Millennial Survey 2

For this assignment, I had to take the Millennial Quiz again to see how Millennial I am now since the course is coming to an end. After taking the quiz for this second time, I received a score of 97%. One point higher then the first time. Based on my generation, my score was on the higher end. The higher the score the more I have in common with individuals of the millennial generation. I didn't think my score would change much because I was on the higher end the first time I took the survey. However, I advanced by one point.  I feel more confident about the use of technology and working in this global society then I did before taking this course. However, I know I can still advance in this technological age.  After completing the Millennial Quiz the first time I stated in my blog that I wanted to become more knowledgeable with technology and communication that I can use within my classroom to improve my students learning. Mission accomplished; I have learned several ways to incorporate technology into my classroom and outside of the classroom.   As I stated in my first blog the more knowledgeable I am about technology, the more I can teach my students and prepare them for survival and successes in the world. As we learn and progress in the advancements of technology and communication, our generation becomes known as millennial learners. It is important for our generation to become millennial and understand the use of technology and communication to survive in the 21st century.   

Frand's 10 Characteristics:
Computers Aren't Technology
Internet Better Than TV
Reality No Longer Real
Doing Rather Than Knowing 
Nintendo over Logic
Multitasking Way of Life 
Typing Rather Than Handwriting 
Staying Connected
Zero Tolerance for Delays 
Consumer/Creator Blurring 

I feel that I'm in terms with all 10 of Frand's characteristics.  I especially, agree with the Internet Better Than TV characteristic.  The internet provides quicker results and is more entertaining compared to TV.  There are also educational sites with games to enhance the learning of our children.  I definitely agree with the Nintendo over Logic based on trial and error because special education is based on trail and error to determine what works best for our students. I would like to comment on typing is better then handwriting. I've always thought that is important for children to learn to write, and when cursive writing was taken out of schools I was shocked. However, I do realize that technology is taking over and possibly one day everything will be computerized. There is much more that can be done with typing versus handwriting, and I've learned several of these ways in this course such as using google docs. Information Age Mindset is taking over our society and changing the ways people do things compared to the past. Newer generations are changing as technology changes and are working in the global society. Whereas, older generations aren't as adaptive to this change, and have a harder time adjusting to this digital age of technology.       

Reference:

Frand, J. (2000). The information-age mindset:  Changes in students and implications for higher education. EDUCAUSE Review. September/October15-24. Retreived May 25, 2012

This assignment goes along with Teaching Standard 4a: Professional Learning in that I examined myself based on my millennial generation.  I was able to make a comparison to others in my age group and generation based on technology and communication.  I was identified as being in the higher range of my generation. I feel that I have advanced throughout this course with communication and technology, but there's also room to learn more. 

Proceed to Survey (Survey 1)

I had to complete a survey which was one of the same surveys I completed in the beginning of the course. I have learned so many new things about technology and how to use it. I realized how much higher my answers were this time around on the survey then in the beginning. To be honest, I didn't even know what some of the questions were referring to in the beginning. I even answered true to all of true/false questions on the last page. In the beginning survey, my answers were mainly false. Now I have a blog, a video on youtube, and much more. I have gained a great deal of knowledge to help me function in digital society.

Excel 1

For this assignment, I had to go to the NCES site and view state comparisons. In the boxes I had to select  4th grade, reading for 2011, and gender. I exported the information into a Microsoft Excel worksheet to proceed. I downloaded the Data Analysis Tool Pack add on for excel to calculate the scores. I had difficulty getting the Data Analysis Tool Pack to become active at first, it showed as being inactive. After several trials, I finally got it to become active. Technology is so tricky at times if you don't do the exact steps it needs. Then, I commuted the descriptive statistics for the total score column on a different worksheet. The next step was to sort the total scores in ascending order from smallest to largest, and create a scatter graph to plot the states. My scatter graph shows were my home state of WV is located within the other states. Compared to other jurisdictions, WV is blew average for reading scores in 2011. WV's total score is 214.3860242 marketing it as number 10 out of 53 jurisdictions. That means that were 43 other jurisdictions with higher reading scores in 2011 then WV, and nine lower. 


I used Jing to capture my scatter plot image and posted it below. 

