NAEP State Comparisons

Today's assignment required students to go to the NAEP site and report on state comparisons for eighth grade math scores for 2011.   Once some choices were made and the spreadsheet of chosen information was then downloaded to Excel.  The spreadsheet of information consisted of Math, 8th grade, 2011, and gender.

I then summarized the state math scale scores related to West Virginia.  Out of 51 states including the District of Columbia (DC), West Virginia (WV) ranks 46^th in their overall student math scale score among eighth grade public schools samples with an average scale score of 273.26. Forty-five states had an average higher than WV with the highest math scale score recorded by Massachusetts (MA; 298.51). Four states (Louisiana, California, Mississippi, and Alabama) and DC had overall math scores lower than that of WV. West Virginia scored nearly ten points lower than the highest average score.  A scatter plot was created using Excel to show the states' average scores.  Here is my paper.

A paired sample t-test assuming equal variances was conducted to compare the average math scale scores for eighth grade boys and girls. There was no significant difference in the average math scale scores for males (M=283.91, SD = 7.85) and females (M=283.06, SD = 7.48); t (100) = 0.56, p = 0.29.  A table was created to show results.  See the following table.

NAEP stands for National Assessment of Educational Process.  They regularly give tests in the core subjects at grades 4, 8, and 12.  Other subject areas may vary.  It's the largest nationally representative and continuing assessment of America's students in various subject areas.   NCES is the National Center for Education Statistics.  They collect and analyze data related to education.  It's a great resource for Professionals in the field of education.  It allows them to obtain information to learn where their state stands in regards to different subject areas.

The ISTE NETS T  standard that best relates to this assignment is number five: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.  This assignment allows a professional to evaluate and reflect of current research and use digital tools to support student learning . 

  

Sign up for a YouTube Account

Today's assignment was to sign up for a YouTube account.  I went to YouTube and clicked on "Create Account."  The next step was to enter current email address and choose a password.  The next section required me to enter my birth date, verify a word, and accept terms of service.  At this point, I received a message that I already had an account.

This assignment was actually due one date after the assignment in which I had to appropriate a video from YouTube.   Since I already had an account, I simply chose a username for the YouTube account and I went ahead and explored YouTube videos and downloaded a video to my computer.    My username is connieepp.  You can view my video there.

The ISTE NETS T standard that relates to this assignment is number three.  This would be a great way to demonstrate fluency in technology  systems while also providing students with relevant information in a fun way.

Appropriate a Video

Today's assignment required students to find a video on YouTube, download it, then upload it back to YouTube.  I explored YouTube and found a cute Thanksgiving video which is a "turkey" version of the M.C. Hammer song, Can't Touch This.  My video title is Can't Stuff This.   Once I found the video I downloaded it to RealPlayer and converted it to FLV format.  Then I went to YouTube and tried to upload my video.  This is where it got a little confusing.  I had to open a YouTube account (which I did and will explain in the next blog post) before I could complete the upload.  To complete the assignment, I went back to YouTube and clicked on the "upload" button.  Then I simply obtained the video from my video file, and dragged and dropped it in the "select files from computer" box.  See image for clarity.

  Then I filled in the title of the video, description, tags, and some other information.  Once uploaded, I received a URL address to view my video.

The ISTE NETS T standard that relates to this assignment are number two and three.  For number two, teachers could develop a technology-enriched learning environment in which videos on a specific topic could be uploaded for students to view.  This would allow for a good variety and allow for different learning styles.  And what a cool activity for students.  For number three, this assignment demonstrates fluency in technology systems and might allow teachers to share relevant information IN A FUN WAY.

 Now you can check out my cute video.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!! 

Action Research Report - APA Format

The current assignment required students to create a document in APA format to summarize the "Methodology" and "Results" sections of an action research paper using data gathered during an online course.   Students were asked to complete a survey in which data was gathered and placed in a spreadsheet.  Research questions were developed and t-tests were used to compare data of equal variance to determine if there was a significant difference with a value rejection level set at P=<0.05.

First step was to get familiar with the APA format.  One thing that I learned was that there are different levels of "Headings" when using APA format (similar to an outline).  See the following image for clarity.

The next step was to decide on research questions.  I decided to use research questions that I developed for an earlier assignment.  T-tests were conducted (again and again and again) and then I was ready to write.


The assignment consisted of three sections; Methods, Results, and References.  The "Method" section of the paper discussed how the data was collected and who the participants were.  In discussing participants information was given on how many individuals, gender, teaching status, age, and browsers used.  This section also answered how the data was analyzed (Excel).   In the "Results" section, the research questions were restated and the data analysis was given in text.  Tables were then included as a visual for the analysis.   The "References" section included any references used in writing the paper.  The final draft of the research paper was then uploaded as a Google doc.  The only issue is that some of the format was lost in the translation.


