Jing Image

Today’s assignment was to work with the Jing program which allows the user to capture screenshots.   Here is a link to a Jing Tutorial video.  Once the image is captured the user can use the image editing tools to add texts, highlight, and insert arrows.  The captured image can be saved to any location on the user’s computer as a .PNG image or published as a screen casted image which creates a link that can be shared with others. 

The following image is the graphic I created in Jing.  It is an example of an open book quiz I could use in my classroom.  Here is the link to my screen cast image.

I can see where the Jing tool will be very useful in my future.  This tool will be useful when interacting with my students and model technology.  I feel this assignment follows NETS T #3.

Self-Portrait

The second assignment for today was to create a self-portrait using Picassohead.  I found this to be an easy and fun program.  All the user has to do is drag the shape they choose to the canvas.  Once on the canvas the shape can be moved to any location.  It can also be colored, scaled up or down, rotated, moved forward or backward, flipped, or deleted.  The user has the ability to choose a face, eyes, noses, lips, ears, eyebrows, hair, abstracts, and add a signature. 

The following is my self-portrait:

This assignment falls under the following NETS T guideline #1:

Snipping Tool

Today’s assignment was to learn about the snipping tool which is a tool used to capture screen shots.  We were provided with a short film on using the Windows Vista snipping tool  This tool can be used to capture something on the screen that the user would like to share.  The image is copied to the clipboard where it can be saved, edited, and shared. 

In order to locate the snipping tool I used the search programs and files search bar.  On my computer the search bar is under the start menu as shown in the snip below.  To locate the program just type the snipping tool in the search bar.

The assignment was not only to learn about the snipping tool but to create a shortcut to the tool. 

I can see where this tool will be very useful when teaching.  It will allow me to not only explain an assignment to my students but also allow them view a snip of what they will see. 

This assignment falls under the following NETS T #2.

Diigo - Social Bookmarking

One of today’s assignments was to watch this film about Diigo, a free social bookmarking and sharing tool, and answer the following questions. 

1.       Describe the 3 steps to recommend in the film to get started social bookmarking?

1)      One of the great features of Diigo is the ability to highlight and annotate directly on the page you are reading.  You also have the ability to bookmark the web page so you can easily locate it.  This is helpful so you can remember your exact thoughts about the web page any why you liked it.

2)      Another great feature is the ability to organize, share, and display your bookmarks.  This is useful because it gives you the ability to connect with others interested in the same things and find related topics.

3)      Diigo also gives the user the ability to see what you and your friend have in common.  Diigo group is a place for people to share through group bookmarks, forums, sticky notes, or highlights.

2.       Describe is Web 2.0, and how it differs from previous stages of the web?

Web 2.0 is different from previous stages of the web because it is more users friendly and allows for easier connections with others, it’s more fun.  Web 2.0 is used to organize, share, and display your collections of bookmarks.  It also allows you to view your friend’s bookmarks and users with similar interests.  

3.      What is social bookmarking and what advantages does social bookmarking offer that traditional storage and retrieval of web sites does not?

      Social bookmarking is a way of bookmarking your favorite websites but instead of them being saved on your web browser, which is only on your computer, you save them on the web.  This allows you to access your bookmarks from anywhere even if you don’t have your own computer.  Social bookmarking also makes it easier to share your links with friends or others interested in the same things as you.  

To access Diigo click here and to install the Diigolet web browser click here.  Here is a link to my Diigo page.

The second part of today’s assignments is to reflect on my experience with different web browsers.  At first I didn’t believe I had much experience because I thought the only web browser I used was Internet Explorer.  I learned different after I did a quick search of web browsers and found this list.  Once I read the list of browsers I realized I have used Internet Explorer, Google, Firefox, AOL and Netscape Navigator.  This made me feel a little more confident in my technology skills.     

A browser add-on is a tool that can be added to a web browser.  This tool usually enhances the current features of a program or adds new features.  An example of a browser add on is a toolbar.  A toolbar can be very useful because it can be placed at the top of the web browser so the tool is only a click away.  The most useful toolbar I have is the Google toolbar.  This toolbar makes it easy for me access my Gmail, search the web, and access my favorite websites.    

I feel this activity most closely matches the ISTE NETS T standard 3, Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. The standard states: Teacher exhibits knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of and innovative professional in a global and digital society.  The technology used in this activity is definitely innovative in today’s digital society.  The use of a social bookmarking allows for easy sharing of important web links.  This would be very useful for a teacher because it would ensure the students have access to the specific websites the teacher intends. 

Jana's Intro

Hi, my name is Jana and I’m starting this blog for my education 6305 class.  I have never done this before but I know it will be a great experience.  I also realize blogs are becoming more and more popular in today’s technological world.  So here’s to keeping up with technology.

I am a 26 year-old Wild Wonderful West Virginia native who can’t get enough of the WV hills. 

I currently live in Morgantown with my boyfriend, Richie, and my dog, Buddy.

I am a graduate of Fairmont State University.  I have a Bachelors of Science Degree is Chemistry and am working on my Masters of Arts in Teaching, specifically chemistry. 

I am blessed with a WONDERFUL family.  My dad, Richard, is an art teacher at a middle school and my mom, Janice, is head of nursing at a mental hospital.  I have one sister, Joy, who lives in the panhandle and teaches kindergarten.  We are a pretty tight family and enjoy spending time together.  I am lucky enough to still have my presence graced by my dad’s father, Clayton (96), and my mom’s mother, Vera (86).  My grandfather lives with my parents (actually they live in his house) and my grandmother lives in Canada. 

I can’t think of anything else to put in this so I guess I am done for now.  Bye!