Effective Use of Blackboard Tools

By Kristina Leonardo - Center for Teaching, Learning and Technology-

Leonardo, K. (n.d.). Cornerstone Newsletter. Retrieved Dec. 23, 2008, from http://www.pace.edu/CTLT/newsletter/Volume%203%20Issue%201/articles/article4.htm

This article is mainly focused on the effective use of Blackboard assessment tool. The writer highlighted that online teaching and learning environment allows for an emphasis on formative assessment, because of the ability of regular assessment-feedback in helping the instructor to observe performance and development of understanding. Bb allows E-portfolio summative assessment as well, and other forms of summative assessment like online discussions, group projects, and electronic submission of assignments. The article discussed concerns with online assessments, when some instructors requiring students to have test at an educational institution or a commercial testing center which in many cases is harder and inconvenience for online learners. In other hand in the writer opinion PB tools has variety of positive uses for example timed quizzes with automatic grading, and online posting of scores. She gave five ways to help instructors to minimize chances of cheating on the online assessment.  The author does conclude with reference to pools feature in blackboard's assessment and how it can be used for sharing test questions with colleagues who are using Blackboard.  The study's findings were interesting. The article address schools and instructors those who may plan to use the Bb. I agree with idea that  using this tools for assessment make a difference in our teaching and enable learners to monitor their progress I feel there is a need for more research in the use of Blackboard tools especially for us at DLI because we just started training in the usage of Bb.

Learning a Popular Web Authoring Tool

By Martin A. David

Martin, D. A. (2006). Technology Schools. Retrieved Dec. 14, 2008, from http://www.technology-schools.com/articles/learning-a-popular-web-authoring-tool.html

The primary focus of this article is learning a popular web authoring tool such as the Dreamweaver the program that enables designers to create wonderful sites. The writer Martin A. David consults as a Senior Technical Writer for a number of Silicon Valley firms. He has written numerous feature articles for publications including the Los Angeles Times. He has also published a novel, and a non-fiction book in the area of dance. He explained that HTML is an easy code form to learn. , the instructions, known as "tags" are simple to remember. Then he highlighted on how authoring tool add the tags and place in the creative effects without writing the code. The writer supports the use of Dreamweaver as popular and simple tool that will do all the work in order to produce professional websites. Also he discussed the training opportunities in this tool either on computer schools or on line and what structural elements will be offered in these courses so trainees will understand and work with architecture and coding of web pages.

The article is clear message the professional who wants to use Dreamweaver to design and develop Web pages students who in small companies or departments within large companies who use Web technologies. I believe that this article is very helpful for anyone who engages in producing professional websites.

Classroom Uses of Podcasts

By Tammy Andrew

Andrew, T. (2008). Suite101. Retrieved Dec. 11, 2008, from http://teachingtechnology.suite101.com/article.cfm/classroom_uses_of_podcasts

Tammy teaches Computer Science at a Technology Center New Hampshire during the school year and at a private academy in Massachusetts during the summers.

 She starts by defining the podcast as a Web 2.0 technology that takes the form of audio or video files can be played on personal media players, such as the iPod, She explains that podcast can be created by anyone with the available tools, and how ones might determine the feasibility of using them in class. The writer shows how potential the integration of technology and how important for students to hear information from an expert in the field. Also she states the benefits and uses of podcasts such as how it can be good helper for distance learning and absent students. She gives detailed description in how to create a good podcast by using computer, microphone, speakers and software. She concludes by adding the collaboration of podcast in as new format learning, thus students receive the intended benefit of the activity and engage with the lesson and enjoy the ability to show off their creation to online friends. In my opinion the writer succeeds to explains her ideas in the benefits of using podcast in learning, she use simple clear language would help readers and educators to consider  this article  a reference to research review in respect of integrate the  technology in classroom.