Website

Click here to check out my website.  This is just the beginning framework but it is intended to be a resource center for my Introduction To Computers class.  Pages will be developed to offer the course syllabus, semester calendar, current events within computers/technology, and electronic files that will be needed to complete the course.  This is my first experience creating a website with Google Sites.  Previously, my only experience with website creation was with Dreamweaver and Notepad (HTML).  I am very impressed with how easy Google has made it to create a site.  Anyone with minimal computer experience can accomplish this task.  If the domain name is not a concern then Google sites is a great solution.

Free Web Applications - Review

Google Documents

Google Documents is a great solution for creating a document, spreadsheet, or presentation without the need to purchase and install software on your computer.  This software as a service is referred to as Cloud Computing.  Google documents services are free unless you want to purchase additional storage space on their servers.

After experimenting with the interface, I believe that anyone with minimal computer skills would be able to take advantage of what Google Documents has to offer.  The main benefits include using the software/service on multiple computers.  You could start a document on your work computer, save the document to Google’s server, then continue working on the same document on your home computer.

Google Documents also allows for multiple people to make changes to a project at the same time.  It was interesting to test this feature out.  I logged into a document then had a co-worker log-in to the same file.  As he was making changes to my file I could see the new text appear on my screen.  This option allows for increased collaboration on projects without the need to e-mail files or transfer using a flash drive.

If you are in the need of using an office suite and do not want to purchase software or would like a service to collaborate with others easily, I would highly recommend trying out Google Documents.

Picnik

Picnik is another form of Cloud Computing that offers a service to edit photos from a digital camera or other device.  Before Picnik became available, it was necessary to purchase a program such as Photoshop which could cost as much as $100.00 for one computer.  Picnik’s slick user interface and comfortable design makes editing photos extremely easy and fun.  I noticed the blazing fast upload speed during the file transfer process that others sites/services could not compare to.  Most of the more common files formats such as JPEG and GIF are available which allows you to edit almost all of your photograph needs.  Again, with Cloud Computing, the main benefit here is not having to purchase and install software on each computer.  Any computer that has the ability to sink up to the Picnik website could take advantage of this photo editing service.  I would encourage anyone with the desire or interest to edit photographs to give it a try.

Screencast Demonstration

I created this demonstration with the intention of showing it to my Introduction to Computers class. Within the class, there are several activities that require students to copy and paste images with only using the software that is available on their location machines. This demonstration shows you how to effectively save an image even when the "Save As" option is not available. This demonstration would be presented in conjunction with several others when new students enter into the program.

Note: Due to the size of this video I recommend clicking the full screen button after the video begins.

The button looks like this (on the lower right corner of the video).

Concept Map

Concept mapping is a great method for showing visual links to objects within an intended project.  In my computer operations class, I have a lesson where students are required to identify all of the components within a computer network for a specified business.  The map is created by hand and is not currently generated from the computer.  Using the Bubble.us site would allow my students to complete this project via a web-based application.

Here is what would be generated from each student after identifying the main components of a computer network from a given small business:

Google Map Activity

In a Business Education class, it is common to have students create their own business plan which describes in detail main features of a prospective new business.

During this process, I would incorporate a lesson where students would be required to create a Google Map of a four to five mile radius of their chosen location.  Then, the student would identify all competition that would later be assessed to determine if their chosen location would survive.


Here is an example of what would be created from a student that is interested in opening a new car wash location within the Grand Rapids area:



View Greg's EDT 5410 Map in a larger map

Delicious: Social Bookmarking

This week I explored social bookmarking.  Even though I am aware of what social bookmarking is, I never took the time to create my own page.  Click the hyperlink below to see my new bookmarks and tags as it relates to this class.

http://www.delicious.com/Gregedt5410

Audio Podcasts (Profiles)

Audio Podcasts can be a great educational tool for sharing information relating to a specific topic.  Below are several podcasts that I previewed over the weekend that I thought were either related to this class or just good to share.

EDTECH 41 (Educational Technology)

Description: This episode of Educational Technology discusses PLNs (Personal Learning Networks) and how you can use them to learn about the use and new innovations of technology in education.

Link to Podcast: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/8813552

Link to Show Profile: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podcasts/62298

Social Marketing and the use of Technology

Description: This podcast describes several marketing tools that could help market your educational program or business.  RSS feeds, blogs, and web conferencing are several examples of what will be discussed.

Link to Podcast: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/9579401

Link to Show Profile: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podcasts/52531

Dave Ramsey Show – 07152011

Description: Teaches how to manage and budget your money and most importantly, get out of debt.

Link to Podcast: http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podshows/10338543

Link to Show Profile: http://www.daveramsey.com/home/?ectid=itunes