NAEP Results 2011

What did I do?
Using the website for NAEP we were to find the results for two things.  How does WV rank according the rest of the United States and is there a significant difference between males and females in WV and their math scores.  The best way to do this is by conducting t-tests and finding the standard deviation and means for all scores.  We were to use the excel program to compare results.  Then plot them on a line plot.

What did I learn?
You can locate scores here NCES at the NCES website.  I learned that finding out how your state is doing is easier than you think.  You just need to know the correct site to look at and this is the place.  The site made it easy to input the numbers into your own excel spreadsheet so that the t-tests were easier to conduct.    I learned that WV is really low in scores as compared to the rest of the United States.  Such a bummer.  I know many teachers work over time in order to help their scores.  At some point, you wonder if we are missing something or maybe the parents need to be more involved.

How can I use it?
Data based analysis is a great tool for all teachers to use.  You can use it within your own classroom after a standardized test or with quarterly assessments to see who is lacking in certain areas and how to help them. YOu can also see that as a whole...WV is not necessarily low in Math scores but the entire United States as a whole is.

ISTE NETS T:

This is true because by looking at the results in a line plot we are reflecting and evaluating scores that uses resources effectively for teaching.  We are also doing it through the use of technology!

Sign Up for A Youtube Account

What did I do?
We were asked to sign up for a youtube account.  I used my account that I have had for over 8 years.  I picked a name that had to do with my mentality in college (college humor) so I would rather not post my youtube account name for fear it could offend someone.  You just go to youtube at Youtube, go to the top right and sign up for account.

What did I learn?
I learned that you should really think about your account name.  Because what was funny for a minute in college really isn't funny in the real world.  I wish I could go back and change it.  The problem, youtube knows you as other emails, especially if you use your google account.  It makes it much easier.  It also remembers your info from Facebook which makes it really hard to try and create/change your user name.  Oh well!

How can I use it?
I am not allowed to use Youtube in school.  Too bad, it really does have a lot of great informational and educational videos that could be used for school.  They are for sure better than the videos on teachertube.  You could use it to show videos, make educational videos, or have the kids get excited and make a video about a topic you are teaching.

ISTE NETS T Standard:
collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.


This standard works because Youtube could be a great tool to integrate parents and community into what is happening within your classroom.  With an emphasis on success and safety.

Appropriate a Youtube Video

What did I do?
We were to find an interesting Youtube video and then download it to our computer so that we can we post it in our blog.  I thought a video on "how to save a youtube to your computer" was appropriate!  Ha!  Here is the link to the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-Hs6smGvRg

or

How to Save a Youtube Video to Your computer

The easy way for blogger is that we can just use the youtube link from blogger and post it directly to our webpage.

I used the software www.keepvid.com.  It was free and easy.  You just had to allow an applet so that it can do its job.

What did I learn?
I learned that finding my own software on how to save things is easier than just suggested ways.  Seeing that everyone has different computers, not all software will work as smoothly for others.  I liked figuring it out on my own as I do with most of my tech needs.  I am the techie one in my household and entire extended family.  So I am used to researching and trying to solve things on my own.

How can I use it?
Once again, I personally would not use this because I feel like we are breaking some form of piracy laws.  The owners make it private on youtube for a reason and it is weird to me that there are ways around that.  Youtube really needs to try harder to make things more private.  People will also have a chance of earning others money because you can become a partner of youtube and for every advertisement they put on your video you can earn money.  So if there is a popular video, someone will steal it, embed it, or download it onto their computer and earn money which shouldn't be theirs.

ISTE NETS Standard:
The standard this applies to is or the one I think it is breaking is...

advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources. I feel we are breaking the rules when it comes to advocating and modeling legal and ethical use of digital information and technology.  I did not get the rights the movie I just stole them.  Plain and simple.

Action Research Report

What did I do?
We were to take our findings from our T-tests and put into APA format.  We were able to use websites such as OWL to help us do the proper formatting.  We were to also be sure to add a table of our results so that we can we see the answers to our hypotheses easier.  We were then to post into a Google doc and email it to Professor Pierce.  He was willing to look over it and check for any mistakes before he took it as a grade.  Here is my google docs version of my APA.

WARNING:  It changed the format.

MY APA Research

or

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ufs_pPYbOrN3G_X1juHuARFqa-rBOGKRCtNFFrBHYWs/edit

What did I learn?
I definitely learned how to post a table into the results part of an APA paper.  I also learned how to reference a podcast.  I have been doing APA papers for the other class I am in titled 6301 so I found it to be a nice transition to use it with our data in this class.

