This week we go to explore a new tool, Google Trends. This is an application through Google where you can compare the world's interest about any topic. I found that this was almost addicting. I tried searching basic things such as education and then searched entertainment topics. It was surprising to see how many people in Europe searched for reality TV. Apparently we aren't the only people on the reality TV bandwagon!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
CEDO 540 Decision Making Using Data Collection & Analysis: Week Four
During this week we spent a lot of time focusing on our survey that I mentioned in our last post. We decided to focus our survey around people's use of the computer and internet in their homes. Our survey was then distributed via Facebook (most of us just shared a link via our statuses). I was surprised that we only got 23 responses because I thought more people would've been willing to complete the survey.
All in all we concluded that everyone of our respondents owns a computer and all but one had internet access. The survey also concluded that our respondents use their computers and internet access for personal use way more than business or school.
It was interesting to take a look to see how people's use of the internet. In the beginning we always seemed to look at the internet as a source of all of our information. Now it seems that it has shifted to a more entertainment purpose (from our survey).
Bill Tancer focuses his job on finding our such information as to why people are using the internet. I would be interested to see if he compared previous studies of the use of the internet to today's use of the internet and what would be concluded.
All in all we concluded that everyone of our respondents owns a computer and all but one had internet access. The survey also concluded that our respondents use their computers and internet access for personal use way more than business or school.
It was interesting to take a look to see how people's use of the internet. In the beginning we always seemed to look at the internet as a source of all of our information. Now it seems that it has shifted to a more entertainment purpose (from our survey).
Bill Tancer focuses his job on finding our such information as to why people are using the internet. I would be interested to see if he compared previous studies of the use of the internet to today's use of the internet and what would be concluded.
Monday, July 18, 2011
CEDO 540 Decision Making Using Data Collection & Analysis: Week Three
This week we started taking a look at surveys. Our groups will be responsible for creating a survey and distributing to a sample group of about 15 people. We have decided that we will keep our survey focused around technology, use Google Forms to create it and use a social network to reach our sample population. Though we have not figured out exactly what we want to survey our group about within the means of technology.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
CEDO 540 Decision Making Using Data Collection & Analysis: Week Two
This week in class we continued with our guided practice and took a look at different survey software. One of the survey software websites that we looked at was Capterra. The website offers 173 different survey software options for companies to purchase. The one thing that I really liked about the website was the fact that you could filter your search right down to exactly what it is the company is looking for. For people that are looking to purchase survey software, this seems the best route to go as you can see all your options on one site.
Our group was also in charge of looking at 5 different online survey software options; 3 free and 2 paid. I took the time to look into Survey Monkey. This site is one that I have used in the past, but to take a survey. The site was very user friendly. Creating surveys seemed to be very easy and the free version allowed for many different options. Though there was a paid version, the free version is the route to go for creating simple surveys. This version did limit you to a number of questions and responses per survey, but in the classroom setting I see the free version being more cost effective.
Our group was also in charge of looking at 5 different online survey software options; 3 free and 2 paid. I took the time to look into Survey Monkey. This site is one that I have used in the past, but to take a survey. The site was very user friendly. Creating surveys seemed to be very easy and the free version allowed for many different options. Though there was a paid version, the free version is the route to go for creating simple surveys. This version did limit you to a number of questions and responses per survey, but in the classroom setting I see the free version being more cost effective.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
CEDO 540 Decision Making Using Data Collection & Analysis: Week One
This week was our first week of "stats" class. I have to admit that I am a little apprehensive about this class because the only math skills that I tend to use are the basic ones. Stats are something that I have not visited in a very long time. I am sure that if I sat down and looked at what I do on a daily basis, there would be encounters of statistics, but as far as collecting and analyzing data; that is something that I hardly ever do.
As I worked through our worksheet, reread the PowerPoint and watched the YouTube video, I began to remember all that I had learned in the past when it came to statistics. My only hope is, as we continue to progress within the course, that I remember more and it helps me in completing what is required for the course.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Digitial Storytelling-Week Five
The three main things we covered in class this week were the art of creating a rubric for multimedia projects, what to look for when shopping for the perfect hardware and finishing our Pecha Kucha.
As far as creating a multimedia rubric, this was something that was pretty easy for me. All of my classes that I currently teach involve lots of projects, most of them multimedia projects, so creating rubrics is something that I do on a regular basis. For me, when creating a rubric, especially for a multimedia project, I like to focus more on how they used the software/hardware and not necessarily the content. This is important because I want them to spend time exploring the software/hardware and get more familiar with it than be so worried about the content of their project. Content of course is very important, but it usually is a smaller grade category in the rubric.
