MEDT 7462 Kim Ward Internet Tools, Resources, and Issues

Assignments

Assignment 3.1 I created a website for MEDT 7462 Internet Tools, Resources, and Issues.

Assignment 3.2 Screenshot and PDF  I created a gmail account and explored a few of the gmail options.  I would enjoy showing all of my students how to create a gmail account that can be access from any computer with internet access. Teachers and students could correspond about class work. The "group chat" feature under options would also prove to be very useful in a classroom setting. Any teacher could set up a group chat with only his/her students. Students could then discuss classroom topics at any time of day or night.  The "undo send" feature under labs could also be very helpful if a student or teacher sends an email before it is finished or reviewed. The "undo send" feature allows the sender a few seconds to recall the email before the email reaches the recipient. The "translate" feature in labs would be an excellent feature for students. The "translate" feature will translate any email in a foreign language. Students could communicate with students in other countries without learning another language.  Gmail has many more features students and teachers would enjoy using in a classroom.

Assignment 3.3 Google Calendar Screenshot and PDF - I created a Google Calendar. I scheduled a meeting and invited 2 classmates. I also accepted 2 meeting invitations from 2 classmates.  A teacher can create Google Calendar for a particular classroom and it can be used to post classroom activities. Then the calendar can be shared with parents on their Google Calendars.  A school could even create a google calendar to share.  It is a great way for parents, teachers, and schools to share events and keep up to date. The calendar will also send reminders to everyone sharing the calendar. You can even embed the Google Calendar on an existing school or teacher website. Reminders can help students and parents keep up with projects and classwork. One of the best features is the Google Calendar can sync with a pre-existing Microsoft Outlook calendar. Both calendars can share events when you perform a sync.

Assignment 3.4 Blogger PDF and Blog Link I created a Blog using Blogger in Google. This Blog could be used for for students and teachers to discuss topics they are considering for a paper or project. Many times teachers may not have one on one time to spend with a student within class time. Allowing time outside of class to discuss on a blog can give teachers interaction with students they don't have time for in class. When using online tools, it is very important to maintain the safety and identity of each student. In using Blogger, a teacher can restrict the authors and readers of the blog which assists in maintaining student safety.

Assignment 3.5 Google Site PDF, Google Wiki PDF, and Google Link I created a google site and then created a discussion page allowing posts. This site could be used for students to contribute to discussions about particular topics or brainstorm ideas. Students can add attachments and share their work for other students to revise or edit.  The google site is a great way for parents to keep up with a child's assignments if a teacher posts an assignment or homework page. Now with differentiated learning students can create videos, spreadsheets, presentations and much more.  Google sites will allow a teacher or student the ability to upload any of these items to the site for others to review.

Assignment 3.6 Google Reader/Aggregator PDF I created a Google Reader Account that will notify me of the most up to date changes on several websites I subscribed to. In doing this, I will not have to surf the web each day to check the websites, but just read all of the postings on the Google Reader Page. Students could open a google reader account to keep track of websites they are researching as well as changes to their classroom website.  Students can even share suggestions of websites.

Assignment 3.7 Google Docs PDF Myself and two classmates created a google document recording the ways we feel Google Docs can be used in the classroom. Google Docs allows students to to create documents, presentations, and spreadsheets without the need to purchase expensive software. These applications can be accessed from any computer with internet access. No need to carry a flash drive. Live forms can also be created with Google Docs. The live form could be used to create an online formative or summative assessment. All data collected from the live form is automatically displayed in a spreadsheet allowing easy access to organized information.

Assignment 3.8 Behavioral Objective PDF I wrote a behavioral objective for an ASSURE lesson about a third grade Georgia Performance Standard relating to American Heroes.

Assignment 3.9 Slideshare PDF I collaborated with 2 colleagues creating a slideshow about Slideshare and how it can be used in the classroom. Once we figured out how the site worked, it was relatively easy to use. A teacher can create a slideshow and share it with her students on Slideshare. Students do not need any additional software, just internet access to use Slideshare. A students can view the slideshow at their convenience when a teacher has published slideshows on Slideshare. Students can also add to the slideshow at their own convenience or share their own slideshows.

