Assignments

=**__Assignments__**=

//1.) __Creating a Word Document__ -// For this assignment, we had to create a welcome letter to parents for the start of the school year. We used Word and included several features to demonstrate our understanding of the program: clip art, text wrapping, hyper-link, font size & color, etc. This was a good introductory assignment to EDT 511, as it was fairly easy, yet useful. Any profession will need to use Word (or an equivalent Word processing tool) today, with computers being a base for everything. Creating Word documents will be a regular activity for teachers.

[|Assign1_DFish.doc]

2.) __//Creating Graphs/Charts in Excel//__ - For this assignment, we had to manipulate data provided to us in an Excel spreadsheet. We then had to copy & paste graphs created with the data into a Word document. This was a good practice activity for me as I am not as proficient in Excel as I should be. I have never had a job where I used it on a regular basis (like I have with Word). As a teacher, I may use it more for activities like representing scores in graphs or charts, using formulas to compute grades, and creating assignments utilizing spreadsheet data. But there are so many more programs out there that do these things for us, which is more user friendly, such as Rubistar.com or Zangle.net.

[|511Assign2_Graphing_Excel.htm] [|EDTAssign2_Water_Data.xls]

3.) //__Website/Software Evaluation__// - First, we had to evaluate an instructional on-line software. I looked at a world monuments map puzzle. It was a good exercise to look at a game site from a different perspective, and to actually report out on what was good & bad. Usually, I'd just say this isn't very good and move on to something else without exploring it's faults or considering ways to improve.

Next, I evaluated a website on African Geography. While it was fun, it was misleading & actually costs $20.00 per year to sign up for. Again, I would normally just skip it, instead of researching & reporting about it.

Finally, I looked at a Virtual Tour of the White House. This was great because I found it to be something I would really use if I was teaching some form of American History or Government. Again, this was probably something I would not just 'surf the net' for, but as an assignment I looked for things that a teacher would utilize. This was a great website, as most of us will not get an opportunity to visit the White House.

[|Evaluations]

4.) //__Concept Mapping__// - For this assignment, we had to create a concept map and a rubric for grading it. I enjoyed this assignment, as I have used concept maps before, but never created my own. I use the E.L.A. - Meaning & Communication standard to outline the steps involved with pre-writing, drafting, revising, and presenting. I enjoyed playing around with the Inspiration Software and being creative. By using our own rubric to receive our grade, I think it was taken more seriously by our class, with more effort put forth. The practice in making concept maps & rubrics will be useful for future lesson preparation.

[|Concept Map Rubric]

5.) __//Creating a Website//__ - In this assignment, we created our own class website. This was fun, as my experience with website creation was limited. I did work on a team about 6 - 7 years ago redesigning the recruitment web page for Ford Motor Co., but we used FrontPage and it was difficult & tedious. It would have been so much easier if we had Weebly to use back then. My family liked that I used our own pictures on it too. But while I learned a lot using Weebly, I don't know if I would use a website for my class. I think the maintenance & updating would be difficult to keep up with, especially as a first year teacher. And as we discussed in class, don't do one if you don't update it.

[|Class Website]

6.) //__Creating a Webquest__// - I viewed this assignment as a glorified way to provide instructions for an assignment using current technology, opposed to a verbal or written communication. It was an interesting approach and students would like the idea, but I don't know if the effort would improve the outcome. First, access to computers may be a problem in many districts; second, if students could not finish in the class time allotted, would they have computer access at home to finish; and third; it requires a great deal of work on the teachers part to prepare the website links, the pages, the attachments, etc. Again, it was a good learning experience, but not something I would use as a 1st year or 2nd year teacher.

[|WebQuest]

7.) __//Podcast & Lesson Plan//__ - In this assignment, we created a lesson plan and a podcast project for students to complete using the Audacity program. For my project, I asked students to create a ghost story and record it in a podcast. They would write a short script to record and add sound effects and/or music to enhance it. I recorded a sample ghost story to share with the students as an example. The lesson included researching ghost stories from suggested sites for ideas & inspiration. I thought this would be a great project that students would really get into. But again it would be entirely dependent on computer access & the technology available in your district. I could see myself using this for a writing/technology assignment someday if the circumstances supported it.

[|assign7_DFish.doc]

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8.) __//Digital Video Project//__ - This was my favorite assignment of all. We were able to select any topic relevant to our major, and could use our own ideas and creativity. We then created a digital video utilizing images accompanied by music and narration, which could be used to teach a lesson. I selected a topic for a Michigan History class which gave some facts and history surrounding the Sault Ste. Marie locks in the upper peninsula. A teacher could easily use any topic (For me, I think history would have more resources then language arts would) to create a lesson. Students would probably find it more visually appealling and hold their interest more then traditional text book reading and pictures. I also found a great personal use for this Movie Maker project. It is a great way to organize & showcase our vacation pictures. Even if one doesn't have the audio recording capabilities, the subtitles can tell the story as well. I was glad we learned this one.

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