How exciting! I never knew that this existed! (As is the case with most everything we've done in this class!)Sorry Microsoft, but I may not be buying another version of Office! I was a little nervous about putting all of my information out there for the world to see, so I changed my personal info to XXX. Here is my resume!
This opens up a world full of possibilities for students including myself! Even those who do not have Internet access at home can usually access it somewhere else, like a library. No excuses for not getting an assignment done! :) And how convenient that a person can access whatever they are working on from anywhere! You no longer have to remember your flash drive or whatever device you use to save documents. And the share feature makes things nice and simple. If you had email addresses for all of the parents in your classroom you could send newsletters and other correspondence to everyone at once. You wouldn't have to run copies and hope that the students get them home. And the very best part, in my humble opinion, is you can do it from anywhere! This is something I will be using in the future and will be encouraging others to use as well!
Some of the ISTE/ NETS this relates to is 3c communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats. As I mentioned earlier what a great tool to use for communicating and collaborating with parents, students and coworkers! Students could also use this tool for group projects.
4c promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information. Using Google Docs during group work would be a great way to address this standard.
3b collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation. Google Docs would make collaborating very simple. As a team lead I was responsible for the budget and ordering for my grade level, writing the instructional calendar, and many other tasks. Using Google Docs would have saved me from calling several team meetings!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Personality: The results!
I was right! I am a guardian. I'm a little disappointed that it doesn't show how I ranked in the other categories. I guess one could purchase the report, but I feel like I have better ways to spend my money. I know that as a guardian I like things to be organized. As the report says I like clear-cut responsibilities, I enjoy working on a team with people who carry their weight, and I do take pride in being dependable and trustworthy. All good traits for a teacher.
I know my personality type makes a difference as to the kind of teacher I am. I am the kind of teacher that spends half the weekend planning for the following week of school. I do not feel comfortable winging it in the classroom. I do take my responsibilities as a teacher very seriously. I know that in order to be confident and do my best I need a well thought-out plan. The report says Guardians are meticulous about schedules and have a sharp eye for proper procedures. I ran my classroom with routines that helped make things run smoothly after only a week or so of practice. My classroom was always orderly and neat. Even my classroom library was ordered by genre, each category had a stamp so that students could put books back where they belonged. I am the kind of teacher that has clear expectations and consequences for my students.
I know that my personality type can help others get things accomplished both students and coworkers. I am the teacher that wants to get started with the meeting rather than continue to chat about school gossip. I also know that this can be a bit overbearing at times. As a second year teacher I was asked to be team leader because of my "shoulder to the wheel" attitude.
There are definitely downfalls to my personality type when it comes to teaching. Teachers must be flexible because several things can, and will, disrupt the day. Flexibility is something I am still working on. It is often hard for me to understand people who don't take things as seriously as I do. I get frustrated when working on a committee where others don't seem to be dedicated.
Learning Outcomes:
The four personality types are Artisans, Guardians, Idealists, and Rationals.
Being aware of personal characteristics can make a tremendous impact on learning. For example, I know the kings of things that frustrate me. Learning how to handle those frustrations without it impacting my entire class or my own personal learning is important. Knowing that I like things orderly can help me prepare for the best possible teaching and learning experiences. Also, being aware of my students personality traits is helpful. I wouldn't address a roomful of Artisans the same way I would address a roomful of Rationals. Knowing that I have to design lessons that are relevant to all personality types will help me to reach every learner.
The ISTE/ NETS this activity most closely matches is 2a design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. I think this activity would be very relevant to students. I think the first part of the activity helps students to be reflective which is an important element of learning. This activity promotes student learning because if students are aware of their own personality types they will be better able to get the most from each learning experience.
I also think that 5d is appropriate. 5d contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community. If this activity were presented at a staff meeting to all teachers it would allow the entire staff to reflect on their personality types and how that impacts their classroom and school community as a whole.
