Imotion hd is an app that would be nice to use in science. Potentially I can see using this to document experimental procedures and results as well as things like plants growing or butterflies life cycles (time lapse photography).
You have a couple different ways to do this. For long term projects you will use a timer to take pictures every fraction of a second up to daily intervals. Downfall...you wouldn't be able to use the device for something else while recording. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like you can add frames once you stop recording. Meaning once you take your last frame and exit the program you can't come back and add frames. However, when editing you can take out frames.
If you do manual shots you can take frames when ever you want. Interesting idea...you could do clay animation here.... I could see students recreate scenes from a story using dolls and props/backgrounds, heck they could reenact the whole story while a student clicks key scenes. What if a movie of a whole story were created and students asked to eliminate all frames not key to a plot, main character? or students could cut out everything but foreshadowing and actual event that was foreshadowed. I wonder if students could this feature to focus in on parts of stories in order to understand them better? This isn't the best tool...but it fosters some ideas.
For science I think you could capture key steps in a procedure or results as perform experiment. Manually this seems easier...wish could add narration here...curious could you put this in iMovie and add narration? Other ideas for science. If a teacher wanted to show kids how a flower follows the sun throughout the day they could put flower in the window and set timer for hourly or 30 minutes. Each time it would take a shot and the next day you could play it back. Heck you could show how flowers respond to light to since it will close up at dark and reopen in morning. One problem...you have to pay extra to export. Not sure how much. I suppose we could individually save and project from our own device...just not email it or send it out.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sharing using iWork
So, I have played with Pages a little. I used one of their templates to create a poster/flier for the technology Show "N" Tell even though I made a different one with publisher on my computer (PC). I thought it would be fun to try it out on Pages and see what options are available for student use. (And there are a lot!) I love how things look on the iPad, but not sure how it will look printed or on other devices. I can see the benefits of creating presentations on the iPads and then projecting (from the ipad) it for the world to see...but transferring it to other programs really isn't an option. I suppose that the videos could be embedded in web pages (?) and viewed.
Anyway, I went further to use iWork to share the document with Gail and Ann. That was easy. Originally I thought that it would be similar to Google Docs when it came to collaboration, but it appears that one can only make comments on the side...not actually edit the document--at least from a PC. I sent this same document to myself as a Word file and found that although I can edit it...a lot of the alignment is off when dealing with graphics. I was able to fix the writing in the star by deleting the text (while in word format) and inserting a text box. From there I wrote the year, turned it white, no background or outline fills, and enlarged it to work. Another thing I noticed is that the text in the box at the bottom isn't turned. I created a text box within the shape and then grouped the objects. Once grouped they wouldn't rotate. Otherwise it was fine. I also liked the star on the left larger and was able to add an image from google here without any problem. Now to try emailing it.
Anyway, I went further to use iWork to share the document with Gail and Ann. That was easy. Originally I thought that it would be similar to Google Docs when it came to collaboration, but it appears that one can only make comments on the side...not actually edit the document--at least from a PC. I sent this same document to myself as a Word file and found that although I can edit it...a lot of the alignment is off when dealing with graphics. I was able to fix the writing in the star by deleting the text (while in word format) and inserting a text box. From there I wrote the year, turned it white, no background or outline fills, and enlarged it to work. Another thing I noticed is that the text in the box at the bottom isn't turned. I created a text box within the shape and then grouped the objects. Once grouped they wouldn't rotate. Otherwise it was fine. I also liked the star on the left larger and was able to add an image from google here without any problem. Now to try emailing it.
Friday, December 23, 2011
edmodo and end of the reflections
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
new age storytelling
As I continue to think about how we can present things in class I went to www.TED.com and began searching for technology topics of interest. As a board member for the OSTA I am privileged to receive a wide variety of both resources and information. Bernie Carlson is one of the best resources for everything science oriented and seems to love TED TV. Not that I blame him based on all the ideas and amazing people I have watched on this resource. Today's search led me to a video in which a man essentially gives a speech using his ipad on storytelling and it's founding father.
Take a second and watch...
This presentation got me to thinking that our students could really bring their speeches to life through the use of the ipad and a projector. Why couldn't our students choose a topic and make it more interactive while presenting to their peers? This is no different than when my college professor advised us to tape notes on the back of our props when giving a speech. I remember giving a speech on spelunking and had all my gear on the table with small note cards on the back with key words. I places each item on the table in order of my presentation topics and went to town. I can see that in this situation the ipad becomes the props...no need for the real thing anymore...let me show you the real thing and how it works. This could also be done with science inquiries...couldn't a student prepare the write up as a script, add in visuals such as video, still shots, audio, etc...? Although it could all be made into an imovie there is still potential for these presentations to go beyond the simple powerpoints that most kids do. I have substituted enough in high school classrooms and watched students create these in my mind worthless and simplistic powerpoints...I often find myself thinking what a waste of valuable educational time these assignments are. Students just cut and paste for the most part and have very little interest in their topic. Watch and learn students... the power is in the presentation capabilities...not so much the content...but there is so much potential to meet multiple content standards in something like this example I am inspired. What would it take for a student to compile and present something like this? Wouldn't this be a powerful presentation if we could use this for our final presentation. A student discussing how the ipad has changed their learning? I love this idea and may pursue it myself. It is funny...I will admit I really didn't see the power and advantage of an ipad in the classroom verses a laptop (although I won't bail on this resource for many reasons), BUT I can see the advantages. I just may have to get an ipad after all just to begin experimenting with all this myself in the future and for my own classroom! I can't wait to get back in a classroom full time and share what I am learning with the world and take my students on a technology ride into the future!
Take a second and watch...
This presentation got me to thinking that our students could really bring their speeches to life through the use of the ipad and a projector. Why couldn't our students choose a topic and make it more interactive while presenting to their peers? This is no different than when my college professor advised us to tape notes on the back of our props when giving a speech. I remember giving a speech on spelunking and had all my gear on the table with small note cards on the back with key words. I places each item on the table in order of my presentation topics and went to town. I can see that in this situation the ipad becomes the props...no need for the real thing anymore...let me show you the real thing and how it works. This could also be done with science inquiries...couldn't a student prepare the write up as a script, add in visuals such as video, still shots, audio, etc...? Although it could all be made into an imovie there is still potential for these presentations to go beyond the simple powerpoints that most kids do. I have substituted enough in high school classrooms and watched students create these in my mind worthless and simplistic powerpoints...I often find myself thinking what a waste of valuable educational time these assignments are. Students just cut and paste for the most part and have very little interest in their topic. Watch and learn students... the power is in the presentation capabilities...not so much the content...but there is so much potential to meet multiple content standards in something like this example I am inspired. What would it take for a student to compile and present something like this? Wouldn't this be a powerful presentation if we could use this for our final presentation. A student discussing how the ipad has changed their learning? I love this idea and may pursue it myself. It is funny...I will admit I really didn't see the power and advantage of an ipad in the classroom verses a laptop (although I won't bail on this resource for many reasons), BUT I can see the advantages. I just may have to get an ipad after all just to begin experimenting with all this myself in the future and for my own classroom! I can't wait to get back in a classroom full time and share what I am learning with the world and take my students on a technology ride into the future!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Tony Vincent
Ok, I want to be like this guy! He is using technology so well in his classroom it is discussing. After watching part one of this Project Based Learning Part 1 I found that there might be some more apps we could peruse..story roar is a free app for digital story telling while his video example talks about more. It really goes to fast to catch all of them...but I can watch it again and catch a few more.
Part 2 goes into more details on how to use iPads and itouches to plan, Research, and present their projects. Ideaskete is a mind mapping tool (free) that can be used to brainstorm while having the ability to toggle between outline view and picture view when working. Poppet is another tool that can be used for brainstorming and connecting topics. When researching we can use an app called side by side to open up to four web pages at a time to view, read, and take notes. Great for comparing data. (I wonder how these notes are the exported?). Finally, he talks about using keynote and an adapter to present (like a PowerPoint). Other alternatives include: Sonic pix apps which puts narration over Images. Places like public domain and Creative commons provide other legal means to get appropriate images. In the google search under safaris you can do an advanced search. In the settings change it to say, "labeled for reuse with modifications". tap and hold an image...save image and it goes to the photos on iPad. Use doodlebuddy, Comictouch, and photoshop Mobile to edit pictures and once again they are saved in the photos on iPad. Strip designer is a comic strip image editing app we could use to add speech bubbles. Flip book is an animation app. Students can draw on use multiply images to create animation.
Part 2 goes into more details on how to use iPads and itouches to plan, Research, and present their projects. Ideaskete is a mind mapping tool (free) that can be used to brainstorm while having the ability to toggle between outline view and picture view when working. Poppet is another tool that can be used for brainstorming and connecting topics. When researching we can use an app called side by side to open up to four web pages at a time to view, read, and take notes. Great for comparing data. (I wonder how these notes are the exported?). Finally, he talks about using keynote and an adapter to present (like a PowerPoint). Other alternatives include: Sonic pix apps which puts narration over Images. Places like public domain and Creative commons provide other legal means to get appropriate images. In the google search under safaris you can do an advanced search. In the settings change it to say, "labeled for reuse with modifications". tap and hold an image...save image and it goes to the photos on iPad. Use doodlebuddy, Comictouch, and photoshop Mobile to edit pictures and once again they are saved in the photos on iPad. Strip designer is a comic strip image editing app we could use to add speech bubbles. Flip book is an animation app. Students can draw on use multiply images to create animation.
Future textbooks
Thinking about technology a lot lately as I am preparing to complete my holiday shopping. I really want to get my kids iPads or itouches but having a hard justifying it to my husband when they will probably end up as another gaming device. It seems like if they were allowed to use them in the classroom they would be a lot more educational. I am beginning to see where education can go but think the key piece to this is allowing students to take this technology home with them. The more I read the more powerful this tool is. I wonder what these schools do to ensure that they are taken care of and how they deal with this situation. What about if they don't have Internet access at home? How do the schools compensate for that? Things are really starting to change around here....I am not sure I really believed it while studying for my masters, but after being involved in this project I can now. I ran across this TED video and can see the potential here for textbooks I the future. And the use of the iPad!
Student response systems
Since then this instantaneous response system has evolved to web-based response systems and iPad compatible apps. Using these sites and apps gives every student a voice in responding to questions and provides teachers real time feedback based directly on student understanding. Imagine how this can transform our face to face time with students?
Consider a few uses: students complete a lecture or video then navigate to a Google form and answer five questions based off the content. The teacher can pull up the spreadsheet of responses and see immediately what conceptions students are forming and can scaffold instruction accordingly.
