Identifying+Similarities+and+Differences+Su17

Allison Havens
 * Microsoft Word
 * Word Processing Application
 * **Rating **: 7- It can be difficult to get use to. I had to do a lot of searching and trial and error. It isn’t so straight forward.
 * **Application Description **: This is a simple word processing application. Once you open Microsoft Word, you can choose Insert>SmartArt and from there you have a variety of tables and templates to choose from for comparing, classifying, flow charts, etc.
 * **Aligns with Instructional Strategy **: The application aligns with the instructional strategy because it allows students to build charts and graphs to compare, classify, etc. a variety of things. According to Hubbell, Kuhn and Pitler, identifying the similarities in the content helps the students to build a better understanding and make deeper connections with what they a learning. I believe that using Microsoft Word and the SmartArt is way to do that.

Sources

Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Pitlier, H., (2012), //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works// (2nd Ed). Alexandria, VA: ASCD & Denver, CO: MCREL

Microsoft Excel Software (it is available as an app as well)
10/10 Microsoft Excel is a software program that allows users to input data and analyze it (Microsoft 2017). Microsoft Excel is a great tool for simple as well as more complex data analysis because the features are customizable to the task at hand. It is also part of the Microsoft Office software family so can be used in collaboration with other Office features and tools. There is also extensive support available on how to navigate the software.

According to Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, & Pitler (2007) “[d]ata collection probeware is also very useful for identifying similarities and differences because its computer interface allows students to quickly create all sorts of graphical representations” (p.185). The resource aligns with instructional strategy comparing similarities and differences because having a visual representation of data on a chart can at times be more effective than simply looking at data.


 * References**

Hubbell,E., Kuhn, M., Malenoski, K., and Pitler, H., ( 2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works.

Microsoft (2017). Office products. Retrieved from https://products.office.com/en-ca/excel


 * Claudia Mellad**
 * **[|Venn Diagram]**
 * Educational App
 * **Rating****:** 9 - I would rate this app a 9/10 because it doesn't save the venn diagarams even though it says they are saved. Once you logout and log back in, all the work that you have done is gone. If using this app, it is highly recommended to take a screen shot of your work before exiting the app. Besides is flaw in the app, I still think that it's great.
 * **Description:** This app allows users to create diagrams (two or three circles that overlap) so that they can visually identify similarities and differences between objects, ideas, thoughts, essentially whatever you input into the diagram for comparison sake. Users have the option to chose colours, increase/decrease the font size to suit their needs.
 * **Aligns with instructional strategy:** This app aligns with the instructional strategy of similarities and differences because it allows users to create a visual representation to highlight just that. This app can also help the users organize their thoughts to keep on track with an assignment or even help them generate ideas

References: Hubbell, E.R., Kunh, M., & Pitler, D. (2012). //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works.// (2nd Ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD & Denver, CO: MCREL. itunes (2017). //Venn Diagram.// Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/venn-diagram/id666981188?mt=8

[|Google Drawings] Educational website
 * Pearl Fernandez**

====I rate Google drawings a 9/10 because it is an educational website which is free for teachers and students and can be used on several platforms. This site is free and is available on your google drive hence you have to have a google account. There is a variety of options with colors and shapes available and appears to be user friendly. ====
 * Rating: 9/10: **

====Google Drawings a free web based drawing software created by Google. The program allows users to work collaboratively and in real time to create all types of diagrams. Some diagrams that can be created are flow charts, venn diagrams, mind maps and other organisational charts. ====
 * Brief description of the Resource **

====According to Hubbell, Kuhn and Pitler, “asking students to identify the similarities and differences in the content they are learning helps them to structure their understanding of the content” (2012, p.183) Google drawings allows students to create diagrams like flowcharts or venn diagrams to help students compare and contrast concepts being taught by the teacher. Hubbell et al. (2012) go on to mention that teachers can support students in creating diagrams and templates to compare and classify items or also to explain an analogy or a metaphor. Google drawings allows student to create such diagrams and templates. ====


 * References **

Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M. & Pitler, D. (2012). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works (2nd Ed). Google Drawings retrieved from https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/google-drawings/mkaakpdehdafacodkgkpghoibnmamcme

References: Hubbell, E.R., Kunh, M., & Pitler, D. (2012). // Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. // (2nd Ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD & Denver, CO: MCREL.
 * Eunjin Judith Jung **
 * ** [|Gapminder Bubble Chart] **
 * Educational website
 * ** Rating: ** 10 - This not-for-profit organization website boasts enormous statistics, which may be useful especially for middle and high school students studying geography and global history. Also it raises awareness about misconceptions in regards to global development.
 * ** Description: ** This particular feature is an interactive graph tool that lets the students to displays statistical values into nonlingustic representation formats. Students can view data regarding many different categories. For instance, students can create bubble, bar and pie charts on GDP, population, energy sources, HIV occurrence of different countries.
 * ** Aligns with instructional strategy: ** Gapminder allows students to spend more time to analyzing data than simply collecting for data ( Hubbell, Kuhn & Pitler, p. 183) . Graphic representation helps the students to easily understand the contents and furthermore to apply existing knowledge to the new concept. This would also help students to derive their own aspects about the world development.


