Having a history of making websites, Google Sites offers you everything that a novice could want without learning how to manipulate code. It is easy to begin new pages and have them become interlinked with each other, move widgets around to easily change page layouts, and add templates or styles to give a unique feel to each site. The biggest thing to note is that since this is part of Google's application suite there is interactivity between everything stored on your Google Drive and the websites you create. This means that all your documents, spreadsheets, and presentations are available to insert directly into your websites.
I'm not sure which was suppose to be correct but the top of the assignment said to make the site on something you know well while the bottom of the assignment said to make a site for a classroom setting. I added pages for both just to be sure. I can easily see Google Sites being used in any classroom that I teach in. It would be a wonderful tool for both students and parents so that everyone can gain access to all the necessary information pertaining to the classroom. Not only can it house homework, or additional help, it can become a portal to promote learning. Linking to sites that students will enjoy but learn from will keep them returning to the class website for more. Parents can keep up with what is due and when as well as know a reliable place to contact their teacher.
While there is always going to be a constant maintenance of the website I feel like it can easily cut some time in other places by giving students and parents access to information that they are contacting you about in the first place. Even so, keeping records online allow you to change due dates on the fly without having to hand out a new syllabus or make them write it down in class. A simple announcement in class is enough to notify and change what needs to be changed. I can only find good things to come from having a classroom website and I'm sure as I continue to think about possibilities more will present themselves.
CPED 5005 - Demo Site
https://sites.google.com/site/tlacped5005/
Showing posts with label GAIN. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GAIN. Show all posts
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
GOOGLE DRAWING
Google's Drawing application was a simple learn for me. I have worked with Adobe Illustrator for years now and this application gives the basic functions of software like Adobe Illustrator. The biggest thing about this kind of software is its ability to work in vector graphics. To make a long explanation short, vector graphics allow pieces of an image or the whole image itself to be increased or decreased in size without losing its visual quality. While this is a wonderful concept it is often times a difficult one to learn. You must switch your artistic creativity from brush or pencil strokes to lines, angles, and curves. Not only must that change but you also have to begin to think in layers of a drawing. These few but tricky concepts makes the learning curve for a program such as Google Drawing a little higher than others. I had not used the program before this assignment and the name of it was a little misleading. I was hoping that it was a little more like Adobe Photoshop rather than Illustrator. Both are amazing in their own rights but Photoshop acts and draws like you would on a piece of paper.
Because of this learning curve, I feel as if it is not a good tool for students to use artistically but in a manner of teachers using it to explain it is a wonderful tool. The tutorial I had for the middle ages was based on the Tangram Square. I feel as if this is a perfect example of what Google Drawing should be used for. Because of the easy ability to move the shapes around and create their own images students can work together and create their own stories like the YouTube video provided. It allows the students to be creative with images in the same concept as they would with blocks. While it is a digital representation of something that can be done also with paper it does allow students to interact with technology and a program that they may not even know existed. This program I can see being used mainly for math classes because of its ability to deal so easily with shapes. There are a number of different lesson plans and tutorials on things to do with Google Drawing but this was a good introduction to the program.
The Common Core State Standards are easily woven into this program by the need for students to create and present with images as well as understand properties of different geometry shapes. These Google Drawings can be used along with Google's Presentation or Document software to help with the presentations and writing elements of the CCSS and, just like all of the other Google software, it can be shared and worked on collaboratively with others. While it is an image program, that is definitely needed in the Google Suite, it is the bare bones edition of what can be used and has a strong learning curve for almost anybody since it is not like pencil on paper. A decent program to learn on.
Because of this learning curve, I feel as if it is not a good tool for students to use artistically but in a manner of teachers using it to explain it is a wonderful tool. The tutorial I had for the middle ages was based on the Tangram Square. I feel as if this is a perfect example of what Google Drawing should be used for. Because of the easy ability to move the shapes around and create their own images students can work together and create their own stories like the YouTube video provided. It allows the students to be creative with images in the same concept as they would with blocks. While it is a digital representation of something that can be done also with paper it does allow students to interact with technology and a program that they may not even know existed. This program I can see being used mainly for math classes because of its ability to deal so easily with shapes. There are a number of different lesson plans and tutorials on things to do with Google Drawing but this was a good introduction to the program.