Or perhaps students are directed to the teachers poll everywhere site at the beginning of class for a 5 question warm up based off of the previous day's content. In real time responses are aggregate on the screen giving the teacher data and understanding of what their students are understanding, from here teachers can regroup their class to spend more time with those who need it and allow those who don't need reinforcing the opportunity to work ahead independently.
There are many great ways to collect student artifacts and use them to drive your instructional time Survey Monkey, Question Press, Poll Daddy, and thatquiz are all web-site based tools that offer some sort of free or educational plan. As well there are iPad/iPod apps that provide similar experiences and student data. Try using one of the above sites or find a great app and see what it tells you about your students understanding. Or, even better, show the class results to your students (in a safe way) to allow them to see what they are and are not understanding. Let their conceptions drive your instruction and their learning.
Consider a few uses: students complete a lecture or video then navigate to a Google form and answer five questions based off the content. The teacher can pull up the spreadsheet of responses and see immediately what conceptions students are forming and can scaffold instruction accordingly.
Or perhaps students are directed to the teachers poll everywhere site at the beginning of class for a 5 question warm up based off of the previous day's content. In real time responses are aggregate on the screen giving the teacher data and understanding of what their students are understanding, from here teachers can regroup their class to spend more time with those who need it and allow those who don't need reinforcing the opportunity to work ahead independently.
There are many great ways to collect student artifacts and use them to drive your instructional time Survey Monkey, Question Press, Poll Daddy, and thatquiz are all web-site based tools that offer some sort of free or educational plan. As well there are iPad/iPod apps that provide similar experiences and student data. Try using one of the above sites or find a great app and see what it tells you about your students understanding. Or, even better, show the class results to your students (in a safe way) to allow them to see what they are and are not understanding. Let their conceptions drive your instruction and their learning.
Wordle ideas
I have been trying to follow several blogs...showme and edmodo are my focus. I am impressed with each of these sites and trying to gather as much knowledge as I can. I found the idea of using Wordle like a poll tool or one in which to identify key vocabulary either in a story or writing passage very interesting. The poll idea is great since the word that is the largest was the most popular. This could be very effective with smaller kids...but they also need to learn how to make and read graphs. Here is the link for more ideas: http://www.edgalaxy.com/storage/Use%20Wordle%20to%20Improve%20Spelling.pdf.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Using technology to differentiate learning
Ideas for Using Technology to Differentiate According to Student Interests:
Keep student interests in mind when searching for videos to use with students. If you know that many of your students like sports, try to find sports videos that go along with math concepts you're teaching. If many of your students enjoy watching movies, try to find movie clips where math is being used.
Create a classroom blog, website, and/or Social Network (ex. Ning, Social Go). These days Social Media is everywhere. Today's students are used to being part of a social community. Creating classroom blogs or websites is another way to help build and extend the community you create with students in the classroom. Blogs and websites also allow you to involve parents in your classroom activities. If you're worried about what students will post, most blogging and Social Network platforms give you the ability to monitor content.
When having students create a product to demonstrate learning, allow them to choose a format for creating the product. For example, students could create a GlogPrezi (zooming presentation editor), make a video about the concept, write a song about the topic, create a Voice Thread about the topic. This list could go on for a while. There are so many new Web Applications that allow students to create amazing products. The idea here is to allow students to choose which type of the product they'd like to create based on their particular interest.
Create a Live Binder based on the math topic you're teaching. Fill the binder with websites, videos, images, and documents that students can use to learn about and practice the math concept. You could require that some resources be used by all students, but then allow students to choose other resources which are helpful to them. For example, some students may want to watch a video of someone demonstrating how to work out a problem, some students may want to play a game to practice their skill at solving problems, or some students may want to use virtual manipulatives to help them understand the math concept. The added benefit to creating a Live Binder like this, is that students can access it from home!
Keep student interests in mind when searching for videos to use with students. If you know that many of your students like sports, try to find sports videos that go along with math concepts you're teaching. If many of your students enjoy watching movies, try to find movie clips where math is being used.
Create a classroom blog, website, and/or Social Network (ex. Ning, Social Go). These days Social Media is everywhere. Today's students are used to being part of a social community. Creating classroom blogs or websites is another way to help build and extend the community you create with students in the classroom. Blogs and websites also allow you to involve parents in your classroom activities. If you're worried about what students will post, most blogging and Social Network platforms give you the ability to monitor content.
When having students create a product to demonstrate learning, allow them to choose a format for creating the product. For example, students could create a GlogPrezi (zooming presentation editor), make a video about the concept, write a song about the topic, create a Voice Thread about the topic. This list could go on for a while. There are so many new Web Applications that allow students to create amazing products. The idea here is to allow students to choose which type of the product they'd like to create based on their particular interest.
Create a Live Binder based on the math topic you're teaching. Fill the binder with websites, videos, images, and documents that students can use to learn about and practice the math concept. You could require that some resources be used by all students, but then allow students to choose other resources which are helpful to them. For example, some students may want to watch a video of someone demonstrating how to work out a problem, some students may want to play a game to practice their skill at solving problems, or some students may want to use virtual manipulatives to help them understand the math concept. The added benefit to creating a Live Binder like this, is that students can access it from home!
Three web 2.0 tools for you!
Today's Web 2.0 Tools
1. Knovio --- http://l.aunch.it/7pmw
Knovio is new and is still in Beta testing. Sign up for their Beta trial and be among the first to try it. Knovio allows you to turn ordinary Power Point presentations into video presentations. You only need a webcam and microphone to transform any Power Point presentation. If you have students create Power Points, they can now add their voice to the presentation.
2. Socrative --- http://www.socrative.com/
Socrative is a student response system that allows students to use laptops, smartphones, or tablets. If you're looking to increase student engagement, receive and give imediate feedback to students, go paperless, or just to try something new, Socrative can add a new dimension to your classroom. If you're always waiting for your turn to use the Clickers, Socrative is definitely worth a try. Best of all, it's Free!
3. PageFlip-Flap --- http://www.pageflip-flap.com/
Turn your documents, PDFs, images, or videos into an interactive Flipbook. It's Free.
I send out a periodic newsletter titled Web 2.0 Resources for Teachers. In a recent edition of this newsletter, I shared information about PageFlip-Flap. PageFlip-Flap allows you to turn documents, images, and videos into an interactive flipbook. Soon after the newsletter was sent, a reader emailed and asked me if I knew other applications that did the same thing without ads. With PageFlip-Flap, your flipbook has ads along the side. I recommended that he try FlipSnak, a similar application.
Recently, I found out about AdOut.org. This is an application that takes the ads off websites. You get a link that you can share with others. With AdOut.org, you can share sites with your students that you may not have used before because of unwanted ads.
1. Knovio --- http://l.aunch.it/7pmw
Knovio is new and is still in Beta testing. Sign up for their Beta trial and be among the first to try it. Knovio allows you to turn ordinary Power Point presentations into video presentations. You only need a webcam and microphone to transform any Power Point presentation. If you have students create Power Points, they can now add their voice to the presentation.
2. Socrative --- http://www.socrative.com/
Socrative is a student response system that allows students to use laptops, smartphones, or tablets. If you're looking to increase student engagement, receive and give imediate feedback to students, go paperless, or just to try something new, Socrative can add a new dimension to your classroom. If you're always waiting for your turn to use the Clickers, Socrative is definitely worth a try. Best of all, it's Free!
3. PageFlip-Flap --- http://www.pageflip-flap.com/
Turn your documents, PDFs, images, or videos into an interactive Flipbook. It's Free.
I send out a periodic newsletter titled Web 2.0 Resources for Teachers. In a recent edition of this newsletter, I shared information about PageFlip-Flap. PageFlip-Flap allows you to turn documents, images, and videos into an interactive flipbook. Soon after the newsletter was sent, a reader emailed and asked me if I knew other applications that did the same thing without ads. With PageFlip-Flap, your flipbook has ads along the side. I recommended that he try FlipSnak, a similar application.
Recently, I found out about AdOut.org. This is an application that takes the ads off websites. You get a link that you can share with others. With AdOut.org, you can share sites with your students that you may not have used before because of unwanted ads.
Here are some more math tech tools I would like to explore...
There are many excellent technology tools available today, but a lot of them are not really applicable to the math classroom. That's why I started The Best Technology Tools for Teaching Math on Scoop.it. This site is dedicated to the best technology resources for math teachers and students.
Click on tags to see a list of topics. When you choose a tag, you'll see everything related to that topic. Some topics that will be included are:
YouTube --- sites that help teachers incorporate YouTube videos in the classroom
Multimedia
Reflection Tools --- applications that help students reflect on their learning
Student Engagement --- applications that help students become engaged in the learning process
Video Editing --- applications that make video editing quick and easy
If you know of resources that should be added to this list, please feel free to use the Suggest tab at the top of the page to make your recommendation. Or, leave a comment on this page with your recommendation.
I'll also keep a list of these sites on this blog, but you'll find more detailed information about the applications and their possible uses on the Scoop.it site. Here's a list of what's on The Best Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning so far:
Glogster --- make interactive posters
Voice Thread --- create conversations around multimedia
Spliced --- this site allows you to get clips of YouTube videos
Hofli Online Charts Builder --- site for creating different types of graphs
Math Dictionary --- this glossary of math terms hosted by Alberta Learning uses visuals and interactive applets to explain/demonstrate math vocabulary
Poll Everywhere --- free student response system...create multiple choice or free response questions for your students and see resultants in real time
This is a new list so it's not very big right now. I'll continue to add things regularly and it will continue to grow.
If you use any of these tools, let us know how they work for you.
You may also want to follow my other Scoop.it topics:
IGNITE Student Engagement in Math!
Powerful Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning
Stay tuned! I'll be creating and sharing more math related Scoop.it topics soon.
There are many excellent technology tools available today, but a lot of them are not really applicable to the math classroom. That's why I started The Best Technology Tools for Teaching Math on Scoop.it. This site is dedicated to the best technology resources for math teachers and students.
Click on tags to see a list of topics. When you choose a tag, you'll see everything related to that topic. Some topics that will be included are:
YouTube --- sites that help teachers incorporate YouTube videos in the classroom
Multimedia
Reflection Tools --- applications that help students reflect on their learning
Student Engagement --- applications that help students become engaged in the learning process
Video Editing --- applications that make video editing quick and easy
If you know of resources that should be added to this list, please feel free to use the Suggest tab at the top of the page to make your recommendation. Or, leave a comment on this page with your recommendation.
