Identifying+Similarities+and+Differences+S217

__**Kelsey Kennedy Identifying Similarities & Differences**__
 * Name of the Resource:** Edraw https://www.edrawsoft.com/graphic-organizers-solutions.php
 * Identify the Resource:** Website
 * Rating:** 10/10 This app is very user friendly for students and teachers! It is free and there are lots of ideas on ways students can compare and contrast. These graphic organizers may also be printed, or saved in a variety of formats.
 * Description:** Students begin with a basic and straightforward Venn diagram. They are then able to input their information into the graphic organizer. They are also able to edit their work by adding different colors, shapes, lines, and images.
 * Alignment with Instructional Strategy:** With this program students are able to develop a neat and organized Venn diagram for comparing and contrasting. They also have the capability to add images easily, which enables them to visuals the topic of study even further!.

https://escmarzano.wikispaces.com/1.+Identifying+Similarities+and+Differences Developed by the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory. Portland, Oregon Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2013) Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.) Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Chapter 8 (p.183-203)
 * Identifying Similarities and Differences -** Greg Burchard
 * Name:** Marzano Strategies - 1. Identifying Similarities and Differences
 * Resource:** This resource is an educational website.
 * Rating:** I would rate this resource a 9/10.
 * Description:** This wikispace.com website clearly identifies effective teaching strategies for teachers to use when teaching about identifying similarities and differences. It is divided into 7 brief segments that build upon each other. The segments are:
 * Opening Statement
 * Four Related Areas
 * Research Shows
 * Classroom Practice with an additional Activities link
 * Key Research Findings
 * Implementation and a
 * Brief instructional video
 * Alignment**: This website clearly aligns with our instructional strategy for this week. It identifies that understanding similarities and differences can lead to deeper understanding.
 * Resources:**

Educational website, Google Apps:
 * Maria Jandernoa - Identifying Similarities and Differences with Creately**
 * Rating**: I would rate this resource a 9/10. It is very user friendly and has a lot of templates that make it easy to create graphic organizers. You need to have Adobe Flash Player installed on your computer to use it, however.
 * Description:** Creately is a resource that allows people to create all kinds of diagrams, graphic organizers, and any other visual aid to supplement content. The resource also allows for collaboration with others. In addition, it provides templates for some commonly used visual aids.
 * Alignment:** Creately aligns with the strategy to identify similarities and differences because you can create graphic organizers to create comparisons. Venn Diagrams, flow charts, and more are easy to design using Creately. In addition, many people can contribute to one graphic organizer, to receive compare/contrast information from multiple people.

Dustin Hunter - Identifying Similarities and Differences: Read, Write, Think readwritethink.org
 * Resource**: Read, Write, Think's Compare and Contrast map is an educational website.
 * Rating**: I would rate this resource as a **7/10.** On the positive side this site is extremely simple to use, you don't need to create an account or do any sort of prep work ahead of time students can simply go to the site and start. On the downside the site is pretty simplistic, it performs its basic function of giving students a place to list similarities and differences but does not have a lot of extra features.
 * Description**: Read, Write, Think's Compare and Contrast map is a website that allows students to compare and contrast two different objects. There are a couple of ways students can do this. The first way is that they list all the similarities between the two items then all the differences, students can also do a "point by point" comparison which allows them list a point such as diet then compare the two items they are looking at such as elephants and giraffes. This is a nice resource to use, especially for younger students or when you are assigning a class a writing assignment for the first time, it is simple and easy to use and after doing a quick example with the class I was able to assign my students to use it with no problems. Once students have finished their map they can print it out easily if you want to make it a turn in assignment.
 * Alignment**: The focus of this week's reading was identifying similarities and differences and Read, Write, Think's Compare and Contrast map certainly does that. Identifying similarities and differences is a skill that students need at all levels of school. In my high school class it is most important when students are going to write a paper. Students must be able to identify and explain similarities and differences in things like ancient societies to be able to form arguments and support those arguments drawing upon basic skills like identifying similarities and differences.