 * Week 7:**
 * Beata Dabrowska**
 * Software name: [|IHMC Concept Map Tool] **

Description: IHMC stands for Institute for Human & Machine Cognition. Software empowers users “to construct, navigate, share and criticize knowledge models represented as concept maps (IHMC, 2014). Students will have to download a software toolkit called CMAP which is free to download. Concept maps are technological tools which help to represented information in a graphical way, which is visually or user friendly. It also helps to visually show knowledge in a better organized way. Students can learn lesson plan subject matter using concept maps, then share with class mates. Work can be edited after classroom activities.
 * Rating: 10/10**


 * Aligns with Instructional Strategy:** The concept maps would not only allow learners to make connections with ideas learned from the previous lessons, but they could also find similarities and differences among concept maps throughout the class (IHMC, 2014). This software relates to instructional strategy for this week because it’s an excellent representation of pros and cons, commonalities and variances, and any comparisons between subjects/topics/knowledge. Sharing visual information with class mates allows for a quick visual realization of similarities and differences using mind-mapping, which helps to “make connections, experience fresh insight, correct misconceptions, have deeper understanding…using comparing, classifying, creating metaphors and analogies.” (Hubbell, Kuhn, Pitler, 2012).

Institute for Human & Machine Cognition, Florida, 2014. Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M. & Pitler, D. (2012). //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works// (2nd Ed).
 * Reference**

Andrea Mera
 * Identifying Similarities and Differences**


 * Website Name**: []


 * Rating:** 10/10. Lucidchart is a flowchart making application that can be easily installed with a google account. The program is very simple to use and allows users to share charts with each other. In addition, Lucidchart is compatible with a variety of programs and can be used on computers and mobile devices. This is a great application that can be used by students of all ages.


 * Description:** **Lucidchart helps users organize information in a diagram. The application is compatible with many computer programs and allows users to share the diagrams they have crated with others online, it also provides an option for downloading the documents that are created. Lucidchart promotes the program as being particularly useful for engineers and designers.**


 * Aligns with Instructional Strategy:** Lucidchart is a great educational tool to help students identify similarities and differences because it allows users to organize information, which may be better understood by some students when adapted into a more visual format. Lucidchart can help students when they study, and can help teacher's facilitate students' understanding as teachers can present the charts in class to help students draw connections about what they learn throughout the semester or what they have learned in a lesson (Hubbell, Kuhn & Pitler, 2012).


 * References**

Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M. & Pitler, D. (2012). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works (2nd Ed). Retrieved from[| http://www.ascd.org/Publications/Books/Overview/Using-Technology-with-Classroom-Instruction-That-Works-2nd-Edition.aspx]

Lucid Chart (2017). Retrieved from []

 **Software**
 * Rachael Tucker-Yhap **
 * <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">[|Numbers] **
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Rating: 8/10 – **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Numbers is a great application which creates charts, tables and graphs which are often more visually appealing that those made with Excel. However, it can be quite complicated to input the appropriate formulas and data to create accurate material.
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Description: **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Numbers is a spreadsheet application, similar to Excel but developed by Apple and primarily for use with MAC iOS, although it can be used with PCs through iCloud. Both the software and app allow you to easily create spreadsheets, tables, shapes and charts from scratch or by using one of many templates. Photos, text, music and videos can also be inserted to create interactive documents. The software has the ability to calculate various functions and formulas which are explained through the function browser. The software also has a built-in collaborative platform, allowing for easy access through iCloud.
 * **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Aligns with Educational Strategy: **<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> As recommended by Hubbell, Kuhn and Pitler (2012), Numbers makes it easy for students to identify similarities and differences through the use of graphic organizers such as charts, diagrams and tables. Numbers is also an effective spreadsheet software which “facilitates the comparison of data, making it an ideal tool to use with students to help them identify similarities and differences” (Hubbell, Kuhn & Pitler, 2012, p.188).

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Reference

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M. & Pitler, D. (2012). //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works// (2nd Ed). Retrieved from <span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">[]


 * Identifying Similarities and Differences**
 * Sharon Thurman**
 * __ [|Popplet] __**
 * Web/APP**
 * Rating 10/10**


 * Description:**

I rated **__ [|Popplet] __** 10/10 because it is straightforward to use. The app is designed to use with iPad and iPhone. Popplet is also available for use on the web. The tool can be used at .home, in class, or at work to gather information, images, and brainstorm. After which, students can organize their ideas and things and identify the similarities and differences between them.


