This solution to this case seemed pretty simple to me. I looked at five different areas concerning the case study to base my decision off of. I looked at who owned the copyright, and if a copyright had to be registered to be owned. Since the teacher knew that she had created her lesson plans before the other person, she owns the copyright. Hobbs clearly states this in chapter 2, "A work is automatically copyrighted at the moment of creation, as long as it exists in a fixed, tangible form." From this I gathered that the teacher clearly owned the graphics. The fact that the new text was just published shows that the teacher had the graphics first.
If the teacher did get her graphics from that other person, she would still be able to use them because they were for lesson plans. The Fair Use Doctrine shows that copyrighted works can be used without permission for educational purposes. The teacher was making no profit off of another's work. Even though the work was used at conferences, they were still for educational purposes and teachers have the right to share lesson plans in ways to educate.
Because it is actually the book that is in violation of the copyright law, I would recommend that she continues to use her graphics, and could potentially take legal action against the author for attempting to make a profit from her graphics.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
AlumNet
There are many things to consider in this case study. I looked at a few of them before I made my final decision. I looked at the purpose of the site, why the site was created/who created it, if the site was limiting the copyright holder's ability to make money, if a copyright has to be registered to be the owner and who first had the name.
The understanding of Fair Use that Hobbs describes states that if it was student made or if it serves and educational purpose, then copyright laws can be broken. In this instance, it was student made,but it did not serve and educational purpose, rather it served a social purpose. It was not in competition with the Copyright holder's site, so I think the school would have a good case for fair use for it. The case study also states that the school can prove that they used the name first. This makes one look at the copyright laws as to who would own the copyright. In chapter 2, Hobbs states, "A work is automatically copyrighted at the moment of creation, as long as it exists in a fixed, tangible form...You don't have to register a copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office." Because of this the school would not have to change the name of their site because it is actually the other company that is in violation of the copyright law.
The understanding of Fair Use that Hobbs describes states that if it was student made or if it serves and educational purpose, then copyright laws can be broken. In this instance, it was student made,but it did not serve and educational purpose, rather it served a social purpose. It was not in competition with the Copyright holder's site, so I think the school would have a good case for fair use for it. The case study also states that the school can prove that they used the name first. This makes one look at the copyright laws as to who would own the copyright. In chapter 2, Hobbs states, "A work is automatically copyrighted at the moment of creation, as long as it exists in a fixed, tangible form...You don't have to register a copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office." Because of this the school would not have to change the name of their site because it is actually the other company that is in violation of the copyright law.
Pooh's News
In this case study students are playing a radio broadcast that they call "Pooh's News." The school received a cease-and-desist letter. I took five things into consideration for this. They are: is the school using the name in an educational way, what does Fair Use cover, What is the purpose of the broadcast, does it matter if they used "Pooh's" voice or not, and does transformativeness play a role in this circumstance.
It seems clear that the purpose was to have a catchy name that rhymed that the students could relate to. I don't think the fact that images or sounds of Pooh were used, I think it is the name that is in copyright violation. The name itself is not being used to educate on Pooh but on other literature aspects that are considered educational. Hobbs describes Fair Use only in instances where the used plays and educational role directly. The broadcast is being used in an educational way. I think that transformativeness would play a big role in this case study. I don't see how using the name "Pooh" would add value to the broadcast or change the purpose. Pooh was created as an entertainment or book. I think it would be fine for the students to review book about Pooh and use the name in that context, but I do not think the school would be covered under the Fair Use doctrine in this instance. Though there is no infringement on money being made at the school, the popularity of the name is being used to endorse a broadcast that the copyright owner's did not approve of. Personally, I would change the name of the broadcast.
It seems clear that the purpose was to have a catchy name that rhymed that the students could relate to. I don't think the fact that images or sounds of Pooh were used, I think it is the name that is in copyright violation. The name itself is not being used to educate on Pooh but on other literature aspects that are considered educational. Hobbs describes Fair Use only in instances where the used plays and educational role directly. The broadcast is being used in an educational way. I think that transformativeness would play a big role in this case study. I don't see how using the name "Pooh" would add value to the broadcast or change the purpose. Pooh was created as an entertainment or book. I think it would be fine for the students to review book about Pooh and use the name in that context, but I do not think the school would be covered under the Fair Use doctrine in this instance. Though there is no infringement on money being made at the school, the popularity of the name is being used to endorse a broadcast that the copyright owner's did not approve of. Personally, I would change the name of the broadcast.
Movies All Day
This case study took a little thought and research. There are a few points that I looked at to figure out if the school could play videos for leisure. I looked at the difference if the movies were in the theaters or not, if the movies playing would be educational, what the purpose was for playing the movies, the first-sale doctrine and if it was a legal copy of the movie.
All of these things coincide with each other. Part of me would think that it would not be acceptable because the people who saw the movies would no longer go to the theater to see them, so that would cause a problem with interfering with profit that would have been made otherwise. If the movies were not in the theater I did not think it would be a big deal as far as interfering with profit. When looking at this for the Fair Use point of view, it would not be acceptable because the movies are being watched specifically for leisure. There is no educational context behind the movies, so they would not be able to play the movies. I would say they should not watch it.
