Online Syllabi Using Google Calendar

Time management has always been a critical skill for a student to poses in order to effectively balance their academic and personal lives. Students must constantly be aware of their agenda for each class and how much time to set aside to complete assignments and prepare for exams. Syllabi have always been around to dictate the pace of each course and alert students of upcoming deadlines. But is there a more effective and innovative way?

After numerous discussions with my colleagues and students, I have come to the realization that there definitely is. Professors due their best to remind students about upcoming deadlines and students use their own daily planners and online tools to keep up-to-date. However, there is a more cohesive and technologically friendly way to accomplish these goals.

Professors should consider creating a Google Calendar in the form of their syllabus for each of their class sections. Exam blocks should be scheduled out in addition to project reminders, suggested group meeting times, and most importantly, class times. By then sharing the Google calendar with their students’ - every student would have an extremely useful calendar to keep them up-to-date with everything going on in the class. More importantly, this calendar can be accessed from any computer and most mobile devices 24/7/365.

If all professors employed this method at their institution, each student would have a calendar of their personal appointments and agenda in addition to an overlay of all their classes, assignments, and tasks. Professors often change their syllabi throughout the semester and hand out additional hard copies or upload another online version which can be confusing and inaccurate for some students. This Google- approach scheme allows professors to make modifications to their curriculum on the fly and insures that every student is always up-to-date with latest agenda. A bonus to the student is that each student only has to reference one online file for all their classes and avoid having to sort through multiple hard copies and online syllabi for each class.

To learn more – go to: http://support.google.com/calendar/

Benefits and Challenges of Using Tablets in Classrooms

The incorporation of digital devices for students and instructors is becoming a major trend in education. The recent appearance and early adoption of tablets by young people is pushing the acceptance of these devices into the classrooms which, in turn, have been broadly presented (at least by the media) as the “next step” or the “natural evolution in the wave of future education.” Even though there are potential promises of educational impacts of tablets, educators should weigh the potential challenges as well before utilizing tablets into teaching and learning. Below is the list of some of the benefits and challenges of using tablets in classrooms with the resources where they were discussed.

Benefits:

1. Tablet computers, like the iPad, are interactive communicator and book-reader tools. They are also an imminent second wave of “must-have” technology for students. Their large screens (about 10 inches diagonally) and large memory (16 GBytes minimum) and similar processing power to Netbook PCs differentiate them from mobile phones and give them a different IT dimension: they are not just communicators, or toys, they are computers. http://www.bsrlm.org.uk/IPs/ip31-1/BSRLM-IP-31-1-20.pdf

2. A Tablet’s functionality potentially allows it to behave as a paperless combined textbook/notebook/test-paper/progress-record. A textbook may be downloaded and stored for use as needed. The Tablet’s interactive property allows the textbook to function as a notebook- meaning the user can make notes, highlight, and even look up the meaning of words. The progress/recorder allows attempted work to be automatically logged and all marks awarded to be automatically entered from the instructor’s machine. http://www.bsrlm.org.uk/IPs/ip31-1/BSRLM-IP-31-1-20.pdf

3. An Extensive library of apps are available either free or reasonably priced, as compared to computer software which is usually quite costly, allowing the student experience to be easier and more affordably accessed. http://www.pcmag.com/reviews/software

Challenges:

1. Drawbacks of usage. A seven-week-long study by the University of Notre Dame found that students did indeed like learning with the tablet computers, but that they used the devices differently than was expected. The students also identified some drawbacks of bringing iPads into the classroom, such as the difficulty of taking notes on the tablet. The auto correct typing function can create very interesting passages as well as frustrations. In the study, more than half the students reported feeling frustrated when highlighting text and taking notes within e-books on the iPad. Another drawback was the fact that multiple “windows” or files couldn’t be kept open, side-by-side, on the iPad, unlike a full-fledged computer. http://www.forbes.com/sites/elizabethwoyke/2011/01/21/pros-and-cons-of-ipads-in-the-classroom/

2. Monitoring use.  Though tablets allow students to learn at their own pace, some educators are worried about how to handle a classroom full of independent learners.  Many educators expressed concern about monitoring students while they use their tablet. The biggest problem with tablets is students’ visiting sites other than those for learning. http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2013/top-3-problems-with-tablets-in-the-classroom/

3. Incompatible Applications - Until all tablets can use all applications/websites there are limits to how well the tools can be used in the classroom. (http://chronicle.com/article/iPads-for-College-Classrooms-/126681/). As faculty, we must select tools that are compatible with the greatest number of devices – especially if one allows a BYOD environment.

