Teachers Talking Technology

Category: iUseThis

  • Using google docs for knowledge surveys

    —

    by

    kchamber

    A couple weeks ago, I posted about using the Form function in Google Docs to conduct surveys and collect data from students and colleagues, and last semester, the Kendall Center brought in Karl Wirth from Macalester to give a workshop on using Knowledge Surveys to help students assess their learning.  Being into mashups, Sean has…

  • Preventing sleep using caffeine

    —

    by

    kchamber

    You might be demonstrating how to do video editing in Final Cut Pro or showing students how to collaborate on a word processing document using Google Docs.  You stop to answer a few questions, look up, and the screen saver has started or the computer has even gone to sleep.  Previously, I left myself reminders…

  • Realtime collaboration with EtherPad

    —

    by

    kchamber

    Colleagues working at different schools writing a conference abstract together or students living in different residence halls working on a group project are just two examples of times when real-time online collaboration is helpful. Google Docs can serve this purpose, but you should also consider using EtherPad.  Unlike Google Docs, EtherPad doesn’t require account creation;…

  • Collecting data using forms

    —

    by

    kchamber

    Throughout the semester, it is sometimes useful to survey your students’ knowledge or familiarity with a particular subject.  For example, you could find out about their familiarity with Excel or see how frequently they have used the PsychInfo database at the library.  You can do this by visiting your Gustavus Google account (if you have…

  • Doodle for polling and scheduling

    —

    by

    kchamber

    Last year, I planned an event for both sections of my Developmental Psychology course, which is about 60 people.  Trying to find the time when the most people could attend was made easier by using a free service called Doodle.  It allows you to choose potential meeting times.  Then gives you a link to send…

  • libX

    —

    by

    kchamber

    Firefox users might be interested in trying out LibX: Gustavus Adolphus College Edition.  FBML has a nice summary of the extensions main features. One of my favorite features is the ability to see whether Gustavus has a book that I discover while visiting Amazon.com–why buy it when you can check it out on campus (Thanks,…