I then looked into the First-Sale Doctrine. Hobbs defines it in chapter 3 as, " The Copyright Act of 1976 says that when you buy a legally produced copyrighted work, you can sell or loan that copy to others." I looked into some other sources online that would make one think that if it would be acceptable to play the movie. Hobbs goes on to describe that if a teacher owns a book she can share it, but not make multiple copies so that the owner's sales are limited. I would think that this would allow for the movies to be played as well.
Personally, I would not play the movies. If the theaters are already watching and sent a cease-and-desist letter, then they will probably pursue action if the movies are played. I would say that the school should cancel the movie day because they were not using them educationally, or they should find an educational movie that they could claim Fair Use on. The First-Sale doctrine can be used and they may be able to get away with playing the movies, but I think it would be safer for them to play something educational instead.
All of these things coincide with each other. Part of me would think that it would not be acceptable because the people who saw the movies would no longer go to the theater to see them, so that would cause a problem with interfering with profit that would have been made otherwise. If the movies were not in the theater I did not think it would be a big deal as far as interfering with profit. When looking at this for the Fair Use point of view, it would not be acceptable because the movies are being watched specifically for leisure. There is no educational context behind the movies, so they would not be able to play the movies. I would say they should not watch it.
I then looked into the First-Sale Doctrine. Hobbs defines it in chapter 3 as, " The Copyright Act of 1976 says that when you buy a legally produced copyrighted work, you can sell or loan that copy to others." I looked into some other sources online that would make one think that if it would be acceptable to play the movie. Hobbs goes on to describe that if a teacher owns a book she can share it, but not make multiple copies so that the owner's sales are limited. I would think that this would allow for the movies to be played as well.
Personally, I would not play the movies. If the theaters are already watching and sent a cease-and-desist letter, then they will probably pursue action if the movies are played. I would say that the school should cancel the movie day because they were not using them educationally, or they should find an educational movie that they could claim Fair Use on. The First-Sale doctrine can be used and they may be able to get away with playing the movies, but I think it would be safer for them to play something educational instead.
Gap Steal
In this case study, a man put an image he took on to a website. Gap made baby clothes with what looks to be that image on it. The photographer thinks that he may be owed something by Gap because they are using his image.
In my opinion, there are many different images of cars. The question is raised about wires in the reflection, but it could very well be that man's image. In a business perspective, I think that if the man can prove he took the image before Gap worked on making that product, he would be able to sue for part of the profit of the shirt. The shirt was not made in any educational context. Hobbs states in chapter 2 that, "A work is automatically copyrighted at the moment of creation, as long as it exists in a fixed, tangible form." It is because of this that it would be illegal for Gap to use an image that was not theirs.
From an educational perspective, it would be legal to use the image. If the image was used for a project on cars, or a lesson plan to teach students abut cars, it would be legal. The educator and student would be covered under the Fair Use Doctrine to use the image under educational circumstances.
In my opinion, there are many different images of cars. The question is raised about wires in the reflection, but it could very well be that man's image. In a business perspective, I think that if the man can prove he took the image before Gap worked on making that product, he would be able to sue for part of the profit of the shirt. The shirt was not made in any educational context. Hobbs states in chapter 2 that, "A work is automatically copyrighted at the moment of creation, as long as it exists in a fixed, tangible form." It is because of this that it would be illegal for Gap to use an image that was not theirs.
From an educational perspective, it would be legal to use the image. If the image was used for a project on cars, or a lesson plan to teach students abut cars, it would be legal. The educator and student would be covered under the Fair Use Doctrine to use the image under educational circumstances.
Controversial Billboard
An image was used of a girl on a controversial billboard. The mother of the girl had signed a release, acknowledging that her daughter's image could be sold and used for other purposes. The copyright issue here is with the image and not the controversy of the ad itself.
The issue that is discussed was that the mother did not want her daughter endorsing a controversial issue in such a manner. I can understand why the mother thought it could be illegal for her daughter to "endorse" a program. One con to this issue is that the mother signed a release form, which allows for others to decide how her daughter's image to be used, not her. The mother would not be protected under the copyright law because of the release form. Even though she probably did not think it through it at the time, the release form is a written contract saying that she understands she has no ownership of the photos. I think that it is important to note that the billboard was taken down due to controversy, not because of the image itself.
From the educational perspective, it would be legal for educators or students to use the image. Hobbs states in chapter 2, "At the heart of copyright law, the doctrine of fair use states that people have a right to use copyrighted materials freely without payment or permission, for purposes such as criticism, comment,news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research." The modeling agency would have full legal rights to the images. Because of the Fair Use Doctrine, the image could still be used in education without violating the owner's rights.
The issue that is discussed was that the mother did not want her daughter endorsing a controversial issue in such a manner. I can understand why the mother thought it could be illegal for her daughter to "endorse" a program. One con to this issue is that the mother signed a release form, which allows for others to decide how her daughter's image to be used, not her. The mother would not be protected under the copyright law because of the release form. Even though she probably did not think it through it at the time, the release form is a written contract saying that she understands she has no ownership of the photos. I think that it is important to note that the billboard was taken down due to controversy, not because of the image itself.