I'll also keep a list of these sites on this blog, but you'll find more detailed information about the applications and their possible uses on the Scoop.it site. Here's a list of what's on The Best Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning so far:
Glogster --- make interactive posters
Voice Thread --- create conversations around multimedia
Spliced --- this site allows you to get clips of YouTube videos
Hofli Online Charts Builder --- site for creating different types of graphs
Math Dictionary --- this glossary of math terms hosted by Alberta Learning uses visuals and interactive applets to explain/demonstrate math vocabulary
Poll Everywhere --- free student response system...create multiple choice or free response questions for your students and see resultants in real time
This is a new list so it's not very big right now. I'll continue to add things regularly and it will continue to grow.
If you use any of these tools, let us know how they work for you.
You may also want to follow my other Scoop.it topics:
IGNITE Student Engagement in Math!
Powerful Technology Tools for Teaching and Learning
Stay tuned! I'll be creating and sharing more math related Scoop.it topics soon.
No clickers... No problem
Want to create class surveys and get instant student feedback about math problems, but you don't have access to clickers? No clickers, no problem! Poll Everywhere allows you to create multiple choice and free response questions for your students. You'll get instant results that can be shared with the class.
Poll Everywhere is committed to education and has many features that make it ideal for classroom use. Below is a list of some of these features:
Create as many surveys as you want with a Free teacher account...With a free K-12 account, you can have up to 40 students respond to each poll. Just create a new poll or If you have a single class with more than 40 students, you can email them and they will adjust your plan.
Polls are quick and easy to create...You literally could have a poll created and ready to use in a couple of minutes.
Multiple ways for students to vote...Students can text their responses in or they can vote online if they have access to an iPad or computer.
As responses come in, they automatically appear on the results chart...You don't have to refresh in order to see newest results.
Results charts can be embedded into blogs, websites, Power Points, etc...This is a nice feature which would allow for comments about the poll or survey. You could also use this as means to address student misconceptions if they were responding to a math problem.
No spam or advertisements!
The features listed above are all available with the Free teacher account. If you'd like to be able to get reports, moderate responses, and create response segmentation for contests or comparisons, you can get an individual teacher plan for $50 per year. School and district plans also make these extra features available.
In a future post, I'll give some specific suggestions/ideas for using Poll Everywhere in the math classroom.
I've added Poll Everywhere to The Best Technology Tools for Teaching Math list.
(this was taken from this blog http://loledservices.blogspot.com/ )
Poll Everywhere is committed to education and has many features that make it ideal for classroom use. Below is a list of some of these features:
Create as many surveys as you want with a Free teacher account...With a free K-12 account, you can have up to 40 students respond to each poll. Just create a new poll or If you have a single class with more than 40 students, you can email them and they will adjust your plan.
Polls are quick and easy to create...You literally could have a poll created and ready to use in a couple of minutes.
Multiple ways for students to vote...Students can text their responses in or they can vote online if they have access to an iPad or computer.
As responses come in, they automatically appear on the results chart...You don't have to refresh in order to see newest results.
Results charts can be embedded into blogs, websites, Power Points, etc...This is a nice feature which would allow for comments about the poll or survey. You could also use this as means to address student misconceptions if they were responding to a math problem.
No spam or advertisements!
The features listed above are all available with the Free teacher account. If you'd like to be able to get reports, moderate responses, and create response segmentation for contests or comparisons, you can get an individual teacher plan for $50 per year. School and district plans also make these extra features available.
In a future post, I'll give some specific suggestions/ideas for using Poll Everywhere in the math classroom.
I've added Poll Everywhere to The Best Technology Tools for Teaching Math list.
(this was taken from this blog http://loledservices.blogspot.com/ )
Show me ideas
As I read through the Show Me blog here are some ideas that I think could be used in the classroom:
Formal assessment
Science
1. KE and PE. Have students take picture and add drawings over the top along with audio to explain how gravitational, PE, and KE work within the scene. Example...show a skateboard half pipe and add drawings of a skateboarder. Perhaps students are asked to go outside and find and example of how energy changes form. Other possibilities might include playing on the playground slides, swings, climbing, shooting hoops, etc.... http://www.showme.com/sh/?i=40940
2. You can do inquiry worksample presentations. http://www.showme.com/sh/?i=58624. Check out this example for a way to use both audio, pictures, and drawings to explain their experiment. I think it would be important to have students write their script as well as slides. This looks a lot like a PowerPoint presentation with the enhanced audio.
Other uses in the classroom...
1. Some teachers are creating their lessons ahead of time for kids to watch. Interesting idea since students can view, pause, and replay as needed. Other teachers are creating demos on how to do something like a certain type of math problem or even how to do a lab. Others are finding that by recording their "lecture" they are able to walk around the room and monitor understanding and behavior. Kids are able to learn at their own pace and the teacher is free to work with students. Not to mention you could use this as practice for the next day and send to absent kids. I love this short example on prepositional phrases. http://www.showme.com/sh/?i=16085. I can't believe how effective this was for me. Have teachers looked through these to see if there are lessons they can use and not recreate? Go to
Showme.com and click on "learn any topic" to find lessons and/or ideas for lessons.
Show Me and your blog. How do you get these on student blogs or edmodo?
Create your ShowMe! Add images, interesting antecdotes and relevant information. Make it awesome!
Save your ShowMe, title it, and add important tags so it can be categorized on the site. The upload it
Navigate to your ShowMes page and click on “embed” in the top right corner of the video player. Copy this text.
Open the blog post you are writing. There will be a tab in the top right of the text boxt that says HTML. Click that
Paste the link you copied earlier where you want it to appear in your writing.
You’re done!
Formal assessment
Science
1. KE and PE. Have students take picture and add drawings over the top along with audio to explain how gravitational, PE, and KE work within the scene. Example...show a skateboard half pipe and add drawings of a skateboarder. Perhaps students are asked to go outside and find and example of how energy changes form. Other possibilities might include playing on the playground slides, swings, climbing, shooting hoops, etc.... http://www.showme.com/sh/?i=40940
2. You can do inquiry worksample presentations. http://www.showme.com/sh/?i=58624. Check out this example for a way to use both audio, pictures, and drawings to explain their experiment. I think it would be important to have students write their script as well as slides. This looks a lot like a PowerPoint presentation with the enhanced audio.
Other uses in the classroom...
1. Some teachers are creating their lessons ahead of time for kids to watch. Interesting idea since students can view, pause, and replay as needed. Other teachers are creating demos on how to do something like a certain type of math problem or even how to do a lab. Others are finding that by recording their "lecture" they are able to walk around the room and monitor understanding and behavior. Kids are able to learn at their own pace and the teacher is free to work with students. Not to mention you could use this as practice for the next day and send to absent kids. I love this short example on prepositional phrases. http://www.showme.com/sh/?i=16085. I can't believe how effective this was for me. Have teachers looked through these to see if there are lessons they can use and not recreate? Go to
Showme.com and click on "learn any topic" to find lessons and/or ideas for lessons.
Show Me and your blog. How do you get these on student blogs or edmodo?
Create your ShowMe! Add images, interesting antecdotes and relevant information. Make it awesome!
Save your ShowMe, title it, and add important tags so it can be categorized on the site. The upload it
Navigate to your ShowMes page and click on “embed” in the top right corner of the video player. Copy this text.
Open the blog post you are writing. There will be a tab in the top right of the text boxt that says HTML. Click that
Paste the link you copied earlier where you want it to appear in your writing.
You’re done!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Worked it out...
It is funny how when you haven't done something for a week or two--you forget some of the details. Today was one of those days, but once I got going it all came back to me like riding a bike and away we went. I felt like I got most things done that we needed to, except Terrie's iSO 5 update and syncing. We (Terrie and I) are scheduled to get together on Friday, Nov. 11th to work on this. It amazes me how long it takes to do this update and the fact that we have to do them one at a time is baffling. It is like technology has come so far, but still there is that need for the human touch--quite literally. Once I got going I really enjoyed plugging away at my work. Little differences would crop up but I was able to work my way through them one problem at a time! I think that my fears of exploring technology without a lot of step-by-step guidance is improving. I am gradually realizing that I can always go back and that sitting and thinking about what I am actually doing is helping in this problem solving process. I love that Gail just ignores my thinking out louds;) Occasionally she looks up and asks if I was talking to her...and if not goes on with her own business. I can see a lot of growth in each of the teachers as they are becoming much more independent and problem solving on their own. Facetime has come in very handy in the sense that they can call me and show me what they are doing and the actual screens. The key though is holding the ipad still when showing other screens--makes them much easier to read--hee hee. Another side outcome of my position as TOSA is that I have become very inspired to share all the great things I am learning! PR is now looking to write a grant for some itouches and macs! What a wonderful opportunity for my own children.
Other than that, I need to update the inventory and continue working on little side projects. Lots of ideas floating around...just need to reel some of them in!
Other than that, I need to update the inventory and continue working on little side projects. Lots of ideas floating around...just need to reel some of them in!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Day two: Edmodo!
Wow again...I can't wait to be back in the classroom. Ok, so here are my take aways from today's session:
1. 20 ways to use edmodo
3. Bringing in the role playing into the classroom would be a blast. This could easily be done in LA when reading a book, SS when students key historical events or characters, S when studying key figures or doing debates. The presentor showed examples of a teacher role playing Thomas Jefferson and asking students to rewrite Declaration of Indepence in kid friendly terminology. Students were also asked to answer polls and then explain their reasoning--could be used for a whole class debate of events or changes in any area.
4. "Backchannel" discussions: This seems like a great way to engage students during a video, read aloud, at home assignment such as watching presidental debate/state of the union address. So many kids always want to draw or talk during these events...let's engage them in discussion revolving around the educational piece! One easy idea...instead of having them write down 20 facts from the movie have them comment on some via the edmodo group! I like this idea for science...there have been several times when I show a video and either stop it myself or the video asks us to pause for discussion or predicting...this would be a natural use of edmodo...you could poll kids on possible predictions and ask for explanations; you could ask students to post their predictions and then read one or two others and comment; WOW!
5. It was noted that we should have students work on their grammar and punctuation by using a code of conduct and teaching digital citizenship. Requiring students to use complete sent. and words is huge. There is a resource for the code of conduct and a rubric for posts under the language arts community groups.
OH, check this out.... Let's eat grandpa. Let's eat, grandpa. ~Commas. They save lives! :)
6. If you want to make a post open for parents to see (say you forgot to send it to them) you can make the post "public" and they can see it.
