? Did you discover a particularly useful feature in a database?
In the student edition from the Thompson Gale main database, I liked the feature that gave the subtopics (the see also sections). Students can put in a general topic and then look at those sections and discover a topic that is narrower but has information available to research. It would be a nice supplemental feature for them to narrow down their topics without narrowing them too far.
In addition, Culture Grams has a similar feature, but more suited to a nation and people. This list is on the side of edge of the main screen. Students most likely will not find these features on their own, so I will need to direct them towards these areas.
? Which databases did you explore and how might you plan to use them in the future?
I?ve been using the databases this year specifically with two research projects connected to novels we are reading in class. With the nonfiction work Into the Wild, I had them complete mini-research projects on real people, places, and events that were mentioned in the book and teach what they learned to the class in a PowerPoint presentation. It was a ?getting our feet wet? experience with databases, using the internet more than the databases.
Next, students researched a topic related to Afghanistan (people, places, events) utilizing more of the databases in the entire search. They need to document their process more (search, notes, bibliography, creative project), which is more of the focus for this research.
? How do/will you explain the benefits of using databases to students?
What?s so nice about databases, and something I?ve said a lot this year, is that they do the work for us. They go out and find what?s good on the internet, in journals, and in newspapers and put it in one place for us to find and use for our needs. Why go out and do the work, when we can utilize what?s there and then spend time on analyzing the information and presenting our learning to our peers.
I?m so excited about databases as a learner. Information is at our fingertips and the need to set aside time to physically go to the library is not always needed.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
pb wiki
I do find the constant emails saying there is an update or change on the wiki to be a little annoying - after one. :)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Thing 7
The idea of using a different browser is interesting, but to me it truly does not matter. The volume of work or type of searches or the way I search does not seem to limit me at the moment. But, I suppose the day that changes, I will change my browser. To be honest, reading the article comparing the browsers went over my head; it is out of my realm of prior knowledge. What did resonate with me was section that showed the productivity depending on the number of tabs open; that I did understand. Again, when I feel limited by my browser, I will make a change, but I’m glad to know there are options. I did not know that before. So, my prior knowledge has indeed expanded.
I liked the Google Image Search. I haven’t used image searches much, but I have helped students with there’s, so I’ve practiced through them. I’ve used regular Google search to search for images but not specifically an image search. I really liked searching that way because the images show up in front of you immediately – a link does not have to be followed to see the image. I will definitely use image searches in the future.
I found it interesting that Google maps would actually show you the view as you drive down the road. It was unneeded but cool looking. Personally, I would not want that options – too distracting to the page. I did like Google’s capabilities with maps over other sites like Yahoo and MapQuest.
I didn’t know that there was such a thing as a specific blog search. I’m still not sure what I might use it for. There’s not much I’m that obsessed over that I need to read blogs about something, but I did blog Casey Carlson’s name while goofing around doing Thing 7 work to see what and if there was information out there about her on American Idol – yes, there was. She might be voted off tonight since she forgot her lyrics. I happen to be watching as I’m working on Thing 7. I’m off to watch the end of Idol.
I liked the Google Image Search. I haven’t used image searches much, but I have helped students with there’s, so I’ve practiced through them. I’ve used regular Google search to search for images but not specifically an image search. I really liked searching that way because the images show up in front of you immediately – a link does not have to be followed to see the image. I will definitely use image searches in the future.
I found it interesting that Google maps would actually show you the view as you drive down the road. It was unneeded but cool looking. Personally, I would not want that options – too distracting to the page. I did like Google’s capabilities with maps over other sites like Yahoo and MapQuest.
I didn’t know that there was such a thing as a specific blog search. I’m still not sure what I might use it for. There’s not much I’m that obsessed over that I need to read blogs about something, but I did blog Casey Carlson’s name while goofing around doing Thing 7 work to see what and if there was information out there about her on American Idol – yes, there was. She might be voted off tonight since she forgot her lyrics. I happen to be watching as I’m working on Thing 7. I’m off to watch the end of Idol.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Thing 6
Google Docs
I believe that Google Docs can improve productivity, but at the moment I see it more as a too for the students to use in the classroom for collaborative and individual assignments. Google Docs fits more into their productivity for the course.
However, I really like reading how one teacher uses Google Docs to comment on rough drafts of students work. I read that posting very carefully and would like to do something like that this next semester while students are individually working on their papers. That would be a definite way to improve my productivity.
I personally haven’t used Google Docs to collaborate with others except when practicing and playing with it. But, I do plan on having the student use Google Docs collaboratively next quarter with an assignment. My classes used Google Docs last semester but not collaboratively. That is something I want to add next quarter.
