Hi,
If you are looking for to connect with a classroom there is a site I have used before: http://www.epals.com/
The purpose of the site is to connect classrooms around the world. I have used it before and it is great. There are a lot of controls so communication can be monitored by teachers on both ends.
Check it out!
Andie
ePals.com has been successful!
I posted my request for a connection with another grade 3 classroom of English speakers anywhere in the world and in less than 12 hours I received a reply from a teacher in rural Australia who is interested in making a connection between our classes!
Now, I am really excited! Thanks again, Andie!
Gina
Monday, June 22, 2009
In-Service Reflection by Giina
Hi all,
I had a good experience overall with my in-service presentation today on Creating a Class Blog. I had 9 teachers attend, 8 from my school and 1 from a neighbouring school. They were all very interested in knowing that they would walk out with a class blog set-up and ready to go.
Setting up the hardware is always the challenge for me. Fortunately, my VP was able to show me how to do that and help me with the set-up. I think I have learned how to do that for myself in the future which in itself is a big learning curve for me.
As for the presentation itself, I found that the ppt slide handouts came in very handy. This was especially so because I had teachers of varying computer abilities at the workshop. I started off using the presentation as the focus, one slide at a time discussing the concepts and explaining them in more detail. This worked until we began the actual creating a blog part of the presentation. At this point, teachers with less experience lagged behind their colleagues in getting through the page by page set-up. I was able to help them individually while the stronger teachers moved ahead on their own. This went on for a while until I realized I had to pull the focus back to the presentation and make sure everyone was on the same page so to speak.
I learned that I have to be flexible during a hands-on presentation like this because things don't go exactly as planned and you can't anticipate all the obstacles that will arise. My presentation was strong in that I felt very confident with my knowledge of the material and with my presentation skills. My colleagues were happy that it was a practical workshop where they spent the hour actually creating the blog and getting it set-up and ready to go for their students. Some of them however, went ahead to pages I had never seen before and I readily admitted that to them and got them to go back to the "dashboard" in Blogger in order to re-direct them to the presentation outline. I was also flexible as teachers asked questions, I changed my approach and went to my own class blog to demonstrate where to go to add widgets, redesign the layout, etc.
In the future, I think I could improve on explaining how students can leave comments on the blog. I went over that in the end but a few had to leave and didn't learn that piece as it was also not in the handout. I was fortunate that a few teachers had created their Google accounts in advance. The ones who didn't had some difficulty setting them up for various reasons and that took up extra time.
Overall, I am very pleased with the results of the in-service and also I am feeling proud that from only one class blog in my school of 800 students, there are now at least 9! I will be following up with my colleagues in the next week to see if they need any help in setting up their students to access the blog or making any changes to their blog.
Gina:)
I had a good experience overall with my in-service presentation today on Creating a Class Blog. I had 9 teachers attend, 8 from my school and 1 from a neighbouring school. They were all very interested in knowing that they would walk out with a class blog set-up and ready to go.
Setting up the hardware is always the challenge for me. Fortunately, my VP was able to show me how to do that and help me with the set-up. I think I have learned how to do that for myself in the future which in itself is a big learning curve for me.
As for the presentation itself, I found that the ppt slide handouts came in very handy. This was especially so because I had teachers of varying computer abilities at the workshop. I started off using the presentation as the focus, one slide at a time discussing the concepts and explaining them in more detail. This worked until we began the actual creating a blog part of the presentation. At this point, teachers with less experience lagged behind their colleagues in getting through the page by page set-up. I was able to help them individually while the stronger teachers moved ahead on their own. This went on for a while until I realized I had to pull the focus back to the presentation and make sure everyone was on the same page so to speak.
I learned that I have to be flexible during a hands-on presentation like this because things don't go exactly as planned and you can't anticipate all the obstacles that will arise. My presentation was strong in that I felt very confident with my knowledge of the material and with my presentation skills. My colleagues were happy that it was a practical workshop where they spent the hour actually creating the blog and getting it set-up and ready to go for their students. Some of them however, went ahead to pages I had never seen before and I readily admitted that to them and got them to go back to the "dashboard" in Blogger in order to re-direct them to the presentation outline. I was also flexible as teachers asked questions, I changed my approach and went to my own class blog to demonstrate where to go to add widgets, redesign the layout, etc.