In sum, it is worth experimentation and identifying whether or not a tablet will help your students consume course content and learn. Even though there are potential promises of educational impacts of tablets, educators should weigh the potential challenges as well before utilizing tablets into teaching and learning. At the end of the day, if using a table is helpful to facilitate student success, we should embrace it to the extent it facilitates the learning process and causes no harm.

Come Together

What follows is a laundry list of free web tools  that might be useful for phone conferences, web conferencing, screen sharing, help desk, advising, group meetings, sharing a desk-top, sharing documents, etc…

SKYPE -  htttp://www.skype.com/en/features/

Using Skype, you can share screens, documents, chat, call, send files, and video conference.

JOIN.ME -  https://join.me/

Join.me combines instant screen sharing and powerful meeting tools in an app that anyone can use to present, train, demo or concept. join.me is designed to be intuitive and accessible, providing features that you'll use every day for everything from show-and-tell to formal presentations. Features:  • up to 10 meeting participants • screen sharing • internet calling • share control • multi-monitor • chat • send files • viewer: iPad/iPhone or Android.

Mikogo - http://www.mikogo.com/account/en/register.php

Mikogo is an easy-to-use FREE cross-platform desktop sharing tool, ideal for free web conferencing, online meetings or remote support. Features:• Desktop Sharing (for Mac/Windows) Multiple • Meeting Participants(for Mac/Windows) • Switch Presenter(for Mac/Windows) • Remote Keyboard and Mouse Control(for Mac/Windows)  • Meeting Scheduler(for Windows) • Meeting Recording and Playback (for Windows) • Whiteboard (for Windows) •Transfer Files(for Mac/Windows) • Application Selection(for Windows)  • Back Monitor(for Windows) • Pointer(for Mac/Windows) • Copy/Paste/Email Meeting Info(for Mac/Windows) • Pause Transmission(for Mac/Windows)  • Voice Conferencing Service(for Mac/Windows).

GOOGLE Chrome Remote Desktop

Google Chrome has a beta version app that allows users to access other computers or allow another user to access your computer securely over the Internet. Computers can be made available on a short-term basis for scenarios such as ad hoc remote support, or on a more long-term basis for remote access to your applications and files.  All connections are fully secured. Chrome Remote Desktop is fully cross-platform.  Provide remote assistance to Windows, Mac and Linux users, or access your Windows (XP and above) and Mac (OS X 10.6 and above) desktops at any time, all from the Chrome browser on virtually any device, including Chromebooks.

FREE Conferencing - http://www.freeconferencing.com/

Collaborate and conduct your meetings with a free, reservationless conference calling service. This tool is simple to use, requiring only a name and email address to receive an instant account. FreeConferencing.com accounts come with host web-based commands. This tool provides instant conference call functionality to your computer screen. Features include: • recording • muting • conference lock • Q&A. Each of the functionalities are accessible by both regular touch tone and right on your computer with just a click of your mouse.

Free ConferenceCall -   http://www.freeconferencecall.com/

Once you enter your name and e-mail address, you will be instantaneously provided  a dial-in number and access code for immediate phone conferencing. The users  teleconferencing line is available 24/7 and there is no need to schedule or make reservations. Each conference call account accommodates 96 callers on an unlimited number of 6 hour free conference calls.

AnyMeeting - http://www.anymeeting.com/

Simply a audio- video free chat tool that allows users to meet anytime and share screens. Features: • Video • Audio • screen sharing • chat.

