NAEP Results 2011

For this assignment, we were asked to visit the NCES website and compare state results in Math for the year 2011. We were to plug in the information provided to us in order to obtain 8th grade scores for all states in Mathematics. Once we downloaded the information we were asked to compare West Virginia's scores to other states and determine whether or not our state ranked higher or lower than other states, determine whether the results indicated that boys were smarter than girls, etc. I completed the t-test and information in Excel and used the Jing software to incorporate a text box with error directing viewers to see where WV ranked among the other states. You can view my finished assignment here: My Paper. I believe that this assignment relates to the NETS-T #5 standard which discusses conducting and interpreting research showing learning and growth.

You Tube Account

Our assignment required us to create a You Tube account and then save the video we chose to our computer and then upload it to show we had this on our new account.  I did this by going to youtube.com, creating an account and then uploading the chosen video to my account. I then used the Jing software that we downloaded and used earlier this semester to show that I had appropriately downloaded the video and saved to my you tube account. I believe that this assignment follows the following NETS-T Standards: 2 which talks about incorporating digital age learning within the classroom. In addition to this other standards could apply. For instance standard 1 talks about facilitating and inspiring creative learning which if students were aloud and able to create you tube videos, this standard would apply. 

You Tube Video Activity

Below you will find my You Tube Video Activity assignment where we were to chose a you tube video, save it to our computer and then upload it to our you tube account. After doing this, Mr. Pierce asked us to show our work by using screencast.com. I did this by using the Jing software. I chose a video of an animal. Enjoy!

http://content.screencast.com/users/JScalf/folders/Jing/media/37d40091-2eea-469f-9e7a-f62ba38e6091/2011-11-16_1909.png

Research Action Report

Below is a link to my Research Action Report through Google Docs.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-QJbAkOJEaP80GPzvtfBSMAoS7JWJX-tmQvpWWqu2k4/edit

I used the "OWL" website as a reference that was provided to us by Dr. Pierce.  I was very grateful to have the example to use in order to properly site our paper using the APA format/guidelines. I hope that I completed this correctly. This is my first attempt at writing a paper like this one. I was grateful for the step by step directions provided to us by Dr. Pierce. I believe that this assignment follows multiple NETS-S standards including: 3, 4 and 5. These standards review digital-age, media and professional growth. I enjoyed working on this assignment and feel I learned alot throughout the process. I am using Excel more than I ever have in the past and look forward to feeling more confident as I continue to use this for future projects.

Data Analysis & Quantitative Testing

Research question 1: Does age affect millennial score?
Independent variable: age
Dependent variable: Millennial score.
Hypothesis: Younger the age the higher the Millennial score
Null Hypothesis: Age will have no affect on the millennial score

The results indicate that age does have a significant impact on the millennial score. I was able to find this out by sorting the data into two age ranges. The first being under 30 years of age, and the second were individuals over 30. See below for details.

t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances
	Under 30	Over 30
Mean	78.1875	62.36364
Variance	490.2958333	499.2545
Observations	16	11
Pooled Variance	493.8793182
Hypothesized Mean Difference	0
df	25
t Stat	1.817927518
P(T<=t) one-tail	0.040539511	0.05	Sig.Diff.
t Critical one-tail	1.708140745
P(T<=t) two-tail	0.081079022
t Critical two-tail	2.059538536

Research Question 2: Is there a correlation between teaching status and the Millennial score
Independent variable: teaching status     
Dependent variable: millennial score
Hypothesis: A correlation will exist between teaching status and the millennial score
Null Hypothesis: No correlation will exist

The results indicate that teaching status does have a significant impact on the millennial score. See below for details.

t-Test: Two-Sample Assuming Equal Variances
	Teaching	Not Teaching
Mean	68.15789474	88.125
Variance	489.251462	92.41071
Observations	19	8
Pooled Variance	378.1360526
Hypothesized Mean Difference	0
df	25
t Stat	-2.436301184
P(T<=t) one-tail	0.011150007	0.05	Sig. Diff.
t Critical one-tail	1.708140745
P(T<=t) two-tail	0.022300015
t Critical two-tail	2.059538536

I believe both of these assignments follow the NETS-S standard #5. This standard discusses and includes research for educators and both of these assignments were  perfect examples of this. 