I know my personality type makes a difference as to the kind of teacher I am. I am the kind of teacher that spends half the weekend planning for the following week of school. I do not feel comfortable winging it in the classroom. I do take my responsibilities as a teacher very seriously. I know that in order to be confident and do my best I need a well thought-out plan. The report says Guardians are meticulous about schedules and have a sharp eye for proper procedures. I ran my classroom with routines that helped make things run smoothly after only a week or so of practice. My classroom was always orderly and neat. Even my classroom library was ordered by genre, each category had a stamp so that students could put books back where they belonged. I am the kind of teacher that has clear expectations and consequences for my students.
I know that my personality type can help others get things accomplished both students and coworkers. I am the teacher that wants to get started with the meeting rather than continue to chat about school gossip. I also know that this can be a bit overbearing at times. As a second year teacher I was asked to be team leader because of my "shoulder to the wheel" attitude.
There are definitely downfalls to my personality type when it comes to teaching. Teachers must be flexible because several things can, and will, disrupt the day. Flexibility is something I am still working on. It is often hard for me to understand people who don't take things as seriously as I do. I get frustrated when working on a committee where others don't seem to be dedicated.
Learning Outcomes:
The four personality types are Artisans, Guardians, Idealists, and Rationals.
Being aware of personal characteristics can make a tremendous impact on learning. For example, I know the kings of things that frustrate me. Learning how to handle those frustrations without it impacting my entire class or my own personal learning is important. Knowing that I like things orderly can help me prepare for the best possible teaching and learning experiences. Also, being aware of my students personality traits is helpful. I wouldn't address a roomful of Artisans the same way I would address a roomful of Rationals. Knowing that I have to design lessons that are relevant to all personality types will help me to reach every learner.
The ISTE/ NETS this activity most closely matches is 2a design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity. I think this activity would be very relevant to students. I think the first part of the activity helps students to be reflective which is an important element of learning. This activity promotes student learning because if students are aware of their own personality types they will be better able to get the most from each learning experience.
I also think that 5d is appropriate. 5d contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community. If this activity were presented at a staff meeting to all teachers it would allow the entire staff to reflect on their personality types and how that impacts their classroom and school community as a whole.
Personality: Part One
I have taken personality tests before. While I was an undergrad student I attended a Teacher's Institute at NASA in Virginia. One of the activities was to participate in a "True Colors" personality test. It was very similar to the Keirsey's Four Temperaments. I do not remember what my results were, but I remember knowing that I was one personality and wishing I was another. As I've grown, I've become much more content with who I am.
I enjoyed reading about the four temperaments. As I read each one, people that I know would pop into my mind. While reading the Guardian description I recognized myself. I am definitely serious about duties and responsibilities. I am cautious, dependable, and hardworking. Knowing that the guardian personality is most like me it is difficult to rank the next two. The personality that is least like me is rational. Reading the description didn't sound like me at all! My ranking would be as follows: Guardian, Artisan, Idealist, Rational. I choose Artisan as rank number two because I do love adventure. I am usually optimistic and realistic. I have a few traits of the Idealist such as I'm drawn to working with people, and I'm giving. I'm anxious to take the test and see how accurate I am in my self knowledge!
I enjoyed reading about the four temperaments. As I read each one, people that I know would pop into my mind. While reading the Guardian description I recognized myself. I am definitely serious about duties and responsibilities. I am cautious, dependable, and hardworking. Knowing that the guardian personality is most like me it is difficult to rank the next two. The personality that is least like me is rational. Reading the description didn't sound like me at all! My ranking would be as follows: Guardian, Artisan, Idealist, Rational. I choose Artisan as rank number two because I do love adventure. I am usually optimistic and realistic. I have a few traits of the Idealist such as I'm drawn to working with people, and I'm giving. I'm anxious to take the test and see how accurate I am in my self knowledge!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Diigo
My experience with web browsers hasn’t changed much since I last posted. I still prefer Internet Explorer even though I have been trying to use Mozilla FireFox for a comparison. A browser add on is something that enhances a browser. There are add-ons for nearly every topic you could think of including music, finance and weather! I do not use many add-ons because I am suspicious of spyware and adware. But I do find a few to be very helpful. The add-on I use the most is Roboform. Roboform will fill in my username and passwords for me so that I do not have to remember all of them. This is especially useful for accounts I don’t use often. I also use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view pdf files and Flash Player to view web sites when needed. I’ve never had any issues installing add-ons, except my fire wall asking permission several times, but as I said I don’t use many add-ons.
Diigo is very exciting software that I have never imagined existed. To be perfectly honest I rarely bookmark anything. If I find something that I would want to review in the future I usually just print it. I’m really excited about compiling lesson plan links all in one place. Here is the beginnings of my compilation! This will definitely help me to save a few trees! My lesson plan filing cabinet is overflowing so I won’t need to add any more to it! I won’t have to try to find the same lesson over and over if I didn’t have the opportunity to print it, thus saving time! I look forward to exploring more of the things that can be done with Diigo. My only concern is I did have difficulty upgrading to an educators account as I do not have an educator email address.
I think the ISTE NETS this activity most closely matches is 3d.- model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning. Diigo would make an awesome tool for any research project. Not only can a person locate information, they can compile it in one place by using the list feature, highlight key information, and add their own annotations as they research.
I also think this activity relates to the standard 1d-model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments. Because Diigo allows you to form groups and use tools such as forum discussions and the message system it would be very easy to create a virtual environment where students and teachers can collaborate on a project.
I also think this activity relates to the ISTE NETS 3a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. Some students might know about add-ons and many students would know how to bookmark a web site. I imagine Diigo would be a completely different experience for the majority of students even if they have used other add-ons or have bookmarked sites in the past. I think that once students became familiar with this technology they could use it for the rest of their school careers, and possibly once they enter the work force.
When I taught in VA my class did several different projects where this technology would have been useful. I taught units of study on Egypt and China, and at the completion of the units we would create a class book. This would have been helpful to the students for gathering information for their chapter in the book. It also would have been easier for me to make sure everyone was on the right track. I look forward to class research projects where I can utilize this technology!
Diigo is very exciting software that I have never imagined existed. To be perfectly honest I rarely bookmark anything. If I find something that I would want to review in the future I usually just print it. I’m really excited about compiling lesson plan links all in one place. Here is the beginnings of my compilation! This will definitely help me to save a few trees! My lesson plan filing cabinet is overflowing so I won’t need to add any more to it! I won’t have to try to find the same lesson over and over if I didn’t have the opportunity to print it, thus saving time! I look forward to exploring more of the things that can be done with Diigo. My only concern is I did have difficulty upgrading to an educators account as I do not have an educator email address.
I think the ISTE NETS this activity most closely matches is 3d.- model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning. Diigo would make an awesome tool for any research project. Not only can a person locate information, they can compile it in one place by using the list feature, highlight key information, and add their own annotations as they research.
I also think this activity relates to the standard 1d-model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments. Because Diigo allows you to form groups and use tools such as forum discussions and the message system it would be very easy to create a virtual environment where students and teachers can collaborate on a project.
I also think this activity relates to the ISTE NETS 3a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. Some students might know about add-ons and many students would know how to bookmark a web site. I imagine Diigo would be a completely different experience for the majority of students even if they have used other add-ons or have bookmarked sites in the past. I think that once students became familiar with this technology they could use it for the rest of their school careers, and possibly once they enter the work force.
