I tried out my first attempt at creating a wiki this week. I decided to create a page for my PTA to use next year. I will be acting as president next year and this site will be a great way to share information with the teachers and parents about who we are and what we do for the school. Previously, we have done this through the old-fashioned paper newsletter. Google Sites has options for inserting calendars which will help keep everyone informed of our event and meeting dates. The only problem with my calendar was my events did not transfer over from my gmail account, I am fairly sure it is something I did wrong and will have to look at further. I made several changes with my columns and layouts to better fit some of my images. This was very simple to do and allowed me to explore different looks while not requiring me to reinsert any of my pictures. I found the Google Sites application very easy to navigate and use. All of the editing features are similar in look and feel from the previous Google apps we have looked at. I hope to explore more options as far as creativity and layouts in the future.
I will definitely use my new knowledge of wikis for my own classroom. It is a great way to keep students and parents informed of current happenings at school. I will easily be able to prepare my class in advance for upcoming assignments with a glance at my classroom calendar. I can even create a page for at home study tips and activities to reinforce what we are learning in the classroom.
You can view my work-in-progress through the link below:
https://sites.google.com/site/christenberryelementarypta/
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 in the Classroom
The Google Drawing app is a great tool for the classroom that can be used for creative projects, math assignments as well as in the pre-writing process. I found the software easy to use and pretty self explanatory. In addition to the basic shapes, the app offers caption bubbles, callouts, equation symbols and several line styles. I particularly liked the helpful tools in the arrange tab, allowing you to align items horizontally or vertically, group items together to be edited and arrange from front to back. Some of Google Drawing's features are normally found in higher priced software such as Illustrator, and make it a great alternative for teachers on a budget. Several of the links posted led to great tutorials and ideas on how to use Google Drawing to meet Common Core State Standards in the classroom. For research and writing projects, the students can create idea webs to organize thoughts as well as visuals such as flow charts and Venn diagrams for comparison/contrasting elements of literature. Math assignments are easy with the ability to create arrays, algebraic equations and geometric shapes with the opportunity to rotate 90 degrees and flip objects on a horizontal/vertical axis. Again, as with all Google applications, the opportunity for collaboration is quick and easy with options to share and publish on the Web.
The "Exploring Shapes" assignment for elementary students was a great use of Google Drawing to meet Common Core math standards. I can definitely see how the children would respond well to the lesson in a fun, creative format through the software. Not only will the student gain key vocabulary and mathematical terminology, but can begin to distinguish defining attributes of shapes and learn to sort based on those identifiers. The ability for the student to use creativity as opposed to simply performing automated steps for the assignment is a key motivator. As I worked through the assignment I particularly liked the alignment feature that automatically "snapped" any object in line with handy guidelines that popped up. It was very easy to add text to my drawing as labels for my shapes and in defining their attributes. I will definitely use Google Drawing for my own classroom.
The "Exploring Shapes" assignment for elementary students was a great use of Google Drawing to meet Common Core math standards. I can definitely see how the children would respond well to the lesson in a fun, creative format through the software. Not only will the student gain key vocabulary and mathematical terminology, but can begin to distinguish defining attributes of shapes and learn to sort based on those identifiers. The ability for the student to use creativity as opposed to simply performing automated steps for the assignment is a key motivator. As I worked through the assignment I particularly liked the alignment feature that automatically "snapped" any object in line with handy guidelines that popped up. It was very easy to add text to my drawing as labels for my shapes and in defining their attributes. I will definitely use Google Drawing for my own classroom.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Google Forms in the Classroom
When I created my first quiz in Google Forms I was amazed at how user friendly the software is. In the span of five minutes I created a survey, sent it out to my classmates and then accessed their answers which were populated into a spreadsheet for me. The tutorial I watched was very informative and easy to follow in regards to turning the spreadsheet into a self grading quiz (http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cjXeqwnDe). I can imagine using this software frequently in the classroom for quick surveys on reading assignments as well as providing feedback on lessons. A teacher can quickly assess how the students are doing in specific areas of instruction as well as seeing which areas they need review or even remediation.
Google Forms also works to support Common Core State Standards, specifically those referring to presentation of knowledge and ideas as well as writing standards. The software provides an easier way of gathering statistical information for research projects and allows for less error in compiling the findings. More time is left for thorough exploration of concepts and leads to deeper understanding of the subject. I remember the time and effort involved in a statistics class for a particular research project of mine. Surveys had to be typed out, printed and then distributed by hand throughout campus, not to mention the time involved with gathering and compiling the statistical findings. Now students have the opportunity with Google Forms to quickly and easily do the "leg work," leaving more time for synthesis and evaluation of the material.
