Power Point

Although this version of Google Docs Power Point doesn't offer as many options, it is still very easy to use.I use this on the first day of school with my computer students.

Jackson Pollock

This was by far the weirdest thing we have done :) As soon as the page opened and I moved the mouse, color started splatting. I did a Google search to gather information on how to use the sight but no luck. When I left clicked, the colors changed and right click seemed to stop the painting. I never did figure out how to save it. Every time I tried to save more color kept splatting. I tried to copy and words appeared. So of course I used the old faithful screen grab. I would not try this with my students. They would work for a minute or two and be frustrated and quit. Jackson Pollock

Mr. Picasso Head

I really enjoyed using the Mr. Picasso Head website. At first I was frustrated because I wanted the picture to look exactly like me. Once I started to relax, I really enjoyed it! I had some trouble with the color but the HELP feature was good. I am staying behind this week and watching students who aren't going on a field trip and this is one of the exercises I am planning. I COULD NOT get the email feature to work, so I did a screen grab and moved it to paint.

PhotoShop Express

Once again, this program is very easy to use! I was able to link my photos from Picasa which made this whole process go smoothly. PhotoShop allows users to decorate, add captions, resize, and touch up photos - just to name a few! This program would be a lot of fun to use at school and perhaps make some interesting shots for the yearbook. View this picture of my "daughter" Missy in MyWeb Album.

Web Album

I used Picasa 3 to create my Web Album. I found it to be very user friendly and easier to use than the photo software that came with my computer. I like the fact that all the Google products are linked and it remembers my information regardless of what feature I am using. As you can see, I am sticking with my Carnival Cruise theme.

MY WEB ALBUM

WV 4th and 8th Grade Readers

I really liked using the KidsZone chart website. I found it easy to use and understand. Even though I enjoyed using the Crappy Graphics from the last project, the KidsZone produces more professional, clean looking documents. After I completed the charts, I downloaded them into my documents and then uploaded into GoogleDocs. As shown in my charts, West Virginia 4th Grade and 8th Grade readers have been in line with and even above the national average for several years. In recent years however the scores have been on a steady decrease. These declining scores have become a primary focus for all teachers in this state.

Chart 1

Chart 2

Crappy Graphic

I found this project to be quite challenging. I am lacking in eye/hand coordination and drawing the graphs and lining up the numbers was especially hard. I think Crappy Grapics would be fun to use in the classroom but I would have to get past expecting it to look like a professional finished product. CRAPPY GRAPHIC

Screen Grab

I have always used cut and paste to take pictures from the internet. A lot of times the resolution is not great and sometimes a picture just cannot be used. When starting this assignment I went to google and looked up "screen grab". I found a lot of great information but could not figure out how to use the print screen button on my new laptop. After searching the HP website, I came across the solution (press fn and print screen). I opened Paint and pasted by screen shot in. After some trial and error, I got the image and background correct. I think my students would enjoy using this tool in Power Point presentations instead of cut and paste. As you can see from my picture, my mind is still on my cruise!

I first thought of using Desktop Publishing because I feel very comfortable using it. I did not however know how to publish a document and link it to the blog - and I didn't have the time to investigate so I switched to Google Docs. I am very fascinated with Google Docs and I plan to use them in my classroom. It would be especially handy for someone unable to afford or access Microsoft Office. View My Desktop Graphic