This week we looked at Google Trends, which I found to be very interesting. I like the fact that you can search for comparable topics and get a graphical display of search trends since January 2004. The tool also suggests articles related to the items in the trend comparison, which I found to be quite useful. During my investigation of Google Trends I checked out the Hot Topics, which is a list of the top 20 topics searched most recently. At first I wasn't sure the relevance of the topics listed; why people would be searching the topics listed? I found by digging a little deeper, I became more informed of events occurring that have captured the interest of a large population. I could see both Trends and Hot Topics used (with supervision) in the classroom to discuss current events and to look at trends in many different subject areas.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
CEdO540 Week 4
We've had a couple of weeks off and I'm feeling a little lost as far as computing z-scores and what all of the statistical data actually means. Hopefully class on Tuesday will help me regroup and get back on track!
We read articles and watched a youtube video of dataminer Bill Tancer. I found his innovative approach to market research interesting and disconcerting at the same time. I think it is pretty amazing what one can learn by analyzing online traffic patterns--what concerns me is the ability of a person or entity being able to tag certain users and follow their habits indefinitely. While I believe people like Bill Tancer are using this information for the right reasons, it is a little frightening to know that someone out there is possibly tracking my online shopping and social networking habits!
We read articles and watched a youtube video of dataminer Bill Tancer. I found his innovative approach to market research interesting and disconcerting at the same time. I think it is pretty amazing what one can learn by analyzing online traffic patterns--what concerns me is the ability of a person or entity being able to tag certain users and follow their habits indefinitely. While I believe people like Bill Tancer are using this information for the right reasons, it is a little frightening to know that someone out there is possibly tracking my online shopping and social networking habits!
Monday, July 18, 2011
CEdO540 Week 3
This week involved some practice calculating and describing data from a statistical standpoint. The Group worksheet illustrated the importance of looking at sets of data from multiple perspectives in order to obtain the whole story. While two sets of data may have the same Mean, a look at other statistical viewpoints such as Mode, Standard Deviation and Range could provide more details to make a better informed comparison.
My group worked on developing a survey and decided to take a lighter approach in terms of subject-matter. We hope that by selecting a topic that a larger audience can relate to will increase participation, make it less of a task and more fun for thosse who do take the time to fill it out. We decided to use Google Forms to create the survey because it is easy to share and work collaboratively.
My group worked on developing a survey and decided to take a lighter approach in terms of subject-matter. We hope that by selecting a topic that a larger audience can relate to will increase participation, make it less of a task and more fun for thosse who do take the time to fill it out. We decided to use Google Forms to create the survey because it is easy to share and work collaboratively.
Monday, July 11, 2011
CEdO540 Week 2
This week we learned some new statistics terms, checked out http://www.capterra.com/ to help identify survey software solutions, and compared several survey tools.
I like the Capterra website--I think it is a great tool to assist in the search for the right software solutions for an organization. There are tons of features by which you can filter to narrow down exactly what it is you are looking for and how much you are willing and able to spend. I can see going back to this site for future software solution needs.
As far as the statistics go, I am continuing to feel a little foggy. I understand the basic concepts of mean, median and mode, but get confused as I look at standard deviation, variances, etc. I hope we get a little more information and practice with these terms in ways I can relate to in order to gain more of an understanding of what they are all about and how I can apply it in my work. I really want to get this, and during class I think I'm almost there, but by the time I get back to it I am once again confused! :-/
I like the Capterra website--I think it is a great tool to assist in the search for the right software solutions for an organization. There are tons of features by which you can filter to narrow down exactly what it is you are looking for and how much you are willing and able to spend. I can see going back to this site for future software solution needs.
As far as the statistics go, I am continuing to feel a little foggy. I understand the basic concepts of mean, median and mode, but get confused as I look at standard deviation, variances, etc. I hope we get a little more information and practice with these terms in ways I can relate to in order to gain more of an understanding of what they are all about and how I can apply it in my work. I really want to get this, and during class I think I'm almost there, but by the time I get back to it I am once again confused! :-/
Sunday, June 26, 2011
CEdO540 Getting started with Statistics
This week we began with an intro to statistics. We looked at the different ways to produce an "average" and the types of representations of data in a statistical study. The whole idea of statistics is somewhat intimidating to me. I've never considered myself a mathematical wizard, but I do appreciate the ability to use data to drive instruction and to provide concrete support for progress in an instructional program. I am looking forward to gaining a better understanding of statistics that will hopefully help me speak with more authority about the educational outcomes within the program I support.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
CEdO530 Week 5: Digital Storytelling
This week we put the finishing touches on our Pecha Kuchas, created rubrics to evaluate multimedia projects and evaluated multimedia hardware and software in our small groups.