From the educational perspective, it would be legal for educators or students to use the image. Hobbs states in chapter 2, "At the heart of copyright law, the doctrine of fair use states that people have a right to use copyrighted materials freely without payment or permission, for purposes such as criticism, comment,news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research." The modeling agency would have full legal rights to the images. Because of the Fair Use Doctrine, the image could still be used in education without violating the owner's rights.
A Family Christmas Card
A U.S. family learned that their family photo was taken from the internet and used in Prague to advertise a business. This could be in violation of the copyright law because the owner of the business did not request any type of permission to use a photo to advertise his business and essentially make money off the photo.
The Copyright law would essentially protect the person who took the photo. Assuming that the photographer gave the rights to the Smiths to do with their photo as they please, then it would be lawful for the Smiths to put the image on the internet. When the store owner used the photo on the internet he would be in copyright violation because he did not have permission from the photographer who owns the photo.
This would be good for the Smiths, so that their family was not publicly on display across the world. The cons to this would be that the store owner could face penalties because he was making a profit off of someone else's work. Section 113 of the copyright law would prevent anyone from using and making a profit off of an image that they did not create. In the business perspective this would be illegal.
In an educational perspective, it would be legal if students were to use the Smiths' photo in a report or school project. Hobbs shows this in Resource B. Hobbs describes that the Copyright Act of 1976, Section 107, also known as the fair use doctrine, would allow for things to be used as long as they won't make a big effect on the market for the original use and the purpose of the use would be different. This is different from the business perspective because the students would not be using an image to make a profit. The students would be using the image in an educational way.
From my perspective, it was good that the business owner took the image off of his business. I think he was in violation of copyright laws that the photographer would be protected by. The photographer could have taken action and sued the business, but I think that because the business owner took down the image, and that was what the family wanted, they were able to settle the dispute outside of the courtroom.
The Copyright law would essentially protect the person who took the photo. Assuming that the photographer gave the rights to the Smiths to do with their photo as they please, then it would be lawful for the Smiths to put the image on the internet. When the store owner used the photo on the internet he would be in copyright violation because he did not have permission from the photographer who owns the photo.
This would be good for the Smiths, so that their family was not publicly on display across the world. The cons to this would be that the store owner could face penalties because he was making a profit off of someone else's work. Section 113 of the copyright law would prevent anyone from using and making a profit off of an image that they did not create. In the business perspective this would be illegal.
In an educational perspective, it would be legal if students were to use the Smiths' photo in a report or school project. Hobbs shows this in Resource B. Hobbs describes that the Copyright Act of 1976, Section 107, also known as the fair use doctrine, would allow for things to be used as long as they won't make a big effect on the market for the original use and the purpose of the use would be different. This is different from the business perspective because the students would not be using an image to make a profit. The students would be using the image in an educational way.
From my perspective, it was good that the business owner took the image off of his business. I think he was in violation of copyright laws that the photographer would be protected by. The photographer could have taken action and sued the business, but I think that because the business owner took down the image, and that was what the family wanted, they were able to settle the dispute outside of the courtroom.
Friday, May 27, 2016
Google Sheets
Google sheets is a program that allows for any type of gradebook or quiz to be made. A quiz with and answer code can be made and it can then be imported right into the gradebook with little to no effort from the teacher. Formulas can be plugged into the sheets to allow for weighted grades to be computed as well.
To use Google sheets, one would just go to drive.google.com. From there the user can create a form/quiz. A responses sheet is prompted to be made by the program. This program is not as well prompted as others because it is not specifically for teaching, so there are many things that can be done with it. To use the program properly, the user would use it for all grades to be entered and tests to be taken on. It helps to ensure correct math computing of grades, and is intended to make computing easier for the teacher.
I personally would use the Google sheets in my classroom often. I thought it was a great program and easy to use once I got the hang of it. I like that the program is free. Because the program does most of the entering and computing of grades automatically, I think it would enable me to spend more time on lesson plans and less time on computing grades.
In the classroom I think that students would like to use this because they can take quizzes online. For some reason, quizzes seem less dreadful if they can be done by use of the internet. I also think that students would like that their teacher uses the program because of the automatic computing of grades. If a student would like to know their grade the teacher could tell them right then, instead of waiting a couple of days for the teacher to have time to figure up their scores.
To use Google sheets, one would just go to drive.google.com. From there the user can create a form/quiz. A responses sheet is prompted to be made by the program. This program is not as well prompted as others because it is not specifically for teaching, so there are many things that can be done with it. To use the program properly, the user would use it for all grades to be entered and tests to be taken on. It helps to ensure correct math computing of grades, and is intended to make computing easier for the teacher.
I personally would use the Google sheets in my classroom often. I thought it was a great program and easy to use once I got the hang of it. I like that the program is free. Because the program does most of the entering and computing of grades automatically, I think it would enable me to spend more time on lesson plans and less time on computing grades.