You can find my self-grading quiz below.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUzXKQlVbozdEwtbm5POUZ4OE10OEllLTU0b0JlbUE&usp=sharing
Google Forms also works to support Common Core State Standards, specifically those referring to presentation of knowledge and ideas as well as writing standards. The software provides an easier way of gathering statistical information for research projects and allows for less error in compiling the findings. More time is left for thorough exploration of concepts and leads to deeper understanding of the subject. I remember the time and effort involved in a statistics class for a particular research project of mine. Surveys had to be typed out, printed and then distributed by hand throughout campus, not to mention the time involved with gathering and compiling the statistical findings. Now students have the opportunity with Google Forms to quickly and easily do the "leg work," leaving more time for synthesis and evaluation of the material.
You can find my self-grading quiz below.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUzXKQlVbozdEwtbm5POUZ4OE10OEllLTU0b0JlbUE&usp=sharing
Monday, May 27, 2013
Google Spreadsheets in the Classroom
Not having much experience with spreadsheet software in the past, I could not comment much regarding similarities and differences between Google Spreadsheet and Microsoft Excel. However, for those who have used them or currently have Excel files, it is very easy to convert the format and continue editing the document in Google's software. I also liked the idea of being able to collaborate and share documents easily via Google Drive.
In my first experience with Google Spreadsheet I can see how it would be a great tool to keep teachers organized and save time when posting grades (assuming their grade book template has already been created). I felt that as a beginner, it took me entirely too long to figure out the formula functions. There are many of these mathematical formulas available but only a few were included on the tool bar. With more practice, however, I feel I could easily become proficient at the task. The tool bar was not overly daunting and most of the functions I used were easy to find. There are also multiple "shortcuts" which would be a benefit to those who use the software frequently.
Comments regarding how spreadsheets can be used to address Common Core State Standards will be forthcoming...
Below is a link to my "attempt" at creating a class grade book in Google Spreadsheet.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUzXKQlVbozdGFxbFY5SVFTMVBUUTNhRVhxbDFsUHc&usp=sharing
In my first experience with Google Spreadsheet I can see how it would be a great tool to keep teachers organized and save time when posting grades (assuming their grade book template has already been created). I felt that as a beginner, it took me entirely too long to figure out the formula functions. There are many of these mathematical formulas available but only a few were included on the tool bar. With more practice, however, I feel I could easily become proficient at the task. The tool bar was not overly daunting and most of the functions I used were easy to find. There are also multiple "shortcuts" which would be a benefit to those who use the software frequently.
Comments regarding how spreadsheets can be used to address Common Core State Standards will be forthcoming...
Below is a link to my "attempt" at creating a class grade book in Google Spreadsheet.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUzXKQlVbozdGFxbFY5SVFTMVBUUTNhRVhxbDFsUHc&usp=sharing
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Google Drive: Presentations and Common Core State Standards
Google Drive/Presentations provides a wonderful forum for students to learn and organize information in a variety of ways that meets Common Core State Standards. In fact, Anchor Standard 5 speaks specifically to the use of presentations in achieving speaking and listening skills. These skills taught through all aspects of presentation assignments, from gathering information to displaying data and visually representing findings, are vitally important to the future lives of students beyond their school careers.
Google Presentations has many of the same basic functions as seen in other presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint. The differences come in to play in three key areas of price, sharing abilities and opportunities for collaboration. One great aspect of this presentation software is that other types of files, such as Power Point, can be quickly converted to Google Docs format and then edited and shared online.
FREE...this is what most teachers love about Google Drive. Not only is the software free but the file storage as well. There is also an enormous amount of storage available in cloud format which solves the dilemma of how to store numerous student presentations and digital media over time. The cloud storage system also can be a teaching tool on the aspects of good organizational skills and how they translate to the professional world. Files can easily be shared through email or with other Google Drive users.
Many aspects of Google Presentations also support collaborative learning as defined in Common Core Standards. Assignments can be easily divided and worked on easily from within and also outside of class. Slides from classmates can easily be imported and added to the final presentation.Videos can also easily be shared and inserted into slide shows. Students can use YouTube and other resources to find tutorials, lectures and other types of video to use in their assignments. One video, "What to do in Just a Few (Google Presentations)", explains how easy it is to use Google Presentations for collaborative classroom assignments. My "test run" at using the software can be seen here:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aXvvf-jBbHEN-yvqXGXj9WY5x-TX1r10kazyA52ReCA/edit?usp=drive_web#slide=id.p
Google Presentations has many of the same basic functions as seen in other presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint. The differences come in to play in three key areas of price, sharing abilities and opportunities for collaboration. One great aspect of this presentation software is that other types of files, such as Power Point, can be quickly converted to Google Docs format and then edited and shared online.
FREE...this is what most teachers love about Google Drive. Not only is the software free but the file storage as well. There is also an enormous amount of storage available in cloud format which solves the dilemma of how to store numerous student presentations and digital media over time. The cloud storage system also can be a teaching tool on the aspects of good organizational skills and how they translate to the professional world. Files can easily be shared through email or with other Google Drive users.