 * How the Web/App Aligns with Instructional Strategy**

According to Hubbel, Kuhn, and Pitler (2012), students who can identify similarities and differences among ideas and things develop a deeper knowledge of subject matters. Therefore, **__ [|Popplet] __** aligns with the instructional strategy examined for this week because it helps students to structure their understanding of the content; it assists them in determining new relationships between ideas and things. As a result, students develop new perceptions and can correct a misunderstanding about the subject matter (Hubbel, Kuhn, & Pitler, 2012).


 * References**

Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M. & Pitler, D. (2012).//Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works// (2nd Ed). Popplet. (2013). Retrieved fromhttp://popplet.com/

Wolframalpha.com Educational Website
 * Gianni Rotondo**


 * Rating:** 10/10
 * This is a free educational website that covers a variety of educational topics. It is easy to use and easy for teachers and students to access.


 * Description:**
 * This resource is a database that holds a multitude of information for a variety of educational topics. Information on topics is easily searchable and accessible. Information is categorized by topic or can be searched through the site's search engine. The main purpose of the website is to access information about a variety of topics.


 * Aligns With Instructional Strategy:**
 * Having students identify similarities and differences of information can create a better understanding of the concepts being taught. It can also reinforce what they already know and provide new knowledge based on their background knowledge (Hubbel, Kuhn, & Pitler, 2012). So, for example, when teaching a fractions unit, you can use this resource to have students compare how fractions are similar in different formats (i.e., fraction form, decimal form, number line, etc.).


 * References:**

Hubbell, E.R., Kunh, M., & Pitler, D. (2012). // Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. // (2nd Ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD & Denver, CO: MCREL.

Wolframalpha. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.wolframalpha.com/

Charlene Dunstan [|InspireData] Cloud based program On a scale of 1-10 I would rate this an 10. Not only does it allow for the collection and organizing of data but allows for the creation of Venn, bar, stack, pie and axis charts to compare and contrast the data. The 30 day trail allows you to see all the various tools the software has to offer. InspireData is a multipurpose data program that allows students to collect and analyzee of information that can then be compared and contrasted visually. “Students see how ideas are connected and realize how information can be grouped and organized. With visual learning, new concepts are more thoroughly and easily understood when they are linked to prior knowledge.” [|(Inspiration, 2017)]
 * Name of the Resource:**
 * Identify the resources as an educational website, software program or app:**
 * Rate the Resource on a scale of 1 to 10:**
 * Brief description of the Resource and how it can is used with classroom instruction or training in a work setting**//://


 * How does the resource align with instructional strategy examined for the week?**

InspireData encourages students to “form better conclusions and think deeply about what the graphs and charts mean “(Hubbell.2017 p. 197).

References:

Retrieved from InspireData. 2017. www.inspiration.com/visual-learning Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M. & Pitler, D. (2012). //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works// (2nd Ed).


 * Meaghan McNeil**

Google Sheets

Educational Website

Rating: 9/10 – Google Sheets is free, user-friendly and accessible on any device. It requires an internet connection to take advantage of the collaborative tools, however it does not require an internet connection to access all tools (Google Sheets, n.d.).

Brief Description: Google Sheets is a free spreadsheet component of the Google Docs web tools package (Google Sheets, n.d.). Google Sheets features the ability to collaborate in real-time with other users (Google Sheets, n.d.). It also features a number of spreadsheet tools, including the ability to analyze data, create charts and classify data (Google Sheets, n.d.).

Align with instructional strategy: Google Sheets allows users to compare and classify information by using many of the functionalities available in the spreadsheets (Google Sheets, n.d.). For example, the formatting tool allows students to format a cell based on a rule they create (Google Sheets, n.d.). Students can use Google Sheets to create visual representations of their comparisons and analyses.

Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M. & Pitler, D. (2012). //Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works// (2nd Ed).

Google Sheets. (n.d.). Retrieved from @http://google.ca/sheets/about


 * Daniel Robertson**


 * Identifying Similarities and Differences**

[|Google Docs]
 * Source:** App
 * Rating: ­­8/10** – Google Docs is easy to use and connected to the cloud making it always available and easy to use for collaboration. Being a cloud-based app, its strength exist while learners have access to the internet. Using offline negates many of the pluses of this app.
 * Description:** Google Docs is a word processing app that also allows the user to collaborate with other users on one document at the same time. You can see where and when users make changes and you can access the previous version if you need to reference them. The app also includes a chat function, so the user can discuss their work off to the side.
 * Instructional Strategy Alignment:** Hubbell, Kuhn and Pitler (2012) state that fancy graphic organisation software isn’t the only way to represent similarities and differences, this can also be done with simpler word processor graphs. This also plays into the concept of teaching student numerous ways of to identify similarities and differences (Hubbell et al., 2012). The good thing about using Google Docs in this process is that identification can take place in groups and doesn’t always need to be a solo activity. Learners may be able to make more connections together than they ever were alone.

References Google (2017). //Docs//. Retrieved from https://www.google.ca/docs/about/ Hubbell, E.R., Kuhn, M. & Pitler, D. (2012). //Using technology with classroom instruction that works// (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD