Identifying+Similarities+and+Differences

=Copy this template for each resource.=
 * Name of the Resource
 * Identify the resource as an educational website, software program (external to the Internet), or app.
 * Rate the resource on a scale of 1 to 10 and explanation of the rating (2-3 sentences).
 * Brief description of the resource and how it can is used with classroom instruction or professional development (3 - 5 sentences).
 * How does the resource align with instructional strategy examined for the week (2 - 3 sentences).

Lovie Marshall
 * Teaching Effective Learning Strategies: Similarities and Differences
 * Educational website
 * URL:http://ims.ode.state.oh.us/ode/ims/rrt/research/Content/similarities_and_differences_what_we_know.asp
 * Rating 9/10: The website is good because it expounds on the need to develop a student’s cognitive abilities to successfully find similarities and differences in a text. The information has been simplified for the teachers who are struggling with making the students understand simple concepts.
 * Description: The site illustrates the importance of developing similarities and differences in a class setting and reveals that it aids in memory and solving problems. The page explains the importance of engaging students in a class discussion and allowing the students to be independent thinkers. The information can be used to guide the teachers in class and also enable students apply classroom concepts to a real-life situation.
 * Alignment: The website is useful because it highlights four different ways in which the teachers can use to allow students to develop similarities and differences during learning. The techniques include the use of a metaphor, analogy, classification and comparison. The various methods align with the institutional strategy because they activate the cognitive ability of a person and enable them to assess the differences and similarities with ease.

Stephanie Fletcher
 * Microsoft Excel
 * Software Program
 * Rating: I give this website a 9 because it very easy and useful for creating graphs and charts. Windows computers typically come with this programs so it is inexpensive in that aspect. It is only for windows, but others could easily use google spreadsheet in place of this program and it will serve the same functions.
 * Description of website: Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program. It allows people to turn charts, graphs, and functions into usable information that is easier to read.
 * Aligns with Instructional Strategy: This website makes a great tool for Identifying Similarities and Differences because students can create charts and graphs from their table. This makes their data easier to see the relationships between variables and check if there is a significant relationship or not. This make looking for relationships much easier.

Samantha Garrett


 * [|Google Drawings]
 * Website/ app
 * 8. Google drawing is a component of the Google programs. I gave this an 8 because you need a Google account to use any of the programs. This program would also need direct, explicit instruction for the younger learners to use.
 * A few things that I like most about any of the Google programs is that it works in real time and allows for collaboration. I also love that it all auto saves! Google Drawings is a free web-based program that allows for users to create, diagrams, charts, models, and other graphic organizers. First time users would need direct instruction in order to utilize this program, I think.
 * I think it aligns with the strategy of Indentifying Similarities and Differences because it helps the students compare and contrast as well as bringing new ideas to the table. They are learning and creating new ideas of their own and I feel it is very engaging because I have students who get really into it and work as a team (collaborate)

Michael Perez


 * [|You DJ]
 * Educational Website
 * 8 - Very enjoyable website for students who love music and want to create there own. I like that the site is free but you have to pay if you want all of the options on the site. I would have given it a higher score but their are limitation with the free version.
 * You DJ is a free site where students can type in the genre of music they enjoy and they can create their own mixed versions. You do have to monitor what your students are doing so that could become an issue but I tell my students that whatever music they type in the last word is CLEAN. I use this to teach the students advanced mouse use, how to hear different beats and create their own version (creativity) and it's a nice reward for when they have completed other work in class. It could be a lesson plan that you develop if you want them to understand different ways that music is made, I would add an instructional website on understanding music.
 * I think it aligns with the strategy of identifying similarities and differences because utilizing the graphic organizers could help students compare and contrast. I think students learn best when they can be visual and create something from scratch.



Robin Kennedy (Elder)


 * Microsoft Visio
 * Software program
 * 10
 * Visio is a professional flow chart and diagram software typically installed on a personal computer. Users can use the libraries of shape stencils to quickly create diagrams and drawings. Visio also contains powerful tools to depict relationships between stencil objects. The software can be used for simple diagrams or for complex database relationship diagrams that generate from connected database systems. Visio can be used to generate complex diagrams very quickly using its pre-drawn stencils, which can be used in the classroom.
 * Visio is a tool that can be used to create charts and diagrams that show the similarities between ideas, concepts or lists, and the differences. Boxes can easily be drawn and text typed inside, allowing teachers to create groups and lists. Teachers could create boxes and shapes to show relationships, or create quizzes or matching games for students.

