Thursday, May 21, 2015
Google Sites
Google sites is a structured wiki- and webpage-creation tool offered by Google as part of the Google Apps. It was my first time to create and edit a Google site.It was an interesting experience.
I followed the steps and tutorials on Atomic Learning, so I logged in my gmail account and created a new site.Creating a Chinese learning website came to my mind, so I typed in "Learning Chinese with Ms. Yuling" as the site title. I wanted to make the URL shorter and simple, but I can't. I guess I have to pay $12 a year to be able to do that. I passed it and did all the setting such choosing a blank site, a branch theme.
I created three pages total: Home page, and two subpages. I started to edit the Home page by clicking the pencil icon "Edit Page" on the top. I typed in course description, objective and calendar to make it as a Chinese learning course.
Then I clicked the icon next to the pencil icon on the top to add page.I created the page title as "Growing up with Chinese" and set the page under the home page. This time, besides adding text, I inserted an image by uploading it from my computer.I used the toolbar below the image to move it to the right. That action was as easy as inserting image on Google Documents.Also, I highlighted a video's name on my page and clicked the link icon on the toolbar. i copied the original webpage's URL into the blank to insert a video link under its name.I had to clicked "Save" every time after I finished editing unlike other Google Apps.
I did the same to add the third page "Travel in Chinese" under "Growing up with Chinese". I did not have problem inserting text, link and image. After I clicked "Save", this page title didn't appear on the sidebar. Instead, I saw it on the bottom as a subpage. I was so puzzled. I did the same thing when I added the second page, it showed on the sidebar but third page didn't. So I tried to delete the third page and create another one to see if it worked. But it didn't. By doing that a few times, my site was massed up. Fortunately, I remembered the "Revision History" function. There were a few versions with recorded times when I edited them.So I chose to revert the version before I deleted anything. "Revision History" is so helpful and advanced. Finally I figured out how to manually manipulate the side bar navigation to have three pages showed one after another. I clicked the gear icon on the top and selected "edit site layout" again to change the horizontal navigation so that the names of three pages will show.
Lastly, I selected "manage site" to edit the site's format. I changed the text background color and the page titles' color. Now, the first website in my life was finished! I copied my site's URL below.
https://sites.google.com/site/learningchinesewithmsyuling/
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Drawing
Experience Learning to Use Google Drawing
Google Drawing offers digital drawing board. After watching a few tutorials, I found Google Drawing very interesting and easy to be mastered. Google Drawing shares similarities with Google Documents in terms of text editing, comments, chat, share, download.However, Google Drawing's highlight is drawing functions.
To learn in-depth, I created a Google Drawing by clicking "New" and "Google Drawing".It was so cool to have a wide open space just for drawing. Toolbar offers functions to insert and edit all kinds of lines, shapes, shape and line colors, images, text.After inserting some lines and shapes, I clicked a certain part to change its color. I can also click the "select" tool to select the whole board if I want To re-position the lines or shapes,I just need to tapped on them to drag to anywhere.I have to select the central circle on the top of a shape to rotate it.I can also change the background color. I had two shapes overlapped. In order to show both of them, I selected the shaped, right-clicked the mouse device and chose "order" and "send backward". This is very important when creating a complicated drawing.I can insert images by uploading, choosing from my album, by URL, taking a snapshot or searching, which is very similar to Google Documents.Inserting text inside or outside of the shapes are available too.After I finished, I could download into many formats such as PDF, SVG, JPG,PNG or email it to others.
It's such a creative tool to help teachers with lesson presentation and to provide a digital board for students to practice drawing.
Exploring Middle School-Tangram Square
This lesson plan thoroughly connects Google Drawing with mathematical figures.It implies Tangram Square in the lesson with the use of "The Sage's Journey". I have never heard of this story before but I consider it one of the highlights of this lesson plan. It vividly explains what Tangram Square is and inspires students to create various kinds of images with the seven shapes:two big right triangles, one medium triangle, two small right triangles, a square and a parallelogram.The lesson's objectives are that students will learn and explore the names of the shapes and the key vocabulary of flip 90 degree, flip horizontal, flip vertical. They will also construct their own Tangram creations using Google Drawing.With the ease of editing shapes on Google Drawing, students can achieve this objectives by flipping around the shapes and creating their own stylish Tangrams.
Google Drawing's unique feature allows more than one student to work on a drawing together at the same time. This lesson will instruct students to share the puzzle with another to make the square using Google Drawing. It lets students use Google Presentation with the characters made from the shapes to present their stories.
This lesson plan shows clear objectives, instructions and creativity. It makes good use of technology integration such as Google Drawing and Presentations to help students explore knowledge and meet Common Core State Standards.
Comments on Common Core State Standards Concerning Drawing
Google Drawing is meant to create flow charts, custom graphs, informational posters, and graphic designs to publish online using the document's unique URL.These features of Google Drawing helps students exceed CCSS's Writing, Math, Science, Social Study and Technical Subjects.
The CCSS Anchor Standard 1 for Writing requires students to "read closely" to understand the text and make logical conclusions from it.Using Google Drawing, teachers can create graphic organizers to give students a change to organize their thoughts and facts gathered from the text to prepare for writing.The standards are clear that college- and career-ready students will need to be organized when writing.Students themselves can take advantage of Google Drawing to organize complex text during their study.
Google Drawing can be used to explore geometry according to Geometrical Figures Seventh Grade Standards.Teachers can instruct students to explores the shapes on Google Drawing using flips, slides, and turns in various activities.It is also a great exposure to mathematics vocabulary words.
Common Core State Standard stress the importance of understanding of graphs, charts, diagrams.Creating flowcharts in science and math is a great way to gain information from these informational objects and make it graphically and visually appealing.
Again, Google Drawing's "Share" and "Comment" features enables collaboration among students and publishing to the Web. Google Drawing is a dynamic and outstanding design program that can urge students to create, collaborate so that they can exceed Common Core State Standards as well as develop profound technical skills for future.
Google Drawing offers digital drawing board. After watching a few tutorials, I found Google Drawing very interesting and easy to be mastered. Google Drawing shares similarities with Google Documents in terms of text editing, comments, chat, share, download.However, Google Drawing's highlight is drawing functions.
To learn in-depth, I created a Google Drawing by clicking "New" and "Google Drawing".It was so cool to have a wide open space just for drawing. Toolbar offers functions to insert and edit all kinds of lines, shapes, shape and line colors, images, text.After inserting some lines and shapes, I clicked a certain part to change its color. I can also click the "select" tool to select the whole board if I want To re-position the lines or shapes,I just need to tapped on them to drag to anywhere.I have to select the central circle on the top of a shape to rotate it.I can also change the background color. I had two shapes overlapped. In order to show both of them, I selected the shaped, right-clicked the mouse device and chose "order" and "send backward". This is very important when creating a complicated drawing.I can insert images by uploading, choosing from my album, by URL, taking a snapshot or searching, which is very similar to Google Documents.Inserting text inside or outside of the shapes are available too.After I finished, I could download into many formats such as PDF, SVG, JPG,PNG or email it to others.
It's such a creative tool to help teachers with lesson presentation and to provide a digital board for students to practice drawing.
Exploring Middle School-Tangram Square
This lesson plan thoroughly connects Google Drawing with mathematical figures.It implies Tangram Square in the lesson with the use of "The Sage's Journey". I have never heard of this story before but I consider it one of the highlights of this lesson plan. It vividly explains what Tangram Square is and inspires students to create various kinds of images with the seven shapes:two big right triangles, one medium triangle, two small right triangles, a square and a parallelogram.The lesson's objectives are that students will learn and explore the names of the shapes and the key vocabulary of flip 90 degree, flip horizontal, flip vertical. They will also construct their own Tangram creations using Google Drawing.With the ease of editing shapes on Google Drawing, students can achieve this objectives by flipping around the shapes and creating their own stylish Tangrams.
Google Drawing's unique feature allows more than one student to work on a drawing together at the same time. This lesson will instruct students to share the puzzle with another to make the square using Google Drawing. It lets students use Google Presentation with the characters made from the shapes to present their stories.
This lesson plan shows clear objectives, instructions and creativity. It makes good use of technology integration such as Google Drawing and Presentations to help students explore knowledge and meet Common Core State Standards.
Comments on Common Core State Standards Concerning Drawing
Google Drawing is meant to create flow charts, custom graphs, informational posters, and graphic designs to publish online using the document's unique URL.These features of Google Drawing helps students exceed CCSS's Writing, Math, Science, Social Study and Technical Subjects.
The CCSS Anchor Standard 1 for Writing requires students to "read closely" to understand the text and make logical conclusions from it.Using Google Drawing, teachers can create graphic organizers to give students a change to organize their thoughts and facts gathered from the text to prepare for writing.The standards are clear that college- and career-ready students will need to be organized when writing.Students themselves can take advantage of Google Drawing to organize complex text during their study.
Google Drawing can be used to explore geometry according to Geometrical Figures Seventh Grade Standards.Teachers can instruct students to explores the shapes on Google Drawing using flips, slides, and turns in various activities.It is also a great exposure to mathematics vocabulary words.
Common Core State Standard stress the importance of understanding of graphs, charts, diagrams.Creating flowcharts in science and math is a great way to gain information from these informational objects and make it graphically and visually appealing.