OnWebinar - http://www.onwebinar.com/

A free web conferencing service that allows users to organize distance learning, business meetings, online coaching, videoconferences and interactive communication. Features include: • video broadcasting •  private chat • public chat • shared resources area (whiteboard, slide show presentation, desktop sharing, files and links) • polling tools •  videoconferencing.

Yugma - https://www.yugma.com/

Yugma offers free desktop sharing, web conferencing, online meetings, and web collaboration for Mac, Windows, and Linux users. Features: 20 attendees •  host a meeting • Desktop Sharing •Free Teleconferencing •Public and Private Chat •Customizable Widget •Works on Windows, Mac and Linux •Skype Integration.

Adobe ConnectNow - https://www.acrobat.com/main/en/home.html

This Adobe tool uses screen sharing, chat, notes, audio, and video features to facilitate  meetings online that can be as interactive and productive as in-person meetings. Adobe ConnectNow is free web conferencing solution with limited features.

WebHuddle  - https://www.webhuddle.com/

WebHuddle (free web conferencing tool) makes it easy to meet with the people you need to, when you need to — all it takes is a web-enabled PC. Meetings can be conducted either in conjunction with an enterprise’s existing teleconferencing service, or utilizing WebHuddle’s optional voice over IP. WebHuddle also offers recording capabilities — presentations can easily be recorded for playback over any web browser for those who missed the live meeting. WebHuddle is Open Source.

Applying the Seven Principles for Good Practice to the Online Classroom

Repost: Faculty Focus

By Oliver Dreon, PhD

Almost 25 years have passed since Chickering and Gamson offered seven principles for good instructional practices in undergraduate education. While the state of undergraduate education has evolved to some degree over that time, I think the seven principles still have a place in today's collegiate classroom. Originally written to communicate best practices for face-to-face instruction, the principles translate well to the online classroom and can help to provide guidance for those of us designing courses to be taught online.

1. Encourage contact between students and faculty. Students need to know how to contact their online instructors and should be encouraged to communicate with us when needed. In my online courses, I identify multiple means of contacting me (email, Skype, Twitter, etc) and clearly post times when I'll be available to chat during online office hours. While few students utilize the online office hours I provide, offering this time communicates to students that I am available if they need assistance and that I value this interaction.

2. Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students. For those of us who believe that people learn through socially constructing their understanding based on their experiences, this principle is critical. Online courses should not be independent study classes. Online instructors need to build collaborative structures into their courses to promote student-to-student interaction. In my experience, I find that students who feel isolated in an online course have difficulty being successful. In my online courses, I incorporate collaborative and interactive ventures early on. I also try to foster discussions where students communicate with one another, share ideas, and debate concepts. While interacting with the instructor is important in an online class, it is also important that students have a space where they can discuss concepts with one another as well.

3. Encourage active learning. Learning is not a passive activity. For students to learn, they must actively engage with the content in thoughtful, purposeful ways. As you develop your online course, consider ways to build active learning into the course content. This can include utilizing tools with a course management system (discussions, for instance) or other tools (GoAnimate, Animoto). But active learning isn't limited to technological avenues in online courses. Someone teaching science online could utilize hands-on lab activities developed with common everyday items. Someone teaching psychology or sociology online could have students conduct observational work at a park or at the mall.

4. Give prompt feedback. This can be tricky, especially with instructors teaching larger online classes. While grading hundreds of papers can be overwhelming, students need to receive prompt feedback to know whether they are being successful or what they need to do to improve. If you have a few larger assignments in your class that you know will take more time to provide quality, constructive feedback, communicate this to your students. You should also include some smaller assignments that will not take as long to assess. While some experienced online instructors use the course management system to build automated responses into their courses, I believe that some students still need personalized feedback on their work that comes directly from their instructor.