Excel Basics

This assignment was a challenging one for me. This assignment required us to utilize basic Excel features which I am not familiar with Excel at all really. We were asked to organize and make a spreadsheet. Then, we were told to turn our text values into numerical values using the Replacement/Find tool. I followed the directions which seemed somewhat self-explanatory. Lastly, the assignment asked us to calculate the average number of Blog Posts. In doing this it required us to use the average function. In doing this it was determined that my number of blog posts was lower than the class average.

I believe that this assignment follows the following NETS-T standards: 3 & 5. This assignment allows educators to model their ability to use technology in a variety of settings. It also shows that educators can use various methods of obtaining data.

Self-Assessment

I wasn't sure what to expect of this class when I enrolled. I knew it would have something to do with media and technology. I didn't realize the depth of what we would learn until we got further into our assignments. I must say I am learning a lot.  I still at times feel very lost also. Trying to keep up with all the assignments has been a challenge for me this semester. I am not very advanced in technology and so all of this is new learning for me. My favorite activity so far has been the Audacity podcast. After completing this assignment, I felt a real since of accomplishment. Several things this semester, I have learned are easier to do with the help of step by step tutorials. It seems so hard to believe we are almost in November and over half way through this semester. I am excited to see what else we will learn before the semester finishes.

Research Overviews

For this assignment, we were to open the program Excel and from there, go to the tools menu bar, click the add ons button, etc. The link provided to us for this assignment was very helpful in guiding me step by step on what I needed to do in order to complete the required steps.

"The Analysis Toolpak is an Excel add-in (add-in: A supplemental program that adds custom commands or custom features to Microsoft Office.) program that is available when you install Microsoft Office or Excel. To use it in Excel, however, you need to load it first.

1. On the Tools menu, click Add-Ins.
2. In the Add-Ins available box, select the check box next to Analysis Toolpak, and then click OK.

Tip If Analysis Toolpak is not listed, click Browse to locate it.

3. If you see a message that tells you the Analysis Toolpak is not currently installed on your computer, click Yes to install it.
4. Click Tools on the menu bar. When you load the Analysis Toolpak, the Data Analysis command is added to the Tools menu."

These directions were perfect and I was able to complete without any problem, such ease. I believe this assignment relates to the NETS-T standards in the following way: " Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership".

Pew Millennial Test

After taking the Pew Millennial Test I was a bit surprised at the results. Especially since they consider age/when you were born as a slight determining factor for what is considered "a typical response". My results, "

Your Millennial score is 30!

I rate between the Baby Boomer (1946-1964) and the Gen-Xers (1965-1980). Closer to the Baby Boomer generation, but I guess that's not necessarily a bad thing. :)

Personality Blog Post #2

After completing the personality questionnaire, I found that my personality type is: INFJ. This is consistent with the results of my Personality Blog Post #1. I feel in knowing my personality type, it will help  me better engage myself with others and realize that we are all in different categories. In leading a class of students, it is important to remember that not all children learn the same way or will understand how you may explain things the first time around. As an educator we must look at a variety of teaching methods and ways to explain things to make sure we meet the needs of others. This is the same for administrators and other co-workers we may be working with.