The Common Core State Standards are easily woven into this program by the need for students to create and present with images as well as understand properties of different geometry shapes. These Google Drawings can be used along with Google's Presentation or Document software to help with the presentations and writing elements of the CCSS and, just like all of the other Google software, it can be shared and worked on collaboratively with others. While it is an image program, that is definitely needed in the Google Suite, it is the bare bones edition of what can be used and has a strong learning curve for almost anybody since it is not like pencil on paper. A decent program to learn on.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
GOOGLE FORMS
The idea of having a self grading test or quiz is amazing. As a middle school teacher there is not only one class that will need assignments graded but multiple classes with multiple assignments. Homework could be done in this fashion too but it would have to be within a subject that would allow for a multiple choice answer based assignment. The biggest benefit of this self grading quiz format is that it frees up time that a teacher would normally use to grade them to instead sort through the information gathered and figure out how to best help the class based on the answers they gave. However, saving time is not the only thing that these forms can do. Gathering information needs a purpose and sharing that information is how this is easily accomplished. Parents are always wanting to know what their kids are doing whether it be academically or just socially. If a teacher could monitor and record data based on student's behaviors it would allow teachers to notify parents with strong data about areas in which a student should receive praise or additional help.
The Common Core State Standards support the use of Google Forms by showing that students should be able to "Present information, findings, and supporting evidence that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style, are appropriate to purpose, and audience." Not only must they be able to collect data and present it they are also required to "Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations." Google Forms is already considered digital media and while it does record answers from a survey it can also take those results and turn them into graphical representations of the data recorded. Students are equipped with all of the basic needs of the requirements so that they are able to put their focus mainly into research and formatting of the information rather than graphics.
There are plenty of applications that Google Forms can be used for and I can easily see myself using it for a wide range of ideas in the future.
Form
http://goo.gl/W6a5k
Form Spreadsheet
http://goo.gl/gauIE
The Common Core State Standards support the use of Google Forms by showing that students should be able to "Present information, findings, and supporting evidence that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style, are appropriate to purpose, and audience." Not only must they be able to collect data and present it they are also required to "Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations." Google Forms is already considered digital media and while it does record answers from a survey it can also take those results and turn them into graphical representations of the data recorded. Students are equipped with all of the basic needs of the requirements so that they are able to put their focus mainly into research and formatting of the information rather than graphics.
There are plenty of applications that Google Forms can be used for and I can easily see myself using it for a wide range of ideas in the future.
Form
http://goo.gl/W6a5k
Form Spreadsheet
http://goo.gl/gauIE
Monday, May 27, 2013
GOOGLE SPREADSHEETS
Spreadsheets have been around for a long time now but I have never been in a situation where I needed to use one. However, with my programming background I have used a concept called an "array" which is basically the same concept without a graphical interface to it. Because of this understanding of how to manipulate data the functions we needed to do to create a gradebook was not very hard at all.
The easiest thing about spreadsheets is having the freedom to see and set up your static values. This way all the values needed can be accounted for. Entering data can be a tedious effort so being able to split a large chunk of data into a smaller section is always helpful. There are a ton of ways that spreadsheets can be used in everyday life or even in the classroom and their simplicity makes them easy to use for almost anybody. I do not see anything about spreadsheets that are not clear and even if there was something it would probably be one of the many functions that are available. However, there are quick resources that can remedy that problem.
The Common Core State Standards work perfectly with spreadsheets in the math standards. It can be used in other subjects as well but math seems to be the most important and useful subject that spreadsheets work with. They allow students to solve problems through critical thinking, formulas, and data management. The main focus desired by using spreadsheets in math is so that students are able to process information with proficiency and accuracy. This is definitely one of the pieces of software that is overlooked by many but once a student knows how to manipulate it effectively it becomes a go-to tool for anything it can be used with.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
GOOGLE PRESENTATION
The concept of a slide show presentation has been around for a while now and has been put to heavy use in both academic and professional settings. Microsoft Powerpoint has been the leader in this technology for years until recently. Other software has emerged that is both free and just as powerful if not greater than what Powerpoint can offer. The most notable software is Keynote, Prezi, and Google Presentation. I have not had any interaction with Keynote but I have put some time into both Prezi and Google Presentation. A presentation for both of these formats will be linked at the bottom of the blog.
Powerpoint has all the bells and whistles that you could want for a slide show presentation, however, Prezi has changed the slide show from slide to slide into a one slide that is so big it appears to have multiple slides within it creating an incredibly unique feel. If used correctly it keeps audiences more entertained and able to focus on the presentation since they are amused or amazed by the new coat of paint it seems to breathe into the slide show concept.
Google Presentation is what I would consider to be a Powerpoint copy with less bells and whistles. While they have integrated the program with Google's search feature it is only a minor addition that is not incredibly needed but useful none-the-less. All of the standard features that slide show presentations are known for are implemented and everything that Google Drive is known for is also added in which creates a wonderful work environment. Another plus to Google Presentations is that the software exists within your browser window. There is no need to install anything so no matter what computer you are on you will always be able to access and edit your work.
The Common Core State Standards begin to require that students "Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understand of presentations" as early as 5th grade. Google Presentation is accessible at no cost for all students and is simple enough for a 5th grader to add a few pictures and textual information to increase the strength of their presentation. In later grades students are required to use technology and the Internet to further their presentations and writing abilities. With Google's search feature built into their online software this makes the process even easier without having to have multiple windows open. Google Drive allows the students to be able to share documents with other students as well as their teachers for proof reading, editing, and easier submission. All of which are required by the Common Core.
While Google Presentation does not have every single feature that other slide show software has it does offer everything that a student will need for free and in a open setting to use anywhere.
Prezi Presentation
http://goo.gl/HxP56
Google Presentation
http://goo.gl/4vQrQ
Powerpoint has all the bells and whistles that you could want for a slide show presentation, however, Prezi has changed the slide show from slide to slide into a one slide that is so big it appears to have multiple slides within it creating an incredibly unique feel. If used correctly it keeps audiences more entertained and able to focus on the presentation since they are amused or amazed by the new coat of paint it seems to breathe into the slide show concept.
Google Presentation is what I would consider to be a Powerpoint copy with less bells and whistles. While they have integrated the program with Google's search feature it is only a minor addition that is not incredibly needed but useful none-the-less. All of the standard features that slide show presentations are known for are implemented and everything that Google Drive is known for is also added in which creates a wonderful work environment. Another plus to Google Presentations is that the software exists within your browser window. There is no need to install anything so no matter what computer you are on you will always be able to access and edit your work.
The Common Core State Standards begin to require that students "Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understand of presentations" as early as 5th grade. Google Presentation is accessible at no cost for all students and is simple enough for a 5th grader to add a few pictures and textual information to increase the strength of their presentation. In later grades students are required to use technology and the Internet to further their presentations and writing abilities. With Google's search feature built into their online software this makes the process even easier without having to have multiple windows open. Google Drive allows the students to be able to share documents with other students as well as their teachers for proof reading, editing, and easier submission. All of which are required by the Common Core.
While Google Presentation does not have every single feature that other slide show software has it does offer everything that a student will need for free and in a open setting to use anywhere.
Prezi Presentation
http://goo.gl/HxP56
Google Presentation
http://goo.gl/4vQrQ
Monday, May 20, 2013
GOOGLE DOCUMENTS
After rebuilding my computer at the beginning of my Johnson undergraduate career I decided that I did not want to pay for the Microsoft Office suite due to the fact that I knew it would be updated sometime that year. Since I needed a word processing application I used a program called OpenOffice that was free and was able to save in the .doc format that my professors would be using. Since I had this program and it worked perfectly fine I figured there would never be any reason for me to change again. However, once Google Documents, recently renamed Google Drive, appeared I was hooked. I was given free storage online for my documents as well as free word, spreadsheet, presentation, and drawing processors. Once again I was amazed at what they were giving away for free. While these processors do lack some of the bells and whistles that the paid ones feature I feel like they are somewhat overlooked anyway. If this is enough for me on a day to day basis then it should work perfectly as a proper tool for students learning how to use technology properly for future use in their academic careers.
The most incredible strength of Google's online word processor and document sharing cloud storage is the fact that multiple users can use the same document at the same time. Users can use the chat feature to talk about how they want to write the document and then edit it and watch each others words appear on their own screen. Google's save feature is once every 2 seconds so that does leave a small room for error to take place but should be small enough for quick responses and fast collaboration. We have already used the document in class where we sign up for the topic that we will be presenting each week for our TEAM evaluation but I have also used Google Drive in the recent past to collaborate with my teammates on our capstone project. I found that the editing feature was amazingly helpful and even when a person could not physically show up for our meetings they were able to join in with our document and add their own input from their own home. This could make for easy grading or helpful input as a teacher to student documents but it also allows them to understand the importance of working together and through the use of technology.
The new Common Core State Standards that are being introduced seem like they are perfectly paired with Google Documents and their Drive feature. By grade 4 they are expected to "use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting." Google Drive is only accessible by technology and the Internet, produces documents that are written with keyboarding skills, and allows collaboration with others. While there are other ways to do these same things Google has all of it and is easily accessible to anybody at anytime with an Internet connection. I know that if schools begin to teach with the use of Google's products there will be a greater understanding of ease-of-use with technology between students, teachers and beyond.
