PE8_Google Docs difficulties

You know I have been implementing Google Docs in my real world environment with my Kiddos, but they don’t seem to want to explore this avenue and have at it.  The person that seems to have a problem using this program is I.  I have been using Microsoft Office religiously from the start; in fact I teach a BCIS class that entails the use of Microsoft Office 2007, so it is very difficult to integrate it or its use in that class.  Furthermore, I feel that Google Docs has great capabilities, but the formatting is not as user friendly to me.  The collaborative environment is the only beneficial thing I see from it.  Why should I do my work on Google Docs when I’m comfortable with Office 07?

The two classes that love Google Docs is the Web Design sections.  I think this particular group has the curiosity to continue or explore html and all Web 2.0 tools.  This group learns at that capacity.  I do have a wide range of economical classes within my students, and I can see it being of use for the lower-middle classification of students.  I think that Google Docs provides a fantastic free service, in addition provides the versatility to do many things; but again, how do I model the use of Google Docs.  The one thing I can emphasize as I expand the introduction and use of Google Docs is the collaborative features and the storage features.  I do believe in “nobody is smarter than everyone,” so I have to pitch this collaborative opportunity faithfully.  How do I get the adults to use this religiously, because the benefits are there? 

PE7_Collaborating with groups

The following blog is the continuance of working with Google Docs.  I had the opportunity to consult with my Web Design class that has many student council members from the senior class, and I went over the use of Google Docs.  I went through one-on-one instruction after going over tutorials that I developed for Google Docs relevant to work that might possibly require their attention. 

The following feedback was given to me.  After learning that they could build off the Personal Learning Environment using Google Docs, they were real excited to use that forum for communication outside the classroom.  I stressed the importance of communication outside of the classroom and they took off with projects pertaining to fundraising, and events organized for the school. They felt that the number one cause that was being helped was prom.   Though prom was months away, the planning process is rigorous and most of the backchannel information has been tossed around using Google Docs.  Most of it on ideas list of certain elements that need to happen. Because we are a private school, our dollars need to be allocated and spent wisely.  This process of using Google Docs initiates a "go green" atmosphere that saves on paper, dollars, and time.  The next stop was to initiate teachers that have a responsibility to an extra curricular activity to use this process.  Though teachers use Outlook as a primary source of communicating, I strongly feel that they would get much more done with using Google Docs as a primary source of communication with extra-curricular implications.  

Stay tuned for more info on the journey. 

ETC Final Video_Persuasive message of accountability.

Cultivating accountability is key to success for all parties in education.

Click the following link to view the video.

PE6_First week wrapped up of Google Docs

Well everybody, Google Docs has proven to be a hit in the classroom.  They are finding out the connect-ability of Google to many gadgets and features tying into Microsoft Office and other classes for school.  Bottom line, Google has created a hybrid learning environment that caters to exact wants of my students.  I've gone over the standard stuff that we learned in MLR that has tied in perfectly to the hook of iGoogle.  Once I showed them the accessibility of many platforms within one, using the box of links and other gadgets, students found many relevant things for other classes and time management organizers.

Enter the combination of using iGoogle, and your assignments as a folder to store needed materials without having to carry so much as a backpack.  The students loved that idea.  I also introduced the advance capabilities using current Android market phones that many students use.  Android market phones run Google software that synchronizes perfectly for a Personal Learning Environment (PLE).

However, the meat and potatoes of this exploration is to use Google Docs as a one-stop shop to carry the majority of information.  At this point, I started to implement more collaboration assignments with Google Docs.  The students saw how easy it was to grade each other's weekly practical work.  This allowed for instant feedback for students, however I reached the goal of planting the seed of collaboration.  Another task I had them do is the filming of a movie illustrating the importance of online safety.  My students were forced to use their own time for collaboration wisely.   This is an ongoing assignment so I will share a video once I get them submitted.  I do know that because we are not working on this project as an in-class assignment, my students have mentioned that iGoogle was a main catalyst in communication as well as Facebook;  the interesting thing now is, Facebook is now apart of their iGoogle page as a gadget.   My hopeful expectation is that they may carry this tool into other classes consistently and build on the sustainability aspect.  As I proceed further into the capabilities of Google Docs, I will find cool features to implement and close the sale of this wonderful product Google has provided us with.  Thank you for following this Blog and stay tuned for further practical experiences within Google Docs.

