Personal professional blogging

Hi All -

As you all will now have your own personal, professional blogs, and you are trying to figure out what they can be fore you, I wanted to share some examples and insights to inspire you and your creative use.

Using Ms. Frizzle’s blog (more of her more recent blogging is here) as an example of exceptional blogging by an urban, reform-minded science teacher, here are some ideas of ways you could design and use your blog. If you want to check out other examples, click on Ms. Frizzle’s blog and explore her “Blogroll” on the side… that will take you to many other teacher blogs.

Make it your own! Use it to connect all the things that contribute to your professional identity development! Have fun!

*April

Possible things to do with your posts:

Building community

• Sharing resources
• Mentoring
• Dialogging
• Connecting
• Encouraging

Focus on self

• Displaying competence
• Self-directing
• Sharing emotion
• Critiquing self

Exploring ideas and resources

• Critiquing
• Wrestling with dilemmas
• “Experimenting”
• Making connections across time (keywords, trackbacks)

Promoting a perspective

• “Ranting”
• Advocating
• Building awareness
• Stating a position

Miscellaneous

• Documenting or listing
• Rambling
• Reflecting

Ways you could do that stuff:

• poems – yours or others’
• “rants”
• photo galleries or a series of images that tell a chronological story
• kids quotes
• embedded links to other’s blog posts – do you know how to do that? ask!
• movies
• poll your readership (using a survey tool or just your comments)
• invite and nurture your readership (write to them directly, make your writing interesting and useful, consistently update, choose a few blogs to read and link to often, add people to YOUR blogroll, invite people in person to read and comment)

Possible things to write about:

Classroom focus

• Assessment
• Content
• Management
• Pedagogy
• Planning
• Students

Other professional activities

• Mentoring
• “School” work (making copies, department meetings, lab set-up)

Professional resources

• Blogging
• Web resources
• Community-building

Self

• Personal interests and adventures
• Connections to your history
• Self-as-learner
• Self-as-teacher

Global professional issues

• Education in general
• Urban issues
• Teaching profession
• Values
• Vision

Miscellaneous

• Stress
• “day-in-the-life”

Cultural Power and Science Education

I found the article for today very pertinent to my philosophy.  Working in the reserach field I mainly see men and a few women.  Why is that?  I feel that our society and culture has brought this on.  We have such a set image of what a scienctist is suppose to look like.  I think that that is one of the main reasons for me going the teaching route.  I have work with all male scienctist.  I think that our educational system needs to take an active role in getting females involved in science.  Also the culture of minorities should not be scrutinized when one is a teacher.  Just because a student presents her or himself as being from the “wrong side of the tracks” does not mean that they cannot have an interest in science.  We as educators must operate with our eyes wide open as well as with an open mind.

 

I found the task of coming up with our concept interviews a bit tricky.  We had to keep in mind in our group the age group that we were working with.  We needed to stay on track and not go off the path for fear of loosing the interest of our students.  We had to keep it real and pertinent to the students line of thinking.

WordPress and Blog Addresses

Hey everyone,

So here’s my little lesson on the addresses to your blog….if you mess with them, you blow up your blog.

But seriously, from the dashboard go to Settings on the right hand side.  It will open up the General tab.  On this tab are options to change your blog’s name and add a clever line below the name on your blog’s main page.

Right below the tagline section are two sections named WordPress address (URL) and Blog address (URL).  These addresses point to the server space that houses our blogs.  If you change them, this messes up the connection and you or anyone else are unable to access your blog.  Trust me, I did it.  I thought I could change the teacherthomasp name to something that I liked.  Fortunately, by screwing it up, whoever fixed it did change the server file information, so in the end I got what I wanted.  Maybe there is a legit way to do this???

Custom Image Headers

Thanks Chris!   I was trying to figure out where to put this information so I’m following your lead.

You can customize the look of your blog “home page” by changing the image in the header at the top of the page.   This is pretty easy to do with the following steps:

1. Log in or go to “Site Admin”
2. Click on “Design” on your dashboard
3. Click on “Custom Header Image” and you be able to browse your photos and pick one to upload
4. The next screen, which comes up automatically, lets you crop the photo to size it appropriately

A warning, some themes have the blog name and other information directly in the header so uploading a picture will take those off your blog unless you use other software to add the text to your picture.     In the custom header image screen, there is also a button to restore the default header so if you don’t like it, you can easily go back to where you were.

Blogging Tech Tips

Here are some tips on working with the our WordPress blogs.

