Review of Online Applications

Google Docs
Google Docs is a great way to share information with others through documents, spreadsheets, presentations and surveys.

The neat thing about using Google Docs in a class is that you don’t need to purchase Microsoft Office and each student does not need a Gmail account to access a document that you share. If you share the URL with your students, (use TinyURL.com to make a short URL that’s easier to type), the students can access the document all at the same time. The way I used Google Docs in class is to have the students go to a Google Doc where I’ve posted questions. The students are divided into groups of three to four students each and each group types in their short answers to the questions. As someone types, the other groups can see their postings. Groups are asked to come up with a different answer than what other groups have already submitted. With any online tool such as this, the information is saved on the host server (in this case, Google’s server) so confidential information would no longer be confidential. Anything that needs to be keep confidential should be saved on the school’s/organization’s own server (which Google Docs doesn't accommodate).

Using the spreadsheet option to create a survey is a great way to have individuals answer questions. Just create a new spreadsheet and click on “form” to create the survey. Enter your questions (choices are available for types of answers—multiple choice, yes/no, fill in the blank, etc.). There are templates to choose a design, or you can leave it very plain. To edit a question, click on the pencil by that question. You can also delete a question by clicking on the trash can next to the question. URLs to the surveys can be e-mailed to recipients or posted on a Web site. Once the survey is posted and individuals take the survey, the answers are submitted into a Google docs spreadsheet so it’s easy for the owner to tabulate the answers (survey takers cannot see the results). To show you how a survey looks, class members can take this survey.

SumoPaint
This image editor is very easy to use and you don't have to download a program--just use it online. The tools are very similar to other image editors though it has a lot more options than Paint (if anyone uses that program). Sumo was very easy to get around in and easy to understand. The one problem I found was that even though it asks which option to save as (sumo, png, jpg), the user still needs to type the extension after the name. If the extension is not typed in (such as .jpg after the name), the computer doesn’t understand that the file is an image. Since most programs will automatically add the extension to the name, this could trip up some students.

Google Sites

I have created a Web site through Google that links to resources for Web developers. Tutorials on Dreamweaver, Javascript and Cascading Style sheets are avialable. In addition, on each page is a Google Gadget that gives tips of the day or additional how-tos.

Using Online Concept Maps

This concept map was made through Bubbl.us.

Unfortunately, the guy doing the tutorial stole my idea :-) but I went ahead and created my concept map according to the Web development unit I am teaching. Students will develop their own Web sites. They need to have the following four pages.

1. The index, or homepage, will have a paragraph about WMU and a date.

2. The personal, or about, page will have their image, link to resume, e-mail link, and a paragraph explaining their creative choices.

3. The relevant links page will have 12 links, at least 6 to professional sites. They will need to add a short description about each site.

4. The Class projects page will show the work they have completed - PowerPoint, Excel, Video, and an image they created.

Using Jing and Screencast

This video tutorial shows how to create a new site using Dreamweaver CS5. My class will be creating personal Web pages using Dreamweaver CS5 and will need to take these steps whenever they plan to work on their pages in an open lab.

Excerpt from "The Tourist"

Enjoy this excerpt read by John Withee from his book "The Tourist"

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My Maps in Google Maps

This map shows students where the computer labs are on WMU's campus. Many students know of a couple of labs on campus and always use the same labs. Some will even wait in long lines at the end of the semester rather than going to a less-popular lab. This map would allow students to become more acquainted with other labs on campus.

In this trial map, all the labs on campus are not included, but it allows a tour of the labs most likely to be used by the students.

For class, I would have students take this tour so that they are familiar with the locations before they need to find a lab. I would also encourage them to use the labs (maybe a punch card?) so that they can see what the different labs offer and what hours they are available.

View Computer Labs Tour.

Podcasts

Once again we learn about a practical technology (podcasts) to use in teaching. I love it!

I am reviewing the podcast EdTech35: Flipping Out created by Brian Dvorak at www.edtech101.com. This podcast talks about teaching students 21st century learning skills--not only how to compose by text but to learn with multi-media.

Flipping Out discusses the Flip Video at www.theflip.com. I purchased this camera a few months ago (the basic version) and am using it in my classroom. I did not know about this podcast at that time. If you are considering purchasing video equipment for the classroom, you’ll want to listen to this review on The Flip!

FYI, two years ago when using a similar camera, there was no problem inserting the video into PowerPoint. This year the .avi files would not play correctly when inserted in PowerPoint and I had to use a video conversion program to turn the videos into MPEG1. However, it’s quick and easy to post these videos on YouTube.