Radiation Prezi

Prezi presentations are great attention getters compared to a MS PowerPoint drab presentation. Where PowerPoint is a linear, limited software package, Prezi is a nonlinear, fluid, easy to learn tool. Prezi is an online software (freeware) that allows you to create a presentation that expands on a physical poster. Your presentation layout is like a poster, but this tool transitions from slide to slide by zooming-out, traveling along the poster to the next slide (like your eyes do on a real physical poster/paper), and zooming-in on the next slide of interest. PowerPoint cannot do this! It really is a neat tool. Prezi is much easier, cheaper, and direct than PowerPoint. Check out my Nuclear Radiation and You! presentation and see for yourself!

Nuclear Radiation and You! on Prezi

This creation of a Prezi presentation meets ISTE NETS T 1, because I can use my presentation of discuss the tragic Japanese nuclear power plant disaster with my students and start off the discussion by using my presentation to explain the science behind the problem (engage students in exploring real-world issues). I have also met standard 3 by showing that I can apply my current knowledge to new/emerging technologies and create a new artifact to teach my students in an entertaining and digital fashion.

Power Point #1

I've completed my PowerPoint presentation and it is available for viewing on SlideShare or below. If you are wondering what is going on in Japan or are just curious about what nuclear radiation or energy is, I suggest you take a look! This topic, though current and constantly in the news, most science students don't know how nuclear radiation energy/particles work and how easy it is to understand the content. I am currently teaching half-lives and nuclear isotopes in my physical science classes. In biology, I am teaching cellular reproduction (mitosis/meiosis) and cyclin disruptors that result in mutations and cancer. This current event provides an opportunity to tie in one lesson across the whole of my science courses, an important general science CSO.

By completing this activity, I have met ISTE NETS T standard 1 by creating a lesson for my students that has "real world" applications by teaching them the science behind current events and engaging the students by investigating real-world issues. I have also met standard 5 by creating, reviewing, and sharing a digital presentation with other educators and digital peers via SlideShare.

Nuclear radiation

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APA AR Paper

Well, I haven't written a paper in 1.5 years, but I missed it! I've found that the treatment (extra homework and tutoring) did have an observable, statistically significant effect on the grades/achievement of the students on their post-test. This activity has gotten me back into the student mindset and that is important if I am truly going to be a lifetime learner! I have set the PDF file to Dr. Pierce via G-Mail. I still believe that MS Excel is much better than the Google Docs Spreadsheets tool, as noted in my previous blogs. I would use Google Docs Spreadsheets if I was truly collaborating with another digitally, but this is not the case at the time being.

By completing this activity, I have met ISTE NETS T standard one by engaging with my peers collaboratively face-to-face and digitally to complete this assignment. I have also met standard three by using the emerging and constantly updated Google Docs Spreadsheet tool and standard five by evaluating and reflecting on the research (even though it was not true data) done for this activity and responding by performing statistical analysis on the data. I have interpreted the numbers and found that extra homework and tutoring helps encourage student achievement.

Personality Post #2

Well, after taking the Kiersey Temperament Sorter II, it seems like I was spot on with my self-assessment. My sorter result was that I am a Guardian, as I supposed. It seems that I am a leader and know how to organize those below me, which befits an educator. I think that Guardians would be good disciplinarians, because my sorter results say I follow the rules and go by the book, which is very true. In a world WRoL, I hope I could stand up and lead, but that would be a difficult thing to do. I work well with other teachers, as a good Guardian would! I do my work and pick up the slack of others without thanks. To be able to lead in an administration role would seem to fit my career aspirations. I feel I could dole-out the work responsibilities adequately, or so says the sorter. I believe my being a Guardian is very fitting.

This activity meets ISTE NETS T #1, because I am learning to work with others and facilitate the best work possible from my colleagues and students. I have met standard #5, as well, because at the completion of this activity I have found a new respect for my self-awareness and will now be more confident in my leadership roles.

Personality Post #1

I have taken personality tests before, I cannot remember exactly what the results were. In general I find myself to have a Concrete view of life and live a Utilitarian lifestyle, citing the Keirsey Temperament Website. I feel I have little need for fantasies. I would say I am primarily a Guardian, Rational, Idealist, Artisan individual, based on the descriptions found at the above website. I try to protects those in my care and my dreams often involve me protecting another. Throughout my life I have spurred myself and others to act rationally to benefit the entire group to lead towards an ideal future. I have little to no interest in Art.

AR Spreedsheet

     Well, what an adventure! One I hope to never take again! Don't get me wrong, I love statistics and number crunching, seriously, I do! My problem was with the intercommunication issues between MS Excel and Google Docs Spreadsheets. My Spreadsheet is available for viewing, as is my Document.
     First and foremost, Google's spreadsheet tool cannot be used to do any number crunching without the data lined up perfectly, whereas MS Excel data can be crunched my holding ctrl- and clicking on every piece of datum you want to perform statistical analysis. My second issue with the Google spreadsheet program is that no graphics/charts can be imported from MS Excel into the spreadsheet. I have read multiple FAQs and Google Docs Support posts/discussions/rants/raves between users and Google Docs Admins and it seems these two features have been repeatedly asked about and discussed for two years and all Google has communicated is along the lines of, "We apologize for the inconvenience. We're working on it!" Well, MS Excel, seems you've got it in the bag!
      I believe I have met ISTE NETS T (link found in my Link Tool on the right) #3, because I have demonstrated my fluency in technology systems and the transference of my current knowledge to new technologies, programs, situations, and been able to overcome speed bumps in this learning process. I have met standard #5 by communicating effectively with my peers using an online discussion tool and working/growing our knowledge together.