It's been a while since I entered data into the log. I think I'm trying to do to much. Anyway, quick summary of the past month or so in travelogue format:
I've checked out both Manila and Web Crossing software. Geez, what a difference between the two. Both focus on discussion boards, although Web Crossing is by far the superior product. Of course, it's pricier also. The thirty day free trials of each were useful.I've checked out ASPForums and tried that on my site. It's nice as a Forum, but I didn't see an easy way to convert the code so that each student could have an independent slot.I've tried the FrontPage database access wizards. It still was not easy to convert the code. However, this is most promising for a short term solution as it is easy to create a form for students to fill in and then put it in a database so that it can be analyzed using access. It is a one-way method for the students to give me feedback. To return to them, I have to reply to their messages and then print them out. However, it's the easiest method.I've tried FrontPage discussion groups. This is nice in that I can carry on a discussion with the students, as we have done in Linklet.net, but the problem is that individual communications requires a separate subweb for each student. That's a problem.I've downloaded GenericDB and am working with that. This looks like it is the most promissing of the technologies if I can just design a good database. However, that is easier said than done. I've been working with Access and I'm learning far more about databases than I ever thought possible. I've joined the Middle-L list, which is focused on learning in the Middle school. It's just as I remembered it--lots of noise with some nuggets of gold.I've also joined a beginners Visual Basic list to get some ideas on software. There is really good stuff there, but I don't feel that I am far enough along to interact with them.I discussed the project with Glenn, who is interested in the end result as he has his students do some of their writing in Word. However, he has to go into each directory and open their document to read it and comment on it. If it could be changed so he could do it online, it would life easier.
So, what does it all mean? I've focused mostly on the technical aspects of the project, but I'm seeing a benefit just from what I've done with the students so far. They are writing information to me that (I think) would be hard to get from them in person. For example, they are happy to tell me how their partners are working, such as when we did the partner quiz.
I'm also learning more about how I learn software. Mostly, I get a few books, grab the software, and dink around. The problem I've run into is that the scope is so large that it's a very inefficient way. I find out what the software can do by looking at other software. (I have learned a tremendous amount about how to create ODBE connections, which is something I was unable to do before I started this, and I can do it using DSN-less, system DSN, or global.asa application.) So, I've asked around at school and nobody really knows Access and nobody uses ASP pages. Our one person who did program in Access is gone to Seattle. Oh, well. I may have to go through the Northwind Tutorial to get started.
I would love to be able to discuss some of these issues with people, but electronically is not very good because it's not possible to point at the screen and show working examples. (I'm beginning to find chat annoying because it can take so long to communicate. The best part is the record that is there.)
posted by Derrel Fincher at 10:15 PM