How can I use it?
I can use this for the rest of my Graduate career....or beyond.  I will be using APA format to do other research papers or to help when reading research articles.  I can apply it to my readings so I can better understand and comprehend certain articles that will aide in my teaching.

ISTE NETS STANDARDS:

This standard shows that we are taking our learning experience of APA formatting and applying to a digital tool.  The digital tool being google docs.  We are promoting learning and creativity by letting Prof. Pierce and our classmates proofread our paper so that we can ensure the best grade.  

Hypothesis Testing

Here goes nothing....

What did I do?
If there ever was some doing be to be done for this class it was with this assignment.  I am a mac user.  Now I love my Mac and will never go back but for a technology related class, the assignment should have been tested on a Mac.  The Mac does not have the data toolpack you can find on a PC instead I downloaded Stat Plus, only to find that it made life more confusing.  So after a few tears, I memorized Dr. Pierces video (I wish it had some talking through it), I took a day off from it and went to work.  While I was at work I realized I was sitting at a PC.  I took the opportunity to download the data tool pack on my school computer and it worked.  I was relieved to have finally been able to complete this project, but once again I am not happy that I was unable to do this within my own home, instead I had to stay at work longer to do this.  I just really wish there would have been a screen cast for Mac users.  After plugging in all the necessary information into the tool pack I came up with the P values.  Which can be seen here:

	AGE	Gender	Teaching
Score	0.428514	0.284535	0.06
D.Posts	0.003893*	0.444181	0.35*
MelScore	0.089129	0.376572	0.014593*

P = .05

P = .05

and

	Chrome Vs. Safari	Chrome vs. Firefox	Chrome vs IE	Safari vs. IE
Score	0.105159	0.133	0.027*	0.343349
D.Posts	0.227429	0.42832	0.195701	0.244005
MelScore	0.41546	0.390356	0.271535	0.053398*

What did I learn?
I learned that this was way easier for PC users.  I hate to say that but it is true.  I am a true Mac fan.  I learned that many factors do not matter in this class such as your mel score and if you use safari or IE.  I also learned that your fake quiz score is not effected by if you use chrome or safari.

How can I use it?
What I am getting from this, we should use this within the classroom to pin point if the boys are stronger in a subject area than the girls or vice versa.  You could compare a bunch of factors within your class to help guide student learning.

ISTE NETS Standard:
collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.


I feel this one was used the most with this activity because I did so much talking and borrowing of others ideas.  I don't know if that was meant to be outcome but it is the truth.  I definitely collaborated with my peers in helps with using this digital tool.  We supported each other as students to hopefully success.

Data Analysis

What did I do?
After applying all of our data we were then to come up with a hypothesis and a null hypothesis on our two topics.  I chose to focus on the fake quiz scores and also the number of discussion posts.  My Hypothesis for each is that Gender does not effect the scores on the fake quiz and Females will have more discussion posts than males.  I placed all of the data into separate excel programs so I could find the average score for each male and female on the fake quiz and then find the sum for each male and female on discussion posts.

What did I learn?
It goes as followed.

Hypothesis Number 1:
Gender does not effect the scores of the fake quiz.

Null Hypothesis Number 1:
We are so close in scores I am going to say it is true!

Hypothesis Number 2:
Females will have more discussion posts than males.

Null Hypothesis Number 2:

As you can see Males in fact have more discussion posts on average than women.  I am surprised sing there are so many more women in the class.  

How can I use it?
You can use this when you want to figure out statistics and such within your own class.  It can also put things into perspective if you want to reteach a concept because their scores show as such.

What standard?

This promotes student learning because it helps you as a teacher to gain knowledge on their own scores and where they stand.  It also is a digital tool to show your grades at a glance.

Research Overview

I used to teach in WV for four years and got both of my degrees from WV.  I also grew up until the age of 8 in WV.  I am proud to say I am a product of the WV educational system but also now can compare to my Ohio teaching.  One thing I noticed between Ohio and WV is the difference in content standards and the difference in standardized tests.  It is much more rigorous here in Ohio but I am aware of the WESTEST.  I also know there is a huge difference between the unions.  We are going through a really hard time right now with our unions and there is fear that Issue 2 will not pass which will cause a huge change in the way our schools are run.  Fear...yes!  I miss having the option to be in a union that WV gave me.  Here in ohio you do not have an option.  I also know there is a lack of funding for education all over.  I also see how there is a major lack of funding for schools who do not perform well when they are the schools who need it the most.

