NAEP Results 2011

This assignment required us to access the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES) website.  The NCES is the primary federal entity for collecting and analyzing data related to education.  From there we were to download a spreadsheet from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which is the largest national representative of what students know and are able to do.  They collect data by breaking the nation up into regions.  Each year they randomly select school and a certain number of students from those schools to test in a range of subjects from art, math, English, science, etc.  Once all their information is compiled they develop state and national averages. Using the spreadsheet from NAEP we were to develop a scatter chart to demonstrate where states fall against the national average. As we all know by now, WV isn't doing so hot.

Then, we were to conduct a t-test to determine if boys were smarter than girls, which they are not.

This assignment falls under ISTE NETS T standard 5 because it is a continuation of our ability to grow and learn as professionals from the evaluation of current research.

YouTube....again

So I received a nice email from a guy who wasn't very enthused that I had used his video for my YouTube assignment.  I didn't really want to upset the whole balance of this guy's YouTube world so I apologize, deleted said video, and uploaded this gem.  Enjoy the holidays everyone!

Appropriating a YouTube Video

This assignment asked us to create a YouTube account, download a video from YouTube onto our computer, and then upload that same video to our YouTube account.  Step one of this assignment was a walk in the park, but that's only because I've had a YouTube account for a few years.  However, it's still quite simple to create a YouTube account.  You simply go to this page, which looks like the page in the image below, and fill out all of the necessary info.  Next thing you know, you've got yerself a brand spankin' new YouTube account.

I used RealPlayer to access and download the video I wanted to later upload.  Once I had the video saved to my computer I simply uploaded it on YouTube and copied the URL which I have pasted here for your viewing pleasure.  The video I chose is of the best laugh I've heard come out of a kid in ages.  I was having a cruddy day when I stumbled on this gem and it made me forget my nonsense for a few minutes.  

APA Writing

This assignment seemed a little hairy at first glance, but once I got crackin' on it I realized it wasn't as bad as I thought.  We were asked to formulate two research questions and write up an APA formatted document. We were given some examples that were pretty extensive but our documents were condensed into just the methods, results, and reference sections.  My document can be found here in Google Docs.

This assignment falls under ISTE NETS T standards 3 and 5 as it models digital age work and learning, as well as engages in professional growth.  This assignment enable us to analyze, interpret, and communicate relevant information to our classmates using a format that can be easily understood.  Becoming familiar with the APA format we'll be able to evaluate and make reflections on one anothers' research with more insight.