Lesson 2 in Review

This week has been filled with lots of information on wikis, databases and spreadsheets and the use of each in the classroom.  

Tech Exploration 4:

Technology Exploration 4 was about concept map tools that can be used in the classroom.  The two I looked at and tried were Xmind and Bubbl.us. Both of these sites were great resources for teachers to use in the classroom.  Xmind is a program where you can customize and design your own concept map and then have it uploaded to share with co-workers.  It was very easy to navigate through the site and there was a video to introduce the program to new users. Bubbl.us was another great site for teachers to make and use concept maps in the classroom.

Tech Exploration 5:

Technology Exploration 5 was about Animoto, which is a site where you can create videos using your photos.  You can create videos using your own photos to show what you've been doing in the classroom, or you can use photos from image library and make educational videos to teach students about different topics in education. It was a great site as well for teachers or students to use.

Tech Exploration 6:

Technology Exploration 6 was about Google Docs and PhotoPeach.  Google Docs is a place for teachers and students to create, edit , share and store documents online.  PhotoPeach is a site that allows you to create custom slideshows, and share the shows you create.

Now on to my internet search for spreadsheets and database uses in the classroom.  While doing my internet search I stumbled across the website:

http://classclatter.blogspot.com/2011/05/spreadsheets-and-databases-in-classroom.html

This blog tells about the uses of spreadsheets and databases in the classroom.  It also provides two other websites that are useful links for teachers. These links are: 1.)http://juliannbetker.efoliomn.com/spreadsheets
 and 2.) http://www.amphi.com/~psteffen/excel.html.  The first link provides examples of uses of spreadsheets and databases in the classroom and the second link redirects you to a website that offers further links to other sites about integrating spreadsheets into the classroom.

I used the first link to see how spreadsheets were being used in the classroom and found there are some interesting ways to use spreadsheets in the classroom. When I think of spreadsheets, I usually think of math, but this site tells how spreadsheets are being used in Language Arts which surprised me.  It tells how spreadsheets can be used to make vocabulary lists, study guides and crossword puzzles.  It can also be used to make a timeline.


While student teaching, I used spreadsheets to keep track of students grades (pre- and post-test grades), progress with certain subject areas, and for tracking their involvement in the classroom.  I used spreadsheets to help me keep track of who was answering questions in class and who participated in class discussions.  I also used spreadsheets to keep track of students that were struggling with math, as we had begun a new math program at the elementary school and my fifth graders were having a hard time with it.  I never used spreadsheets much with my students other than for my personal use of tracking their class involvement.  Spreadsheets are such a useful tool for teachers and students.