Blog Journal 10

Data Collection in my Classroom

As a future teacher, I can definitely see myself using Excel and Data Collection strategies in my classroom. I think it extremely helpful when it comes to grading. Being able to input all of my students' grades on various assignment, then simply inputting a formula to compute what the class average is a huge time-saver. It also is a great way to log grades and track progress. I also plan on using Data Collection in projects and assignments. I want to encourage my students to become comfortable with technology and this is one way that is possible. My goal is to teach grades 3-5 but I would most likely only introduce Excel to 5th grades. I can assign projects that include surveying their classmates, tracking something over time like a science experiment, and/or evaluating one's own time management. Those are just a few ideas on how Excel can be incorporated into a lesson. Lastly, I can use Excel to collect data on my teacher stats so that I am able to track my improvement year-to-year.

Classmate Blogs

From reading my classmates' blogs, I have learned a lot. One topic I found very interesting was the one on the Flipped Classroom. I, personally, like the concept of flipping the classroom but it was interesting to listen to the reasons why my classmates had opposing opinions. It made me look at it from a different perspective and consider more of the cons of the Flipped Classroom. I also found the topic on Web 2.0 to be very beneficial. It was a way for me to learn about the different types of online programs that I can use as a student now and as a teacher in the future. Lastly, the topic on Diigo was interesting, too. It was cool to see how people plan on utilizing Diigo and how I could use those strategies in my own study habits and writing.

Next Tech Skill?

I have learned so much throughout this semester about technology. The next skill I would like to learn, or become more comfortable with, is Photoshop. I took a class on Photoshop in high school and I really enjoyed it. However, after not using it for more than 3 years, I have definitely forgotten how to navigate Photoshop. I want to develop this skill again because it can come in handy. I have come across multiple instances where a flyer needed to be made, an image needed to be edited, or a project needed a unique graphic. In all those cases, Photoshop could have been utilized. I am not entirely sure how I will achieve this goal but I do know some people who are really good at using Photoshop that I can go to for help. I also have heard of some seminars at FSU that teach different computer programs so I will also be looking into that. 

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Blog Journal 9

“The Flipped Classroom”
(On Flipgrid)

Open Educational Resources

Open educational resources (OER) are online portals that provide users with permission to view, edit,, remix, and/share information on various topics. They are extremely beneficial to teachers and students because they allow them to gain basic knowledge and different perspectives on topics. It also allows them to collaborate with educators in the same field as them. The online open education resource I found was the World Digital Library. This Library includes useful and significant primary sources from numerous countries and cultures around the world. These are sources teachers and students can use lessons, homework, research, and more. The World Digital Library is also free and provides a multilingual format.

PowerPoint Skills

I have learned so much from doing the PowerPoint assignments. From Assignment 4, I really got to refresh the skills I already had. I got to work with animations which is something I always liked incorporating. One thing I was somewhat unfamiliar with was transitions. The second assignment really helped me learn a lot. I have never made an interactive PowerPoint game before so this was a great experience. I learned how to link text to other parts of the presentation. I also learned how to use transitions effectively alongside animations and sound effects. I also learned the importance of credits in a presentation. I liked making the Jeopardy game a lot & look toward to using them in my future classroom. The only thing I did not like was the repetitiveness of making the game. I wish there was an easier and more time-effective way to create interactive PowerPoints like these.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.