Merry Christmas from The Bednareks! After break, I will be holding after school sessions on Macbook usage, Haiku, and google drive/apps (more?). I am working out the scheduling yet to try and avoid as many conflicts as possible. I will also be using the recent survey results to initiate contact with those who expressed a need/desire for more tech PD.
Hope your break is wonderful and enjoy your time off to re-charge. Merry Christmas!!
This week's blog is not necessarily something you will use in your classroom. This was originally written to share with parents through school newsletters, but it applies to anyone so I thought I would share:
If you are like my family, you fill up your camera, tablet, or phone with pictures and videos during the holidays. You want to cherish these memories for years to come, but you also don’t want to have these photos and videos taking up valuable space on your devices.
Here is where ‘cloud storage’ comes in. Cloud storage means that you can upload your photos or videos to a web-based site that will store your photos for easy access from any device. This is a safe option, because if you were to lose or break the device that has all your photos, you would in-turn lose all your photos too. Had you uploaded your photos to cloud storage, your media would be safe. There are many options to choose from when it comes to cloud storage. I have shared a few of the more popular ones with you below.
Name
Site
Max. Free Space
(Roughly 150-250 Photos per GB)
Other
Dropbox
www.dropbox.com
2GB
Can add free storage by taking surveys, connecting to Facebook, etc..
Flickr
www.flickr.com
1,000 GB
Does not upload videos automatically.
Google Drive
www.google.com/drive/
15 GB
Easy uploads to popular photo editing sites
iCloud
www.icloud.com
5 GB
Integrates with all apple products
Amazon Cloud
https://www.amazon.com/clouddrive/home
Unlimited**
** Must be an Amazon Prime member ($99/yr)
There are many other factors to consider like ease of upload, photo editing, album creation, etc. I hope you find the perfect place to store and preserve your families memories.
If you don't know what a meme is, you probably do, but just don't know the word for it. It is a picture with a caption, that usually uses sarcasm or humor to state a point. Memes are great attention grabbers, and students love them because they are familiar and simple. Also, memes are easy and fun to create. I have created a short list of uses of memes in the classroom. Classroom Rules and Expectations Need to do a refresher on your classroom rules or expectations? How about a short powerpoint full of memes. The message gets across, the humor keeps the students engaged, and with the right facilitating, a quality discussion could result. You could print memes as posters and post around your room. Here are a few examples:
Reinforce Class Content
There are many memes out there that related to your curriculum if you search for them. You can create a meme for anything as well. A relevant meme can excite and engage students. Here are a few examples of memes that reinforce content.
Math:
Science:
Social Studies:
ELA:
Formative Assessment
You could have students create a meme relating to course content as a way to assess learning. After teaching a lesson on digital literacy, a student in my class created this meme:
How to Make Your Own Meme
There are apps available on the chrome store like memecreator or Meme Maker, but really I found the easiest way to create a meme is using Google Draw. All you have to do is insert the image you want, and then write your caption using WordArt or a text box. It really is easy. Sometimes, I give my students the caption, and have them find a picture. Sometimes, I give them a picture and a topic and ask them to write a caption. My kids love creating them, and actually were creating them for fun during free time as well.
Thanks for reading and have a nice weekend!
HEY, Tech This Out....
Name: GoNoodle
Type: Site
Subject: Health/Wellness
Grade: K-5, Special Ed??
What it does: Has a variety of 'get moving' videos that you put up on your projector that you can use to get your kids active between activities. The more you use it, the more you unlock, so kids get excited about upgrading characters and activities.
My Take: If you are familiar with "Just Dance" or similar games, this is kind of the concept. Your class mirrors the screen. Kids getting a little antsy after their reading stations? 2 minutes of GoNoodle can help them re-focus for math time. Again, the more you use it, the more you "accomplish" and unlock. Kids like that they are working towards a goal. This is definitely for the younger grades, but I could see this being usable in some special ed classrooms as well.
Link: https://www.gonoodle.com/
Here is a Mrs. Bednarek's Kindergarten class using Go Noodle. What a fantastic teacher!!! (Brownie points +2)
Here is a sample Go Noodle video like you would get from the site:
I just returned from the Midwest Google Summit where I spent the last three days learning about all things google/technology. I have attended tech conferences in the past, but I always went into them with the mindset of "How can this benefit me and my science class." Now going as a tech integrator, I had a totally different outlook. I tried to pick up on anything that I felt could help someone else. I have a lot of "big" things to share with you such as certain apps/extensions/add-ons that will help make your life easier, but today I am going to share the little things that I picked up that I thought could make an immediate impact on your use of technology. Pinned Tabs If you are like me, you have a few tabs that you want open almost all the time. Maybe it is your email, or Powerschool. Maybe it is fantasy football or Target's Black Friday deals.... Whatever it is, there is an easy feature to save it as a tab on your Chrome browser. Here's how it works: - Open a tab and go to your desired site. - Right-click on the tab and choose "Pin Tab" When you do this, the tab shrinks and slides to the left of your browser. You cannot "x" out of this tab unless you right-click and "unpin tab." Even if you close your browser, it will be there when you open it back up. (Note: having pinned tabs slows down how fast your browser opens as it has to open multiple tabs). Look at this before and after of a pinned tab.
