through the course- I know understand that there is always more out there to learn.  In order to provide the knowledge to my students I must learn it first.    
• 5th Standard: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership-  I am currently growing as a professional with every assignment that is given.  I am constantly thinking and designing new learning centers, lesson plans, and so forth.  

You can find all standards at: ISTE Nets T Standards 

Google Docs

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EUivLYmg1LMHt-Djpvw500-0GU_0U0curbX8guN-ubg/edit

After updating to Google Chrome, I was able to develop my resume.  It was fairly easy to choose a template and modify it to suit me and my future employers.  Using Google Docs is an example of "Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership" and "Model Digital Age Work and Learning" according to the ISTE Nets T Standards.  I am using current technology to share information with others, as well as, learning and using new technologies that can be implemented into my instruction and classroom activities.  I learned that Google Chrome is where you find Google Docs.  I also learned that there are templates to use just like Microsoft Office.  I can use cloud computing with Google rather than through traditional desktop applications such as Microsoft Office with my students.  In particular, it would be a great idea for group projects where students were asked to compose an essay or some type of artifact in order to present to the class.  Also, students who are absent can still participate from home.  Cloud computing with Google has many advantages.  My favorite thing about Google Docs is that it is easily accessible. #no#jumpdrives#required

Google+

       Google+ LINK!

Google+ is a little confusing.  I find that there is just so much on Google.  I do like it and am learning the processes.  One feature that I do like is when you blog you can also put it directly on Google+, as well as, you can Tweet it very easily as well.  Techology is amazing when it is understood and utilized.  I think so far the most amazing thing to me is actually using these types of technologies and realizing the importance in teaching my students these 21st century skill.  One quote really stuck out to when I was doing the "millennial assignment" that Jason Frand wrote in his article.  It states, "Over the next few years these students will become the majority, spreading like a tidal wave across higher education and demanding changes in the way we operate...the challenge will be for educators and higher education institutions to incorporate the information-age mindset of today's learners into our programs so as to create communities of lifelong learners."

Twitter



 I signed up for Twitter as part of the assignment for 6305.  I have to admit its been a week ago and I am slowly appreciating Twitter for what it is.  I downloaded the app on my iPhone and am enjoying it when I have spare time.  I can appreciate it and have changed my perspective when it comes to "another social networking site."  Twitter is different and a good kind of different.  Enjoying!!!

Follow me by clicking on this link! (:

How Millennial Are You? I scored a 47...

How Millennial Are You? 

What is your millennial age?  I feel that my millennial age reflects a more positive outcome compared with my student’s millennial ages.  I scored a 47 on the millennial quiz.  I am what is known as a "millennial" myself, due to being born in 1982, and scoring on the lower end of the millennial stage.  Most of my students did score on the higher end of the millennial stage spectrum.  I often times experience the gap between our “millennial ages” in my classroom due to the lack of my technology skills and look forward to using this course to narrow that gap.  I have already determined that having my students become “bloggers” is a great way to practice writing skills while using social media in order to enhance learning in my classroom.  Frand’s ten characteristics of the information-age mind set are as follows:

The Information-Age Mindset by Jason Frand

Computers Aren't Technology:  "The phrase "incredibly sophisticated" in the last paragraph is an industrial-age mindset view of the innovations that are emerging on an almost daily basis.  When these new devices are introduced, the information-age mindset reaction is "what took so long?" rather than "Wow!"  Young people naturally gravitate to these kinds of interactive, input/output devices." 

Internet Better Than TV:  "One preliminary finding is that during 1998, for the first time since television was introduced fifty years ago, the number of hours young people spend watching TV decreased.  This time was transferred to the computer, with its Internet connectivity." 

Reality No Longer Real:  "Pictures used to be reality...."but now, ironically, we have entered a period of such advanced data-manipulation capability that photography can no longer be trusted."

Doing Rather Than Knowing:  "As our students enter the workforce, the ability to deal with complex and often ambiguous information will be more important than simply knowing a lot of facts or having an accumulation of knowledge." 

Nintendo Over Logic:  "The key to winning in Nintendo is constant, persistent trial-and-error to discover the hidden doors.  The fastest way to winning is through losing, since each loss is a learning experience....it's no wonder manuals or instruction sets aren't used by today's students- they aren't needed."

Multitasking Way of Life:  "Today there are dozens or hundreds of channels, depending on the provider.  If we don't like a Web site, we click to another.  Our students have an exposure, albeit very thin, to a breadth of places, ideas, and cultures that previously only the well traveled could boast." 

Typing Rather Than Handwriting:  "the power of word-processing"

Staying Connected:  "Advanced telecommunication connectivity is a natural part of living for information-age students."

Zero Tolerance for Delays:  "I want a quick response." 

Consumer/Creator Blurring:  "In today's parlance, there is no distinction between the owner, the creator, and the user of information.  Web protocols are such that if you see something you like, you just cut and past it form the Web page." 
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Am I in or out?  I love this new technology rich world.  There are a few aspects that I don't necessarily agree with 100% but for the most part- I am in.  They want us all online.  Millions of companies/businesses require all information online and most of these companies/businesses do not have a mailing list.  This is the day-and-age we live in.  We have to be IN!  It is an "information-age mind set" world we are living in.
"Over the next few years these students will become the majority, spreading like a tidal wave across higher education and demanding changes in the way we operate."  (Jason Frand)

Frand, J. (2000). The information-age mindset: Changes in students and implications for higher education. Retrieved from http://net.educause.edu/apps/er/erm00/articles005/erm0051.pdf