Saturday, April 30, 2011

Data Visualization Tools by Jeff Clark

Scrolling through my daily Diigo feed this morning, I came across the link to Jeff Clark's Portfolio which is an amazing list of java applications he has created and shared "Most of them are interactive and allow you to explore some data or create an interesting image." 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Google Docs App on Android

Now I truly have a complete computer in my pocket after installing the Google Docs App to my Android Phone.  Works well and the added benefit is that I can use Google Speak to enter text so I don't have to type on the tiny key board. Great potential for Special Ed.
  

Monday, April 18, 2011

My Avatar Editor

I am often in need of an avatar for a profile in one account or another. I also suggest that younger students use an avatar as an alternative to their own image. Many of the avatar creator sites are full of commercial advertising and not something I'd want to use with students. My Avatar Editor seems pretty straight forward and you don't need to create an account, just start creating and download the final image to your computer.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Google Apps for ePortfolios

I've been doing a lot of research and thinking about using our Google Apps as a platform for student ePortfolios. Dr. Helen Barrett has been an expert on Portfolios for a long time, and is a proponent of using Google Apps for ePortfolios, her E-Portfolios for Learning Blog is a valuable resource. Her reference to work being done in New Zealand is particularly interesting. The  Manaiakalani  school's vision and initiative to "engages all students (not just a select few) throughout the literacy cycle" and provide technology to support that work through a 1:1 project is inspiring. Their model for a 1:1 initiative has sound pedagogy, as well as a thorough implementation plan. They are using Google Apps as their main learning platform to communicate and collaborate. 






WCSU teachers, if you are interested in helping plan an ePortfolio system using Google Apps, please contact me. I hope this is something we can develop together.