Chrome Zooming
Sometimes (especially when using a projector that affects your resolution), it is necessary to zoom in or zoom out quickly. Here are three keyboard shortcuts that allow you to do this.
"cmd +" = Zoom in (Ctrl + for PC/Chromebook)
"cmd -" = Zoom out
"cmd 0" = Return to normal.
"Awesome Tables" (and our staff directory)
I spent a lot of time learning about google sheets and more efficient ways to use spreadsheets. One of the classes I went to was on "Awesome Tables." These are pretty advanced and I am not sure if there are a whole lot of classroom uses for them, but I transferred what I learned to make an interactive staff directory. You can find it by going to the BASD website --> Staff Access--> Your School--> Staff Directory. CLICK HERE to go right there and check it out(must be logged in to berlin.k12.wi.us)!
I entered all the data into a spreadsheet, and then with a little magic I learned from a wizard at google, I created a searchable staff directory. Bookmark for easy access.
"Vitamin Strings"
This isn't really tech related, but before one of the sessions a presenter was playing some instrumental music from a group called "Vitamin Strings." They are a string quartet that plays popular songs. I play music in my class almost every day, and I know many of you do as well. I put it on in class today, and the kids first started groaning that they were listening to "Beethoven junk....". However, when they started to recognize the tunes, they kind of got into it. When the song changed, my class looked a little like "Name that Tune" as it was a race to name the song. Just thought I would share as a good way to incorporate the arts (I paid $130,000 to Ripon College so they could tell me why that is important). CLICK HERE to check out a playlist of "Vitamin Strings."
I am going to be gone the rest of this week, so I will utilize the short week next week to send out a "Tech This Out".
THE STUDENTS!!! They are the real winners because they have great teachers who are interested in giving them high quality instruction with the integration of technology. Kudos to all the teachers who responded. The students won't say it, so I will say it for them..."Thanks for working hard to create engaging, challenging lessons for me. It makes school more enjoyable, and better prepares me for my future." A special congratulations goes out to the staff at CLAY LAMBERTON!. They had the highest percentage of participation, and will be receiving their reward in the near future. I promise... Next week, I will be attending the Midwest Google Summit at the Dells, along with Dave, Adam and a handful of teachers. I look forward to sharing what we learned with you in the coming weeks. There are many sessions on different ways to use google apps for education. CLICK HERE to see a list of those sessions. There are some sessions that I have already selected and will be attending, but if you see something that you would like to know more about, let me know and I can either try to attend or at least get the handout materials. Also, take advantage of the published resources for sessions. You may get the gist just from that. In other news, I AM FINALLY ON TWITTER. I actually joined in 2011, but never got hooked into it. I didn't see a point to it and didn't want to make my life so transparent. However, I have come to see the light and will be much more active. If you have tips for a novice user, let me know. I set up an account for BASD Tech, so make sure you follow me/us. Props to Dave Reich and his awesome Twitter Feed. What a great way to connect with your students! Finally, just because the Tech Challenge is over, doesn't mean you have to stop sending me lessons or asking me for help. That is what I am here for. I look forward to diving in on the submitted lessons and working with many of you in the coming weeks. Thanks for reading and have a great weekend! Hey, Tech This Out.....
Name: TodaysMeet
Type: Site
Subject: Any
Grade: Probably more MS/HS
What it does: Creates a 'Back Channel' discussion for your class. In other words, its an online conversation that is going on at the same time as your presentation. Scary, I know...Keep reading.
My Take: I used TodaysMeet when teaching Science. I first prepped my class on what it was and why I was wanting to use it (add another way to get students to participate, limit repeat questions during presentation, Give peers a chance to support peers, etc). We set some rules on what should be posted (questions and comments regarding related class material), and what should not be posted (conversations not contributing to the learning of the material). Then, I set up the discussion on the site, and the students logged in with a code on their chromebooks. While I taught my lesson, I kept the discussion open on my iPad. It was way more productive than I thought it would be. It actually become a formative assessment for me as I could gauge their learning by the amount and substance of the questions they were asking, as well as the amount and accuracy of the peer responses to those questions. I would chime in occasionally into the discussion, but I really tried to let it be a student led discussion. The discussions often led to more in-depth coverage of the topic. You can leave the discussion open after class for students to continue the conversation when doing assignments or studying. Many are having the conversation anyway, why not embrace it (and monitor it).
I didn't use it everyday, and there were a few students who could not handle it and were removed from the discussion, but overall, I found it to be a beneficial tool. I highly recommend trying it out.
Carnac the Magnificent: "Ambitious, Bold, A little Foolish..."
