Sunday, March 14, 2010

Rubric, Puzzle, Test-Maker

The online rubric creator seemed particularly handy. It is something that I would definitely consider using in the future, mainly because of the ease of its usage. Rubrics are particularly helpful in English classes for the grading of essays and writing in general. For a presentation I would likely not use a rubric, instead opting for a simpler checklist that can be marked as the student speaks. This is what I have seen instructors use in the past for oral presentations, and it seems the most efficient for grading such things.

The puzzle creator is a neat concept. It is not something I would have considered before completing the activity. However, I can see a number of uses for such a thing, as turning the acquisition of knowledge into something of a game can potentially aid in reducing boredom among students. Nothing to be used for major grades, obviously, but something fun to throw into class every now and again.

The online test maker wasn't too bad. Easy to use and set up. All options were self-explanatory and didn't require an elaborate understanding of the program. I will likely be using it, or another similar program, in the future to create tests for my classes.

Puzzle:

file:///C:/Users/Pyran/Desktop/Grad%20School/Romeo%20and%20Juliet%20Crossword.htm

Test:

http://www.easytestmaker.com/user/TestPrint.aspx?TestID=7eb2d881-b1c3-42ac-b461-175eef3dfe5f&TestVersion=1&AnswerKey=False&Preview=True

Rubric:

Unable to link because the website didn't save my rubric. It wil be sent again through email.

Flyer, Progress Chart, Powerpoint Quiz

Honestly, I had never bothered to create a flyer for any purpose. However, now that I have spent the time to do it, I understand the worth. I'm not sure I would consider using a Word program to create one in the future, as there are apparently more efficient programs available on the internet for free. That being said, I now have the knowledge to create flyers, which is important.

The progress chart made with excel was interesting. Excel is capable of much, especially in the hands of someone skilled in using it. I am not skilled in its use. Ultimately, the uses I would find for it would be extremely small in scope; therefore, I would likely get more benefit from just using one of the programs available online for tracking grades and students' progress.

The Powerpoint quiz is an interesting idea. It is something that I wouldn't likely have considered using on my own. I like the idea of an interactive quiz. I do not care for the Powerpoint program. If there was maybe another way to effect an interactive quiz without the use of Powerpoint, I would definitely consider it for use in a classroom. Of course, that's assuming that computers are adequately available for student use.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Chapter 7-8, Question 1

What is the Internet? What value does it hold for educators?

The internet is comprised of a network of individual machines, networks and servers that have agreed to connect, provide resources to one another and share data. The internet began as a network used primarily by military personnel and select universities. It was used much in the same manner as radio frequencies are used by two-way radios, only more advanced. Since its early beginnings of just a handful of sites, the internet has grown into a vast repository of information and services. Individual users have the ability to connect and access any and all of the information stored on the internet simply through the use of computers, which are in turn connected to the internet through modems. Through the internet, a nearly limitless cache of knowledge is literally at the tips of our fingers.

The primary advantage the internet holds for an educator is the efficiency with which said educator is able to access information. Knowledge is power, and the internet gives us the key to unlocking immense potential.

The standards of educational goals within a given state, district or school can be accessed via the internet. Dispensing information in this manner makes the logistical task of keeping educators on the same page infinitely easier than trying to dispense books, pamphlets or flyers, to everyone, or trying to hold conferences anytime a bit of data changes. Through the internet, all of the relevant information can be updated as necessary, with minimal trouble, and is instantly accessible by the people that need it.

The internet is also useful as a social/professional barometer with which to gauge one's own teaching. By using the internet, an educator can instantly access thousands of lesson plan formats and configurations. By analyzing the work of others, we are therefore better equipped to accurately analyze our own work, and make appropriate changes as needed.

And lastly, the information one can access via the internet is wonderful in its own right. Perhaps an educator is scheduled to teach Romeo and Juliet to a class and wants to know more about the subject. All he has to do is look to the internet and is instantly privy to a wealth of information on the subject. Not only is the instructor now better qualified to speak intelligently regarding the lesson, but the students benefit by receiving a better instructional session.