Popplet, (2013). Retrieved from http://popplet.com/.
 * Hillary Bailey** - Popplet
 * Resource:** Popplet is a tool for the Ipad or web that allows you to capture and organize your ideas.
 * Rating:** I would give Popplet an 8 out of 10. The main reason for grading it an 8 is because the app is $4.99. Being a teacher and on a budget, you know we all love free things!
 * Description:** Popplet is a tool to help organize your or your students ideas. Students can use it at school or in their own home. The app helps students think and learn visually (Popplet, 2013). They can capture thoughts, facts, and images to learn and create relationships between them. It is like a big mind map creator. One of the testimonials stated, "Popplet makes it a lot easier for kids to understand and remember information (Grundivig, n.d).
 * Alignment:** Popplet aligns with the identifying similarities and differences strategy because students use mind maps to create relationships between different subjects. They can use Popplet to create visuals to help them learn information more efficiently.
 * References:**
 * Grunidivig, Maria. (n.d.) Retrieved from** http://popplet.com/.

**Resource:** [|Inspiration]
====**Rating:** 8/10 This educational allows the user to create organizers to meet their needs. There are free trials that are offered, however, this application does require payment for use. Students intermediate aged and above will be able to maneuver this application. ==== ====**Description:** Inspiration is an educational application that helps students in the classroom to create graphics and arrange information into a order that meets their needs. With this app, students can compare and contrast information. This educational application promotes the use of Kidspiration, which can be used for younger students and is connected to the Common Core. ==== ====**Alignment:** This application allows the user create graphic organizers that help them to organize the information that they are learning. The user can easily create a Venn Diagram on this application. Venn Diagrams help users to easily identify similarities and differences, as well as compare what may be the same between two more more things. ====

What is visual thinking and visual learning? (n.d.). Retrieved April 17, 2017, from http://www.inspiration.com/visual-learning

 * Kathy Thompson- Identifying Similarities and Differences **
 * Resource: [|Vinn Diagram] **
 * Rating:** I would give it an 8/10. I like this educational app. I like that you can save and share the information.
 * Description:** This education app allows the students to create and fill in a vinn-diagram. It allows the students to add information to compare and contrast the information. I use in in my class to compare and contrast characters and settings.
 * Alignment:** This app aligns with the strategy because it allows the students to create a vinn-diagram to compare and contrast important information. It helps the students understand and use the knowledge they have learned to identify the items that are alike and different.

Michele Schafer: Lucidchart: []
 * Type: ** Web based program
 * Rating: 6/10. ** I rated this lower because I found it much easier to work with paper than this website or google drawing. This can be a google add-on. There is a charge for this program by itself.
 * Description and use in the classroom: ** This is a site that allows you to create charts and set up Venn Diagrams and Flow charts. Using Venn diagrams help students compare and contrast their ideas in a visual way. This program does allow for collaboration.
 * How it aligns with Similarities and Differences: ** Many times in a classroom we talk about topics as if they are all completely separate from each other but in reality there are many things that overlap and have similarities. Setting up diagrams and flow charts help students picture in their head better how things are related to each other and how they are different from each other. Clearly mapping out ideas is a great thinking skill that we all need. In a graphic organizer ideas can be placed on the board and then moved around as they are discussed or challenged. After the graphic organizer is set it can be shared or printed/saved for later use.


 * Dayna Winczner- Identifying similarities and differences
 * http://www.diffen.com/
 * This would be identified as an educational website
 * 8/10. This would be for the higher level learner or higher grade level student. It compares and contrasts literally anything. It does have some pop-up ads which is why I gave it a 8/10.
 * If your class was require to make a Venn diagram to identify the similarities and differences of a topic, they could then type in their information and receive everything they need. It provides articles, videos, and definitions on the topics typed in. This information can then be used for multiple lessons.
 * This relates to the chapter because it gives students the opportunity to find basic information needed to identify what is needed for their content.It also gives the student a chance to make sound concepts on new knowledge and connect it to the previous knowledge. Information can also be put into a visual graphic to compare the similarities and differences of the content.


