Wordle

I always wondered what those jumbled words meant or the purpose of them. I got a better understanding after completing this assignment. However, when it came to creating my own Wordle it wasn't that easy. For some reason my old laptop would not allow me to create it. I had to use a different computer which I was not to happy about since I took all the time to create them in the first place only to show a publishing error not allowing me to do anything. I was not sure of how to post the links as well. There was a link at the bottom after creating the Worlde, but after pasting into my blog, nothing would happen. I do not believe that I posted my work the correct way, but it is on my site, showing the 2 images.

After reviewing both the NETS-T Standards I was able to create a Wordle for 2008 and a Wordle for 2010. I thought the updated version; 2010 was a lot easier to follow and to understand the main points they were trying to get across. The 2008 version went into more depth and seemed to have a lot more of the same things just repeated in different words. The 2010 NETS-T Standards got right to the point, using the same concepts of course but proved to be a better, easier to view updated source of information.

This is my Physical Education and Health Wordle. It displays all of the concepts, movements, and other important words that relate to my subject area. When students look at this, they automatically think of Physical Education and Health. This would be a great bulletin board for the hallways or even inside the gymnasium at any school to promote active learning.

Carpe Diem

I thought the the webassembly was very cool. I felt like I was apart of the classroom. It was quick and gave great facts about the future of technology and how it will effect our schools. I didn't realize how much smartphones had taken over pretty much everything.

1. How prepared for you to engage in each type of learning (Carpe Diem vs St. Marys)?

I believe that I am the lucky one, since my job would be to get students to put down the technology for an hour get active with games and sports. Although I could use technology during my health class but not to the extent as Carpe Diem demonstrates. I don’t think their style of teaching is the right way to get kids to learn, and hope that I do not have to teach that way. St. Mary’s on the other hand; was the typical school setting with kids engaged with each other and learning the “old-fashioned” way so to speak. They were still learning using technology and devices, just not the extent as drilling the kids with information for half of the day.

2. Provide specific examples including devices and apps or software, of what you are currently doing in each model if you are teaching.

I recently learned about an application called Classroom Dojo which is designed to improve the behavior of the students. The teacher is able to instantly notify a group or a single student, take away or earn points and so on. I have not yet used this application other than the demonstration in class. But looking back at the lessons that I created and taught in my methods courses at local middle and elementary schools, the only software or use of technology was a power-point presentation as well as play music for the elementary school students. As mentioned before my goal is to keep kids healthy and active. Its ok to put the smartphones and ipads down once and a while and go outside and do something .

Here is the link for Classroom Dojo: http://www.classdojo.com/ 

3. If you not in the class now, what would you suggest teachers in your field adopt based on current knowledge of mobile/wireless devices.

I love my iphone and like any other person, they are constantly on theirs too. At the schools that I have been to, the #1 rule was no cell phones during in class. That shows that just about every student has a smartphone or some type of device to connect with their friends. I remember taking health class, and I do not especially enjoy teaching it. But if there was a way to incorporate this technology and let the students learn some of the material using these devices, they would be more interested and want to learn. I would encourage the Classroom Dojo app if the students are not paying attention during certain lessons or the class is being uncooperative.

4. What would you recommend in terms of a school wide initiative to improve teaching and learning at this point if you were in a position to do so?

After learning about the ways of Carpe Diem, I would hope that using technology in the classroom does not follow that style of teaching. I understand that test scores were increased but the style is limiting social interaction, and other basic skills. The students are isolated, although focused, there are better ways to teach information. I recommend limiting technology and use it only when necessary. I am not saying not to keep up with how fast technology and apps are increasing to benefit learning, just that kids need all aspects of how to really learn and retain the information rather familiarizing what they see on a screen.

Excel 2 (t-Test)

After compiling the data from the previous assignment, by using the t-Test I was able to find no significant difference between the gender roles of 4th grade mathematics. I thought using this data analysis style was a little easier to handle the previous one. Just simply high-light the intended rows and the t-Test took care of the rest. Understanding the information was a different story however. Again, no being too familiar with Excel and the meaning of all the computed scores, it took a while to understand what it all meant. Come to find out there was no significant difference in the scores at all.

I believe the variable of male to female was not the best of choices to determine any true reliable data. It is 4th grade and regardless of gender, kids are still developing their minds. I believe this test would be very beneficial for other discoveries though.
For example; I have created a survey to understand what motivates students in Physical Education Class. I would have 20 questions that to certain aspects of a typical class period. I would then gain a population of a variety of students; athletes, drama, musicians, "average-joes" etc.. then divide those groups by male and female. This will determine not only the type of person that enjoys Physical Education but if the male and female population have a significant difference between them.
I have compiled the data into a Chrombachs theory and 5 scale rating in order to understand the dependent and independent variables (male vs female).