Again, Google Drawing's "Share" and "Comment" features enables collaboration among students and publishing to the Web. Google Drawing is a dynamic and outstanding design program that can urge students to create, collaborate so that they can exceed Common Core State Standards as well as develop profound technical skills for future.
Documents
Google Documents vs Microsoft Office
I have been using Microsoft Office for years,
but when I found out how powerful Google Documents is, I definitely would like
to switch to use it. Google Doc shares a lot in common with Microsoft Office as
a word processor. They are both able to insert text, images, chart, table,
links. Their toolbars have similar functions such as print, undo and redo,
text’s types and sizes, font, center, format, spell check, word count.
Apparently, Google Doc is much more supreme, convenient and has more functions
than Microsoft Office. You can rename the file inside Google Doc’s interface
while doing it outside of Office’s file by clicking its icon. Doc automatically
saves all changes while Office requires you to do it manually. You can easily
comment on Google Doc but you can’t on Office. One of the main differences
between Doc and Office is that the former is an online word processor while the
latter is done in a computer’s memory. That’s why Doc is able to research and
define words directly from the document in the Tools menu. I just found out
that Microsoft Office is able to email research and translate directly from the
document too, however, it seems less accessible and advanced than Google Doc.Microsoft Office is only limited in PC or Mac while Google Doc is available on PC, Mac, tablet and smartphone. The only weakness about Google Document is that you have to have Internet connection to be able to create and edit a document while you can use Microsoft Office wherever you want with a computer. But it shouldn't be concern because Internet connection is accessible in many places.
How Google Documents Meets Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards have arrived in most states and push students to approach integration of technology to be prepared for college and career.With all the functions mentioned above and more, Google Documents will perfectly meet CCSS and help teachers meet the needs of students to be ready for college and career.
In Anchor Standard 5 for writing, revising, editing, rewriting are key features.Google Documents has the ability for students to see a revision history of their work allowing them to return to a previous version. Numerous basic and advanced editing functions are available on the top toolbar.Anchor Standard 6 stresses using technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others, which aligns fully with the use of Google Documents in the classroom.Students can create a Google Document to work on a piece of writing, then share it with teacher or other students who can give immediate feedback by using the Comments feature on Google Documents.Lastly, students can publish their writing anywhere on the Web or select specific people with a click of the "Share" button. Anchor Standard 5 and 6 suggest guidance and support from peers and adults to develop and strengthen students' writing. The Comments feature is extremely unique and innovative.Students can easily share their writing with teachers and comments can be given in the form of the teacher writing directly on the paper with the students.
In Anchor Standard 10,Google Documents can be used to collect research from the Web and to write over extended time periods.Students can directly research from the document and insert information or links into their article.They are able to continue to work on their writing because it allows user to save the work and access it from anywhere with Internet connection. As early as Grade 3-5, the Common Core State Standards will mandate the use of technology to foster keyboarding skills and writing skills.With guidance and support from adults, students can exceed most standards of writing with the use of Google Documents.
Google Documents provides ways to collaborate, develop skills of writing digitally.One of Google Doc's outstanding features is that up to 50 people can work on the same document at the same time from anywhere from the world or in the same room.In Common Core Mathematics Eighth Grade, comparing two proportional relationships represented in different ways is the key feature. In the classroom, math teacher can instruct students to take notes only in their assigned box on the same document. With collaborative note-taking, students can learn from each other and get the most knowledge out of the lesson effectively.In addition, students in their careers will be writing in these mediums, creating living documents like blogs, wikis, Facebook and Twitter posts. CCSS presents standards of writing that embody living documents which allows students to be interactive authors with the ability to change their work with new knowledge learned.Google Documents provide the platform for which students can achieve these standards with the features of receiving immediate feedback, Web-based writing, researching directly from the document and adding links to other webpages to offer more information.
According to Middle School Standards for Writing, Listening and Speaking, students are require to include multimedia components such as graphics, sound, charts and tables.Inserting Drawings into Documents and other programs such as Presentations by using digital media and visual displays is a great way to meet these standards.
Google Documents offers all kinds of services and support for free to help students meet Common Core State Standards and develop skills for college and future career.
Comments on Collaborative Editing with Partner
It's not easy to always finish Dr.Templar's Bible assignments. I had a few questions undone among more than 100 questions. So I decided to send it to my partner and collaborate with her. It's a Microsoft Office document. So I uploaded it on Google Doc, opened with Google Doc format and emailed it easily by clicking the "Share" button. Instead of emailing back and forth to come up with thoughts discussions on those questions, we were able to use the "Comments" feature to communicate directly on the document.Also, as both of us worked on this document, I saw her name on the upper right-hand bar, then little chat room was showed so that we were able to chat.As I was writing answers, she gave me immediate feedback so that I was able to complete my assignment effectively and quickly. It was such an interesting experience collaborating with partner.
How Google Documents Meets Common Core State Standards
Common Core State Standards have arrived in most states and push students to approach integration of technology to be prepared for college and career.With all the functions mentioned above and more, Google Documents will perfectly meet CCSS and help teachers meet the needs of students to be ready for college and career.
In Anchor Standard 5 for writing, revising, editing, rewriting are key features.Google Documents has the ability for students to see a revision history of their work allowing them to return to a previous version. Numerous basic and advanced editing functions are available on the top toolbar.Anchor Standard 6 stresses using technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others, which aligns fully with the use of Google Documents in the classroom.Students can create a Google Document to work on a piece of writing, then share it with teacher or other students who can give immediate feedback by using the Comments feature on Google Documents.Lastly, students can publish their writing anywhere on the Web or select specific people with a click of the "Share" button. Anchor Standard 5 and 6 suggest guidance and support from peers and adults to develop and strengthen students' writing. The Comments feature is extremely unique and innovative.Students can easily share their writing with teachers and comments can be given in the form of the teacher writing directly on the paper with the students.
In Anchor Standard 10,Google Documents can be used to collect research from the Web and to write over extended time periods.Students can directly research from the document and insert information or links into their article.They are able to continue to work on their writing because it allows user to save the work and access it from anywhere with Internet connection. As early as Grade 3-5, the Common Core State Standards will mandate the use of technology to foster keyboarding skills and writing skills.With guidance and support from adults, students can exceed most standards of writing with the use of Google Documents.
Google Documents provides ways to collaborate, develop skills of writing digitally.One of Google Doc's outstanding features is that up to 50 people can work on the same document at the same time from anywhere from the world or in the same room.In Common Core Mathematics Eighth Grade, comparing two proportional relationships represented in different ways is the key feature. In the classroom, math teacher can instruct students to take notes only in their assigned box on the same document. With collaborative note-taking, students can learn from each other and get the most knowledge out of the lesson effectively.In addition, students in their careers will be writing in these mediums, creating living documents like blogs, wikis, Facebook and Twitter posts. CCSS presents standards of writing that embody living documents which allows students to be interactive authors with the ability to change their work with new knowledge learned.Google Documents provide the platform for which students can achieve these standards with the features of receiving immediate feedback, Web-based writing, researching directly from the document and adding links to other webpages to offer more information.
According to Middle School Standards for Writing, Listening and Speaking, students are require to include multimedia components such as graphics, sound, charts and tables.Inserting Drawings into Documents and other programs such as Presentations by using digital media and visual displays is a great way to meet these standards.
Google Documents offers all kinds of services and support for free to help students meet Common Core State Standards and develop skills for college and future career.
Comments on Collaborative Editing with Partner
It's not easy to always finish Dr.Templar's Bible assignments. I had a few questions undone among more than 100 questions. So I decided to send it to my partner and collaborate with her. It's a Microsoft Office document. So I uploaded it on Google Doc, opened with Google Doc format and emailed it easily by clicking the "Share" button. Instead of emailing back and forth to come up with thoughts discussions on those questions, we were able to use the "Comments" feature to communicate directly on the document.Also, as both of us worked on this document, I saw her name on the upper right-hand bar, then little chat room was showed so that we were able to chat.As I was writing answers, she gave me immediate feedback so that I was able to complete my assignment effectively and quickly. It was such an interesting experience collaborating with partner.
Monday, May 18, 2015
iPad Disciplines
Language-Chinese
Essential Chinese
This is a language app for people who are not native Chinese speaker to learn Chinese. There are three levels: Essential, Intermediate and Advanced.It seems the Essential Chinese is free. But when you go into the app, there are only three lessons available. More lessons cost from $3.99 to $9.99. Thankfully, I learned how to master the app by just exploring the first three lessons. When you click into each lesson,the left column shows the outline with these categories: Vocabulary, Grammar, Conversation.Each category present its content with photos to particular word or phrase, Chinese Pinyin and characters and sounds.
With the multimedia functions, teachers arouse students' interest to learn and capture their attention during the lessons.Without Chinese language environment, it makes so difficult for Chinese teachers.But photos, sounds and Chinese Pinyin and characters, students are able to get so much information out of the lessons, just as the research says,"by seeing and hearing, students can get more than 80 percent information." So that students can still know the meaning and master how to use the language without the physical language background.Teachers can use the Grammar section to help students understand why and how words put together. The Conversation section is excellent for integrating teaching that to guide students to use or speak Chinese in their daily lives. Students can practice after class too with the app.
This app also includes Games and vocabulary list. The Games section makes teaching and learning more interesting as well as reinforces the lessons.Students tends to learn more when they are motivated and in a good mood. This app provides lesson plan for teachers so it is worthy of the price to get the complete lessons. It's good for students to do self-learning too.