Your Type is INFJ

Introverted	Intuitive	Feeling	Judging
Strength of the preferences %
11	25	38	67

 

Qualitative analysis of your type formula

You are:

       slightly expressed introvert

       moderately expressed intuitive personality

       moderately expressed feeling personality

       distinctively expressed judging personality

I found out that "INFJ" Famous Personalities include careers in the following types of fields:
Social Work, Education, Early Childhood Education, Law, Psychology & Counseling. Seems like I am in the right area. :)

Personality Blog Post #1

Rank your self on each item and develop your own hypothetical 4 letter code.
If I had to chose one, I would rank myself as: INFJ which states,

"INFJSeek meaning and connection in ideas, relationships, and material possessions. Want to understand what motivates people and are insightful about others. Conscientious and committed to their firm values. Develop a clear vision about how best to serve the common good. Organized and decisive in implementing their vision".

My rationale for this is simply, I believe I fit each of the characteristics described. I do think I have other areas that fit pretty well also, but in just chosing one, I feel that the INFJ fits be best. I am always conscientious and committed to everything that I do, I believe and stand by my principals and values, am organized, etc.

Audacity Project

The Audacity project was interesting and challenging. I have never experienced or worked with any software like this. In addition, converting the information and manipulating the software to adapt format was quite cool. Audacity is a free open source software for recording and editing sound. The assignment required us to create a podcast. At first, I was overwhelmed not sure where to begin. What I didn't realize was that through each step I was learning how simple it was to create what seemed like such a complex task. I used the microphone to speak at the beginning of the podcast to explain why I chose the music that I did. I used songs from youtube.com and then converted into mp3 format using the bender converter software. This was fairly simple as we had been required to use bendconverter software on a prior assignment. Having the example links and tutorial videos were also very helpful and informative as it showed me step by step what to do for each of the steps to process. I believe this assignment relates to the NETS-T standard: "#3 Model Digital-Age Work and Learning-Demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations, collaborate with peers, students and community members using digital tools and resources to support to support student success and innovation. Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students using a variety of digital-age media and formats. Model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate and use information resources to support research and learning".

The music I chose was a variety of songs, types, etc. When creating this assignment, I began thinking about music that inspires me, words, beat and tempo. Time is of the essence isn't it? Never do we have enough hours in the day to accomplish the many task at hand. I like these songs and the mix is a creation of items that help me disgard the many daily tasks that I have to accomplish and just allow me to unwind and focus on the music, nothing else. Enjoy!

Audacity Project by: Jessica S.

Voice Thread

I enjoyed the Voice Thread assignment. I wasn’t sure what to think when I started working on it, although as I have stated before, that seems to always be the case. What interesting new ways education is developing in regards to multi-media and technology driven applications. After reviewing the videos, I can see the importance on being in the classroom and also having the privilege of online learning. There are pros and cons with each and every thing that we do. Everyone will have their ideas on what they think is best. Voice thread can provide so many more opportunities for open communication. I feel that this assignment and the videos I watched relate to the NETS standard 1 (Facilitate and Inspire Learning & Creativity)

I am a new teacher and work in other classrooms as a co-teacher at this time. Though I have not used this type of information in the classroom before, I plan to incorporate using these tools as allowed with the help of the other co-teachers and as allowed with school standards.

BenderConverter

For this assignment, I chose to use something related to Language Arts since I teach Language Arts for two periods. This was an interesting assignment and one that I think I will be able to use again in the near future. I feel this assignment relates to the NETS in various ways. Most specifically under the 3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning area. This area states the use of digital-age media and formats which is exactly what we have used in completing this assignment. I can't wait to use this again in the near future.

Jing Screencast

Below is a link to the video I created using Jing. I have been apprehensive about this because I am not savvy with advanced technology. As I worked with this assignment, I realized it can be accomplished much easier when time, patience and using the tutorial guides and examples as reference. I have already used Jing on multiple occasions in order to capture images needed without additional backgrounds, etc. Learning how to create the video using screencast.com, I was able to create a step by step guide in which I can use in the classroom and overhead so that my entire class can see what I am doing without leaving their seats. I feel that this assignment relates to the NETS-T standards in many ways including: “designing relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning, technology enriched learning environments”, etc. Our assignments relate so much to all of the NETS-T standards as they were developed with Technology in mind.