5. Emphasize time on task. Learning takes time. Students and faculty working in online spaces need to realize this. Just because an online course may be more flexible schedule-wise does not mean that it won't require a significant time commitment. It's important for instructors to communicate expected time commitments but also be realistic with their expectations. Assigning students to read a 500 page book in a day may not be completely realistic. Have high expectations but respect students' need to have time to interact with the content and learn.

6. Communicate high expectations. While it's important to have high expectations for students, it is also critical that these expectations are clearly communicated to students. Likewise, it is helpful to communicate clear expectations for participation and for interaction. Do you want your students to log on daily? Do they need to submit assignments in a certain format? Is it okay for them to use emoticons in their discussion posts? These are just a few of the areas that online instructors need to consider as they develop an online course for the first time.

7. Respect diverse talents and ways of learning. Students learn in a variety of ways. While there will undoubtedly be some text-based content in an online course, it cannot be the only mode of delivery or assessment. Draw on the host of multimedia options available online to deliver content to students and to assess them. Instead of typing out some long lesson on the Middle Ages, check out YouTube or Vimeo for some available videos. Or better yet, use a screencasting tool like Jing to record a customized lesson. Instead of assigning a ten-page paper, have students create a video where they demonstrate what they've learned.

Dr. Oliver Dreon is the director of the Center for Academic Excellence at Millersville University.

Source: http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/online-education/applying-the-seven-principles-for-good-practice-to-the-online-classroom/

Two New Tools

Online OCR - http://www.onlineocr.net/

Do you ever have a scanned document that you would like to manipulate? Your solution has arrived. Online OCR offers a free, high-quality solution. Users can simply upload an image (JPG, JPEG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, and non-editable PDF are all accepted), then choose the language and preferred output format. At the free level, the service will convert 14 images per hour, but those who are satisfied with the service and require more frequent conversion may purchase a membership.

WordTalk - http://www.wordtalk.org.uk/Home/

Need to meet accessibility standards? The WordTalk plugin works with Microsoft Word to create an audio version of text documents. The plugin speaks the text of the document and highlights it along the way. It also contains a talking dictionary so that users can decide which word spelling is most appropriate. This version is compatible with all computers running Microsoft Word.

Zeen is a smart, new way to share what matters

Whether you are a creator, a curator or a casual surfer, Zeen makes it easy for you to create something beautiful. Zeens are portable, bite-sized pieces of content that are easy to make and fun to share.

Tell A Story: Zeen makes it easy for you to tell a story and create something beautiful.

Make It Shine: Your Zeen can include words, images, galleries, links, music, videos, maps and lots more.

Take it anywhere - Portable: Zeens are portable. Post them to Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus. Or embed and share them on your blog

Fun Ways To Use Zeen

• Create photo albums of your Facebook, Instagram, Flickr or Picasa photos – or upload pics directly from your computer!
• Share your favorite restaurant recommendations with friends
• Gather some songs to share with your friends
• Publish a travel journal about a recent vacation
• Compile a cookbook of your favorite recipes
• Create a visual report for a class or assignment

To sign-up and start creating go to: http://zeen.com/

Four Useful Resources

Reposted from: The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2013.

Below find four instructional resources to help you in your academic or creative work.

BioDigitalHuman -https://www.biodigitalhuman.com/

BioDigital Human presents a virtual 3D body that brings to life "thousands of medically accurate anatomy objects and health conditions in an interactive web-based platform." Visitors can get started by clicking on the appropriately named Get Started button. Here they will have access to hundreds of interactive features and customized views that look through all of the body systems. Moving on, the Annotated Screenshots area will teach users how to save and share these powerful tools for use in a range of settings. It's worth noting that while the Basic version is completely free, there are other levels of functionality available for a fee.

GetBodySmart - http://www.getbodysmart.com/

This remarkable online textbook was created by the folks at McGraw Hill Higher Education to complement several of their physical textbooks. The site contains eleven subject areas, including Skeletal System, Muscle Tissue Physiology, and Nervous System. Each of these fascinating areas contains interactive animations, along with elaborate links to additional resources, such as quizzes, fact sheets, and so on. Visitors should also note that the site contains other versions of this same material designed to be used on the iPad. The site is rounded out by a collection of anatomy and physiology quizzes that cover everything from the clavicle to the lumbar vertebrae.

