Elizabeth McCarthy, Business and Information Technology Department
Coordinator/Instructor for Computer Support Specialist (CSS)
Instructor for PC Technician, Local Area Network (LAN)
Management, Programming and Web Technologies
In 2007 Kirkwood announced that printing costs exceeded $1M for the year. Since then, there have been many changes to help reduce and manage printing costs. For my part, I started planning ways that I could reduce printing costs. It was important that the changes not impact my teaching or my students learning,
The first idea I had was to find a way to grade papers electronically. Over time I dubbed my plan ‘The $99 Solution (aka The Paper Chase Solution).
The plan was to grade papers electronically using a pen tablet. Students were asked to submit their assignments via my Kirkwood e-mail. From there I would download the assignments and grade them using the pen tablet. The graded assignments were returned via e-mail.
The pen table I chose to use was the Wacom Bamboo Fun Graphics Tablet. There were several factors that lead to my selection: precise control (512 levels of pressure), high resolution and report rate (accuracy), and a battery free pen. Plus, the cost was only $99 (including shipping). To view all the features and specifications, click here.
Last year I looked for something more portable to keep with my laptop. I found the I-Pen Digital Pen Writer (IPen Optical USB Mouse Input Device) for $15 (originally $60). Basically, the I-Pen Mouse is a pen-shaped mouse for PC that feels like writing with a real pen. Unlike the tablet, it uses optics to navigate. I-Pen Mouse works in two modes: "mouse mode" for fast point-and-click action and "pen mode" for writing and drawing. Two modes can be changed manually with switch of the button. The quality and ease of use is not comparable to the tablet, but the size makes up what for it. For more information on the I-Pen, click here.
This past year, I moved my electronic submissions from my e-mail to Kirkwood’s Angel Learning Management System. It was overwhelming to keep track of the assignments by class and by student. I looked into using the Angel LMS or another source as a depository for student assignments to grade or add space on a server.
I have used it for one class last fall and in all classes this spring. I haven’t calculated the statistics for the semester yet, but I know that there is a much smaller pile of paper remaining in my office at the end of this semester.
Please visit this page later for the statistics.
Alice - Tool to Teach Object Orientated Programming
In researching better ways to teach object orientated programming to students, I discovered Alice. The best description of Alice can be found on their website, Alice.org: “Alice is an innovative 3D programming environment that makes it easy to create an animation for telling a story, playing an interactive game, or a video to share on the web. Alice is a teaching tool for introductory computing. It uses 3D graphics and a drag-and-drop interface to facilitate a more engaging, less frustrating first programming experience.”
I haven’t had enough time to incorporate Alice into the classroom, but I can see how useful it can be. The research on Alice shows that it is very effective at community college level students. For more see http://www.alice.org/ or http://www.course.com/itlink/spring06_alice.cfm
Angel Learning Management Suite
· Mashups that make it easy to incorporate rich media content into courses from sources such as the YouTube™ web site and Picasa™ software
· The ability to incorporate RSS feeds into courses
· New lesson plans that promote consistent design across the enterprise
· Grading rubrics that ensure all manually graded submissions are evaluated against the same criteria.
· A new gradebook interface that supports any grading period and provides improved workflow and reporting.
· Enhanced surveys that improve their effectiveness as pre- and post-course assessment tools
· More flexible system administration.
· More powerful content management capabilities.
For more resources and information on Angel, see Kirkwood’s website, Angel’s website, or Kirkwood Center for Excellence and Learning in Teaching (KCELT) (login required).
ExamView - Electronic Tests and Evaluations
In conjunction with “The $99 Solution, I have used ExamView extensively this past year. This has allowed me to put assignments, study guides and exams in electronic format. I even used this to gather course feedback from my students anonymously at the end of the semester.
I used test generating software to create tests using JavaScript that can be taken with a web browser and an Internet connection. The software was provided free with the Course Technology textbooks that I use in my classes. I used the same software to get student feedback at the end of the semester by creating questions specific to each course. The tests are currently submitted by e-mail, but I hope to use space on a server used for other classes. This would allow me to use other components of ExamView, such as Exam View Test Player and Exam View Test Manager (see below for features).
With the software, I can create my own questions or use questions from the Test Banks provided by Course Technology. The types of questions that can be created/used are listed below:
|
True/False |
Modified True/False |
Multiple Choice |
Multiple Response |
|
Bimodal |
Yes/No |
Numeric Response |
Completion |
|
Matching |
Short Answer |
Problem |
Essay |
|
Case |
|
|
|
Features include:
Response Pad Integration
Results from assignments delivered using eInstruction CPS IR or CPS RF response pads can now be read directly into ExamView Test Manager.
Mixed Question Types
The ExamView Test Generator now allows you to group test questions by their question type or mix the different question types on a test or in a question bank allowing you to create test that more closely resemble state tests.
Two Column Formatting
ExamView tests can now be formatted in one-or two-columns. Use the new two-column formatting feature to conserve paper or create tests in a format that more closely resembles your state test format.
ExamView Test Manager
With the Test Manager you can manage online (LAN) tests, scan results for paper tests (Windows Only), get results for online tests, get results from your eInstruction CPS session, and generate numerous reports, including longitudinal student progress reports.
Plain-Paper Scanner Support (Windows Only)
The ExamView Test Manager supports plain-paper scanning so that you can quickly print bubble sheets on inexpensive copy paper and score tests using widely available inexpensive scanners.
Click here to learn more about this convenient capability.
Dedicated OMR Scanner Support
The ExamView Test Manager also supports the Apperson Advantage and Pearson NCS EZ Data OMR scanners using pre-printed forms.
Flexible Question Selection
Need to create a test covering selected state standards? It’s a snap! You can choose one or more question banks to build a test when selecting questions from a list, by standard, while viewing, randomly, or by criteria.