In my opinion this assignment co-insides with Teaching Standard Function 4C. In using calculations and data, educators can examine the outcomes of their students works. Then adjustments can be made to improve their teaching practices and enhance their students' learning. Through this assignment, I was able to identify WV's reading scores for the year of 2011 compared to other jurisdictions. It was interesting to view how low WV was compared to other areas in the world. This makes me aware of the fact that as a future educator, I will have to implement reading sills and practices to help improve my student's reading abilities.   

Google Sites

For this assignment, I had to create a web page on Google Sites. I created my page inputting lesson plans and materials that I created or obtained throughout my education at FSU. I will use my google site to organize and store my resources that I can use within my classroom. I had a difficult time deciding on which template would meet the needs of my web page. I chose a template under school and education titled schoolhouse rock. The template is somewhat plain, but it looked as if I could organize my resources successfully in it. I only added a few of my resources so far. I have several more to add in, and this is a handy tool because I'm always saying that I need a way to organize all of my teaching material and lesson plans from school. Well here we go! I got the hook up now! So far, from this course I added my resume, rubric, my solar system youtube video, and my solar system quiz. I also added another rubric, an art lesson plan, and a music lesson plan that I created in other courses. I'm glad I learned about this new feature. It was simple once I figured out how to do things. I did have difficulties inserting google docs at first, and also editing the sidebar. Fortunately, I figured them out. The main thing with my site is organizing my resources which may be time consuming, but worth it in the end.

Click here to view my Google Site

In my opinion this assignment goes along with Teaching Standard Function 4A and 4B. I gained new knowledge based on professional learning by working with technology and improving my skills to work diligently in digital society. I am not only organizing my materials and resources for myself, but by sharing my work publicly other educators may gain new ideas to incorporate into their classrooms. They can also post comments on my page that may influence my teachings. Therefore, I am collaboratively working within global society. I am also able to view other educator's sites and comment on their pages.  

Rubrics

For this assignment, I had to create a grading Rubric on Rubistar. Rubistar is a way to create easy rubrics to evaluate our students performances. Rubrics contain categories that contain expectations based under a level of numbers. I actually had several rubrics that I used in my previous clinical work so I was familiar with creating them. However, I never used the Rubistar site. I created my rubric on Rubistar using Video-Talk Show: Play Performance. This rubric would be used to evaluate my students on a final performance assessment. My students would conduct a play based on the story that was used for a particular unit of study. For instance, I used this rubric with my students in conducting a video recorded play based on the story "The Great Kapok Tree" at the end of the unit of study. The students were evaluated with the rubric on Presentation of Character, Achievement of Purpose,Use of Non-Verbal Cues (voice, gestures, props, masks), Imagination and Creativity, and Fluency. When creating my rubric on Rubistar I was able to save it to the site and was then given the Rubric ID: 2206991. The Rubric ID can be shared with others so they can view my rubric from the site. I also saved my rubric in googledocs and then shared the file for public viewing. 


Click here to view my online Play Performance Rubric. 

This assignment goes along with teaching standard function 3E: Use of Assessments in Instruction. Rubrics allow teachers to give students an outline of what is expected of them for a particular assignments. Students should be given the rubric when the assignment is given and know what is expected of them in order to receive the highest grade. Also, function 4C: Reflection on Practice allows me as an educator to determine what worked best or didn't work in my rubric which then gives me the opportunity to make adjustments to the rubric for future use.

Self Correcting Grading Form

For this assignment I had to create a Self Correcting Grading Form in google docs. I created a quiz on the solar system that I can use with my Photostory from a previous assignment. When doing a study on the solar system my students can view my photostory on the solar system and then complete my quiz. The self correcting grading form is a great tool to incorporate into teaching. It will allow my students to complete a quiz and then it can be self graded my adding formulas into the spreadsheet. I only used multiple choice, check boxes, and a pull list for this assignment. I imaged that it would be difficult for the self grading form to grade paragraph answers. I created the form or quiz and posted it. I then took the quiz by using KEY for the name, and inputting the correct answers. Two other individuals completed the quiz for me. My son who is going into the fourth grade completed the quiz for me and he only missed one question. Therefore, I think my questions are efficient for my students. I then added a formula into the spreadsheet in order for the self grading form to grade the answers, and also a formula to find the average of each student's answers. This was a simple and useful resourceful tool that I can integrate into my teaching.

Click here to view and complete my Live Survey or Quiz and also to review the spreadsheet grading results.