Excel Basics

What did I do?
We were to open up excel, install the data tool pack, and then replace the data using specific numbers or codes to make it easier to see data.  I chose to focus on the number of discussion posts.  I did find it was a little skewed due to there being many more women in the class than there are men.  Otherwise, it is interesting to see.  I also tested the scores from the "fake quiz" with men vs. women.  Or 1 vs. 2.  After replacing numbers we were to blog about it.

What did I learn?
I know excel and luckily found it very handy during my wedding planning.  I used it for addresses, replies, food, money, you name it!  I had a bunch of spread sheets going.  I did not learn anything new from excel but I did learn the differences in statistics with our class.

How can I use it?
I use excel mostly for personal reasons, but I could take test scores, reading levels, and writing abilities and figure out averages or commonalities between girls and boys strengths.  I could also just see how the class is functioning in a whole.  Luckily we have a program at my school called OASIS that does all of that for you when you put your grades in.

How does it relate to the ISTE NETS T Standards?
evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.


This the perfect way to show that using excel will benefit your personal growth and the childrens.  It can show where you need to reteach certain things or also praise the children for their hard work!

Self Assessment Midterm

What did I do?  We were asked to take a self assessed midterm.  It was done using google docs.  It consisted of true/false, fill in the blank, and short answer.  Here is the link to the midterm.  Midterm  It was easy since a lot of it was fresh in my brain.

What did I learn?  I learned that I needed to review TPACK.  I am glad I did because if it were a real interview, I may have bombed.  Once I remember what each letter stood for it was easy to remember all of the main domains which break into the four domains.  I still can't say I love the word "pedagogical" but once I use it on my own, people will think I am super smart.

How can I use it?  I could use a midterm like this as a rubric for writing activities in the class.  I could simply have questions like "how many sentences did I right?"  Did i use interesting words?  Does my story have a clear beginning, middle and end?  Did I check for proof reading mistakes?  What grade would you give your paper?  I would find it interesting to see how my students would rate their own writing compared to others.  I tried to become a follower of everyone in the class and it was a good reference for when I didn't understand something.  It was nice to see others layouts and such and then apply bits and pieces to my own.

How does it relate to the ISTE NETS T Standards?

This is a major digital tool that will send results straight to the instructor to make grading easier.  It also promotes student learning by reviewing skills and asking them personally if they fulfilled all of the asked requirements.

Pew Millennial Test

Here are my results:

We were to take this test and blog about our findings.  You can take the test by clicking on this link.

PEW Research

or

http://pewresearch.org/millennials/quiz/index.php

I learned that I am quite the girl of the future!  Even though I don't have any crazy tattoos or any piercings at all I am still hip!  I am very into technology and online gaming so I knew this test was going to reflect that.  

You can use this to prove that you are cooler than your parents!  Just kidding.  It really proves that as our  age group changes so does our way of life.  You can use it for fun!

This relates to the ISTE NETS T by:

I am current and I can transfer information quickly through the use of technology and cell phones.  I am fluent and I love to teach others how to do these things.

Personality #2

And my results are...

How far off was it?  It seems pretty close to the other.  I went from an ESFP to an ESFJ!  All the same but one letter at the end.  I still think I am more of an ESFP than I am of the ESFJ but this one states I have a "distinctively expressed feeling personality"!  I love to express my feelings...my poor husband.  Ha!  

I could use this information to help understand my strengths and put it towards teaching.  Once again I am very extroverted and love to be the center of attention.  I find teaching to be the best job for that because all eyes are always on you.  I tell people I am not a struggling actress because I get paid to sing and dance everyday in front of a live audience!  It is so true.  I love to act out and dress up in front of the kids.  They may think I am crazy but I know they love it because they always ask for me to do it again.  I tell them I can't do it all the time or else they will get bored of it.  I try to do it 2 time a month!  Keep them guessing.  My main character I play is "Sally Hershberger".  She is a third grader who thinks she is hot stuff and knows everything.  I wear a blond wig with purple glasses and act all smart.  Then little does Sally know...she makes a ton of mistakes.  The kids are then called up to help Sally fix her mistakes and teach her how to correctly do the math.  It is a big deal for a kid to tell you what is wrong and spot the mistakes so I find it fun!  They don't even know they learning!  I love it! 

