Reference #2 Google Docs and Spreadsheets

Google Docs and spreadsheets is a tool that effectively invites collaborative engagement. One of the most important things for teachers to consider with group assignments is the medium in which members will contribute input. With this tool, group leaders can assign segments for each member to complete. Collaborative efforts thus can be seen through the use of this tool by periodically checking on a document. Once the document is under construction, teachers can easily access and note the progress. Sometimes students will procrastinate on the assignment. However, with access to projects, teachers can assess and make calls to what measures need to be taken for completion. Students and teachers benefit from this tool because it allows teachers accessibility and students the opportunity to work at their own pace without having to rely on one person to hold all the information.

Reference #1 Famundo

After reviewing 30 Boxes and Famundo, I have concluded that Famundo is the way to go. Initially, I thought that 30 Boxes was most appealing to the eye as well as to the student population, since it boasted its ability to connect to the infamous MySpace.com site. However, I have seen the light.

Famundo provides a multiple formatting systems capable of connecting families and organizations all together. It has an array of features beginning with an interactive calendar, shopping list, and reminders. It offers essential information to both parties and members have the ability to add to information or send messages to one another. The site is also one that does not require a downloaded version. It is simply accessible on the Internet just the way we check our emails. The program also parental control capabilities that ensure information transversed is not offending or inappropriate. Famundo also connects to email addresses like Yahoo.com and Microsoft Outlook Express. It is a beneficial tool that teachers can use to remind and message students outside of class as well as on the weekends.

Wikis makes waves!

Since the onset of this course, I had the feeling of (TIO) Technology Information Overload. However, once I set out to organize the assortment of tools for education into categories for teaching, I realized that my lessons can be more effective if I apply the appropriate tool.

As Victoria Davis stated, wikis serves as a "toolbelt" for organizing information in manageable formats that elicit a multitude of instructional philosophies, such as making connections with other materials based on relevance and applicability. She also addresses the educational aspect of the program that directs students to collaboratively engage in information presentations on specific topics.

According to Robert Brooks, Ph.D. nurturing student interest and having them produce information that they can call their own is vital in the learning process. He states that students have reported that teachers pay no mind to student-led discussions and topics. In order to bridge that gap, students must be able to take ownership of their work and align lessons accordingly.

Conceptualizing the Internet

Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach is a well-versed powerhouse in educational technology. Her attainments in the various levels of education help establish validity in her views on student learning and technology. Although her population of students in Alabama vary from ours, her drive is to provide pedagogical strategies with technology for low-income students. In addressing this particular group of students, it is obvious that instructional variables will make it harder to measure student achievement. But the overall message is to afford exposure so that they will enter the techno-world with some schemata.

Another aspect of Sheryl's interview that I found rather interesting was the metaphorical marriage of passion and rigor. This concept of bringing together student motivation and challenging tasks calls to mind a conference I attended a few weeks ago regarding Breaking Ranks II conducted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). NASSP focused on rigor as a very important aspect of student achievement. According to their theory, students who are challenged are motivated to learn. The segment on academic rigor highlights Sheryl's concept of challenging ALL students. Thus, providing students with technological tools, specifically students who do not have a home computer, will grant motivate them and challenge them to accomplish their tasks.

MOODLE me now!

This learning management system (LMS) makes life easier for teachers and students. The current trend in online-learning relies heavily on a program that is efficient, user-friendly, and appropriate for certain grade levels. As a student who has used the system in some courses, I know of its convenience and effectiveness. However, as an instructor, the set up can be quite time consuming. While manipulating MOODLE for my course outline, I found that it is not as simple as it appears. For instance, creating a quiz requires a far more extensive selection of formats than a tangible one. But with time and dedication, teachers can easily create effective courses for all students that will enhance collaboration, produce effective technological users, and facilitate coursework effectively.

I liked most of the applications on MOODLE such as creating online references, marking topics, and setting deadlines. It is effective for the most part, especially with providing important resources for each assignment. Movies, a syllabus, and more links are things that are easily added for viewer convenience. As a student, I am always wondering about my grade for an assignment and expectations for each one. So it is imperative that students have access to their grades, rubrics and resources regularly. With this system, a both students and teachers benefit.

At Idaho State University, MOODLE has been evaluated in detail. They have stamped it as their new system of choice to replace their current LMS. Visit this website to find out more about MOODLE and the results of their evaluation.
http://www.isu.edu/itrc/resources/moodle-info.shtml#final