In the future, I think I could improve on explaining how students can leave comments on the blog. I went over that in the end but a few had to leave and didn't learn that piece as it was also not in the handout. I was fortunate that a few teachers had created their Google accounts in advance. The ones who didn't had some difficulty setting them up for various reasons and that took up extra time.
Overall, I am very pleased with the results of the in-service and also I am feeling proud that from only one class blog in my school of 800 students, there are now at least 9! I will be following up with my colleagues in the next week to see if they need any help in setting up their students to access the blog or making any changes to their blog.
Gina:)
Sample Wiki by teacher
Hi,
Looks good to me!
Here is a wiki my sister's friend, who is in teacher's college in BC, did with her class.
http://queensburybighouse.wikispaces.com/
Andie
Re: THE ASSIGNMENT - GEORGINA (May 12, 2009 9:28 PM) Reply
Thanks Andie!
This wiki is amazing! I didn't realize you could add do many pages, pictures, videos etc.
I think this teacher has a good set up. It looks like she posted the questions/heading for each student's page and they just went in and were able to answer each part individually.
Very interesting!
Gina:)
Looks good to me!
Here is a wiki my sister's friend, who is in teacher's college in BC, did with her class.
http://queensburybighouse.wikispaces.com/
Andie
Re: THE ASSIGNMENT - GEORGINA (May 12, 2009 9:28 PM) Reply
Thanks Andie!
This wiki is amazing! I didn't realize you could add do many pages, pictures, videos etc.
I think this teacher has a good set up. It looks like she posted the questions/heading for each student's page and they just went in and were able to answer each part individually.
Very interesting!
Gina:)
Transforming Classroom Practice - New Text
Ladies, here's a book I came across the other day.
Transforming Classroom Practice
Progessional Development Strategies in Educational Technology
Edited by Arlene Borthwick and Melissa Pierson, Published 2008
It is definitely a heavier read than Web 2.0, but if you are thinking of using your new Specialist designation to move into an administrative position, this guide might be very helpful.
The book discusses professional development programs that have demonstrated long-term success. The emphasis is on programs that expand teachers' knowledge, skill and confidence in using technology tools in teaching.
You can purchase the book through International Society for Technology in Education... the same people who published Web 2.0.
Just what you wanted... a good book for the summer. :-)
George
Transforming Classroom Practice
Progessional Development Strategies in Educational Technology
Edited by Arlene Borthwick and Melissa Pierson, Published 2008
It is definitely a heavier read than Web 2.0, but if you are thinking of using your new Specialist designation to move into an administrative position, this guide might be very helpful.
The book discusses professional development programs that have demonstrated long-term success. The emphasis is on programs that expand teachers' knowledge, skill and confidence in using technology tools in teaching.
You can purchase the book through International Society for Technology in Education... the same people who published Web 2.0.
Just what you wanted... a good book for the summer. :-)
George
Webinars
Hi Susan,
I whole-heartedly agree with your comments. Technology is definitely a student motivator and I also agree with the premise of Web 2.0 new tools,new schools.
One of the new tools you mentioned are the webinars. I think that would be an awesome way to reach moe teachers who otherwise may not be able to attend an inservice in person. Can you tell us more about how you would create/conduct a webinar? I've never seen one but it sounds fascinating!
I'm applying to be my school's Technology Lead Teacher next year so I can use all the insight that I can get! lol
Gina :^)
Hey Everyone.
It's been an awesome few months. Thanks for all the insightful assigments that you each posted. I've learned so much. George thanks for pushing us to strive for greatness, while still giving us the opportunity to soar with our creativity. Have a wonderful summer, enjoy every moment of sunshine possible.
p.s. Gina -- the program for creating webinars that my school uses is Adobe Connects Pro. Check it out.
Take care and hopefully our paths will cross again in the future.
I whole-heartedly agree with your comments. Technology is definitely a student motivator and I also agree with the premise of Web 2.0 new tools,new schools.
One of the new tools you mentioned are the webinars. I think that would be an awesome way to reach moe teachers who otherwise may not be able to attend an inservice in person. Can you tell us more about how you would create/conduct a webinar? I've never seen one but it sounds fascinating!
