Using Google Drive

Google is a great tool with many uses! Google allows users to do various tasks, but my favorite and most useful Google tool is my Google Drive. With my Google Drive, I am able to create documents or spreadsheets, forms or surveys, drawings and presentations.  You may also upload a file from your computer and store it in your Google Drive. Not only can you create or upload files, but you can share and publish them. For example, I uploaded my resume to my Google drive and published it and it automatically created this website address, https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2cDGi0B-DV3RlhoVU5zRnJoV0k/edit?usp=sharing, which allows me to share my document with anyone.

This really is a great tool. When creating or uploading files using Google Drive, you can access them anywhere as long as they are saved in your drive. There has been many times where I forgot to print something out and did not have my laptop on me but was able to log into my Google account and print the document off of my Google Drive. I highly recommend playing around with the features on your Google account. If you do not have a Google account, I suggest you get one, you will not regret it. Google Drive is very easy and I did not have any problems when using it. It was easy to navigate through.

When using the share feature in Google Drive, you are following ISTE NETS-3, Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. You will primarily focus on communicating information to students, parents and colleagues as well as analyzing and evaluating data. ISTE NETS may vary depending on what part of the drive you use. 

Numbers 1.4- Hypothesis Testing

When trying to compare two sets of data on a more statistical level in Excel, one must refer to the t-test. The t-test is used to determine whether or not data is statistically significant or if there is an accidental error. In other terms, we are testing to find out whether the null hypothesis is supported. Using the data from my last blog, I tested whether or not ethnicity plays a role in reading scores.

To determine whether or not the null is supported, one must look at "P(T<=t) one-tail." When looking at this if the P value is less than .5 than the null is rejected. If the P value is greater than .5 than the data failed to reject the null, meaning it is less than 95 percent significant.

To test my data, I compared three different ethnicities. For the first test, I compared white students reading scores to black students reading scores. When looking at the image you will see that the P value is less than .5, meaning the null was rejected. In simply terms, the data is statistically significant and there is no error.

For the second comparison, I compared white students reading scores against hispanic students reading scores. When looking at the image you will see that the P value is less than .5, meaning the null was rejected. In simply terms, the data is statistically significant and there is no error. 

The third comparison, I compared hispanic students reading scores against black students reading scores. When looking at the image, you will see that the P value is less than .5, meaning the null was rejected. In simply terms, the data is statistically significant and there is no error. 

Overall, the null was rejected, there is a 95 percent chance that is the students retook the reading test, the students scores would be very similar, meaning, the data is reliable. Because the null was rejected, the data shows that ethnicity plays a role in the reading test scores. 

If I were to use this data and write an academic paper in APA format, I would compare the different ethnicities and the reading results. I would show each P value and explain what each P value meant. I would also show my data in a table or chart for a visual. 

When using the t-test function, I did not have any difficulties. I thoroughly enjoy learning new uses for Excel. The possibilities are endless. I could use this in my classroom to compare students whether it be based on gender, ethnicity, etc. 

When using this feature in Excel you are following ISTE NETS-3, Model Digital-Age Work and Learning, primarily focusing on communicating information to students, parents and colleagues as well as analyzing and evaluating data.

Numbers 1.3- Descriptive Statistics in Excel

I had never heard of the descriptive statistics tool in Excel until now. I am finding out that Excel can do many more things that I thought. When learning to use this tool, I had to download the add-on. Unfortunately I have a Macbook Pro and Apple Products do not support this feature. However, I used a close friends laptop to learn. After downloading the add-on feature, I was able to compute the descriptive statistics for male and female test scores. Next, I was able to do the same thing and compare the test scores in each state.


By taking a look at the scatter plot, you will see that Virginia is 24 states from the top with 23 ahead and 28 states below. From the looks of the plot, Virginia is in the average range and doing fine as far as reading scores goes.

I did not have many problems when using this function however I could not get the states to show vertically rather than diagonal, which is a minor detail. Other than that, once I was able to borrow a friends laptop, I was able to complete the requirements. This is another great tool to keep in mind when it comes to grading. Using this for a means of comparison is a great idea!

When using this feature in Excel you are following ISTE NETS-3, Model Digital-Age Work and Learning, primarily focusing on communicating information to students, parents and colleagues as well as analyzing and evaluating data.

Grades: Changing Numbers to Letters

Have you ever wondered if there is an easier way to turn number grades into letter grades without any hassle? Well, there is! When progress reports or report card time rolls around, I bet you are always scrambling to try and get the grades and comments into the grading system. If you have not read my previous blog on grading, please do so before continuing on with this post. You can thank me later!

As you can see below, I have my grade averages but I needed to turn them into letter grades. When using excel, there is a simple formula that can make grading painless. To see a larger image of the picture, click here. Depending on your grading scale, your formula may be different, but the formula I used was =IF(I4>89,"A",IF(I4>79,"B",IF(I4>69,"C",IF(I4>59,"D","F")))). This formula may not be the same if your grading scale is different and if your cells are different than those showing from the image below. Take a closer look at my document. 

Surprisingly I did not have any trouble when changing my averages into letter grades. Once I typed in the formula, I instantly had grades. Using the handle made things even more simple. I typed in the formula once. I made edits when transferring to a different tab but that was not hard. This is a great tool to use and I cannot wait to use it when grading!