This will not only show me their attitudes towards the questions but to relate to those answers and get immediate feedback on what needs to change as far as grouping certain students together for certain games, or simply adjusting the rule to accomodate all students so everyone is fully participating and enjoying each day.

Above is an example of the survey that I created demonstrating a few questions.

I think this research could not only benefit my classroom progress and motivation but the way I would plan my classes as well.

Excel

I was a bit confused by this assignment at first, and still not confident working with Excel. I followed the video instructions but noticed it was not the same data and was hard to compare to see if I was doing the steps correctly. I did not have a problem downloading and openening the Data Analysis Tool, it was computing the right information that frustrated me. I do not know if that data is correct, due to how the scatter plot images relate. However being from Maryland, my data findings prove it is a good state after all is coming in at 3rd place.

Maryland in ranked 3rd according to the data that I got. That 49 states below Maryland and that is way above average.

Below is the Jing capture of my findings showing Maryland near the top at 3rd.

 

 

 

 

 

Google Site

During my undergrad, I had to create a Google site for my future teaching portfolio. It was a one time thing for a class and we didn't do much with it after that until assignments had to be posted and that's about it. It was a basic layout, only the standard features were taught to us and only a few items needed to be uploaded. The site was just an introduction on what could be done for the class, not so much on showcasing my accomplishments.

I now realize that it will very beneficial now that I have updated it and tweaked somethings around to look a lot better. I did not know how to create different "pages" and now I was able to import my resume as well as my rubric. My Google Site is much more improved and will be a significant feature for landing a job.

After I complete Student Teaching, I will add other information about my experiences that will improve my site.

Rubrics

This was the only assignment that I got really frustrated with, and will continue to be until I figure out what the problem is.

I did not have problem creating a Rubric, which I thought was very helpful and would definitely be using in the near future in order to grade certain assignments or to get ideas from. I was able to make a Rubric and understand the purpose of it. A rubric to me is another form of assessment that students can go off of when working on projects, groups or any assingment. It allows the students to get a better understanding of what is expected of them during the activity as well as when it is completed. Most rubrics have different grading scales, usualy marked by a 1-4 or 1-5 scale. These scales are the grade that is given to the student or group depending on how well the accomplished the intended goal.

What made me so mad, that I almost threw my computer, was trying to upload the rubric into Google Docs. I followed the steps to save the format to Excel, but when it was time to upload into Google Docs it would get an error message. I tried numerous was to save the file; changed the name, saved as an offline file, saved to Excel then opening Excel and saving it under a new name...Nothing worked.

I hate when I cannot figure such a simple uploading procedure out!
I will continue this process until I SUCCEED.

Self-Grading Form - Google Docs

After learning how to create Forms on Google Docs, it was now time to learn how to grade and get data of those responses. After watching a VERY helpful video on How to Grade your Form, I created a new Form Quiz and got on my way.

I created a new quiz in order to familiarize how well I could use these tools. I created a Golf Quiz that I could also use in Physical Education Class. It was a simple 10 question quiz that covered the basic rules and equipment that would be taught in a Golf Lesson. I then got a few people to take the quiz in order to get my SpreadSheet Results.

I think this will be very helpful for me to use in the near future in order to get fast and efficient grades completed. I used to hate excel, and this helpful tool along with Google Docs made me like it and want to use it more and more.

Google Form

Google Form was awesome!

At first I didn't what I was doing, then I figured out it was just a simple way to create a quiz and get quick results.
I created a Soccer Quiz that I would give to my Physical Education class after the Unit was complete.
It has basic questions about rules and skills and also to get feedback about the students felt about Soccer.
After taking the quiz, the results immediatley went to my Spreadsheet. I thought this was amazing, and easy to get the results back quick and ready to grade and see which students enjoyed playing Soccer. (of course I skewed the results in ordered to see how it would appear).

Prezi

After downloading the Prezi tool and watched the demo, I thought it would be easy to use.
When it comes to creating certain things, I tend to want to do things my way or get really frustrated. It was hard to figure out how to copy certain images and paste them. I also found it difficult to add more slides in order to fit all of my information that I wanted to.

After numerous trial and error, I began to like Prezi more and more. I created a Bully Awareness presentation that I could teach in a middle school atmosphere in a Health class.