In the classroom I think that students would like to use this because they can take quizzes online. For some reason, quizzes seem less dreadful if they can be done by use of the internet. I also think that students would like that their teacher uses the program because of the automatic computing of grades. If a student would like to know their grade the teacher could tell them right then, instead of waiting a couple of days for the teacher to have time to figure up their scores.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Yogile
Yogile is a website that is meant to be a photo storage and sharing solution. Yogile is free to use, but the albums are removed after fourteen days. If a user chooses, a premium account can be purchased for longer storage. Yogile allows for numerous people to share images into an album on the website through email.
To begin, I made an account. Once my account was made I selected to create an album. A screen then comes up and gives three options. A user can browse for images on the computer, can drag photos to the screen to add them to the album or can give out the email address provided for others to add photos to the album. To use this website effectively, a teacher can set up an album and students can email any photos that they may have from an activity or assignment. This way the teacher has access to the images and can control what is shared with the entire class. Students can also create accounts to share images to friends without having to send them via text message.
I could see myself using this personally to send images from my wedding to loved ones. My in-laws often ask for images. I could easily direct her to this website so that the images can be shared. I would choose to use this website over just sending the images through an email to her because Yogile allows for easier uploading of images. I created a sample Photo album, and it took less than five seconds for six pictures to be uploaded and ready for sharing. When I try to download or send images I usually have to wait long periods of time for them to be uploaded. I think Yogile could be helpful when sending more than one image at a time.
In the classroom I think this would be a great tool! Many students have cellular devices and take pictures of everything. This could allow for a teacher to get pictures of projects or activities without giving out any personal information. What I like best about this website in a classroom setting is that the teacher can edit the images so that inappropriate images are not shared to the entire class. The album can then be set up for a slide show or be shared on a public website.
To begin, I made an account. Once my account was made I selected to create an album. A screen then comes up and gives three options. A user can browse for images on the computer, can drag photos to the screen to add them to the album or can give out the email address provided for others to add photos to the album. To use this website effectively, a teacher can set up an album and students can email any photos that they may have from an activity or assignment. This way the teacher has access to the images and can control what is shared with the entire class. Students can also create accounts to share images to friends without having to send them via text message.
I could see myself using this personally to send images from my wedding to loved ones. My in-laws often ask for images. I could easily direct her to this website so that the images can be shared. I would choose to use this website over just sending the images through an email to her because Yogile allows for easier uploading of images. I created a sample Photo album, and it took less than five seconds for six pictures to be uploaded and ready for sharing. When I try to download or send images I usually have to wait long periods of time for them to be uploaded. I think Yogile could be helpful when sending more than one image at a time.
In the classroom I think this would be a great tool! Many students have cellular devices and take pictures of everything. This could allow for a teacher to get pictures of projects or activities without giving out any personal information. What I like best about this website in a classroom setting is that the teacher can edit the images so that inappropriate images are not shared to the entire class. The album can then be set up for a slide show or be shared on a public website.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Edmodo
Edmodo is essentially and educational "Facebook." Students and teachers can collaborate on a page for their classroom. Resources can be put on the site so that students can review them on their own time at home. The theory behind Edmodo is that it becomes an extension of the classroom without allowing students into a personal part of a teachers life as Facebook would. Edmodo is a way for a class to connect and share what they are learning with each other.
To start with Edmodo I created an account as if I were a teacher. The website then guided me through setting up a class page just by asking me basic questions. Once I finished the guided set up, my page was ready for posting. To use Edmodo effectively, teachers would engage their students by asking questions and posting resources and assignments. The app should make the students feel a sense of belonging to the group that helps them to engage in what they are learning. Teachers would also set up small groups on the page so that groups of students can speak with each other on specific assignments. When used effectively, students could post responses and questions about assignments that the teacher can receive directly to his or her phone.
In my classroom, I would use Edmodo as a way to keep the students intrigued in work that we have already done in class. I would have students share their thoughts on things that we did that day. I think it could also be used to ask students their input and get feedback for the future. Because I will be working with younger students, I could see this particular site being used more in a classroom setting than in a home setting. I would use it to have students submit their assignments or reflection essays so that the students can interact with each other about their reflections.
I can see this website being very useful in the middle school grades. It can also be a way for teachers to teach students how to interact responsibly online. Some students may not have a parent or someone to teach them how to interact,and as a teacher it would be part of my responsibility to prepare students for the world. Having Edmodo in an educational context would help students to learn to post positive things and feedback for things that they may be working on.
To start with Edmodo I created an account as if I were a teacher. The website then guided me through setting up a class page just by asking me basic questions. Once I finished the guided set up, my page was ready for posting. To use Edmodo effectively, teachers would engage their students by asking questions and posting resources and assignments. The app should make the students feel a sense of belonging to the group that helps them to engage in what they are learning. Teachers would also set up small groups on the page so that groups of students can speak with each other on specific assignments. When used effectively, students could post responses and questions about assignments that the teacher can receive directly to his or her phone.