I have been approached just this year to help teach an inservice on smartboards for my elementary school.  I felt very proud and honored to be asked that.  I am the most tech savvy in the school and I love a crowd so I hope to really make the experience learning, entertaining, and fun for my colleagues.  

With this activity we were asked to take two different types of personality tests.  One was self given and the other one was computer generated.  I felt like I know myself better so my first results seemed to be more me and but it was neat to see that the computer agreed with me to some degree on what I thought I already knew about myself.

I can use these in a school setting to see who I would work best with within the school for a co-teaching experience.  I work in a small district so it is hard and limited on who to co-teach with but it would let the other teacher know my strengths and how we would mix together.

Humanmetrics

or

http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes3.asp

It mostly relates to this ISTE NETS T Standard:

This definitely promotes student learning because then you are more aware of your strengths and weaknesses and where they can best be applied to student learning.

Personality #1

After ranking myself, it came up that I was an....


ESFPOutgoing, friendly, and accepting. Exuberant lovers of life, people, and material comforts. Enjoy working with others to make things happen. Bring common sense and a realistic approach to their work, and make work fun. Flexible and spontaneous, adapt readily to new people and environments. Learn best by trying a new skill with other people.


I don't mean to toot my own horn but it sure does sound like me!  Toot toot!  


Here is my hypothetical temperament.  Right off the bat it had the word "performer" and that is so true!


My Personal Temperament



or click this

http://www.keirsey.com/4temps/performer.asp

or check this out

Now on to the questions...

Do I agree or disagree?  I agree with most of it.  The hardest questions for me was if I worry more about the outside world or my own inner world.  Once I thought about things that bother me I came up with outer world.  I do worry too much about things I can't control.  I also agree with the "always look on the bright side".  People tell me often how happy I seem and how I am always having fun.  I do disagree with the whole "not giving enough thought to the consequences."  Back in college age days, sure that was true.  Nowadays, I think too much about the consequences of my silly actions.  I do love to perform and be the center of attention.  I am very into the performing arts and have been in over 18 shows.

Audacity Part 2

I just took the quiz on Audacity and realized that some of you might be in the same boat as me.  I did not use Audacity or Lame to make my podcast.  Luckily I think I got the two answers right just from reading other blogs and also following the instructions on the test.  I think there should have been two options of a quiz though.  One for Audacity users and another for Garageband (mac users) like myself.

Audacity and Podcasts are good for the inner disc jockey within you.  Those of you who really liked may start your own Podcast show.  You are now in charge of the content and the music you want to put on your show.  Once again though, don't become too popular or else the piracy police may come after you for not asking for the rights to use their song on your show.  Ha!  One can dream of becoming that popular.

I want to find a good educational (3rd grade) related podcast.  I want some weekly ideas and also words of wisdom.  Always like to learn new things for the classroom.  The search is on...if you find one for me...let me know!

Audacity Podcast Post 1

We were to create our own podcast using either the audacity software of the garageband software that all Mac's come with.  I am a mac user so I used garageband.  Using garageband we were to pick any topic and through sounds, songs, and word create a seamless story.  I chose to do a story of my husband and I's "firsts" seeing that it was my first podcast.  I hope many of you have a sense of humor while listening to it, because I sure do!  After creating the podcast we were to turn it into an MP3, join Podbean, and then post it to our blog for all to enjoy.

Here is my podcast:  http://kathrynpost.podbean.com/mf/web/7c734b/WeddingFirstDance4.m4a

or

Kathryn's Podcast

I luckily found this project to be easy because I have been using garageband since 2006 when I got my first Mac!  I used for fun and created my own songs about friends and family.  You might have heard my awesome (sarcasm) garageband skills being used when I rapped all about Ken Robinson in our Voicethread topic.  It was fun to do even though it may have been not so fun to listen to for others.  I did not learn much from using garageband because I had previously taught myself but I did learn about Podbean.  I was curious about this site and even played around and listened to some of the most popular podcasts on the site.  Not really for me but it was neat to see what other people are up to.

I could use podcasts if I made a listening center in my third grade class and then had the children listen to me explain a story, explain a new topic, give a brief description of an assignment or even used it for my fellow coworkers.

The ISTE NETS T Standard this most applies to is:

I find this to be a learning experience for most and also incorporated digital tools such as garageband, mp3's, converting, and podbean all in one.  It will promote student learning and creativity because it allows the teacher to be creative.  If the teacher is having fun so are the students!

