Assessment #2 "RATE ME!"

Assessment on technology tools

This semester I have been introduced and reintroduced to some of the available technology tools that are out there. These technology tools are used through out the semester for our class assignments, projects and much more. However, these tools are not limited to the semester at hand. The technological tools can be used for more than just the semester but for a whole lifetime or until the tools are no longer available like Google pages. So without further a due the technology tools that I am going to be assessing is Firefox, MOODLE, delicious, Google apps, LectureShare, MSN messenger, Schoolhouse, and iMovie. The way I am rating it is based on a 5 Jigglypuff scale. 5 meaning excellent, 4 meaning good, 3 meaning fair, 2 meaning poor, and 1 meaning mediocre.

Firefox

Rate:

Firefox is pretty interesting and is customizable. It has a lot of different features such as changing the theme of the browser and the ability to install add-ons. It also has a tabular feature that makes surfing the Internet easier and smoother. It feels safe and reliable with its ability to block pop ups. It is also highly compatible with most web pages and technologies. It even allows you to import your previous bookmarks from another web browser. Most importantly it is a free application. I have moved from Safari to Firefox. You should too.

MOODLE

Rate:

MOODLE is simple to use. I prefer MOODLE over LiveText. With MOODLE when I upload an assignment, I do not have to submit for review in order for the teacher to see my turned in assignments. It is also reliable and convenient especially if you are a more digital person then documental. I also really like this technological tool because it not only does it keeps me informed about my class but it provide my other classmates and professor’s information such as email to be able to contact them when I am in need. However, with this tool the teacher also needs to be familiar with it because they are the one responsible for inputting the information. So the student’s experience with MOODLE depends with the teacher’s ability to utilize the tool.

Delicious

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Delicious is pretty cool but there can areas it can improve on. Like on a save website it can show the appearance or a picture of that site. However, other than that, Delicious can bookmark any websites. Not only does it bookmark the website but it provides other options for the user to elaborate on what the website is about such as description and tags. Furthermore, it in not only limited to just description and tags, the bookmarks can then be grouped, categorize or in Delicious it is called “bundle”. There are also networks, subscription and an inbox to email people about things. Most this tool is helpful because it is more organized and provides information on it rather than bookmarking a website on your web browser.

Google Apps

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Google Apps are a wide range of application. With the freedom to choose what application you want to experience. For instance the Blogger is a tool within Google. The Blogger is a place where people can blog, post pictures and movies and more. However, with the movie imports there is a certain limit, which can be very frustrating. I wish there was a way I can upload a movie over the requirement and the site itself can automatically customize it to fit in the blog. Other than that I enjoy using Google apps, especially since it interesting and fun to use. It is always fun to customize things to your likings.

LectureShare

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LectureShare is an all right free tool. Somewhat similar to MOODLE but less colorful and somewhat filled with difficulties. The difficulties that I have encountered are uploading documents like Word or Excel documents. The documents were meant to posted was a sample of notes for the sample course I had made. There are two types of account a person can acquire. The first account is the student, someone who wants to be part of a certain course. The student cannot make changes in the course they have joined. Now the second account is an instructor, which as the full freedom on what content is on the course. Only the instructors can create a course or even allow others to join their course.
So if uploading documents were reliable then I would not have a problem and I would not be hesitant to use this tool.

MSN Messenger: MAC Version

Rate:

This is a pretty cool tool. It allows people to chat. Not just by text but also wit audio and video. It also has different versions for Microsoft users and Apple users. However, with the Macintosh versions, only text chatting is available. Also, there are different customizations available such as winks, themes, emotions and more. But mostly, those types of fun and interesting models are only available for Microsoft or Windows user. Moreover, this tool is not limit to just chatting. MSN Messenger alerts the user if they have new emails, and the user is allowed to send and receive files without using email. Other than the big gap of versions, MSN Messenger is still a popular. Wished the versions for Windows was available for Mac’s.

SchoolHouse

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SchoolHouse is a really useful application that is only available for MAC users. The one thing that I am frustrated about it is that there is no update for it yet. So the application does not respond correctly for the latest Mac OS X Version 10.5. Which means I am not able utilize this application anymore. Other than this tool is cool. It allows a person to organize assignments, projects, exams, notes and more. Within the assignments or projects or tasks it lets a person set the priority level and input the due dates with a few comments. Basically, it is a class management program for the digital student. I really loved using this application. It was fun interesting and simple. It really is sad I am not able to use it anymore and I am somewhat lost with my classes without it for a while. REALLY, REALLY wish there was an update for it. To make it run smoother. Overall, I enjoyed using this tool.

iMovie

Rate:
iMovie is fun tool to use especially for movie making. This is a place where a person can edit, add text and audio, pictures, transitions to a movie file or slide show. A person can also record a video and audio to the application and from there a person can edit it. Before publishing or exporting the movie, iMovie provides anytime preview of how the movie a person is making looks like. Then after a person has finalize their movie, he/she can publish the final product to youtube, iTunes, Media Browsers, Moblie Me gallery. Also, the final product can be exported to a movie, quick time file or Final cut file. However, with the newest version of iMovie, there are some cons. People who are not familiar with the interface maybe confused. Not only that, the transitions has been limited and the effects are gone. I prefer the previous version with the availability to add effects. But overall, this is a good tool to use none the less.