http://screencast.com/t/dTRFu7gKJXb

Jeopardy

jeopardylabs.com/play/education81


The above link will take you to the Jeopardy game that I created using jeopardylabs.com to use at some point in the classroom setting. I enjoyed doing this activity and the information provided was very self explanatory and easy to create. I fully believe that this assignment correlates well with the NETS-T for several reasons. First, Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity... I could use this tool and allow the class to take part in creating for each other or another class. Secondly, this tool helps me grow professionally in allowing my students to receive other modes of learning experiences through visualization. Third, the "Model Digital-Age work and learning allows me to demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations". I feel like I could go on and on. Great tool and very wonderful resource for all educators!!!!

Word Clouds

www.wordle.net

For this activity, I used Wordle to create a word cloud of a famous speech. In order to save my image, I used the Jing application to assist me with this process and to capture my image. I chose to insert Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream” speech. I believe this will be an excellent teaching tool. Similar to the Jing activity, I believe the word cloud assignment relates to the NETS-T standards by digital imaging, creativity, incorporating a digital learning experience and provided many options for creativity.

Jing Image/Graphic

This image was created using Jing!

(click above to visit Jing! and create your own visual artifacts!!!)

Using Jing was definitely a new experience for me. I liked learning about this tool and how we can use it to create artifacts. I believe that this assignment covered several aspects on the NETS-T standards. This assignment helped to facilitate and inspire creative learning, it allowed the opportunity for design and development of digital imaging/learning and it helped engage me in education development and growth. Using Jing I learned that the files that come out of Jing are .png files. I was able to easily import my Jing image to my Blog. This made for an easy transition and learning tool. 

Diigo/Social Bookmarking

Well, my experience in social bookmarking was pretty minimal before this assignment. I knew how to add a "favorite" website to my "favorites" but that was about it. This tool or resource will be very helpful in keeping track and up to date with websites that I have started learning about through other educators which have helped me thus far. My understanding of a browser add on is an additional program or software that enhances the browser you are currently using. The only browser add ons that I am currently using are on Diigo/Diigolet. The installation worked alright once I spent some time figuring out what I was doing. I had downloaded the additional software so that the bookmarking tool would appear in the toolbar. Once I realized it was there and got to the correct screen, I was able to complete the required assignment for posting between my Diigo account and my blog. When asked what IS TE NETS T or NETS A standard I would consider this activity to be most closest to, I would have to say both have direct impact on relating to this assignment. The information discusses designing and developing digital learning experiences and digital tools. I find in today's classroom so many things are going digital. Smart boards, laptops, etc. are used almost daily for teaching students throughout the curriculum. I do think that this information will be very helpful to me as a new teacher. I am currently a substitute and when working in various classrooms, I never know what I will walk into or be expected to teach. It is important that I continue learning to help me be as prepared as possible. 

Snipping Tool

I created a snipping tool using the resourceful video introduction that was provided by Dr. Pierce. Before this class I had never heard of this and wasn't sure what to expect. I must say the tutorial video was extremely helpful to me and provided step by step instructions so that I could do this. While completing this assignment, I was also working to create my Diigo account. Therefore, I chose to create a snipping image off of that website. See below:

I find myself no expert, though if I needed to show someone how to use a snipping tool, I believe I could. This will be very beneficial to me as I learn and grow as an educator. I am sure I will use this tool again in the near future.

Self Portrait

I just completed the Self Portrait assignment. I must say I do not believe this looks anything like me. The website used to create this image which includes my picture is: http://www.picassohead.com/?id=b7fee2f

Issues I found included: not many options for eyes, nose, hair, etc. I was able to use the flip and rotate option which helped with some of this however with limited options, the image does not look like me.

Introduction

My name is Jessica and I am a graduate student at FSU. I am working to obtain my Master in Special Education degree. This is my first time "blogging". I am excited to learn more about advanced technology methods and talking with my peers in EDUC 6305 through this technology. Hope everyone has a great semester!