VoiceThread

The Major Theme in Schools Kill Creativity

Ken Robinson really put a simple concept of creativity and turned it into something more...well...creative.  He is explaining how school cannot properly prepare students for the changing world even from five years from now.  The major theme throughout the video is "Creativity is a persons specific talent."  You need to learn to make mistakes so that you are prepared for the real world or future.  He said "mistakes are the worst things you can make" in school nowadays.  We are teaching the children to be molded into a specific type of student so that they won't be able to see their full potential.  I can see that in some sense but I also see how once you learn the basics of reading, writing, and mathematics then you can go to College or beyond to further your creativity.  I know that some classrooms are very strict and rule based, but with the changing society it seems needed.  Even though that specific classroom may mold a student in a certain way it does not mean that their parents can let me be creative or explore their talents outside of school.  Ken stated how every school system does not have any classes beyond the core like math, reading, art, and music.  Which some are now having to cut out the arts due to funding.  He said how all school systems are trying to produce college professors rather than artists, dancers, musicians, potters, or other vocations within our society.  It is unrealistic to think that every child will be the same thing when they grow up so therefore can they all really learn the same way?  Near the end, he also talks about the differences between men and women.  I liked his speech on a woman's ability to multi-task.

The Major Theme In Changing Education Paradigm

Again Ken Robinson gives an entertaining speech on education.  The major theme throughout this speech is "Why are there so many increases in things that hinder education such as adhd, dropouts, lack of creativity, and lack of the arts."  This video had a great visual aide to the speech since it was almost cartoon like with the person drawing during the speech.  He refers to ADHD as "a plague".  He says that ADHD is worth debating and it is not an epidemic.  He says they are being medicated as quick as we got shots.  I am doing a research study on ADHD and I can't wait to use this as a resource.  He said that ADHD increases as you move east on the US.  He even took it as far to question why we put children in school by the same age groups.  I am curious to see a school for which he dreams of come to life and see the results.  It would take a lot of work, money, and planning but the idea is great but not sure if it is doable for the entire world.  He reminds us that there are many different ways to thinking and that it is ok.  Ken gave the example of the "paper clip" and how children or people who are geniuses can think outside the box and say "can the paper clip be 30 feet tall and covered with styrofoam".

For VoiceThread we were to view the two videos I spoke of above, respond to their major theme, and then blog about it.  I liked both videos and even shared them with my colleagues.  I know that many of them will enjoy it too.  After blogging and watching we were to respond to the VoiceThread with "how I will make a difference in the classroom by referencing specifics and general themes from the two videos.  Luckily, I just typed up my thoughts and can use theme within my VoiceThread.

I learned many insights from the videos, especially the facts and information on ADHD.  AS stated before, I am doing a research project on ADHD and I really want to know why there has become such an increase in it.  I will definitely be using this video to help with my study.  I just better be sure to know how to turn it into a bibliography.  Ha!

I can use VoiceThread if we were ever on a long break due to holidays, snow days, and or over summer for my future students or past students to keep them thinking.  I like the interactiveness of it and also the options of your choosing on how to respond.  Which in return, allows the child to show their specific strength.

The ISTE NETS T Standard this complies with is:

address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.


This applies to the activity because you are allowing the learners to be diverse and also have a creative way of voicing their answer or opinion.  It shows them how to work together and collaborate but also to be appropriate.  It is a great digital tool that could be used for many aspects within the school if it be through teaching or working with other teachers.  


And with that said I leave you with my bit of creative collaboration artwork created by using Artpad

BenderConverter

For this activity we were asked to used two things to complete our task.  The first being using www.google.com or Google Docs/Presentations.  Within the Google docs were to paste and convert a video from off the web using any converting site.  For me, I had difficulty using the site our Professor asked us to use so with his permission I started to hunt for my own converting site.  First, I used the applications Mac Computers have to offer and downloaded a free App simply called "Smart Converter".  It really was simple with a drop and drag directions.  I then wanted to make sure I was doing the right thing so I used http://www.any-video-converter.com/products/for_video_free/ or Any Video Converter.  After downloading the software I did not find it as easy to use as the free app I downloaded off of my computer.  Needless to say, I converted my video from youtube and saved it as video into my itunes library but Any Video Converter also saves it within it's file on your computer.  I opened up Google Presentations and then simply dropped and dragged my video into the presentation.  Later I saw that Google Presentations has a direct Youtube link in order to paste your video (if it is from youtube) right into your presentation.  I chose Bill Nye the Science Guy "Life Cycles" Song.  It is to the tune of "Killing Me Softly".  I know my third graders love Bill Nye and I love him too.  I will never get sick of watching his videos.  He is very entertaining but also very educational.