Overall, we are subjected to different technology tools everyday. We all assess each tools in our own way and this is one way due to your own prefrences. Hope you enjoy.

Reflections on Lesson Plan #2

Creating a lesson plan was very difficult especially since I had to use the ASSURE model but since this is my second one, it was somewhat easier. However, this time around, I had to research more and view other people’s example of the ASSURE model in order to get mine to run as sooth as other ASSURE samples. Also, when I look back on my previous ASSURE lesson plan, it does not look as accurate as I want it to be. So, with the second lesson plan I had tried be more accurate as possible to the criteria within each part of the ASSURE model. Basically, it took many hours, days and weeks just to get the right words, appropriate material and objectives that fits with the actual outcome that I expect. There is some much effort and time put into this especially to make the website for this lesson plan. Not only did I make the lesson plan according the ASSURE Model but is also fits the National Educational Technology Standards either wise know as NETS•T Standards. According to these standards “Effective teachers model and apply the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS•S) as they design, implement, and assess learning experiences to engage students and improve learning; enrich professional practice; and provide positive models for students, colleagues, and the community. All teachers should meet the following standards and performance indicators.”1(ISTE National Educational Technology Standards, 2008)
With that said, the NETS•T Standards that I have incorporated in my lesson is a combinations of the 5 standards. Within my lesson the activities used are aligned with these NETS•T standards 1A, 1C, 2A, 2C, 4A, 4B, and 4C. According to the NETS•T Standards, 1A is to “promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness.”1 1C is to “promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning.”1 2A is to “design or adapt relevant learning experience that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.”1 2C is to “customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.”1 4A is to “advocate, model and teach safe, legal and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.”1 4B is to “address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.”1 4C is to “promote and model digital etiquette and responsible social interactions related to the use of technology and information.”1
Basically, I with this Food Safety lesson plan, I wanted to enhance students knowledge on food safety by stating information, facts, simple steps to prevent it and mostly to apply and link it to their previous knowledge. An example of food safety information that the students gain can be applied here on Guam at the barbecues, family gatherings or fiestas. So in actuality, I am glad I was exposed to the ASSURE model and NETS•S standards. Even though it was a difficult and long journey to reach the finish line I am proud to say I know how to align my objectives with my standards and effectively use the ASSURE model lesson plan. I am more confident in making more lesson plans in the future even though they are time consuming.

Reference:
1 ISTE National Educational Technology Standards. Retrieved September 2008, from National Educational Technology Standards Web site: http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETS

Enabling the Dreams of many

Assistive technology is something that enhances a person who is physically or mentally impaired. I already knew there were different types of technology that helps everyone in a way but to see the video that helps others who are physically and mentally disabled is amazing. One of the assistive technologies that I saw on the television was about this person who lost his hand and gained an advance prosthetic hand. This person was given hope and that ability to live his life normally as if he really has two hands. However, with this video, I had gained such an insight with the video of enabling dreams.

I never really knew that there were such technologies specific for people who have different types of physical and mental impairments beside advance wheel chairs. Another thing that amazes me is that the people who are disabled and are using such devices in their everyday life with ease and hope. The device they use becomes easier for them to used when they are exposed to it at an earlier age. These types of devices not only gives hope and a chance of living normal but it gives them a chance for better opportunities than what they originally thought or others thought about them.

It is so amazing that the society is advancing in ways we can never really imagine and people with disabilities are no longer left behind in the sense of opportunities. Now, there is something that would be even greater is seeing these types of assistive technology on Guam. Especially, since I have not seen many assistive technologies available on Guam. I think if we had the funds and the technology for people with physical and mental impairment, there will not be any parents suing the schools stating that their child is being left behind due to his or her disabilities and the lack of care towards the student.

            Even though Guam is a small island, I think if more people had the available funds to help and assist students with physical and mental impairment, these students will be given the opportunity to enhance their possibility to contribute to the society and the community better.

Cyber Bullying

GRAM presents

The names have been changed but the information is true. Also, some of the animations were change to fit the blogger requirements.

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April's thoughts (Group Discussion 1)

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Educational Game Rubric

Here is our rubric! If you have any problems reading the rubric, COMMENT ME and I'll fix if  I can.  The Second rubric it the evaluated rubric...... The group has discuss the matter of the points together.

This the evaluated rubric...... The group has discuss the matter of the points together.