The ISTE NETS T standard that relates to this assignment is number five.  The assignment allows us to evaluate and reflect on current research using a digital tool.  Being able to conduct, analyze and report research is a great asset for teachers.

Hypothesis Testing

T-Tests have proven to be a pain.  I thought I had it down pat, but ultimately realized that I was sadly mistaken.  Using Internet Explorer as my Browser made it impossible for me to view any video via screencast.  To fix the problem, I had to download a new Browser (Firefox), go back and view all of the videos, and redo the last assignment.   I am hopeful that I have it now.  View my new results below:

Hypothesis Testing

This assignment was to use data given by Dr. Pierce to test for statistical significance using different variables.  This was an extension of the last assignment in which I had to come up with a hypothesis and a null hypothesis using the data given.  For this assignment I used a T-Test to compare different groups (or variables).

The first test that I conducted included age.  Since age in a continuous variable, as opposed to discrete, the mean of 32 was the cut-off to create 2 groups.  I first sorted the data by "age" and labeled 32 and above as "Age High" and 30 and below as "Age Low."  I then used the two groups to determine if age had any statistical significance on quiz scores, discussion posts and Millineal score.  To conduct the test, I clicked on tools then Data Analysis.  From there, I chose "t-Test: 2 Sample Assuming Equal Variances" and entered the the appropriate information by highlighting for score, then discussion posts, and finally Millenial Score.    I then repeated the tests sorting by gender, teaching, and browser.  My tests are as follows:

        

 

The statistical significance is shown with an asteric with a P value less than .05.

For the last assignment my questions are as follows:

Question 1

• Dependent variable - Age
• Independent variable - Quiz score

What is the relationship between non-traditional students (35 and above) and quiz scores?

• Hypothesis - Non-traditional students (age 32 and above) score higher scores on quizzes.
• Null Hypothesis - Age has no effect on quiz scores.

 Question 2

•  Dependent variable - gender
• Independent variable - Millenial score

What is the relationship between gender and Millenial score?

• Hypothesis - Females have a higher Millenial score.
• Null hypothesis - Gender has no effect on Millenial scores.

My t -Test results show no significance between higher age and quiz scores and females and higher Millineal Scores.

The ISTE NETS T standard that relates to this assignment is number three.  Teachers should be able to create and/or conduct research and analyze data for the betterment of students.

Data Preparation

Today's assignment is to identify a dependent and an independent variable and to develop two research questions to examine using data given by Dr. Pierce.  In addition, a hypothesis and null hypothesis need to be stated for each research question.  First step for me was to define the different types of variables.  I found that there are several different types: discrete, categorical, numerical, non-numerical, and continuous.  Next, I needed to refresh myself on independent and independent variables. 


My questions are as follows:
Question 1

• Dependent variable - Age
• Independent variable - Quiz score

What is the relationship between non-traditional students (35 and above) and quiz scores?

• Hypothesis - Non-traditional students (above age 35) score higher scores on quizzes.
• Null Hypothesis - Age has no effect on quiz scores.

 Question 2

•  Dependent variable - gender
• Independent variable - Millenial score

What is the relationship between age and Millenial score?

• Hypothesis - Females have a higher Millenial score.
• Null hypothesis - Gender has no effect on Millenial scores.

The ISTE NETS T standard that relates to this assignment is number three.  Teachers should be able to create and/or conduct research and analyze data for the betterment of students.

Excel Basics

First, let me say, I HATE EXCEL.  I have had one class back in my second semester of undergraduate school that included the components of Office.  Even more, the Excel part just lasted about two weeks in which we had to follow a tutorial.  That being said, this wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  The assignment for this class was to explore with some of Excel's tools and functions and to replace our text values into numerical values.

After importing the information given by the professor, I used the "replace" tool to change my text values.  I clicked the "replace" tool under "Edit" and filled in the information and clicked replace all.  I then explored the "sort" feature.  I highlighted the column that I wanted to sort and clicked "sort" under "Data."  At that point, I chose ascending and then descending to change their positions.  I then explored by sorting one category, then another simultaneously.

The last part of the assignment was to average the number of Blog posts and compare my number of posts to the average.  To do this, I highlighted the box directly under the last number.  I clicked the arrow to the right of the function symbol.  Shown here.  I scrolled down, clicked "Average," and pressed enter.  The average of blog posts appeared below the column.  The average of blog posts are 15.4483 (15).  My number of posts is 15, so I am on average.



