Mackenzie's ETEC Blog

  1. Project: In this week’s challenge, our goal was to learn use the random function, custom embedded functions, for loops and if statements to create a random dice roll and then count the distribution of dice rolls. 2. Code: The following code displays a random dice roll on a 7-LED array and counts the distribution of rolls for 100 dice rolls. 3. Circuit Design: For the following circuit design, the 7 LED's are arranged so a to display the typical dice number arrangements from 1 through 6 for each random number that is generated. Video of Circuit for Random Dice Roller (0:25) 4. Electronic Diagram: The following electronic diagrams were taken from my design journal. For the following circuit design, the potentiometer functions as a color selector. Turning the knob on the potentiometer will determine which color the RGB LED will shine. Electronic Diagram for Random Dice Roller 5. Video of Project: Description of Project to Create Random Dice Roller (2:52) 6. Explanation of Project...

1. Project: In this week’s challenge, our goal was to learn how to use the color-changing RGB (red, green, blue) LED and play around with Arduino C coding to learn how to use For loops and Arrays. Then combine that new knowledge to create a project. 2. Code: The following code combines my experimentation with the potentiometer and my understanding of how the AnalogWrite function can work to control the color of my RGB LED. After briefly running through the range of colors, by LED blinks off. Then the color can be controlled by turning the potentiometer dial. 3. Circuit Design: For the following circuit design, the potentiometer functions as color selector. The PWM (pulse width modulation) digital output pins control the intensity of each color (red, green and blue) of my RGB LED. Video of Circuit for Potentiometer as Color Selector (0:49) 4. Electronic Diagram: The following electronic diagrams were taken from my design journal. For the following circuit design, the potentiometer funct...

1. Project: In this week’s challenge, our goal was to use the potentiometer in our Arduino kit  to create blinking speed controller for our LED  and then modify our circuit and code  to create a dimmer switch for our LED . My potentiometer looked slightly different from the ones in the tutorials. However, the same principle applied: two poles of the potentiometer connected to high (5V) and low (0V) voltage and the potentiometer acted as a variable resistor (or voltage divider) providing a set voltage between 0 and 5V to the middle pin, depending on the position to which the dial was turned. 2. Code: The following code can be used to control either the brightness or the blink speed of an LED, depending on the circuit design used with the code.  When the positive side of the LED is connected to Pin 13, the potentiometer controls the blink speed.  When the positive side of the LED is connected to the variable output of the potentiometer, the potentiometer controls ...

1) Project: This blog post follows my initial exploration of my Arduino Super Starter Kit as I attempt to complete the "blinking led" project. The goal is to use the Arduino IDE interface to write code for a blinking LED, build a circuit using my Arduino, breadboard, wires and LEDs, upload my code to my Arduino, and then explore different variations and possibilities in the realm of blinking LEDs. Video 1: Unpacking my Arduino Kit! 2) Code: Here is a screenshot of my annotated code for the blinking LED project.  3) Circuit Design: Here is a video showing the circuit I built using my Arduino and breadboard. Video 2: Circuit for Blinking LED Challenge 4) Electronic Diagram: Below is the electronic diagram from my design journal: 5) Video of Project: While not necessarily a "successful" implementation of this week's assigned project. I learned a lot about how to trouble shoot Arduino connections issues, which will hopefully save me time and headaches in the future ...

This week I playtested technologies specifically designed to support learning Middle School science content. In doing so, I identified the following and discuss the affordances and drawbacks I see in each one: Gizmos from Explore Learning offers hundreds of interactive labs, simulations, design challenges and more for math and science topics from elementary through high school. One of my favorite virtual labs to do with my students is the Digestive System Gizmo . As the students explore each organ in the digestive tract, they can adjust variables to try to get stool with the right consistency. (Complete with sound effects when the consistency is off!!) While I applaud Ms. Frizzle's "Get messy!" pedagogy, I believe this lab works much better as a virtual simulation than an in-person investigation.  Example 1: (Redefinition Level) Students use the Digestive System Gizmos simulation to conduct a virtual lab activity. Students are given a chance to explore and experiment b...

This blog is difficult to write because I could (do and will) spend hours playtesting new creativity tools for teaching. Forcing myself to stop exploring long enough to write and reflect is the real challenge. So, while my journey will certainly continue, here is my current reflection: Microsoft Whiteboard is an open whitespace app where students can create their own groups (inviting each other) or you can assign specific students to a whiteboard. I like that students can simultaneously, from different screens, draw, type, insert images, use post-it notes, highlight, etc. to create their own brainstorming space for new projects or ideas! I dislike revision control or exportability. It seems like it would be easy for students to write over or erase each others contributions so that not all voices would be equally heard. I think some of this could be mitigated by closely monitoring the space, since both the teacher and students have access.  However, beyond the brainstorming stage it...

  Reflect on your understanding of “folio thinking.”   As a graduate student trying to become a better educator, I am committed to my growth as a lifelong learner. The portfolio approach to documenting my progress and growth in this Master's program is relevant and meaningful to me because it is an artifact that can live and grow with me and be used as a reference for myself, colleagues or administrators to share my philosophy, resources and insights into educational technology.  In comparison to quizzes, tests, or other instructor-assigned assessments, the portfolio approach has several advantages. Firstly, that is allows my professors in the program to better follow the trajectory of my learning process, rather than rely on snapshots of individual assignments. This will help make gaps in my knowledge, flaws in my logic, or deficiencies in my communication more obvious and addressable. Secondly, the artifacts I choose to collect, prioritize and reflect on in my...