Spreadsheets and Google Surveys!

I think that knowing and being efficient with using spreadsheets can make a teachers life much easier. As teachers we are not only expected to document grades but also to collect data. As teachers enter grades any shortcuts to save time would be excellent so knowing the shortcut functions will save time. Then being able to change them into graphs and present visual data to others will help keep this organized and simple.

Survey...

Copyright Laws!

I knew that copyright is huge but I never realized how many different areas it applied and how thoroughly work is protected. Of course there are loop holes and those that don't care but if you understand the ethics, laws and reasons behind you can see how empowering the law is and why we have it! It allows people their creativity without fear of it being stolen. It was interesting reading the case studies because those are such simple and common circumstances that could easily happen to anyone. Knowing the copyright rules will keep you protected while allowing you to be creative as well. I don't think the laws are in place to limit individuals because even though things are copyrighted doesn't mean we can't use it, it just means we need to take the time to get permission and give credit to those individuals who were the creators. In the case studies we felt that some of them were very clear cut and others were in a murky gray area, so we said if you don't know for certain it doesn't hurt to make sure that what you want to use is available or to get the proper permission.

Fruits of the YETC!

I was amazed at how many resources the YETC has available. I haven't been in there since my freshman year and I think it has broadened in what is available. The open computer labs with endless amounts resources available. Video downloads such as Reading Rainbow, Magic School Bus, and Bill Nye the Science Guy. It was really surprising that many of the resources available can be down loaded on a portable hard drive and kept forever. I loved the websites he showed us. I can easily see how I will be able to incorporate those asessts into my lesson plans, and make them much more memorable and engaging for my students. I also enjoy the welcoming atmosphere Nathan creates. He is open to question and loves to help and that is obvious in his passion for education and helping future teachers.