Evaluation of InspireData

This tool provides pre-made data sets for students to use in evaluation of graphs or date sets for many application of math. InspireData is a software program for the computer. The program is valuable as both a reference tool and a drill-and-practice tool. As a reference tool, students may look up data to use in a presentation or project they are working on that needs available data. InspireData provides this information to students so they do not have to find information on their own. As a drill-and-practice tool, students are able to use these data sets and go over previously covered material from a lecture. If a teacher is reviewing graph plotting or finding data trends, then the student may use this program to explore the content and use this tool as a review tool. I believe this tool is more of a reference, but in certain cases, this could be used as a drill-and-practice tool if the teacher wants the students to practice taught applications of math to review for a test.

InspireData allows students and teachers to look at and organize data sets with the field area. The example I looked at showed body proportions, and teachers or students could use this to find a relation in body height and arm length, if one exists. Or, they can organize the different people who gave body measurements into groups according to different lengths of body parts, gender, or age.

The education value this program holds is students do not have to look up data sets for projects or further learning, because the program already has data sets. This program saves time and increases efficiency for students and teachers who need an available data set. Mathematics always uses statistic information, and this efficient use make InspireData an easy and fun way to look at data. The content areas I believe will most benefit from this tool are higher level math classes such as statistics, algebra, or graphing.

Summary of "Using VideoAnt Annotations to Provide "Audience-based" Assessment to Students' Video Productions"

VideoAnt
In this podcast, a professor evaluates and shows how to use VideoAnt Annotations. Here, teachers are able to write annotations directly on the student's video. They can navigate easily and jump to the timeline where they delete, add, or edit comments. Students and teachers are able to visually see where comments are and what the comments are and able to line up comment exactly where you want it on the timeline. The podcast is thorough and highlights the basics of the site, showing what the benefits are of using the site. I learned that other people can see annotations and the video project. This enables others to comment, which gives a thorough review and help for the students. This podcast even gives a student and teacher's opinion about the site. The site allows for more personalized and precise comments, instead of a general grading system by a teacher at the end of the video presentation, and students get feedback from peers, teachers, and audience. The podcast does a good job showing how the professor used the site to comment on a student's video. Viewing this podcast shows viewers how to use VideoAnt Annotations, benefits of the site, and why teachers should use this to grade or review students' video work.

PBS Teachers Evaluation

PBS Teachers

This website is a resource for teachers who are looking for classroom resources, discussions, and professional development.

This site increases efficiency by allowing teachers of all grade levels and subject areas to join and eliminate the hassel of looking for multiple websites. Teachers can go here and find resources in the classroom, for their development, and help from other teachers.

This site increases effectiveness of classroom learning by providing a place for teachers around the world to meet and discuss classroom issues, ideas, and information. The effectiveness is also increased by the professional development link which shows many areas where teachers may become better teachers.

This site increases the enhancement of a classroom, because there are mulitple tools for teachers. A teacher may find resources for a classroom lesson plan or find word problems for student engagement. The discussions tab allows for teachers to connect and share ideas or other resources that are useful in the classroom.

AnnenbergMediaLearner.org Evaluation

Annenberg: Teacher Develpment Tools

Annenberg Media Learner's site provides tools for teachers' professional development in different subject areas.

This website provides teachers of all grade levels with tools toward their professional development.

Because all grades and subject areas are included, this one website increases efficiency for allowing more than one grade level to use it. All grade level teachers may use this resource instead of having to search through search engines.

The website is effective, because multiple subject areas are covered and the easy-to-click links provide a quality that is increased here. Teachers may find their subject, grade level, and criteria.

Also, the site enhances the use of these tools, because videos are provided, articles are available, and insight is given into teaching. There is a tool for finding workshops and courses, which will enable teachers to provide their own source of professional development.