7. Co-teaching: this is a great opportunity for teachers to link experts to the classroom. I am thinking that if a teacher I am mentoring created a group like this for science inquiry activities I give her, her or I could post discussion questions, polls, quizzes, etc... to facilitate discussions. Also gives a co-teacher the ability to engage in discussion with students or small groups (TAG, SPED, Differentiated) and provide both expertize, advice, explanations, and help monitoring small groups discussions. This would allow co-teacher to also answer questions from everyone and review individual work. This allows experts to participate like using skype from anywhere in the world! Wow!
8. Sub-hub: If a teacher is using Edmodo regularly in class it is important to have a substitute join the group so things can cont. on as usual. Create a separate student account "sub hub" and leave info. for sub or have sub join the group by leaving them the group code. You could even join the group from where ever you are to both contribute and monitor the discussions! Wow! If you mark a teacher as "teacher member" they can't grade or post assignments and such. They contribute like a student. Co-teacher could be used to share grading of say writing work samples or inquiry work samples or presentations. How to you get a teacher as a "co-teacher"? Give them the code and once join go to your class list and select their name. Under that you will have the ability to select their "access" with the drop down menu. This way the sub can't mess up your stuff or account. No more giving out your account info.
9. "Radio buttons" = those are the circles you click on to vote or answer questions like on the google forms and such!
10. Science probes: you could pre-record demos or experiments for students to view. It will "play in stream" if you have a URL which you can get by uploading video to YouTube, TeacherTube, or SchoolTube. I suppose I need to figure out my YouTube password so I can do this in the future. It seems like most of the videos we create with the iPad need the same thing. I am wondering if it will be an issue to have students send videos to teacher for obtaining a URL. You can use the "file" link and then students will be take to another page to view the videos. Not sure that is really an issue either. Anyway, then post a poll questions, discussion question, make a prediction, quiz (pre or post), etc... Food for thought.
11. Also like that you can have all your RSS feeds (blogs you are following) attached to your edmodo accounts. Not sure I want students following them though... Use the "subscribe group to feed" button.
12. If you have ideas to share you can do it within the various edmodo communities or email to ideas@edmodo.com. Be sure to check out the other communities such as Khan Academy. They will provide resources you can directly post to students--save time downloading and posting later.
1. 20 ways to use edmodo
- writing projects
- role playing
- backchannel discussing
- language practice
- grammar/punctuation
- communication with parents
- book clubs
- mobile learning
- sick days/extended leave
- teacher lounge
- planning committees
- tutor connection
- project based learning
- reading to critique
- co-teaching
- "sub hub"
- science probes
- RSS feeds
- School Clubs
- Alumni Groups
3. Bringing in the role playing into the classroom would be a blast. This could easily be done in LA when reading a book, SS when students key historical events or characters, S when studying key figures or doing debates. The presentor showed examples of a teacher role playing Thomas Jefferson and asking students to rewrite Declaration of Indepence in kid friendly terminology. Students were also asked to answer polls and then explain their reasoning--could be used for a whole class debate of events or changes in any area.
4. "Backchannel" discussions: This seems like a great way to engage students during a video, read aloud, at home assignment such as watching presidental debate/state of the union address. So many kids always want to draw or talk during these events...let's engage them in discussion revolving around the educational piece! One easy idea...instead of having them write down 20 facts from the movie have them comment on some via the edmodo group! I like this idea for science...there have been several times when I show a video and either stop it myself or the video asks us to pause for discussion or predicting...this would be a natural use of edmodo...you could poll kids on possible predictions and ask for explanations; you could ask students to post their predictions and then read one or two others and comment; WOW!
5. It was noted that we should have students work on their grammar and punctuation by using a code of conduct and teaching digital citizenship. Requiring students to use complete sent. and words is huge. There is a resource for the code of conduct and a rubric for posts under the language arts community groups.
OH, check this out.... Let's eat grandpa. Let's eat, grandpa. ~Commas. They save lives! :)
6. If you want to make a post open for parents to see (say you forgot to send it to them) you can make the post "public" and they can see it.
7. Co-teaching: this is a great opportunity for teachers to link experts to the classroom. I am thinking that if a teacher I am mentoring created a group like this for science inquiry activities I give her, her or I could post discussion questions, polls, quizzes, etc... to facilitate discussions. Also gives a co-teacher the ability to engage in discussion with students or small groups (TAG, SPED, Differentiated) and provide both expertize, advice, explanations, and help monitoring small groups discussions. This would allow co-teacher to also answer questions from everyone and review individual work. This allows experts to participate like using skype from anywhere in the world! Wow!
8. Sub-hub: If a teacher is using Edmodo regularly in class it is important to have a substitute join the group so things can cont. on as usual. Create a separate student account "sub hub" and leave info. for sub or have sub join the group by leaving them the group code. You could even join the group from where ever you are to both contribute and monitor the discussions! Wow! If you mark a teacher as "teacher member" they can't grade or post assignments and such. They contribute like a student. Co-teacher could be used to share grading of say writing work samples or inquiry work samples or presentations. How to you get a teacher as a "co-teacher"? Give them the code and once join go to your class list and select their name. Under that you will have the ability to select their "access" with the drop down menu. This way the sub can't mess up your stuff or account. No more giving out your account info.
9. "Radio buttons" = those are the circles you click on to vote or answer questions like on the google forms and such!
10. Science probes: you could pre-record demos or experiments for students to view. It will "play in stream" if you have a URL which you can get by uploading video to YouTube, TeacherTube, or SchoolTube. I suppose I need to figure out my YouTube password so I can do this in the future. It seems like most of the videos we create with the iPad need the same thing. I am wondering if it will be an issue to have students send videos to teacher for obtaining a URL. You can use the "file" link and then students will be take to another page to view the videos. Not sure that is really an issue either. Anyway, then post a poll questions, discussion question, make a prediction, quiz (pre or post), etc... Food for thought.
11. Also like that you can have all your RSS feeds (blogs you are following) attached to your edmodo accounts. Not sure I want students following them though... Use the "subscribe group to feed" button.
12. If you have ideas to share you can do it within the various edmodo communities or email to ideas@edmodo.com. Be sure to check out the other communities such as Khan Academy. They will provide resources you can directly post to students--save time downloading and posting later.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Edmodo webinar!
OMG! I just participated in a wonderful webinar with edmodo! What is really cool is that you are able to ask questions throughout and afterwards to get help as needed! Lucia was wonderful presenting and explaining! I am so jazzed about edmodo--where have I been all those years teaching...in all fairness it started in 2008 so I didn't have that much time--I quit shortly after started. Anyway, things I think are important...
subgroups--under "manage" you can form these. When you are done with a group archive it so not in the way. I love the idea of forming science lab groups, literature circle subgroups, etc.... This is a great option for groups to collaborate amongst each other rather than the whole group! I think this can also provide some great one-on-one discussions between teachers and small groups as well!
parent accounts--great way for parents to get involved but without complete access. They can see their student's calendar, assignments, grades, and direct messages from teacher to them or their student. They can only reply to teacher or student. You have to go under the manage stuff and get the parent code and send it to them then from the sign in page they create their own account...they can also include their children from multiple grades or teachers. Pretty neat.
things to come--they are working on moderated and thread comments for the future. Moderated just means that the comments have to be approved before posting and the thread has to do with replying to a specific post rather than the entire group...so it will hopefully look more like several discussions are taking place rather than having to sift through all the posts! Love it!
Grade Book--you can export these scores into an excel sheet and then into school grading systems apparently. (would have to try it to see if it is that easy) I also love that you could add other scores into the Edmodo grade book that weren't directly assigned within Edmodo! Essentially, you could have your grade book right here...why will schools even need their own system when this is available for free? Crazy!
Well, I can't wait to take another webinar tomorrow! I am learning so much...boy I need my own classroom! Can we say excited?!?!?!? Off to eat lunch!
subgroups--under "manage" you can form these. When you are done with a group archive it so not in the way. I love the idea of forming science lab groups, literature circle subgroups, etc.... This is a great option for groups to collaborate amongst each other rather than the whole group! I think this can also provide some great one-on-one discussions between teachers and small groups as well!
parent accounts--great way for parents to get involved but without complete access. They can see their student's calendar, assignments, grades, and direct messages from teacher to them or their student. They can only reply to teacher or student. You have to go under the manage stuff and get the parent code and send it to them then from the sign in page they create their own account...they can also include their children from multiple grades or teachers. Pretty neat.
things to come--they are working on moderated and thread comments for the future. Moderated just means that the comments have to be approved before posting and the thread has to do with replying to a specific post rather than the entire group...so it will hopefully look more like several discussions are taking place rather than having to sift through all the posts! Love it!
Grade Book--you can export these scores into an excel sheet and then into school grading systems apparently. (would have to try it to see if it is that easy) I also love that you could add other scores into the Edmodo grade book that weren't directly assigned within Edmodo! Essentially, you could have your grade book right here...why will schools even need their own system when this is available for free? Crazy!
Well, I can't wait to take another webinar tomorrow! I am learning so much...boy I need my own classroom! Can we say excited?!?!?!? Off to eat lunch!
Blogger comments?
Gail, I had the same issue when I tried to reply to my own post last night and your's today. I will look into it...seems silly you can't comment on comments on your own posts. Will have to get back to you. I also can't see the comment I made to your post. I will have to check this out. If you haven't had time to see my edmodo posts try to look this weekend. There is great stuff when it comes to quizes! Wow!
Monday, October 24, 2011
more Edmodo ideas
Ok, maybe we’re exaggerating. But they are pretty fun ideas:) Following are unique ways to use Edmodo that go beyond the basic features.
"Oh well...I will still share...my class and about 7 other classes around the country are using edmodo as an online book club...discussing the same book that we all read to our classes every day!"
2. Much the same way you talked about Data Tracking Diary I could see this used in Physical Education. Have students assigned a pedometer and have them enter daily step totals. Set goals for the students or groups to reach week to week (Could have pedometer costs but could work with PE teacher, or even incorporate math by having them find averages, daily overall step totals, etc.) Competition can even be set between the groups to see who can get the highest total (integrating Physical Activity in ANYTHING these days in my eyes is a great way for the mind to wake up and be ready to learn!)
3. I know in the past teachers have talked about students being sad they can’t “Edmodo” over the summer just because really there is no need with students out. Well keep the learning going by posting a “Flat Stanley” project for the summer. (Even though it may not consist of a grade it’s a great way to keep the students learning) Towards the end of the year have students create a Flat Stanley (small paper figurine they create and decorate) and have them take it around to different places over the summer and share their experiences with other students. Have the students have a template with questions like where did you go, what did you learn, what was the most exciting part, etc. This can help students learn about different parts of the country (or world) based on their classmates travels. This allows them to stay in the loop with other students as well as facilitate learning over summer “brain breaks”. This can be done in the summer, or even over breaks!