I'm applying to be my school's Technology Lead Teacher next year so I can use all the insight that I can get! lol
Gina :^)
Hey Everyone.
It's been an awesome few months. Thanks for all the insightful assigments that you each posted. I've learned so much. George thanks for pushing us to strive for greatness, while still giving us the opportunity to soar with our creativity. Have a wonderful summer, enjoy every moment of sunshine possible.
p.s. Gina -- the program for creating webinars that my school uses is Adobe Connects Pro. Check it out.
Take care and hopefully our paths will cross again in the future.
Response to Wiki Assignment Comments
Hello all,
Here is my response to some of your comments, George.
"The authors believe that traditional schooling is no longer enough to educate our youth for the future. As a result, educators must adapt and incorporate new strategies and new tools for teaching and learning. DO YOU AGREE?"
Yes, I do agree. I don't believe traditional schooling is enough anymore. Afterall, we don't live in a traditional world and our society is everchanging along with technology. I think students today need to use tools of the times which means incorporating a lot of technology in their learning.
"HAS THIS COURSE HELPED YOU BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THESE WEB FEATURES? "
This course has definitely helped me become better versed in some of the web 2.0 tools. The text we have read is a resource for me to explore further. I would like to learn how to create, manipulate and use videos/podcasts in things like blogs and wikis. I think much of this learning will have to be hands on, trial and error.
"and are more motivated to learn how to write more responsibly, accurately and clearly. DOES MOTIVATION INCREASE BECAUSE THE AUDIENCE INCREASES? "
I think motivation increases for severla reasons. Firstly, the audience increases to include their peers and family on an ongoing basis as the blog can be accessed from anywhere by anyone. I also think that for many students, the use of the keyboard helps them overcome some of the obstacles to writing and also makes it a more enjoyable process for them.
"FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE, ARE THEY BEING GOOD LEADERS IN THIS AREA?"
I think administrators are doing the best they can just like teachers. There is such an overwhelming volume of issues and tasks that must be addressed by an administrator that I think things like technology are not often put to the forefront of the agenda. Technology changes so quickly that it is difficult to keep abreast of all the new tools such as those in web 2.0. Perhaps administrators need to provide more support and encouragement for teachers with these skills to get involved in providing leadership in technology in schools.
Gina:)
Re: THE COMPLETED REPORT - George (Jun 1, 2009 8:42 PM) Reply
I think administrators are doing the best they can just like teachers. There is such an overwhelming volume of issues and tasks that must be addressed by an administrator that I think things like technology are not often put to the forefront of the agenda.
When I was instructing Parts 1 and 2, I secretly (sometimes I think it was obvious) kept my old views that technology was a useful tool, but it really did not make a big difference in the learning environmnet.
Since starting the Part 3 courses I have changed my opinions. The submissions I have received and the books I have read, have convinced me that, with the proper approach to technology, teaching strategies can be improved to the point that the learning environment significantly improves.
I will always believe that the teacher's inviting approach is paramount. Accepted students, doing interesting assignments means that learning will occur.
Once that is established, what is second in importance? Could it be that technology is next in line? And, if technology is number 2 in importance, should we excuse administrators when "...things like technology are not often put to the forefront of the agenda."?
When I say "administrators," I am not referring to only principals and vice-principals (Kelly :-) ). Perhaps the problem lies with the supervisory officers who give P's and VP's the "tasks that must be addressed by an administrator "
Here are some of my answers to the discussion questions:
HOW CAN EDUCATION EVER PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE, WHEN THE EDUCATORS DO NOT KNOW WHAT THAT FUTURE WILL BE?
Although we do not have psychic abilities, we can hypothesize the trends of the future. Most of us have seen a shift in technology from having old clunky computers that take up the whole room to computers that can fit onto the palm of our hands. The change is fast but predictable. All we need to do as educators is open our eyes to the new tools available and open our minds and hearts to learning these new tricks. While we cannot see everything in the future, we can teach our students to be technology literate citizens who are able to be LEARN new skills and adapt their knowledge to the challenges of the future.
HAS THIS COURSE HELPED YOU BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THESE WEB FEATURES?
