ED271 Technology Assessment

                                  Technology Assessment

Hello all! This is my technology assessment of tools that I learned about and discovered while taking ED271. This class opened my eyes to various technology tools that I never knew existed. I have already begun to use some of these tools with other courses and projects and I know I will use many in the future, especially in the classroom.

1. Moodle

Moodle is a site that allows students to interact with their instructors of courses they are currently taking. Through Moodle they can access the instructor’s presentations/class lectures, assignments, instructions, and they can also receive and submit assignments through Moodle. Students can also message each other or their professor through Moodle. I was introduced to Moodle almost 2 years ago and I have found it to be convenient and effective. It is complex at first and may require some introductory instruction, even to those who are technologically literate. I like Moodle and it has become helpful, especially when I am unable to attend a class lecture day. I can usually see what went on that day through Moodle. I give it a 5/5.

2.     Firefox

I have tried Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, and Google Chrome. All web browses had their strengths and weaknesses, and Firefox was actually the browser I used to love when I had a PC. I have been a Mac user for about 2 years now and I have to admit, my favorites have changed. Although Firefox is definitely fast and a good browser, I prefer Google Chrome because of how fast and convenient it is. I definitely like Firefox more than Internet Explorer though. I give Firefox a 3/5.

3.     Google Apps

There were various Google Apps, which I was unaware about before taking ED271. I have always used Gmail and I love it. I did not, however, use my Google plus account and did not know much about Google Drive and Google Hangout. I will use these apps often and I know it will come in handy. I love the quality and convenience and highly appreciate that it is all free. I rate Google Apps in general a 5/5.

4.     Live Binders

Live Binders are online tools that claim to be as useful as an actual binder. I personally enjoy this tool as well. You can create a “binder” very easily and add websites and different research to it. You can personalize it and save it as well. It is very easy to use and very organized and neat. It is highly convenient for Teachers to organize their online tools and websites whether it is for lessons or personal use. Live Binder accounts are free and easily shared and accessed. This was my first time using a Live Binder and I am grateful for discovering it in ED271. I give it a 5/5.

5.     Prezi

Prezi is by far one of my favorite tools for presentations. It beats out PowerPoint by a lot! Prezi can be a bit complex at first, but once you get the hang of it, it can actually be fun and easy. The outcome of a presentation is definitely worth it. Compared to Power Points, Prezi is much more entertaining and organized. This is a tool I will use for other class presentations and in the future for lessons I will teach my own students. I do still enjoy Power Point, but since discovering Prezi it has been my go-to for presentations. I give Prezi a 5/5.

6. Pinterest

I have used various blogging sites like Tumblr and Xanga and Pinterest is definitely something I fell in love with! It’s so different in it’s own way and I can literally find creative ideas for everything! Recipes, birthday presents, desserts, fashion ideas, quotes, inspiring pictures- you name it, someone has “pinned” it.  It is so convenient. I love it so much, I downloaded the app on my phone and check it almost every day! I give Pinterest a 5/5.

7. ooVoo
ooVoo is something I have heard about, but never tried. I have done video conferencing with friends and relatives via skype and Facetime but never used ooVoo. They are all basically the same concept. It is great because it is free! You can video conference with up to 12 people and even watch a TV show or game live at the same time. It is a great tech tool. I do, however, prefer Facetime and Skype over ooVoo because of the quality. I feel that it is clearer and I can hear voices better. ooVoo is still great nonetheless. I give it a 3/5.

8. Wiggio

This class was what exposed me to Wiggio. I had no idea such a website existed. I found it highly convenient. With many group projects we are given, it is hard to communicate with group members outside of class time, especially with everyone’s busy schedules. Wiggio actually allows you to create an online group with your members who have accounts making it easy to communicate all together and share files. Also, whenever somebody posts something on your wiggio group, it automatically alerts you on your email. This made it easy to figure out meeting times and get our project done. Wiggio is also available as an App on iTunes. I give Wiggio a 5/5.

Dana Pablo

March 17, 2014

ED265-02

Educational Online Game

My group chose the game Purpy’s Shape, which is a game from the Sheppard’s Software website. It is a game designed for preschooler’s, which helps them to learn about both shapes and colors. They are able to differentiate what is shown with the game and can match the shapes and colors with the pictures shown. There are four levels that give different instructions on how to play the game. Overall the game is quite educational for the given ages it was designed for. When we tested it with one of our group member’s kids, we were able to find out that it was effective on their learning.

            Creating the rubric was quite hard because although we liked the game, there were some negatives to critique it. We based it on five criteria: Creativity, Knowledge Gained, Attractiveness, Accuracy of Content, and the Rules. Each of the criteria gained a “4” rating, except two. Knowledge Gained and the Rules. We gave the knowledge gained area a 3 because students playing the game would not be able to state all the facts. The rules got a 1 because there weren’t specific given rules for the child to follow, which makes it quite difficult. Overall though, we were able to rate the game as “very good” because we felt that it deserved that for being effective.

