Presume

If you haven't head of Prezi, you need to look into it. Prezi is an updated presentation program similar to Power Point, but more modern and advanced. Prezi can be used for various things. For my new assignment, I was required to upload my resume and turn it into a Prezi- Presume. Because I already had an updated resume and have used Prezi before, it was very easy for me to maneuver my way through the program.

When creating this presume, I followed the ISTE NETS-T, 2, Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments. By creating a presume, employers are able to learn information about myself in an engaging manner. The world of technology is changing and a lot of employers use online applications to find their new employee.

Power Points

I am one of those people who firmly believe in spending a little extra time to make a PP more interesting rather than boring. After sitting through hundreds of boring lectures while my professors read off the PP slide I made a promise to myself to never do that to my students. Whenever I made a Smart Board presentation or a Power Point presentation for my lesson, I make sure I make it an interesting, engaging visual that my students will love. Unfortunately, teachers, professors, and speakers do not think like me.

For an assignment, I was required to make a PP, but not just any PP. I was referred to Slide Share to watch a slide show on how PP's should be made. In watching this slide show, I came up with a simple, engaging PP for my unit on matter. My first graders are sure to love this PP. It may be basic, however the colors, the pictures and the animations make the PP engaging.

In making this PP, I followed the ISTE NETS-T 2, Design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments. By creating an engaging PP, students are able to learn new information in a positive way. Students will be more inclined to focus on an engaging PP rather than a boring PP.

Journal Formatting

The other day, I was given specific format requirements when editing the paper from my previous post. This format was for journals. The format was very different than what I was used to. Because I was not as familiar with the format, it was a little tricky. I am used to APA format, which has taken me numerous years to understand and finally, I do not have to look online for assistance. It was a little difficult to understand, however with an example, I was able to complete the required assignment. Although I learned something new, I would prefer to stick with the APA format over the journal format. I am more comfortable with it.

In relation to the ISTE NETS-T, I followed the fifth standard by engaging in professional growth and leadership. By researching and continuing knowledge, I was able to adapt to a new writing format that would be useful when submitting journals to journals and magazines.

Mini Paper

Going back to the 8th grade reading scores I had to write a mini paper to discuss the effects that ethnicity has on reading scores. When looking at the data, the data concludes that ethnicity does in fact affect students reading scores. Take a look at the paper and see the research. It is very interesting. You will also see how I determined whether or not the data was significantly significant or not. 

In relation to the ISTE NETS-T, I followed the fifth standard by engaging in professional growth and leadership. By researching and continuing knowledge, I was able to research and learn about something that I can use in my classroom. 

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.