My Favorite Web2.0 tools

Web2.0 is an umbrella that encompasses web applications, such as Google Docs or social media applications for free public use on the internet.

Tiny URL

             Definition

o   URL web-based shortening program

o   Function

§  Create a smaller URL for use on reference pages or presentations

             Application

o   Ability to hide original link

§  Do not want to give away an affiliates connection

o   Decrease the size of the URL for presentations or references; enhance the look of the paper.

Screen Toaster

Definition

o   Free web-based, program that allows you to record your screen shot as your operating your computer.

Application

o   Providing hands-on instruction on how to operate anything you can do on your computer.

o   Great for individuals that are visual learners

o   Very user friendly and easy way to walk someone step-by-step through any application.

Screencasts and videos online

Post #3 Google Doc Presentations

- Google Docs Presentation is a free, web-based version of Microsoft Office PowerPoint.

- This is an easy, user friendly format that will allow me to use for math lessons, quizzes, publishing homework assignments, and break downs of equations.  All I need is a computer with internet access.  I can publish the assignment for specific classes to use, for example, a different quiz per period, or you can give make the access public for anyone to use.  The owner of the presentation can also grant permission to specific users to edit or create new slides while simultaneously working on the presentation together.

- This was the first time I ever used Presentation on Google Docs and within five minutes I was able to use the program to its full capacity.  I had a little hick-up trying to apply animation effects, however, after googling that function I found out that it is not available.  If you have basic knowledge of PowerPoint, this program is very easy to use.

- Although our group did little things to make each slide pop, I made the Group Reflections slide.

POST #2

Different applications of blogging in reference to the classroom as an instructor:

a.     Teacher Blogs may be used to provide students a resource to class information, post assignment, receive messages, and forums to act as a social networking platform.  Also, it can act as an outlet for parents to see what their child is doing in their class and what they are learning. For more information on using blogs for teachers, check out Emerging EdTech

b.     Classroom blogging is another great strategy in which the teacher can provide lessons plans on a blog and students have to make a blog and reply to the questions and respond to other students’ answers as well.  This is promoting using technology to give lessons, social interaction amongst students, and allowing the teacher to have access to the lesson plan from anywhere he/she has Internet connection.  It also can be used as an outlet for teachers to display classroom activities, student involvement, curriculum, and promoting personal pride amongst the students. For example, here is a blog, Huzzah, from 5th & 6th graders in British Columbia, Canada.

c.

                 d.  As a teacher, I can make a blog for my math class where I can provide the lecture of the day, provide a link of math definitions, breaking down problems, and possible other links that explain how to do problems in other ways.  Also, I could put assignments and extra credit problems for kids to work on.  Attached is a website in which a math blog is explaining how to work on algebra problems and breaking them down.  Math

                e.  As a future coach, I can use blogging to illustrate my athletic team, our victories, team photos, a place to post good information for my athletes to read, for example, dietary articles, stretching techniques,  or teamwork.  During the summer time, having the ability to post workout, individuals progress, and forums for athletes to talk to each other thru out the summer.

Tony Dix's Personal Bio

My name is Anthony Owen Dix, but everyone calls me Tony, unless I am getting in trouble by my wife or mom.  Then of course its Anthony Owen.  I was born in Scottsdale, Az and grew up all over (Arizona, Washington, & Oregon).  I have lived the majority of my life in Salem, Ore where I went to Middle school (Leslie), High school (South Salem), & I received my undergraduate degree from Willamette University.  So I pretty much have received my education with in a 5 mile radius.


I just celebrated 4 years with my wife Laura.  We met at Willamette and she is working at her family business as a financial advisor in Woodburn, OR (where we currently live). 


Our hobbies are outdoor activities, such as, water sports, hiking, bike riding, etc.. going out to dinner at new restaurants, wine tasting, working out, and hanging out with family and friends.  My current interests are focused on school right now.  I am trying to get everything I can out of this experience and attempting to arm myself with enough skills to find a job by next school year.  


I am going to be teaching high school math, social studies, ESOL, coaching.  I don't know aspire to teach at the middle school level, but I am trying to keep an open mind when I do my practicum.  I am looking forward to getting to know my fellow classmates and getting out to the schools I am going to be teaching at and learning my teaching styles.

ME