Here is my google presentation:
https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dd35h3gr_1fxdz6ghh

or

Bill Nye Life Cycles

I learned that a file can be converted for personal use.  You can convert it to audio and play it on an ipod.  You can convert it and play on your own computer.  You can convert it and use it within a presentation or lesson.  The converting possibilities are never ending.  It adds it to your personal library so in case the web is down you can still access it because it is now embedded into your own files or library.  I love it!  I must say though, I was concerned thinking that we are breaking some kind of piracy law.  I guess if people post it to the web then we have free range to post it to our own library.

I can use this easily in a classroom setting.  Like many schools, youtube is blocked.  Being able to convert it directly to your documents, presentation, or computer allows you to show the great videos that the world wide web has to offer to your students.  Being that you show them educational videos not just silly things like guys hitting their heads on the pavement after trying to do a cool skateboarding trick.  Just as we did it would be easy to come up with a theme.  For example, I could base my lessons around Dogs for a week.  My reading activities and lessons could involve dogs.  My math could have word problems about dogs and then to finish it off show them a converted video about dogs with jobs.  I could also find great educational videos that are normally blocked at school and play them within the classroom setting.

Easily the The ISTE NETS T Standard this one applies to is:

This Standard is effectively shown through benderconverter because we are literally "transferring" data onto our own computer for our own use.  We use our knowledge of file types and sizes to be able to put it into our own life and situations.  We have to be able to be fluent with converting the files in order to complete the task.

Although I feel like we are breaking the rules with this Standard while converting files:

As stated before, I did feel a bit uneasy now that I know how to use this because you can easily go to the website Pandora (a free radio station) and convert each song played and add it to your library.  Therefore, I definitely feel music is being stolen and rights are being mistreated.  Many videos on youtube have copyright laws and using a converter allows you to go around the laws and keep it for yourself without anyone ever knowing.  It is a tough situation.  I like it but I also feel uneasy about it.

Jing Screencast

Here is my tutorial for parents on how to look up books within their child's personal Accelerated Reader Level:

http://screencast.com/t/dHnmEfVCJ

Which I did with the help of Jing.

For this activity we were to create a video that can help show parents, students, or colleagues a new task or something they have never done before.  We then were to record it and post it to the jing screencast so others could access it.

I learned a lot from this activity.  I must say for as easy it was to do, by far I have learned the most from this activity than any others in the class yet.  I hope it continues to get better from here because this class is teaching a technology queen (self-proclaimed) as myself many new tricks.  I am most excited about using this one with our tech lab teacher so that I can help show the kids how to complete tasks.  I learned that it is easy to teach an old dog (myself) new tricks to many new dogs (the students or parents).  I added my voice to it, because like our students, all parents learn differently.  Therefore it helps the visual and auditory parents accomplish the task.

I can use this in many aspects inside and outside the classroom.  Inside the classroom, this is a great tool to help parents who have questions with any homework.  You could easily them the link on how to help their child and themselves.  Within the classroom, you could show the students how to do something before you even step foot in the computer/tech lab so that way they use their time much more wisely since time is limited within the teach lab.  It would help eliminate many questions.  Rather than repeating the same questions, you could just click play again and show them what to do.  Personally, I could also help my Mother out who lives in Cleveland.  She is new to Mac and I would be able to help show her how to do it visually rather than over the phone.

The ISTE NETS T Standard the Jing Screencast applies to is:

This applies because, as a teacher, you are demonstrating to the parents or students on how to complete a task, therefore becoming fluent.  It also is transferring current knowledge of the use of computers into the new situation of a new website.  Overall, with this you are helping aide the parents to become more aware of the happenings within your classroom and also the expectations.

Jing #1

For this activity we were asked to create a Jing image from the website JIng then we were to find a picture and use some of the jing tools to show understanding.  I chose a simple Venn Diagram due to that being something my 3rd Graders see often.  I also chose to make it Science related because this is what my 3rd graders are currently working on, classifying animals!  I took the image and added in my own text, shapes, and lines.  I also left the middle section blank so that the students were to think of how they were related.  Simply put, I would fill it in with "can swim".

Here is my jing image:

Here is the screencast link:  http://screencast.com/t/aw9ws2V1Zgvj

We were also asked to watch a video which you can find here.  JIng Movie  It was a nice tutorial of how it works and why it is different from other programs.  It really is simple to use.