 


This assignment goes along with teaching standard function 4A. I have engaged in professional learning by improving my skills in working with technology and using it within my classroom. Self correcting grading forms are new and resourceful way to enhance my teaching techniques and work within the global society.

Google Forms

This assignment was extremely challenging for me to get started on. Luckily, another student in the class offered her assistance. I was so thankful. I had to create a public survey using Google Doc forms. Once I figured out to create the form, I generated a public survey on Interests and Technology. In the survey, I had to incorporate each kind of question offered in the form such as multiple choice, check boxes, list, grid, scale, text, and paragraph text at least once. I had to add a theme, help text for questions in the survey, and make at least one question mandatory to be answered. A public spreadsheet was also constructed on google docs that goes along with the survey form which shows the results of those who answered my survey questions. This was neat! I created the survey and shared it publicly, and then I was able to view the results that were atomically collected in the spreadsheet.

MY SURVEY

 

I feel that teaching standard function 4A, C, and D go along with this assignment. The assignment allowed me to explore new ways in using technology, and to work within the global society.  This type of procedure would allow me to survey my students to learn about them or to understand what they have learned to assist in making adjustments with my classroom to improve my teaching and my students' learning. The survey can be completed by anyone who has the link address to it. In order to get feedback from parents and my students, I could create a survey form and email the link to the parents, and have my students fill the form out in class by providing them with the link. This has shown me another great way to internet with individuals publicly through the web.

Student Evaluation #2

For this evaluation, my instructor posted an on-line survey for us to fill out. The survey was done using google forms. Once the data is entered into the survey, the information is compiled in a spread sheet. This will allow my instructor to visualize comparisons of our answers. This is a unique way to collect information. 
The survey I completed went along with teaching standard function 4B. My teacher engaged in collaboration through a survey and collecting information based on his students. The survey is a great way to work collaboratively with peers and co-workers.   

Prezi Presentation

For this assignment, I had to create a Prezi presentation. I've never used Prezi before, so some of it's features were challenging for me to figure out. I had to set up an account with Prezi and view the videos and features of the program. I then decided to use one of my previous power points to create my prezi presentation on parenthood. This is something that I could use preferably with high schools to educate them on marriage, parenting, and healthy relationships. I uploaded my power point, and played around with the features. It took me a while to figure out how to move the path of the images, even after watching the video multiple times. I also had to add a youtube video in my prezi presentation. This was simple after I figure it out. Prezi is a unique way to incorporate information into the classroom for student learning. I liked that the Prezi presentation was active and that I was able to format my slides to place more focus on individual areas.

Based on the teaching standards, this assignment fits with function 3D, 4A, and 4D. Using Prezi would allow me to deliver instruction that would hold my students attention, and give them a clearer understanding of the material being presented. I also learned how to improve my teaching skills using technology, and gained new insights on to improve my student's learning.

Copy of Parenthood: Choices and Challenges on Prezi

Photo Story

For this assignment, I had to create a photostory on a topic that I would be able to teach or train someone on. After many thoughts, I chose to do a lesson on the solar system. First, I had to create a PowerPoint making slides with text and photos. I then had to save the file "as another format" to turn it into slides. I downloaded photostory, and learned how to use it. I had to import the pictures from my slides, set the duration time, and narration. I created a youtube account to display my photostory publicly. This was all a new process for me. I have never used photostory or downloaded anything to youtube. This assignment wasn't hard, but extremely time consuming. This is a great way to incorporate interesting topics on lessons within the classroom. However, it won't be my first choice due to the time that goes into it. I spent over 12 hours on this assignment. I learned several new technological features and I did have fun with the assignment.


Click here to view my photostory on youtube

This assignment definitely fits with teaching standard function 4A for me. I have engaged in professional learning by creating a photostory which has enhanced my ability work in a global society and present material in my classroom. It also go with function 4D, in that I found new ways to incorporate technology to improve my teaching abilities and to improve the learning of my students within my classroom.

Power Point Presentation 1

For this assignment, I had to create a Powerpoint presentation that co-insides with teaching standards that I could use within my classroom to educate my students. I had to create an account on Dropbox; I had no clue what dropbox was, so I googled it and there it was.  I had to download the site, and sign up.  A dropbox appeared on my computer that I can now save files to and share with public viewers.  For my Powerpoint presentation I used spelling words on a unit of Healthy Living and Eating Styles for Special Education students. The presentation will give my students the opportunity to visualize the meanings of the terms through images instead of simple definitions.  Please click here to view my Powerpoint presentation.   