My text values were changed as follows:
Male 1, Female 2
Teaching 1, Not teaching 2
ENFG 1, ENFJ 2, ESFJ 3, ESFP 4, ESTJ 5, ESTP 6, IIFS 7, INFJ 8, INFP 9, INTJ 10, ISFJ 11, ISFP 12, ISFP ISFJ 13, ISTJ 14
Chrome 1, Firefox 2, Internet Explorer 3, Safari 4 

 The ISTE NETS T standards that relate to this assignment are numbers three and five.  Using Excel is a great way evaluate and reflect on research and professional practice.  Excel enables teachers to analyze date, evaluate students, and use the information to support learning.

Excel ToolPak

The current assignment is to install the Excel ToolPack for data analysis using Excel.  I went to the course activity list and clicked on the link for the assignment and then clicked on "Install the data analysis tool pack."  I opened Excel and clicked on Add-Ins under the tool menu.  I then clicked on the Add-Ins available and checked the Analysis ToolPak and the Anaysis ToolPak - VBA and clicked ok.  I clicked "Yes Install" and was instructed to insert my Office XP Professional.  I did so and clicked ok.  This is where it went bad.  It could not find the information needed to add the ToolPak.  I repeated the process with the same result about a dozen times.  I then uninstalled my Office program and reinstalled with the hope that it would work.  Still, no luck.  I googled a "how to" for adding the ToolPak, but did not get any new information.  So... I'm still trying to figure it out.  I even stayed late at work hoping I could complete the assignment there.  The problem with that is that I do not have the priviledge of changing or adding to programs. 

The next part of the assignment was to read "The Rant."  I found it interesting.  I agree that teachers need to be assessing students to improve their performance.  I think that making mistakes help us to grow as individuals.  If we never make mistakes, we never learn.  That being said, I think it's all too easy to keep using the same assessments and not really use the data in an effective way.   I never thought about the fact that most of the educators in this area are from the same institution and have learned the same techniques.  How do we break the cycle?  It's a tough spot to be in. 

This assignment relates to ISTE NETS T standard number three.  Using Excel to analyze data is a great example of a digital tool to support research and learning.

Self Assessment

All I can say is thank God its midterm!!!  I can honestly say that there were many times that I questioned if I would make it here to this point.  Today's assignment was to take a self assessment survey about the class.  I took the self assessment and submitted my answers.  It is important for students to be able self assess.  I believe that if a student can use self assessment that they (or we in this case) are more capable of fixing the skills that need work.  It allows us to see our strenghts and weaknesses.

I am looking forward to seeing what the next part of this class holds. 

Pew Milennial Survey

The assignment for today was to take the Pew Milennial Survey, capture our score, and blog about it.  My understanding is that the higher the score, the more I have in common with members of the Milennial generation.  Well, the survey told me what I already knew, I don't have a lot in common with the Milennial generation. 

I am a generation Xer.  My score was 41.  I think that I'm just what some call "old fashioned."  I grew up in a home with both parents present (still together today), we were in church whenever the doors were open,  I had a stay-at-home mom, and my sisters and I were disciplined (NEVER out of anger) with a switch or belt (whichever was closer).  

That being said...what I love about the members of the Milennial generation is their zest for life.  I am seeing a change.  The Pew researchers were talking about the fact that the generation is heading toward being the best educated generation in history.  I can see that!  It goes back to what Ken Robinson said about needing to be educated for the time.  Now individuals have to have more than just a Bachelor's degree to be very productive in our society.   



Personality Profile 2

My prediction was correct.  After reading the selected material, I predicted my personality type to be ESFJ.  After completing the personality test, I found my personality type to be ESFJ.  This assignment was extremely fun and informational.  My test results indicated that my strength is in the Sensing area.  I can see that in myself.  I like to focus on basic information that I take it.  I have never been one to interpret and add my own meaning.  I rely a lot on life experience. 

One interesting aspect of the test results were career choices that might be a good option for my personality type.  Lately, I have been questioning my decision to become a teacher.  My first choice was always nursing.  As long as I can remember.  However, I wanted to be a good mother (first) and available for my children whenever I was needed.   I decided on teaching so I could have their schedule; be at school when they were and be home when they were).  I completed my teaching degree in 2007 and have been teaching for 4 years.  I am finding that I ALWAYS have to bring my work home in many ways (planning, grading, preparing, and the thoughts of students that I would like to bring home due to their situations).   It is brutal.  I am missing more now with my kids than I ever have.  I also realized that my children are growing up.  I have a Sophomore in college and Junior in high school.  When they are gone, I wonder if I'll regret my decision of giving up my life-long dream of nursing.