Richard Bruce


 * [|wolframalpha.com]
 * Computational Knowledge Engine (search engine) and app
 * 10 - Since Wolfram Alpha first became a free search engine online in 2009 I've been using it to compare and contrast things like "Thailand vs Laos" and "Michael Jordan vs. Kobe Bryant". These results are graphed side-by-side with up-to-date information about things like the life expectancy of Thailand vs. Laos ( Thailand | 74.4 years Laos | 68.3 years) ) and the height of Michael Jordan Vs. Kobe Bryant ( Kobe Bryant | 6' 6" | 205 lb Michael Jordan | 6' 6" | 216 lb (pounds) )
 * Wolfram Alpha has very clear source citation, drawing a lot of its information from publically available sites like wikipedia, CIA world factbook, ESPN, etc. Thus, it is a great place to begin to gather data, compare and contrast as students begin research papers, discussion forums or class discussions. It is very easy to use and can understand a variety of prompts such as "Michael Jordan - Kobe Bryant" or "Jordan vs Bryant" or "Kobe and Jordan." This makes it very user friendly and simple for people of all ages to use.
 * This website is cited on page 203 of our text as a database tool used to identify similarities and differences. The site can calculate advanced math problems, graph and calculate statistical information and create charts, graphical organizers and matrices using publically available information or user-uploaded information. It's so powerful it often feels like cheating!

Nathan Schwartz
 * [|Create a Graph]
 * Website
 * 8- Creating a graph on the NCES website can be a bit challenging for some students, that's why it's not a 10. Students can create their graphs such as line, bar, and circle but it's difficult putting in the data correctly.
 * Students can create their own graphs based on data that they found via science or math. Students in my class will create their own line graphs based their standardized tests throughout the year. They can compare how they did in the fall with their first test and track it every month until the end of the year test. Students will generally see an upward trend. Students definitely like creating their own graphs on a computer when we do data for math.
 * Creating a graph aligns with this week's standard by finding similarities and differences in science and math. Students can easily input their own data on a computer and print it out for a final product.

Rachel Schwartz
 * __[|Kidspiration] __
 * Software Program
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">8- The program uses visuals to assist students in any content area. I believe students learn best when they can physically see something. The software also allows the students to take charge of their own learning by letting the student manipulate what is on the screen. The program may be a bit too much for some students where they wouldn’t completely understand how to use it.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">This specific software program is a version of Inspiration. Kidspiration is targeted for kindergarten-fifth grade. Students are able to use this program for any content area. The program allows students to create their own graphic organizers, write and expand their writing, and create and solve their own math problems.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Kidspiration aligns with this week's standard by identifying similarities and differences by the students being able to create their own graphic organizer on the screen. They are able to create and design the organizer however they want. They can also share their ideas with other students to compare each others thoughts on a topic.

<span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Greg Hodges
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13.33px;">Plotly
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Website
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">10 - Plotly is a website that lets students collaborate on creating charts and graphs using data that they have collected. It is easy for students to work together on multiple computers and also lets them export data into Microsoft Excel for further analysis.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Plotly can be used to when giving surveys in a classroom or when collecting data for science related lessons. Students can then create graphs and analyze data collaboratively. In my class, I would find this useful for analyzing information on student likes and dislikes found through a Spanish language student-lead survey.
 * <span style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif;">Plotly aligns with the standard of Similarity and Differences because it allows students the ability to look at and analyze data easily and visually. Students can compare different data points after they have been entered into Plotly and see differences. This can be especially helpful for visual learners as it is easy to get "lost in the numbers" when staring at large data sets.

Victoria Putvin


 * Readwritethink.org
 * Educational website
 * 7 – there are a variety of premade graphic organizers for students or teachers to print off. However, they are not interactive and can not be changed if they do not fit the exact need of the task.
 * There currently 23 premade graphic organizers to choose from such at 2 or 3 circle Venn Diagrams, T-Charts, and a Compare and Contrast Chart. Not all students can visual comparing and contrasting objects or ideas the same way. ReadWritethink.org gives students different formats to choose from so they can hopefully find one that works for them.
 * How does the resource align with instructional strategy examined for the week (2 - 3 sentences).
 * These are just templates so they can be used for any topic. Most of the graphic organizers available from this resource are already set up to find the similarities and differences between 2 or 3 topics/objects.


 * Matthew Novak **


 * **[|Google Slides]**
 * Website / Program
 * 9- Slides is perfect for identifying similarities and differences due to its visual nature. With the use of the drawing tools you are able to create venn diagrams or other charts to identify similarities or differences. This is rated a 9 because Slides I feel would require a bit of training with the students. I could possibly pre-make the slides for the students to view and use. However, as Using technology with Classroom Instruction That Works states, Having the students first identify their own types of classification for similarities and differences would allow for a better knowledge foundation and create deeper understanding.
 * Slides is a powerpoint program that you can access online and offline through the Google. The software can be used to identify similarities and differences, create presentations, organize information in various ways. It comes with a suite of tools that allow you to shape your project how you see fit.
 * This aligns with the instructional strategy of similarities and differences because Slides allows the person to visually create venn diagrams, or charts to compare the similarities or differences between items. Visually and organizationally this is an ideal organizational tool for students to use. Teachers can either create the template or allow students to create their own which is a greater depth of knowledge concept.