When creating a worksheet like the one I created, you will follow ISTE NETS-T 2, Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments. Teachers can use this tool to communicate students grades with students themselves and their parents. When grades are due, this tool will come in handy! 

Grade Book Basics

Now and days, everything is done electronically, even grade books. Today I got to learn how to use Microsoft Excel to organize my grade book. Using Excel can be a little intimidating if you are not familiar with the program. Excel is all about numbers and formulas and if you are unfamiliar with the two, using Excel can be a little more challenging.

Once you familiarize yourself with the program, Excel can come in handy for many things. Determining grades for students can be easily calculated when using Excel. As you can see below, I created a bar graph averaging students grades from three different grading periods. Check out the Excel worksheet I created to make this graph.

In the past, I rarely used Excel, however, when I did, I only used the basic tools. When creating this Excel document, I had a few difficulties in the beginning when trying to use the painter tool. After I figured out how to use it, I followed the instructions I was given and had not trouble. When following a step by step guide, it makes the process of learning much more enjoyable. 

I look forward to using Excel when keep track of grades. Organizing and maintaining grades is always a tedious process. Now that I know how to use Excel for this purpose, I will be sure to make use of it. Using this for progress monitoring for yourself, parents and students is also a great idea!

When creating a worksheet like the one I created, you will follow ISTE NETS-T 2, Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments. Teachers can use this program to communicate students grades with students themselves and their parents. Teachers can also use this program to relay grades to his or her class. For example, if a teacher wants to show either the good or bad grades for a particular assignment, a teacher can show/display the grades anonymously to show where students grades should be and so forth. Creating goals for students is also a great use of this tool! 

Screencast O matic

If you have never used or heard of Screencast O matic before, you need to look into it. To test out the video tool, I created a video to teach fellow teachers, students and parents how to use Diigo.This tool is almost too easy to use. I never had to download anything. With a click of a button, I was recording. I did not have any trouble using this program other than when it came time to save and upload it to YouTube. I was not able to upload it directly from Screencast O matic. Instead, I had to save the video to my laptop and upload it to YouTube myself. To see the video I made, click here or click play in the video box below.

This tool would be perfect for using in my classroom. Computer lab days are sometimes dreadful because the students just want to play games and never fully commit to their work. With this tool, I can have students look up certain things based on the topic we are discussing and bookmark articles, images or websites to refer back to when studying and so forth. My fourth graders would love this!

When creating this video, I followed ISTE NETS T-3, Model Digital-Age Work and Learning, and 5-Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership, by communicating information and teaching teachers students, and parents how to use a new technology.

Jing Screencast

I have already posted a post on using Jing to screen capture images (if you have not read it already, please refer to it). This post will be on using Jing to screencast videos. Have you ever needed to show someone how to do something and explaining how to do it just is not cutting it? Well, get excited, because I am about to make your life much easier.

Using the cursor or your hot key, create a box around the screen or desired area you would like to record. When the Jing box pops up, you would normally click on "capture a video." At this point, there will be a count down to begin video. Sound can be recorded as well, if you do not plan to use the sound, just make sure you are quiet during the recording (I have not figured out if there is a way to turn the mic off). Once you have recorded what you wanted, click the stop button (square button) and this will stop your recording. You will then save the document and share it however you choose.

I was a little intimidated at first but making my recording was much easier than I could have imagined. I actually enjoyed making the video. I can see myself using this tool for various school and personal reasons. Before using this tool, I never knew how people made videos like such.

To put this tool to use, I decided to create a video showing students how to use Wordle. Currently, I am teaching a unit on the Civil War and right now, we are discussing Abraham Lincoln. I want students to find something online about Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War and create a word cloud. In order for students to learn how to use the tool, I plan to send home a word document with instructions and the URL to my video. This video will help students and parents learn how to use Wordle. Click here to view my video.

To help guide you along your journey in learning how to use Jing for screencast videos, please refer to these questions.

1.  How do you determine and control the recording area of your screen capture?

As stated above, the image you originally select with your cursor will be the area of your screen  capture video. 

2. What are the options for saving a screen capture?

 
You may save a screen capture on your computer or laptop as well as screencast it in order to have a  URL link.

3. Where is the screen capture on your computer and how do you retrieve it? i.e. what is the address to it on your local machine?

Depending on where you save your screen capture is dependent on where you will find it. You determine where and how you save it. When you retrieve it, click on it and it will open up the video using Prezi.

4. How do you push it to the internet? and share it with others?

To share your video online, go to your Jing history and open up the video. Click share via screencast and a URL will paste to your cursor where you can then share your video wherever you may like.

5. What file type is a Jing screencast movie?

swf

6. The Jing 'Sun'  has 3 prongs. What does each prong do?

 
The prong closest to the top of the screen is the button used to capture the image on your screen. The middle button is the history button and the bottom button allows you to change preferences.

When using this tool, you will use the ISTE NETS-T 1 and 2. By designing and requiring students to learn and use this tool, students are able to use their own creativity to pursue their curiosity. Students will be engaged when learning real-world issues