ChinesePad
ChiesePad is a very practical app for Chinese teaching and learning. Inside the app's screen, a dozen of resources are provided such as: Library, Store, User Guide, Browsing,Writing, Flash Card, Pin Yin, Speaking, Dictionary, Settings, My Progress and Text to Speech. I will focus on how to use some of them to teach Chinese.
Library:
Students can save words, Chinese-English Dictionary or story books in the library so that they will be easily assessed in the future use.When I approached the app, a Chinese-English Dictionary is already stored in there.It includes countless commonly used Chinese Characters. They are clickable and animation will be displayed how to write the characters' strokes.
Store:
The Store has plenty of free bilingual resources such as Chinese folktales with photos, Chinese characters and Pin Yin, English and sound.It appeals both young and learners to learn Chinese with this app.It has Chinese Slang and cultural knowledge. To open them, you can simply click "get it free" tap on the right-hand and they will be saved in the Library.Teachers have great resources to teach students.
Browsing:
One hundred common hanzi(Chinese characters) are stored, from the simple ones to the complicated ones. Besides each hanzi, you have access to the sound, grammar or usage. To make them more organized, you can sort by popularity, strokes, or Pinyin. Teachers can use them to broaden students' vocabulary.
Writing:
Writing Chinese characters is considered the most difficult part compared to listening, speaking. But the "Writing" section offers the character's meaning and sound then requires students to write the corresponding character.Teachers can use it to test students' writing comprehension. There are 100 hanzi or more for students to practice.
Flash Card:
By clicking the hanzi on the screen, you can review and practice reading and speaking Chinese hanzi.
Pinyin:
This section shows the character's meaning, usage and sound.But it needs students to type in its correct Pinyin. It has "Check Answer" function too. So teachers can use it to test how well students know about Pinyin and assign self-study homework since students can check the answers themselves.
Speaking:
Students can't practice speaking with Chinese teachers always because of time and region limitation. But with the Speaking section, teachers can let students practice speaking the word showed on the screen. The app will record the sound and save it. It's a great way to assign speaking homework.
Dictionary:
When students come across something that they don't know, either from Chinese to English, or from English to Chinese, Dictionary will be a great help.
My Progress:
Through all the practices done from the above sections, My Progress will keep track of students' progress in four aspects: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
ChinesePad is an excellent tool both for teachers to teach Chinese and for students to learn because it has enormous resources and a thorough exploration of Chinese. Personally, I really like it.
Play2Learn Chinese
Play2Learn Chinese is a paid app on iPad. But it's an interesting multimedia tool for learners to visualize the concepts and context in Chinese. On the main screen, there are lots of topics for you to choose. It has clothes, fruit, vegetables, animals, body parts, family members, etc. When you go into a certain topic, the related items will be displayed on the screen. When you touch a certain item, it will be highlighted and pronounced in Chinese. It's so colorful and vivid, meant for young learners, but it can be used for teenagers and adults too.Its strength is the fun and interaction and able to help students concentrate on the learning. Teachers can use this app for game or activity section in class.
My anticipated certification will be Secondary Chinese Teaching. I look forward to apply all this apps into my teaching.
Essential Chinese
This is a language app for people who are not native Chinese speaker to learn Chinese. There are three levels: Essential, Intermediate and Advanced.It seems the Essential Chinese is free. But when you go into the app, there are only three lessons available. More lessons cost from $3.99 to $9.99. Thankfully, I learned how to master the app by just exploring the first three lessons. When you click into each lesson,the left column shows the outline with these categories: Vocabulary, Grammar, Conversation.Each category present its content with photos to particular word or phrase, Chinese Pinyin and characters and sounds.
With the multimedia functions, teachers arouse students' interest to learn and capture their attention during the lessons.Without Chinese language environment, it makes so difficult for Chinese teachers.But photos, sounds and Chinese Pinyin and characters, students are able to get so much information out of the lessons, just as the research says,"by seeing and hearing, students can get more than 80 percent information." So that students can still know the meaning and master how to use the language without the physical language background.Teachers can use the Grammar section to help students understand why and how words put together. The Conversation section is excellent for integrating teaching that to guide students to use or speak Chinese in their daily lives. Students can practice after class too with the app.
This app also includes Games and vocabulary list. The Games section makes teaching and learning more interesting as well as reinforces the lessons.Students tends to learn more when they are motivated and in a good mood. This app provides lesson plan for teachers so it is worthy of the price to get the complete lessons. It's good for students to do self-learning too.
ChinesePad
ChiesePad is a very practical app for Chinese teaching and learning. Inside the app's screen, a dozen of resources are provided such as: Library, Store, User Guide, Browsing,Writing, Flash Card, Pin Yin, Speaking, Dictionary, Settings, My Progress and Text to Speech. I will focus on how to use some of them to teach Chinese.
Library:
Students can save words, Chinese-English Dictionary or story books in the library so that they will be easily assessed in the future use.When I approached the app, a Chinese-English Dictionary is already stored in there.It includes countless commonly used Chinese Characters. They are clickable and animation will be displayed how to write the characters' strokes.
Store:
The Store has plenty of free bilingual resources such as Chinese folktales with photos, Chinese characters and Pin Yin, English and sound.It appeals both young and learners to learn Chinese with this app.It has Chinese Slang and cultural knowledge. To open them, you can simply click "get it free" tap on the right-hand and they will be saved in the Library.Teachers have great resources to teach students.
Browsing:
One hundred common hanzi(Chinese characters) are stored, from the simple ones to the complicated ones. Besides each hanzi, you have access to the sound, grammar or usage. To make them more organized, you can sort by popularity, strokes, or Pinyin. Teachers can use them to broaden students' vocabulary.
Writing:
Writing Chinese characters is considered the most difficult part compared to listening, speaking. But the "Writing" section offers the character's meaning and sound then requires students to write the corresponding character.Teachers can use it to test students' writing comprehension. There are 100 hanzi or more for students to practice.
Flash Card:
By clicking the hanzi on the screen, you can review and practice reading and speaking Chinese hanzi.
Pinyin:
This section shows the character's meaning, usage and sound.But it needs students to type in its correct Pinyin. It has "Check Answer" function too. So teachers can use it to test how well students know about Pinyin and assign self-study homework since students can check the answers themselves.
Speaking:
Students can't practice speaking with Chinese teachers always because of time and region limitation. But with the Speaking section, teachers can let students practice speaking the word showed on the screen. The app will record the sound and save it. It's a great way to assign speaking homework.
Dictionary:
When students come across something that they don't know, either from Chinese to English, or from English to Chinese, Dictionary will be a great help.
My Progress:
Through all the practices done from the above sections, My Progress will keep track of students' progress in four aspects: listening, speaking, reading and writing.
ChinesePad is an excellent tool both for teachers to teach Chinese and for students to learn because it has enormous resources and a thorough exploration of Chinese. Personally, I really like it.
Play2Learn Chinese
Play2Learn Chinese is a paid app on iPad. But it's an interesting multimedia tool for learners to visualize the concepts and context in Chinese. On the main screen, there are lots of topics for you to choose. It has clothes, fruit, vegetables, animals, body parts, family members, etc. When you go into a certain topic, the related items will be displayed on the screen. When you touch a certain item, it will be highlighted and pronounced in Chinese. It's so colorful and vivid, meant for young learners, but it can be used for teenagers and adults too.Its strength is the fun and interaction and able to help students concentrate on the learning. Teachers can use this app for game or activity section in class.
My anticipated certification will be Secondary Chinese Teaching. I look forward to apply all this apps into my teaching.
Comment on Forms in Schools from Graham's Book
Forms is such an amazingly helpful Google App that can deliver data for decision making. It not only allows teachers to deliver online assessments to student, to self grade easily and clearly, but also it also enables teachers, principals, deans, counselors or anyone to gather date and create a survey.
Uses in creating quiz and self-grading:
Quizzes and grading are big deals to teachers. Traditionally, teachers create quizzes by writing questions and answers on the paper or creating them on Microsoft Office or Excel. There is not only heavy work to create them but also taking forever to grade them, especially in a large class. With Forms, teachers are able to make quizzes and grade them effectively and at an ease.The "Question Type" allows teachers to include different types of questions for assessment, without worrying about how to create a certain question format. Questions can be easily added and edited. Checking "Required Question" box helps students to complete the whole quiz before submitting. Everything about creating quiz on Forms seems so neat,effective and professional. After creating the quiz, teachers can either include the form in email or just email the link to students.The "Responses" menu helps teachers to collect information or answers effectively. "Accepting responses" needs to be checked to allow respondents to submit data. "Summary of responses" is checked to automatically create simple charts and graphs that analyze the data in the spreadsheet.I wish I knew it before when I was teaching. It took me so much time to create and grade the quizzes.
The answers or data collected from Google Forms goes directly in Google Spreadsheet, where it can be analyzed, organized and displayed in charts.Creating formulas, dragging down the column and sorting the grades will be done in a short while, which enables teacher's grading effectively and accurately.
Uses in collecting data and creating survey:
Collecting data and creating survey can be done the same as creating quizzes. You just need to type in different types of questions and choose the certain question type that fit the survey. When schools send home a parent survey to gather information about parents' certain aspects and suggestions of school life and study,a Google Form can be created and posted on the school's public media, allowing for easy data gathering.Sharing easily enables collaborative work.Teachers can create forms that will track specific students' grades, behavior and assignments.