 * **Dawn Paine**
 * [|infogr.am]


 * **Type:** website (and a chrome app)
 * **Rating:** 8/10 as an easy application for combining lots of different charts for comparison in the style of “infographics”
 * **Brief explanation:** A great tool that is relatively easy to use, and has the capability of creating very professional looking infographics. Users can create and share infographics, individual charts, and other types of illustration. The site itself doesn’t give a lot of training and explanation. As a graphic designer, I have a lot of experience with the creation of infographics, but it doesn’t come naturally to all. I think it’s a fairly easy to use interface, but a novice to design may have a steeper learning curve.
 * **How does the resource align with instructional strategy examined for the week** (2 - 3 sentences).
 * The beauty of this program is the huge library of templates and styles of charts, graphics, and visual comparisons to choose from. Once you choose a chart, you simply double click to edit the template to customize the input data. Creating a visual representation of the information being presented does two things 1) the visual will solidify their learning on a multi sensory level, and 2) the act of creating infographics really requires them to process the information, and analyze the outcomes in order to choose the best kinds of charts and data realizations for their visual presentations.

Daniel McElheny
 * [|Gliffy]
 * Type: Website
 * Rating: 7/10. Gliffy offers some great tools (as I will describe below), but it is not free. Upside is that it can be integrated with google drive, can be worked on by multiple users, and has a variety of different features.
 * Brief Explanation: Gliffy is an online diagram creation website. You can create a variety of different diagrams, flowcharts, organization charts, and can share your work with others. Gliffy has an advantage over using google drawings or some other google tool in that it has a variety of interesting and complex templates already available for use. If you are someone who needs a tool more powerful than google apps this tool is for you. Similar to google drawing or docs, Gliffy allows you to collaborate with other users and integrates with google drive.
 * Gliffy fits with the instructional strategy of identifying similarities and differences in that you have a variety of visual tools at your disposal to organize those concepts. You can easily create a Venn Diagram, a flowchart of ideas, or an idea web, to show similarities, differences, and the relationships between different concepts.

Leighton Nelson
 * [|R]
 * Software Program
 * Rating: 8 - It gets an eight because it is free software and is available on many platforms including Mac OS X, Linux and Windows. Although R is very powerful for statistical analysis, it has a steep learning curve.
 * The R programming language is primarily used for statistical analysis. However, it has a wide range of applications including, financial, engineering and bioinformatics through the use of several packages. These packages contains several commands that are suited to a particular domain. It also has very powerful graphical capabilities allowing users to generate graphs and plots through a programmatic interface.
 * R can be used to create graphical organizers for the analysis and comparison of data sets. These come in the form of horizontal, vertical and stacked charts, line graphs, scatter and box plots. An example of an R command for performing comparison is the ks.test which is used to compare distribution of two samples.


 * Karen McDonald **

Kidspiration 3

http://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration

Rating: 10

An educational app you can download from iTunes/Apple must purchase licenses to access the app Kidspiration 3 provides multiple ways to explore concepts by creating differences and similarities or compare and contrast visual maps.

Kidspiration 3 contains different layouts, picture layout, writing view, or math view. Each one of these layout offers text, images, links and audio. The app gives the students options when choosing a plan.There are also activities that students can use, allowing them to interact with Kidspiration such as:


 * reading and writing
 * math
 * science
 * social studies

In the different subjects, the students listen to audio that gives them instruction on the different concepts. The student will then fill out the diagram/map to answer the questions.

This app aligns with instructional strategy especially for the younger student who has little writing skills. Kidspiration meets the criteria of differentiating when it refers to our students with different learning styles. The students can use audio or symbols to express their thoughts and plan to a concept.

Adam Dickinson


 * <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">[|LucidChart]
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Website
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">8. You can sign up for free or if you are a teacher or student, you can get a free account through a special program.
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">With LucidChart you can use Venn diagrams, flowchart maker and mind map options. It allows for collaboration through the site and has a fairly easy interface to use. The nice thing about the product is it can cross over between uses in the classroom to real world applications as well.
 * <span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">This site allows the user to create flowcharts and Venn diagrams that allow students/instructors to easily show similarities/contrasts between subjects. It also interfaces with Google giving it more of an appeal in the classroom.