When it comes to shopping for new hardware, this is something that I personally always do a lot of research on first. Hardware is such an expensive investment that I feel if you just buy a piece because it looks cool you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. Anytime I look into buying new hardware, I always read consumer reviews, ask around, and look for product reviews. Most of the time I take into deep consideration what the consumer reviews are. People often tend to tell their experiences good or bad because they either want people to buy the same product or not have the bad luck that they did.
Finishing up my Pecha Kucha was a task in itself. I knew that I would have a hard time with the narration part and I did. I found myself stumbling over my words multiple times and even forgetting what I was saying. Though in the end, I had a lot of fun creating the Pecha Kucha. This is definitely a project that I will do with my own students because it is fun and not something that they are used to doing. I thought it would be great for a vocabulary reveiw or even a get to know you activity at the beginning of the year.
We only have 1 week left of class and I can honestly say I've learned a lot so far and cannot wait to implement it into my own classroom.
As far as creating a multimedia rubric, this was something that was pretty easy for me. All of my classes that I currently teach involve lots of projects, most of them multimedia projects, so creating rubrics is something that I do on a regular basis. For me, when creating a rubric, especially for a multimedia project, I like to focus more on how they used the software/hardware and not necessarily the content. This is important because I want them to spend time exploring the software/hardware and get more familiar with it than be so worried about the content of their project. Content of course is very important, but it usually is a smaller grade category in the rubric.
When it comes to shopping for new hardware, this is something that I personally always do a lot of research on first. Hardware is such an expensive investment that I feel if you just buy a piece because it looks cool you could be setting yourself up for disappointment. Anytime I look into buying new hardware, I always read consumer reviews, ask around, and look for product reviews. Most of the time I take into deep consideration what the consumer reviews are. People often tend to tell their experiences good or bad because they either want people to buy the same product or not have the bad luck that they did.
Finishing up my Pecha Kucha was a task in itself. I knew that I would have a hard time with the narration part and I did. I found myself stumbling over my words multiple times and even forgetting what I was saying. Though in the end, I had a lot of fun creating the Pecha Kucha. This is definitely a project that I will do with my own students because it is fun and not something that they are used to doing. I thought it would be great for a vocabulary reveiw or even a get to know you activity at the beginning of the year.
We only have 1 week left of class and I can honestly say I've learned a lot so far and cannot wait to implement it into my own classroom.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Digitial Storytelling-Week Four
In class this week we took a look at a program called Prezi. After looking at a bunch of different examples and getting a chance to play around with it, this program seems like a lot of fun. We made a Prezi from our 28 Photo Challenge and what it takes to capture a great picture. Taking great pictures is something that I really need to focus on at times. All too often I like to catch the candid moments and not really focus on how great a picture can be.
We also started to storyboard for our Pecha Kucha. As stated in my previous blog, I'm doing mine on family/friends/hobbies and while storyboarding I found it hard to only talk about the topic if for a minimum of 20 seconds. There is just such much that I wanted to say! Hopefully when it comes down to making the actual presentation I am more successful. Though I am sure it will take me a few takes before I get it right.
As we've now approached our halfway mark through the class and completed our readings, I've realized how much there was to learn about the art of giving a presentation. Even in the past few weeks as I've created presentations I found myself looking more closely at the content and images I was using. More than anything I want my presentations to have an effect on my students and for them to walk away with something. Honestly, now I think the only reason they listen is for the sole purpose of filling out their note packets. Hopefully with these changes and applying what I've learned from Presentation Zen, things will change.
We also started to storyboard for our Pecha Kucha. As stated in my previous blog, I'm doing mine on family/friends/hobbies and while storyboarding I found it hard to only talk about the topic if for a minimum of 20 seconds. There is just such much that I wanted to say! Hopefully when it comes down to making the actual presentation I am more successful. Though I am sure it will take me a few takes before I get it right.
As we've now approached our halfway mark through the class and completed our readings, I've realized how much there was to learn about the art of giving a presentation. Even in the past few weeks as I've created presentations I found myself looking more closely at the content and images I was using. More than anything I want my presentations to have an effect on my students and for them to walk away with something. Honestly, now I think the only reason they listen is for the sole purpose of filling out their note packets. Hopefully with these changes and applying what I've learned from Presentation Zen, things will change.
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