Publisher Content
ExamView-formatted questions are offered with publisher-prepared question banks for over 4,100 elementary, middle school, high school and post-secondary textbooks. Ask your textbook sales representatives if they offer ExamView-formatted content. Or use TitleTrack to locate textbooks that include ExamView question banks.
Dynamic Questions
Rather than use static values in questions, dynamic questions automatically substitute values, units of measure, graphs, text, and answer choices. You can literally write one question that will generate hundreds of variations, all of which test the same concept.
Multiple Question Types
The ExamView software supports 14 question formats including the Multiple Response question type. You can include as many as eight choices (A-H) for Multiple Choice, Multiple Response, and Bimodal questions. Also, Numeric Response questions include the response grid feature which gives students valuable practice with the grid format used on many standardized tests.
Equations and Graphs
With just a few mouse clicks, you can insert Cartesian, Polar, and Number Line graphs. A powerful equation editor makes ExamView an ideal tool for math instructors.
Question Points
Point values may be assigned to questions. You can print the points on a test or use them in your online tests to give you more control over assigning credit for incorrect/correct answers.
Open-Ended Questions for LAN Tests
Online (LAN) tests include open-ended response questions such as essay, short answer, and problem. Keying in grades for open-ended questions is easy with the ExamView Test Manager.
Test Layout Styles
Numerous test layout options are included that give you even more control in formatting the appearance of a test. The Style Gallery lets you quickly choose a layout based on predefined formats (e.g., TAKS, FCAT, GED, GMAT, NCLEX, etc.).
ANGEL/Blackboard/WebCT Export (Windows Only)
Export tests, question banks, and assignment results to the WebCT CE 3-6, Vista 3-4, Blackboard 5.0+, and ANGEL 7.1+ format.
Publish to ANGEL/WebCT (Windows Only)
Seamlessly publish your ExamView tests and question banks directly to your ANGEL 6.3-7.1 and WebCT 6/Vista 3-4 server.
I-Pen Digital Pen Writer (IPen Optical USB Mouse Input Device)
Features
· Optical navigation & mouse-hover technology
· Pen-on-paper feeling: Natural handwriting by sensing contact pressure
· Standard mouse driver and USB connection: Just plug and play
· Includes four application softwares: Finger IE MemoTM (Web-MemoTM), Finger White, ritePenTM, riteMailTM
· Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.8 x 0.6 inches ; 3 pounds
For the latest model, go to http://www.fingersystemusa.com/.
Virtual Machines (using VMWare)
In a class I teach, students used to have to all share one server over slow Ethernet, which made it difficult for students to complete their lab assignments. This year, I created a virtual image of a Novell NetWare server for each student to use. They could use the image from the workstation in the classroom. More importantly, the students were able to load the image onto their own hard drives to work on whenever and wherever they wanted to. It also eliminated the chance than another student would delete the server. Even better, I had the image burned to a CD to use for the next semesters class.
Visual Logic
Visual Logic provides a minimal-syntax introduction to essential programming concepts including variables, input, assignment, output, conditions, loops, procedures, arrays and files. Based on research that shows students have more success when they start by focusing on concepts rather than syntax, Visual Logic allows instructors to present material in a clear and illustrated manner. Programming fundamentals are covered in an appropriate problem-solving context, empowering rather than overwhelming the student.
For more information, please visit http://www.visuallogic.org/.
Wacom Bamboo Fun Small Graphics Tablet
Features
· Supports widescreen displays and has a textured work surface for a natural pen-on-paper feel
· Precise control and 512 levels of pressure sensitivity on both pen and eraser
· Quick access to user-defined shortcuts with four Express Keys™
· High resolution and report rate for outstanding accuracy
· Easy scrolling and zooming with finger-sensitive Touch Ring
· Detachable USB cable unplugs from your computer and your tablet for easy storage and transport
· Ergonomic design provides a comfortable supplement to keyboard input
Technical Specifications
· Tablet Size 8.4" W x 7.3" D x 0.3" H
· Active Area 5.8” W x 3.7” D
· Pressure Sensitivity 512 Levels
· Resolution 2,540 Lines Per Inch
· ExpressKeys 4
· Finger-Sensitive Input Touch Ring
· Color Available in Black, Silver, White and Blue
· Warranty 1 Year
· System Requirements
· Platform Dual Platform: PC or Macintosh
· OS Requires computer running Windows 2000, XP, or Vista (32 or 64 bit) or a Macintosh running Mac OS X 10.3.9+, Intel or PowerPC Processor
· Other Also requires color display, powered USB port and CD/DVD drive
Package Contents
1. Bamboo Fun pen tablet
2. Bamboo Fun mouse
3. Bamboo Fun pen
4. Pen stand
5. USB cable
6. Quick start guide
7. Installation CD (includes tablet driver and electronic user manual)
8. Software DVD that includes: Adobe Photoshop Elements 5.0 Win/4.0 Mac, Corel Painter Essentials 3.0, and Nik Color Efex Pro 2.0 GE
9. Package of 3 replacement pen nibs
For the latest model, go to http://www.wacom.com/bamboo/bamboo_pen.php.
Yahoo Groups
I’m discussing with other instructors about using Yahoo Groups as a means of communicating with students via e-mail. Other instructors have used it effectively in the past. Since many of our students don’t have an e-mail address correctly listed in EagleNet and don’t look at their Student Kirkwood account regularly, this is a way to contact them. The way is works is that students’ sign up for a Yahoo E-Mail account and join the Yahoo Group during the first week of class. They can then set up their account so that any group messages are forwarded to the e-mail account of their choice. It saves creating a mail list that doesn’t actually reach students.
