Specialties I Can Offer
In the classroom:
· Fun art projects
· Creative games
· Daily fun facts
Outside of the classroom:
· Animation lessons
· More advanced art classes
· Computer graphics classes
· Light coding classes
Technology in the Classroom
Case Study 1
For this project, I used a science-based lesson for second graders that deals with identification of animals. While the slides of both the projects are short, they show the capabilities of each program. Both Prezi and PowerPoint compete the same primary function, make slideshows. Despite their similar fiction, the process to making them differs significantly. In PowerPoint, the sides can be edited within the space offered, images and text out side the frame will not show up during the presentation. Prezi does not have this issue the creator can make a path to allow any text, located anywhere in the multilayered planes of the stage, to show. Prezi presentations ten to be more visually appealing and fluid, however Prezi is a harder program to learn that PowerPoint. That is PowerPoint is more straightforward and user friendly, while Prezi often requires practice to learn.
There seems to be a debate between whether Prezi or PowerPoint is better for educating students. BBC posted an article promoting Prezi they tell how Prezi’s 3D presentations help engage students into the lesion and also allow teachers to make the lesion more interactive for the students rather than just taking note. (BBS, 2010) Prezi dose allow for eye catching presentations and easier interaction with videos and other external learning activities. While many people are switching to Prezi, many are staying with the classic PowerPoint. University of Central Florida published an article highlighting the use of PowerPoint in lectures. They explain how it allows for more point driven lecture, that can keep students interested in the topics while keeping the information minimal. It also allows for student to download and print the slides for later study. (University of Central Florida, 2018).
Both programs have their pros and cons, but it seems to be a personal preference which program should be used. While PowerPoint can be easily shared and printed, Prezi is more interactive and fluid. Both programs can help students learn under a caring teacher.
Prezi: https://prezi.com/view/JoJOV35YfP4qzMCbssYs/
PPT: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1GC0goEd9NrpQxJVEsyeu8BZxff_BHLdcNzbDJJcmjQw/edit?usp=sharing
Work cited
BBC (Ed.). (2010). Using Prezi In Education. Retrieved September 8, 2018, from
http://www.bbcactive.com/BBCActiveIdeasandResources/UsingPreziInEducation.aspx
University of Central Florida (Ed.). (2018). Effective Use of PowerPoint. Retrieved September 8,2018, from
http://www.fctl.ucf.edu/TeachingAndLearningResources/Technology/PowerPoint/index .php
Case Study 2
Word clouds have been gaining popularity for years. They are images made up of select words that may or may not be related. When goggling word clouds, anything from dinosaurs, airplanes, or trees can pull up. All are made up of word or short phrases that the artist is using in a lesson, presentation, or just made for fun. These images are often made with bright, eye catching colors that work great in keeping people’s attention.
In the educational system, word clouds are very popular. Siobhan Tumelty, a writer for Edudemic, tells about some of the uses for it in a classroom. He explains how it not only is a great way to engage students in the lesion but can also help them by allowing them to be creative by making their own. (Tumelty, 2015) the interaction that creating their own word cloud can greatly help students with subjects, like literature, that don’t have many hands on projects.
Word clouds can be made in many different programs. While some, like Microsoft Paint, are capable of making them, it may be tedious to do so; online generators allow it to be done far quicker and easier for a busy teacher. Programs that offer this are
With word clouds being such a useful asset to a classroom, the programs to generate them must be expensive. Luckily for Teacher, programs like Power Point are supplied by most schools it should be easy for teachers to incorporate word clouds into their lessons. Word Clouds into can really help students to learn and grow with their visual appeal and hands on learning by creating them.
Work cited
Tumelty, S. (2015, April 03). 5 Ways To Use Word Clouds In The Classroom. Retrieved September 17, 2018,
from http://www.edudemic.com/5-ways-use-word-cloud-generators- classroom/
Made with WordArt
Made with Wordcloud
Case Study 3
Sebran's ABC
https://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech208.shtml
https://download.cnet.com/Sebran-s-ABC/3000-2132_4-10068037.html
Installability:
•Are installation directions clear and accurate?
This is a simple download that the download button is pressed and then the user is prompted to permit the download.
•Does the program install completely in a reasonable amount of time?