Forms meet Common Core State Standards:
According to the CCSS, students need to "present information, findings and supporting evidance." With Google Forms, students are able to meet this standard outstanding by authentically gather real information, viewing directly and analyzing it from Spreadsheet. Therefore, students provide evidence to support their findings and decisions about a given topic. CCSS's High School Writing Standard requires students to focus on research projects and demonstrate understanding of the subject under investigation. Google Forms is meant for research and investigation. Data gathered with Google Forms and analysis made with Spreadsheet aid in making assertion in writing, as well as other subjects. According to previous standard, it requires students to use appropriate tools wisely and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats. Google Forms is another great tool to help students succeed.
Summary:
Google Forms has great impact in schools in many aspects: for students to gather and organize data into spreadsheet, for teachers to create self-grading quizzes and tests, for teachers and school board to create survey and gather information from students, parents and teachers.
Uses in creating quiz and self-grading:
Quizzes and grading are big deals to teachers. Traditionally, teachers create quizzes by writing questions and answers on the paper or creating them on Microsoft Office or Excel. There is not only heavy work to create them but also taking forever to grade them, especially in a large class. With Forms, teachers are able to make quizzes and grade them effectively and at an ease.The "Question Type" allows teachers to include different types of questions for assessment, without worrying about how to create a certain question format. Questions can be easily added and edited. Checking "Required Question" box helps students to complete the whole quiz before submitting. Everything about creating quiz on Forms seems so neat,effective and professional. After creating the quiz, teachers can either include the form in email or just email the link to students.The "Responses" menu helps teachers to collect information or answers effectively. "Accepting responses" needs to be checked to allow respondents to submit data. "Summary of responses" is checked to automatically create simple charts and graphs that analyze the data in the spreadsheet.I wish I knew it before when I was teaching. It took me so much time to create and grade the quizzes.
The answers or data collected from Google Forms goes directly in Google Spreadsheet, where it can be analyzed, organized and displayed in charts.Creating formulas, dragging down the column and sorting the grades will be done in a short while, which enables teacher's grading effectively and accurately.
Uses in collecting data and creating survey:
Collecting data and creating survey can be done the same as creating quizzes. You just need to type in different types of questions and choose the certain question type that fit the survey. When schools send home a parent survey to gather information about parents' certain aspects and suggestions of school life and study,a Google Form can be created and posted on the school's public media, allowing for easy data gathering.Sharing easily enables collaborative work.Teachers can create forms that will track specific students' grades, behavior and assignments.
Forms meet Common Core State Standards:
According to the CCSS, students need to "present information, findings and supporting evidance." With Google Forms, students are able to meet this standard outstanding by authentically gather real information, viewing directly and analyzing it from Spreadsheet. Therefore, students provide evidence to support their findings and decisions about a given topic. CCSS's High School Writing Standard requires students to focus on research projects and demonstrate understanding of the subject under investigation. Google Forms is meant for research and investigation. Data gathered with Google Forms and analysis made with Spreadsheet aid in making assertion in writing, as well as other subjects. According to previous standard, it requires students to use appropriate tools wisely and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats. Google Forms is another great tool to help students succeed.
Summary:
Google Forms has great impact in schools in many aspects: for students to gather and organize data into spreadsheet, for teachers to create self-grading quizzes and tests, for teachers and school board to create survey and gather information from students, parents and teachers.
Forms
It was an interesting experience to explore how to create Forms. Now I know how Dr.Krug create our quizzes.After I watched the tutorials and read the Google Apps book, it didn't seem too complicated to me, but I went across a few problems when I was actually making one.
I went to Google Drive and clicked New to choose a new Form. First I created a title of the Form as "Chinese Culture"on the top left-hand corner. I could add form description, but I didn't because I was creating a simple multiple choices quiz.First of all,I typed "Last Name" in the "Question Title" blank, chose the question title as "Text", then checked the "Required Question" box. Lastly I clicked "Done". I did the same to the second question "First Name".
After creating Last and First Name requirement, I started to make quiz questions by clicking "Add Items".My first question was about Chinese official language. I ignored the "Help Text" because it was unnecessary. It's so convenient to choose from so many types of question such as Text, Multiple Choice, Paragraph Text,Checkboxes, Choose from a list, Scale, Grid, Date and Time.I chose Multiple Choice, correspondingly a few "Option" blanks were displayed.I made four choices then checked the "Required Question" so that students can't submit the quiz until it is completed. Errors are inevitable when teachers create quiz. Forms allows you to edit, duplicate, delete and provide advanced settings. I did the same to my second question. I only created two questions and sent the Form to myself through email.
On the toolbar, it brought me to a spreadsheet after I clicked "View Responses". It showed Last Name, First Name and the two questions on the first row.Right next to the second question, I typed in two correct answers "Mandrain" and "Red", each in the next two cells accordingly. I went to my gmail to use my name to submit the "teacher" answers then randomly made up some quizzes by using a few students' names.It was so cool that after teacher and each student submitted the quiz, responses were showed automatically in my spreadsheet.Next, I typed in a formula to grade students' answers "=if(D2=$F$1,100,0)", then click"enter" on my keyboard, the first answer was graded, either "100" or "0" representing correct or wrong. The sign "$" in front of "F" and "1" was to enable me to drag down the cell to grade the rest of the first answers. I did the same to the second answers. To complete the the self-grading quiz, I created "Student Average" column and sorted the range.
I was able to send it to whoever I want through email and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. I could choose to let receivers only view the form or edit it.However, I couldn't figure out how to "Embed" the link and shorten the link domin. I will explore more to figure out. Anyway, I find creating Forms so powerful and practical to daily teaching, creating quiz and grading. The Form's link and Spreadsheet's link are as follow:
Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lUH9j6U3GUnyV-l5HBDwx0dn7dqErv-UgPuQKfJd428/viewform?c=0&w=1
Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O2-UdUg0IevsrwqJJ6wW_ucexlmyU9O5WEp8BSQ085A/edit?usp=sharing
I went to Google Drive and clicked New to choose a new Form. First I created a title of the Form as "Chinese Culture"on the top left-hand corner. I could add form description, but I didn't because I was creating a simple multiple choices quiz.First of all,I typed "Last Name" in the "Question Title" blank, chose the question title as "Text", then checked the "Required Question" box. Lastly I clicked "Done". I did the same to the second question "First Name".
After creating Last and First Name requirement, I started to make quiz questions by clicking "Add Items".My first question was about Chinese official language. I ignored the "Help Text" because it was unnecessary. It's so convenient to choose from so many types of question such as Text, Multiple Choice, Paragraph Text,Checkboxes, Choose from a list, Scale, Grid, Date and Time.I chose Multiple Choice, correspondingly a few "Option" blanks were displayed.I made four choices then checked the "Required Question" so that students can't submit the quiz until it is completed. Errors are inevitable when teachers create quiz. Forms allows you to edit, duplicate, delete and provide advanced settings. I did the same to my second question. I only created two questions and sent the Form to myself through email.
On the toolbar, it brought me to a spreadsheet after I clicked "View Responses". It showed Last Name, First Name and the two questions on the first row.Right next to the second question, I typed in two correct answers "Mandrain" and "Red", each in the next two cells accordingly. I went to my gmail to use my name to submit the "teacher" answers then randomly made up some quizzes by using a few students' names.It was so cool that after teacher and each student submitted the quiz, responses were showed automatically in my spreadsheet.Next, I typed in a formula to grade students' answers "=if(D2=$F$1,100,0)", then click"enter" on my keyboard, the first answer was graded, either "100" or "0" representing correct or wrong. The sign "$" in front of "F" and "1" was to enable me to drag down the cell to grade the rest of the first answers. I did the same to the second answers. To complete the the self-grading quiz, I created "Student Average" column and sorted the range.
I was able to send it to whoever I want through email and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Google+. I could choose to let receivers only view the form or edit it.However, I couldn't figure out how to "Embed" the link and shorten the link domin. I will explore more to figure out. Anyway, I find creating Forms so powerful and practical to daily teaching, creating quiz and grading. The Form's link and Spreadsheet's link are as follow:
Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lUH9j6U3GUnyV-l5HBDwx0dn7dqErv-UgPuQKfJd428/viewform?c=0&w=1
Spreadsheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1O2-UdUg0IevsrwqJJ6wW_ucexlmyU9O5WEp8BSQ085A/edit?usp=sharing
Sunday, May 17, 2015
iPad Literacy
Preparations-Merriam Webster
I have been using Google translate or other online dictionaries on the Internet.It's my first time to approach Merriam Webster.It's easy for new learners to master it just by exploring it.Like all the other dictionaries, you are able to type in word or phrase to search for its meanings.Plenty of word suggestions are displayed when the first few letter typed in.Voice input makes searching more convenient too.
On the top of the screen, there is tool bar with "Daily", "History", "Favorites" functions. Daily word encourages users to keep learning new words, especially helpful for the non-native English speakers."History" makes searching for words so handy that Merriam Webster records whatever you search last time and save them so that you are able to retrieve them next time. "Favorites" can help you create a personal word list and save the most frequent words that you come across.
The definitions of a word or phrase are quite detailed including pronunciation, brief and full definitions, synonyms, and examples.Thorough definitions allow users to have a in-depth study of the words or phrases they search.
Lastly, you can email the full definitions to yourself or others, which enhances collaborative study.I am really fond of Merriam Webster so that I may download it in my iPhone.