This activity goes along with teaching standard function:  3A, 3D, and 4A.  I used the importance of the content which was vocabulary to create meaningful leaning for my students by creating a powerpoint presentation with visuals. This type of instruction is intended to engage my students in a deeper understanding of the vocabulary terms and their definitions. Using the dropbox was new to me, and it has given me another opportunity to explore technology, and learn new sills that I can utilize as an educator.

Google Earth

For this assignment I had to take my google map that I created previously, and import it as a KML file into Google Earth to create a more detailed map.  This was neat!  I found the location of my home, and showed my son.  He said he's used this site to navigate areas at school, so this goes to show the advancement of technology being used within classrooms.  It was new to me, so I had to play around with it's features.  Anyway, after I created my google earth image I had to capture it using Jing.  I saved the image on my computer and also on Jing's screencast.  I got the image as detailed as possible.  I clicked the 3D feature and zoomed in on it, and this is what I got.  There's a lot of green, but it is West Virginia.

A KML file in a Keyhole Markup Language file.  A google map can be imported into Google Earth through a KML file.  In order to import the file, open your google map and click on KML and then send it to the brower of Google Earth.  Open Google Earth, and look for the title of your map created in google maps and you will see the import.  Click on the title and use the features in the layout view.  One may want to import a google map into Google Earth in order to view a more detailed layout of the marked places.    

   Click here to view my Google Earth image 

After viewing Google Earth for Educators  I chose a lesson plan connected to using Google Earth linking History and Geography together. The lesson is a 5th grade Scavenger Hunt of Capital Cities in the United States. This lesson will allow the students to use Google Earth in order to explore and aid in learning the 50 U.S. states, and their capital cities.  Click here to view the lesson plan in Google Docs. 

This activity goes along with teaching standard function: 3D and 4D.  Allowing my students to explore the U.S. using Google Earth will allow them to gain a greater understanding of the 50 states and their capitals. This will provide them with an image to aid in a mental connection in remembering the capital cities for the 50 states.  I have gained insights on ways to incorporate Google Earth into lessons to improve teaching, as well as student learning.  I absolutely love the Google Earth for Educators site.  This provides me with various lessons that use technology that I can use with my students.

Google Map

For this assignment, I had to design a field trip hypothetically that I would be taking my students on. I had to design an overview of the field trip, and then create a google map (embedded below) to mark the locations we would be stopping to explore.  I thought about several different field trips I could incorporate into this activity, but I went with historical places in West Virginia.  I choose places that are on the National Register of Historical Places in West Virginia from various counties.  I thought this would be an educational experience for my students to engage in and learn about some history within their home state of West Virginia.  Assuming that I will be teaching in West Virginia; my home state.  However, this isn't a field trip that we could do in one day.  My planning wasn't the greatest.  After I completed my map, I realized that I probably should've stayed within one county or two close counties for a one day field trip. I thought it would be more interesting for my students to visit historical places among West Virginia that possibly they were unaware of.  I learned of some new places that I wasn't aware of myself in searching the National Registry of West Virginia's Historical places.

This assignment fits along with teaching standard function: 4D in my opinion.  I have contributed myself to learning in the form of investigating Historical places in West Virginia that I could take my students on a field trip to.  I chose places with Historical meanings that my students may find more interesting.  This was definitely a new type of teaching practice. I was able to locate places and then create a google map indicating our desired locations.  This would allow me to show and give my students a google map image of the places we were going to visit and in what order.   

Batchgeo Part II

For the second part of the assignment, I had to take the information collected on the excel shared Google Doc from the class and create a map on Batchgeo.com.  I copied the information from the excel sheet on google docs which took me a while to complete.  I had difficulties getting all of the columns to geocode at first.  I kept playing around with it, and finally got them all geocoded.  Once the information was pasted into the box I created a map of the US showing the shared locations of my classmates.  Click here to view my created student map.  It is also shown below.



