Reflection: "Create a Quiz" Experience

This was another great online learning experience! I feel that I am learning so much from this course. Although, I was a little overwhelmed at first, things are now getting easier as I am becoming more familiarized with the technology. I really liked creating the online quiz. It was extremely easy to do. I actually created the same quiz on weathering and erosion using both of the sites that you suggested. Both were very easy to use. I used ProProfs.com first. I liked this site because it allows you to create a quiz that is either based on one type of question or you can incorporate multiple types of questions all in one quiz (multiple choice, short answer, or essay). I only saw one possible problem with this site. It was in the grading of different types of questions. The multiple choice questions are pretty clear cut. However, when creating the short answer questions, it became a little more challenging. This is because of the various answer forms you must enter. If you don’t fill in every possible exact answer, the test taker will get the answer wrong. Even if the test taker is off by one word. The system isn’t very flexible in that sense. I would probably just use multiple choice quizzes on this site.

The other site I used was Studiyo. I was really excited about this site because of the cool graphic abilities it allows you to incorporate into your quizzes. You can add your own pictures and video to your quiz. I added pictures to my quiz. However, on this site, you can only pick one format (multiple choice or How X are you) for each quiz you create. I chose the multiple choice format. I wanted to compare how each quiz looked using the two different sites. However, this site did not generate the quiz I created. I posted it on my blog and it’s on my profile on the actual site. Yet, you can’t see the quiz or any of the graphics. I am going to try to repost this quiz again later. Even though I had difficulties with this site, I still plan on using this tool in my classroom with the site I was successful with. I think it’s a great way to vary your instruction with students.

Weathering and Erosion Quiz

Weathering and Erosion Quiz

Weathering and Erosion » Quizes

Password for quiz: erosion1

Engrade Software Critique

I enjoyed this assignment very much. I currently use Easy Grade Pro in addition to my paper and pencil grade book. I like using Easy Grade Pro because it is very easy to enter and calculate grades. It also enables teachers to give parents a print out of their child’s grades very easily. In correlation to this, the Engrade site is very similar to Easy Grade Pro. Teachers can enter grades, categories, category weights, print multigrade spreadsheets, and keep track of attendance. However, each program has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Easy Grade Pro Advantages:
1. Available Off Line. If internet connection is down, you still have access to your grades.
2. Can enter information quick and easily
3. Can be saved easily in different formats (desktop, flash drive, CD)

Easy Grade Pro Disadvantages:
1.To share info with parents you must print out sheets
2.Must pay for the software
3.Can only view formats on computers where Easy Grade Pro has been downloaded onto

Engrade Advantages:
1. Available Online so there is easy access both at home and at school
2. Can enter information quick and easily
3. Easy Access for both parents and students
4. Information is available in a variety of formats (online or can be printed out as a hardcopy)

Engrade Disadvantages:
1. Parents uncomfortable with the internet may not want their child’s grades posted online.
2. Information is not available in Spanish. Therefore, parents who speak/read limited/no English will not benefit from this tool.

Overall, I think Engrade is a great feature for classroom teachers. I think I may even like it a little more than Easy Grade Pro because it provides a way for teachers to have direct contact with both parents and students on daily basis. I think parents would appreciate being able to see how their child is doing in an easy and convenient manner. It also gives students that are absent a way to stay informed of classroom tests and assignments. The only thing I can think of that would improve Engrade would be to offer the site in both English and Spanish since teachers often service a large population of bilingual students. I think I am going to begin using this tool for my own classroom. I plan on testing it out during the next quarter for my personal plan book. If I like, I am then going to invite parents and students to begin using it as well.

Sample Spelling Gradebook Entry

Creating a Crossword Puzzle

In this class assignment, we had to create a crossword puzzle using content from one of the curriculum areas from which we teach. I chose to create a crossword puzzle on the chapter in science my class was working on, weathering and erosion. I created the same crossword puzzle twice using two different tools, Microsoft Excel and a web based puzzle maker. This was my first time using Microsoft Excel. It was very interesting to use. The online instructions provided by the instructor were helpful. I didn't follow the instruction verbatim. I failed to chart out my puzzle on graph paper prior to constructing it on Excel. It took me about 1/2 hour to get used to the program and construct the crossword puzzle. It wasn't hard, just a little time consuming compared to using the web based puzzle maker.
In contrast to Microsoft Excel, I found the web based puzzle maker to be much more efficient. It was very quick and easy to use. All I had to do was type in the words and clues then click generate and my puzzle was done. It only took about 5 minutes to complete. I'd much rather use the web based tool. Ultimately, I think it will save you a lot more time when creating your puzzles.

Constructivist 5E Model

Crossword Puzzle using Discovery Education Site

Changes to the Earth's Surface




Across
3. liquid covering 70% of the surface of the earth
5. depositing sediment in a new location
6. water in a frozen state
7. physical features on the earth's surface
Down
1. downhill movement of rock and soil due to gravity
2. huge masses of moving ice
4. moving sediment from one place to another