Well, anyway, nursing was one of the careers recommended for my personality type.

The ISTE NETS T standard that relates to this assignment is number five.  What better way to grow as a professional than to learn more about myself.

Personality Profile 1

Today's assignment was to look at the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and predict what my type would be.  I read the assigned reading and predict my four letter code to be ESFJ which indicates that I am "Warmhearted, conscientious, and cooperative. Want harmony in their environment, work with determination to establish it. Like to work with others to complete tasks accurately and on time. Loyal, follow through even in small matters. Notice what others need in their day-by-day lives and try to provide it. Want to be appreciated for who they are and for what they contribute."

Once I predicted my type and read the description, I completely agree with every aspect (and so does my husband).  I have always been very warmhearted and caring of others, sometimes to a fault.  I tend to put others ahead of myself.  I do not like confrontation and will try my best to establish a peaceful environment.  It takes a lot before I will speak my mind and I try to be empathetic toward people who I feel wrong me in any way.  I give them every benefit of the doubt.  I DO NOT like to be late in any circumstance (turning in assignments, going to church, class, work, doctor's appointments, etc).  I try my very best and will stress myself out terribly in an attempt to be on time, and if I am going to be late, I always try to call and explain the circumstances of my delay. 

The Keirsey Temperment indicates my personality type as a"Concrete Cooperators" or "Guardian."  The description says that Guardians "speak mostly of their duties and responsibilities, of what they can keep an eye on and take good care of, and they're careful to obey the laws, follow the rules, and respect the rights of others."

Again, I agree.  I get very frustrated with people who try to bend (or break) the rules.  I feel that rules are there for a reason. 
By the way, my husband is my polar opposite.  I guess opposites really do attract.

Audacity 2

My Podcast is finished.  This assignment has been one nightmare after the next.  The beginning was relatively easy.  I downloaded Audacity and LAME, then started to work on the project.  For the first several days, I could not figure out how to import my music from my Real Player library.  Fortunately, I paid attention to the class discussions and simply conducted a "drag and drop" to get the music imported.  I  went through days of editing, adding, deleting, and starting over.  I'm still not satisfied with the final outcome, but finally had to throw in the towel to save my sanity.  You can listen to my Podcast  here or below.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

After my Podcast was complete, I had to export my project as an MP3 file.  From here I needed to obtain a Podbean account to use to publish and embed my Podcast.  This is where I ran into a great amount of trouble (and even a few tears).  It was extremely late for me to be up and I could not get my file to upload, so therefore, I could not embed the file.  I spoke to several friends for help, but failed to get any.  So... I turned to my best friend ately, Google.  I searched for information and "how to" upload, publish, and embed an MP3 file to Podbean.  I found the coolest tutorial.  Armed with the tutorial and a "hint" from Dr. Pierce in which he asked me to think about where I had saved the file, all was well.  I loggged into my Podbean account and followed the following instructions:

1.  Pubish
2. Publish a show
3.  Tag
4.  Upload file (browsed and found my file)
5. Publish
6.View site
7. Listen/check
8. Manage
9. Find new and embed (get the code and copy/paste to HTML on Blog)

Believe it or not, it only took about a half hour to watch tutorial and complete the process.

The ISTE NETS T which relates to Audacity is number three.  This would be a great way to discuss certain topics with students, especially older students.  Relevant information could be given while adding a little bit of fun with music or audio from videos. 

Audacity 1

The current assignment is to create a Podcast using Audacity.  I downloaded Audacity and then LAME so the podcast would work properly.  I chose to create a Podcast on my husband's favorite band of all time, The Replacements.  I have been hearing about them for years (24 to be exact) and we have every album that they have ever made.  I began my project by compiling my research on my topic.  I then ripped all the music that I needed from CD's and saved them in my Real Player library.  The next thing that I needed was to download some cool video footage of the Replacements from You Tube and convert them to MP3 files.  I felt like I was ready to go.  My narrative was written and I had the music and other files that I needed.  Off I go...

I have been working on this assignment for over a week already and I am still running into major problems.  Earlier today, I lost all of the information that had been saved in my project.  The project just disappeared.  I looked in different locations on my computer, but was unable to locate it and had to start over.  However, I now have voice recordings, songs, and pieces of videoes that were saved and converted into MP3 files in my project. I will continue to work hard to complete the assignment by the due date.  The following is the marrative that I wrote for the recorded parts of my project:

 

The Replacements, hereafter referred to as the Mats, first came onto the music scene in 1981.  The band members were Paul Westerburg, singer/guitarist; brothers Tommy Stinson, bass guitarist, and Bob Stinson, lead guitarist, and Chris Mars, drummer. 

Their first album, 1981’s Sorry Ma, I Forgot to Take Out the Trash was your basic hard-core punk thrash - but only on the surface.  Songwriter and lead singer Paul Westerberg was already beginning to show off his musical talent with undertones of irony and intelligence all wrapped up in that masterful noise.

Their next two albums Stink and Hootenany would be released over the next two years, 1982 and 1983.  They were on a roll and beginning to clean up the rawness of their sound.  Without loosing their manic energy, they began their journey of branching out into ballads and pop.

The Mats would finally arrive with their Let It Be album.  Up to this point, the Mats had been releasing albums on the small label called TWIN/TONE, but the success of Let It Be in 1984 would lead to them signing with a major label (SIRE).

After signing with SIRE, The Mats released Tim in 1985.  The band members seemed to be conflicted about whether to turn toward mainstream commercial success or staying with their original ideas.  During a January night in 1986 on Saturday Night Live to promote their album, The Mats showed up intoxicated and behaved obnoxiously.  Lead singer Paul Westerburg used unacceptable language and became criticized by Lorne Michaels, then producer of Saturday Night Live.

After going out on tour for Tim Bob Stinson left the Mats.  His departure from the band left questions for the loyal fans, but the consensus was that he was fired due to drug and alcohol abuse.  Some say he was the scape goat for all The Mats destructiveness and drug and alcohol abuse.  However, it didn’t matter.  Paul Westerburg took up the slack by taking on the guitar chores for the next album, Pleased to Meet Me, which would be released in 1986.  For the tour Slim Dunlap, a guitarist from Minneapolis, was asked to join the group.

It didn’t matter that Tim and Pleased to Meet Me contained some of their best, most critically acclaimed work The Mats had ever produced, The Mats still didn’t break through with the kind of commercial success that they, or their label, had hoped for.  Their next album, Don’t Tell a Soul, which was released in 1989, was possibly the answer to the problem.  The new sound, often referred to as “glossy and over-produced”, won many new converts, but left several longtime fans wondering what was going on and asking what direction The Mats were heading.

Don’t Tell a Soul would be the last album that the entire band played on together as The Mats.  By 1990 lead singer Paul Westerburg had decided to go out on his own.  SIRE had a different plan and All Shook Down was released as a Mats album even though many different musicians were used in the recording studio.  When it came time to hit the road, for the Mat’s final tour, drummer Chris Mars was already gone.

The last performance for that The Mats was on July 4, 1991 at an outdoor festival in Chicago’s Grant Park.

In reality, the Replacements’ sole secret was their glaring lack of one; their agenda wasn’t so much a smokescreen as a blank screen.  Indeed, the Replacements’ story may never be over, judging by all of the current interest in the group. The Replacements were rock ‘n roll’s brats in Babylon, who broke every rule, kicked down every door, and knocked a hole in every fence imaginable.  Their influence far exceeds their actual record sales.

So here’s to the Replacements, individually or collectively; things just wouldn’t have been the same without them.

Voice Thread

Today's assignment was to participate in a Voice Thread by responding to two videos by Ken Robinson.  Ken Robinson is a facsinating person and said many things that really made me think about the style of teaching in our system today. 

I loved Video #1 titled Ken Robinson says School Kills Creativity.  My younger son, a junior in highschool,  is extremely creative.  He enjoys drawing, writing poetry, and playing music just to name a few things.  I discussed with him Mr. Robinson's thought about school killing creativity.  He agreed.  He said that they rarely get to create anything.  There are not many open-ended tasks or assignments.  Teachers are in such a constant frenzy with having to teach to the tests.  Tests dictate everything and students need to be taught how to take those tests.  There's always a right and wrong answer, very black and white.  The grey area where creativity lies (in my opinion) is becoming obsolete.  My favorite quote from this video was that "if your (a student) not prepared to be wrong you'll never come up with anything original."    That statement is profound!  We, as teachers, often do not give students the chance to be "wrong."

Mr. Robinson also says that "academic ability dominates our view of intelligence."  Again, a profound thought and I DO see evidence of that in the classroom.   I have a student that appears to be very intelligent when carrying on a conversation, and she can discuss a multitude of different topics thouroughly.  When it comes to her product, she can't produce.  All of her test scores earn a failing grade.  I think that she is very intelligent, but her academic ability is lacking.  I am in a quandry.  I allow her to do some of her assignments orally, but worry about her ability to take a test when she has to.  Again, teaching to the test.  I feel that this student will be able to function in society, but I don't know how she will ever make it through a college/university degree. 