Codeacademy - http://www.codecademy.com

Have you ever had a problem or found coding complicated? Allow Codeacademy to lift the veil on the mystery behind coding. On the site, visitors can immediately get started by typing in a username. After this, visitors can click on a Learn area to find out more about programming for JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and jQuery. An area at the bottom of the main page links to HTML/CSS lessons. Visitors with adroit skills can click on the Teach area to get involved with creating new code teaching modules. The site also contains a link to After-School Programming which will help young people get started with creating a programming club at their school. Finally, the site also features a Stories area, which features inspirational stories from people who have used the Codeacademy website.

BrowserBite - http://www.browserbite.com/

The BrowserBite application gives web designers the ability to test out their designs on different browsers without much fuss. This application uses complex image processing algorithms to detect differences in snapshots captured through different browsers. It's a rather useful tool, and the free version gives users access to browsers such as Chrome and Firefox. This version is compatible with all operating systems.

Web 2.0 Tools and Resources for 2013

Word Clouds - graphically display textual information based on word frequency.

Wordle -  http://www.wordle.net/

Uses: Summarizing articles, highlighting key points, summarizing course notes.

Visualization Tools - provides alternate means to display information, temporally, graphically, or spatially.

The Visual Thesaurus -  http://www.visualthesaurus.com is an interactive dictionary and thesaurus which creates word maps that bloom with meanings and branch to related words. Its innovative display encourages exploration and learning.

Infogr.am - is an online service that lets you create, share, discover infographics and online charts http://infogr.am/

Uses: language and vocabulary development, definitions, brain storming, collaboration, presentation.

File Conversion/exchange- convert, compress, synch and share file types between different formats via the Internet.

Zamzar - allows users to convert files for free without downloading a software tool. http://www.zamzar.com/

Yousendit – Send, synch and securely send your files. https://www.yousendit.com/

Youconvertit - allows users to convert and share files. http://www.youconvertit.com/ConvertFiles.aspx

Uses: file conversion, video extraction, file compression

Concept/Mind Maps- Allows users to brainstorm ideas, organize information, solve problems, plan projects, write, study, collaborate, and communicate more effectively. Shows relationships between entities (words, ideas, tasks)

Webspiration™ - http://mywebspiration.com

Mindmeister - http://www.mindmeister.com

Bubbl.us - https://bubbl.us

Uses: setting objectives, brainstorming activities, organizing information, identifying cues, summarize notes, visual thinking, collaboration, process management, write, study, and communicate.

Screencasting—record and share your computer screen with voice, mouse movements.

JingProject.com - http://www.techsmith.com/jing.html

Screenr.com - http://www.screenr.com/

ScreenCastle.com - http://screencastle.com/

Screen-o-matic - http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/

Uses: share ideas instantly, create demos for repeated activities; demonstrate grading policies, review quizzes, class summaries/announcements, helpdesk support, advising, and registration.

URL Shortened- take really long URL's and shorten them for easier consumption and redirection. Bookmark, organize, and share.

TinyURL - http://tinyurl.com/

bit.ly- https://bitly.com/

Uses: URL shortened for online assignments, share links in class, soft assessments (track number of students who accessed link), organize and bookmark.

Document Sharing—tag, share, and annotate documents with others. These sites and applications allow you to upload documents, share, annotate, and collaborate via the Internet.

Slideshare.net - http://www.slideshare.net/

Scribd.com - http://www.scribd.com/

annotate.com - http://a.nnotate.com/

Google Docs

Uses: sharing, collaborating, annotation skills, class resources, providing supplemental materials.

Blogs - An online journal or collaboration tool which allows users to share media as well as text with minimal HTML experience.