In my classroom, I would use Edmodo as a way to keep the students intrigued in work that we have already done in class. I would have students share their thoughts on things that we did that day. I think it could also be used to ask students their input and get feedback for the future. Because I will be working with younger students, I could see this particular site being used more in a classroom setting than in a home setting. I would use it to have students submit their assignments or reflection essays so that the students can interact with each other about their reflections.
I can see this website being very useful in the middle school grades. It can also be a way for teachers to teach students how to interact responsibly online. Some students may not have a parent or someone to teach them how to interact,and as a teacher it would be part of my responsibility to prepare students for the world. Having Edmodo in an educational context would help students to learn to post positive things and feedback for things that they may be working on.
Music- Beatwave
When I opened the app there was a tutorial to go through that explained how to use the app. I created a beatwave and played around with it a bit.I think that this specific app would help when teaching students about rhythm and beats. Because the app allows the user to have more than one thing playing at a time, it would be easy for students to make their own beatwave and then describe how the rhythm and lengths of the notes made it sound the way it did. Students would also be able to see firsthand how the note lengths interact with the rhythm of a musical piece. Personally, I took music beginning in elementary school to the end of my high school career. I think this app would be a good introductory tool for elementary teachers to use to help their students to understand how music works.
Social Studies- World Factbook
The World Factbook app is very useful. I would have students use this app when working on research projects. The app has many different categories of statistics for either the whole world or specific countries. It offers facts on geography, people, government, economy, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues. There is also a tab where a user can view the country on a map and can look at comparisons of countries. What I like about the app is that it gives the dates in which the statistics were made. This allows the teacher and student to see how recent the information was taken and decide if they can look for more recent data. Finding more recent data could allow for students to do some research and comparisons about what changed in a country and what caused that change.
Art-The Doodle Buddy App
Doodle buddy has a lot of options that younger children especially would like. Like almost every other app it is user friendly. I would use this in an art lesson when teaching students shapes. There are Stencils that have basic shapes that the students could put on their screen. Students could then trace the stamps to learn how to make certain shapes. One could integrate a math lesson along with the art lesson. I also think this would help students to differentiate between similar shapes. For example, the user can manipulate a square into a rectangle and a circle into an oval. Art is seen less and less in schools today as a subject on its own. I think this app would appeal to young children, so it would be used to integrate a type of art into the other lessons. I think it would also be good to incorporate handwriting and letters with the app. That is not really the app's intended use, but I think it could be helpful when discussing letters that the students can type a letter and then practice drawing it directly on the same app.
Math- iMathematics
I think that the iMathematics app would be useful in my classroom. What I like about this app is that it really explains terms with examples for students. I think I would use this app as a study or review tool before a test. Specifically, I looked at the Plane and Solid geometry that I thought would fit best in elementary schools. There are many different terms that students often confuse. I like this app better than just a dictionary for students to follow because it does have picture examples for the students. As students get further into mathematical equations,this app would continue to be helpful so that the students essentially have a quick reference guide. I'm sure the pro version of the app has many more useful tips that could help students as well, but for a free version I found the definitions and examples very concise and helpful.
Science-NASA App
I really like the NASA app. This app has an interactive map of the solar system. I would use this in instruction in my classroom. When a planet is clicked on, pages come up that have a lot of facts about that specific planet on them. It also brings up a close-up image of that planet. I also think this would be a good reference tool for students when they are working on projects. Other than the interactive image of the solar system, there are many other featured pages that have images and other facts about our solar system. I really liked that this map included Pluto, but as a dwarf planet. I think it is beneficial for students to know that it used to be considered a planet and that students should still include it as a dwarf planet in their studies. Students can also learn about the NASA program and the missions that they went on. I think that this would be the best app on the Solar System because it includes a lot of materials and statistics and puts them in terms that students can understand even at young ages.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Remind
Remind is a text-messaging tool that is safe for teachers and their students. Remind serves as a middle man and relays messages to individuals without those individuals having your phone number. The book states that thirty-five percent of teachers use this tool. Teachers set up classes or clubs and can send out reminder texts. Students and parents can access these reminds via the internet, their phones, or the remind app that is available for IOS and Android. A teacher is able to set up multiple classes and can even send attachments. The attachments include voice clips, documents or PDFs, presentations, or images. Students can send a "stamp" back to let their teacher know their thoughts about the message. Parents can even sign up with a teacher or class so that they also get the notifications.
Remind is user-friendly. Once an account is made, a teacher can then put in what school they belong to and what class they are making a Remind for. This is done simply by typing in the name in the prompts. After a class is made the teacher can begin sending reminders. This is done under the classes tab. A teacher can also send messages if only a few students need to get certain information. To use this website and app effectively, a teacher would send out reminds to the students for quizzes, tests, or even homework. The teacher would also attach things that could be helpful. One example would be to send a reminder that permission slips are due, with a permission slip attached. Because remind is available online, students would be able to print off any forms or documents that they might need.