I think the theme of Video #2 is that we need to educate our youth for the future.  OUR future.  He discussed the fact that our education system was designed for a different age and in the past, an education was a must to ensure employment.  That was the purpose of an educaiton.  He thinks that "we are trying to reach the future by repeating the past."  I agree.  Our future is going to look very different from the past.

Lastly, ADHD.  Mr. Robinson said that we live in an age with a lot of stimulation with the advent of new technology.  Our students are stimlated outside of the classroom and are then expected to come into a classroom and "sit still" and "stay on task" when it is boring.  He actually found a correlation with an increase in the diagnosis of ADHD and standardized tests.  WOW!   What's the solution?  I have felt for years that ADHD has been over-diagnosed.  When my son was in preschool, a fellow mother (and teacher) told me that she thought he had ADHD.  I was beside myself.  I shared the information with my sister-in-law who has a PHD in Child Psychology.  At the time, she actually worked with some children diagnosed with ADHD and conducted testing.  She explained to me then (13 years ago) how over-diagnosed ADHD was.  I have to say that I agree with Craig, who in our Voice Thread stated that probably only 10% of those diagnosed actually have ADHD. 

A Voice Thread is a great interactive tool to engage students in a dicussion.  It allows individuals to comment on various topics by recording and/or typing a comment.  I looked at several different Voice Threads and many of them were extremely interesting.  The ISTE NETS T standards which relate to this assignment are one and three.  Using Voice Thread is a great way to promote student reflection and engage students while demonstrating fluency in technology.  A Voice Thread is also a way to communicate information and ideas and collaborate with students.

BenderConverter

Today's assignment was to rip a video from YouTube, download it onto your computer, and then to place it in your Blog to be viewed by all.  What a nightmare!!!  I worked on this one for three days.  I am finally beginning to get a clearer picture of the process.  

First, I downloaded Real Player from the course list.  Using Real Player, I searched and found several videoes from You Tube that could be used in a second grade classroom, and I downloaded them.  This is the point where I had a lot of problems.  I could not figure out how to convert them into MP3's.  WMV was simple, MP3... not so much.  In order to convert files to MP3's, Foxtab (Video to MP3 Converter) was downloaded.  I added a file from my Real Player downloads to Foxtab and converted them to MP3's.  I then signed into Google Pres, created a one-slide presentation, and inserted my video (fairly simple compared to the rest of it).  I just hope it works.

The next part of the assignment required that I embed my Google doc into my Blog.  I tried this at least four or five times.  Now it seems so simple!!!! Your Google doc presentation needs to be open.  Click the pull-down arrow beside share and click publish/embed.   View video for clarification.  A link will be displayed at the bottom of the page.  Copy and paste the link in the "Edit HTML" tool of your Blog.  The video should appear (hopefully). 

The ISTE NETS Standards that relates to this assignment are:

2) Design and Developo Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assesments

3) Model Digitl-Age Work and Learning

This assignment allowed m to demonstrate fluency in technology systems while customizing and personalizing larning activtes for different types of  learners.  In my (little) experience, I have found that many learn a lot by watching educational videoes.  This appears to double when you add music to that video.  I still remember the Preamble from my childhood (long ago).   However, I do still have to sing it.

The following is the downloaded video.  Enjoy!

Jing Screencast

Today's assignment was to create a Jing Screencast that can be used to teach and/or display how to do something on the computer.  I chose to demonstrate how to log into IXL.  I teach second grade and we use this site to practice learned math skills.  It has always been a nightmare to talk the class through how to log in.  They always seem to ask the same quesiton, "where do I type that?"  This is a great way to show them exactly where items need to be typed.

First click the capture prong on the Jing "sun" icon and drag the cross hair to the size that fits your need.  In this case I chose a full-screen because I needed to show the address bar and be able to scroll down.  The first several takes did not show enough screen to ensure that students could see all that needed to be seen.  Click the video button and a count down will let you know when to begin.  A Jing video is automatically assigned a URL, and saved to your clipboard (that can be sent to a Screen cast location), and in your Jing history as a PNG file.  Once in your history, open the video and use the drop down box to save to your preferred location: pictures, desktop, or even a flash drive. 

This assignment was brutally challenging for me.  I must have recorded twenty takes: I didn't like my voice, I stuttered, and I got toungue tied, just to name a few problems.  I fianlly finished it to the product that I refer to "as good as it's going to get."  I learned that I could save it to my flash drive (which made me very happy) because it has become my life-line.  I never leave for school without it.

