WebQuest, Thinkfinity, and more

We are beginning to work on our WebQuest projects. Today, we're starting off by searching for current WebQuests that we can use as an example. I found one on math for grades 6-8 on cell phones.

We were also introduced to Thinkfinity. This is an amazing site that houses thousands of lessons plans, games, and resources for educators, parents, and students. VERY handy!

Catching Up

Today, we created a calendar on our Google account and made it public.

Embedded PowerPoint

PowerPoint

Today, we're learning how to link a Power Point Presentation to our ftp file. All we did was find an already made presentastion based on our subject (I used Google), saved it as a 97-2003 compatible file, then moved the file to our ftp. From there, we can link that presentation so anyone can view it.

We also uploaded the presentation to Google Docs and published it. You can see mine as a published document here.

To embed my presentation, I had to create a new blog. Grrr. Technology is "wonderful"

Lesson Plan & Photos

I did my lesson plan based on a 5th grade math class. On this particular day, we're working with graphs, so I used the KidsZone Graphing tool.

I also [finally] just uploaded a photo album through Picasa. Sorry it took so long!!

Crappy Graphics

I tried creating a new album on Google photots, but the computer I'm on right now won't let me download Picasa, so I don't have my photos yet. BUT, I do have my crappy graph. Like most everything else for this class, I based mine on math. Now that I'm taking Calculus I see how Geometry, Algebra and Trigonometry all share some similarities. So that's what my graph is based on.

The name "Crappy Graphics" is misleading. You can create some quality graphics on there that's easier to save and publish than using programs like PowerPoint or Word.

I don't think I'm very likely to have my sutdents use this tool in my classroom, but I'm sure I will. Venn diagrams naturally come with math, so I'm sure I will be using them in many of my classes. Either I will use some graphs during my teaching, or we will create a graph together as a class. Either way, I'm sure I'll use Crappy Graphics in my classroom one day.

Looking at the ISTE Standards I believe incorporating the use of Crappy Graphics will cover Standards 1 (Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity), 2 (Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments), and 3 (Model Digital-Age Work and Learning).

Photo(s)

Today was all about photos. We started uploading photos into our Google photos (which is called Picasa Web Albums). We tried to create an account with the free online edition of PhotoShop, but it didn't work. So, for right now, all we can do is upload our photos. We can't edit them! I need to go back and create a new album and make it public before you can see my slideshow. Sorry! Didn't realize that until just now. It will be up soon!

We also talked about lesson plans. He saw Dr. Smith's lesson plan, and pretty much told us to use whatever we need in ours! We will not have class next Tuesday, so we are to create a lesson plan involving some of the technology tools we have used thus far for next class. More than likely, mine is going to be about math and involve the graphing tools!

I'm still playing catch-up with some things, so I don't have my "crappy graphic" or Venn Diagram complete yet. But, as soon as I do, they will be posted!

Charting cont'd

Today, we finished the charting activity by making a graph comparing the number of students on an IEP in the four lowest per capita income states. After we found the next three poorest states, after WV, we figured out the number of students on an IEP.

Even though this activity was more work, I enjoyed it more because it involved more math! We had to compare the per capita incomes of all the states to find the next three poorest next to WV. Then we had to do some basic math to figure out the actual number of students in each state on an IEP. We used those numbers to make our graph. I would use this kind of activity in a middle or junior high level to discuss how statistics become distorted. (An explanation based on our information is included with my graph.)

Overall, I greatly enjoyed these graphing activities. I am 99.9% sure they are going to come in very handy in my classroom one day!!

Charting

Today, we learned about making charts through the NCES website's creating a graph tool. We made a chart comparing the WV NAEP 4th grade math scores and the national average NAEP 4th grade math scores. I decided to make a bar graph, which turned out in our favor! In the bar graph, WV's scores appear to be keeping up with the national scores. Which is pretty impressive!
The graphing website is one of the best things I've gotten from this class so far. I plan on teaching middle school or junior high math, so graphs are going to come into play A LOT. This online tool is going to come in SO handy in my classroom. I will be able to assess my students' ability to create graphs. I am SUPER excited about using this in my class one day!!!

Teach Away!!

Our homework today was to design a graphic. At first I was confused and a bit aggravated because I thought Dr. Pierce was going to make us use Paint. BUT, he didn't! So I based mine on an old "quote" about teaching. Enjoy!!

PS . . . Finally

I have had some major trouble with PhotoStory. But, I think I finally have it all worked out and ready to go! Hope it works and hope you enjoy!!!

Catching Up

This isn't a good start to the semester for me. So I'm trying to play catch-up right now. Hopefully this link (http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=dhtxwpv7_2ncx9c7db&hl=en) will guide you to my resume. It hasn't been updated in a while, sorry. I tried updating it today, but I don't have all the information I need, so that didn't work too well. =[

Well, I was going to upload my photostory, but there seems to be a problem. Seeing how it is midnight, I am going to try to figure it out in the morning!

Intel Education Tools

In today's class, we learned about the Intel Education website. I had no idea what this was before today, but I fell in love with it. I cannot wait to use the visual ranking tool in one of my units this semester! For my science methods class, I am doing a unit on dinosaurs, and this tool will come in very handy for a couple of lessons. I really like this tool for getting an idea on what students know (or think they know) about the subject before and after the unit is taught. I'm really excited about this!!

Need Help Already!

OK . . . one of my assignments in my Science Methods class is to prove I can keep an animal alive for at least one week. Unfortunately, mammals do not count. Our teacher has giant hissing cockroaches to give us. After everyone freaking out, she told us that if we want to buy a fish on our own and keep it alive for a week, we can. So I am buying a fish. But I've never had fish. What's the cheapest, easiest-to-keep-alive fish at Wal-Mart? =] Thanx!!

Intro Info

Hello everyone! I am Megan Woodson. I graduated from Fairmont Senior, but I was born in Raleigh County (south of Beckley). I am a 23-yr old junior at Fairmont State, but I still have 2 years left with my undergrad. I am majoring in elementary education with a 5-9 math specialization. In 2 years, I plan on getting my masters from Fairmont State.

I am a HUGE Mountaineer Football fan. My family has had season tickets since before Rodriguez. Our tailgating group gets to Mountaineer Stadium every game day at 7am! [We're in the Blue Lot, look for me!]

My friends and family mean everything to me. I have an older sister, Mandy, and an older brother, Bill. I have two nephews, Logan and Levi, who I will do absolutely anything for. They are my world. I also have a dog named Kahlua. She's like my daughter!