I have to admit that this course has given me knowledge to the vast tools available to us. Parts 1 and 2 have introduced me to a lot, but Part 3 almost forced me to learn much more about the tools. Reading the Web 2.0 book has really opened my eyes. I am more open to trying new tools inside and outside the classroom. When things happen in my personal life and technology is required, the tools in the book come to mind. I quickly grab my Web 2.0 book and see which tools can help me accomplish my task!
DO WE NEED TECHNOLOGY TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY AND TO HAVE PROJECT-BASED LEARNING?
While I don’t think technology is an absolute must to work collaboratively (after all, we all went to school and completed group projects without the need for technology) I think it greatly enhances the product and it makes collaboration much easier and more fun. A few decades ago, our online book report would never have materialized. Today, it’s becoming the norm.
DO TEACHERS HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER THE SOFTWARE THAT IS AVAILABLE, OR ARE ALL DECISIONS MADE BY TECH ADMINISTRATORS AND THEN INSTALLED ON NETWORKS?
I feel that teachers have more control than they think. For example, we recently had an e-mail from our principal with a list of software that is being installed on our school networks. Teachers are invited to add to the list and make requests for software that was not previously on our network. All we need to do is email the name of the software to our Computer Resource person. A lot of teachers simply chose to delete the email or take no action. I feel that it is just as easy to hit the reply button and make a request for some needed software. Our Administrators and our Computer Resource person have always welcomed our requests. Teachers just need to take action.
Cindy
My views and reflections to George's Questions:
The authors believe that traditional schooling is no longer enough to educate our youth for the future. As a result, educators must adapt and incorporate new strategies and new tools for teaching and learning. DO YOU AGREE?
I agree whole heartedly. In many of the resources that I have been reading, it is increasingly becoming evident that our students are multi taskers and require educators to become so as well. In watching the youtube video called “Shift Happens” you realize how much education has changed. In reading Web 2.0 I was appalled at some of the dates. The book was published in 2007, we are already 2 years behind in many of these technologies and yet we, their educators should be preparing the students for the future.
The authors note that students spend a great deal of time engaged in the use of technology, but much of this occurs outside of the school setting. As it is a natural motivator for students, it can be a powerful tool in the classroom, IS TECHNOLOGY A MOTIVATOR, OR IS IT JUST THE EXPECTED WORLD OF TODAY’S YOUTH?
Technology is a great motivator. My students in kindergarten get bored of singing the alphabet song or using flash cards to learn letters of the alphabet or number sets. However as soon as I turn the technology on, sometimes just using flash cards on the smartboard and suddenly I have 20 engaged students, all vying for a turn to participate. I think technology is a great tool, it will not replace the teacher, but it certainly exposes students to tools inside the school where teachers can direct their learning.
HAS THIS COURSE HELPED YOU BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THESE WEB FEATURES?
I have to admit that this course and especially the book Web 2.0 book has opened my eyes to technology that I was not even aware of, such as open source programs, moodles, google docs. I teach in a technology showcase school and I thought wow--- there is still so much out there that I wasn’t even aware of existing. This course has enabled me to grow as a teacher and presenter. I feel quite comfortable presenting to the various guests that visit our school, helping fellow teachers is fulfilling and most of all I actually want to read professional books/journals that pertain to technology. I am now reading a book called Laptops and Literacy by Mark Warschauer, which is fascinating too.
DID YOU THINK OF ANYTHING DIFFERENT FOR YOUR IN-SERVICE? ARE THERE OTHER ALTERNATIVES?
In reflection of my inservice I feel that I could have easily created a video podcast and add it to our board website and my own school webpage. Also another option would be to host a live webinar. This is definitely something I am interested in doing, and will most likely do in the new school year.
Susan
Here is my response to some of your comments, George.
"The authors believe that traditional schooling is no longer enough to educate our youth for the future. As a result, educators must adapt and incorporate new strategies and new tools for teaching and learning. DO YOU AGREE?"
Yes, I do agree. I don't believe traditional schooling is enough anymore. Afterall, we don't live in a traditional world and our society is everchanging along with technology. I think students today need to use tools of the times which means incorporating a lot of technology in their learning.
