Ms. Lauren Muller
One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.
-Carl Jung
Tools
This page lists some of the tools that students will be using during their time in my class. I chose to include these tools on my webpage because the students will be working with these particular tools outside of the classroom, whether that is creating work themselves or viewing work created by me using these tools. The students will be taught how to properly use each tool during class, but this can serve as a resource for the students to refer to when they are at home. This page also allows for parents to be able to familiarize themselves with the tools the students will be using. For each tool listed below, there is an image of a work created with the tool, a brief summary of the tool's usage, and reasons why I chose to use each tool.
Diigo
Diigo is a tool that allows the user to gather information and create lists with websites, images, and PDFs. Websites can be added as bookmarks, where the user can create a title for the website, provide an annotation, and add tags of keywords. These websites are then stored in the user’s digital library. The library also stores the images and PDFs. The user can then create an outliner with their various bookmarks and images. The outliner tool organizes the information and links stored in the library in an outline form, with headings and bullets.
I chose this website for use in the classroom because it allows students to access many sources from the Internet without actually having to search the entire web. Using Diigo, I can provide a page with only appropriate and accurate sites for students to use as resources. Also, it is easy to use so students can create their own bookmarks and outliners. The process of making a bookmark takes only a couple steps, and a tutorial is provided when creating an outliner. The outliners can also be easily shared through the link.
Create a Graph
This tool allows for the user to quickly create any type of graph, from bar graphs to line graphs to pie charts. The user can select their type of graph, then select the design, and then input their data. Then the user can choose if they want labels for the points of data, and then print or save their graph. The graphs are complete with titles, axis labels, and labeled scales.
I chose to use this tool in the classroom because it is easy to use, since each section is clearly labeled, and a help bar is present for each step. Also, this tool allows for students to change the colors of their graphs, the font used, and other aspects of their graph to make it more personal. This tool also allows for easy sharing of the students' work, as the graphs can be printed, saved as a PDF, or sent by email.
Gliffy
Gliffy is a tool that allows students to create graphic organizers. It can create concept maps, flow charts, or Venn Diagrams. Once the student selects the format for their graphic organizer, students can enter information into nodes. This tool allows users to choose the shape of their nodes, along with the color to build a visually appealing graphic. The text size and font can also be changed. The student can then add links to connect the topics, in the form of arrows or other designs, which would show the relationship between the nodes. The link to the final product can then be shared on various forms of social media.
I chose to use this tool because it provides a tutorial, making it easy for all students to use it. I also liked how the students could choose the color of their nodes, the shape of their nodes, the font type, and various other aspects to make their work unique and fun. This tool also allowed for collaboration since multiple users could work on the same graphic organizer.
Quizlet
Quizlet is a website that allows for students to create study sets with a group of vocabulary terms. The user enters information into the tool and then quizlet formats this information so that it can be reviewed in a variety of ways. The student has the option of choosing to study the terms by using electronic flashcards, taking a short quiz, simply listening to and spelling the words, or by playing one of the two games. The sets can even be printed out, shared by email, or sent to an online folder that can be created for a specific class. Students would use this in the classroom to review the vocabulary assigned by the method of choice.
I chose this tool because it is adaptive to individual students' needs. The students can choose to do flashcards where they can listen to the words or simply read them. Students can also take tests or do games. Also, the sets can be quickly shared by email or social media. The sets are also easy to use, since they are adaptable for tablets and other mobile devices.
ThingLink
This tool allows for the user to attach links to websites, videos, or other images to one main image or video by making “tags”. First the user has to choose an image to upload from their hard drive, Facebook, or public flicker images. You can also simply paste the link for an image or YouTube video. Then, the user can title their image and also add tags to it. The tool gives the user the option to search for content for their tags on sites such as YouTube, SoundCloud, and Amazon. The user can also add their own link or image address as a tag. ThingLink then allows for the user to write a short annotation to accompany the tag. The user can then save the image to their account, or have the option of sharing their image through various social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. The image link is also available to be sent and the image can also be embedded.
I chose to use this tool in the classroom because the workcreated is easy to share through the social media and the link. Also, ThingLinks accomodate for many different learning styles because videos and images can be used to attached, as well as websites with written text.
This site, and all content displayed on it, were created as part of a class assignment. There is no intent to portray any employment relationship between the author and any school district or school or other employment agency.