- Science Fair Exhibition Hall: Create a “Science Fair” group and send everyone in the school the group code so they can view powerpoint, glogster, video summaries of student science projects. A great Virtual Exhibition to showcase student work.
- Playground: Kids are kids and sometimes they just have something funny that they are dying to share. Create a “Playground” group where students have free reign to post whatever they want (with guidelines for appropriate use of course — encourage expression and creativity, but reinforce the need for boundaries and appropriate behavior).
- In the News: Create a Current Events Group and allow students to post articles and blogs that are relevant to classroom curriculum. Review posts at your morning meetings.
- 21st Century Field Trips: On your next field trip, leave the worksheets at home. Divide students into small groups, (ensuring at least one cell phone is available in each group). As they wander through the museum or landmark, post scavenger hunt questions on the Edmodo mobile app to which students race to respond.
- Lunch Count: Create a simple poll each morning – as students walk in the door, keep Edmodo open on your classroom computer and ask them to ‘check in’ on the poll on their Edmodo account. Presto – instant lunch count, attendance, or whatever information you need to track.
- Data Tracking Diary: Create a Data Tracking Group and use it as a filter on your calendar. Students can enter daily data points on the calendar (growth of classroom plants, weather charts, countdown to Spring break), then filter the calendar to show only these entries. Print it or export to .csv and use the data for graphing or qualitative analysis.
- Announcements and Special Events: Celebrate milestones by creating a classroom group that highlights birthdays, college acceptance, sporting events, and other milestones in students lives.
Ok, I can see every grade level using this for #5 in PR elementary. I don't know if WMS has to do this, but they do have to take attendance...what a clever and engaging way to do this. Also, I loved #6...I can see this used in long term projects in science. I am thinking of moon phases, weather conditions, plant growth, absorption data, etc....I need to play with the filter feature as well. #1 is great for science fair presentations Ann! I wonder what else others have said. Let me keep reading....
Here's one...talk about collaboration...
As for PLC...this is a clever idea..."I set up a "Teacher Lounge" (a comfy sounding staff room) for our school, where we can share ideas, files and links that would seem like spamming if we sent it via email to "all teachers" on staff. Much like your Playground idea for the kids, it has created a casual environment where ideas can freely flow, be discussed and easily browsed." and this one, "I am an elementary school principal using Edmodo as a tool for my school grade level Professional Learning Communities. Each group meets once every three weeks and uses Edmodo to post their minutes of the meeting and then any follow up or discussion that occurs between meetings. I also use it to post to the entire staff important documents such as blank field trip permission forms and such that all staff need access to. By posting them in Edmodo they remain in all libraries and are accessible by all staff. It has been a very useful tool for my school Professional Learning Communities." I can even see myself using this for PTC...maybe more people would chime in on topics and votes would be really easy through a poll! Gotta love this idea. I may pursue this if the new president is interested. Hmm....
These are cool--PE data...never thought..but yeah!
1. TV Show/Educational Material feedback in Real time. Have the students “homework” be to watch a specific show (PBS, News, Weather Channel, etc) and have them send notifications on interesting parts of the show in real time to their fellow classmates. Start class discussions while students are in the comfort of their own home and get them thinking about what their learning from the broadcast and how it can connect in school. Then talk about it in class the next day (I know sometimes some students won’t have TV’s but you could offer it as extra credit, just an idea!)
2. Much the same way you talked about Data Tracking Diary I could see this used in Physical Education. Have students assigned a pedometer and have them enter daily step totals. Set goals for the students or groups to reach week to week (Could have pedometer costs but could work with PE teacher, or even incorporate math by having them find averages, daily overall step totals, etc.) Competition can even be set between the groups to see who can get the highest total (integrating Physical Activity in ANYTHING these days in my eyes is a great way for the mind to wake up and be ready to learn!)
3. I know in the past teachers have talked about students being sad they can’t “Edmodo” over the summer just because really there is no need with students out. Well keep the learning going by posting a “Flat Stanley” project for the summer. (Even though it may not consist of a grade it’s a great way to keep the students learning) Towards the end of the year have students create a Flat Stanley (small paper figurine they create and decorate) and have them take it around to different places over the summer and share their experiences with other students. Have the students have a template with questions like where did you go, what did you learn, what was the most exciting part, etc. This can help students learn about different parts of the country (or world) based on their classmates travels. This allows them to stay in the loop with other students as well as facilitate learning over summer “brain breaks”. This can be done in the summer, or even over breaks!
Ok, Kolleen...this takes role playing to a whole different level...check it out...
"We just signed the Declaration of Independence today that was “Fedex’ed” to us by T. Jefferson in Philadelphia… Students have been collaborating with him and other founding fathers for weeks in our History Edmodo Group in talks of separation from England. Last week, we took excerpts then rewrote in kid terms, submitting via Edmodo for his approval their draft. He accepted it and penned it all night, and the parchment arrived this morning… Buzz at lunch was “How did Mr. Miller do that?” (Jan 12, 2011 )"
Yet more ideas and info for great presentation websites:
"I use Edmodo CONSTANTLY. It’s how I manage my tech classes. Students get their assignments, turn the assignments in, get their grades from Edmodo. They also ask me questions, ask their classmates questions. My classes are completely paperless! (Yesterday )"
"Mrs. Nechamkin – Today, I am grading online projects that students created last week to help them review for their final exam. Students used spaaze.com, toondoo.com, prezi.com, glogster.com, goanimate.com, or edu.gloster.com for their projects. It is great to sit and watch students take their tests while I grade. I can quickly enter comments on the assignment, input a grade both here and my gradebook. And, I don’t have to take any projects home!"
"Mrs. Nechamkin – Today, I am grading online projects that students created last week to help them review for their final exam. Students used spaaze.com, toondoo.com, prezi.com, glogster.com, goanimate.com, or edu.gloster.com for their projects. It is great to sit and watch students take their tests while I grade. I can quickly enter comments on the assignment, input a grade both here and my gradebook. And, I don’t have to take any projects home!"
Writing idea: "We have been using it in 8th grade for writing vocabulary sentences and having conversations about them. Best use of student written vocabulary sentences I have had in years. The complexity of their sentences have improved (no more “I have morose.” type sentences), they are using the words in context and they are peer correcting. It has been fun reading their conversations and I expect top grades on this week’s test. (7 hours ago )"
Edmodo on the road
4 Ways to Use Edmodo for Mobile Learning
Did you know that Edmodo is accessible from any mobile device with Internet capabilities? We also have free apps for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad and Android devices! If your student’s have access to a mobile device, here are a few ideas for how you can integrate Edmodo into your mobile learning initiatives:1. Bring Edmodo on your next field trip
Give your students an interactive experience on your next field trip with Edmodo. Provide each student with a mobile device, have them bring their own, or divide students into small groups, ensuring at least one cell phone is available in each group. As students wander through the museum or landmark (i.e. wherever your field trip takes place), post scavenger hunt questions, polls, or writing prompts through the Edmodo mobile app. Students can respond, or ask questions of their own.
2. Host backchannel discussions
Use the Edmodo mobile app to host backchannel discussions with your students inside or outside the classroom. For example, students can use the mobile app for in-class backchannel discussions during read alouds or movies. You could also host backchannel discussions outside the classroom during key events (i.e. broadcasted presidential speeches and debates) to help get students thinking about what they’re learning from the event and how it relates to what they’re learning in class.
3. Provide homework support
Provide your students with extra support by making yourself available to answer homework questions after school hours. Allow students to direct message you, or post questions to the group during specific hours. If you have alerts setup for messages, you’ll immediately be alerted to new questions and you can respond from your mobile device.
4. Check in with your class while you’re out
If you’re planning to be out of the classroom for any period of time, use the Edmodo app to keep in contact with your students. Schedule morning check-ins with the class and have students answer questions about their learning. You can also respond to questions from students if needed.
Love these ideas...although not really for this grant at this point...but definately the way some schools, classrooms and our future is headed. This would have even made my college classes more engaging--especially those field trips and the office hours! What great ideas...so why I need an iphone! Boy when things settle down around here finicially, I will have to start saving for my iphone! Can't wait to part of the internet everywhere world! Not to mention a camera with more than 5 mp!
Edmodo Quiz and Presentation Idea
I am learning more about edmodo now that I am back on my computer. The videos require flash which of course I can't view on the iPad 2. So here I am learning on my desktop.
I wanted to add that you can add a time limit to test or even add a link or file to a question--what a fantastic way to engage students by asking them to respond to an article, video, or image! II can see having student watch a short video and then ask comprehension questions in order to see what they learned. You could ask a question and have pictures as answers to choose from. I think there is a lot of potential here for assessments as well as meeting different learning styles. Students can also receive scores immediately after taking them if you so choose! One down fall...looks like each question is only worth one point. Not sure you can change that.
Ideas:
1. I love the idea of students uploading their presentations to edmodo (as a backup) because it provides the class a spot to post comments. Perhaps advice on how to make it better in the future and some positives would be good. How many of you do speeches? Powerpoint presentations, etc...? Student feedback for each other is a great option. Why couldn't we do this with papers as well? Peer editing? Food for thought.
2. http://blog.edmodo.com/2011/10/09/student-2-0-positive-digital-footprints-and-college-planning/ Here an 8th grade student is not only accessing facebook in order to make it more presentable to colleges looking for additional information, but also researching questions that might be asked for college interview along with possible answers. The student then shares these with classmates looking for feedback...what a great collaborative approach to edmodo! I am loving all these ideas.
3. Here is some great advice from a student: "Today, we had to work on programming our scripts so that the video game would work. Our goal was to make our characters talk to each other. However, Ms. Sigler, wouldn’t tell us how to do it. We had to figure it out on our own using the tools that we have (youtube, scratch website, and good old Google!) Once students were able to figure out how to make the characters talk to each other, they shared advice on Edmodo how to do it. Edmodo is a great tool for our computer programming class because it helps us to back up our work for when we need to revise it. It is also great to have because we are allowed to talk to each other, and help each other. I think classes got better with Edmodo. The great thing about being a techie is that you have be able to problem solve and give your teammates advice and feedback. Edmodo helps us to do that."