The program is only 700 Kb, so it should not take longer than five minutes to download. The download speed does relay some on the speed of your internet
Usability:
•Is documentation clear and accurate?
There is no documentation within the program, however the layout is very simple and the small user setting panel is easy to change and access
•Are required computer skills grade-level appropriate?
This is a great program for children to introduce them to the world of computers. The controls are designed to help them learn to use the mouse and learn the keyboard as well as math and the alphabet.
•Is content error-free?
I saw no major errors in the main layout and all the games themselves. The only issue I saw was some of the images in the “Pick A Picture” mini game were not the easiest to decipher.
•Are screens well designed and easy to read?
Very all the games are named exactly what they are and the large block letters and bright colors will hold children’s attention.
•Does the program require few or no additional plug-ins?
It does not appear to but it may require Flash-player
Performance:
•Is the program bug- and error-free?
I found no bugs or typos in the program
•Does media load correctly and in reasonable time?
All the games located in the download open immediately open clicking on them
•Are video and sound clear and accurate?
There are no videos, however the flash style games seem to run very fluently
•Are hyperlinks accurate and reliable?
There are no external links
•Is navigation intuitive?
The setup of this application only has a main menu and all the games are clearly labeled.
Usefulness:
•Does the program meet educational objective or reliably perform required tasks?
Yes it works with simple addition, subtraction, multiplication, spelling and typing for lower grade levels.
•Are content and/or tasks performed grade-level appropriate?
This program will work great for younger grade, but it loses its usefulness after maybe second grade. The simple words and math problems do not get hard or complex enough to help students beyond that point.
•Does the program maintain user interest?
While it will seem dull to the teacher him/herself, the program is full of bright colors and interesting games that will keep students interest.
•Does the program extend student learning and/or save time?
It can work as a way to help students remember a lesion by practicing it.
Support:
•Is technical support easily available and generally helpful? .
This program is fairly old and I couldn’t find any support number or websights.
•Are peripheral materials provided?
No
•Is a comprehensive Help tool available?
There is a setting window to change the difficulty of the games some but nothing else.
http://www.core-learning.com/pt_software_school.asp
http://www.core-learning.com/pt_mathOverview.asp
Installability:
•Are installation directions clear and accurate?
Once purchased or the demo is started, the installation is automatically ran
•Does the program install completely in a reasonable amount of time?
There are multiple different courses available; math, literature, health, etc., most of them seem small, around 125 MBs, so the download is fairly quick.
Usability:
•Is documentation clear and accurate?
Yes, the web sight states most of what the program is capable of doing.
•Are required computer skills grade-level appropriate?
Some basic computer skills are needed to operate the application, but the programs are grade based and most students will have the skills needed by the time they reach the required grade
•Is content error-free?
I have not noticed any issues
•Are screens well designed and easy to read?
Yes, the illustrations are clean and instructions are easy to fallow
•Does the program require few or no additional plug-ins?
Not as far as I could tell, however it requires windows 7 higher
Performance:
•Is the program bug- and error-free?
I didn’t notice any issues
•Does media load correctly and in reasonable time?
The loads are quick due to it being a application rather than just a website
•Are video and sound clear and accurate?
Yes, there is video and audio instructions. They are easy to understand and use.
•Are hyperlinks accurate and reliable?
I saw no external hyperlinks
•Is navigation intuitive?
Yes, however teacher assistance may be needed for younger students.
Usefulness:
•Does the program meet educational objective or reliably perform required tasks?
It has education requirements for all grades
•Are content and/or tasks performed grade-level appropriate?
Yes, most of the programs are focused primarily on math but they other programs from K-12
•Does the program maintain user interest?
Many of the question problems have bright illustrations that help students understand the problems and keep them interested
•Does the program extend student learning and/or save time?
Yes, it can help students learn the offered content and secure the content that the teacher taught into long term memory
Support:
•Is technical support easily available and generally helpful?
Yes, they offer phone and email tech support
•Are peripheral materials provided?
No
•Is a comprehensive Help tool available?