"HAS THIS COURSE HELPED YOU BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THESE WEB FEATURES? "
This course has definitely helped me become better versed in some of the web 2.0 tools. The text we have read is a resource for me to explore further. I would like to learn how to create, manipulate and use videos/podcasts in things like blogs and wikis. I think much of this learning will have to be hands on, trial and error.
"and are more motivated to learn how to write more responsibly, accurately and clearly. DOES MOTIVATION INCREASE BECAUSE THE AUDIENCE INCREASES? "
I think motivation increases for severla reasons. Firstly, the audience increases to include their peers and family on an ongoing basis as the blog can be accessed from anywhere by anyone. I also think that for many students, the use of the keyboard helps them overcome some of the obstacles to writing and also makes it a more enjoyable process for them.
"FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE, ARE THEY BEING GOOD LEADERS IN THIS AREA?"
Gina:)
Re: THE COMPLETED REPORT - George (Jun 1, 2009 8:42 PM) Reply
I think administrators are doing the best they can just like teachers. There is such an overwhelming volume of issues and tasks that must be addressed by an administrator that I think things like technology are not often put to the forefront of the agenda.
When I was instructing Parts 1 and 2, I secretly (sometimes I think it was obvious) kept my old views that technology was a useful tool, but it really did not make a big difference in the learning environmnet.
Since starting the Part 3 courses I have changed my opinions. The submissions I have received and the books I have read, have convinced me that, with the proper approach to technology, teaching strategies can be improved to the point that the learning environment significantly improves.
I will always believe that the teacher's inviting approach is paramount. Accepted students, doing interesting assignments means that learning will occur.
Once that is established, what is second in importance? Could it be that technology is next in line? And, if technology is number 2 in importance, should we excuse administrators when "...things like technology are not often put to the forefront of the agenda."?
When I say "administrators," I am not referring to only principals and vice-principals (Kelly :-) ). Perhaps the problem lies with the supervisory officers who give P's and VP's the "tasks that must be addressed by an administrator "
Here are some of my answers to the discussion questions:
HOW CAN EDUCATION EVER PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE, WHEN THE EDUCATORS DO NOT KNOW WHAT THAT FUTURE WILL BE?
Although we do not have psychic abilities, we can hypothesize the trends of the future. Most of us have seen a shift in technology from having old clunky computers that take up the whole room to computers that can fit onto the palm of our hands. The change is fast but predictable. All we need to do as educators is open our eyes to the new tools available and open our minds and hearts to learning these new tricks. While we cannot see everything in the future, we can teach our students to be technology literate citizens who are able to be LEARN new skills and adapt their knowledge to the challenges of the future.
HAS THIS COURSE HELPED YOU BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THESE WEB FEATURES?
I have to admit that this course has given me knowledge to the vast tools available to us. Parts 1 and 2 have introduced me to a lot, but Part 3 almost forced me to learn much more about the tools. Reading the Web 2.0 book has really opened my eyes. I am more open to trying new tools inside and outside the classroom. When things happen in my personal life and technology is required, the tools in the book come to mind. I quickly grab my Web 2.0 book and see which tools can help me accomplish my task!
DO WE NEED TECHNOLOGY TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY AND TO HAVE PROJECT-BASED LEARNING?
While I don’t think technology is an absolute must to work collaboratively (after all, we all went to school and completed group projects without the need for technology) I think it greatly enhances the product and it makes collaboration much easier and more fun. A few decades ago, our online book report would never have materialized. Today, it’s becoming the norm.
DO TEACHERS HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER THE SOFTWARE THAT IS AVAILABLE, OR ARE ALL DECISIONS MADE BY TECH ADMINISTRATORS AND THEN INSTALLED ON NETWORKS?
I feel that teachers have more control than they think. For example, we recently had an e-mail from our principal with a list of software that is being installed on our school networks. Teachers are invited to add to the list and make requests for software that was not previously on our network. All we need to do is email the name of the software to our Computer Resource person. A lot of teachers simply chose to delete the email or take no action. I feel that it is just as easy to hit the reply button and make a request for some needed software. Our Administrators and our Computer Resource person have always welcomed our requests. Teachers just need to take action.
Cindy
My views and reflections to George's Questions:
The authors believe that traditional schooling is no longer enough to educate our youth for the future. As a result, educators must adapt and incorporate new strategies and new tools for teaching and learning. DO YOU AGREE?