I can use this to help do exactly what I did, create a lesson, have the students fill it in, or have them fill in the blanks.  I could also use it as a tutorial on where you should be on the page or what I am looking at.  You could also use it to print it out and have the students actually touch the "blue arrow" so they are right on the same page.  I could also use it as a tool for standardized testing practice so they can see where the clues to the answer are and also how you can underline and copy the text for the correct answer.  

The ISTE NETS  T Standard this relates to is:

I used my Jing skills to show you which standard it relates to.  It relates to this because Jing is a digital tool and you can use many resources with.  You can use websites, text readings, games, and/or pictures to help promote the student learning.  It also allows the educator to be creative with their teachings and the students could use it for the same reasons.  It is a digital way of highliting and making things stand out!

Jing Questions:

1. What file types come out of Jing?  The file types are png.
2. How / where do you save images on your computer?  I save mine by clicking save and then saving it to my desktop for quick access or to my folder titled 6305.
3. How to  import Jing objects into our blog posts?  I save it as a picture onto my desktop and then click on the picture image.  From there you locate it and add it to your blog.
4. How do you publish your artifact? You publish your artifact by click on the save button and then from there, the option to publish or screencast it come up.  You simply follow the instructions.
5. How do you share your artifact with others?  I share my artifact currently through use of my blog.

Jeopardy Labs

We were to create a jeopardy style game using the website Jeopardy Labs which is free.  You do have the option to donate money to the creator, but at this point I felt the need to test it out before putting money towards the program.  We were to create the game so that it can be used within a classroom setting.  I thankfully used it with my 3rd grade class in mind.  I focused on the 1st 9 weeks goals for reading which is vocabulary, reading terms, synonyms, antonyms, prefixes, suffixes, root words, and many other things.

I learned a lot from this website.  Every classroom within my school has a smartboard that has the jeopardy style game built in to our notebook software.  I found this software to simpler and easier to use.  You just have to be sure to copy your code right away so that you don't lose it.  I will be able to use this often as review for tests, quizzes, and or for state testing.  I am so glad we were introduced to this website and can't believe I didn't find it sooner.

I plan on using this mostly for our core subjects which are reading, math, science, and language arts.  My students take two standardized tests in Reading and Math so I hope to keep creating these as a review for every nine weeks (we have 4) and save the addresses to be used over and over again each year!  This may be time consuming but as long as you save the addresses you are good to go.  Also, considering that the standards do not change.

Here is my jeopardy lab.

Mrs. Reedy's Jeopardy Reading Review!

Here is the link in case that does not work:
jeopardylabs.com/play/mrs-reedys-readingla-review-for-3rd-grade

The ISTE NETS T Standard this follows is:

customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.


I find use this standard often but it really does fit with most activities we have been using in the class.  It fits because I was able to customize and personalize my jeopardy depending on the topic or type of students I am teaching.  It hits many different learning styles from visual to auditory.  It also turns it into a game which all kids enjoy!  It is in fact a digital tool and now a very important resource towards my review in teaching.

Enjoy because I sure did! 

Word Clouds

For this assignment we went to the website Wordle and made a word cloud.  We were asked to turn a famous speech into a word cloud.  I immediately thought the typical presidential speeches but then I decided to choose something that represents me in way.  I have heard many funny yet inspiring speeches from Conan O'Brian and Oprah Winfrey.  Then I remembered I am a huge Apple/Mac fan and decided to use Steve Jobs Commencement Speech.  I was definitely not there personally, but the beauty of the world wide web makes it accessible to anyone just by typing it in your web search.

Here is my wordle:

Here is the link to his speech:

Steve Jobs Speech

In case that doesn't work:

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/stevejobsstanfordcommencement.htm

If you would like to watch it:

I have been using Wordle in my classroom for the past 2 years.  It started when our Talented and Gifted Teacher introduced it to me as an idea for a writing activity with my 3rd graders.  I immediately put it to use.  Sad but true, cursive is no longer mandated in the state of Ohio but typing is.  So I took this website as a fun way to get kids excited about keyboarding.  There assignment was to make a list of things they were thankful for and then to type in the words and pick their design.  They loved it and the school loved reading all the colorful word clouds in the hallway.  I also use it every year for my principal.  She requests us to make a class mission statement.  I let the students compile a list of words that represent us, 3rd grade, and education.  From that, I typed it into wordle, printed it out, had the kids sign it and put it on our mission statement bulletin board for the school to see and read.