Prezi is very similar to powerpoint but I believe it is a lot better and lot more interactive.
Although it displays information similar to powerpoint, the way it transfers from slide to slide gives the user endless options to enhance what is being taught.

PhotoStory

After downloading Photostory I immediately thought of breaking down the mechanics of pitching. As a former Pitching Coach for Shenandoah University, and an aspiring physical education teacher, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to break down the steps of the Wind-Up.

At first, I created the entire video on Photostory without reading the directions first. I forgot to upload the photos into Powerpoint before I could properly upload the file onto Youtube. I got a little ahead of myself because I was so eager to create the video.

For each image a was able to add a short audio clip about what was being displayed. I started out by displaying the proper grip of the baseball, then broke down each step from start to finish of the Wind-Up of a Right Handed Pitcher.

I had a lot of fun with this tool and am probabaly going to create some other videos in the near future. So enjoy my video on the break down of the mechanics of pitching.

Also, feel free to check out the other videos on my own Youtube channel that I uploaded at Fritz2ube

Powerpoint - Dropbox

I created a Health Powerpoint presentation that I would teach a health class for middle school students. The main focus of the the powerpoint was to inform the students about the harmful effects that drugs and other illegal substances can have on the body.Each slide has information that grabs the students attention and are easy to follow along. The presentation has inforamtive facts about the effects that drugs can have on the mind and body as well as ways to say no and avoid taking or getting addicted to them.

The dropbox feature is really cool to use.

Google Earth

For this assignement, I downloaded Google Earth and was able to upload my Google Map of the Mayhem Tour. I was able to take a virtual tour of each venue which was amazing!!

I have used Google Earth before but not quite like this, usually just to show people my house from a satelite view to see if you could see my truck or who was parked outside. Nothing really to this extent, which made this assignement really enjoyable.

In order to upload my Google Map into Google Earth, I had to copy the KML link. I opened my google map browser, found the map that I created and copied the KML link which was listed below.

With a little help from the internet, I found that a KML file is "Keyhole Markup Language (KML) is an XML notation for expressing geographic annotation and visualization within Internet-based, two-dimensional maps and three-dimensional Earth browsers" Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 

After searching through Google Earth for Educators, I could not seem to find anything relating to Physical Education or Health related topics. One of my hobbies has always been drawing so I searched through the Fine Arts and found an web-based lesson plan incorporating Google Earth the Great Moments In Art.

Batchgeo Part 2

Part 2 of the Batchgeo assignment was to create a map listing all of the gathered information from our class. Each student entered their local address into an excel spreadsheet, then I was able to copy and paste that information into http://www.batchgeo.com/.

At first I was having trouble copying and pasting the data.
 I did not know exactly what I needed to copy or if I was selecting the correct items, but after a few trial and errors I was able to create http://batchgeo.com/map/3b14dc39513e6a81d340381261e0d96f.

This assignment was really interesting me and just amazes me of how excel and certain websites can create things like this. I am familiar with excel but still have trouble doing certain things. I just find it interesting that I can input my address, copy and paste that information into a website, and have it create a map with its own URL. Technology is crazy now and I never would have thought this would be that easy to do.

Jing Screencast

I know that downloading things off of the Internet may cause viruses to your computer or other things to happen that may corrupt your files.
I have found an easy solution to that problem that lets you take a YouTube file and convert into a Music or Mp3 file.

I always support the bands that I truly love and will always follow, therefor I will buy their CD's when they are released. I know downloading music is frowned upon by most people and is considered to be somewhat illegal. However, I feel that if you do not want to spend money on itunes or buy a whole album just for one song that you like, then downloading that song should not be so bad...Right?

I have created a video as well as audio commentary that will take you through a step by step process on how to convert YouTube videos to Mp3 files.

Click the link to get all the songs you want ! http://screencast.com/t/686gdRXfY2eC

1. In order to determine how big of an area that I needed to record using Jing, I did a quick walk through of my steps to see what exactly I needed to show the viewers. Once that was done I selected and adjusted the screen size accordingly.

2. When saving a screen capture, there are a few options to chose from. You have the option of sharing on http://www.screencast.com/, saving the file onto your computer as well as copying the file.

3. To locate my file, I first saved it to my documents folder. It was easy to find after closing all the browsers and simply opening the documents folder and searching for the file name that I saved it as.

4. In order to upload my video onto the Internet, I reopened Jing, clicked on my recent file history, then opened my video that i just created. There is a share icon that allows you to upload the video onto screencast.

5. The type of Jing video file is a SWF Video

Jing Video is awesome !!