 * Lia: Identifying Similarities and Differences: [|IXL] **
 * Type: ** Educational Website
 * Rating: ** 9/10 Overall, this is a great website filled with tons for kids of all ages to do. Most of the venn diagrams or compare/contrast graphic organizers were for math and for the younger grades, weren't available for language arts practice.
 * Description: ** IXL is a learning website packed with games and activities for grades PreK - 12 categorized by subject or skills as well as by grade level.
 * Alignment: ** There are over hundreds of different Language Arts activities for students to practice synonyms, antonyms, and create their own venn diagrams. They can do this for LA or for Math games where they sort different shapes, colors, or characteristics. As students continue to develop their skills, they can always jump up the next grade level for more of a challenge. This website is more based on games and activities where students can practice their skills but it does not have any type of tracking system for teachers to ensure that the games are being played or completed correctly.
 * References: ** IXL Learning, Inc. (n.d.) https://www.ixl.com/math/grade-1/sort-shapes-into-a-venn-diagram

Asma Alshammari -Identifying Similarities and Differences- Resource: Where Do I Go? Group & Match Group Rating: 10/10 Description: “Where Do I Go?” is an educational application for children between 3 to 5 years old. It has different themes that children can choose one of them to play. “Where Do I Go?” uses beautiful colors and animation to attract children. Also, it is a free app for the iTunes. Children can play individually or with group. Alignment with Strategy: “Where Do I Go?” is an app that aims to help children classifying and grouping different subjects. Moreover, it teaches children how to connect between the idea and its parts. Reference: []

Monique Sims – Identifying Similarities and Differences


 * Resource:** [|Stormboard]


 * Rate:** 9/10. This is a resourceful educational site for users to brainstorm and organize.


 * Description:** Stormboard creates an atmosphere were students can actively participate with peers in real-time for projects. It specializes in making whiteboards or flipcharts a concept of the past. Stormboard is available on all devices across the world and it can be easily transferred to several different formats such as Word and Excel to name a few. The site also enhances teacher’s professional development through workshops that give teachers encouragement to integrate new technology into the curriculum.


 * Alignment:** The website enhances users to collaborate and interact with peers in regards to their professional or schoolwork. It equips students or business users to learn through virtual experience. It also aligns users to compare and contrast.


 * Reference:**

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Stormboard - Online Brainstorming and Planning. (2013). Retrieved April 19, 2017, from https://www.stormboard.com/


 * Shelly Riess – Week 7 **
 * Name of resource: ** Little Solver – Figural Analogies
 * URL: ** []
 * Rating: ** 10/10 – This looks like a really fun way to teach young kids about analytical thinking while making it fun. There are multiple language options available as well, making this tool flexible.
 * Description: ** Through the act of comparison, users look at objects and analyze the differences. Kiddos feel as though they are playing games, which they are, but they are also learning how to think analytically. Little Solver is an inexpensive app ($0.99) available in the App Store.
 * How aligns with Identifying Similarities & Differences: ** Little Solver quite literally requires students to compare and contrast what is presented to them on the screen.

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 * Reference **

 **Resource:** Gliffy is an online website that allows the user to make a variety of charts including SWOT analysis, flow charts, and venn diagrams. Once the chart has been created, the user can then download it in a PDF format or as an image. This website is not education specific but could be used for a wide range of projects.  **Rating:** 7/10. I give Gliffy 7 out of 10 because it is a very easy website to navigate but is very outdated in its appearance. It also does not add much in terms of customization of finished creations – they are very rudimentary. While the website is easy to access on computers, it is not easily accessible for mobile devices, which is an issue considering how popular mobile devices are.  **Description:** “Gliffy was founded in 2005 by Chris Kohlhardt and Clint Dickson in San Francisco, California and is the world's first net-native business graphics application” (Gliffy, 2017 n.d. pp.1). “Gliffy makes it easy to create, share, and collaborate on a wide range of diagrams, allowing people to communicate more clearly, boost innovation, improve decisions, and work more effectively” (Gliffy, 2017 pp.1).  **Resources:** []
 * Alexa Tyler - Identifying Similarities and Differences - ** [|Gliffy]
 * Alignment **: This website aligns with what we are learning this week because it offers a tool for students and instructors to use as a visual aid in contrasting and comparing. This tool could be used in a number of ways for students who are visual learners to understand the differences and similarities on a given subject within a specific lesson plan.