            I am going into Elementary Education and with the younger students’ having difficulties with identifying colors and shapes, this game would come in handy. I would much prefer it to be used for students in preschool to kindergarten though because it would be more beneficial at those ages. Technology has been advancing in the classroom and educational games are something I wish I were able to have more experience with growing up. According to an article on Doczine.com, “Developments in interactive games can produce guidelines on developing socially based microworlds, and character development in interactive environments.” This is a good thing because social media is a big thing now and it has many positive outcomes as well.

“Games and simulations are often referred to as experimental exercises because they provide unique opportunities for students to interact with a knowledge domain.” This is why I like the concept of using educational online games. They are a different approach to learning the content. I would revise a game if I feel it is not challenging enough or if it is too complex. The revisions will be based upon how I feel about the student. Based on the rubric, I would not want to assign a game I feel will be placed at a 1, which is an overall unsatisfactory rating which will show zero to no effectiveness.

While doing this project I was introduced to Wiggio, which is an online site that is, was designed for groups to interact when making decisions and meeting up. We used Wiggio to talk about the game, where to meet up, who would do and discuss what, and to send our work for review to each other. Wiggio messages also directly go to your email which is so convenient. I enjoyed using Wiggio and found it to be so helpful. There is also an app for it for smartphones. I have a feeling it is something I will be using more often for other projects.

                                                         References:

Shaffer, D. W., Halverson, R., Squire, K. R., & Gee, J. P. (2005). Video Games and the Future of Learning. WCER Working Paper No. 2005-4. Wisconsin Center for Education Research.

Gredler, M. E. (1996). 17. EDUCATIONAL GAMES AND SIMULATIONS: A TECHNOLOGY IN SEARCH OF A (RESEARCH) PARADIGM. Number, 39, 521-540.
Chicago

Educational Online Game

Dana Pablo

March 17, 2014

ED265-02

Educational Online Game

My group chose the game Purpy’s Shape, which is a game from the Sheppard’s Software website. It is a game designed for preschooler’s, which helps them to learn about both shapes and colors. They are able to differentiate what is shown with the game and can match the shapes and colors with the pictures shown. There are four levels that give different instructions on how to play the game. Overall the game is quite educational for the given ages it was designed for. When we tested it with one of our group member’s kids, we were able to find out that it was effective on their learning.

            Creating the rubric was quite hard because although we liked the game, there were some negatives to critique it. We based it on five criteria: Creativity, Knowledge Gained, Attractiveness, Accuracy of Content, and the Rules. Each of the criteria gained a “4” rating, except two. Knowledge Gained and the Rules. We gave the knowledge gained area a 3 because students playing the game would not be able to state all the facts. The rules got a 1 because there weren’t specific given rules for the child to follow, which makes it quite difficult. Overall though, we were able to rate the game as “very good” because we felt that it deserved that for being effective.

            I am going into Elementary Education and with the younger students’ having difficulties with identifying colors and shapes, this game would come in handy. I would much prefer it to be used for students in preschool to kindergarten though because it would be more beneficial at those ages. Technology has been advancing in the classroom and educational games are something I wish I were able to have more experience with growing up. According to an article on Doczine.com, “Developments in interactive games can produce guidelines on developing socially based microworlds, and character development in interactive environments.” This is a good thing because social media is a big thing now and it has many positive outcomes as well.

“Games and simulations are often referred to as experimental exercises because they provide unique opportunities for students to interact with a knowledge domain.” This is why I like the concept of using educational online games. They are a different approach to learning the content. I would revise a game if I feel it is not challenging enough or if it is too complex. The revisions will be based upon how I feel about the student. Based on the rubric, I would not want to assign a game I feel will be placed at a 1, which is an overall unsatisfactory rating which will show zero to no effectiveness.

While doing this project I was introduced to Wiggio, which is an online site that is, was designed for groups to interact when making decisions and meeting up. We used Wiggio to talk about the game, where to meet up, who would do and discuss what, and to send our work for review to each other. Wiggio messages also directly go to your email which is so convenient. I enjoyed using Wiggio and found it to be so helpful. There is also an app for it for smartphones. I have a feeling it is something I will be using more often for other projects.

                                                         References:

Shaffer, D. W., Halverson, R., Squire, K. R., & Gee, J. P. (2005). Video Games and the Future of Learning. WCER Working Paper No. 2005-4. Wisconsin Center for Education Research.

Gredler, M. E. (1996). 17. EDUCATIONAL GAMES AND SIMULATIONS: A TECHNOLOGY IN SEARCH OF A (RESEARCH) PARADIGM. Number, 39, 521-540.
Chicago

Intro

My name is Dana Pablo. I am 20 years old and I plan to major in Elementary Education. Education was always something I had wanted to do and I am excited to be learning many different things to help and benefit me as I continue to go into taking classes and planning my career. One of my favorite subjects is Literature. Aside from class assignments and essays, this blog will most likely also feature some of my interests having to do with certain books and art.