Jing Graphic

After downloading the Jing software, I thought that it was very similar to the snipping tool. But after playing around with it, I found it had a few more options that were very helpful. The icon appears at the top of my screen at all times and is easy to capture any image very quickly. I also liked the features of adding text and other shapes to the image, which was also quick and easy to use.

Below is an image that I found of a person shooting a basketball. As a Physical Education teacher, I would teach this technique to various ages of kids. The accronym that I use to explain the steps to the class is B.E.E.F. which stands for Bend Eyes, Elbow and Follow through. By using Jing, I was able to list all of these steps and point of where each are used on the image. I could print out cards and give them to small groups when teaching this technique in order for the students to not only hear the instructions but use a visual aid to help them perform the proper shot.

I have not only pointed out each specific stage but used a highlighted arrow to focus on what to look for and compare to what the shooter is doing. This would work great for peer evaluation during assessments.

I am going to use Jing all the time for creating images that need to explain step by step directions for visual learning.

Diigo

At first I was overwhelmed by all of the Diigo options and tasks that were available. But once I downloaded it and applied the toolbar into Google, it was pretty easy to use.
In the past, I used FireFox for various add-ons. Mostly video-downloader to quickly download streaming music and other toolbars for quick searching as well as ESPN timeline for quick scores and news for my favorite teams.

For the Diigo add-on Google, my computer did not want to allow me to download it, referring to harmful software that might occur. I did not want to download it at first, thinking I could possibly get a virus. I then realized that this notification came up because of the way Diigo works, allowing others to share and use my bookmarks at anytime.

I am looking forward to adding articles and browsing through other related topics on Diigo in the Physical Education field. I am tired of referencing the same websites over and over for other assigments and I believe this will help out a lot.

Self Portrait

When I first saw this assignment I was very excited to get started. I have always enjoyed drawing and painting and couldn't wait to see how I could create my own self portrait at http://www.picassohead.com/

Drawing has always been a hobby of mine, and always tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to creating an image. Being familiar with Picasso, I knew that I would not have a lot of options to create something that resembled my appearance. I was able to select only a few different shapes under different categories such as; face, eyes, noses, lips, ears, eyebrows, and hair.
The Picasso creator allowed me to be very creative with the limited shapes as far as skewing the size, being able to flip or mirror the shapes as well as changing the colors. Since I shave my head, the hair samples were of no use, so I portrayed a Boston Red Sox hat using a few abstract shapes and an ear for what I thought looked like the Boston "B" through Picasso's eyes.


I also liked how easy it was to save and search through the gallery to find my image.
This website will show you the self portrait that I have created: 
http://www.picassohead.com/search.html?submitted=1&where=&query=Fritz&x=41&y=15

I really enjoyed this assignment and would recommend this website to others to just have fun and to create a Picasso portrait. For someone with no art history or little creativity, I believe they would have a lot of fun playing around with the shapes.

Revisit Resume

For this assignment a website was given http://rezscore.com/ to score my resume.  It was quite simple, to upload and see the results in seconds. At first, I was a bit skeptic on how this would work and what the website was looking for. But after my results of a "B-" I no longer had any doubts, knowing that they approved my work.
Using the snipping tool again, below is my previous score of my resume that was given.

It seems that my resume was not too long, and was to the point of my accomplishments and work experiences.

The website however noted: "Don't use first person language"
I reviewed my resume and only counted 6 "I's" relating to first person language.

After redoing my resume, and replacing the wording of my "first person language" my score did not change when reloading it into the website. Again, I wonder how accurate this website is after changing a few problems that do not seem that apparent the average person.

Snipping Tool

I have used the snipping tool before, but never had to post the image into something such as this.

As an aspiring Physical Education Teacher, the use of technology is often limited during the average lesson. However, during the Health Units I could incorporate computer work stations for the students to use to look up information about muscles, diseases, pressures from bully's, effects on the body from drugs and alcohol and other Health related topics.

For example; the image below demonstrates how a student could look at the image of muscles in the arm, then quickly point them out on in him/herself or a partner. The image and link could be a part of a quiz or worksheet.

Click on the link for further information about the muscles in the arm

The Snipping Tool allowed to me to focus on a certain image from the website in order to give the students a direct understanding of what is being shown, rather than other images and pop-ups distracting them from the given assignment.

I believe that I would use this tool frequently if I were teaching a different subject, but I am going to show this to others on how easy it is to use.

Google Documents - Resume

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HB5bIn5VJ6juRo2e_zAZfKzS4Tnxory2IkAkRW1NHhk/edit

Introductory Post :

Check out how bad the Boston Red Sox are by clicking on the link below
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=bos