Week 4: Google Sketch-up Intro

As part of our final project in ETC, I have found some software that will be valuable to use in conjunction with my AR Project. It is called Google SketchUp. Google SketchUp can create, modify, and share 3D models.

This software has 2 downloads--one that gives you 8 hours of free use with more features or a second that is free with less bells and whistles. For the purposes I would use this for, I downloaded the free version and it took all of 1 minute to get it onto my computer.

When browsing through the features, I found that this software would be beneficial in my classroom because it uses functions of math (area, perimeter, volume, graphing) to build models. You start out with a basic x, y, z graph. Using the tabs on the top of the screen, students can build the blueprints for their object. As their object becomes more complex, they can change colors, zoom in and out, and change directions to focus on the front, side or back of an object. After their template is saved, students can come back to their object and continue to edit and make it more complex.

I am excited to play with this software more. Be watching out for my next installment on Google SketchUp!

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This is a commercial over Bubbl.us, an interactive mind mapping website, that every teacher should have in their arsenal! Enjoy!

BP10_Comment to Brooke

Follow this link to see my comment on Brooke's commercial over GoAnimate.

BP9_Comment to Greg

Follow this link to my comment on Greg's post over Carrotsticks.com

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Oh, the discoveries!

Thanks to some navigating, I found a new web 2.0 site that could be used frequently in any classroom. It's called Bubbl.us (leave out the "e"). This website is self explanatory from it's name. You can create mind maps, using

"bubbles," on any particular topic you deem necessary. A sign-in name is not required, but is helpful is you want to save your brainstorming.

A fun part of this website is the ability to change colors and move the bubbles around. Notice, I made a quick mind map on some of the new technologies we are using in ETC.

Something that sets this website apart from other mind mapping software is its ability to collaborate, have friends, and share documents with other users. Since I just found this website, I don't have any friends to show you this feature. In a classroom setting, students would be able to share their mind maps easily with each other and with the teacher. That would make the need to print no longer a need.

I use mind maps frequently and I am very excited to incorporate "bubbl" into my classroom.

Another RAVE from Jessica Goodenow!!!

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This is my exciting commercial on why everyone should use Game Classroom in their classroom and homes. Enjoy!!

BP6_Comment to Catherine

Follow this link to see my comment on Catherine's blog.

BP5_Comment to Crystal

Follow this link to see my comment on Crystal's blog.

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Are you ready for this?

I have found another great tool that can be integrated into the classroom! It's called GoAnimate. The purpose of this site is to make cartoons customized to the maker. Each user must create their own sign-in name and avatar. There are certain features that cost money (better outfits, facial hair, etc).

Once you have signed in and created your avatar, you will be directed to the next screen below.

This is where the magic happens. Students would be able to implement animations, story lines, change the background, add music, record audio, and use the 3 characters on the left side of the screen. Once they are happy with their scene, they can watch their cartoon and share it using the import function underneath the image of the bedroom or the save button on the top right hand side of the screen.

One function that you cannot see in the pictures that is valuable for a Web 2.0 tool is the chat ability. As students are working, they can chat with buddies that they add. I could see this being a good asset to a group project. If a group is working on a cartoon together, one student can be focused on a scene while another can focus on another scene and then they can save them together.

Just another RAVE from Jessica Goodenow!

Can't wait to try this with my students!

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Hey all you fellow education junkies!

I can't stop RAVING about this educational website I just found!!

I had the privilege of exploring the GameClassroom website. It is a site that caters to students from age 5-12. Depending upon the age group you are looking for, the site will give you educational games to improve their skills, homework help, links to step-by-step topical problem solving, and much much more! I am excited about the option of using this website in the future and have a short tutorial on one of my favorite parts below.

GameClassroom is a new bookmark in my exploding folder of great educational sites. You should add it to yours!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jess

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