Web 2.0 Applications: Session Three: 9/20/2012

“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”

I have sincerely enjoyed the assignments this week and exploring several different Web 2.0 Applications. I must admit, I did not find the assigned readings to be as stimulating or thought-provoking as the past two sessions were.  The articles were of course well-written and thoughtful, but I have already met most of the declared points and statements.  However, I do not think I worked with any of the Web 2.0 Applications until this assignment.  I was amazed at how many different websites and applications fall under Web 2.0 applications.  I had so much fun exploring and playing with some different sites, including Flickr and Protopage. I love how creative these sites allowed me to be and how much opportunity there is for collaboration and growth.  As a performing artist, these applications promote artistic growth and imagination.  There are so many wonderful ways to organize, share, create, and design!

I am so enthralled with Delicious.com, I think that I may continue using the site long after this course it over. I think I will also use the list of Web 2.0 applications as a valuable resource to turn to, not only for teaching but also for promoting my own dance company.  There are some great marketing tools here. I have also started some work with Protopage and my powerpoint about the application.  I am excited to continue designing my own personal homepage and then to show the class a basic homepage and an individualized homepage. It will be fun to compare and contrast the two. That's all for now, until next session!

Data and Spreadsheets: Session Two: 9/13/2012

“What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?”

My readings, exploration of spreadsheet examples, and close attention to the videos taught me so much information about how to navigate through Excel and how to create, manage, organize, and change a spreadsheet.  I think that it is amazing how many different ways we can present the exact same information. Spreadsheets are an extremely clean and clear way to analyze and assess data.

Specifically, through session two I have learned how to create a spreadsheet. I have mastered an efficient way to organize rows and columns and I have learned how to execute weighted grades with the Excel program. I have also learned why we use spreadsheets so much in terms of the Philadelphia School District's emphasis on predictives, benchmarks, and all standardized testing scores. I now understand how laying out very specific and individualized data for each students can help me to re-teach.  This layout also allows me to pinpoint a particular student's weaknesses, confusion, or strengths. I have learned how to sort, graph, and color in certain blocks on my spreadsheet. 

I think that the use of spreadsheet may be the best way to look at data without feeling overwhelmed, lost, or confused. Having information so organized and specific allows educators to consider the needs, success, and progress of every single student.  Spreadsheets also help us to analyze in many different ways; we can look at a class as a whole, at individual students or at a specific group of students within a whole.

Although I am nervous to begin working on my spreadsheet project I am excited to navigate and familiarize myself with some of these applications.  I have very little experience with spreadsheets and excel but based on how much I have learned so far I am confident that this project will only help me to grow and develop as an efficient educator!

The 21st Century Learner: Session One: 9/5/2012

"What did I learn and how can I use it in the future?"

In our first class session today, I learned how to access and navigate through Google Doc, Blogger, and the Temple University site. I also learned how to create a survey, design and personalize it! These are all excellent tools and skills that I can integrate into my classroom right away.  I will be using the survey tool on Monday, 9/10 as I meet my first classes. I will post the survey directly to my SMART board so that the class can get to know each other and answer the questions through a relaxed, informal discussion. If I can access more laptops or mobile devices in my classroom, I would definitely take advantage of Google Doc and Blogger.  These are both great ways for students to brainstorm, outline, and write without using traditional paper and pencils.  I also love how my students would have the opportunity to collaborate, respond, debate, and support each other's arguments and statements through these novel resources.

On a more general note, I learned so much through the two video clips we watched in class.  These videos served as a wake-up call to me.  I believe that so many working professionals, including educators and myself, stray away from new technology and tools because we are scared of what we do not know.  We are so hesitant and timid to learn how to navigate and master these new devices and trends. However, after I watched these videos I realized that our time is now and that the longer we procrastinate in learning, the more removed and distant we become from the booming world of technology.  I am excited for this class, I am enthusiastic about the material, and I am confident that I will be so much more equipped as an educator and well-rounded professional in the aftermath.