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.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
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.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
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).
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:
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
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
Sunday, July 17, 2011
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
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)
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
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
My RSS Links
Here are a few of the links I added to my Reader. You may copy and paste them into your subscriptions if you like.
Grand Rapids Weather
Grand Rapids Local News
CNN Headline News
Sunday, July 3, 2011
R/D 1
Incorporating Technology in Education
As an advocate for incorporating technology in the classroom, I believe it is necessary to provide these opportunities to students to keep pace with what employers demand. We live in a society that is driven from technology and lacking these skills may mean the difference between success and failure. There does, however, need to be an appropriate balance between the use of technology in the classroom and other resources/strategies employed. I remember someone telling me when I was little that “too much of anything is not good.” I believe that rule applies here as well.
The article written by Neil Postman, suggests that technology takes away from teaching “soft skills” such as teamwork, discipline, and getting along with others. With an appropriate balance in place, these skills can still be learned and mastered appropriately. Hearing 8th graders taking 100% of their education online, however, would be an imbalance. This may result in students lacking the social skills that Postman explains. The author also considers technology to be a distraction in the classroom and takes away from other issues that should be addressed. This may or may not be true depending on the teacher. The teacher is responsible for choosing resources that are appropriate and may maximize the amount of learning, which may lead to including technology in a lesson. The effective teacher would also have rules in place to help establish an environment that is conducive to learning and regulate the use of technology that is available to students. Checking personal e-mail and social networking sites would be off limits while class is in session and it would be up to the teacher to ensure these policies are enforced.
The article written by Charles Reigeluth is more closely in line with my vision of incorporating technology in the classroom. Reigeluth presents several technologies: EPSS, computer-based tutorials, and computer-based simulations that can be utilized to facilitate learning. When I first started teaching at my tech center, I was amazed at the overall lack of technology available to students. During the past three years, I have made it a priority to implement several technologies into my classroom and others. We recently switched to a program called Examview for all summative assessments. The tests are deployed through the network and students get to experience computer-based testing first-hand. This is certainly not a new technology but it was something that our center did not previously have.
To prepare ourselves as instructors and to best equip our students with the knowledge and skillsets needed to succeed, we must strive to learn and incorporate technology in our classrooms. Programs that are opting not to pursue technology and training will soon become obsolete. Even Michigan’s new governor has made it one of his priorities to look towards technology when restructuring our current education system. We need to jump on board with making our programs ready, reliable, and relevant.
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