View EDUC 6305 Student Map in a full screen map

This is a fabulous feature! It was amazing to take the information that we all had input into the shared excel document and make it come to life. It's different having a visual image of everyone's locations compared to reading them.  I have advanced in the digital society by learning all of these new features.  For this assignment, I was introduced to working on a shared document with my classmates to input and gather information, and then create a map to find where my classmates are located.  This activity as well as many others, has helped me become a 21st Century educator in knowing the ways technology can be incorporated into my everyday life to help my students learn, as well as improve my teaching knowledge.  Documents can be posted, shared, and edited which will also be great in collaboration of co-workers or peers.  These types of maps would be beneficial for students in understanding locations around the world.  They could be used to show the locations of wars fought or Historical locations within one state or various states.  It would be neat to get the locations of soldiers from the students surrounding community who are overseas and allow them to create a map to find their locations.  A student may have a close relative overseas and this would be a great opportunity for them to make a visual connection of where the relative is and how far away he or she is from home.  This would be great to integrate with a geography lesson.

What I have learned from this assignment fits with teaching standard Functions:3D, and 4A.  Incorporating lessons which allow my students to create maps will motivate their learning and help them gain a clearer understanding of the content.  They will engaged in the process which will increase their learning.  Based on professional learning, I have engaged in another practice that has improved my technological skills which has allowed me to further advance within the global and digital society.      

Batchgeo Part 1

For the first part of the Batchgeo assignment, I along with everyone in the class had to add information into an excel shared google doc sent by our professor.  We had to input our name, and the city and state in which we live in order to later create a google map.  The neatest aspect to this feature is that whoever the document was shared with (my class from professor) was able to go in an edit or input information within the document.  We could work within the document at the same time or different times.  This would be a beneficial tool to use in group work.
This activity goes along with Teaching Standard Function: 4B.  I was engaged in a professional learning community by learning how to share and input information into a google doc.  Working in this type of collaborative setting will enhance my learning and teaching practices.  I learn something new each day in this course!

Jing Screencast

For this assignment, I had to use Jing to create a video demonstrating how to a particular task; something I can use with my students.  For this activity, I made a video on how to create an avatar at voki.com and post it into a blog.  I was unfamiliar with voki until a previous activity, so I thought my students could benefit in knowing how to create an avatar and reteach a lesson.  

Click here to view my Screencast Video on how to create an avatar from the voki website.

Learning Outcomes:

1.  How do you determine and control the area of your screen capture?

• Click on the left icon (capture) under the Jing sun, and then click on the corner of what looks a plus sign and drag it over the area you want you capture and then click video.  

2.  What are the options for saving a screen capture?

• You can save a screen capture to your history, screencast, or your computer.

3.  Where is the screen capture on your computer and how do you retrieve it?
     What is the address of it on your computer?

• The screen capture is under my history, and it can be retrieved by going under the history (middle) prong of the sun, clicking on the screen captured image, and then clicking on the eye to open it.  The address is http://screencast.com/t/TawEuoQGUKH .  

4.  How do you push it the internet and share with others?

• In order to share the screen capture, click share when the video is complete and jing provides a URL for the screen capture that can be shared with others.  The URL can be copied and pasted into blogs or other desired areas for public viewing.

5.  What file type is Jing screencast movie?

• It is a SWF file

6.  The Jing sun has three prongs what do they do?

• The three prongs are capture (left), history (middle), and more (right).  The capture icon allows me to capture the part of the image I want, and then chose to create an image or video.  The history icon allows me to view my history.  The more icon has feature to choose from that include finish, send feedback, preferences, help, and exit Jing.   

Based on teaching standards this activity co-insides with function 3D: Student Engagement.  By using a screencast through Jing, the teacher will deliver instruction that gives the students a deep understanding on how to create an avatar.  The steps are displayed in front of them using my new learned skills in technology.

Jing Image

Click to view my Central Nervous System in on Screencast. 

For this assignment, I had to create a graphic image using Jing that I would be able to use within my teaching.  I decided to use an image of the Central Nervous System.  I could use this diagram in a health lesson to describe the Central Nervous System and it's labeling functions.  To begin, I found an unlabeled image of the Central Nervous System and used Jing to capture the image.  I then labeled the image with text, color, and arrows.  Next, I had to save the image in my computer and on screencast, and then copy and paste the URL into my blog.  I was slightly confused at first, but I managed to complete the tasks.

Learning Outcomes:


1.What file types come out of Jing?

• Jing file types are PNG files.  

2.  How/where for you save images on your computer?

• Click save on the Jing screen under or above the image, and save it to your computer.  I saved mine with my pictures.  