When I taught in VA my class did several different projects where this technology would have been useful. I taught units of study on Egypt and China, and at the completion of the units we would create a class book. This would have been helpful to the students for gathering information for their chapter in the book. It also would have been easier for me to make sure everyone was on the right track. I look forward to class research projects where I can utilize this technology!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Browser Wars
I do have some experience with using different web browsers. Most of my experience has been with Internet Explorer. It has been on every computer I have ever owned by default. During an undergraduate technology course we were required to create a sample web page like we might use while teaching. My instructor had us use Netscape because she felt it was more user friendly. I never used Netscape except for that class as I was already used to Internet Explorer and preferred it. Recently, I have used Firefox on occasion when IE is giving me troubles. I'll also use it so I can have my facebook account open on IE and my husbands open on Firefox. This comes in handy for gaming purposes.
October 28, 2010 Update: I am a convert! There have been so many assignments that IE just was not compatible with, that I made the switch to Firefox. I will admit that I like it much better now that I'm used to it!
Learning Outcomes
1. A web browser is a software application that allows you to "browse" the web.
2. The four most popular web browsers include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. According to w3schools.com the browser statistics as of July 2010 are as follows:
IE8 15.6% IE7 7.6% IE6 7.2% (For a total of 30.4%) Firefox 46.4% Chrome 16.7% Safari 3.4%
3. "Browser war" is a term used to describe the competition in usage share in the web browser marketplace. What drives the competition between web browsers? Why, money of course! Even though web browsers are free, advertising space is not. That is why being the number one browser is such a big deal. If you are the number one browser you can sell more advertising space and at a higher price than a less popular browser. Bragging rights are nice too.
ISTE/NETS
3a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
3d.model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.
October 28, 2010 Update: I am a convert! There have been so many assignments that IE just was not compatible with, that I made the switch to Firefox. I will admit that I like it much better now that I'm used to it!
Learning Outcomes
1. A web browser is a software application that allows you to "browse" the web.
2. The four most popular web browsers include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, and Safari. According to w3schools.com the browser statistics as of July 2010 are as follows:
IE8 15.6% IE7 7.6% IE6 7.2% (For a total of 30.4%) Firefox 46.4% Chrome 16.7% Safari 3.4%
3. "Browser war" is a term used to describe the competition in usage share in the web browser marketplace. What drives the competition between web browsers? Why, money of course! Even though web browsers are free, advertising space is not. That is why being the number one browser is such a big deal. If you are the number one browser you can sell more advertising space and at a higher price than a less popular browser. Bragging rights are nice too.
ISTE/NETS
3a. demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
3d.model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning.
Internet Connection Test
I ran the Internet connection test today at 9:30am and 5:55pm with similar results for both times. At 9:30am my download speed was 6.61 Mbps and my upload speed was .27 Mbps. At 5:55pm my download speed was 6.52 Mbps and my upload speed was .26 Mbps. My Internet provider is Suddenlink and they are the only option for high speed Internet where I live. We pay $39 a month on Internet connectivity.
I have a few questions regarding this test. Why are my download and upload times so different from each other? Will this be an issue when I start working with video and sound? If so what can I do about it?
I have a few questions regarding this test. Why are my download and upload times so different from each other? Will this be an issue when I start working with video and sound? If so what can I do about it?
First Assignments
I've read the Intro and Syllabus which makes me a little nervous. I completed the facebook survey. I have a feeling I will be spending far less time on facebook. Got a gmail account and completed the survey. Half of the questions on the survey I'm not even sure I understood. Goes to show I have a lot to learn! And now the blog. I follow 51 blogs but never gave much thought into the workings of them. (I enter a lot of contests!) Looks like I will be learning a lot!
ISTE/NETS
3a.demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. Since I already know how to create an email account and complete surveys I was transferring knowledge.
ISTE/NETS
3a.demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations. Since I already know how to create an email account and complete surveys I was transferring knowledge.
Already Behind! Yikes!
I am feeling a bit anxious about this class. I was out of town so I just received my acceptance letter to begin my masters yesterday. Today I registered for two classes and made my first ever trip to FSU to get my text for my other class. (Did I mention I've never taken an online class before?) Anyways, I am a bit overwhelmed and confused! I hope what I'm doing is right, and if not, I'm hoping someone will tell me! So...Ready or not here I go!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)