Using Flubaroo and Google Forms

I had the chance to experiment with Google Forms and the Google Add on, Flubaroo. I used this to create and grade a simple art history quiz which was then converted into an Excel spreadsheet. Google Forms allowed me to quickly and efficiently create a quiz on art history. After creating my quiz and having people take it in class, I was able to use the Flubaroo add-on and submit the answer sheet and have the rest of the date turned into a spreadsheet, showing the percentage each “student” had.

I think this is a great resource to use in the classroom. I could use this as a quick assessment of students’ progress during a lesson. I think this add on works best for basic information, since it cannot grade short answer. Flubaroo would be great for mini quizzes throughout a lesson. It could be used to check progress, see what needs to be repeated, and what they know very well. I think that it’s similar to other tools we have used, such as Plickers. They work as a way to assess the students' retention of information but lacks the ability to check for deeper meaning.

When checking other add-ons through Google, I came across Doctopus. Doctopus uses excel as a way to create rosters, grading, groups, and much more. It definitely looks like a more complex app but also looks harder to use. I would want to look into it more to check how I could use it in my classroom. For now Flubaroo has worked great as a way to do a quick check on students.

 

The Digital Age : Digital Citizenship and Creative Commons in the Classroom

Digital Citizenship encompasses the rules we all wish everyone online would follow. It surprises me that after so many  years of using the internet I am just learning about it now. I think teaching digital citizenship is a must in today's classrooms. Most of these students have had access to internet connected devices since they were small children, and need to know how to properly use them , as well regulations they must follow. Reading the nine elements of digital citizenship showed me new aspects of online use that I was not aware of. Digital Health & Wellness being one that stood out, because it is something I have never really worried about. We are surrounded by screens everyday, and rarely do I think of how tired my eyes must be from long term use.

The part of last Monday's class that stood out the most was Creative Commons and Copyright. This is something that I worry and should know more about as an art concentration. Almost all artists now use the internet to post, share, view their work as well as other artists' work. One of the things we all fear is someone stealing or using our work without our permission. Knowing that an image becomes copyright as soon as it is uploaded eases my worries about improper use. But also knowing about websites like Creative Commons, that allow artists to give permission for use of their work. This part of the lesson immediately began sprouting ideas on how I could use Creative Commons, along with wikis and blogs in the classroom.

By: Sylvia Duckworth

I plan on using a blog for my classes because it allows students access into activities they might have missed, pictures/documentation of their work, as well as access into the classroom for parents. One of my lesson ideas using wikis and creative commons is a group project where students edit a wiki posting videos of artists that inspire them. Students will stay in these same groups throughout the semester and are expected to post a new video every other week. At the end of the semester every students must turn in a report on the three artists the stood out the most, whether they shared it or another student did. The wiki would allow the group members to each edit the page when needed, and will allow them to view their member's posts as well. This would also build a bridge from school to home since they can edit from any internet connected device. I would specifically want them to use creative commons licensed works. For example through the creative commons filter on YouTube.com I came across some videos by  The Brooklyn Museum about up and coming artists. These were the two that really peaked my interest.

Brooklyn Museum: Kahinde Wiley


Brooklyn Museum: Chitra Ganesh


Examples like the ones above would really allow students to expand their knowledge about art since most of these artists are not yet in art history books, but still play a valuable role in art culture. With so many social media outlets available, and more being created every year, teachers have to find new ways to stay connected with their students. Though many would see social media as a distraction, when used properly it can be used as new learning channels for students and their work.