Yes, the programs are designed to brake down the lesson for easy understandable parts for students and teachers
Both programs are designed to help students learn. I focused on math since math help is one thing they have in common. Sebran is an old program, able to be ran on windows 95, but the basic math if offers can still help students. This program is free, but it does not keep the score the students made, so teachers will not be able to see where their students are struggling. ( Wartoft, M. n.d) Also, the use of this program end after second grade, but since it is free, it can still be used for practice. Core-Learning more to offer to students in higher grades, but each part comes with a fifty-dollar price tag. Their math is divided into four sections; fraction, decimals and percentages, geometry, and basic math. (Basic Math. n.d.) With this many section, it would be quite expensive for school to provide it for their students. However, looking at the perks offered by Core-Learning, it would be the better choice for the schools to invest in. Sebran, since it is free, could be for younger students before they are moved to the Core-Learning program. Both these could be used in educating children, but Core-Learning is superior in its extended use and in keeping score.
Work Cited
Basic Math Help with Fractions Course. (n.d.). Retrieved October 4, 2018,
from http://www.core-learning.com/pt_fractions_info.asp
Wartoft, M. (n.d.). Sebran's ABC. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from
https://download.cnet.com/Sebran-s-ABC/3000-2132_4-10068037.html
Case Study 4
Making a web quest is not a hard job. The hardest part is finding a website that will allow the user to make it and host it, without a fee or downloading software. Wikiful is a website that allows people to make a wiki, wikis work very well for web quest. Wikiful interface is very user-friendly and is easy to navigate and edit pages on. (Wikiful, N.d) The finished pages have clean look and easy for viewers to understand. Google Sites offers a very similar wiki design program. Theirs allows for premade backgrounds and templates that can make the wiki unique from others on related topics.(Educatorstechnology. 2013) Just like Wikiful, the interface is very simple to work, and allows for quick attachments of files and images.
While they are very similar in most regards. Google Site has a more fluid feel. Placing images into the Google Site wiki act a lot like putting it in a word document, with manual sizing and location placing. Wikiful, on the other hand, has preset image sizes and locations. For both sites, adding hidden links work the same and allow group collaboration. The biggest plus Wikiful has over Google sites is its ability to easily adjust the order of the pages in the wiki.
I find that ether of these websites could be effectively used to make a web quest. However if I make another I will most likely use Google Sites. The options for layouts and backgrounds are its biggest plus to me, and the interaction with the images also pulling me more toward Google Sites than Wikiful
Wiki: https://sites.google.com/site/playwithforteckclass/
Work Cited
Educatorstechnology. (2013, January 16). Teacher's Guide on The Use of Google Sites in The
Classroom. Retrieved December 4, 2018, from https://www.educatorstechnology.com
/2013/01/teachers-guide-on-use-of-google-sites.html
Wikiful. (n.d.). About Wikiful. Retrieved December 4, 2018, from https://www.wikiful.com/about
Instructional Technology Plan
The mission of my class it to improve math skills of my student and to make better connection with my students’ parents. Math seems to be one of the more difficult subjects for students to get. Adding in more practice can help students to grasp the more difficult concepts. It is also beneficial for teachers if parents are kept up to date on their children’s behavior and grades in the class. Allowing parents to have daily updates on their children insures that a better relationship forms between both sides.
IXL is a study program. It offers many different learning subjects, but my mission with this program is to help students improve their math skills. The math practice questions are based on grade level, the premade questions are base on select topics, such as subtraction. Giving the teacher the reassurance that their students are reviewing the topic that they are studying. Also, teachers get immediate feedback on which questions or concepts the students are struggling with. (IXL. 2018. Our)
ClassDojo is not a learning program, but it can be very effective for teachers. It allows for easy attendance taking and parent teacher conversation. It allows teachers to note behavior of each student and allows parents to immediately see their child’s behavior or grades. This can be very useful for establishing good teacher parent relationships. (ClassDojo. n.d. Learn)
Currently most school provide students with laptops or tablets. This will allow them to access IXL easily and practice their math in class. However, teachers may need to be careful due to the fact that most computers come with a preinstalled calculator and, depending on the grade, this may alter the students score and the results of what is needed to be taught. With the addition of technology in the classroom, the increase use of programs, like IXL, will increase and students will learn better. (IXL. 2018. Our) Teacher are also supplied a computer, this is not as new as the students being given one, this will allow them to post immediately on ClassDojo the grades and behavior of their students. (ClassDojo. n.d. Learn)
Neither of these products will require any other resources than a computer and a stable internet connection, both of which are provided at most schools. The programs do not include workbook, CD-ROMs, or any other form of media as far as I can tell, only requiring signing up and downloading.