Blogger.com- www.blogger.com

wordpress.com – http://wordpress.com/

ning.com - http://www.ning.com/

posterous.com - https://posterous.com/

PBWorks - http://pbworks.com/

Edu Blogs - http://edublogs.org/

Uses: Assignment self-reflections, posting supplementary materials embedding sound, video, documents critical response, course notes and build community.

Wikis—a website which allows for the creation and editing of linked web pages by multiple users simultaneously. Collaboration and participation allow multiple people to have access to a shared workspace.

Eduspaces.net - http://www.eduspace.r18esd.org/

Wikispaces - http://www.wikispaces.com/

Uses: Peer review, collaborative writing assignments, resource collections, group work, reading summaries.

Social Bookmarking/Online Notebooks – create, store organize, and share online repositories of URLs, clippings from web pages, images, and more, all accessible via the web Sites.

Digg.com - http://www.digg.com/

evernote.com - http://evernote.com/

delicious - https://delicious.com/

diigo.com - http://www.diigo.com/

Google Reader

Uses: Peer review, collaborative writing assignments, resource collections, storage, organization, reading summaries, literature reviews, and data aggregation.

Visual Communication/Collaboration-- Use media to collaborate with students and vice versa. The ability to manage these efforts is made easier.

Scribblar.com - http://www.scribblar.com/

voicethread.com - http://voicethread.com/

tokbox.com - http://www.tokbox.com/

Uses: Peer review, collaborative writing assignments, resource collections, reading summaries

Feedback Tools-- facilitate the collection of data from students in an online environment. The participatory nature of the Internet mandates two way communications.

zoomerang.com - http://www.zoomerang.com/

poll everywhere - http://www.polleverywhere.com/

polldaddy.com - http://polldaddy.com/

Doodle - http://www.doodle.com/

Socrative - http://www.socrative.com/

Google Forms

Uses: Gather student/group responses, assess progress/readiness, collect student data, rapid feedback,  assessments/reflection, and scheduling.

Comic Creations - The fastest way to build comics strips.

Toondoo - http://www.toondoo.com/

Uses: express creative works, student community building, and online introductions.

Speaking Avatars - Create voice over animated discussions or voice threads.

Voki - http://www.voki.com/

Uses: Motivate students, increase participation, Improve comprehension, address language skills, increase comfort using technology.

Scavenger Hunts

Goose Chase - https://www.goosechase.com/

Scvngr - http://www.scvngr.com/

Uses: Team Building, Reinforce Course content, Fun

Flashcards - collaborative flash card web app that allows users to create flashcards for review. There are ready made flash cards in a pool, often organized by topics. Some may be used on smart phones.

Cobocards - http://www.cobocards.com/en/

Quizlet- - http://quizlet.com/

Used: reinforces learning through study, games, and memorization.

Video Creation – Create videos

Animoto- http://animoto.com/

Uses: Users are able to mix relevant messaging, statistics and quotes among the pictures or videos to educate and inspire.

Screen Sharing - Opportunity to share your desktop and screen with others.

Join.me - https://join.me/

TodaysMeet - http://todaysmeet.com/

Uses: Help service, narration, navigation and resource sharing.

 

STAYING CURRENT

— Gizmodo - http://gizmodo.com to stay on top of Apps and new tools to the market.

— Mashable - http://mashable.com to learn about technology in general.

— Centre for Learning & Performance Technologies http://c4lpt.co.uk to understand the pedagogy of teaching with new technology and to quickly identify the latest and newest ranked applications.

Online Dictation Made Easy

Happy New year! Are you looking for an online dictation program to start your New Year off right? If so, look no further than Online Dictation for use with Google Chrome. This FREE dictation program allows users the ability to convert their spoken voice into digital text with little fuss. Visitors to the application just need to attach a microphone to their computers to allow the program to pick up their voices. This version is compatible with all computers running Google Chrome. What a great way to create a transcript to pair with your spoken words - especially useful for online, hybrid, and computer enhanced traditional classes. Use it to write a long email, narrate an essay or speech, provide student feedback, or transcribe any message. For more information, go to: http://ctrlq.org/dictation/