CEP 812 : Data Visualization lab

I looked at 3 main tools when I completed this lab. They were Cacoo.com, VoiceThread and Glogster. I used 2 of these three to create my final project for this lab.  Cacoo was similar to other chart programs I have used. It reminded me of Inspiration which I use with my students to create brainstorming graphic organizers. I did like how there were a few different icons and that you could insert items into the diagram.

I really liked VoiceThread . It is a great collaboration tool for students and the teachers. I like how it allows others to comment and how students can get creative with their comments/responses. It is a tool that I could see using in my classroom to promote the flipped classroom design. It was especially nice to be able to draw on the image to show students what I was talking about during my comment.

The final tool I looked at was Glogster. I really like how Glogster can be used by both students and teachers. It is a great way to focus on project based learning by having students create pages based on different concepts. It allows students or teachers to upload videos, podcasts, documents, pictures, and text boxes and hyperlink to other websites. I would love to use this with my students. I think they would have a great time creating something that shows their understanding of the concepts. It would also address the kinesthetic learner, which can be very challenging to reach.

I used both Cacoo and VoiceThread to create my diagram. Many teachers come to me frustrated that students are not in special education. The struggle with response to intervention and do not understand why their students are not being tested right away. The test results show that the student is struggling so they should be tested right away. However, some teachers have left it at that. We cast a broad net to see what could possibly be ailing the student. A better way would be to identify the area of need. In reading, for instance, if a student is struggling with reading there are 3 areas in which they could use intervention. This is a crucial first step that is often missed. Identify the area the student is struggling in as far as basic reading skills, reading fluency, and reading comprehension. Teach to the area of weakness and they reassess for progress. This way you are personalizing the instruction and working at the students level to help them success. This visual is meant to be a simple cheat sheet of where to start with reading assessment.

During this lab, I saw some major aha moments to each tool. Cacoo will be great for students who require graphic organizers to take notes or brainstorm ideas. They can use this tool to make organizers that make sense to them, while providing them with an opportunity to be creative. Glogster would be great for gifted and talented students, or students who have already mastered concepts that are currently being taught. They could use this tool to research topics and present their findings. They could also use it to "teach" the teacher about what the concept means and how it can be applied. VoiceThread is a great tool to use when utilizing collaboration inside of the classroom. Overall, all three of these tools are things I could see as being used inside of my classroom. At this time I did not have any questions. I am sure I will have more questions as I use this with my students.


VoiceThread