Readability Indices, Google Docs, MS Word, Outlook, and Twitter Stream

A former SCCC student shared page 27 from DA PAM 25-40 Army Publishing: Action Officers Guide (published 11/7/2006) available through the Army Publishing Directorate. This page contains a Readability Grade Level nomograph with the steps to calculate Reading Grade Level.

Readability can also be enabled in Google Docs, Microsoft Word and Outlook. Google Docs and Microsoft Word provide three indicators of the reading level of the document you're creating. They will each calculate for you the Flesch Reading Ease, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, and the Automatic Readability Index. In Google Docs you visit the tools menu and select the word count option.

Outlook

1. On the Tools menu, click Options.
2. Click the Spelling tab, and then click Spelling and AutoCorrection.
3. Click Proofing.
4. Under When correcting grammar in Outlook, select the Check grammar with spelling check box.
5. Select the Show readability statistics check box.
6. After you enable this feature, open a file that you want to check, and check the spelling. When Outlook or Word finishes checking the spelling and grammar, it displays information about the reading level of the document.

Word

1. Click the Microsoft Office Button, and then click Word Options.
2. Click Proofing.
3. Make sure Check grammar with spelling is selected.
4. Under When correcting grammar in Word, select the Show readability statistics check box.

Through my social media stream EdTech SandyK shared this tweet:

There are many digital tools available to check for the reading grade level but what I like about Peter Krantz's tool is that it continues a discussion from a blog post he published in 2005. The online tool also calculates in languages other than English. The calculator uses the following formulas:

English: Flesch-Kincaid reading ease and grade level.
Spanish: Fernandez Huerta
French: Kandel & Moles
Swedish, Danish: LIX
Douman: Dutch


The Flesch-Kincaid Reading Ease - This score indicates how easy a text is to read. A high score implies an easy text. In comparison comics typically score around 90 while legalese can get a score below 10.

The Flesch-Kincaid Grade level indicates the grade a person will have to have reached to be able to understand the text. E.g. a grade level of 7 means that a seventh grader will be able to understand the text.

Peter Krantz's blog post from Septermber 2005: Methods for measuring text readability also contains links for those looking to improve their readability index.


While we have regulatory guidance, writing or Communicative Arts facilitators, digital tools, it boils down to what is old hat to you may be new to someone else. Continue to share your experiences, write publicly and privately because we all know that no one is perfect when it comes to writing and speaking.


As always, comments, recommendations +1s, and reaction check boxes are always appreciated.

How Google Docs saved me during ABIC

Recently I attended an ABIC (Army Basic Instructor Course) Refresher Course...reasons why are for another blog post, so any way back to how Google Docs saved me. On day one we are issued this stack of papers as a Student Reference and a CDROM. On day two we are assigned a specific common core/general knowledge class that we will present in the ABIC/TRADOCian method.

We develop a training outline, then develop a question outline, prior to giving our presentation. We are given access to a computer lab in another building before and after class but I head back to the office as we are down to the wire before the big TRADOC QAO Accreditation visit. Google Docs is not accessible from .mil domain so it never really saves me on the computer I use at work when I need a product that I save in my Google Docs.

For some reason, the CDROM was blank after using at work and we were required to submit a printed copy of the training outline to our evaluator. Because I saved, created, and modified my requirements in Google Docs, I knew if I needed the data I could access the information with my tablet or my phone. 

While I was frustrated in the walled learning environment, which included a ban on cell phones, I enjoyed working with the great group of NCOs who taught the course and those who were students in the course as they prepare for their military instructor positions for the leadership and technical aspects of the Signal Corps. Would I do it again? Not unless I am required to do so and the course is implementing the Army Learning Concept 2015 or following the pilot using iPads and mentors.


Hopefully, the course improvements will adapt more of the tenets of ALC 2015 before FY 15 as FY 12 starts next Saturday, 1 October 2011.

Making a difference and Community Collaboration

Today I will facilitate another Scholarship Workshop in the computer lab at Diamond Lakes Library. Wednesday's workshop was fun, everyone learned something new and students connected with others they may not have met on the street.


We run through a Google Presentation that is shared with the public and participants can view it at their own pace before, after, or during the workshop and for those who cannot physically visit the library, the chat function in presentations is used. I provide them with a printed handout that is also available through Google Docs and ask them to share any golden nuggets of what is working or has not worked for them. This document is updated by participants so it is a continuous project. So this post is used to document lessons learned and consolidate the resources.

We also walk through the library to see the options of printed books, from the reference section of books that do not leave the library to the library books that range from college life to tests available/required for career and college options that can be checked out. We also point through the glass of the available study materials that can be checked out and used in the library.  


It was 2 years ago that I gave my last workshop at the library before transitioning to North  Carolina. My local library was also one of my first stops when I returned to Georgia. While I was glad to see the library offering free wi-fi and basic computer classes during the day, I was sad that no one had picked up the Google products and Scholarship workshops even though all materials used are available on the web and printed copies were left with the library.


So what did we learn?
Everyone shared something and everyone learned something new.
Everyone was registered through GACollege411 and Fastweb.
Everyone has a resume but not available online.
Everyone used Google to see what is associated with their name and screen names used on other sites and viewed the web results, images, news, and maps.
Everyone understands that competing for scholarships is as challenging as competing for jobs.
Almost every scholarship source has some type of social media connection.
School counselors still do not provide information to students that dual enrollment is an option during high school. 
Google Alerts
Google Books
Google Voice
That volunteering can lead to a real job.
We (as a community) lack support and encouragement for our young adults in the tech world at the local college and high school levels.


I limit the workshops to one hour and it seems to be the quickest hour of my day, even after a long day on the job with our service members in the professional military education (PME) system. I stay afterwards for those who have additional questions or recommendations or to just use my library for the many resources available. This time I am giving the participants a printed copy of the Tech Sharing gift certificate and a challenge to share what they learned with a friend, a parent, a neighbor and to return to the library to do it.


The follow up emails, texts, and voice mail messages are what keep me going back. I believe in our replacements, regardless of their computer skills, race, sex, age, national origin, religion, ability/disability and/or sexual preference. Regardless of how you feel about a younger generation, you eventually will be replaced. What is your continuity plan as you look to exit a position, a community, or life? After you are gone, it is the difference you made represented by the dash in between the date you entered the world and the date you expire.


The Dash by Linda Ellis
The story behind the poem
Movie  Time: 2:47
A Teacher's Dash
A Mother's Dash

How are you making the difference in your replacement's life?
Comments, recommendations, and/or check the block of the Reaction boxes are always welcome.

Your time...as a gift

When one reflects on gifts given and received...what is your most memorable? You never know when the gift of your time can make a difference.


For those using Google Docs...check out the templates. When you find a public template that you like...use it, tailor for your specific situation. To preview a template, click the Preview link, and a full screen preview of the template appears in a new window.


To use a template, click Use this template and a copy of the template is created and added to your Docs list. You can start editing this document directly in Google Docs and sharing it with others. You need to be signed in to your Google Account in order to use a template.


When you use a template, you create your own copy, so it doesn't matter if the template owner changes or deletes the original template; your copy remains unchanged. You can always upload or create your own template and share it with the world too!


Subscribe to the Google Docs Community on YouTube
Check out Google Docs YouTube Channel
Read or subscribe to the Google Docs blog
Follow Google Docs on Twitter
Learn from others in the Google Docs help forum or find a specific Google Docs help article
Share your feedback
Give the template you used a rating

I would like to thank the 946 users of this Tech Sharing certificate I created and shared through Google Docs.

Remember...this gift works both ways...you can give it to someone that you want to learn from and this certificate works as the gift reminder. Everyone has something to share, from keyboard shortcuts to uploading videos. As you share your creativity and time...your gift of sharing time, knowledge, and a skillset is priceless!

Pay cuts, raising locker and parking fees

So the RCSS held the preliminary budget cut meeting. Bottom Line Up Front aka BLUF: Everyone is going feel the pain. If the school board voted to cut $750 from my pay, I would make suggestions until the cows came home.


So go ahead, make a suggestion No names or email required.

AC article on the RCSS budget: Members say options open to make cuts

So today's AC headlines on the RCSS budget: Richmond schools could raise parking, locker fees

Do I know there are people who care? Absolutely. Do I know that the RCSS protocol is siloed? Yes. Do I know people that want to do something but do not know what to do? Yes.

But I have been told, "You can't do that" or"That is just the way we have always done it."

What I am tired of...is everyone doing a great job of griping, groaning, and complaining. If they spent that much effort in trying to do something for a student in RCSS, we might see a change in the "us vs. them" attitude.

As I move from my specialization courses into the Research and Dissertation courses I thought I would give it the old Ed Tech try and prove people wrong who swear that people in Augusta, GA would rather post gripes and groans through the Augusta Chronicle articles than to be proactive with solutions or submit a recommendation that might possibly be viewed as a possible solution to the most recent RCSS $24.5 million budget shortfall.

So what are you waiting for? Fill out the form or just leave a comment on the blog.

Hang in there Dr. Bedden, you inherited the soup sandwich and with your annual salary, some people expect you to produce a feast. Just know, that some of us are out here doing the right thing, supporting students, being involved and engaged adults because the students today are the leaders who will replace us.

I need your assistance for my homework assignment

I am calling on all of the readers of the blog for help with my homework assignment. If you have a few minutes to spare, complete this survey on the 3 Minute Walk Through.

I created this Google form/spreadsheet to demonstrate to my professor the functionality and ease of use of Google Docs. The assignment is the 3 Minute Walk Through as a writing assignment. That part is complete. This part of the assignment supplements my paper and provides a working version of the 3 minute walk through checklist.

The checklist is not formal, nor does it include everything an educator or administrator would look for during a walkthrough. Just a few basic questions and you can fill it out whether you manage a learning environment or not. I just need some responses to demonstrate the functionality of Google Docs.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.
You can take the survey through this link or below right in the blog.

Thanks WRDW and Workshop follow up

The scholarship workshop in the computer lab went well. Parents, grandparents, and students were in attendance.

WRDW, the only local news station that also uses Twitter (@WRDW) sent out a reporter and a camera man.

I still cannot break the stigma that these workshops are for everyone who can maneuver through the Internet and not just for juniors, seniors, and adult or non traditional students. Scholarship searches and applications must start at a younger age.

Even the FAFSA site has a site dedicated for middle school students . As they state, "Sure, you can wait for your parents or teachers to provide this info. But why wait on others to learn what’s best for YOUR future?"

The shared document and presentation can be accessed by anyone on the net reading this blog. Just click on the links in the previous sentence. The documents were created with Google Docs and Presentations.

One example of a scholarship open to students with a minimum age of 13 from DoSomething. DoSomething.org has teamed up with Mountain Dew to offer six $5000.00 scholarships. Applications are due December 12, 2008 and winners announced in January.

For more information visit the DoSomething.org website to see some awesome opportunities for our youth from grants to support their cause to

Apply For Your $5,000 Scholarship!
Eligibility
All applicants must be 13 years old or over to enter, a U.S. Citizen, and, most importantly, awesome.
The scholarship money can be used for any advanced education, be it college, graduate or vocational. Applications will remain open until December 12th and winners will be announced in January.

The students checked their Internet impression by conducting a Google search of their name and viewing the News, Images, Maps and the search results. After the Google search, they entered their names in cvgadget.com and saw how their piece of cyberspace can be viewed by others. The point was made that if they apply for a job, a scholarship, an internship the pictures they put on MySpace or anywhere else on the net can be found even by library patrons.

We discussed a few social networking apps, everyone acknowledge hearing or participating in MySpace...but Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn had the heads shaking in a negative fashion.

Everyone was encouraged to apply for their free credit report through the Federal Trade Commission's site. You do not have to be an adult to be a victim of identity theft.

We discussed resumes, scholarship application letters, finding a minimum of 3 adults outside of family and friends that can write a valid letter of recommendation.

Then we stepped out of the computer lab and ventured over to the Reference section where the paper copies of the FAFSA applications and the many reference books about scholarships and colleges are available for those who want to read books that did not leave the library. Then over to the aisle with the 370 series of books where they can get books to check out which ranged from how to study, how to survive your freshman year, scholarships, PSAT, SAT, MCAT, LSAT study guides.

Back to the computer lab for more practical application, accessing GAcollege411 and searching for your Internet appearance.

I look forward to next week's workshop. I challenge our students to spread the word about what they learned to their friends, younger brothers and sisters, and yes, even their parents.

When a student has to fill out a FAFSA, parental information about taxes is required and many students have never filed taxes and may not be sure how to discuss the subject with their parents.

Other topics discussed encouraged the students to empower themselves, look into dual or joint enrollment while they are still in high school, qualifying for free and reduced lunches qualifies the student for free or reduced SAT fees and allows the student to apply up to 5 colleges with fee waivers.

I reminded them not to by into the media hype, they can Do It! I asked them all to spend as much time as they do surfing the net, working on their MySpace page, and invest a little time in themselves by registering for GACollege411, checking out the many links compiled in the shared document and if they needed assistance they knew where I would be for the next 3 Wednesdays.

If we do not invest time, interest, and concern in our youth...Who will be rocking your rocking chair in the future?

Presentation for Scholarship Workshops

Presentation for the Scholarship Workshop - Feedback is encouraged.

Recommendations, links to blogs, people to follow on Twitter are welcome. The workshop is open to the public and will be held in the computer lab at the local library.



A shared document is provided. This document is a collection of sites, tips, links, references from previous workshop participants. Please add your favorites to the list as this is the shared public document.

If anyone would like to participate in the back channel conversation, please join us on 12/3, 12/10, or 12/17. During the workshop we take a break and venture through the reference section and the 370 series book shelves for those who prefer the books over the computers. The audience ranges from traditional students and their parents to the rest of us who are considered non traditional students.

Want to work for President-elect Barack Obama's administration?

CNN's article titled, White House job application leaves no stone unturned has people conducting personal inventories. While many people cringe about filling out a form or application like this, any one with a security clearance will tell you 7 pages, 63 questions...no problem.

Article highlights:
· Would-be presidential appointees must fill out 63-item questionnaire
· Questions cover resume, affiliations, finances, personal relationships
· Vetters want to know about Web pages, blogs, links to mortgage giants
· One section devoted to domestic help, a trouble spot in past administrations

It also asks about writings, speeches, testimony, online communications and even personal diaries.

This is a great time to create a "Me Folio" and teach our children how to document themselves, promote digital citizenship, and personal e-responsibility.

I give a participative scholarship workshop at the local library. One of the first activities participants conduct is to Google themselves and review the search results, images, maps, and news.

Some participants are surprised about the information that is available, some find people with the same name different state or country, and others have even found information on family members. If someone has no information available, the next activity has them entering names into CVGadget.

I also encourage our students (young and adult) to create and write outside of course assignments which allows them to supplement what we refer to as their "Me Folio".

I encourage them to build a collection documenting every accomplishment from the 1st grade perfect attendance, best reader in 3rd grade, news recognition, spelling bee awards, years selected to honor rolls, student council positions to community services. The workshop requires students to use the computers to create, share, and modify Google Docs, share knowledge on scholarship search engines, and explore opportunities from corporations, local agencies, and personal networking.

Keeping documents available through Google Docs allows the participants to quickly access information if they are completing applications for extra-curricular activities, college, and job applications. Over time they learn to review their personal writing styles which allows the students to see how they improve, self assess, and with Google Docs sharing capability an opportunity to have mentors and community leaders to provide assistance. I encourage participants to build their "Me Folios" so when they are given that one question that many people choke on during interviews, "Within one minute, tell me about yourself".

So whether you are applying for a cabinet position in Obama's administration or applying for a volunteer, job, or college position, be a master of your data.

Letters to the Next President - From students

About This Project - Middle and high school students from across the country are using Google Docs to write about the issues and concerns they want our next president to address.

As of 22 October 08, 5:43 PM (EST) 967 letters from 46 schools are posted on the project site using Google Docs. You can select letters by subjects or by state. What do your students/children have to tell the next President of the United States?

More about this project - Letters to the Next President: Writing Our Future is an online writing and publishing project for students, ages 13 - 18, co-sponsored by Google and the National Writing Project. We invited young people to write about the issues and concerns that they feel are central to their future, issues they would hope our next president would act on. Topics were chosen by the students themselves to reflect their specific personal, regional, and age-related interests. Teachers and mentors guided students through the process of writing a persuasive letter or essay to the presidential candidates using Google Docs.

Google is delighted to give young people a way to express their thoughts on the issues being discussed during this presidential campaign. We're glad that Google Docs, our web-based, collaborative writing tool, was a useful tool for teachers and students to compose, edit, review, and publish these letters. Learn more about how educators are using Google Docs in the classroom.

The National Writing Project is the nation's largest professional development network for the teaching of writing. The NWP believes writing is a cornerstone of civic engagement for people of all ages. We're pleased to help present the words and ideas of these wonderful young people.

National Writing Project and Google

National Writing Project and Google

Letters to the Next President: Writing Our Future is open to U.S. teachers and mentors working with students ages 14–18. The project requires parent/guardian permission for students to publish their work on the Web and requires that students and teachers have Internet connectivity and use or create a free Google account.

Google accounts allow teachers and students to use Google Docs to compose, collaborate, edit, and share writing through Internet-accessible documents. The Letters to the Next President: Writing Our Future website provides a secure way for teachers to publish students' publication-ready writing to a high-profile website intended to feature strong, well-reasoned, and persuasive writing by young people.

Interested teachers should read How to Participate and then register here by September 8. Please note, in order to register for this project, you must first have an account on NWPi.

National Writing Project for more information, resources, and timeline.
(Or click on the title of this post).