Have you all seen that you can do quizzes now in edmodo?!?! You can do multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer, and T/F. They can be graded, given to students multiple times (like for a pre-assessment and post-assess), you can preview your quiz before sending to students (you see it as they would see it), you can even give students feedback in the form of comments when grading them that students can see later for review. Here is a link with some how to videos and such. http://blog.edmodo.com/2011/10/14/enhancements-quiz-updates-and-resources-printable-rosters-german-language/
I wanted to add that you can add a time limit to test or even add a link or file to a question--what a fantastic way to engage students by asking them to respond to an article, video, or image! II can see having student watch a short video and then ask comprehension questions in order to see what they learned. You could ask a question and have pictures as answers to choose from. I think there is a lot of potential here for assessments as well as meeting different learning styles. Students can also receive scores immediately after taking them if you so choose! One down fall...looks like each question is only worth one point. Not sure you can change that.
Ideas:
1. I love the idea of students uploading their presentations to edmodo (as a backup) because it provides the class a spot to post comments. Perhaps advice on how to make it better in the future and some positives would be good. How many of you do speeches? Powerpoint presentations, etc...? Student feedback for each other is a great option. Why couldn't we do this with papers as well? Peer editing? Food for thought.
2. http://blog.edmodo.com/2011/10/09/student-2-0-positive-digital-footprints-and-college-planning/ Here an 8th grade student is not only accessing facebook in order to make it more presentable to colleges looking for additional information, but also researching questions that might be asked for college interview along with possible answers. The student then shares these with classmates looking for feedback...what a great collaborative approach to edmodo! I am loving all these ideas.
3. Here is some great advice from a student: "Today, we had to work on programming our scripts so that the video game would work. Our goal was to make our characters talk to each other. However, Ms. Sigler, wouldn’t tell us how to do it. We had to figure it out on our own using the tools that we have (youtube, scratch website, and good old Google!) Once students were able to figure out how to make the characters talk to each other, they shared advice on Edmodo how to do it. Edmodo is a great tool for our computer programming class because it helps us to back up our work for when we need to revise it. It is also great to have because we are allowed to talk to each other, and help each other. I think classes got better with Edmodo. The great thing about being a techie is that you have be able to problem solve and give your teammates advice and feedback. Edmodo helps us to do that."
Friday, October 21, 2011
MathWorkSample AudioVisualTech
Here is an idea on how to do a math problem solving work sample...why couldn't we do the same type of thing for the science inquiry work samples? This came from the oetc website as well. I love this idea..now just to find an app or two that would work for this. I would like to come up with a google press version or web tool as well. Alternatives are great especially if we are going to have kids not allowed to use technology resources.
Here is an idea on how to do a math problem solving work sample...why couldn't we do the same type of thing for the science inquiry work samples? This came from the oetc website as well. I love this idea..now just to find an app or two that would work for this. I would like to come up with a google press version or web tool as well. Alternatives are great especially if we are going to have kids not allowed to use technology resources.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
The Water Cycle Photostory "Adventures Of A Drop Of Water
Ok, this lesson would go perfectly with my Project Wet activity. Once the students learn about the water cycle, do the dice game to get their path through the water cycle, the use digital story telling to write their story and bring it to life. I am pretty sure Photostory is only on MacBook, but I will look for app. I think that videolicious, splice, etc... could be used as an alternative. Even google pres. Could be used. I found this lesson idea in the oetc lesson database and would to see it changed for iPads. I can see it being used in 4-6 depending on level of kids. I have done the activity with lower middle school groups as well. But more appropriate for upper elementary for sure.
Ok, this lesson would go perfectly with my Project Wet activity. Once the students learn about the water cycle, do the dice game to get their path through the water cycle, the use digital story telling to write their story and bring it to life. I am pretty sure Photostory is only on MacBook, but I will look for app. I think that videolicious, splice, etc... could be used as an alternative. Even google pres. Could be used. I found this lesson idea in the oetc lesson database and would to see it changed for iPads. I can see it being used in 4-6 depending on level of kids. I have done the activity with lower middle school groups as well. But more appropriate for upper elementary for sure.
Blogging and building a community of writers
After spending some time looking into lessons provided on the oetc website, I am rather impressed. There is a series of using blogs to build a community of writers lessons that look very promising. The lesson in this series has parent letter examples inSpanish and English. Wonderful resources there for blogging in general and communicating with parents. I also found an adjectives and adverbs lesson that can be tweaked to work in Gail's classroom and Kolleen's possibly. I stored these in my favorites on the site. All I have to do is figure out how to access those now and get them to teachers.
Questions:
What do I do when I find lessons I think teachers might like or can use as a jumping off point.
Do I need to read them completely.
Do the teachers want summaries?
Reflection:
The more I read the more I see we need a word processing program soon. I still think google apps is a great resource and could be used now as a filler. Why wait to teach individual skills when there is a resource? I can see us doing the adj. and adv. lesson on google apps. Hmmm.... Isn't this an option some kids might want so can work on stuff at home if slower worker and have the resources? Food for thought.
Questions:
What do I do when I find lessons I think teachers might like or can use as a jumping off point.
Do I need to read them completely.
Do the teachers want summaries?
Reflection:
The more I read the more I see we need a word processing program soon. I still think google apps is a great resource and could be used now as a filler. Why wait to teach individual skills when there is a resource? I can see us doing the adj. and adv. lesson on google apps. Hmmm.... Isn't this an option some kids might want so can work on stuff at home if slower worker and have the resources? Food for thought.
Avatar Lesson
Title: Avatar Lesson
Objective: Students will...
Lesson Outline:
Internet Safety
2-3 Grade: Follow the Digital Trail
4-5 Grade: Talking Safely Online; Privacy Rules
6-8 Grade: Private and Personal Information; Secret Sharer; Top Secret; Which me should I be; Trillion Dollar Footprint; Oops I broadcast it on the Internet
Creating an avatar with Doppel Me
Intro: One way to protect private information is to create an avatar rather than using personal photos.
Resources:
Reflection:
The only place I have had problems putting my avatar is facebook even though the DoppelMe site specifically states you can. I still need to figure this out. Also, I can't figure a way around using an email account. Although it wouldn't matter if students had the ability to edit...it seems like when I first did this on the iPad, I must have run into this same problem and moved to my computer. However, haven't been able to get my image on a student edmodo account yet using the iPad. I need to do more research. Will also talk to Gail and Ann since they are using these in their classes already.
Objective: Students will...
- Learn that the informatino they put online leaves a digital footprint or "trail"
- Reflect on how a digital footprint can be big or small, helpful or hurtful, depending on how it is managed
- Explore what information is appropriate to put online
Lesson Outline:
Internet Safety
2-3 Grade: Follow the Digital Trail
4-5 Grade: Talking Safely Online; Privacy Rules
6-8 Grade: Private and Personal Information; Secret Sharer; Top Secret; Which me should I be; Trillion Dollar Footprint; Oops I broadcast it on the Internet
Creating an avatar with Doppel Me
Intro: One way to protect private information is to create an avatar rather than using personal photos.
- After going to the Doppel Me website, follow directions to creating an avatar.
- In order to save and edit the avatar you will need an email address to register with. (Use google account)
- Now, you can use avatar where pictures are allowed on blogs, websites, edmodo, etc....
Resources:
- Internet Safety Lessons
- Doppel Me website
- Student Email Address
- iPad2 (optional)
Reflection:
The only place I have had problems putting my avatar is facebook even though the DoppelMe site specifically states you can. I still need to figure this out. Also, I can't figure a way around using an email account. Although it wouldn't matter if students had the ability to edit...it seems like when I first did this on the iPad, I must have run into this same problem and moved to my computer. However, haven't been able to get my image on a student edmodo account yet using the iPad. I need to do more research. Will also talk to Gail and Ann since they are using these in their classes already.
Regional Cadre Meeting
Today we are talking about personal learning community---PLC! Interesting to think about what we are doing to improve our own teaching and learning. Some communities that I have forgotten about include Diigo and Edmodo (which is on the to do list). Each of these provides a means to not only gather knowledge, but also affect my own teaching. I will say that since gathering a little bit of information about twitter and exploring it a little...I don't want to invest my time in this right now. I just got lost and don't see how all these people have this much time to do these entries. I suppose it would be easier with an iphone or the likes...but seriously...why? Perhaps I just need to focus on one new thing...blogging is new and I can see applications in the classroom...I will stick with this for now and put twitter on the back burner for another time. My learning curve is so high right now with other projects I really can't afford more. At least I got rid of PTC president to every one's surprise. I just can't do it all right now! :)
Friday, October 14, 2011
Another day down!
So, I added apps for Amber today and thanks to her ground work, my job got much easier! I discovered that since she had already downloaded the apps she wanted into the MacBook, all I had to do once in the app store, was select "purchased" and all the apps she wanted were there to download. I still think if we had checked the box that said "download apps wirelessly" when setting up each pad I think we could save ourselves some time. I guess we shall see. I just have to remember to make the same changes on the masters for each teacher. Don't forget that you added showme and number line to Ann's pads. Although number line isn't showing up. Still more to work on...need to begin doing things on the iPad rather than desktop. Joy!?!?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Google Forms Assessment Tool
Lesson Title: Using "Flubaroo"
Objective:
Standard:
Lesson Outline:
Resources:
Reflection:
I love that this script also allows for re-scores if needed. In addition, under the "form" tab you have the option of looking at the answers given in graphical form by selecting "show summary of responses". Other things to remember, all questions highlighted in orange are those that were answered with 70% or lower accuracy. This will help to identify area that may need to be covered or covered again. This seems like it would make more traditional formal assessment much easier. I can see easily converting my basic tests, worksheets, mini-quizzes, and warm-ups to this thus making grading much more efficient for me--I suppose I could just sit there at the computer and write scores down for the grade book. Too bad it isn't linked to a grade book for me!
Objective:
Standard:
Lesson Outline:
- Using google "forms" create an pre- or post-assessment using only multiple choice questions. Within these questions be sure to include a text question for the person's name and another for email address so scores can sent to each person following scoring.
- Once form is complete either post URL on website/Edmodo/blog/etc... or email form directly to people through the "Email this form" or " More Actions" button at the top right side of the screen. Example
- Complete the form yourself--when filling in your name use "teacher" and mark only the correct answers. This will be used as the key when you apply Flubaroo.
- In your menu options you will select "Flubaroo" when students are finished.
- A pop-up titled "Flubaroo--Grading step 1" will pop up. Here you have to decide for each test item you must decide whether it is worth one point, not graded or identifies the student. Hit continue.
- During "Flubaroo--step 2" you will be asked to select the "key". Hit continue.