PE5_Continuing with Google Docs

Please follow this link to view a video of my Google Docs experiment.

PE4_Google Docs

Hello again folks!  Welcome back to my blog and thanks for the support.  I recently was enticed by an assignment of finding a tool that serves practical purposes in my environment.  Google Docs has been a joy to discover, but the reality had not dawned on me that I can solve a flash-drive problem at my high school.  My students have a hard time of hanging on to those things, for whatever reason that is.  I want a way to solve the problem for students who are forgetful and whom have circumstances of why they don't have their  flash-drives.  So i investigated the potential; my number 1 source?  Lynda.com.

As you can see with the above image, I was able to insert Power Point Presentations; the one above is a Computer Orientation for the first days of class.  I found that presentations that the Lynda tutorial stated of a Power Point 07 not to properly load, but proceeded to convert and upload as a 97-03 format.  Google Docs can serve a purpose in my classroom though because of the upload ability of Word, Excel, and PDF's.  I love how you can transfer files and you can have accessibility to your igoogle features.

The second image shows a built file list in my All items mode.  I am starting to have confidence in the possibilities of introduce this tool to my class.  I have to increase my knowledge of these features, but thus far, I've been impressed with the innovation of Google.  For them to create something of a web ecosystem has been marvelous with virtually no expense but a computer and internet, it's something.   Google Docs and it's versatility carry an abundance of weight with them, as it's an easy plug-in with Microsoft Office, one of the course applications I teach.  Do the documents upload perfect?  An example of a bad experiment might be more of a document with complex formatting settings.  However many standard documents are easily plug able.   In addition, the tutorial covered many ways to use ready-to-go templates at Google Docs disposal.  

I was thoroughly impressed with my initial experiences in really digging in Google Docs potential and impact on my classroom.  Stay tuned for further updates on the Google Docs week experiment.   

BP12_Go Animate Commercial

Logo retrieved from Google images

Here is a link to the commercial, enjoy!

BP11_Comment on Lauren's Blog

Please click here to see the comments on Lauren's fantastic findings.

BP10_Comment on Charlie's blog

Take a bite of the Apple by clicking on this link commenting on Charlie's thoughts of Teacher Tube.

logo retrieved from Google images.

BP9_Web2.0: GoAnimate

The new Web 2.0 tool that I want to integrate into my environment is GoAnimate.com.  I found the website to serve a meaningful purpose in education, and I also believe it can engage a wide demographic reach.  The fact is, what I’ve learned is children love cartoons as well as adults.  It’s a medium that has stimulated our media literacy throughout our lives.  We appreciate a great cartoon no matter what generation or theme.   This Web 2.0 tool gives educators and students equal free access to develop cartoons about different topics.  A great feature is the flexibility of the animations and its preset templates.   My observations in my classroom inform me that my kiddos love cartoons similar to the Simpson's and Family Guy; I feel these cartoons are a little extreme in reality, but I can harness the power of cartoon development through GoAnimate to replicate such environments, but with the goal of using powerful learning content.  In addition, the students can harness the same power for other class projects providing a fresh tool to bring an engaging perspective.  The usability of this Web 2.0 tool is very user-friendly as the navigation is simplified with great spacing and readily identifiable areas.  You can formulate settings and themes, and introduce several new characters with its new character settings wizard.  The main goal I want implemented on a consistent basis is the access to several tools for use and exhibit versatility in conveying information.  Just like students want variety as learners,  we want to match that need with nuggets of resources. Go Animate continues the goal and I am very excited to use GoAnimate as a great change-up in classroom presentations. 

BP7_comment on Nancy's Blog

Please click on the comment link to proceed to Nancy Madrigal's wonderful introduction of a fantastic Web 2.0 tool.  Cheers!