Personally, I would use this website to organize teams or sports. Many coaches and parents get bombarded with texts and calls all asking the same information. I think this would benefit the coaches because they could simply type one message and remind would take care of the rest. With the benefit of the stamps, a coach would know if he or she would need to contact a parent that has questions without every person receiving his or her phone number. I can also see myself using this for youth group reminders. Group messages can get confusing once people begin responding. Sending out a text through Remind would help the group leader not to get a lot of messages back all at once.
The book states that some schools have certain policies about how they would like their teachers and parents/students to respond. Because I am going into teaching elementary school, I think I would like to use this for parents of the students in my classroom. Many things could be sent out including spelling lists, permission slip reminders, images of schedules, and just updates in general. If my future school allows for me to use this program I definitely will! I can see it being most helpful with school closings and important information. One sad thing about today is that bad things happen at schools. If a tragedy of sorts were to happen at my school, I would be able to get the word to parents that their children are safe directly to their phones. This would really save time and help parents not to panic.
Remind is user-friendly. Once an account is made, a teacher can then put in what school they belong to and what class they are making a Remind for. This is done simply by typing in the name in the prompts. After a class is made the teacher can begin sending reminders. This is done under the classes tab. A teacher can also send messages if only a few students need to get certain information. To use this website and app effectively, a teacher would send out reminds to the students for quizzes, tests, or even homework. The teacher would also attach things that could be helpful. One example would be to send a reminder that permission slips are due, with a permission slip attached. Because remind is available online, students would be able to print off any forms or documents that they might need.
Personally, I would use this website to organize teams or sports. Many coaches and parents get bombarded with texts and calls all asking the same information. I think this would benefit the coaches because they could simply type one message and remind would take care of the rest. With the benefit of the stamps, a coach would know if he or she would need to contact a parent that has questions without every person receiving his or her phone number. I can also see myself using this for youth group reminders. Group messages can get confusing once people begin responding. Sending out a text through Remind would help the group leader not to get a lot of messages back all at once.
The book states that some schools have certain policies about how they would like their teachers and parents/students to respond. Because I am going into teaching elementary school, I think I would like to use this for parents of the students in my classroom. Many things could be sent out including spelling lists, permission slip reminders, images of schedules, and just updates in general. If my future school allows for me to use this program I definitely will! I can see it being most helpful with school closings and important information. One sad thing about today is that bad things happen at schools. If a tragedy of sorts were to happen at my school, I would be able to get the word to parents that their children are safe directly to their phones. This would really save time and help parents not to panic.
Comic Life
Comic Life has simple features that allow for it to be creative without being overwhelming for the user. Often times apps intend to be helpful by including a lot of options, but they rarely get used and confuse the user. Comic Life allows for a creative comic to be made, or the user can choose a template. I worked with a template. It was easy to insert images and wording where I wanted them. One thing I found most useful is the creativity that is allowed through this app. When I chose a through bubble I could drag it across the screen and put it exactly where I wanted it. This would be helpful for students because they would not get overwhelmed by not being able to put things where they would like for them to go.
This could be useful in a classroom. Students could make a comic as an alternative to a poster over a project or assignment. If students are using the same iPad there is even an option to create collections so that each student's file would be separate and easy to locate. Students can also choose to take a photo at that moment and have it put directly into the app instead of searching for one to upload. This is an app I think I would use in my classroom in lieu of making posters. Students can create an image digitally and they have the option to share it or print it directly from the iPad. This would eliminate the hassle of buying supplies and posterboard for the classroom. I also think that students would personally enjoy creating something in a electronic fashion rather than starting from scratch. Though this app would not work in every circumstance I really think it would be beneficial especially to get male students involved in the creative process.
Visual Presentations
I used the ShowMe Interactive Whiteboard app. There are different ways that it can be used. You can search on ShowMe for things that other people have posted. They are usually searched for by subject. This would be good for students because they would be able to look up lessons on things that they may be struggling with on their homework. Because ShowMe allows for images to be uploaded, the subjects are limitless. I personally would use it for a math or even science help videos. Teacher's of upper grades could create ShowMes to provide references for homework help. Images that are uploaded can even be practice worksheets that teachers can "write on" while explaining steps.
ShowMe is very simple to use like many other apps. One thing that I liked as I was creating a ShowMe was that what I drew on the "whiteboard" showed up pretty accurate. A concern I always have about apps like this one is if it is accurate enough for writing to be legible. I wrote some things very small and others larger, but the app stayed accurate. There is even an option to type on the screen. The recording of voice that goes along with ShowMes that are created is also very helpful. Students would not have to search youtube to learn how to solve a problem. I think that ShowMe would be more helpful for students because there is a lot crisper of an image on ShowMe than what one would get in a youtube video.
ShowMe is very simple to use like many other apps. One thing that I liked as I was creating a ShowMe was that what I drew on the "whiteboard" showed up pretty accurate. A concern I always have about apps like this one is if it is accurate enough for writing to be legible. I wrote some things very small and others larger, but the app stayed accurate. There is even an option to type on the screen. The recording of voice that goes along with ShowMes that are created is also very helpful. Students would not have to search youtube to learn how to solve a problem. I think that ShowMe would be more helpful for students because there is a lot crisper of an image on ShowMe than what one would get in a youtube video.