Presentations-Educreations Interactive Whiteboard
Educreations Whiteboard is one of the most powerful iPad applications I have ever known. As the name indicates, it's such a creative app for education, both teaching and learning. Educreations is meant to create video lesson, explain concepts or ideas, demonstrate multimedia lessons such as math, science,geography and history.
To create a new lesson, tap "New Lesson" on the top tool bar.As soon as you start the lesson, you can record it by tapping the "Rec" on the upper right corner.It records not only whatever you do on the screen but also the sound. There are a few main functions as follows:
To insert text, you just click the "T" icon on the top bar. You can choose what colors you want to type in text too, which allows you to signify different parts of the concept or idea on the screen.The two arrows are "Undo" and "Redo", which is a word processing app like Pages for you to edit the lesson and present a complicated concept by breaking down the steps. How convenient it is!
To insert images, you can choose from photo library or take photos. Photos are editable after being inserted. Video will be paused in the process of choosing images.This function is so considerate that it only records the important part of the lesson. Dragging the image to wherever you want on the screen, zooming in and out,rotating, underlying and marking, deleting are the options to edit images.By clicking the arrow on the bottom right corner, new page will be created.You can also go back to the previous page by clicking the left arrow.This allows you to review the lesson anytime you want and help students reinforce it by going back or forward.
After you finish creating the lesson, you can tap "Save" to save it on your iPad or share it to the world through Facebook or Twitter.As people benefit so much from free educational resources from YouTube, sometimes it's kind to give back to the world and share our creative ideas. You can also share it with particular people through emailing or copying the video link. When you save it on the iPad, it helps sort out video's subject too.
Educreations is great for one on one tutoring or small group lecturing. When teachers or speakers connect iPad with the project, it allows the whole class to see the lesson on the big screen. I fall in love with it. The best thing is that it is free! It's such an amazing and powerful tool for education, business and sharing video resources and all kinds of purposes.
Stories-Strip Designer
Strip Designer is for telling stories with creative images,text and even your own drawing.It's also easy to use.
To create a new story, click "Create New".You can either innovate your own stylish frame or choose the provided numerous templates.For example, if you choose one of the templates to start with, you can tap the strip to implant images from your photo album, other resources or take photos instantly.It enables you to edit the image by zooming it and out, rotating and deleting.You can draw in another strip if you want with the installed brush tools.
On the bottom left-hand corner, to click the "+" icon, you can add speech bubbles, a dozen of clip art and stickers. They can be dragged anywhere on the screen. Double clicking the bubble allows you to type in text, choose the font and color of the text, even to choose the shapes of the bubbles.After you finish creating and editing, you can save it by clicking the top left-hand corner "Save" tap.The saved format can be JPG or PDF, which lets you view it on your tablet or PC, print out or share it with anyone you desire.
Strip Designer is great for education or family purpose. Most children like to tell stories and see themselves in photos. This free app makes this experience more engaging.With this, teachers can assign a short presentation homework for students to tell their stories about their vacations,interesting things happened in the past, etc.Kids learn to be creative by selecting the stories they want to tell, what photos to use and how to design each page. Strip Designer is a very easy and practical story telling app.
I have been using Google translate or other online dictionaries on the Internet.It's my first time to approach Merriam Webster.It's easy for new learners to master it just by exploring it.Like all the other dictionaries, you are able to type in word or phrase to search for its meanings.Plenty of word suggestions are displayed when the first few letter typed in.Voice input makes searching more convenient too.
On the top of the screen, there is tool bar with "Daily", "History", "Favorites" functions. Daily word encourages users to keep learning new words, especially helpful for the non-native English speakers."History" makes searching for words so handy that Merriam Webster records whatever you search last time and save them so that you are able to retrieve them next time. "Favorites" can help you create a personal word list and save the most frequent words that you come across.
The definitions of a word or phrase are quite detailed including pronunciation, brief and full definitions, synonyms, and examples.Thorough definitions allow users to have a in-depth study of the words or phrases they search.
Lastly, you can email the full definitions to yourself or others, which enhances collaborative study.I am really fond of Merriam Webster so that I may download it in my iPhone.
Presentations-Educreations Interactive Whiteboard
Educreations Whiteboard is one of the most powerful iPad applications I have ever known. As the name indicates, it's such a creative app for education, both teaching and learning. Educreations is meant to create video lesson, explain concepts or ideas, demonstrate multimedia lessons such as math, science,geography and history.
To create a new lesson, tap "New Lesson" on the top tool bar.As soon as you start the lesson, you can record it by tapping the "Rec" on the upper right corner.It records not only whatever you do on the screen but also the sound. There are a few main functions as follows:
To insert text, you just click the "T" icon on the top bar. You can choose what colors you want to type in text too, which allows you to signify different parts of the concept or idea on the screen.The two arrows are "Undo" and "Redo", which is a word processing app like Pages for you to edit the lesson and present a complicated concept by breaking down the steps. How convenient it is!
To insert images, you can choose from photo library or take photos. Photos are editable after being inserted. Video will be paused in the process of choosing images.This function is so considerate that it only records the important part of the lesson. Dragging the image to wherever you want on the screen, zooming in and out,rotating, underlying and marking, deleting are the options to edit images.By clicking the arrow on the bottom right corner, new page will be created.You can also go back to the previous page by clicking the left arrow.This allows you to review the lesson anytime you want and help students reinforce it by going back or forward.
After you finish creating the lesson, you can tap "Save" to save it on your iPad or share it to the world through Facebook or Twitter.As people benefit so much from free educational resources from YouTube, sometimes it's kind to give back to the world and share our creative ideas. You can also share it with particular people through emailing or copying the video link. When you save it on the iPad, it helps sort out video's subject too.
Educreations is great for one on one tutoring or small group lecturing. When teachers or speakers connect iPad with the project, it allows the whole class to see the lesson on the big screen. I fall in love with it. The best thing is that it is free! It's such an amazing and powerful tool for education, business and sharing video resources and all kinds of purposes.
Stories-Strip Designer
Strip Designer is for telling stories with creative images,text and even your own drawing.It's also easy to use.
To create a new story, click "Create New".You can either innovate your own stylish frame or choose the provided numerous templates.For example, if you choose one of the templates to start with, you can tap the strip to implant images from your photo album, other resources or take photos instantly.It enables you to edit the image by zooming it and out, rotating and deleting.You can draw in another strip if you want with the installed brush tools.
On the bottom left-hand corner, to click the "+" icon, you can add speech bubbles, a dozen of clip art and stickers. They can be dragged anywhere on the screen. Double clicking the bubble allows you to type in text, choose the font and color of the text, even to choose the shapes of the bubbles.After you finish creating and editing, you can save it by clicking the top left-hand corner "Save" tap.The saved format can be JPG or PDF, which lets you view it on your tablet or PC, print out or share it with anyone you desire.
Strip Designer is great for education or family purpose. Most children like to tell stories and see themselves in photos. This free app makes this experience more engaging.With this, teachers can assign a short presentation homework for students to tell their stories about their vacations,interesting things happened in the past, etc.Kids learn to be creative by selecting the stories they want to tell, what photos to use and how to design each page. Strip Designer is a very easy and practical story telling app.
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
iPad Basics
Pages vs Microsoft Word
After getting to know Pages, I found out that it's so similar to Microsoft Word. They share a lot in common as follow:
1. They are able to create, edit and save documents.
2. They can insert images, charts.
3. They can share and print documents.
Although Pages and Microsoft Word are similar, they are not the same.Pages enables you to create stylish documents. It makes inserting images so easily. Simply cropping and dragging the images inside the document to edit them.Inserting chart is convenient with Pages too. You can simply change the data and make it yours. From my experience with Microsoft Word,after I inserted images, I had to change the images'format in the setting before dragging to the position that I wanted.It makes it a hassle when I once inserted more than ten photos into Word, I was changing format one photo after another.For this aspect, Pages stands out. Pages can be automatically saved but Microsoft Word needs to save documents manually.
Pages in iPad is such a great invention because with Pages, Numbers and Keynote, iPad can simply replace computer or even surpass it. iPad creates a innovative experience when creating and editing documents because of touch screen function.iPad is so portable and light that people can work and study everywhere.However without an external keyboard and pointing device-mouse,creating and editing documents on iPad can be so slow. It's difficult to review the document with limited screen space. Microsoft Word has excellent review features while iPad does not.
Box.net
I am surprised to receive 10 GB for free by simply signing up a personal account on Box.net.Box serves as online flash drive. You can upload and download files and folders. It's your storage drive wherever you go as long as you have access to the Internet and you don't need to worry about losing it.If you are familiar with gmail, you will know that you will have to upload file by file. But with Box, folders will be straightly uploaded.
I also found out that Box provides note, Google Docs, Spreadsheet, New Word Document, New PowerPoint Document and Excel for you to create new files. It is such a convenient online "office". You can edit, delete and print out the files or folders you have storage there.Email and sharing are available too.
Since it's a webpage storage, you don't have to transfer documents from device to device. You just need to log in your account so that you have access to everything in there.
iThoughts
It's interesting to get to know the app "iThoughts" on iPad. Basically, iThoughts serves as mind mapping.Its functions are powerful that it's a great platform for brainstorming to organize your mind and present your thoughts clearly to others. iThoughts is not as difficult to master as I thought. Starting a map is easy because iThoughts provides blank canvas with a title of the map in the center bubble. Each items can be configured in many ways such as the shape of the bubble, icons, colors, start and due dates.The touch interface makes it so easy to create a mind map on iPad by dragging, scrolling and clicking it.
