Turn It In!

TurnItIn is a program that is used to find plagiarism. I have learned that once a paper is submitted through the program, a percentage appears; this percentage is created by searching the net to see if it matches up with any information on the net. For this assignment, the first part required us to copy and paste information off of websites that were already provided to us. By doing the first part of the assignment, I was able to understand how TurnItIn works. The next part of the assignment was for us to actually go through the websites and summarize the information. I learned how to put information into my own words to ensure I would not have a high score on TurnItIn.  I also learned a lot about gender bias issues involving computer science. While doing the report, I struggled trying to make sure my work did not match up to any information on the reports or websites. However, I summarized the information and used ideas from a variety of sites, making sure to use my own words. As a teacher, I can use TurnItIn with a lot of my assignments. By enforcing my students to turn their work in through TurnItin, I could easily enforce them to do their own work and not cheat. The TurnItIn assignment involved four of the NETS-T standards. Through this assignment the first standard was used: to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. This standard is reflected through the TurnItIn process because students have to take information that they think is important to the assignment and use their own words. The second standard the assignment meets is to model digital-age work and learning. To ensure, students fully understand the requirements, teachers have to show them how to use TurnItin. To promote and model digital citizenship and responsibility is reflected because the students have to produce their own work. Also, TurnItIn requires students to engage in professional growth and leadership. Through using TurnItIn, students must do the research on their own and turn it into their own words. This allows the students to really think and grow in their ability to write and use the program.

Cloud Concept Map

            Through the creation of my concept map, I have learned every little detail involved during the process of forming my cloud project. I chose to make a cloud concept map. The lesson taught me how to work with the Kidspiration software and design an educational map. I learned how to form topics, subtopics, text notes, and text links. I also learned how to make the concept map flow together using specific colors, shapes, and texts. I did run across the problem of not being sure on how to change my background color. However, I searched the internet and I found a guide that took me step by step to solve my issue. As a teacher, I can definitely see myself using a concept map not only to introduce new lessons, but also for my students to create projects with. I believe introducing a lesson with a concept map brings an easier understanding of the material for students. The concept map is a project that keeps students interested and entertained. Creating the concept map falls under a variety of the NETS-T standards: The concept map applies to standard one because it allows it me to promote student learning and creativity. Standard two allows all diverse needs of students to be met. Through standard three, digital tools and technology are used to enhance student’s knowledge. Standard four shows how the concept map is a way to transfer educational knowledge to all students. The map is also a way to model how current digital tools can be used. Standard four is incorporated through the production of the concept map. The creation of the map enabled me to demonstrate safe, acceptable technology use.