Up until now, the only other word processor I have had experience with is Microsoft Word. I found Google Docs to be very similar and simple. The downside to google docs is that it has far fewer options when it comes to fonts, charts, and other processing templates. It is however great for basic documents and paper writing. There is also a great deal more security when working in google docs because it constantly saves your work and allows you to go back to original documents with ease. Not only this, but it ensure that your work is online SO that if you computer decides to crash like mine did not too long ago, your work is still redeemable! AND, your work is accessible for any computer with internet, allowing you to be free of messing with jump drives, etc. It is also great for sharing and collaborating on group documents. I am a fan!!!
After getting a feel for google docs myself, I took a long at several of the lesson plans involving google docs. The first lesson I looked at was for Elementary English, in which the students were reading a historical novel. While reading, the students each were able to type questions from their reading into google docs which could then be seen by other students and used in class discussion. Google docs was also used for the writing assignments and peer editing. Other tools were also able to be used such as Google Earth and Google Maps which allowed the students to visibly chart the locations mentioned in the novel, making the story seem more alive and real and giving more perspective.
I love how this lesson plan really engages the students with the history of the story, and allows for them to learn from one another using the sharing option. What a great resource this is!
There were many other lesson plans that incorporated Google Docs into just about every school subject! The google docs were able to link with several other google aps, and one lesson plan even walked the students through making their very own websites about the topic given! Overall, the lesson plans give great ideas of how Google Docs can be used to greatly enhance student learning and sharing in every area of education.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Keyboarding
Keyboarding! The memories of computer classes in elementary school are all flooding back to me!
The first site I tried was www.typingstudy.com. This site would be great for beginners! It gives you step by step instructions and introductions to the keyboard and gives you practices that help your fingers get used to being where they are supposed to be on the keyboard. It take your through each row of letters with exercises to help teach your fingers. At the same time, it keeps record of your speed and accuracy.
The second site I tried was atypingtest.com. This site is not for beginners, but it meant to help improve typing skills rather than teach them. There are several options available to help with keyboarding skills and speed. I took a few tests that present a paragraph on the screen. Once you begin typing, the computer times you for 60 seconds, pointing out our your errors and showing you where you are in the text by changing the font color for every letter you type. At the end of 60 seconds, it tells you your wpm typing speed as well as your accuracy. I consistently scored 74 wpm, with a not so good (40%) accuracy. I suppose my accuracy in typing is usually better on Word thanks to autocorrect! The website also had game options that let you try and increase your typing speed in a fun and competitive way. i enjoyed this site's test because you can continue to retake them and see your improvement.
The third site I tried was play.typeracer.com which was a lot of fun because it involved competitions between real people! I signed in a guest, but if I wanted to I could sign up for an account name. I played 3 other people who are out there somewhere on their computers :). We each had a paragraph and as we typed, the screen showed a car that moved along the track in proportion to our speed. I came in second place of of five! You can also look up the fastest typers on the website--some typing as many as 143 wpm!
The first site I tried was www.typingstudy.com. This site would be great for beginners! It gives you step by step instructions and introductions to the keyboard and gives you practices that help your fingers get used to being where they are supposed to be on the keyboard. It take your through each row of letters with exercises to help teach your fingers. At the same time, it keeps record of your speed and accuracy.
The second site I tried was atypingtest.com. This site is not for beginners, but it meant to help improve typing skills rather than teach them. There are several options available to help with keyboarding skills and speed. I took a few tests that present a paragraph on the screen. Once you begin typing, the computer times you for 60 seconds, pointing out our your errors and showing you where you are in the text by changing the font color for every letter you type. At the end of 60 seconds, it tells you your wpm typing speed as well as your accuracy. I consistently scored 74 wpm, with a not so good (40%) accuracy. I suppose my accuracy in typing is usually better on Word thanks to autocorrect! The website also had game options that let you try and increase your typing speed in a fun and competitive way. i enjoyed this site's test because you can continue to retake them and see your improvement.
The third site I tried was play.typeracer.com which was a lot of fun because it involved competitions between real people! I signed in a guest, but if I wanted to I could sign up for an account name. I played 3 other people who are out there somewhere on their computers :). We each had a paragraph and as we typed, the screen showed a car that moved along the track in proportion to our speed. I came in second place of of five! You can also look up the fastest typers on the website--some typing as many as 143 wpm!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Mac OS/Atomic Learning
In his document "The Mac OS", Dr. Krug explains the differences between Macintosh computers and Microsoft-using computers. I always wondered why it was that schools seems to go the Mac route rather than the PC route...I think I get it now!
I've never had a Mac computer, so I find them quite confusing...but the link the atomiclearning looks SO helpful! Macintoshes are probably very simple once the basic understanding is there.
I've never had a Mac computer, so I find them quite confusing...but the link the atomiclearning looks SO helpful! Macintoshes are probably very simple once the basic understanding is there.
Professional Blog Review
I now have an educational blog!
While making my own, I checked out some other professional blogs and found a lot of interesting ones from Dr. Krug's website. In his blog "Beyond School", Clay Burell offers his thoughts stemming from his teaching occupation. His blog entries are short and to the point, offering to-the-point thoughts of his teaching philosophy and lessons learned. They are often humorous and intrigue readers with grabbing titles, pictures, and videos.
I also enjoyed Will Richardson's thoughts on college education and Judy O'Connells resources. These blogs may prove to be helpful and insightful in the future!
While making my own, I checked out some other professional blogs and found a lot of interesting ones from Dr. Krug's website. In his blog "Beyond School", Clay Burell offers his thoughts stemming from his teaching occupation. His blog entries are short and to the point, offering to-the-point thoughts of his teaching philosophy and lessons learned. They are often humorous and intrigue readers with grabbing titles, pictures, and videos.
I also enjoyed Will Richardson's thoughts on college education and Judy O'Connells resources. These blogs may prove to be helpful and insightful in the future!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)