As useful as it is, I want to take advantage of it and use it to take notes and help me clear my mind before writing an article or essay. Knowing how to take notes is important in classroom. I used to write notes on my notebook.But when I need to relate some concepts to the note that I wrote earlier, I had to distort the note format that it can't be nice and neat anymore. With iThoughts, I can add as many notes as I want later on by inserting bubbles into the mind map and still keep it well organized. By brainstorming on the map before writing an article,I can quickly capture thoughts and ideas to form the article. Being able to read my mind and the connection of all my thoughts clearly helps tremendously with my writing. After the mind map is finished, I can save it forever for future use or share it with others.
Safari vs Rover
Safari and Rover share many similarities as browser.
1. They are both meant for iPad, Mac and iPhone browsers.
2. They both have history, favorites functions that you can easily find the webpages you have searched in the past and retrieve the ones that you have saved in the favorites.
3. You can scroll up and down, left and right on both browser when you go through webpages.
4. They are considered safe browser that they prevent other websites from tracking the current one that you are browsing.
But at the same time, they are different in some aspects:
1. Safari doesn't support flash while Rover does.
2. Safari is a normal webpage browser but Rover is meant for education that it offers educational apps and flash contents or resources and for teachers and students such as Discovery Education.
3. Rover is safer online environment than Safari. Rover is good for the younger users-children because it filters inappropriate webpages for them.
4. Safari saves gigabytes and browses faster than Rover. Rover constantly runs lots of gigabytes when even browsing websites, let alone browsing flash videos.
According to my findings, I prefer to use Safari personally because it's fast.When searching endless information on the Internet, browser loading and responding fast is a big deal. Even though there are great educational resources on Rover and it's a secure browser, its weaknesses of being slow and running too many gigabytes can not outweigh its strengths.
After getting to know Pages, I found out that it's so similar to Microsoft Word. They share a lot in common as follow:
1. They are able to create, edit and save documents.
2. They can insert images, charts.
3. They can share and print documents.
Although Pages and Microsoft Word are similar, they are not the same.Pages enables you to create stylish documents. It makes inserting images so easily. Simply cropping and dragging the images inside the document to edit them.Inserting chart is convenient with Pages too. You can simply change the data and make it yours. From my experience with Microsoft Word,after I inserted images, I had to change the images'format in the setting before dragging to the position that I wanted.It makes it a hassle when I once inserted more than ten photos into Word, I was changing format one photo after another.For this aspect, Pages stands out. Pages can be automatically saved but Microsoft Word needs to save documents manually.
Pages in iPad is such a great invention because with Pages, Numbers and Keynote, iPad can simply replace computer or even surpass it. iPad creates a innovative experience when creating and editing documents because of touch screen function.iPad is so portable and light that people can work and study everywhere.However without an external keyboard and pointing device-mouse,creating and editing documents on iPad can be so slow. It's difficult to review the document with limited screen space. Microsoft Word has excellent review features while iPad does not.
Box.net
I am surprised to receive 10 GB for free by simply signing up a personal account on Box.net.Box serves as online flash drive. You can upload and download files and folders. It's your storage drive wherever you go as long as you have access to the Internet and you don't need to worry about losing it.If you are familiar with gmail, you will know that you will have to upload file by file. But with Box, folders will be straightly uploaded.
I also found out that Box provides note, Google Docs, Spreadsheet, New Word Document, New PowerPoint Document and Excel for you to create new files. It is such a convenient online "office". You can edit, delete and print out the files or folders you have storage there.Email and sharing are available too.
Since it's a webpage storage, you don't have to transfer documents from device to device. You just need to log in your account so that you have access to everything in there.
iThoughts
It's interesting to get to know the app "iThoughts" on iPad. Basically, iThoughts serves as mind mapping.Its functions are powerful that it's a great platform for brainstorming to organize your mind and present your thoughts clearly to others. iThoughts is not as difficult to master as I thought. Starting a map is easy because iThoughts provides blank canvas with a title of the map in the center bubble. Each items can be configured in many ways such as the shape of the bubble, icons, colors, start and due dates.The touch interface makes it so easy to create a mind map on iPad by dragging, scrolling and clicking it.
As useful as it is, I want to take advantage of it and use it to take notes and help me clear my mind before writing an article or essay. Knowing how to take notes is important in classroom. I used to write notes on my notebook.But when I need to relate some concepts to the note that I wrote earlier, I had to distort the note format that it can't be nice and neat anymore. With iThoughts, I can add as many notes as I want later on by inserting bubbles into the mind map and still keep it well organized. By brainstorming on the map before writing an article,I can quickly capture thoughts and ideas to form the article. Being able to read my mind and the connection of all my thoughts clearly helps tremendously with my writing. After the mind map is finished, I can save it forever for future use or share it with others.
Safari vs Rover
Safari and Rover share many similarities as browser.
1. They are both meant for iPad, Mac and iPhone browsers.
2. They both have history, favorites functions that you can easily find the webpages you have searched in the past and retrieve the ones that you have saved in the favorites.
3. You can scroll up and down, left and right on both browser when you go through webpages.
4. They are considered safe browser that they prevent other websites from tracking the current one that you are browsing.
But at the same time, they are different in some aspects:
1. Safari doesn't support flash while Rover does.
2. Safari is a normal webpage browser but Rover is meant for education that it offers educational apps and flash contents or resources and for teachers and students such as Discovery Education.
3. Rover is safer online environment than Safari. Rover is good for the younger users-children because it filters inappropriate webpages for them.
4. Safari saves gigabytes and browses faster than Rover. Rover constantly runs lots of gigabytes when even browsing websites, let alone browsing flash videos.
According to my findings, I prefer to use Safari personally because it's fast.When searching endless information on the Internet, browser loading and responding fast is a big deal. Even though there are great educational resources on Rover and it's a secure browser, its weaknesses of being slow and running too many gigabytes can not outweigh its strengths.
How to Apply Spreadsheets to Common Core Standards
Google Spreadsheets is a fully integrated program that brings date and information alive for Education. Math is primary focus, but other subject will use it too,such as history, science.According to CCSS for Mathematical Practice 3:"Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others." With spreadsheets which are meant for mastering date and information, students are able to work with data to convey the information and findings to persuade others of their points of view.
Besides, CCSS requires students to develop critical thinking with math. They are meant to capture the "processes and proficiency" of math in order to be ready for college and career that involves data analysis and decision making.Google Spreadsheets allow students to collect unorganized data in cells and manipulate it by making charts and graphs that students can use to present their findings with evidence. It helps students explore mathematical concepts and models, share, manipulate and present data.
Common Core State Standard emphasizes collaborative work. Google Spreadsheets allow people to go over revision history. Each time an entry is made into s spreadsheet, it is saved along with time and a note on what was revised. Therefore, in a group project, students can go back to see a previous version of the data to find and correct the errors made from other students.Revision history is so important to make sure that the project's accuracy when handled through so many students. Another powerful function that Google Spreadsheets has is that spreadsheets can be emailed and downloaded so easily through different kinds of formats such as CVS, HTML, TXT, Excel, OpenOffice and PDF. Thus, students can share data with others without worrying another student who doesn't have the same format.
The conditional formatting function assists students with their self-study. In the spreadsheets, the conditional formatting will be set ahead of time for the correct answers by teachers. If the cell matches exactly as the predetermined formatting, the cell will turn a particular color, indicating the answer is correct, otherwise wrong. The notification function is impressing too. Notification setting enables the user to be alerted when changes are made to the spreadsheet sot that it keeps everyone informed when students work together with a project. To protect the spreadsheets, the user can also make the setting to determine who can edit the data.
Seeing all that Google Spreadsheets can do, undoubtedly they are supreme to any traditional office software such as Microsoft Excel.Moreover, Google Spreadsheets can share and collaborate on data projects from within the room or around the world. CCSS commands students to use appropriate tools to think mathematically and study collaboratively.Students are able to fulfill those standards when using spreadsheets to collect, analyze, and report findings with data. They will become better decision makers and learners.
Besides, CCSS requires students to develop critical thinking with math. They are meant to capture the "processes and proficiency" of math in order to be ready for college and career that involves data analysis and decision making.Google Spreadsheets allow students to collect unorganized data in cells and manipulate it by making charts and graphs that students can use to present their findings with evidence. It helps students explore mathematical concepts and models, share, manipulate and present data.
Common Core State Standard emphasizes collaborative work. Google Spreadsheets allow people to go over revision history. Each time an entry is made into s spreadsheet, it is saved along with time and a note on what was revised. Therefore, in a group project, students can go back to see a previous version of the data to find and correct the errors made from other students.Revision history is so important to make sure that the project's accuracy when handled through so many students. Another powerful function that Google Spreadsheets has is that spreadsheets can be emailed and downloaded so easily through different kinds of formats such as CVS, HTML, TXT, Excel, OpenOffice and PDF. Thus, students can share data with others without worrying another student who doesn't have the same format.
The conditional formatting function assists students with their self-study. In the spreadsheets, the conditional formatting will be set ahead of time for the correct answers by teachers. If the cell matches exactly as the predetermined formatting, the cell will turn a particular color, indicating the answer is correct, otherwise wrong. The notification function is impressing too. Notification setting enables the user to be alerted when changes are made to the spreadsheet sot that it keeps everyone informed when students work together with a project. To protect the spreadsheets, the user can also make the setting to determine who can edit the data.
