Crazy Times

So how come no one reminded me how crazy it was to take 3 classes in the summer? LOL. It's been awhile and well.. now I remember. Anyway I've been working on all kinds of things that I'm very proud of- most of which are still in progress, but please feel free to check them out.
I had to start a new blog- The Mespo Math Blog- I have designed it to be more school oriented.
Through my other class I've actually created an RSS feed of audio shows called Mespo Math Tips. I'm looking forward to continuing it as school starts.
I've also been experimenting with a program called Camtasia that allows you to make video podcasts. Here's one example I made of a web capture--> Family Reunion Page.

Relying on Technology

I was recently reminded that I CAN function without a computer, however it makes it difficult to take 2 online classes with no internet!

It seems I'm back now. I've had a steady connection for the past 24 hours. Although I'll admit I did put my no-internet time to good use - playing 54 holes of golf, running a 5k race, and running an additional 3k. (not bad for 5 days)

But now I'm back and feeling completely out of it. I'm not sure what page I'm on, or where I need to be.

I've been working on my web page design proposal. I, of course, chose a difficult topic, and I'm trying to figure out how to do this. I posted the table I have so far on googledocs. I have also been working on designing the site and have a partially working version posted online.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Back to work I go... :)

Internet Issues

My Internet has been on the fritz. The cable guy came yesterday and well.. couldn't fix it. He said it had something to do with the pole. So he's supposed to send someone out to look at that. So in the meantime my modem decides when and how long I can be online. I will be trying to get my work submitted and such when I can.
I can still get email through my phone.

Overwhelming Frustration

Once again I feel completely overwhelmed. I'm beginning to think a lot of what we are doing in this class is geared to high school if not college level classes. I seem to have a hard time getting my content and grade level to fit well within the guidelines.
For example, the examples in the paper about web design are all college level courses. I can see that math is even harder, and to try to tie it to younger kids (4th and 5th) is difficult.
As I was searching for link ideas I came across several other websites that seem to be doing exactly what I was planning on doing. I have a hard time creating something that I know already exists.
I'm also not sure how I can make interactive quizzes with immediate feedback - without being inside the setting of Moodle. In Moodle I've made quizzes, tests, assignments, journals, etc. But I'm not sure how to design/build a page on its own that has those features.
I still don't know what to podcast about, especially in conjunction with my web page. (I was hoping to design a page about area and perimeter, using both standard and nonstandard units and formulas.)
grr... I guess I'll call it a night for now. And start tomorrow with a fresh brain.

Second Life... a no go

So I tried again to login to Second Life with absolutely nothing else running. This time it crashed even sooner than the last time. I tried again. Same result. :( Which of course means realistically I can't use Second Life in my school anyway as our computers at school have much less RAM than my computer.

I have also come across a great podcast series- CSS-tips and tricks I downloaded and watched the one on Firebug. It was nice to be able to see how the features worked in action.

I still don't know what I'm going to make my podcast about. I need to sit down and plan out my entire site/cms/podcast theme.

Speaking of CMS. Through another class I'm taking (a podcasting workshop), I have used webct. I must say, after using Moodle with my students (and this class) I MUCH MUCH prefer Moodle. I like the general setup and accessibility much better. Webct feels too clunky. There is too much clicking - in the form that everything else disappears. You can only see what you are working on. Whereas in Moodle, you still have your basic information along the sides.

I did finish my webquest, but did not add more photos because of my concern for copyright protection. The graphics in my webquest were either produced by ME, or were in the original lesson detail on the NCTM website.

Glued to the Computer

I feel like I've been glued to my computer, yet have accomplished next to nothing. Ok that's not ENTIRELY true. I've made a good deal of progress on my webquest having just 2 more pages to write. My evaluation (grading) and conclusion. This Dream Clubhouse Webquest should be fun for the kids - if they like online shopping as much as I do.

In other worlds- I've been spending a lot of time on my Family Reunion site. I added a photo gallery using SimpleViewer and a Forum using a Perl based forum, YABB.

I'm going to treat myself to a nice ice cream sundae.. then finish up my webquest.

Hope you all had a great holiday weekend.

ADDENDUM
I just looked at Alex's Webquest. I think I need to add more pictures!

Making Progress

Wow I forgot how hard it was to type up these webquests. I've spent 3 hours this morning typing it up and realize I will probably spend a good 3 more later tonight when I get home. I'm liking it- but I tend to get carried away. Hopefully in the interest of time I will make myself keep it "slim."

So much to learn.. so little time

I've been reading like a fiend trying to re-create my web pages. I have found some really great books that bring up interesting points I hadn't even considered about web pages. This reminds me - can we make "webpage" one word? I always forget the space and get those lovely red dots telling me I spelled it wrong.
I'm a bit frustrated at the moment, I have tons to do on my webquest, I have no idea what to do for my podcast, AND to top it all off, my computer does not have enough memory for Second Life and I'm pretty sure I have it maxed out. I have 448MB active (I'm pretty sure I have 512 installed, but then some is used for running the computer to begin with) Maybe I'll have luck if I try to run it with absolutely nothing else running. I'll have to try that later, as right now I'm heading up to school to see what I can make of the computer fiasco in my classroom.
There are 14 computers, 20 monitors, a few laminators, tons of mice and keyboards all pretty much in heaps around the room. Did I mention cables out the wazoo too? lol.
If I survive, I'll write more later. (I'll also list those books)

I did find (from the books I read) two great web development tools for those of you who do actual page design. I have not fully used them yet, but I can see the vast potential they hold.

Web Developer- **Note- this only work with Firefox, Flock, and SeaMonkey** According to the website "The Web Developer extension adds a menu and a toolbar to the browser with various web developer tools" It allows you to turn off your CSS to see if it's working properly, and many many other features. It also tells you whether your Java and CSS are valid or not.

Firebug - Firebug is a Firefox add-on (so it only works on Firefox) but it allows you to change your CSS style sheet right from your browser without having to go back and forth to your editing program.

I'm very excited about both of these- as I'm learning, and writing all my pages from scratch.

Ok Off I go to school.