The ISTE NETS T standards that best relate to this assignment are two and three.  I was able to design and demonstrate fluency in technology systems, communicate relevant information to students, and model the use of digital technology.

Jeopardy

When I first saw today's assignment, which was to create a review using Jeopardy, I almost had a heart attack.  I have tried time and again to create one without success.  To my good fortune, the activity sheet sent me to JeopardyLabs.  The first thing that I noticed was "This is... not PowerPoint!"  Thank God!  This site allows you to create a Jeorpady game in a matter of an hour or so.  I clicked the link for Jeorpady on the activity sheet, clicked start building, and created a password. 

Once there, I simply clicked on the "point value" and typed in my question and answer.  The thing that I like the most about this program is the ability to save and continue creating later when necessary.

I chose to create a review for a second grade reading unit, which I plan to use this Thursday to review for their weekly exams.  The topics used are: Spelling, Grammar, Phonics, Vocabulary, and Amazing Words.  These are many of things that are discussed throughout the week.  

The ISTE NETS T standards that relates to Jeopardy is number two: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments.  To create a Jeopardy review teachers must customize and personalize learning activities and skills that have already been covered with instruction.  And what a great formative assessment!  Teachers can observe students and reteach when needed.

I wish all of our assignments were this simple.  Believe me, I was worried until I got involved in the assignment and learned that it was NOT a PowerPoint.  Been there, done that (unsuccessfully).

Give my review a try at JeopardyLabs.

Word Cloud

Today's assignment was to create a Word Cloud using Wordle.  A Word Cloud is a great visual tool that can be used to reinforce a skill or concept.  Simply type your text into the cloud and click go.  The more times you type a word, the bigger the word is.  I love Wordle and have used it before.  It is "usually" idiot-proof.  My favorite way to use Wordle is with the parts of speech, but I can think of many ideas for a word cloud in all subject areas and grade levels; family members, different digraphs and/or other phonic skills, parts of the body, West Virginia counties,  and presidents,  just to name a few. 

I chose to create a word cloud using adjectives.  I went to the Wordle website, typed in my information, and clicked go.  I then explored some of the different options to change my product (layout, color, edit, language, and font). 

The ISTE NETS T that relates to Wordle is number one: Facilitates and Inspires Student Learning and Creatity.  Students can create a peice of art for mom while (hopefully) remembering the lesson that lead to the product. 

Jing Graphic

Today's assignment was to create a graphic, using Jing, that could be used to introduce and/or teach a skill or concept.  Jing is a digital tool that allows individuals to capture and share anything that is seen on the computer screen, virtually immediately, with a friend.  Simply capture the screen, or a section of the screen, and Jing saves a link to your clipboard.  Paste that link into your chat and share.  The sky is the limit.  The great thing about Jing is that once screens are captured,  they can be edited to aid in teaching a concept or simply pointing out pertinent information.  The different tools available include:  text tool, shape tool, and arrow/line tools.  

Saved Jing files are PNG Files.  These files can be saved on the Jing clipboard or on your desktop.  They can be stored in the Jing History, which can be accessed by clicking the history on the yellow Jing icon (placed in the upper, center of the screen).  My graphic was retrieved from my desktop and added to my Blog. To link the graphic to a screencast, simlpy click the share via screencast box.

My graphic was ceated to aid in teaching the different parts of a friendly letter.  Creating the graphic was time consuming, but only because of user error.  My sample of a friendly letter was created at a website called abcYA.  This site allows you to type the information for your letter and is then created in the letter format.  I then captured the letter, using Jing, and used the text, shape, and arrow/line tools to identify the different parts.   I then saved the graphic to my Jing History, retrieved it, and saved it to my desktop.  I then inserted it into my blog.  I DID learn that (even when Windows stops working) drafts are saved and not lost.  And... I only had a small "freak-out."

The ISTE NETS T that relates to this assignment is number two.  It shows that I can design or adapt learning experiences using digital tools.  Jing is a great tool to have!!

Self Portrait

The second assignment for today was to create a self portrait using Picassohead.  I must be honest, the thought of doing computer homework after a grueling Monday was excruciating.  That is until I got in to it.  The assignment was very fun and simple.  Picassohead allows the user to create a piece of art by adding differerent features, such as a face, eyes, and lips (to name a few) onto a blank canvas.  Once added, the features' positions can then be manipulated and moved and color can be added.  My portrait was snipped (using the Snipping Tool) and was saved as a JPEG file in my pictures.

Students would love this activity.  The ISTE NETS T standard which relates to this assignment is number one:  Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity.  Art is an area in schools today that seems to be forgotten.  With the push to increase Reading and Math skills, time does not allow to fit it all in adequately.  Using this website would be a great opportunity to teach a lesson on Pablo Picasso and allow students to create a self portrait to share with their friends and family.

