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

• 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

2. Love the idea of using edmodo to promote writing.  Fits in nicely with our grant goals.  By creating a group perhaps with subgroups you can do small group discussions; allow students to share assignments or projects and get feedback="peer review group"; allow groups to prepare for presentations or debates by sharing info (no other groups can see each other's small group discussion); use these groups for differentiation; book clubs (go global and find another class that will read the same book through the LA communities group) and so much more. 

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.

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!

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!

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.

1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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...

"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!"

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!"

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

Avatar Lesson

Title:  Avatar Lesson
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

Standard:  NETS-S (2007):  1a, 1d, 2b, 2d, 3d, 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a
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. 

1. After going to the Doppel Me website, follow directions to creating an avatar.  
2. In order to save and edit the avatar you will need an email address to register with.  (Use google account)
3. Now, you can use avatar where pictures are allowed on blogs, websites, edmodo, etc....

Resources:

1. Internet Safety Lessons
2. Doppel Me website
3. Student Email Address
4. 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!  :)

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!?!?

Google Forms Assessment Tool

Lesson Title:  Using "Flubaroo"
Objective:
Standard:
Lesson Outline:

1. 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.
2. 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
3. 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.  
4. In your menu options you will select "Flubaroo" when students are finished.
5. 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.
6. During "Flubaroo--step 2" you will be asked to select the "key".  Hit continue.
7. Then grading occurs.

Resources:  

1. 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:

1. 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!

2. 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!?!?)
3. More time to sit down and collaborate with my colleagues--although still not enough.

Two things I still need more information on:

1. How the new iSO5 is going to change things and how that in turn affects our syncing/roll out process?
2. 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!

One thing I wish we still had more of:

1. TIME to COLLABORATE

Here is the link for this professional development:  http://teach.oetc.org/arra

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!