• Widget troubles? If you go an choose a different “Theme” (log-in, go to “Design” and click any thumbnail) you might not realize that some themes have limited features. The main limit I have seen is that some themes don’t allow you to easily customize and move around your widgets. (Widgets are the sections of links, blogrool, recent posts, login link, etc. that appear in the sidebar of your blog. Dynamic Widgets refers to your ability to drag and drop the widgets to change their order and content – this is done by logging in, clicking “Design” then clicking “widgets”.) SO if you choose a Theme which doesn’t support dynamic widgets, you will see a message to that effect, once you choose a new theme and click “Widgets”. You can still change the widgets in themes that don’t support dynamic widgets, but it’s pretty involved – you have to edit the HTML and CSS by hand. So anyway, if you aren’t into HTML and CSS, choose a theme that supports dynamic widgets.
• FYI, you can change your theme anytime, and it will not erase your previous posts – it just puts a new skin on your entire blog (all posts, old and new).
• To modify the links in your blogroll: Log-in, click on “Manage”, then click on “Links” – this is where the links are that are in your blogroll widget.
• How to turn off the need for moderation (approval) in comments: Log-in, click on “Settings” (top right of page) and then click “Discussion” over on the left.
• If you want to put a link in a comment, you need to know a little bit of really simple HTML. Here’s an example of what the code looks like to make a link to Google:

Check out this cool search engine called

<a href=”http://www.google.com“>Google!</a>

Google Earth for Educators

Google Earth can be thought of as highly dense visual reference guide of the earth’s surface.  It provides an incredible amount of information at your fingertips. 

Basic Features

• Forms a complete map of the earth that you can interact with.   
• Images are formed by the superimposition of images obtained from satellite imagery, aerial photography, GIS 3D globe and 3D building rendering software.
• Allows you to view remotely geographic features, manmade structures, landmarks, etc.
• Allows you to set up waypoints
• Basic version is free and fine for most purposes. Google Earth Plus is available for $20 per year and   provides faster processing and a few extras. Google Earth Pro ($400 per year) is designed     for commercial use.

 

Basic Functions

• Navigation – Located at on the right side of the screen and is used to control views.
• Search – Located in the left window.   Can be used to find specific locations and directions by typing in an address or name.
• Places – Located in the left window. Used to save, organize and revisit placemark.  The “add content” button can be used to add files from the KML Gallery.
• Layers – Located in the left window. Provides the ability to view different geographical and geological information on earth depending on which boxes you check.
• For more detailed information on basic features click here

Key Features

• zoom in to view highly detailed images of a location
• terrain feature allows to you view 3D elevations of natural geographic features
• new 3D buildings feature allows you to view buildings more realistically         
• with the measurement tool students can measure surface distances (and areas with the upgraded version)
• with the sun and shadows feature students can visualize the effect of sunlight throughout the day.  This works when the entire globe is viewed (as from space) or at a specific location on the earth’s surface.
• street view allows students to obtain a view from the street as if they were actually there
• up-to-date location specific information is available for certain areas.  For example, traffic information, news events, weather, and even earthquake info. 

Affordances

• The aerial point of view allows students to gain a unique perspective and visualize connections between rivers, lakes, cities, streets, etc.
• Google Earth allows to students to view geographic features in 3D that they may previously have been able to only read about. Canyons, volcanoes, river basins, and glaciers are just some examples.
• Students may measure latitudes, longitudes, distances and areas first hand. It even allows comparisons between areas by overlaying them, for example I could compare the size of Lake Ontario to the size of Cuba
• Students will have access to information about a location through Google Earth (e.g. through links to Wikipedia, NY Times, Google Community, etc.).
• Google Earth has a number of data layers, which show data about a specific region, that students may view and learn from. For example some data layers include oil consumption, power generation, and military deployment (visit the KML Gallery to learn more).
• Students can visually experience Earth’s seasonality and how the earth spins.
• The ability to see astrological views is possible using the sky feature.  At this point it seems to be limited but will probably expand…within a few years it maybe Google Universe!!
• Google Earth is highly interactive and may allow for students to add their own findings to the Google database.
• Google Earth is just really cool!! It is a great attention grabber and can keep students interested.

 

Limitations

• Pictures are not in real time (some students don’t realize this).  However, most of the visual information presented is based on imagery gathered within the past year.  
• Some remote locations have less detailed imagery than others and high security areas (like Dick Cheney’s House) will appear unfocused. 
• Satellite images look cool but may be difficult to interpret.
• The interface can be kind of tricky and requires some time to get used to.
• Searching for some things maybe like finding a needle in a haystack.
• Google Earth also requires fast computers to use, some older machines (like those found in a lot of schools) will not be able to effectively run Google Earth.

