Week Seven's Reading
Week seven's reading focused on software and file management. For the most part, I was familiar with both of these resources, but I still found it interesting to read!
Most of people in today's world have hear of software, and most of us have used it ourselves. However, some of us are in the dark regarding to the educational realm of software. The first type of educational software discussed in our reading was drill and practice. Drill and practice software means software that gives students instant feedback on their work, giving them practice on skills that they have already learned. When I think of this type of software, my mind instantly goes to Accelerated Math, which when done in a timely manner, allows students to have instant feedback on if their answers were correct or not. I do think that this helped me in school, but I often remember how much it frustrated me as well!
The other various types of educational software (there are quite a few!) include problem solving, creative, tutorial, simulation, image and draw/paint. The type that I see myself using the most in my own future classroom is the creative category. I think that this can kind of cover a lot of the areas of educational software and it helps to promote creativity in the classroom, which I love!
This week's reading also dove into file management. I was familiar with the different types of file extensions (i.e. .pptx, .pdf, .jpg). I liked seeing these in such a organized chart that had them categorized!
Technology Explorations
This week's technology explorations were so interesting and I loved reviewing all of them! The first category included websites such as Diigo and Delicious. Both of these sites allow users to record and keep track of interesting links that they find on the internet. Diigo seems to be a bit more advanced, and thus has a fee to go along with it. The third resource under this umbrella was HistoryPin, a site that allows users to find pictures from virtually anytime in history where cameras were prevalent. It is a very entertaining and valuable resource! The fourth and fifth resources were something that I never knew existed: talking calculators! While both talk and are simple to use, the PBS talking calculator is free and simply on the webpage, whereas the SoftPedia required a download.
The second category of our technology explorations for week six included a site for a math wiki, 2write4math. This math wiki provided a wealth of information on incorporating writing into math content. The website included many resources within itself including lesson plans, assessments, and various articles. The second category also included PicLits, a site that allows users to find pictures based on key words and create wonderful visual images that include their selected key words. It is absolutely amazing!!
Comprehensive Assignment
For my comprehensive assignment, I chose to use Tagxedo, a web 2.0 tool that allows users to create graphics using words of their choice. You can create anything from a heart to a whale, all in different color schemes and your own words!
In the classroom, I think that this web 2.0 tool will be a hit! I think that students will love to think of and choose the words to use, as well as the color scheme and shape. It is a great way to incorporate technology as well as creativity.
Overall, I found this week to be wonderful and informational just like the ones before. I look forward to using these resources in my future classroom!
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