BP6_comment on Richard's Blog

Here is a look at the comment I made on Richard's commercial of a Web 2.0 tool.  Please click on the comment link to view.

BP5_Wikispaces

The new Web 2.o tool that I found interesting to use in my environment is Wikispaces.com.  Using the concept of wiki’s has allowed for the integration of individuals into a team concept.  In a video recently, I heard the quote of,” nobody is smarter than everyone.”  I think this is true tremendously.  Wiki’s give you the opportunity to put everyone’s thoughts into play; but how does that happen?  In essence, a Wiki is a webpage that allows anyone the ability to manipulate the content.   The reason that is important is the fact that many can contribute to the particular subject at hand.  How can you contribute?  Well you can contribute with text, links, videos, audios, and pretty much any content that can be converter to embed into html.  For starters, you can introduce a concept or topic that can be viewed by students.   Students can easily add different variables to the Wiki page that can build on the learning of that particular subject, which means that introducing this element would create a bit of ownership for the class and the individual students.  Monitoring a site like this is made easy, so you can concentrate on the participation aspect of the site, as well as monitor the value of the information.  Students are attracted to empowerment, and this Web 2.0 tool would certainly provide such a thing.  As for the information, the ability to teach students to be resourceful with information would have to serve as a pre-requisite for the functional use of a Wiki.  The reason the latter must hold true is we want to make sure that the information posted on the Wiki has value in learning.  The most important factor I see about a Wiki introduce into my class is the ability to initiate lifelong learning skills for the students; because students feel compelled to add to a page that their peers are participating in, the research and evaluation of students are thorough, and are tremendously refined as students participate within the Wiki.   What the Wiki also offers is the ability to create an informal atmosphere.  What educators have learned throughout the years is that informal education overwhelms formal education, thus creating an informal atmosphere may cultivate success through informal but effective strategies.  What do y’all think?

PE3_iMovie

It's always cool at completion of training and the enhancement of your skills.  I found the tutorials on Lynda.com for iMovie to be refreshing, and very engaging because of the principles you learn as an independent film-maker.  The instructor was very good and not once did I find myself drifting off into another mindset; this I found to be important because all the learning happens online and he as an instructor has to make sure he's keeping the audience engaged.  The are many aspects of iMovie that I thoroughly enjoyed, but I think I'm enjoying the possibilities of solidifying an opportunity to create an extension of communication for my class through movies.  When you combine the foundation of this platform, and the insights of my classroom peers, the possibilities to develop meaningful hooks are endless.  What is my favorite part of iMovie you might ask?  Well I think it's the Ken Burns effect and the Green Screen effect that can take your projects to the next level.  I'm going to enjoy iMovie and I hope you do the same.

PE2_iMovie

Following the video of my classroom announcement, I found that I have implemented quite a few features of iMovie.  As I moved through the tutorials, the shortcut features I found to be very beneficial in attempts to cut time in the development of the videos.  Also, the Green Screen function was something I was unaware of and I feel that I can bring different themes of the world into my classroom with a feature like this.  An important film-making principle that I was unaware of came into light; the use of transitions if overdone can have the identity of an inexperienced film-maker, and I want to be able to cut back on that and go to direct cuts.  I am going to experience with more film-making principles as I want to explore and create "Reality Show" moments in my life that can help with the education of my students and my student-athletes.  Until next time, I will explore the rest of the tutorials and provide feedback on what I've learned.

PE1_iMovie

Hello everyone,

Well I have embarked on a class assignment journey in expanding my knowledge of film-making principles through iMovie.  The following is a video that I made for my class as a weekly announcement; the video acknowledges that I will be absent from school for a few days and that I will be communicating expectations and procedures for assignments through this video.  Please let me know what you think;  I am looking for more ways or ideas to implement announcements in my class, but I need your help with hooks.  Enjoy!

BP2_iGoogleScreenShots

Hello everyone,

Here are the screen shots of my PLE ( Personal Learning Environment).  Enjoy!