Blog Journal 8

Working with Diigo has been very interesting, I am not particularly fond of it because I really feel like there has to be another source that is more effective in doing what Diigo does, but it is also very useful. I was able to learn how to annotate on a webpage and I think that can be very useful, especially as an educator when your colleagues may suggest other resources and they can have their annotations on them so you can have a general over view of what it is about. The annotation and sticky note features as well as the tags, allow for information to be found more efficiently. I think it is a great time saver in that department.


Powerpoint has proven to be a very useful tool. I have used it in many instances for presentations or in class for note taking as a professor is lecturing. Today I was able to see how it could be used in a more fun manner and I never knew those types of programs were made from powerpoint so that was interesting. Powerpoint touches on each area of Bloom's Taxonomy because it allows for your imagination to run wild and truly create anything you want.

At the remember level of Bloom's Taxonomy, powerpoint aids in providing information for students to study and review. It can be used to receive information and even be used, as seen today in class, to play a game of Jeopardy to help remmber further.
Powerpoint also can be used at the understanding level. Powerpoints can hold information that can provide further explanations for new ideas or can provide great examples. You can even Hyperlink other sources available for students to use if they need extra help. Providing more information can also help at the apply level of Bloom's Taxonomy because it is about using information in a new light. Power points can present examples of the multitude of ways an idea can be applied, or it can be in the form of a game.
At the analyze level, powerpoint can be used to present two contrasting ideas or present so claims and debunk them. There are many ways to go about it. At the analyze stage, students are now spotting the differences and similarities of information and with the help of powerpoint, we as educators, can provide a visual aid to guide them in finding those comparisons.
For evaluating, students are now trying to make sense of information to formulate their own opinions or perspectives. Powerpoint can be a great way for students to present their ideas and opinions in an effective, professional manner. It is easy to use which allows students to effectively communicate their ideas while being true themselves and incorporating their own style. This leads in to the create stage, where the students are able to create a digital work that is completely their own. This is very benficial especially in classes as our own, where there are instances where we have to teach our peers. It is usually easily understood coming from a peer who speaks in the same manner or slang as you do and can break it down to your level.

Technology is constantly shifting and growing, it is important as educators that we remain on top of what is going on because the school or institution we end up working for may incorporate it into our classrooms. One website I found that seems to be very useful is EdSurge. Edsurge an online database that works as a media outlet, it has all the latest articles in the advancements in educational technology. It also has research and events to attend to learn more about these advancements. It is a great tool and there are some apps you can get on your phone to read or listen as you go.