Using Diagrams and Webs for Classroom Learning

Webs and Diagrams can be very important in learning new thought processes. Many software programs have the capability of creating Diagrams and related outlines. The latest version of Word allows for creation of diagrams and corresponding outlines. I have created one as a hand out for my 355 UTK class using Word 8. This had the same capabilities as the flashier Inspiration software package with out the complications of uploading, viewing, and linking non-standard formats. Once you have created your outline and diagram you can save them as a PDF and upload the file to google documents easily. I have created a diagram about Acid and Base determination using Inspiration, but the saved files are did not link well. To upload my Inspiration file, I first tried to transfer it to a Word 8 file. This did not allow for transferral of the image, only the outline. To upload the image I had to export the Inspiration file as a .jpg file and insert using the image linkage function. I was not able to link the files directly from google documents easily. I had to insert the links as image files in accepted image formats and just link an open shared .pdf for the blog to accept it. Once again technology can be frustrating. Take time to pull your hair, stomp your feet, or growl. I am sure you have had at least one technology burp today.

This is the inspiration product on Acid and Base identification:



Using Word you can generate a diagram outline as easily as you can in Inspiration. This opens up the capability of creating two types of notes for students that learn via different methods. More visual and graphical learners can benefit from diagrams and webs. Others may be distracted by the figure and prefer just text. Software like Word and Inspiration both can be great tools for conveying information to your students and colleagues. A link to my Word 8 generated outline and diagram follows:

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B9S3ROI0XNNRNTc2NjAyOTktNjQwZC00ZmJjLTkxYTEtZDYwNDAyMDk4ZDAx&hl=en

Reliability of Technology

Technology when it works can enable anyone with the knowledge to use it, but when it fails it can be the ultimate frustration source. The big “M” suite, (You know the software package responsible for the dreaded blue screens), and its lack of stability is a constant annoyance. I have had the best relationship with the shareware office suite, Open Office. This I would share with anyone that cannot afford the more expensive software packages. It may not have all the bells and whistles of its commercial counterparts, but it covers the basic needs and will not die in the middle of a project. Adobe Photoshop Elements crashing on me 7 times in the last 15 minutes has inspired this mini-rant on technological reliability.

Given that things break and chaos happens we need to be prepared in the case our instructional technological wonder flops. Follow the girl or boy scout always be prepared, so have a low tech back up at all times.

Creating a Google Photo Presentation

This was a whirl wind process of gathering images via different technological media and consolidating them into a uniform format for presentation. Google software and media were mainly responsible for the completion of the project. The images were collected via my digital camera, screen captured, scanned image capture, web free image capture, and free clip art capture.

These images were then uploaded into Google Picasa for collection. The images were modified into a 92 dpi format using Photoshop. This was the most annoying portion of our assignment. Photoshop preferred to sleep "CRASH" rather than work. Once the images were altered Google documents was used to create a presentation that was then linked to my blog. Overall Google shareware has been stable and easy to use. Other software is not always guaranteed to have been through finishing school and use its manners.

Technology in the classroom is it just to be Paper Free.

I have been in many classes that praise their technological advanced in education. The main thing they all have in common is the teacher will use shared power point slide shows to keep notes “Paper Free” and students use a Word Processor to submit their assignments. Is this a truly advanced use of technology? I think it is great to be paperless, but that there is more to incorporating technology than making students use digital notebooks. We need to teach students to think and research critically, not just type versus write their notes.

Are Calculators a Handicap?

Technology can be a means to enable people, but it can also hinder people. Today I encountered a pet peeve during my High School field service observation. Students were unwilling or unable to do simple stoichiometric mathematics with out a calculator. The students were appalled that I would expect them to complete simple addition facts and multiplication facts with simple brainpower. I feel it is essential to keep our brains active and alert. In order to do this I feel students should not be totally dependent on their calculators. I was even more appalled to find out that my first grader and his classmates have been given calculators to use on their math assignments. This is an excessive use of calculators when students should be developing their brain muscle not encouraging it to atrophy. At least my son tells me he would rather do his math with his head because it is quicker.

Am I too hard a teacher to expect my students to be able to multiply to twenty in their head, or add atomic masses together quickly? Yes a calculator can do it, but I can do it in my head quicker than I can type it into my calculator. I truly feel that students are becoming too dependent on calculators. I will insist that parts of my students’ exams are completely with out the aide of a calculator.