Many aspects of Google Presentations also support collaborative learning as defined in Common Core Standards. Assignments can be easily divided and worked on easily from within and also outside of class. Slides from classmates can easily be imported and added to the final presentation.Videos can also easily be shared and inserted into slide shows. Students can use YouTube and other resources to find tutorials, lectures and other types of video to use in their assignments. One video, "What to do in Just a Few (Google Presentations)", explains how easy it is to use Google Presentations for collaborative classroom assignments. My "test run" at using the software can be seen here:
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aXvvf-jBbHEN-yvqXGXj9WY5x-TX1r10kazyA52ReCA/edit?usp=drive_web#slide=id.p
Monday, May 20, 2013
Google Docs in the Classroom
Wow!...This was my first response at trying the Google Documents word processor. I then immediately began thinking of all the ways this software could change classroom learning. Research projects, collaborative learning and classroom discussion could all benefit from this innovative tool.
While in school myself I used mainly Microsoft word processing programs such as Word. It was very limiting in that any work usually had to be done from a specific computer or location. Any research I did at the library I had to record by hand and then wait until I was able to get back to that location in order to transfer it to the document. So for me, the main benefits to using Google Docs in my own classroom will be its convenience and time saving aspects.
Another strength of Google Docs is the fact it automatically saves your work every few seconds...No more excuses for lost files and missed deadlines! It also creates a "history" of revisions so that, as a teacher, I can easily see the progression of the assignment (one of the Common Core State Standards involves revision, editing and rewriting).
The collaborative editing feature was very interesting and is another way Google Docs supports Common Core Standards. By experiencing this perk with a fellow classmate I can really see how it would work well in a classroom setting. Let's say for instance you as a teacher have assigned group research projects. Day one of the project entails classroom discussion and beginning research. Students can simultaneously be searching and referencing the web and various written sources all on one document, saving time. Day two could entail a field trip as further research where again students could work via mobile devices to the same effect. Now all that is left is compiling there findings which now can be accessed from home while again working simultaneously. This ability frees up time previously spent on the sharing of information that can now be spent on the in-depth learning of said information.
The only weaknesses I can see in regards to Google Docs is that not all students may have Internet access at home or outside school as well as some minor issues with exporting files to other programs. If your particular school doesn't subscribe to Google Apps there is also a small fee per year. Also, in order to use the word processor to its fullest functions classrooms would need multiple mobile devices as well as computer stations. As some schools are only beginning to use tablets and other devices in the classroom this could be one of the downsides to tying Google Docs to all school systems.
While in school myself I used mainly Microsoft word processing programs such as Word. It was very limiting in that any work usually had to be done from a specific computer or location. Any research I did at the library I had to record by hand and then wait until I was able to get back to that location in order to transfer it to the document. So for me, the main benefits to using Google Docs in my own classroom will be its convenience and time saving aspects.
Another strength of Google Docs is the fact it automatically saves your work every few seconds...No more excuses for lost files and missed deadlines! It also creates a "history" of revisions so that, as a teacher, I can easily see the progression of the assignment (one of the Common Core State Standards involves revision, editing and rewriting).
The collaborative editing feature was very interesting and is another way Google Docs supports Common Core Standards. By experiencing this perk with a fellow classmate I can really see how it would work well in a classroom setting. Let's say for instance you as a teacher have assigned group research projects. Day one of the project entails classroom discussion and beginning research. Students can simultaneously be searching and referencing the web and various written sources all on one document, saving time. Day two could entail a field trip as further research where again students could work via mobile devices to the same effect. Now all that is left is compiling there findings which now can be accessed from home while again working simultaneously. This ability frees up time previously spent on the sharing of information that can now be spent on the in-depth learning of said information.
The only weaknesses I can see in regards to Google Docs is that not all students may have Internet access at home or outside school as well as some minor issues with exporting files to other programs. If your particular school doesn't subscribe to Google Apps there is also a small fee per year. Also, in order to use the word processor to its fullest functions classrooms would need multiple mobile devices as well as computer stations. As some schools are only beginning to use tablets and other devices in the classroom this could be one of the downsides to tying Google Docs to all school systems.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Inspiring Blogs
Clay Burrell's blog, Beyond School, was very inspiring to me. He holds some of the same beliefs about teaching as I myself do. I particularly enjoyed reading his post On Honor, True and False. As teachers we do have a higher calling and duty to "inspire" our students. Although his blog is very simple in design his posts have deeper more meaningful messages and made me stop and really think about why I want to teach.
Clarence Fisher's blog, Remote Access; even from here, on the other hand is very technical in nature. He has some great ideas for teaching aspects of technology and even created a great rubric for blogging. There are some wonderful tools mentioned on his site for use in the classroom...in essence any technological skills we can give our students is setting them up for future success.
Clarence Fisher's blog, Remote Access; even from here, on the other hand is very technical in nature. He has some great ideas for teaching aspects of technology and even created a great rubric for blogging. There are some wonderful tools mentioned on his site for use in the classroom...in essence any technological skills we can give our students is setting them up for future success.
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