3. How do you access your Jing history?

• My Jing history can be viewed by moving the cursor over the Jing sun and then clicking on the middle circle which says history.  

4. What happens if your screencaswt an item in your history?

• It becomes viewable to anyone who has my Jing image address.  

5.  How to import Jing objects into your blog posts?

• Jing objects can be imported into my blog posts first by saving the image on my computer, then going into my blog and creating a new post.  Then Click on the insert image icon, browse for the image, and add selected image.  My artifact can be published by giving it a URL. 

6. How do you publish your artifacts?

•  My artifact has to be given a URL.

7. How do you share your artifact with others?

• To share my artifact with others, I have to go to screencasst click share, then copy URL and paste into the desired place.

Based on this assignment and the revised Teaching Standards, I feel that it falls under Function 3A and 4D.  I believe that the use of Jing and creating graphics will assist my students in meaningful learning by aiding them in making connections between presented material and diagrams or images.  This will give them a mental picture of the content which will assist them in remembering the materiel.  I also feel that the use of Jing has allowed me to understand how I can improve my teaching tactics by using graphics and images.  Jing can help me improve my teaching practices through the incorporation of graphics within my lessons, as well as enhancing student learning.  Therefore, I will take what I have learned and utilize it in my classroom whenever possible.  

Self Assessment

I have to admit that the first week of class was challenging and I almost didn't know if I was going to make it through the course.  I know the basics of computers.  I have never took the time to engage myself in learning it's new technological abilities; I would get too frustrated.  However, after week one I told myself that I needed to stay on top of my game and be patient.  My biggest challenge has been time management and balancing this course which takes a great deal of my time, another course, and my motherly life.  Since I'm not a computer whiz I spend several hours doing one assignment, and I also have to make sure my work is completed for my other course.  Anyway, I'm going to manage of all my responsibilities and complete my summer courses.  I have been working on this course starting around 8:30 in the morning until 4 pm when my son gets home Monday through Friday.  I'm trying to get at least two days of work done on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and then having Thursday and Friday to work on my other course.  Then that leaves my weekends for my sons baseball games, and family activities.  This course has gotten easier after learning how to complete the first few tasks, and reusing them for other assignments.  I have learned many new techniques, and I am enjoying the course!  

Diigo

1.  The three steps recommended to get started in social bookmarking are:

• Highlighting and Annotation
• Connect and Engage
• Personal Content 

2.  Web 2.0 and how it differs from other previous stage of the web.

Web 2.0 allows you to bookmark your favorite web pages and offers a feature of organizing, sharing, and displaying specific bookmarks.  You can highlight information within the text, add a comment, and bookmark the page for later use.

3.  What is social book marketing and it's advantages?

Social bookmarking allows us to collaborate and share our favorite or helpful web sites with colleges, peers, and friends.  It helps to us become involved in social networking throughout the world by connecting with with individuals who have the same interests.  Bookmarking is also a great way to get students involved in reading.

I am new to social bookmarking, so I first had to register with Diigo.  I filled in the required information and created my Diigo Profile.  Then I had to download  the Diigolet toolbar.  The add ons downloaded successfully.  I used Mozilla Firefox to install the add on.  An ad on works with the browser in order to provide  new features or functionality to it.  Add ons are useful in that they allow us to navigate more quickly and customize our work.  I'm not real familiar with add ons.  When my computer suggests downloading a feature or an update I do it.  Currently, I have the Alot ad on my computer and to be honest I didn't mean to put it on there.  However, it has been useful in navigating on the toolbar.  I use the web search and weather features the most.  I sometimes use the amazon feature in order to purchase text books or various items.

What I have learned from diigo today goes along with Teaching Standard 4A and 4C.  I gained broader knowledge in professional learning by understanding how to use technology in order to communicate with the outside world.  This will help to improve my teaching skills by communicating with other educators, and I also learned that bookmarking can be used to increase reading among my students.  This has definitely taught me practices based on professional collaborative practice.  Diigo will allow me to interact with co-workers and other educators in order to discuss issues, express concerns, and increase my knowledge on education and other interests.  Through this assignment, I have learned how to actively engage within the digital society and how easy communication can be between me and the rest of the world.