Preparation
The Grammar Express app is essentially a few different apps. The apps themselves are specific to a part of grammar. They include nouns, parts of speech, tenses, and active and passive voice. There are more apps available, those are the ones that were already on my iPad.
The Nouns app has a little book icon on the upper right of the app. This is a guide to teach the user about the different types of nouns. Once a person is acquainted with them, he or she can then take the general noun test. This would be beneficial in a classroom because the student can get immediate feedback and the teacher could see how well a student is doing just by looking at the pie chart that is automatically created on the main page of the app. The other Grammar Express apps are the same thing, just over different material. There are more test options available if the user pays for full versions of the apps. I think this app would be very beneficial for review situations for students, or as a sense of classwork to make sure that students understand things that were already taught within a lesson.
I found the dictionary app to be quite useful. It offers an audible pronunciation of a word as well as definitions, synonyms, origin and history, and learners that use the word in sentences and explain the meaning of the word. The app also allows for a word to be translated and there is a thesaurus to be used. There are many other things that can be done in the app. I found the ease of use and all of the ways to have a word explained to be very helpful. This could be a good app when students are working with vocabulary words or even that they can refer to if they do not understand a word that is within a book that they are reading.
The Nouns app has a little book icon on the upper right of the app. This is a guide to teach the user about the different types of nouns. Once a person is acquainted with them, he or she can then take the general noun test. This would be beneficial in a classroom because the student can get immediate feedback and the teacher could see how well a student is doing just by looking at the pie chart that is automatically created on the main page of the app. The other Grammar Express apps are the same thing, just over different material. There are more test options available if the user pays for full versions of the apps. I think this app would be very beneficial for review situations for students, or as a sense of classwork to make sure that students understand things that were already taught within a lesson.
I found the dictionary app to be quite useful. It offers an audible pronunciation of a word as well as definitions, synonyms, origin and history, and learners that use the word in sentences and explain the meaning of the word. The app also allows for a word to be translated and there is a thesaurus to be used. There are many other things that can be done in the app. I found the ease of use and all of the ways to have a word explained to be very helpful. This could be a good app when students are working with vocabulary words or even that they can refer to if they do not understand a word that is within a book that they are reading.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Evernote
Evernote is essentially a website that allows the user to take notes and file them under organized notebooks. Evernote's intention is to help its users to "remember everything." It is accessible anywhere that there is internet, and if there is no internet, a note can be created and synced in once the internet access returns. Evernote has many tools including reminders, to-do lists with check boxes, notebooks, grids, memos, tags, attachments, and even a work chat. Because Evernote is web-based, users can use any device to create or share information.
Evernote is simplistic in usability. Once I created an account, there were already notes created in my library that show how to save photos, clip articles from the web, take notes, make to-do lists, and set reminders. The layout of the site itself is pretty simplistic, making it easy to find what I am looking for. To begin using any of the tools that Evernote offers, all you would need to do is click on one of the pre-made notes, or click the icon for that tool. The idea to use this website effectively would be for the user to put all of their responsibilities or assignments with notes on the website. Once the user creates reminders and establishes notebooks, Evernote allows for the user to do his or her coursework without needing to constantly check a planner. The reminder should be made so that the website will tell you what you need to focus on.
Personally I could see myself using Evernote effectively. It would be a great way for me to stay organized and on track with my responsibilities. During my time in the Master program, it could benefit me as a way of keeping all of my notes organized and in one place. I could set certain tags for classes or subjects, and refer to things in a timely manner. It would also be beneficial for me to use it as a way to "back-up" my notes. Papers can get lost, but Evernote would allow me to pull up any note on any device that is available to me at the time.
My experience with Evernote was a good one. I think it could be very useful for students in middle school, high school, or even college. I think it would be a good way for students to learn how to take good notes and keep them organized. Students often struggle with keeping notes organized if they have never taken notes before.If students were introduced to this at the beginning of their note-taking student lives, it could be useful to them all the way through college. It can also be useful in the classroom as a way for an educator to post information and to-do lists to help students to stay on track. Many times it is hard for students to see a clearly defined set up of material, or they are overwhelmed by an amount of material. Evernote would allow for students to refer to the teacher's notes and assignments in a clear format.
Evernote is simplistic in usability. Once I created an account, there were already notes created in my library that show how to save photos, clip articles from the web, take notes, make to-do lists, and set reminders. The layout of the site itself is pretty simplistic, making it easy to find what I am looking for. To begin using any of the tools that Evernote offers, all you would need to do is click on one of the pre-made notes, or click the icon for that tool. The idea to use this website effectively would be for the user to put all of their responsibilities or assignments with notes on the website. Once the user creates reminders and establishes notebooks, Evernote allows for the user to do his or her coursework without needing to constantly check a planner. The reminder should be made so that the website will tell you what you need to focus on.
