1. Provide a URL of one Web site that discusses spreadsheet and/or database use in the classroom. I found the URL http://atr.k12.hi.us/tutorials/tutorials/data/spreadsheets.htm while searching the web and think it is a useful site. The site gives a more in depth explanation on databases and spreadsheets as well as giving examples of how they can be used in the classroom.
2. Describe something you found that surprised you about how databases or spreadsheets can be utilized in the classroom. I really mainly thought of spreadsheets and databases as manipulating data and storing data. I hadn't really thought of how to creatively use them in a classroom setting. However, after reading the articles assigned this week my eyes were opened to the endless possibilities. I had no idea that an excel spreadsheet could be converted into a web page so that it could be shared in groups. I found that very surprising after reading the link, http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/excel/. And can be shared by other students from other areas as far as a continent away.
3. Discuss how you have used spreadsheets and databases in the past. I have used spreadsheets and databases for making forms at the school and when in college we used them in Marketing class to compare data in charts and graphs for a company's revenue. I have also incorporated excel in our home by making spreadsheets for groceries, bills, vacation itinerary, and for taxes.
4. Wikis-Before this class my only experience with wikis was wikipedia. Sometimes wikipedia seems to be thorough and well written and other times looks like a 2nd grader wrote the entries. Now I see wikis are a group effort that can contain the work of a small group of people or the entire population of the United States. After listening to the podcast I can definitely see many uses for a wiki in the classroom. The group-think aspect of wikis intrigues me. I grew up in the day when you shared notes with your friend but now an entire class can share notes with each other.
Tech Explorations #4
Xmind-http://www.xmind.net
iMindMap-http://www.thinkbuzan.com/us/
1.
|
Describe what you learned from exploring this resource. Be thorough in your response.
|
After viewing the 5 sites listed I chose to expand on Xmind and IMindMap. Xmind appears to be a very well thought out and laid out brainstorming program. Brainstorming topics and ideas are easily inputted and once entered the data can be manipulated into various formats. Fishbone charts, gantt view, and spreadsheets (matrix) are easily generated from this data. Once generated they can be exported into various programs. The basic Xmind is free but you can also purchase plus and pro editions that increase your toolbox and also let you export to many more programs.
IMindMap was created by the inventor of mind mapping software, Tony Buzan. This software is a lot like Xmind but has a more polished 3D appearance which has a less industrial look that I believe students would like. Data entry is equally easy with this software and the 3D visualizations were very pleasing to the eye as well as being easy to export. This more polished look does come at a price as there is only a free trial then you have to purchase the full edition.
| |
2.
|
How could you use this resource in a school setting? It does not matter if it is in your field or level, you need to understand how the resource might be used in educational settings.
|
Both software suites you can easily brainstorm or expand on topics with your classroom. Their thoughts and ideas can easily be added to the topic including them in the instruction. The visual nature of this software will keep their interests much longer than simply writing on a chalkboard or whiteboard.
| |
3.
|
Would you recommend this resource to other educators? Like/Dislike; Ease of use, fee or not, and so forth. Why or Why not?
|
Yes I would recommend both sites as many students especially my special education students are visual learners. The way that each program can display the data in various charts and forms will keep the students interest and provide them a power tool to visualize an organize their thoughts. While they both offer a trial version to get the full potential of the software you much purchase the software.
|
Tech Exploration #5
Animoto http://animoto.com
1.
|
Describe what you learned from exploring this resource. Be thorough in your response.
|
Animoto appears to be a very easy to use photo and video production software. By simply uploading photos and videos and using some pre-existing templates you can have professional quality videos in a matter of minutes. There is a free version that allows you to have short movies or you can purchase the software for longer videos.
| |
2.
|
How could you use this resource in a school setting?
|
This could be used for school outings or events that the students are involved in. Or you could even build interest in a lesson with a short video you make containing information about that lesson. There are limitless possibilities of how this can be used in the classroom.
| |
3.
|
Would you recommend this resource to other educators? Like/Dislike; Ease of use, fee or not, and so forth. Why or Why not?
|
Yes I would recommend Animoto to teachers. Its ease of use and professional results are appealing to teachers with very little extra time. A free version is available but for longer movies you will need to purchase the complete software. I look forward to trying the software in my personal life as well as in the classroom.
|
Tech Exploration #6
Google Docs
PhotoPeach http://photopeach.com
1.
|
Describe what you learned from exploring this resource. Be thorough in your response.
|
Google Docs is freeware from Google that incorporates a word, excel, and power point type program in one place. This software can be accessed from any computer and stores your work online. The advantage to this is that you can use any device at any location to make changes or update your documents. Google Doc also lets you collaborate with others to modify documents.
PhotoPeach is a slide show tool that enables the teacher to set up an account and create slide shows for the classroom. Students and parents can see the published slide shows through their accounts. It is very easy software to use. Simply upload pictures, add transitions and music, and then publish. It is simply that easy.
| |
2.
|
How could you use this resource in a school setting?
|
Google Docs will enable you and students to work in the classroom and at home on assignments without having to have costly software suites or the same brand of computers (like Mac and PC).
PhotoPeach can be used to create slide shows of class events, lesson plans, or even sporting events to share with the classroom. Anytime you can keep a student interested in learning the more successful you will be.
| |
3.
|
Would you recommend this resource to other educators? Like/Dislike; Ease of use, fee or not, and so forth. Why or Why not?
|
The school system where I currently work contains one of the poorer districts in the county. Many of the students only have access to computers at school or at the public library which may or may not have matching software. By using Google Docs students will have no problem working away from school. Since freeware and contains word processing and spreadsheet suites I can easily recommend this software for use by educator’s.
Yes, I do recommend PhotoPeach to educators. It is easy to use slide show software that can be used in the classroom. Since the software is free and parents can access it at home it may help parents stay involved in their children’s learning.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment