Wordle

Thanks to Penny Iannella for sharing this fun site. Wordle is an online tool for making "word clouds" from text that you input. Simply click on the Create your own link to start...

You can create a word cloud by inputting your own text, importing from a URL, or entering a delicious.com username

From Screen Captures

Use the menus at the top of the screen to customize your word cloud, or click on the randomize button for some real fun!

A wordle of Cedar Hill Tech Tips:

From Screen Captures

Here's a word cloud of my delicious tags:

From Screen Captures

http://www.wordle.net

Enjoy! :)

Journal of Course Experiences- Project 1

So I've just completed the assignments for Project 1 in MS Access- Exploring Databases. Access is a database management system, which allows you to "create a database; add, change, and delete data in the database; sort the data in the database; retrieve data in the database; and create forms and reports using the data in the database." (Shelly Cashman).

I've created several simple databases from the design view and entered data for each. The assignments covered creating forms, running queries and designing reports. I think I have a pretty solid handle on the basics and am ready to take on more.

Journal of Course Experiences

I've enrolled in my third Fresno Pacific course last week to earn my +30 credits towards advancing on the salary guide. The jury is still out on how thrilled I am with the format of the courses at this point. It seems like the philosophy of "online learning" at Fresno is more like independent study. Don't get me wrong, Fresno Pacific Professional Development courses are an excellent alternative to enrolling in a degree program. I am about to begin MS Access- Exploring Databases with a new set of instructors. One of the requirements, which I think I'm grateful for is keeping a Journal of Course Experiences while completing the assignments. I love (rolling eyes of sarcasm) keeping journals, but I guess it is better than having to submit a response online (which my husband is a huge fan of). Anyway, here it is, day 1 of course experiences. I am surprised that my assignments are not required to be turned in as they are completed, but all at once on a CD for evaluation. I have until June 15 to complete the course, and I hope that I can stay motivated enough to do so. My last two courses have taken me almost a year each. Wish me luck!

p.s.- I'm also not sure that I'll keep this Journal on my Tech Tips blog, but the thought of maintaining another one is daunting!