Piccassohead

For this assignment, I created an abstract piece of art on the Picassohead website.  This was a fun activity and something that I will definitely incorporate into a lesson for my students to use.  I love art, so I enjoyed playing around with the features in creating my abstract image.  This was a great way for me to express my creative and artistic side.  
 
My Picassohead is presented below and can also be found in the Picassohead Gallery.

I didn't have much difficulty in creating my Piccassohead.  I simply went to the site and clicked on create, viewed the features, and selected the images I wanted to add.  I did get stuck on how to delete the unwanted symbols as I was playing around.  I started over once, then I saw the tool bar on the bottom of the screen.  I also noticed the color tool option, so I added color in as well.  I was slightly unsure if I needed to save the image at first, so I did.  Fortunately, I completed the steps successfully in creating my Piccassohead.
I feel that this activity goes along with Teaching Standards 4A and 4D.  I gained professional learning and professional contribution through a new site that I was unfamiliar with.  I can integrate a history lesson and abstract art, and then allow my students to create there own piece of abstract art using the Piccassohead website.   This site will give my students the opportunity to become engaged in global society and with technology.  The students can create and post a Piccassohead to be viewed by others, in accordance with connecting to digital society by viewing other people's created Piccassoheads in the gallery.  This is a great way to incorporate student learning for self knowledge, and also in the digital age of 21st Century leaning.

Resume Revision

For this activity, I took my previous resume and had it scored by RezScore.  Unfortunately, my resume is in desperate need of love and care; I got a C+.  I'm embarrassed to even post this score.  RezScore has indicated that my resume is too short and that I need to lengthen the text.  The site also informed me that I need to remove the objective section and add a personal headline instead, and too also remove first person language which was in my objective.  I am going to make the suggested revisions and hope for a higher score. 

 

WOW! I had to do a great deal of revising.  I added a professional headline and lengthened my resume by adding in accomplishments, community involvement, and technology experiences.  I also lengthened out my text by adwithin the document and changed the font.  After revising my resume three times I finally received an A-.  The site indicated that my resume tells the story of my work history, provides enough detail, and communicates my value.  I'm satisfied, but I'm still going to improve it for an A+.  My re-score results are below. 

Click to view my revised RESUME here.

The revision of my resume goes along with Teaching Standard 4C which is Reflection on Practice.  This activity allowed me to examine my own work and find ways to revise it on a professional level.  My resume was compared with others and scored.  I then had to view templates for other resumes to create mine in a professional manner.  A resume is similar to purchasing a car based on it's fabulous features; I'm trying to sell myself by addressing my accomplishments and qualities to an employer.  This was a neat activity and extremely helpful in creating a sufficient resume. 

 

SNIPPING

The snipping tool is awesome!  I have never used this feature until now. The snipping tool is as simple as copying and pasting.  For this activity, I choose an image that would be valuable to my classmates, and myself.  I am always looking back at assignment due dates to make sure I'm on top of things, and I also noticed that some of my classmates were unable to view the due dates listed on the course through blackboard.  I thought this may help. It's slightly blurry, and I had to snip it into two images to capture the whole image.  This is a simple technique of snipping, saving, and downloading the image. Hope this helps for those of you unable to view the due dates.

EDUC 6305 DUE DATES SNIPPED

For this assignment, I had to snip an image using the snipping tool in Microsoft Word.  First, I chose an image, then snipped it by using the snipping tool.  I was able to drag the cursor over the area of the image I wanted to snip and then save it to the desktop (basically this was the copying step.  I then downloaded (pasted) the image into this blog.  This was simple and sweet!

Once again, I feel that this activity goes along with Teaching Standard 4a.  I feel that I have engaged in professional growth by learning a new professional practice of snipping information.  I have completed a new task and have acquired a new skill to improve my use of technology.  Each day I am learning something new about technology or gaining new skills that will build my confidence and allow me to communicate effectively in this digital society. 

Google Docs

Google Docs has allowed me to create and upload my resume so it can be viewed through technology from the outside world or employers.  This is my second time using Google Docs to upload a pubic file.  It was much easier to complete the task the second time around.  Therefore, I have learned a new skill in the advancement of technology.

The greatest advantage that cloud computing with google has over traditional desktop applications is more mobility.  Cloud computing allows networks to work together and share software which allows us to assess sites and information from any computer's browser anywhere. Cloud computing allows us to use sites where we can post published documents that can be viewed by others.  The main disadvantage of cloud computing is security risks similar to any internet program.