I agree whole heartedly. In many of the resources that I have been reading, it is increasingly becoming evident that our students are multi taskers and require educators to become so as well. In watching the youtube video called “Shift Happens” you realize how much education has changed. In reading Web 2.0 I was appalled at some of the dates. The book was published in 2007, we are already 2 years behind in many of these technologies and yet we, their educators should be preparing the students for the future.
The authors note that students spend a great deal of time engaged in the use of technology, but much of this occurs outside of the school setting. As it is a natural motivator for students, it can be a powerful tool in the classroom, IS TECHNOLOGY A MOTIVATOR, OR IS IT JUST THE EXPECTED WORLD OF TODAY’S YOUTH?
Technology is a great motivator. My students in kindergarten get bored of singing the alphabet song or using flash cards to learn letters of the alphabet or number sets. However as soon as I turn the technology on, sometimes just using flash cards on the smartboard and suddenly I have 20 engaged students, all vying for a turn to participate. I think technology is a great tool, it will not replace the teacher, but it certainly exposes students to tools inside the school where teachers can direct their learning.
HAS THIS COURSE HELPED YOU BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THESE WEB FEATURES?
I have to admit that this course and especially the book Web 2.0 book has opened my eyes to technology that I was not even aware of, such as open source programs, moodles, google docs. I teach in a technology showcase school and I thought wow--- there is still so much out there that I wasn’t even aware of existing. This course has enabled me to grow as a teacher and presenter. I feel quite comfortable presenting to the various guests that visit our school, helping fellow teachers is fulfilling and most of all I actually want to read professional books/journals that pertain to technology. I am now reading a book called Laptops and Literacy by Mark Warschauer, which is fascinating too.
DID YOU THINK OF ANYTHING DIFFERENT FOR YOUR IN-SERVICE? ARE THERE OTHER ALTERNATIVES?
In reflection of my inservice I feel that I could have easily created a video podcast and add it to our board website and my own school webpage. Also another option would be to host a live webinar. This is definitely something I am interested in doing, and will most likely do in the new school year.
Susan
Submission Readibility Link
I do love your book report. Even more so, I have loved 'watching' you work on it. Your 'conversation' has been interesting as you sorted out who would do what and when. Everyone was prompt in their participation.
I was a bit amused to watch you start. Every other time, the groups have had men and women. Each and every time, it was one of the women who jumped in and started the writing. Then she would tell the men to get involved. With no men to tell what to do, were you a bit hesitant to start? LOL... just an observation and a question. :-)
There is one small problem and I know you don't want to hear that... sorry.
My original post, describing the assignment, asked for a 1500 word book report. You have submitted 2600 words. (Do you know that both Word and Word Perfect tell you the number of words in a document?)
If there is any consolation in this, I will say that I have used wikis four times for book reports. Each time the groups wrote about 2500 words. The tough task was always in editting that down to 1500.
You're right in thinking I could just read what you have done. In fact I have done that and it is very good. However, I would like you to try and do some more editting. The whole idea of the wiki in business and research is that information can be presented and then it can be rehashed over and over. For us, the editting is the rehashing.
I will tell you that I have read many essays and book reports since I started doing AQ courses. I often think about the readability of the submission. Usually, teacher submissions are written at a grade 8 or 9 readability level. Would you believe that your submission is at grade 13 level! I have never seen anything submitted with such a high readability score. I am impressed!!
If you would ever like to check your own work or student work go to:
http://www.standards-schmandards.com/exhibits/rix/index.php
There are other sites, but that one is the easiest to use.
For your interest and my shame, these comments are at a grade 7 level. :-(
George
Thanks for the compliments, George, I agree, 2600 words is a little off from 1500! lol
I'm not sure how to check that on the wiki. I suppose we could cut and past to word and then do the word count.
Ladies, I've gone back and edited the intro and chapters 7 & 8. I tried to reduce the chapters by almost half since we are almost double the amount of words required. It was a bit challenging to do but must be done!
I suggest everyone goes back to pare down their own sections and then we can go ahead and edit again according to the same plan as last time.
Good luck!
Gina:)
Gina, I don't think you can do a word count in the wiki. I did as you suggested... copy and pasted into Word.