 

Get Real! Science camp Applications

• Allows students to see an aerial view of the beach with respect to the Genesee River, pier and other major landmarks
• Students can visualize sample locations once in the process of developing a model and place a marker on their exact location
• Enables students to gain perspective on the geographic features related to the beachfront including the Genesee River.  For example, students could follow the path of the river from the U of R to the lake to gain a sense of perspective and distance based on landmarks they know.
• Gives an opportunity to visually explain the unique embayment feature of the waterfront in the Rochester area. 

 

Reminders and Warnings!!!

• The vast amount of information on Google Earth can seem overwhelming.  Determine objectives up front to keep students on tract.
• Step by step directions are important to minimize confusion.
• You may want to give a “warm up” demo to allow students to get comfortable with the program.
• Google Earth may not display recent changes that have occurred due to the time lapse between photography updates.
• It is very easy to get distracted while using Google Earth. It can be a toy as easily as a tool.
• Don’t forget about low-resolution areas; some areas may not be available due to security reasons and/or low population density.
• Monitor students; make sure they stay on task.

 

Useful Links

Google Lat Log Blog

Google Maps

Google Earth and Geoscience Education

Designing and creating earth science lessons with Google Earth 

 

Keynote

Which is the better and most efficient program, Keynote or Power Point?

Keynote, part of the iWork ’08 program for Macs, has everything students and teachers need to create and author well-designed and professional-looking presentations. For the student, as well as the teacher, music, photos, and movies can be inserted by dragging them from the Media Browser. Additional adjustments can be made directly on the slide. Keynote provides a collection of professionally designed themes, that each has their own selection of coordinated text, tables, and charts. One can easily pick a theme and the presentation opens with a title and is ready to go. The feature saves valuable class time. Below is a list of just some of the valuable features of this program. Take a look and explore this program using some of our how to use Keynotes notes and tutorials.
Benefits of Keynote over PowerPoint:

• Drop-down menus
• Transitions more unique transitions as well as choices
• Easy conversions (PP to Key) but will not go the reverse direction as well
• Hyperlinks – files, web pages, movies, slides, e-mail, etc
• Easier to move text and shapes
• Color choices
• Dials and sliders – feedback on changes
• Animation – inspector
How to use keynote:

• Open the program by clicking the icon at the bottom of the screen
• Choose a theme
• Click the master slide that meets your needs from the drop down menu
• Double click in text box or cursor
• Input information
• To get additional text boxes click text box icon
• To change font and size highlight text and then click font icon and choose
• To change font colors highlight text then click on color icon and choose from menu
• Click the plus button for a new slide
• Continue until presentation is complete
• Click view in top tool bar and scroll down to rehearse slide
• Then click view again and hit play slideshow
Extra features:

• Shapes
o To place a shape within a slide click shapes icon
o In drop down menu choose desired shape
o Clicking the shape on the slide and moving the small white boxes can adjust size of shape
• Tables
o For a table click on table icon and a nine square chart will show up
o Click desired box to add text
o Click and drag table to position it within the slide
o To adjust table size use table menu

• Charts and graphs
o Click chart icon and choose desire axis format from drop down menu
o Then a chart data editor appears to input axis values
o To edit chart go to chart menu. Here you are allowed to change data; colors; legends; 3-D image; axis and series

• Pictures, movies, sounds
o Click media icon
o Choose desired media from stored files
o Click and drag media to slide

• Inspector
o Click inspector to add transitions for slide; picture; and text
o Text; graphics; metrics; table; chart; hyperlinks; and quick time adjustments click on desired picture or text to adjust
o To add a hyperlink highlight object on slide and then click as enable hyperlink and choose desired link choice

Uses of Keynote for camp:

• Display models- Students can easily create models and then display them using Keynote. Music, photos, and movies can be inserted by dragging them from the Media Browser. Additional adjustments can be made directly on the slide. Keynote provides a collection of professionally designed themes, that each has their own selection of coordinated text, tables, and charts.
• Show procedures- Individuals can document their experimental procedures via digital technology by using Keynote’s pictures, movies, and sounds media center.
• Organize data-Students during summer camp can organize the data collected using keynote’s table and charts to enter their data into. Once data has been entered presentations can be created easily and made to look professional. In turn this data can be shared with fellow classmates and educators.
• Creative ways to present results- Just go hog wild. Students need to be allowed to play around with keynote to get a feel for what the program can do. There are just so many choices and variations. Students should be able to come up with a professional looking presentation that expresses their thought and ideas, as well as communicating them to others in a unique way.
• Assessment-Keynote can also be used as an assessment tool. At the beginning of a project, experiment or lesson students could be asked to prepare a presentation of their understanding. As the learning progresses the educator could ask for updated presentations form the students. Since keynote has the easy sharing capabilities this should be no problem. The educator then has a record of the student’ s progress that can be shared with the appropriate individuals.