Wikis
The only wiki participation I’ve been a part of is during Metronet classes. I began setting up a wiki but completing did not happen because I didn’t readily find a use for it at that time. I thought about putting my courses on one but CHS has a program that I’m already using for that and it felt redundant to do that type of set up again. I know other teachers who had students work with one; it just didn’t float my boat then or now. I see a possibility of using it with an assignment where students show what they learn from some research.
I believe that Google Docs can improve productivity, but at the moment I see it more as a too for the students to use in the classroom for collaborative and individual assignments. Google Docs fits more into their productivity for the course.
However, I really like reading how one teacher uses Google Docs to comment on rough drafts of students work. I read that posting very carefully and would like to do something like that this next semester while students are individually working on their papers. That would be a definite way to improve my productivity.
I personally haven’t used Google Docs to collaborate with others except when practicing and playing with it. But, I do plan on having the student use Google Docs collaboratively next quarter with an assignment. My classes used Google Docs last semester but not collaboratively. That is something I want to add next quarter.
Wikis
The only wiki participation I’ve been a part of is during Metronet classes. I began setting up a wiki but completing did not happen because I didn’t readily find a use for it at that time. I thought about putting my courses on one but CHS has a program that I’m already using for that and it felt redundant to do that type of set up again. I know other teachers who had students work with one; it just didn’t float my boat then or now. I see a possibility of using it with an assignment where students show what they learn from some research.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Thing 5
• What is your experience with public libraries and librarians? Long-time user? Scared away by a mean librarian in your youth?
I spent quite a bit of time at the library in high school, but I didn’t ask for help from librarians back then. When I went to college, I began asking for help here and there due to the fact that the University of Minnesota library was huge. The experiences with that library increased my confidence in librarians. I now ask librarians first thing when I enter the building. I realized that they enjoy doing their job and helping others, and that I’m not imposing on them when I ask for assistance.
• What would you improve about your library and its services?
One recent complaint I have about the public library is the time it takes for materials to be transferred from one place to the next. I wanted something from a southern Minnesota library and was told that it would take 8 weeks to be delivered to Chanhassen. Personally, I thought that was ridiculous and have not been back to request materials from another library since then. It really turned me off on it in that regards. Otherwise, I like the library.
• How do you use the public library to support your teaching?
I used it a lot when I first started teaching – mostly for videos and materials to supplement curriculum. Once my personal resources increased at school, I no longer went to the library as much. Now, I encourage students to go and use the library and talk to the librarians, reminding them to ask nicely for help and that they are not bothering the librarian. I want them to learn sooner than I did that the librarians are there for a reason – to help and assist, especially with the Afghanistan research that my students are working on for these 2 weeks.
• How will using MnLINK help your students? Is timing an issue?
Obviously, one thing that is nice about MnLink is that students can look from home and see if the local library has what they are looking for, and if not, then they can order it if they are truly interested and have time to wait. I like MnLink for these same reasons. What bothers me though is how it constantly updates its page and throws you out of whatever other window you have open. I can’t work on something else when my search results are open; at least that was my last experience with MnLink – a little frustrating. All in all, it’s a good resource despite some quirks. (Timing is definitely an issue as I mentioned above.)
I spent quite a bit of time at the library in high school, but I didn’t ask for help from librarians back then. When I went to college, I began asking for help here and there due to the fact that the University of Minnesota library was huge. The experiences with that library increased my confidence in librarians. I now ask librarians first thing when I enter the building. I realized that they enjoy doing their job and helping others, and that I’m not imposing on them when I ask for assistance.
• What would you improve about your library and its services?
One recent complaint I have about the public library is the time it takes for materials to be transferred from one place to the next. I wanted something from a southern Minnesota library and was told that it would take 8 weeks to be delivered to Chanhassen. Personally, I thought that was ridiculous and have not been back to request materials from another library since then. It really turned me off on it in that regards. Otherwise, I like the library.
• How do you use the public library to support your teaching?
I used it a lot when I first started teaching – mostly for videos and materials to supplement curriculum. Once my personal resources increased at school, I no longer went to the library as much. Now, I encourage students to go and use the library and talk to the librarians, reminding them to ask nicely for help and that they are not bothering the librarian. I want them to learn sooner than I did that the librarians are there for a reason – to help and assist, especially with the Afghanistan research that my students are working on for these 2 weeks.
• How will using MnLINK help your students? Is timing an issue?
Obviously, one thing that is nice about MnLink is that students can look from home and see if the local library has what they are looking for, and if not, then they can order it if they are truly interested and have time to wait. I like MnLink for these same reasons. What bothers me though is how it constantly updates its page and throws you out of whatever other window you have open. I can’t work on something else when my search results are open; at least that was my last experience with MnLink – a little frustrating. All in all, it’s a good resource despite some quirks. (Timing is definitely an issue as I mentioned above.)