I enjoyed the Pecha Kucha project and developed a new appreciation for storyboarding as part of the preparation process. Of all of the digital stories we submitted in this class, I found this one to be the easiest to put together in the final stages because of the storyboard. The system of putting to paper the images I had in mind and the words I would use to describe my story helped me to stay focused when I actually sat in front of the computer to compile my presentation. It was great and I plan to use the storyboard as a regular part of my preparation when it comes to multimedia presentations.
I like the idea of using a rubric, and while I am not a classroom teacher I think it would be useful in evaluating my own presentations as well as a tool for my staff to evaluate multimedia projects they put together for their own lessons. I am still thinking this through, so I have not put it together as of yet...
This has been a great class with a lot of new tools and techniques that I look forward to using in the work I do.
I enjoyed the Pecha Kucha project and developed a new appreciation for storyboarding as part of the preparation process. Of all of the digital stories we submitted in this class, I found this one to be the easiest to put together in the final stages because of the storyboard. The system of putting to paper the images I had in mind and the words I would use to describe my story helped me to stay focused when I actually sat in front of the computer to compile my presentation. It was great and I plan to use the storyboard as a regular part of my preparation when it comes to multimedia presentations.
I like the idea of using a rubric, and while I am not a classroom teacher I think it would be useful in evaluating my own presentations as well as a tool for my staff to evaluate multimedia projects they put together for their own lessons. I am still thinking this through, so I have not put it together as of yet...
This has been a great class with a lot of new tools and techniques that I look forward to using in the work I do.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
CEdO530 Week 4
This week's work really focused on pulling it all together.
One of our tasks this week was to create a Prezi of our top six pictures. I enjoyed using Prezi--I think it is a great alternative to using Power Point and the novelty of how the images and words move in and out of view is a useful way to hook the audience. I found Prezi to be pretty user-friendly and I liked how everything is all laid out on one screen, which makes it easier to get the big picture and see how it all connects.
Presentation Zen wrapped up with the "Delivery" phase of presenting, which I found interesting and reassured me that what I am doing now is on the right track; I have a lot of fine-tuning to do though. It is evident to me how important preparation is in the delivery process and it is an area I want to spend more time investing in. I really enjoyed Garr Reynold's book and plan to revisit it often as I re-evaluate training and meeting presentations I've used in the past and plan to recycle in the new school year.
The Pecha Kucha is another project that is currently looming over my head. It is one of those things I know I will enjoy once I get into it, but I'm having a bit of a block with it at the moment. I think one of my issues is the prospect of having to do voice overs, which has been a challenge for me in the previous assignments. I know I will take so much away from the experience that I can apply to what I do both professionally and personally, so I just need to jump in and do it!
One of our tasks this week was to create a Prezi of our top six pictures. I enjoyed using Prezi--I think it is a great alternative to using Power Point and the novelty of how the images and words move in and out of view is a useful way to hook the audience. I found Prezi to be pretty user-friendly and I liked how everything is all laid out on one screen, which makes it easier to get the big picture and see how it all connects.
Presentation Zen wrapped up with the "Delivery" phase of presenting, which I found interesting and reassured me that what I am doing now is on the right track; I have a lot of fine-tuning to do though. It is evident to me how important preparation is in the delivery process and it is an area I want to spend more time investing in. I really enjoyed Garr Reynold's book and plan to revisit it often as I re-evaluate training and meeting presentations I've used in the past and plan to recycle in the new school year.
The Pecha Kucha is another project that is currently looming over my head. It is one of those things I know I will enjoy once I get into it, but I'm having a bit of a block with it at the moment. I think one of my issues is the prospect of having to do voice overs, which has been a challenge for me in the previous assignments. I know I will take so much away from the experience that I can apply to what I do both professionally and personally, so I just need to jump in and do it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)