- Then grading occurs.
Resources:
- Flubaroo: to download this script you must be in your form you will assess. Under the "tools" tab at the top select "script gallery". Next, on the left hand side there is a subheading titled "education". Flubaroo is the fourth option in the list on the right.
Reflection:
I love that this script also allows for re-scores if needed. In addition, under the "form" tab you have the option of looking at the answers given in graphical form by selecting "show summary of responses". Other things to remember, all questions highlighted in orange are those that were answered with 70% or lower accuracy. This will help to identify area that may need to be covered or covered again. This seems like it would make more traditional formal assessment much easier. I can see easily converting my basic tests, worksheets, mini-quizzes, and warm-ups to this thus making grading much more efficient for me--I suppose I could just sit there at the computer and write scores down for the grade book. Too bad it isn't linked to a grade book for me!
Techno Savvy
What a week! Once again my head is full of ideals and more on the "to do" list! Let me think this all out....
3-2-1
Three things I will take away from the last two days:
3-2-1
Three things I will take away from the last two days:
- How to create a google form as a multiple choice formal or informal assessment and then use a script "Flubaroo" function to score this assessment and send scores to students. The key is to include only multiple choice questions, a spot for students to include their email, an entry as "teacher" which will be used as the "Key" and to turn off the "autocomplete". Finally, I love that the spreadsheet will highlight the questions that average under 70% correct to alert the teacher that more review is necessary! Love it!
- Seeing the teachers all together and excited about what they were hearing and doing! I loved watching Amber and Kolleen go outside and take a very creative and artfully balanced picture for our staff and school intro. (I need to see if we were ever able to get it up!?!?)
- More time to sit down and collaborate with my colleagues--although still not enough.
- How the new iSO5 is going to change things and how that in turn affects our syncing/roll out process?
- Exactly how dropbox works and with what types of files...google apps is looking better and better every day...but why aren't things more compatible...Apple seems so much more advanced and with it!
- TIME to COLLABORATE
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Conferences galore!
Wow! What a whorl wind these last three weeks have been! I have learned so much in such a little bit of time it is incredible. Obviously enough to land me sick in bed with a head cold last week and another sinus headache today! The last conference we attended was the state technology cadre. Perhaps what surprised me the most was that Jeremy hardly said a word...the presenters actually had to engage him in conversations.
As much as he intimidates, me I have to say I love listening to him talk! I learn so much from the pilferia of information that spews forth from his mouth! While attending this conference I learned about several apps that might be of use in our classrooms: Storybird (web based tool), Splice, Dropbox, Evernote, and Show Me. Jeremy's ideas for how to use Show Me are incredible--he uses it for monitoring progress by having students do a quick assessment during class, using it as an exit ticket--such as tell me a question you still have or show/play an answer to a specific question he gives, etc.... Show me is an app that allows users to record audio while drawing or adding pictures to a whiteboard. I love the idea as a quick formative assessment tool to see if students were able to meet the goals for the lesson or even provide an avenue to privately convey messages to the teacher. What he does is set up a separate google account and use that to set up Show Me. Then students email all show me creations to that account for the teacher to retrieve or just show the teacher as a quick check! Love it! I have to admit I was jealous when Gail pulled up a chair right beside him and was soaking it in...but I guess I got to do that at the coaches training and perhaps I will do that again this coming week. See what else I can gleam from him. :)
Storybird is a storybook creation tool with real illustrations that students can use. The illustrations are great! Originally I thought that this was only good for elementary teachers, but after reading "Dieing to be thin" I have to say this is a great tool for all ages. I was very impressed with the capabilities of this as well. Not only can students create books either through inspiration of the pictures or theme as well as basic storyline. You can collaborate with another person--they write one page, then you, then them, then you, etc.... I was surprised when the presenter said you could use it to isolate specific skills--we were assigned to pick a picture and then write an alliteration that went with it. She also mentioned focusing on sentence structure, fluency, writing introductions, etc.... I think I need to ask Gail more about what she is looking for when looking at sentence fluency....
Ok, I need to finish my dishes and get to bed.... I will head back to Weston tomorrow and image the rest of the ipads (which will go smoothly) and then see about imaging Kolleen's set again. I tried to do this for Ann last Tuesday...not sure it is going to go as fluid as we hope...I think we should have checked the "automatically sync apps" in each ipad. Will talk to Joe tomorrow about this and hopefully find out why number line didn't go onto Ann's when I tried to resync them Tuesday.
I am off...more tomorrow...ok friday...we have football tomorrow. Go ROCKETS!
As much as he intimidates, me I have to say I love listening to him talk! I learn so much from the pilferia of information that spews forth from his mouth! While attending this conference I learned about several apps that might be of use in our classrooms: Storybird (web based tool), Splice, Dropbox, Evernote, and Show Me. Jeremy's ideas for how to use Show Me are incredible--he uses it for monitoring progress by having students do a quick assessment during class, using it as an exit ticket--such as tell me a question you still have or show/play an answer to a specific question he gives, etc.... Show me is an app that allows users to record audio while drawing or adding pictures to a whiteboard. I love the idea as a quick formative assessment tool to see if students were able to meet the goals for the lesson or even provide an avenue to privately convey messages to the teacher. What he does is set up a separate google account and use that to set up Show Me. Then students email all show me creations to that account for the teacher to retrieve or just show the teacher as a quick check! Love it! I have to admit I was jealous when Gail pulled up a chair right beside him and was soaking it in...but I guess I got to do that at the coaches training and perhaps I will do that again this coming week. See what else I can gleam from him. :)
Storybird is a storybook creation tool with real illustrations that students can use. The illustrations are great! Originally I thought that this was only good for elementary teachers, but after reading "Dieing to be thin" I have to say this is a great tool for all ages. I was very impressed with the capabilities of this as well. Not only can students create books either through inspiration of the pictures or theme as well as basic storyline. You can collaborate with another person--they write one page, then you, then them, then you, etc.... I was surprised when the presenter said you could use it to isolate specific skills--we were assigned to pick a picture and then write an alliteration that went with it. She also mentioned focusing on sentence structure, fluency, writing introductions, etc.... I think I need to ask Gail more about what she is looking for when looking at sentence fluency....
Ok, I need to finish my dishes and get to bed.... I will head back to Weston tomorrow and image the rest of the ipads (which will go smoothly) and then see about imaging Kolleen's set again. I tried to do this for Ann last Tuesday...not sure it is going to go as fluid as we hope...I think we should have checked the "automatically sync apps" in each ipad. Will talk to Joe tomorrow about this and hopefully find out why number line didn't go onto Ann's when I tried to resync them Tuesday.
I am off...more tomorrow...ok friday...we have football tomorrow. Go ROCKETS!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
First Roll Out Done!
Well, we finally got something right! We were able to image 120 iPADS in about four/five hours yesterday! Pretty amazing to see--but typing in the repetitive numbers and codes was draining. I think I was very energized for the first three hours then I hit a wall and my brain quit working. Perhaps the biggest hurdle this time was the fact that not all the codes on the cart we used (Ann's) wanted to go into the iPADs for syncing. I talked to Gail and she has experienced a similar thing on her cart when charging. As a result, we will make sure each teacher has some extra cords to manually connect each pad to the computer rather than the cart for servicing. It felt good to hand each teacher a box or two of their ipads and know that our part in the roll out is almost done! Fhewwwww! State cadre here we come! Can't wait!
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Talk about a flat tire....
Roll out Day 1!
Joe and I arrived at WMS around 8:30 AM in order to accomplish two things. First, we wanted to meet with each teacher and get a feel for how things are going and build a schedule for rolling out the iPAD2s. Second, we wanted to create use our updated image from Gail's class and copy it to each of the five macbook accounts.
As with all great laid plans there are always pot holes and road blocks. Instead of pot holes and road blocks we actually discovered the bridge was out in some cases and that the pot holes were actually sink holes the size of a barge. Least to say we didn't quite accomplish what we set out to do. Don't get me wrong...the meetings with teachers went great--better than great! It was the iPAD2s that caused us trouble. Ok, Joe and I (mainly Joe) worked through them and now know what not to do! Ultimately, we discovered that we had to build a fresh, unblemished master iPAD2 for each itunes account (associated with each macbook). These would then become our master back-up for all future edits. Being the ESTJ that I am, I took copious notes on how to complete this process and was assigned to create these masters for each macbook at home over the next day. So far things have been going well! I went through Kolleen's and Amber's to see what we missed and double checked the restrictions. As I was doing this I had Gail (on Facetime) check a couple settings at the school! iPAD #2 happened to be the one she grabbed and instantly she was asked for a password and it appeared apps were trying to sync wirelessly. This is something Joe and I have been confused about--some pads try to do it and some don't. In addition, we thought we had turned off all the settings for this when registering ipads--low and behold, I found a button in the restrictions under "Store" that needs to be turned off. On some ipads we had turned that off (as we found out checking others in Gail's room) and others we hadn't. It felt good to be able to process why some were and some weren't trying to sync wirelessly. Now we need to decide is we want this or not. It seems like it would be nice--but would it not work if the ipads are close to other teachers' macs. Still some experimenting to do!
Well, back to work. I need to get around for my substitute job this afternoon. I will finish the other two masters when I return.
Joe and I arrived at WMS around 8:30 AM in order to accomplish two things. First, we wanted to meet with each teacher and get a feel for how things are going and build a schedule for rolling out the iPAD2s. Second, we wanted to create use our updated image from Gail's class and copy it to each of the five macbook accounts.
As with all great laid plans there are always pot holes and road blocks. Instead of pot holes and road blocks we actually discovered the bridge was out in some cases and that the pot holes were actually sink holes the size of a barge. Least to say we didn't quite accomplish what we set out to do. Don't get me wrong...the meetings with teachers went great--better than great! It was the iPAD2s that caused us trouble. Ok, Joe and I (mainly Joe) worked through them and now know what not to do! Ultimately, we discovered that we had to build a fresh, unblemished master iPAD2 for each itunes account (associated with each macbook). These would then become our master back-up for all future edits. Being the ESTJ that I am, I took copious notes on how to complete this process and was assigned to create these masters for each macbook at home over the next day. So far things have been going well! I went through Kolleen's and Amber's to see what we missed and double checked the restrictions. As I was doing this I had Gail (on Facetime) check a couple settings at the school! iPAD #2 happened to be the one she grabbed and instantly she was asked for a password and it appeared apps were trying to sync wirelessly. This is something Joe and I have been confused about--some pads try to do it and some don't. In addition, we thought we had turned off all the settings for this when registering ipads--low and behold, I found a button in the restrictions under "Store" that needs to be turned off. On some ipads we had turned that off (as we found out checking others in Gail's room) and others we hadn't. It felt good to be able to process why some were and some weren't trying to sync wirelessly. Now we need to decide is we want this or not. It seems like it would be nice--but would it not work if the ipads are close to other teachers' macs. Still some experimenting to do!