I hope you enjoy the self prtrait that I have created.

Snipping Tool

For today's assignment, we were giving the task of learning how to use the Snipping Tool which is a tool for Windows Vista.  The Snipping Tool is a relatively easy way to capture, or snip, a screen shot so that it can be used somewhere else.  I had never heard of a Snipping Tool.  I soon came to realize that it is very similar to copy and paste, only better. 

To locate the Snipping Tool, I conducted a program search using the Quick Launch Tool Bar. I clicked the "start" button and typed in snipping tool.

An icon for the Snipping Tool was then placed in my Quick Launch Tool Bar and ready to be used.  One problem that I encountered was the task of saving the Snipping Tool to my desktop (which was part of the assignment).  While in my desktop, I  right mouse clicked, then clicked new, and then shorcut (which is what it says in the directions).  This is where I had my difficulty.  According to the directions, I should have been able to navigate to the program that needed the shortcut.  However, I kept getting the following screen and was unable to fugure out the process successfully.

Although I was unable to save the Snipping Tool shortcut to my desktop, I realized that the tool was extremely easy to use straight from the Quick Launch Tool Bar, which is how I used the tool.   We ARE treachers afterall, we adapt.

The ISTE NETS T standard which best relates to this assignment is number two:  Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments.   This is a perfect example of being able to incorporate a digital tool to promote student learning.  At our school, we use IXL, which is a great websiste that allows students to receive extra practice on previously taught skills.  I teach second grade and have found that trying to get twenty-four students logged onto a website is a nightmare.  With the use of this tool, teachers could snip full-screens with detailed instructions to aid in the processs.



EDUC 6305: Diigo

Today's assignment was to register and setup a Diigo account.  My understanding is that Diigo is a Social Bookmarking network which makes it possible for us to organize, display, and share information with one another.  Web 2.0 networks, such as Diigo, differ from traditional websites because of their capability to share information instead of just being a passive viewer of the information.

The first step in setting up Diigo was simple enough.  I used the Education 6305 Activity Sheet to navigate to Diigo.  I highlighted and clicked the link to register for an account and entered my personal information.  The problem up to this point was that I could not find the Educator's Account information, even with all of the helpful hints from the classroom discussion.  I simply ended up with a regular Diigo account.  Once I had confirmation that my account was created successfully, I moved to step two which was to add Diigolet.  I right clicked the Diigolet box and grug it to my browser toolbar and saved it in the favorite bar folder.

My experience with different web browsers consist of Internet Explorer, Google, Yahoo, and Bing, but I am a "googler" at heart.  Not saying I'm a great Internet user, I'm just saying that Google is where I feel most comfortable.  This assignment has taught me a couple of things.  First, I realize just how limited my technology vocabulary is.  I had heard the terms Web 2.0 and addon, but did not really know what they meant.  I just had a very vague idea of the meaning.  I now know that Web 2.0 is simply a term usedto describe information sharing and user-centered designed web applications.

The NETS-T standard that I believe this assignment relates to is number 2.  This activity demonstrates all of the components of designing and developing digital-age learning.  I am amazed at the number of students in my second grade classroom that have a Facebook account.  What a concept to think that a teacher could create a Diigo and bookmark specific topics of study.  What a wonderful day when reading could become interesting to all students by giving them different options using this type of technology. 

Introduction

Hello.  My name is Connie Epperly.  I was born and raised in the small town of Cool Ridge located in southern West Virginia.  My first love is my family.  I have been married for twenty-one years and have two sons, Dylan and Matthew.  I spent countless hours watching my boys at the soccor field and hockey rink.  Dylan is now a Sophomore at WVU in the Chemical Engineering Program and Matthew is a Junior at Bridgeport High School.  I was a stay-at-home mom for eleven years (best decision ever made) when I finally decided what I wanted to be when I grew up.  A teacher.  I put my first and fourth graders on a bus and I went to school as well.

I graduated from Fairmont State University in May of 2007 with a BA in Education and became certified to teach K-6.  The rest is a blur.  I subbed in Barbour and Harrison Counties for one year and landed a full-time position teaching third grade at West Milford Elementary School in Harrison County.  In 2009, I moved to a second grade classroom, and I loved it!

The biggest obstacle that I have found in teaching is integrating technology into the classroom.  I am technologically challenged!  Without giving away my age, I will say that I grew up in a time without cell phones and computers.  I actually took a typing class using a typewriter.  I am willing to learn, but it is a constant struggle.