Seeing all that Google Spreadsheets can do, undoubtedly they are supreme to any traditional office software such as Microsoft Excel.Moreover, Google Spreadsheets can share and collaborate on data projects from within the room or around the world. CCSS commands students to use appropriate tools to think mathematically and study collaboratively.Students are able to fulfill those standards when using spreadsheets to collect, analyze, and report findings with data. They will become better decision makers and learners.
Google Spreadsheets
Thoughts about creating a spreadsheet
I have never used spreadsheet before. I wish I knew it earlier when I was teaching in China. Microsoft Excel share plenty of common functions with Google Sheet though. Therefore, it's not difficult for me to handle it.
To start with, I created a simple gradebook of five students.I typed in the categories on the top row, names on the left column and created the students' scores for the attendance, assignment, quiz, project and exam. Next step was a little hard for me-using the function to calculate the final grades. I had learned it in Microsoft Excel when I was in undergraduate, but I haven't used it for years to create grade book. Thankfully, I found a tutorial on YouTube about how to use the Function. I created a SUM formula by including all five categories according to their percentages. I had the first final grade in a cell after I clicked "enter", then I dragged down the column in order to make the rest of the grades easily.I also made a grade chart for visual purpose.
I had a good experience creating my first spreadsheet.It's convenient to manipulate date and numbers as a great helper for teachers and even companies. I think I am able to master many menus such as:File, Edit, Insert, Format and Tool.It's very easy for me to insert a chart and share it with others. I am impressed. Automatic saving function is very helpful,which avoid missing it when the computer turned off accidentally. It will be saved on the Google Docs webpage by itself.However, I still need to explore other menus such as View, Data. Not sure how to import date from other file, but I will find out soon.
Here is the link to the spreadsheet that I just created.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xRjZK1aHCjLVDHUXlhlwX1VJHrkoko1MY1zkawR_JIs/edit#gid=0
I have never used spreadsheet before. I wish I knew it earlier when I was teaching in China. Microsoft Excel share plenty of common functions with Google Sheet though. Therefore, it's not difficult for me to handle it.
To start with, I created a simple gradebook of five students.I typed in the categories on the top row, names on the left column and created the students' scores for the attendance, assignment, quiz, project and exam. Next step was a little hard for me-using the function to calculate the final grades. I had learned it in Microsoft Excel when I was in undergraduate, but I haven't used it for years to create grade book. Thankfully, I found a tutorial on YouTube about how to use the Function. I created a SUM formula by including all five categories according to their percentages. I had the first final grade in a cell after I clicked "enter", then I dragged down the column in order to make the rest of the grades easily.I also made a grade chart for visual purpose.
I had a good experience creating my first spreadsheet.It's convenient to manipulate date and numbers as a great helper for teachers and even companies. I think I am able to master many menus such as:File, Edit, Insert, Format and Tool.It's very easy for me to insert a chart and share it with others. I am impressed. Automatic saving function is very helpful,which avoid missing it when the computer turned off accidentally. It will be saved on the Google Docs webpage by itself.However, I still need to explore other menus such as View, Data. Not sure how to import date from other file, but I will find out soon.
Here is the link to the spreadsheet that I just created.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xRjZK1aHCjLVDHUXlhlwX1VJHrkoko1MY1zkawR_JIs/edit#gid=0
Monday, May 11, 2015
Google Drive /Presentations
I have been using Microsoft PowerPoint to create presentations for learning and teaching for years.It includes various functions such as slide transitions, animations, word art,inserting texts, images and videos.It can be name and renamed, attached through email and printed.
However, it's my first time to experience Google Presentations which contains all the functions above that I mentioned of Microsoft PowerPoint and it functions more than what PowerPoint can do.For example, students and teachers can move the presentations from device to device without losing information or not having the right program; Google Presentations can be downloaded as the following types of format: PNG, JPEG, SVG, PPTX, PDF, TXT; Videos can be inserted in the presentations from YouTube; importing slides.
The most outstanding feature of Google Presentations different from PowerPoint is sharing, collaboration.Each presentation made in Google Presentations is given a unique Web address that when typed into a Web browser can be viewed or edited depending on the share settings.
The powerful features of Google Presentations greatly meet the Common Core Standards which emphasize the uses of digital media, visual displays, graphics,sound,technology,presentations of critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. The key functions of Google Presentations are collaborative presentations, cloud storage, share presentations with teachers, students and parents, insert image and video, publish presentations to the world, slide transitions and animations, which perfectly help students fulfill the standards mentioned above in different aspects of learning such as speaking and Listening, Science and Math, History and Social Studies, etc. Google Presentations is a powerful and profound app for education.
However, it's my first time to experience Google Presentations which contains all the functions above that I mentioned of Microsoft PowerPoint and it functions more than what PowerPoint can do.For example, students and teachers can move the presentations from device to device without losing information or not having the right program; Google Presentations can be downloaded as the following types of format: PNG, JPEG, SVG, PPTX, PDF, TXT; Videos can be inserted in the presentations from YouTube; importing slides.
The most outstanding feature of Google Presentations different from PowerPoint is sharing, collaboration.Each presentation made in Google Presentations is given a unique Web address that when typed into a Web browser can be viewed or edited depending on the share settings.
The powerful features of Google Presentations greatly meet the Common Core Standards which emphasize the uses of digital media, visual displays, graphics,sound,technology,presentations of critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. The key functions of Google Presentations are collaborative presentations, cloud storage, share presentations with teachers, students and parents, insert image and video, publish presentations to the world, slide transitions and animations, which perfectly help students fulfill the standards mentioned above in different aspects of learning such as speaking and Listening, Science and Math, History and Social Studies, etc. Google Presentations is a powerful and profound app for education.
Tablet Options/ Tablet Uses
Tablet Sizes
Our school Principal is inclined to consider the smallest iPod/mp3 type of devices. They are up to 5" and able to fit in the pocket. However, limited screen prohibits some uses.
In the market, There are medium size devices with a screen of 6" to 7" and large ones with a screen of 8" to 11".The medium device can be held in one hand for a period of time while it's too heavy to do it for the large device.For a variety of educational purposes, I suggest the Principal consider the medium or large devices such as iPad, Amazon Kindle, Barns & Noble Nook, Generic Android and Surface Windows RT.
The Pros and Cons of the Three Types of Systems
1.IOS-Apple
Apple's graphic user interface and systems are very easy to use and attractive for educational applications. Apple's main tablet products are iPod touch and iPad. iPad is now allowed the development of interactive school textbooks, for Apple connected education to build apps for iPod touch and easily transferred to iPad. With a camera added to the second generation of the iPad met the need of the creative Web 2.0 applications schools had begun using.With satisfactory upgraded screen and camera quality, along with faster processors in 2012, iPad has been rapidly adopted in schools.Apple shows overall strengths in the aspects of apps, internet and software. While Apple systems sound very appealing, the prices are comparably high so that some schools may not be able to afford its products. iPads vary from $499 to $699 while Mini iPad and iPad 2 offer low price from $329 to $399.
2. Android (Google)
Begun with a search engine company, Google's initiate to digitize books in a large scale shows a successful progression of thought in service to offer.Google financed the development of Android operating system until it became Google acquisition in 2005. As a service company, Google developed an "open" operating system and would sell Android to any company that would apply it to their hardware.It owns quite a few tablet products including Amazon Kindle, Barns&Noble Nook, Generic Android and Google Nexus, of which Amazon Kindle and Nook are the most popular Android tablets. Amazon's strength is in the book trade. Amazon Kindle as an e-reader selling books is as successful as Apple's iTunes selling music.Especially after its fourth generation touchscreen Kindle Fire HD and the fifth one paperwhite Kindle, Amazon Kindle is clearly trying to compete iPad in the market.Android's tablets are cheaper varying mainly from $159 to $299 and have small screen of 7". However,neither Kindle nor Nook is supported in the larger Android environment.Even though the newest Kindle provides music, movies and app functions, it still has limited educational application.Compared to Apple, Android system has slower processors.It is acknowledged that Google has been struggling with serving too many manufacturers with an open Android system.
3. Windows (Microsoft)
Microsoft long has held strong position in computer software in Windows operating system. Besides,Microsoft's Xbox has been a leader in games systems. However,a Windows operating system for tablet like the surface Windows RT launched in 2012 floundered unfortunately. The surface comes with two different keyboard cover options, which makes it difficult to do productivity work.
Conclusion
After analyzing the pros and cons of three types of systems and their products,apparently Apple and Android are beneficial to educational purposes depending on what function the schools focus on and their budget.If schools are in need of e-readers only, Android will be a better option with much cheaper costs. If they look for a multimedia device meeting the interactive and creative Web 2.0 applications and have a flexible finance, I would recommend Apple tablet-iPad with an excelling combination of various functions.
Reference Articles:
1. IOS-Apple
2. Android (Google)
3. Windows (Microsoft)
4. Tablet Uses
5. Tablets in Education
Our school Principal is inclined to consider the smallest iPod/mp3 type of devices. They are up to 5" and able to fit in the pocket. However, limited screen prohibits some uses.
In the market, There are medium size devices with a screen of 6" to 7" and large ones with a screen of 8" to 11".The medium device can be held in one hand for a period of time while it's too heavy to do it for the large device.For a variety of educational purposes, I suggest the Principal consider the medium or large devices such as iPad, Amazon Kindle, Barns & Noble Nook, Generic Android and Surface Windows RT.