I'll give you a little 'heads-up.' When the report has been edited, I will copy and paste it again, to do a Grammar/Spelling check. The checker in Word is ok, but I always think WordPerfect has a better Grammar check. I have both on my computer and often run both checkers on a document.
George
Kelly, Andie, Cindy, Susan and Gina
Ladies, you have done an awesome job on the Book Report. It reads very smoothly and certainly covers the main points of the book. I'm very impressed.
I did the grammar/spelling checks with MS Word and WordPerfect. They both suggested some minor changes. They were things like... change text, to text; , change cyberbullying to cyber bullying , make media based into media-based and change business and economic world has to business and economic worlds have. Certainly none were serious errors and some I was not convinced were proper changes.
I also have another readability site you can use. It was the one I wanted to show you earlier, but I couldn't find it. Now, I hesitate a bit because it doesn't give your submission quite as high a score, but it is a better site, so here goes.
http://bluecentauri.com/tools/writer/sample.php
Your collaborative efforts are definitely worth a full 10 / 10.
In the Attachment you will find your work with some points highlighted and some questions that could be 'discussed.'
George
I was a bit amused to watch you start. Every other time, the groups have had men and women. Each and every time, it was one of the women who jumped in and started the writing. Then she would tell the men to get involved. With no men to tell what to do, were you a bit hesitant to start? LOL... just an observation and a question. :-)
There is one small problem and I know you don't want to hear that... sorry.
My original post, describing the assignment, asked for a 1500 word book report. You have submitted 2600 words. (Do you know that both Word and Word Perfect tell you the number of words in a document?)
If there is any consolation in this, I will say that I have used wikis four times for book reports. Each time the groups wrote about 2500 words. The tough task was always in editting that down to 1500.
You're right in thinking I could just read what you have done. In fact I have done that and it is very good. However, I would like you to try and do some more editting. The whole idea of the wiki in business and research is that information can be presented and then it can be rehashed over and over. For us, the editting is the rehashing.
I will tell you that I have read many essays and book reports since I started doing AQ courses. I often think about the readability of the submission. Usually, teacher submissions are written at a grade 8 or 9 readability level. Would you believe that your submission is at grade 13 level! I have never seen anything submitted with such a high readability score. I am impressed!!
If you would ever like to check your own work or student work go to:
http://www.standards-schmandards.com/exhibits/rix/index.php
There are other sites, but that one is the easiest to use.
For your interest and my shame, these comments are at a grade 7 level. :-(
George
Thanks for the compliments, George, I agree, 2600 words is a little off from 1500! lol
I'm not sure how to check that on the wiki. I suppose we could cut and past to word and then do the word count.
Ladies, I've gone back and edited the intro and chapters 7 & 8. I tried to reduce the chapters by almost half since we are almost double the amount of words required. It was a bit challenging to do but must be done!
I suggest everyone goes back to pare down their own sections and then we can go ahead and edit again according to the same plan as last time.
Good luck!
Gina:)
Gina, I don't think you can do a word count in the wiki. I did as you suggested... copy and pasted into Word.
I'll give you a little 'heads-up.' When the report has been edited, I will copy and paste it again, to do a Grammar/Spelling check. The checker in Word is ok, but I always think WordPerfect has a better Grammar check. I have both on my computer and often run both checkers on a document.
George
Kelly, Andie, Cindy, Susan and Gina
Ladies, you have done an awesome job on the Book Report. It reads very smoothly and certainly covers the main points of the book. I'm very impressed.
I did the grammar/spelling checks with MS Word and WordPerfect. They both suggested some minor changes. They were things like... change text, to text; , change cyberbullying to cyber bullying , make media based into media-based and change business and economic world has to business and economic worlds have. Certainly none were serious errors and some I was not convinced were proper changes.
I also have another readability site you can use. It was the one I wanted to show you earlier, but I couldn't find it. Now, I hesitate a bit because it doesn't give your submission quite as high a score, but it is a better site, so here goes.
http://bluecentauri.com/tools/writer/sample.php
Your collaborative efforts are definitely worth a full 10 / 10.
In the Attachment you will find your work with some points highlighted and some questions that could be 'discussed.'
George
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