Well, back to work. I need to get around for my substitute job this afternoon. I will finish the other two masters when I return.
Friday, September 16, 2011
First TIID Training
These first two days of training were quite a eye opening adventure! Although I already knew about the different personality types (Myer-Briggs inventory) it was a great reminder of each and how it affects both coaching and teaching.
For the last ten years I have really focused on how it affects my students, but since I have quit teaching and moved into a mentoring position, my focus has needed to change! Interestingly enough, I found day two to be the best when it came to learning how to use this information to promote more productive coaching relations, but not detailed enough. I learned that our technology coach and I are complete opposites when it comes to work and that the biggest insult I or anyone else could ever do is to do his work for him. Fortunately I was grouped with him quite a bit (due to being opposites) and learned quite a bit about him. We also practiced dealing with coaching scenarios and were given some great tools to use when coaching other personality types.
As for my role in this grant program I think my job can be identified as an instructional coach. I find it interesting that many of the larger school districts don't have both the technology and instructional coach positions. Instead in many cases a classroom teacher is fulfilling one of these positions as well as the project director. Not to mention that we are very far ahead of other districts. In some cases the schools haven't even placed the order for the equipment and in others the teachers have just received their pads to play with. None of the students have the equipment yet! Good to know.
Finally, I know were concerned about ideas for lesson plans. On October 12, 2011 teachers will get this information. I think since we will have 7 people at this meeting it will be very important to divide up amongst the break out content sessions and then reconvene to share what we learned. Because some schools have laptops and others have iPAD2s there will be sessions that include apps and web 2.0 tools. In our case, I hope that our teachers will realize that they need to be using both of these tools rather than trying to replace web 2.0 tools with apps. The free apps aren't there to do this and we would really be giving up on some great resources if we did this.
I am looking forward to learning more about this and have found that the teach.oetc.org/coach site has a link to lesson plan ideas from past grantees. I will be exploring this site very soon. We also did a lot of video creation and although I forgot to ask what program was used to by other groups to make theirs, I did learn of quite a few worth exploring. Two I think we can use include Splice and Videolicious for iPAD2! Check it out!
For the last ten years I have really focused on how it affects my students, but since I have quit teaching and moved into a mentoring position, my focus has needed to change! Interestingly enough, I found day two to be the best when it came to learning how to use this information to promote more productive coaching relations, but not detailed enough. I learned that our technology coach and I are complete opposites when it comes to work and that the biggest insult I or anyone else could ever do is to do his work for him. Fortunately I was grouped with him quite a bit (due to being opposites) and learned quite a bit about him. We also practiced dealing with coaching scenarios and were given some great tools to use when coaching other personality types.
As for my role in this grant program I think my job can be identified as an instructional coach. I find it interesting that many of the larger school districts don't have both the technology and instructional coach positions. Instead in many cases a classroom teacher is fulfilling one of these positions as well as the project director. Not to mention that we are very far ahead of other districts. In some cases the schools haven't even placed the order for the equipment and in others the teachers have just received their pads to play with. None of the students have the equipment yet! Good to know.
Finally, I know were concerned about ideas for lesson plans. On October 12, 2011 teachers will get this information. I think since we will have 7 people at this meeting it will be very important to divide up amongst the break out content sessions and then reconvene to share what we learned. Because some schools have laptops and others have iPAD2s there will be sessions that include apps and web 2.0 tools. In our case, I hope that our teachers will realize that they need to be using both of these tools rather than trying to replace web 2.0 tools with apps. The free apps aren't there to do this and we would really be giving up on some great resources if we did this.
I am looking forward to learning more about this and have found that the teach.oetc.org/coach site has a link to lesson plan ideas from past grantees. I will be exploring this site very soon. We also did a lot of video creation and although I forgot to ask what program was used to by other groups to make theirs, I did learn of quite a few worth exploring. Two I think we can use include Splice and Videolicious for iPAD2! Check it out!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
IPAD roll out!
What an amazing experience--the kids are so comfortable with the ipads already! It amazes me how different kids are from adults...they have so much more experience in technology and far less fear! It is funny to me that they still want everything spoon fed to them though, but if prompted to explore and figure it out for themselves they will with much less frustration than adults. (This spoon feeding seems to be a direct result of our traditional teaching methods used for many decades--is this slowly beginnign to change? :)
Already I have found that the students are teaching us rather than us teaching them! They are quick to discover alternative ways to accomplish tasks and in many ways, much simplier methods--which any adult would like. For example, I don't have to double click the square button when holding down the on/off button to take a screen shot--I just have to hold it once (it being the square button). Nice to know.
As for syncing...it isn't that hard just time consuming since we will have to manually touch each pad in order to turn off some restrictions prior to syncing and then turn them back on afterwards so students can't purchase apps. This isn't what we had hoped...but it just means teachers will not want to sync very often due to time constraints. At this point once a month is looking doable--knowing that it will take additional time from either your own time before or after school and/or your prep period. Unless you can hire a tech guy/gal to do this...and what school has this lately with the economy the way it is? I can see this as a problem for all schools as they try to implement more technology nationwide.
Already I have found that the students are teaching us rather than us teaching them! They are quick to discover alternative ways to accomplish tasks and in many ways, much simplier methods--which any adult would like. For example, I don't have to double click the square button when holding down the on/off button to take a screen shot--I just have to hold it once (it being the square button). Nice to know.
As for syncing...it isn't that hard just time consuming since we will have to manually touch each pad in order to turn off some restrictions prior to syncing and then turn them back on afterwards so students can't purchase apps. This isn't what we had hoped...but it just means teachers will not want to sync very often due to time constraints. At this point once a month is looking doable--knowing that it will take additional time from either your own time before or after school and/or your prep period. Unless you can hire a tech guy/gal to do this...and what school has this lately with the economy the way it is? I can see this as a problem for all schools as they try to implement more technology nationwide.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Avatar Somewhere!
Ok, I managed to get my avatar onto my igoogle account and onto the blog! Yeah me! Now, where would teachers use it? Also, I still need to figure out how to get it on Facebook!
Dopple Me!
So I finally got my avatar to attach somewhere--to my eblogger account. If you go to Doppleme.com you can make avatars for free. Although it provides links to add to facebook and igoogle, I still haven't been able to accomplish either one of these! Also, I can get the http language for websites as well as copy and paste the picture of my avator into my pictures folders, but can't seem to get it anywhere else. There has to be a more user friendly way of getting this onto stuff the kids can use. I hope that Joe can help me with some of this. I am going to google my questions and maybe I can come up with a solution. Also, I recommended this site to all those in the group and hope they will register so I can get some coinage to "purchase" new accessories! Hee, Hee! If I figure this out we can use it as a lesson in the classroom.
So I finally got my avatar to attach somewhere--to my eblogger account. If you go to Doppleme.com you can make avatars for free. Although it provides links to add to facebook and igoogle, I still haven't been able to accomplish either one of these! Also, I can get the http language for websites as well as copy and paste the picture of my avator into my pictures folders, but can't seem to get it anywhere else. There has to be a more user friendly way of getting this onto stuff the kids can use. I hope that Joe can help me with some of this. I am going to google my questions and maybe I can come up with a solution. Also, I recommended this site to all those in the group and hope they will register so I can get some coinage to "purchase" new accessories! Hee, Hee! If I figure this out we can use it as a lesson in the classroom.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Waiting Game
I am loving being TOSA for this project! I have always wanted to be part of a PLC, and this is what this process has felt like so far. Being able to colaborate with teachers of like mind and interest is so rewarding for me. In many of the educational environments I have been a part of recently, I have felt like the cheese standing alone. This job is perfect for me at this point in my life and career! It not only allows me to use my strengths, but also work on my weaknesses. That is a great feeling in and of itself.
So far I met with all parties involved. I have spent a lot of time research apps for use in the classroom, brainstorming how this year is going to play out, and beginning the first steps to setting up our model iPAD2! Unfortunately, it is now the waiting game....
As a stay-at-home mom (and now part-time working girl), I find that I am working at all hours of the day! When I say all hours I mean all hours! This is perhaps the most difficult part of this job--as well as a chance to work on one of my weaknesses--patience.
Because I am not in a classroom working full time, I am able to utilize my time throughout the day to work on my assignments. Unfortunately, when I come across questions that I need answered they often aren't responded to as quickly as I would like so I can continue working. This is of no fault of anyone else, just a fact that everyone else is busy at the moment and I have to learn to be patient and continue working on other assignments while waiting. This is perhaps one area I would like to work on so that I am not spinning wheels at home. I don't know that regular office hours or check-ins would help. It would be nice to know that I can always get ahold of someone when I need it. Food for thought. Anyway, luckily, I am GREAT at multitasking and writing my own "to do lists"! (check out the tasks on my calendar!)
Speaking of which I should get back to preping the walls for painting! I am patiently waiting for Joe to tell me what account to use to officially download apps and create the first template for our first 12 prototypes! Go Jimmy Neutron!
Until later....
So far I met with all parties involved. I have spent a lot of time research apps for use in the classroom, brainstorming how this year is going to play out, and beginning the first steps to setting up our model iPAD2! Unfortunately, it is now the waiting game....
As a stay-at-home mom (and now part-time working girl), I find that I am working at all hours of the day! When I say all hours I mean all hours! This is perhaps the most difficult part of this job--as well as a chance to work on one of my weaknesses--patience.
Because I am not in a classroom working full time, I am able to utilize my time throughout the day to work on my assignments. Unfortunately, when I come across questions that I need answered they often aren't responded to as quickly as I would like so I can continue working. This is of no fault of anyone else, just a fact that everyone else is busy at the moment and I have to learn to be patient and continue working on other assignments while waiting. This is perhaps one area I would like to work on so that I am not spinning wheels at home. I don't know that regular office hours or check-ins would help. It would be nice to know that I can always get ahold of someone when I need it. Food for thought. Anyway, luckily, I am GREAT at multitasking and writing my own "to do lists"! (check out the tasks on my calendar!)
Speaking of which I should get back to preping the walls for painting! I am patiently waiting for Joe to tell me what account to use to officially download apps and create the first template for our first 12 prototypes! Go Jimmy Neutron!
Until later....
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