The Pros and Cons of the Three Types of Systems
1.IOS-Apple
Apple's graphic user interface and systems are very easy to use and attractive for educational applications. Apple's main tablet products are iPod touch and iPad. iPad is now allowed the development of interactive school textbooks, for Apple connected education to build apps for iPod touch and easily transferred to iPad. With a camera added to the second generation of the iPad met the need of the creative Web 2.0 applications schools had begun using.With satisfactory upgraded screen and camera quality, along with faster processors in 2012, iPad has been rapidly adopted in schools.Apple shows overall strengths in the aspects of apps, internet and software. While Apple systems sound very appealing, the prices are comparably high so that some schools may not be able to afford its products. iPads vary from $499 to $699 while Mini iPad and iPad 2 offer low price from $329 to $399.
2. Android (Google)
Begun with a search engine company, Google's initiate to digitize books in a large scale shows a successful progression of thought in service to offer.Google financed the development of Android operating system until it became Google acquisition in 2005. As a service company, Google developed an "open" operating system and would sell Android to any company that would apply it to their hardware.It owns quite a few tablet products including Amazon Kindle, Barns&Noble Nook, Generic Android and Google Nexus, of which Amazon Kindle and Nook are the most popular Android tablets. Amazon's strength is in the book trade. Amazon Kindle as an e-reader selling books is as successful as Apple's iTunes selling music.Especially after its fourth generation touchscreen Kindle Fire HD and the fifth one paperwhite Kindle, Amazon Kindle is clearly trying to compete iPad in the market.Android's tablets are cheaper varying mainly from $159 to $299 and have small screen of 7". However,neither Kindle nor Nook is supported in the larger Android environment.Even though the newest Kindle provides music, movies and app functions, it still has limited educational application.Compared to Apple, Android system has slower processors.It is acknowledged that Google has been struggling with serving too many manufacturers with an open Android system.
3. Windows (Microsoft)
Microsoft long has held strong position in computer software in Windows operating system. Besides,Microsoft's Xbox has been a leader in games systems. However,a Windows operating system for tablet like the surface Windows RT launched in 2012 floundered unfortunately. The surface comes with two different keyboard cover options, which makes it difficult to do productivity work.
Conclusion
After analyzing the pros and cons of three types of systems and their products,apparently Apple and Android are beneficial to educational purposes depending on what function the schools focus on and their budget.If schools are in need of e-readers only, Android will be a better option with much cheaper costs. If they look for a multimedia device meeting the interactive and creative Web 2.0 applications and have a flexible finance, I would recommend Apple tablet-iPad with an excelling combination of various functions.
Reference Articles:
1. IOS-Apple
2. Android (Google)
3. Windows (Microsoft)
4. Tablet Uses
5. Tablets in Education
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Tablets in Education
Comparative Use Factors in Education for Tablets
New technologies have change education in the ways of how to learn and what to learn. There are mainly three competing tablets in the market: Nook, Kindly and iPad. I have read a few articles and summarized their similar and unique factors.These three e-readers are largely involved in classrooms and libraries.
Nook
One of the biggest strengths of Nook is that its company Barns and Noble offered a special version of Nook software for study and recently signed an exclusive contract with a major textbook publisher.Nook offers support for customers that they send staff to the school, home or workplace to train you how to use it. With good customer service, they will replace it for you if the Nook goes bad. It's such a blessing to have real person to walk through the process with you. Otherwise, it will be a hassle to learn by yourself.
Another advantage is that if you have purchased plenty of Nooks, the content purchased on one account can be shared with among six Nooks.
However, one thing that Nook still needs to improve is that speech to text function.Nothing is perfect, Nook's price is very competitive compared to Kindle and iPad. Whoever wants to invest money on it need to balance the good and bad.
Kindle
Kindle, the best known of the current e-readers, weighs only 10.2 ounces. A Kindle is able to hold 1500 e-books or more, considered as a handheld library for students and teachers. Kindle stocked with well-chosen e-books would allow teachers to apply new teaching strategies.Students have more books electronically than practical in print, which saves paper by reducing photocopying and relieves the unhealthy weight of students' backpacks.
Its text-to-speech audio function helps the students who struggle with vision problems, language barriers and reading fluency.
The cost of Kindle is pretty appealing compared to iPad. For long term, it saves students countless money to purchase e-books on Kindle.According to a news article, Amazon decides to let Kindle users buy e-books at a great discount.
iPad
The fact that Apple has sold approximately 64 millions iPads in two year proves how popular iPad is. Embracing the functions of computer,note-taking, music, video, e-readers, communication and much more, iPad is changing schools.New Zealand may be the first country to have all students have iPad for study. Provided with a huge variety of apps, iPad allows students and teachers easily to access to all kinds of learning and teaching methods. Compared to the cost of a Nook or a Kindle, iPad is not that competitive. However, iPad has profound meaning than just an e-reader like Nook and Kindle.
Uses of iPad in Education
This article describes why iPad is adopted in education. Compared to computer, iPad is considerably cheap and with reach.Here are the summarized reasons:
The uses of iPad save the cost of education. Textbooks are extremely expensive. A student can generate the textbook bill up to $500 to $800. Online books ore-books can drop the cost of a textbook by 50% or more.In the long run,iPad reduces the students' financial burden on textbooks.
Nowadays, the digital students require multimedia creativity in their learning experience. It helps them develop critical thinking and collaborative teamwork displayed through the use of multimedia. The apps provided on iPad increase the interaction for students to learn and capture their attention.
No matter what kind of tablets educators decide to invest in education, there is no doubt that tablets are changing and helping education in many ways.
References:
Article
1. Comparative Use Factors in Education for Tablets
2. Uses of iPad in Education
3. Our Nook Adventure Part One
4. Will Kindle Change Education?
5. How the iPad is Changing Education.
New technologies have change education in the ways of how to learn and what to learn. There are mainly three competing tablets in the market: Nook, Kindly and iPad. I have read a few articles and summarized their similar and unique factors.These three e-readers are largely involved in classrooms and libraries.
Nook
One of the biggest strengths of Nook is that its company Barns and Noble offered a special version of Nook software for study and recently signed an exclusive contract with a major textbook publisher.Nook offers support for customers that they send staff to the school, home or workplace to train you how to use it. With good customer service, they will replace it for you if the Nook goes bad. It's such a blessing to have real person to walk through the process with you. Otherwise, it will be a hassle to learn by yourself.
Another advantage is that if you have purchased plenty of Nooks, the content purchased on one account can be shared with among six Nooks.
However, one thing that Nook still needs to improve is that speech to text function.Nothing is perfect, Nook's price is very competitive compared to Kindle and iPad. Whoever wants to invest money on it need to balance the good and bad.
Kindle
Kindle, the best known of the current e-readers, weighs only 10.2 ounces. A Kindle is able to hold 1500 e-books or more, considered as a handheld library for students and teachers. Kindle stocked with well-chosen e-books would allow teachers to apply new teaching strategies.Students have more books electronically than practical in print, which saves paper by reducing photocopying and relieves the unhealthy weight of students' backpacks.
Its text-to-speech audio function helps the students who struggle with vision problems, language barriers and reading fluency.
The cost of Kindle is pretty appealing compared to iPad. For long term, it saves students countless money to purchase e-books on Kindle.According to a news article, Amazon decides to let Kindle users buy e-books at a great discount.
iPad
The fact that Apple has sold approximately 64 millions iPads in two year proves how popular iPad is. Embracing the functions of computer,note-taking, music, video, e-readers, communication and much more, iPad is changing schools.New Zealand may be the first country to have all students have iPad for study. Provided with a huge variety of apps, iPad allows students and teachers easily to access to all kinds of learning and teaching methods. Compared to the cost of a Nook or a Kindle, iPad is not that competitive. However, iPad has profound meaning than just an e-reader like Nook and Kindle.
Uses of iPad in Education
This article describes why iPad is adopted in education. Compared to computer, iPad is considerably cheap and with reach.Here are the summarized reasons:
The uses of iPad save the cost of education. Textbooks are extremely expensive. A student can generate the textbook bill up to $500 to $800. Online books ore-books can drop the cost of a textbook by 50% or more.In the long run,iPad reduces the students' financial burden on textbooks.
Nowadays, the digital students require multimedia creativity in their learning experience. It helps them develop critical thinking and collaborative teamwork displayed through the use of multimedia. The apps provided on iPad increase the interaction for students to learn and capture their attention.
No matter what kind of tablets educators decide to invest in education, there is no doubt that tablets are changing and helping education in many ways.
References:
Article
1. Comparative Use Factors in Education for Tablets
2. Uses of iPad in Education
3. Our Nook Adventure Part One
4. Will Kindle Change Education?
5. How the iPad is Changing Education.
Monday, May 4, 2015
Something about Yuling
I was born in China and finished my undergraduate on ESL Teacher Education. I met my husband 3 years ago in Pigeon Forge, TN and got married last year.
I love sports like badminton, table tennis and tennis. I have a great passion to teach. It's excited to john this MAP program and happy to learn things.
I enjoyed this evening learning with others.
I love sports like badminton, table tennis and tennis. I have a great passion to teach. It's excited to john this MAP program and happy to learn things.
I enjoyed this evening learning with others.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)