Personally I could see myself using Evernote effectively. It would be a great way for me to stay organized and on track with my responsibilities. During my time in the Master program, it could benefit me as a way of keeping all of my notes organized and in one place. I could set certain tags for classes or subjects, and refer to things in a timely manner. It would also be beneficial for me to use it as a way to "back-up" my notes. Papers can get lost, but Evernote would allow me to pull up any note on any device that is available to me at the time.
My experience with Evernote was a good one. I think it could be very useful for students in middle school, high school, or even college. I think it would be a good way for students to learn how to take good notes and keep them organized. Students often struggle with keeping notes organized if they have never taken notes before.If students were introduced to this at the beginning of their note-taking student lives, it could be useful to them all the way through college. It can also be useful in the classroom as a way for an educator to post information and to-do lists to help students to stay on track. Many times it is hard for students to see a clearly defined set up of material, or they are overwhelmed by an amount of material. Evernote would allow for students to refer to the teacher's notes and assignments in a clear format.
Rover
The main difference in Safari and Rover is that Rover is not a browser type website. It puts limits on websites that can and cannot be reached. Rover also does not have a URL bar like safari would.I like the security about Rover. The fact that a teacher can allow students to use the internet without a worry about what a student my stumble upon that may not be appropriate. Anything that is efficient at keeping students safe and material appropriate is great for teachers to use. I personally could not get rover to work properly on the iPad. I think I would have students use Safari in my classroom just because it would be similar to the internet and it is important to teach students how to use the internet and to use it responsibly. Most classrooms allow for some sort of teacher supervision over devices, so I would just supervise my students well enough to allow them to use a browser such as Safari.
iThoughts
I enjoyed using the iThoughts app. I think it would be simple enough for maybe second grade and up. In my classroom I think it could be used to help students learn how to create and effectively use mind mapping tools. It was easy to manipulate. I could move the map so that I was focusing on a small part, or a could look at it as a whole. To add a new thought or continue on a line, all I had to do was hit a little "+" key next to the box I was working on. I think it would work well in a classroom because it has the capability to be shared. It would also work well for students if they worked in pairs or groups because of the ease of use. With students being able to undo what they just did, or create a new map, it would create a final product that would be a lot neater than if a student had made mistakes or changes on a paper or posterboard copy.
Box App
I found the Box app on the iPad easy to use. I was able to set up my account with ease and create a folder for items that I may put on the app during this course. Once I created a document on the Pages App, I had a hard time figuring out how to get the document on the Box app. I tried to upload a document by staying on the app and uploading a document from the iPad. There was only an option to upload pictures, with exploring the app a little more, I still was unable to get a document on the app. I then asked my partner, Amy, if she was able to. With her advice, I learned that to add a document on to the Box app, you just need to go to your document. I went back to Pages and I hit the share button. This allowed for me to select not only the Box app, but also the folder that I specified for this class. I played around with the app a little more and I found it very simple to use and to get to the document that I uploaded. The tutorial that Box gave me upon creating my account said that it saves new versions of the same document so that the last updated version will be available, but I could not get this feature to work. With adding and deleting documents to Box so easy, I don't think it would be a major problem for a person to just add their most updated version to the app.
Pages Vs. Microsoft Word
There are many similarities between the two programs. First I would like to discuss the ease of use of both programs. I found both programs to be fairly easy to use as an adult. They would both allow the creator to modify or change the document in various ways. While both programs are simple, Pages does not have as many different editing options as Microsoft Word. Pages would be good in a classroom with students who have already had experience with typing and creating documents. It could really help when students just need to add a graph or picture because it uses symbols to help a creator to find what tool he or she would like to use. Microsoft Word can be used by a creator who needs to make a simple document or a complex document. For complex document creating, it would be better to use Microsoft Word because of the many more diverse tools it offers than Pages.
Both programs allow for numerous templates to be accessed to help the user to format his or her work. These templates cover almost exactly the same thing on both programs and are labeled well for the user to find just what he or she is looking for. Both programs also have many of the same basic, almost necessary, tools for creating a document. Some of these tools include a type of spell check, inserting graphs and documents, inserting listing symbols, and choosing and changing the layout of the document or paragraph as a whole.
Using Pages on an iPad would allow for students to have a sense of a more hands on document creating. While computers are great for creating documents, using the iPad would allow for the student to look a little closer at what he or she is working on. Some may see the small screen on the iPad as a disadvantage, but I think it could be useful for a student to be able to focus in on a specific paragraph or chart at a time and the smaller screen allows for that.
Both programs allow for numerous templates to be accessed to help the user to format his or her work. These templates cover almost exactly the same thing on both programs and are labeled well for the user to find just what he or she is looking for. Both programs also have many of the same basic, almost necessary, tools for creating a document. Some of these tools include a type of spell check, inserting graphs and documents, inserting listing symbols, and choosing and changing the layout of the document or paragraph as a whole.
Using Pages on an iPad would allow for students to have a sense of a more hands on document creating. While computers are great for creating documents, using the iPad would allow for the student to look a little closer at what he or she is working on. Some may see the small screen on the iPad as a disadvantage, but I think it could be useful for a student to be able to focus in on a specific paragraph or chart at a time and the smaller screen allows for that.
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