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.