Assignment 3.10 Delicious PDF I created an account with delicious and bookmarked some of my favorite websites. Several colleagues and I joined a network and then shared our favorite website bookmarks. It was wonderful to visit some of my colleagues favorite websites through my delicious account. I didn't have to copy and paste an automatic link was placed in my account.  The delicious account is managed on the internet, so a student could bookmark websites at school or home and use them interchangeably. Students can access information quickly and easily. Teachers could share websites related to certain topics or concepts being studied in the classroom.

Assignment 3.11 Google SketchUp PDF Using Google SketchUp, I created a columned 3-D structure. The free program allows students to create a map, objects, or a space.  Students use measurement to create designs as well as use graphic design elements. Online tutorials show students how to use the program independently.

Assignment 3.12 Picasa PDF I used Picasa to edit a picture I had taken of a camellia bloom my daughter picked on a drab winter day. I used the crop feature to exclude other blooms and focus on one.  The text tool was used to add a caption. I used the custom color feature to select a color inside the camellia for the text color. Students in a classroom could use Picasa to take pictures while on a field trip and then later add captions describing portions of the trip. Picasa could be used by students to edit pictures before placing them in slideshow presentations. Many students might like to use Picasa to create a slideshow or movie with picture taken or obtained for a project.  The best advantage of Picasa is the program is online and free. Students do not have to pay extra fees or purchase software to use the program.  Picasa is online and therefore students can use the program at any location with internet access.

Assignment 3.13 Google Translate PDF I created text in Google Translate in English and then the text was translated in Spanish. Google Translate has a feature that uploads documents and translates the entire document into the language of your choosing. My school has a small population of Spanish speaking students. Google Translate would allow me to translate documents in their entirety for those families. Due to the influx of international companies and families in Georgia, schools could use Google Translate for any document. Google Translate also has an additional feature of translating an entire website into a large selection of languages. A feature is also included where one can search international websites and they will be translated as well. When researching or planning a visit to another country, Google Translate could be very useful in providing information.

Assignment 3.14 Google Earth Google Earth has many features that would be useful in the classroom. A person can get directions from one place to another and actually travel the roads, clicking on pictures of some of the landmarks.  The map will even show eating and shopping locations in the area. When watching the trip from my house to the Okefenokee Swamp, I noticed my husband's truck in the photograph at the entrance to my subdivision. It is a wonderful tool to examine land features. You can record your trip and mark important spots along the way. I planned a trip from Newnan, Georgia to Folkston, Georgia. A portion of the Okefenokee swamp is in Folkston.  Our third grade students are learning about the regions of Georgia and the coastal plains is one of those areas.

Assignment 3.15 Custom Search with Google Custom Google Search is an excellent tool for teachers when they need to restrict internet searches. Even with strict filtering settings and school system filters, students can still gain access unknowingly to inappropriate websites. Students need practice searching the internet, but safely.  Custom searches through Google give teachers the control they need, but gives students the information and practice they need. I created a search for Habitats of Georgia which is a 3rd Grade Georgia Performance Standard.  The screenshots of my searches are below. Search 1 - Mountain animals of Georgia Search 2 - Plants of Georgia Search 3 - Habitats of Georgia

Assignment 3.16 Google Form and Spreadsheet Google Forms is a wonderful tool for educators. The forms can be used to survey parents, teachers, or students. The forms can be used as an evaluation instrument for students.  The information from the form is immediately placed into a spreadsheet for easy viewing of all results. I have used this form several times recently within my school. I have been able to share the tool with colleagues. Themes can be used for a professional looking form. The results can be exported into an excel spreadsheet or pdf file.

Assignment 3.17 ASSURE based lesson and video tutorial I created and ASSURE based lesson teaching the Web 2.0 tool www.storyjumper.com. Students will learn how to log in, access their username, create a book, add a title, author, scene, prop, and text. I also created a video tutorial for students that need additional assistance. Storyjumper allows a student to create a book and then print the book. Students can purchase a hardback copy of the book from the website for $25. Storyjumper is an excellent way for students to obtain a published copy of their work. As a teacher, the ability to print the book is a useful feature because not all students can afford to order a book for $25.