Power Points

This week I explored ways to redefine or refine my views and skills on Microsoft's Power Point. I explored a few examples, read some articles, and reflected on my own experiences in Power Point. I thought the article in the New York Times was so interesting. We've all been there. Sitting, yawning, zoning out...on someone's presentation (that they've clearly worked very hard on). And why do they insist on putting you in the most uncomfortable chairs? How does it happen? Are we too focused on getting all the information in an organized, concise, but still able to communicate the important? 

I took these questions and more to heart while creating my power point for my third graders. (eight year olds in case anyone forgot) I wanted to keep the images large and the text small for two reasons-visual cues are great ways to help students remember information/make sense of information and limited text is helpful for my low readers. I did have a hard time with one image from ToonClips(which had overwritten text on the image), but I did not want to purchase the image...and it was just what I wanted. Take a look below:

This was the only image I wasn't completely happy with. Another strategy I tried to use was the idea of contrast. I split a few of my pages in half to draw focus on the text and image for isolated absorption.

The final project is located at the link below:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ozgvjcfv5hj5lag/ExplorerPPT14.pptx

This project addressed the NETS Standard 2 by requiring me to design and develop a digital age learning experience for my students. Using images opens the curriculum up to learners of all ages and ability levels.

Mini Paper Revise

This week I revised my mini paper discussing the effects of ethnicity on 8th grade reading scores using this format. I have seen this APA journal format most commonly in my historical research and education research for my projects in home/school connection. I sought out many articles using the SU databases provided on the library's homepage. The librarians are also great resources for finding scholarly articles. I do like the idea of the "abstract" or "introduction" on each article. This allows a future researcher to briefly examine the purpose, validity, and usefulness of the article to future research.

When first trying to read my comments on my first paper, I could only see small yellow boxes that indicated a comment was made, yet no additional information was provided.

I tried opening the file in various programs, but was not successful until opening in PDFzenPDF Viewer program. Below you'll see the difference in the program's ability to show comments.

Once I found the comments, i was able to edit my paper as needed. The only other item I struggled with was adjusting the paper size. Now, considering most everyone else would say "just Google it", I chose to search first within Word, then Google if needed. Below is how I finally figured it out.

This assignment continued to address NETS Standard 3a and 3d because I am building my knowledge of technology used to share my current knowledge of systems and modeling digital tools for use in everyday situations. Should I continue to pursue my Ph.D or another master's degree, this research/formatting activity will be very useful.

Mini Paper:Practice Doesn't Necessarily Make Perfect

What a lesson. Life/Technology/Etc...it's all the same. Unless we continue to practice our skills-be it another language, exercise, or even human compassion-we lose it. I confess I had serious doubts about the validity of this assignment for new learning. I thought I was completely competent in APA formatting, having done multiple large papers for other courses. It turns out I was completely complacent. I was operating on the assumption of "Done it once=know how to do it." Is this characteristic isolated to my generation? The "millennials"? Or as we're more commonly known "The Trophy Generation?" (pause for reflection.) How can we continue to encourage people to practice and learn new skills if they are constantly changing? I'm not sure, but I do know that unless I continue to practice I will lose. This can be a great lesson to ass on the my students, especially the students who naturally grasp a task after one try. 

Here is the link to my mini paper....which after hours of working still probably needs adjustments. A lesson in life, technology, practice, and humility.

This activity most certainly addressed all of NETS Standard 5 because I engaged in personal and professional growth by practicing my skills, applying them, and building on more knowledge that will improve my outlook. The assignment also encouraged me to demonstrate fluency in technology systems/formatting(which hits NETS 3a).

GoogleDocs-Resume

This activity was a new-wave sort of sharing my resume. When I was finishing my teaching license through SU, the program required me to create an online portfolio to share with prospective job interviews, administration, etc. I felt this online portfolio had little to no value for a first year teacher. My feelings were confirmed by my current administration-explaining that as a first year teacher, they do not consider you to have any prior 'experience'. As disheartening as this may be, it makes sense. Now, as I begin to think about my future in teaching, the online portfolio carries more weight in my application process. As does the knowledge of how to use Google Docs. The way we network with people is changing. Not only are face to face meetings important, but the ease, speed, and general convenience of doc sharing online gives the job application process a new page.

I am currently doing some research on "the new resume" and its differences from the original/standard list of qualifications. I want to stand out with creativity and unique outlook on said "qualifications". That being said, my new resume is still in the works, but I've added a link below that will take you to my first resume that landed my first job.

Rose Coates PDF Resume

Using Google Docs addresses the NETS standard 3 because it allows you to model digital age learning and work, all while making it incredibly accessible to share with family, friends, peers, etc. This is a fabulous tool, easy to use, and is most definitely the future of doc sharing. Think of how wonderful it would be to use Google Docs to team plan!!