Microsoft Acedemic

I chose Microsoft Academic because it seemed to be the one that pulled up what I was looking for with the most results. I have never heard about it before, but after looking through several of the other options, I decided on this one because it was easy to use and I liked the layout, it was similar to google and I love to use google. 

I really like the left side of the screen filter. It is similar to the ebay filter and it helps to break down precisely what a researcher may be looking for. I like to use programs that have features similar to those that I am already familiar with because I dont like taking the time to learn new systems. I think with a little more time, I may be able to use this site to help me create lessons for students on a higher level.  

Pixlr

I chose pixlr as my image modifier. I had heard positive things about this particular program from several people and ads in the past so I thought I would give it a shot. I liked the program but I thought I would be able to modify and edit things a little more than was offered. One of the things that I wanted to do, but couldn't figure out how, was moving the text to a desired location. I wanted to move the text to a central position and add a few more words.
Overall, I do like the program, but I think the features that would make it better or at least better for my purposes, cost money.

Audacity

Using Audacity was a bit challenging considering the fact that there is a lot of different things you are able to do in order to make it sound just right. I chose audacity because I have hear great things from people over the past few years during interviews. I like the idea of this program for professional podcasts. I think this would be a great tool for an assistant principal to ensure the message is getting across in the correct manner. My colleague had this to say about audacity. 

"This is a very useful program. I like the fact that I was able to hear you clearly. I like the tone and pace you set for your speech. I am not sure if this type of program can be embedded into pictures or slideshows like PowerPoints, but that would be a creative way to use it."

It took a little bit of time to get comfortable with it, but once I did, it was good. I definitely needed the posted tutorial to help me through it. 

Unit 3 Technology Implementation

I searched through a few of the suggested links. I have heard of canva before and that is the one I ultimately chose. I tried out Issuu and had problems with it. I did not find it to be overly user friendly, so I abandoned using it. Epublish4me seemed a bit too in depth for what I wanted to do.

I chose Canva because, for starters it actually worked for me. It was also pretty easily navigable. I figure, this project is simply for a class and I dont intend to use this type of technology in the near future, so my best bet is to do what is the easiest.

I do not always choose the easiest route. When we are assigned to access something that I can see myself using immediately I do take the time to learn the ins and outs of a few of them and then I choose the one I like the best. Issuu looked like one that I would have preferred if I had planned to do more with it than just the class project. This can be seen with my former use of Google Hangouts. I could have chosen the easier Zoom, but I liked Hangouts better.

After creating the assigned canvas, I shared it with my collegial group. I decided to input the administrators ISTE standards onto the canvas for the group to view. The response I received was as follows, "The color and design scheme chosen for this project is visually appealing. I have never used canva before and seems like an interesting program to use. I believe if I ever needed to present something I would like to try this program. Canva was user friendly and easy to navigate."

His statement backs my suggestion that the program was very user friendly. 

Unit Two Tech experience

Unit two was quite a bit easier to get through. I checked out a few of the options listed but I did not find what I was really looking for. I wanted something that was more similar to a schoology style format.
I chose to go with quizlet because I have heard several people on my campus talking about how they like to use it and I decided that since I didnt find what I wanted, I would go with this one in order to familiarize myself with the program. I can see some positive uses for quizlet as both a teacher and administrator.
As a teacher I can use quizlet for students to study vocabulary words. The site allows you to add as many words and definitions as you like. It also has quizzes and matching to choose from.
As an administrator, this site could be used for instructions and professional development.

The development of the course in quizlet was fairly simple and user friendly. I understand why many teachers like the site.

My collegial analysis came from Mr. Condon. Here is what he said, "I think Quizlet is a great tool to use in and out of the classroom. I like that it gives the user options on how to study. The user can create flashcards and matching. This is also a good tool for teachers to have differentiated tests. They can add matching, multiple choice and other evacuation techniques."

Overall, Im not sure I will implement quizlet in my class because it doesnt seem fit my style, plus I already use schoology. I did enjoy exploring the several different sites. I saw some positives with several and I may need to explore a little more to find some that I can implement in my classroom. Exam professor definitely looks interesting to explore more.

• Survey monkey
  https://www.surveymonkey.com/
• Quipper.com 
  http://www.quipper.com/ (quiz-based e-learning mobile app for iPhone and Android platforms)
• Socrative
  http://www.socrative.com/  (Provides an easy and  user-friendly  student response system )
• Exam Professor
  http://www.examprofessor.com/
• ClassMarker
  https://www.classmarker.com/
• Quizlet
  http://quizlet.com/
• ClassMarket
  http://www.classmarker.com/
• Blubbr
  http://www.blubbr.tv/index.php#.VQhzP-Envo0
• PollEverywhere http://www.polleverywhere.com/
• QuestBase
  http://www.questbase.com/
• SMS Poll
  http://www.smspoll.net/
• Mentimeter
  https://www.mentimeter.com/

Blogging about my Blog

While creating the blog I had fun. I enjoy working with technology and creating new things. I like the blogger site because I am familiar with it. Sometimes starting with a new program can be frustrating because there are so many options along with different setups. I took some time and looked into wordpress and edublog. I chose to continue with what I know. I did not want to start a new website with wordpress and while examining the site it seemed that was what I was required to do. Blogger has been very user friendly for me and when I originally chose to start using it a few years ago I had looked into several others at the time. It was, in my opinion, the best choice then as it is still the best choice now.

I decided to share my blog with my colleagues through the email system and requested that they respond through email. I requested just a written feedback with any question or concerns about the usability of the log. I needed to know if it was easy to navigate and also visually appealing.   

The feedback I received from the website and blog from my colleagues was mostly positive. Both were said to be very user friendly and not overly flashy. Mr. Condon, a fellow World Geography teacher, told me that he liked the background and the layout of the website. He also said the blog looked pretty straight forward and seemed like it will be easy to navigate in the future. 

Collegial Community Introduction

This is the format that I will be using to share  multiple technology projects over the next few weeks. Please feel free to ask any questions, or make a comment about the layout, ease of use, visual appeal, and anything else that may come to mind.

A thoughtful review of the site would be appreciated, and an analysis about its usefulness once the projects become attainable for you would be very helpful. (This is for the future projects, not so much this intro blog).

Thank you for being part of my course.