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Thursday, February 19, 2009

Jing

I enjoy using Jing to help with teaching others how to do things. I find that most people are visual learners, especially when it comes to technology. Jing allows me to utilize the pictures to show others exactly what they should see while giving oral directions.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Online Image Editing


Sliderocket

Sliderocket has many beneficial uses for the educational world. Many times, especially with the launch of Vista software, Powerpoint has run into many difficulties with opening on different operating systems. This website gives users of powerpoint an outlet to upload their powerpoints and share them with fellow educators around the world without having technical difficulties.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Collaborative Writing

By: Jennifer Menees and Stacy AverillAdd Video

Problems:

Some problems can arise with the use of collaborative document development:

  1. In the instance of several editors having extreme differences of opinions. The document can become a constant changing battle.
  2. Tagging the document as an administrator writes it is not possible. It adds another step to the process of saving the document and creates the issue of what and how to name the tags.
  3. Internet access is required for google docs to be acquired and edited
  4. Google Docs works differently than other word processing documents and creates another program for uses to learn.
  5. Due to the differences in formatting, companies that choose to use this type of collaborative writing would need to provide extra training for the editors. The training could present a problem if the editors are spread out around the world.
  6. Users are required to sign up for google services, while these are free, it could create an issue with passwords and user names.


Promises:

As with many applications there are quite a few promises that go along with the program. For example:

  1. You can have up to twelve people working on the same article at the same time.
  2. It it convenient because it is very similar to Microsoft word.
  3. Google docs allows people to edit and look at the document without downloading any other applications.
  4. Quick access to your documents no matter where in the world you are.
  5. Google docs is a free program for anyone to use.

Possible uses for administrators:

Administrator uses for google docs are plentiful.

  1. Live polls with immediate results posted.
  2. Links to chat rooms for discussion of topics relevant to administrators.
  3. Allows administrators to ask a question and receive immediate feedback.
  4. Home for documents/editors can create and collaborate on the document without having only one person keeping up with all the variations of the articles.




References:

Bylund, A. (2006). The pros and cons of central storage. Retrieved on February 16, 2009 from

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20061107-8168.htm


Lynette. (2006). The Fun Times Guide. Retrieved on February 16, 2009 from

http://thefuntimesguide.com/2006/10 /google_vs_yahoo.php


Teacher Tube. (2008). Google Docs. Retrieved on February 16, 2009 from

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZaL9OKoPvPA

How can a leader of instructional technology use a blog?

A leader of instructional technology can use a blog to help teach and give tips to other educators on specific programs. This blog can have examples and technology ideas to help in development of the other teachers.