__ **Tonilynn Aguon: Identifying Similarities and Differences ** __


 * **Name of the resource**: [|Cmap]
 * **Resource & Rate:** Cmap is a downloadable software that is used to create concept maps. I would rate it an 8/10 because it is a great tools for adults, researchers, and students. There is a $30 fee to download the software, but it seems like a very useful tool.
 * **Description:** The software is available to use on multiple devices, including iPads. Maps are also available to be shared and stored in a cloud. The software allows users to be able to create knowledge models as concept maps in which they can organize, compare, criticize, and display information, theories, ideas, processes, etc. Additionally, this software can be used internationally and created concept maps can be published on the web and linked to other resources the creator would like to include.
 * **Alignment:** Concept mapping is considered a great teaching strategy. Students can use the visual aids to guide their learning if studying and learning new concepts. They can also use concept maps to display their understanding, compare information, and construct new ideas.

Cmap. (2014). Retrieved from http://cmap.ihmc.us/
 * References: **

**Lyla Alhomedi: Identifying similarities and differences**

 * ===**Name of the resource**: [|Plotly]===
 * ===**Rate: 8/10 because it is not free.**===
 * ===Description: Plotly is a web-based data science, engineering, and analytic students leverage common technological computing environments in a social context. It is a beneficial website for students to improve collaboration as well as enhancing the quality of charts and graphs and connecting students to technology used by millions of professional**.**===
 * ===**Alignment:** Plotly website is aligned with what I learned this week because it easily creates stunning and informative graphics using visualization library and other online chart creation tool.===

TaShara Eiland: Identifying Similarities and differences

Identify: Educational App
 * Resource:** [|iDesk]
 * Rate:** 10/10
 * Description:** iDesk lite is a app that can be downloaded for free on Apple devices as well as Androids. iDesk allows you to build diagrams with a ton of styles. It's an awesome addition to the mind mapping world. I like this app because a student can allow their personality to shine through with creating their ideas and using mind mapping. This app allows you to do so much with a diagram! You can change colors, curve your lines, change the thickness of your lines, add shapes etc.
 * Alignment:** This app is perfect for using to determine similarities and differences. It's easy to use, a student can be as creative as they are and there are tons of possibilities. I like the idea that although the similarities and differences may be the same in a certain lesson, the diagrams students can present can be totally different!

<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Tawanna Swinney <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">April 23, 2017 <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">EDU 590 Spring II 2017 <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Week 7: Evaluate an Educational Website, Software Program or App in Wiki <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Dr. Weible <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Central Michigan University


 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Identifying Similarities and Differences **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Name of the Resource **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">: Excel (Data Collection and Analysis Tools), pg. 190
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Type of Resource **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">: Software
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Rating **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">: 8
 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Description of Resource **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">: Excel is spreadsheet data collection software that allows users to input numerical and text data to quantify information. The software was introduced in 1993. Excel is primary used by those in marketing, finance and accounting. As users become more familiar with its capabilities, such as teachers, the application can be used to show data analysis of students’ skills in the learning environment.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';">Alignment with Instructional Strategies: **<span style="font-family: 'Calibri','sans-serif';"> Excel is one of the required application students in my district are introduced to when assigned to one of two business technology classes. Also, student who are members of our robotics club use the program to build and analyze data before and during competitions. Teachers at my school use the program mostly for data collection and presentations. Just recently I used the information to present my students understanding of state testing standards prior to state assessment.