ISTE NETS T Standards

customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.


While using it in my classroom I found that some students could and would spend up to a 1/2 an hour just trying to figure out the best layout for them.  Some even learned how to personalize their own rather than just hitting the "randomize" button.  Which connects it to the "customize and personalize" learning activities because they really could personalize it any way they want to.  It also allows the higher level thinkers to make longer lists or use a thesaurus to come up with synonyms.  

Self Portrait

Here is my self Portrait done at:  Kathryn's Picasso

I had a lot of fun making the Picasso self portrait.  I can see a set of older students really enjoying this but as for my 3rd graders I can see many of them not understanding the style or even all the different buttons it entails.  I think it would work better for middle school aged students and up.  The only issue I had was when you went to save it, it then deleted your "signature".  I liked seeing my name on the picture but I also didn't feel like trying to recreate it just to take a snipping picture tool of it.  I liked it just the way it was the first try, to sense in trying to recreate art.

The ITSE NETS T standard that goes with the picasso painting website is:

collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.

I know this may seem far fetched but I see it as a focus on the word "innovation".  Many students are being taken away from Art due to lack of funding but many schools are adding computers.  So be innovating by incorporating art into your everyday teaching with the tools (computers) you have!

Snipping Tool

I have been using the snipping tool ever since I got my macbook pro 3 years ago.  Mac's call it "grab capture".  I saw many people on Youtube and on Social Networking sites using this tool and finally just web searched it to figure out.  Little did I know how easy and fun it was.  How you do a screen capture on a mac is by
1.  Go to Finder
2.  Click on Applications
3.  Click on Utilities
4.  Click on Grab and then follow the instructions.

Here is a grab capture of my busy desktop ever since starting this class.

Many windows open at one and sometimes I have even more!  If any of you are using a Mac and need help I hope you read this.  I am all for teaching others also.

I honestly can't say I learned anything from this because I already knew how to do it but it is still fun to show proof of my busy lifestyle nowadays.

I can use this if I were trying to show students how to accomplish a task or to do something online.  I could put it up on a smartboard and keep it up there as a reminder of what to do or where to be.

Here is a link if my description is not easy to follow on how to do a screen capture:  Grab Capture

A snipping tool relates to the ISTE NETS T standards by standard:
customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.


It correlates because it is proof of using digital tools in order to address diverse learning styles.  For example, it would benefit visual learners and or also auditory learners if you were to be talking through the process of the screen capture.


Have fun!

Answers to Diigo Film

1.  Describe the 3 steps to recommend in the film to get started social bookmarking?
A.  Highlight
B.  Bookmark
C. Tag

or

A.  Research
B.  Connect with Friends
C.  Stay engaged

2.  Describe is Web 2.0, and how it differs from previous stages of the web?

Diigo is a powerful research tool and a knowledge sharing community.  You can highlight paragraphs or things from any website and bookmark it and save it for later.  You can organize, share, and display your own bookmarks.  The websites button can let you play your list like a slide show.  You can also see others comments or annotations rather than just your own on any site.

3.  What is social bookmarking and what advantages does social bookmarking off that traditional storage and retrieval of we sites does not?

It helps you connect with people and stay engaged with any fellow friends, colleagues or peers.  You and friends can collaborate on new findings or share bookmarks to engage in interesting conversations.  You can connect to a site with others on interesting things you are interested in like the NY Times.  The act of reading becomes fun and connects you with the world.

Diigo Social Bookmarking

I am quite the internet surfer and surprised as an educator of 8 years I had never heard of Diigo.  I like the description of it being a "cloud" format.  Meaning it can float around with you so that you always know where your favorite bookmarks, sites, and information will be even though you may not always be at your home computer!  I can see how it would be a great use for teaching because if you can't access your email or want a quick view of important links towards a lesson you can go to your Diigo count and get all you need to be successful.  I also enjoyed the Diigolet button, which I added to my bookmarks, so that whenever I come across something I like, I just hit the button and it is saved to my Diigo.  I am still unsure of the purpose of groups but I know in time I will get it.

Here is the link to my personal Diigo:

Kathryn Reedy's Diigo

I also added a how to video about Diigo which I found on youtube.

Diigo correlates to the ISTE NETS T Standards by this Standard:

2 B.

develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress. I chose this standard because that is what Diigo is all about.  Your individual preferences and ideas when it comes to using the world wide web.  Diigo lets each person post, share, and keep there favorite sites and links at hand.