Thing 4
• Which customizable homepage did you choose? Why did that one appeal to you? Will you make it your permanent home page?
I set up an iGoogle page last spring for my RSS feeds, which I don’t really read, but they are there. It worked fairly well, but this year I've added and changed it to better fit my needs beyond the feeds. One of the most helpful items I've put on is my blog. This works nicely because I don't have to log in to blogger to submit a post; it really does save on time. I've also added a doplar radar screen for MN. I get obsessed looking at that on certain snowy and rainy days. iGoogle will be my permanent page because I find it better to learn one new thing and then get good at it.
• Did you find a tool that has some uses for you at school or home? Which tool(s) would you recommend to others?
The make-a-list productivity tools seem very helpful, but I already make lists by hand and seem to do okay on that. But I do like the idea of going techy on the to-do list, but that would be one more thing to access; I'll look for one to attach to iGoogle - let me put that on my to-do list. :) FYI – I found a few and put one on…My Listy. It seemed the most friendly and had the fewest complaints.
• How can the online calendars be useful to you?
I've just spent some time playing with my calendar on iGoogle. It's been one of my personal goals this year - try using an online calendar. I'm a diehard Franklin Planner type of person, and I love it and live by it, so it is challenging to change. I like having my calendar and personal contacts all in one place that I can carry and access anywhere (not so w/the internet where I go at times).
I've played with the calendar, but it's just playing. I don't see it taking the place of my current hard copy planner. I don't think I'm there yet. Maybe I need one of those new fancy phones (satellite) things in order for me to change.
• How would you compare and contrast the use of paper-based assignments and assigment notebooks to the potential use of online assignment calculators and to do lists for students?
For students it might make sense to introduce them to these productivity tools. They like and are pretty good at the techy items. I would like to have students submit papers to me electronically and then access them the same way. I would like to go paperless, and I would like to have that productivity tool available to me at CHS. I've taken college courses that way, and I would like to do that a little more at the high school level - a good thing for students, for me and for the earth. Personally, the RPC emails did annoy me but that might be because I really wasn't doing the assignment, so maybe it would be good for the students. But, each person works differently - different strokes for different folks - and that wouldn't account for individual work habits as much, but a reminder is a reminder (it was just irksome to me).
I set up an iGoogle page last spring for my RSS feeds, which I don’t really read, but they are there. It worked fairly well, but this year I've added and changed it to better fit my needs beyond the feeds. One of the most helpful items I've put on is my blog. This works nicely because I don't have to log in to blogger to submit a post; it really does save on time. I've also added a doplar radar screen for MN. I get obsessed looking at that on certain snowy and rainy days. iGoogle will be my permanent page because I find it better to learn one new thing and then get good at it.
• Did you find a tool that has some uses for you at school or home? Which tool(s) would you recommend to others?
The make-a-list productivity tools seem very helpful, but I already make lists by hand and seem to do okay on that. But I do like the idea of going techy on the to-do list, but that would be one more thing to access; I'll look for one to attach to iGoogle - let me put that on my to-do list. :) FYI – I found a few and put one on…My Listy. It seemed the most friendly and had the fewest complaints.
• How can the online calendars be useful to you?
I've just spent some time playing with my calendar on iGoogle. It's been one of my personal goals this year - try using an online calendar. I'm a diehard Franklin Planner type of person, and I love it and live by it, so it is challenging to change. I like having my calendar and personal contacts all in one place that I can carry and access anywhere (not so w/the internet where I go at times).
I've played with the calendar, but it's just playing. I don't see it taking the place of my current hard copy planner. I don't think I'm there yet. Maybe I need one of those new fancy phones (satellite) things in order for me to change.
• How would you compare and contrast the use of paper-based assignments and assigment notebooks to the potential use of online assignment calculators and to do lists for students?
For students it might make sense to introduce them to these productivity tools. They like and are pretty good at the techy items. I would like to have students submit papers to me electronically and then access them the same way. I would like to go paperless, and I would like to have that productivity tool available to me at CHS. I've taken college courses that way, and I would like to do that a little more at the high school level - a good thing for students, for me and for the earth. Personally, the RPC emails did annoy me but that might be because I really wasn't doing the assignment, so maybe it would be good for the students. But, each person works differently - different strokes for different folks - and that wouldn't account for individual work habits as much, but a reminder is a reminder (it was just irksome to me).
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Wiki
I was looking for a character from a novel we are reading in class - Kite Runner - and I stumbled upon a wiki for that novel. It was an assignment that students worked on and generated an online study guide. It seems like an interesting and interactive assignment, but it does seem like a daunting task to tackle. I shared it with my English colleagues because it does have great questions for discussion and journaling. Maybe I'll get brave sometime and attempt to do an assignment like this one in class. Here's the web address... http://litkite.pbwiki.com/Directions+for+Starting
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