ClassDojo has videos available to help teach teachers to use the programs. They also have a wonderful helpline that will walk teachers though any problem that a teacher may have with the layout of program. (ClassDojo. n.d. For) IXL also has walkthroughs to help guide teachers who are new to the program. Their helpline is also available to answer any question that is not answered by the guide. (IXL. 2018. Help)
IXL is often purchased by the school or district, this amount is not distributed to the general public. A teacher could also purchase it for their class for around $300 a year. (IXL. 2018. Membership) However, ClassDojo is free for teachers, it allows them to connect with the school they work at. It is not available to the public whether the district has to pay for the server. (ClassDojo. n.d. What)
Both here product could be very useful for a teacher. The IXL program will help the students understand the math though practice, and the ClassDojo will help keep track of the students and provide information to their parent. I feel both these programs will be a great asset to a teacher’s classroom program list. (ClassDojo. n.d. Learn)
Work Cited
ClassDojo. (n.d.). Learn all about ClassDojo. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from
https://www.classdojo.com/#LearnMore
ClassDojo. (n.d.). For teachers. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://classdojo.zendesk.com/hc/en-
us/categories/200185275-For-teachers
ClassDojo. (n.d.). What Does ClassDojo Cost? Retrieved November 11, 2018, from
https://classdojo.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/205924206-What-does-ClassDojo-cost-
IXL. (2018). Help center. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.ixl.com/help-center/
IXL. (2018). Membership. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.ixl.com/membership/
IXL. (2018). Our culture. Retrieved November 11, 2018, from https://www.ixl.com/ company/culture#education
Case Study 5
With technology becoming the norm in schools, many different programs and software have been developed to assist teachers and improve the learning of students. Many programs strictly help one or the other, but some do both. Classflow is a one of these multi use platforms. It allows teacher to create quizzes, activities, and lessons. It also allows students to access the material the teacher has given out and do assignments.
Classflow works for students for kindergarten to twelfth grade. It allows teachers to easily create lesson plans from anywhere, due to its compatibility with smartphones and tablets. Students create their own page on Classflow to connect to the teacher, this allows them to take quizzes and review the lesson, even if they are at home and the teacher gets immediate feedback of the grades. It also gives easy communication between the teacher and the student. (McFadden, 2017)
For teachers, they can share their lesson plans not only with others in their school but any other teacher who is connected to Classflow. This can help if a teacher does not have the time to work on a personalized lesson for that day or are having problems finding select information to put in. Most of these lesson plans are free, however some do have to be bought but most of the payed for material only cost a few dollars. (Classflow. n.d. Market) Teachers sharing with one can greatly increase the likelihood of student’s success with the many resources that can be provided.
For students, Classflow is a website that they can get resources, take quizzes, and study in class material. Teachers supply a weblink to the students for the students to create an account in their class profile. For younger students, who may just need to temporarily access an activity or quiz, there is an option to create a day code which will give them temporary access to the class page. (Admin. 2018) There are plenty of activities that the teacher can make for her students to review; word searches, labling diagrams, and memory games just to name a few. (ClassFlow. n.d.. Activities)
I love the look of this program. There is a very good chance I will use this in my future classes. It has so many free resources and access to so much support from other teachers, not to mention it has no subscription fee. This program will be very useful in any subject and will be sure to engage and interest students.
Works Cited
Admin. (2018, March 30). Classflow：Joining a Class. Retrieved from http://www.classflow-
student.com/activinspire-download/classflow-joining-a-class/
ClassFlow. (n.d.). Activities. Retrieved November 18, 2018 from https://prod.classflow.com/classflow/#!/edit-
activity/directory/3883ca33d0944145a1efaf223c008889
Classflow. (n.d.). Market. Retrieved November 18, 2018 from https://prod.classflow.com/classflow/#!/marketplace
McFadden, J. (2017, July 06). We Review ClassFlow: A Teacher Tool That Might Just Save Your Sanity. Retrieved
November 18, 2018, from https://www.weareteachers.com/we- review-classflow-a-teacher-tool-that-might-just- save-your-sanity/