Palms as Classroom Tools, Continued

Here are some links we found for apps that can be installed on Palms that are useful in the classroom:

http://www.versiontracker.com/palmos/

http://www.edteck.com/palm/software.htm

Palm Zire 72 Official Website

The PalmOne Zire 72: A Dying Breed

Basic Uses:

Specific functions on the main menu:

· Notepad: This function uses a “graffiti” style system, allowing the user to draw or type using the stylus

· Memos: This function allows the user to write messages to him/herself quickly and easily either through a patterning system using the stylus, or through a QUERTY keyboard

· Calculator: Allows the user to have full access to a calculator when needing to process numbers or data

· Calendar: Although typically used for personal organization, this can be utilized as a timetable for gathering data and observations

· HotSync: This allows the Palm to sync itself up to a computer host, which allows it to transfer settings and data easily

· Photos/Video Recorder: Allows the user to easily take and store videos or pictures. This is particularly useful in the field where observations can be quickly recorded

· Preferences: Allows the user to customize the Palm to fit their needs

· Voice Recorder: Allows user to record audio and save it. This is useful when recording observations in the field as well as notes to the user

As an Organizational Tool:

This form of technology was initially and predominantly used for personal organization in businesses. Users could store contacts, write themselves notes, and generally use the Palms to act as personal assistants. Today, with the rise of Blackberries and iPhones, this is becoming obsolete. However, in field work, the Palm can still be used as a solid tool mainly for recording and observing a variety of data. Furthermore, downloadable software is available that can allow a multitude of specific programs on the Palm, ranging from spreadsheet organizers to drop-down periodic tables. Ultimately, this can be used for a variety of lessons in the classroom, provided that the right programs are in place. They can also keep students organized in the same way they were meant to be used in businesses.

For Use at the GetReal! Science Camp:

Here, the Palms will function more in data collection and observation. Notes can be jotted down quickly using the stylus, and pictures and video can be recorded of procedures as well as observational data. Calculation of data (for instance bacterial counts on the petri dishes) can be done easily and efficiently using the calculator. Overall, these will be used mainly for field work than as a sort of representation of data.

Limitations of the Palms:

As mentioned before, the Palms are quickly becoming an outdated form of technology. The rise of smartphones (like the Blackberry or iPhone) have surpassed the Palm due to the number of available functions as well as the ease of use. Furthermore, the cost to keep these around is somewhat expensive considering that the niche they are occupying in the technological world is diminishing. Lastly, they are somewhat fragile and if broken, are difficult and costly to fix. In the classroom, they can be a distraction for the students who would rather play on the Palm than listen to the necessary directions of the educator.

Warnings of Use/Reminders for the Palms:

The most prominent limitation of the Palms is the battery level. If the screen is left on, it consumes a substantial amount of battery and so the use of Palm can be limited. On a full battery, the Palm gets approximately 24 hours of use, but when constantly using power, this number can fall. Furthermore, when syncing, a specific name must be used in order to link with other Palms or computers. If this is not done, data can be erased from the Palm. The stylus itself is also very small, flimsy, and breakable. It is very easy to lose or to break. Although the Palm can function without it, it does not do so nearly as efficiently and using it can become time consuming. The Palm itself is also somewhat fragile, as it has a large screen that can easily become broken if dropped. Due to its size and relative cost, it is also frequently a target of theft.

Classroom Blogs and Wikis

Please come on over to our Wiki to learn all about Classroom Blogs and Wikis.

Useful Utility: PureText

Here’s the link to the free PureText utility that was mentioned in class. It’s the kind of thing that you might not realize you need, and then you try it and you wonder how you ever got along without it. It’s very handy for getting text from Word or a web page into WordPress, with no formatting (which can sometimes make things messy/complicated.) It basically just strips the text formatting from whatever is in your clipboard at the moment.

“Have you ever copied some text from a web page or a document and then wanted to paste it as simple text into another application without getting all the formatting from the original source?”

PureText is Windows-only, but this blog post refers to a similar utility for the mac called PlainClip.

Hope this is useful.