The most incredible strength of Google's online word processor and document sharing cloud storage is the fact that multiple users can use the same document at the same time. Users can use the chat feature to talk about how they want to write the document and then edit it and watch each others words appear on their own screen. Google's save feature is once every 2 seconds so that does leave a small room for error to take place but should be small enough for quick responses and fast collaboration. We have already used the document in class where we sign up for the topic that we will be presenting each week for our TEAM evaluation but I have also used Google Drive in the recent past to collaborate with my teammates on our capstone project. I found that the editing feature was amazingly helpful and even when a person could not physically show up for our meetings they were able to join in with our document and add their own input from their own home. This could make for easy grading or helpful input as a teacher to student documents but it also allows them to understand the importance of working together and through the use of technology.
The new Common Core State Standards that are being introduced seem like they are perfectly paired with Google Documents and their Drive feature. By grade 4 they are expected to "use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting." Google Drive is only accessible by technology and the Internet, produces documents that are written with keyboarding skills, and allows collaboration with others. While there are other ways to do these same things Google has all of it and is easily accessible to anybody at anytime with an Internet connection. I know that if schools begin to teach with the use of Google's products there will be a greater understanding of ease-of-use with technology between students, teachers and beyond.
Monday, May 13, 2013
INTRODUCTION TO BLOGS
After setting up and experimenting with a number of things related with the Blogger website I have found a few things that are different between mine and the professional ones listed for us to read.
The first, and most noticeable thing, that is different between my new blog and a professional one is the layout. While we can still find the common features of the blog intact (Blogroll, Archives, Comments, etc.) there are more advanced features that make a blog appear to be a fully functional website. These simple things are the navigational bars at the top, header banners with an image and text instead of just a blog title, and custom images or links to partners going down the side. While graphics are not everything (as a few of the linked blogs showed us with white pages and black text) they do help hold attention as well as attract.
Second, while not as noticeable as graphics and layout but much more important, is content. There were a few blogs that were focused on a specific topic of either teaching or technology there were also blogs that posted random bits of information that, while interesting and informative, did not hold any common ground with each other. People do not go to any website if there is not content that they want to experience. The things that we post should be informative or probe questions into their minds that help to create conversation and thus allow the blog to flourish with content in comments and newer posts.
I reviewed Will Richardson, David Warlick, Clay Burrell, and Clarence Fisher's blogs and found that even in such a small sample of blogs to look at these four were incredibly different. No site looked anywhere close to one another and their content was in-depth. The random information blog was the only one to not post much content but the content that they did post probed you to learn more about what they were talking about. It allowed you to learn on your own instead of having someone research it all for you and blog about it. A creative way to educate.
While ours may never reach this level of professional web development we should look to incorporate a few of these elements. Linking to other writer's blogs is an amazing way to get recognition and in return it may also happen to your own blog. Blogs are meant to be read but how can they be if they are not ever shared? Be sure to note and link to your friends entries if they are helpful in writing your own.
The first, and most noticeable thing, that is different between my new blog and a professional one is the layout. While we can still find the common features of the blog intact (Blogroll, Archives, Comments, etc.) there are more advanced features that make a blog appear to be a fully functional website. These simple things are the navigational bars at the top, header banners with an image and text instead of just a blog title, and custom images or links to partners going down the side. While graphics are not everything (as a few of the linked blogs showed us with white pages and black text) they do help hold attention as well as attract.
Second, while not as noticeable as graphics and layout but much more important, is content. There were a few blogs that were focused on a specific topic of either teaching or technology there were also blogs that posted random bits of information that, while interesting and informative, did not hold any common ground with each other. People do not go to any website if there is not content that they want to experience. The things that we post should be informative or probe questions into their minds that help to create conversation and thus allow the blog to flourish with content in comments and newer posts.
I reviewed Will Richardson, David Warlick, Clay Burrell, and Clarence Fisher's blogs and found that even in such a small sample of blogs to look at these four were incredibly different. No site looked anywhere close to one another and their content was in-depth. The random information blog was the only one to not post much content but the content that they did post probed you to learn more about what they were talking about. It allowed you to learn on your own instead of having someone research it all for you and blog about it. A creative way to educate.
While ours may never reach this level of professional web development we should look to incorporate a few of these elements. Linking to other writer's blogs is an amazing way to get recognition and in return it may also happen to your own blog. Blogs are meant to be read but how can they be if they are not ever shared? Be sure to note and link to your friends entries if they are helpful in writing your own.
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