This activity relates to the ISTE Nets Standards in that it allowed me to learn the technological skills needed to publish a document in order to collaborate with the public.  This is important to be able to complete tasks in technology integration in this digital age in order to effectively collaborate with our society and especially in collaboration with our co-workers. This is valuable information that can assist me with communication through technology, and also information that can be taught to my students.   

Millennial Survey

 

After taking the millennial survey, I found that based on my generation my score was on the higher end.  I scored a 96.  Apparently, the higher the score the more I have in common with individuals of the millennial generation.  I was actually surprised that my score was this high.  Based on my generation, I know more then some, but I also feel that there's room for advancement with my learning in this technological age.  Especially, in becoming more knowledgeable with technology and communication that I can use within my classroom to improve my students learning.  The more knowledgeable I am about technology, the more I can teach my students and prepare them for survival and successes in the world. As we learn and progress in the advancements of technology and communication, our generation becomes known as millennial learners. It is important for our generation to become millennial and understand the use of technology and communication to survive in the 21st century.

Frand's 10 Characteristics:
Computers Aren't Technology
Internet Better Than TV
Reality No Longer Real
Doing Rather Than Knowing 
Nintendo over Logic
Multitasking Way of Life
Typing Rather Than Handwriting
Staying Connected
Zero Tolerance for Delays
Consumer/Creator Blurring 

I feel that I'm in terms with all 10 of Frand's characteristics.  I especially, agree with the Internet Better Than TV characteristic.  The internet provides quicker results and is more entertaining compared to TV.  Information can be searched quickly instead of waiting for the six o'clock news on TV, and most importantly there are educational sites with games to enhance the learning of our children.  I definitely agree with the Nintendo over Logic based on trial and error because special education is based on trail and error to determine what works best for our students.   

Reference:

Frand, J. (2000). The information-age mindset:  Changes in students and implications for higher education. EDUCAUSE Review. September/October15-24. Retreived May 25, 2012

 
Assignment Review

For this assignment, I read information on Millennial generation and completed a survey.  I then posted my results from the survey into my blog and commented on effects to improve my teaching and student learning.  I also read the information on Frand's 10 Characteristics.  I listed the 10 Characteristics in my blog and responded if I was in terms with the characteristics. 

This assignment goes along with Teaching Standard 4a: Professional Learning in that I examined myself based on my millennial generation.  This gave me a clearer understanding of where I fall in comparison to others in my age group and generation based on technology and communication.  I was able to identify that I was in the higher range, but that there is always room more improvement and advancement in order to extend my knowledge.  The more I know and understand about technology and communication, the better  prepared I will be in teaching my students the use of these devices to succeed in the outside world.

Self Intro/Voki

Click here to view my online public Google document.

To begin my Voki assignmnt, I wrote an introduction about myself in Microsoft Word. I then went to the Voki website to create an avatar to perform my self introduction. I created my avatar by choosing am image, adding my self introduction text, a speaking voice, a background, and other adjustments of my choice. I then attached the avatar into my blog in HTML format by coping the embedded code from Voki and pasting it into my blog. Next, I uploaded my self introduction file (what the avatar would read) from Microsoft Word into a public Google Document and added the link into my blog post.

In my opinion, this assignment follows along with the West Virginia Revised Teaching Standard 4: Professional Responsibilities for Self-Renewal under 4a. Under this standard, teachers engage in professional learning that critically examine his/her professional practice and engage in a continuous cycle of self-improvement focused on how to learn, teach and work in a global and digital society. Based upon this standard, this assignment introduced me into a new world of learning with the use of technology. I wasn't aware of Voki or the use of creating an avatar. I had several questions along the way, but I finally completed the activities. I enjoyed creating my avatar and I can now incorporate them into my lessons to improve my teaching abilities and student learning. I can use this type of technology in creating avatars to present lessons or introductions to my students in hopes of holding my students attention and expanding their learning.  This assignment has helped me gain knowledge based on global and digital technology that I can use within the 21st Century classroom.

Introduction

Hello, everyone. I am a full time student at FSU working toward my Masters Degree in Special Education (Multi-Categorical 5-Adult). I haven't been on blogger since 2008, so I have to reteach myself how to use the site. Anyway, I look forward to beginning this journey and learning new technological things.