ANSWER: "Name three ways to describe Bryant's latest idea, The 2nd Trimester Tech Integration Challenge!"
(Impressed a young buck like me knew about Carnac aren't you?)
Many people know November as "No-Shavember" where guys (and gals?) put their razor away for the month. I sport my auburn scruff all year long, so I needed a different conquest for the month, and that's why I decided to create a Technology Challenge.
I have had the privilege to work with many different teachers in all three buildings so far in my first few months on the job, but in an effort to reach even more, I have created a challenge that will test both you and me. (I promise, I will get to the details of the challenge soon.)
You see, I totally get that it can be hard to ask another teacher for help or for ideas. I also understand how it can be nerve-racking to have another teacher come in and get involved in your lesson planning or even your lesson delivery. Here is the big thing I want to stress: I am on your side. I am not an administrator. I am not observing you or evaluating you in any way. I am here to support your goals, and help you meet them with the use of technology.
(GET TO THE POINT BRYANT, I AM ONE MORE BAD PARAGRAPH AWAY FROM GOING BACK TO CHECKING MY EMAIL...)
Okay, Here is the challenge:
YOU:
In the next few days, you send me a lesson or project that you currently teach (hopefully during second tri, but not necessarily) that either:
a) does not use technology.
or
b) uses technology, but you think it could be changed to use technology more effectively (see SAMR in last week's blog).
You can send me information about this lesson or project by filling out the form at the end of this blog, or by simply emailing me.
ME:
What I will do, is I will spend time researching and planning a similar lesson that DOES use technology and also uses it effectively. I will then send the lesson back to you, and it will be your choice whether you decide to use it or not. There is no obligation, and you will not hurt my feelings if you decide you don't want to do it (Actually, I will probably cry myself to sleep, but that's my worry, not yours). If I feel that technology cannot improve the lesson delivery or the desired student outcomes, I will acknowledge that, as not every lesson is better with technology.
CHALLENGE:
The building with the highest participation % will win the challenge and be rewarded with a prize!! Spread the word to your colleagues to increase participation in your building!!! IN ORDER TO COUNT FOR THE CHALLENGE, ALL LESSONS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13.
You are probably thinking, Why should I do this or What is in it for me? Consider this:
There is nothing to lose. Why not see what I can come up with.
Even though I have only been on the job for just a few months, my track record is pretty good. Ask any teacher that I have worked with so far, and I am pretty confident that they will recommend trying me out. Those that have reached out for help, continue to come back.
It will save you time, since I am doing the research and planning.
I can be a part of the lesson delivery, again, lessening your load.
You might learn something that you can apply to other lessons.
It is good teaching practice to utilize the resources in your district. It also looks great when you are doing your teacher effectiveness documents to cite how you utilized resources to improve your lessons and student learning.
It is a competition, and you want the joy of winning...and the reward!
So, to recap: You send me a non-techy lesson, I try to find a way to make it techy, and give it back for you to use or discard. Get your building to participate and the winning building gets a prize (even the teachers who did not participate from that building can get the reward, but we will all stare at them in disgust as they receive it :))
An Introduction to the SAMR Model of Technology Integration
Before I get into the nitty-gritty of this week's tech blog, I want to say Happy Anniversary to my wife, Jessica. She has been very supportive of me in my new role, and for that I am very thankful. I decided to create her a little 'techy' gift, that I think all will enjoy. See it in this week's "Tech This Out".
This week, I have spent some time reading about the SAMR model, developed by Dr. Rueben Puentedura. It is a way to self-assess your integration of technology into your classroom, and works similar to a ladder. There are 4 stages: substitution, augmentation, modification, and redefinition. Dr. Puentedura suggests that the most effective integration of technology happens in the modification and redefinition stages, also known as the transformation stages. Let's look at what each stage would look like.
Substitution
In this stage, technology does not enhance the learning process, but instead replaces an existing tool or model. For example: Students are asked to write an essay with paper and pencil. In the substitution phase, they would use a word processor to type their essay. The task is the same, and there is no added benefit to using the computer.
When using technology in your classroom, you want to make sure that you are using it with a set outcome in mind, and not "just to use technology." In some circumstances, technology can get in the way when there is a simpler, non-tech way of obtaining the same outcome.
Augmentation
The augmentation stage is similar to the substitution phase, but with an added benefit involved for doing the task with the use of technology. For Example: Using a word processor to type an essay is substitution, but using the features such as changing font, spell-check, and alignment tools all are 'augmenting' the original task.
Augmentation improves the product, and possibly the means by which the product is attained. However, it does not always result in higher-level learning.
Just to check if you are reading this, the first 2 people who email me the word "SAMR" will receive a prize (past winners are not eligible).
Modification
This is the first stage that really starts to change how students learn. Dr. Puentedura says that this is when the classroom "Transforms".
The modification stage uses technology to change the outcome to one of higher level thinking (and learning). For example: Take the same essay assignment. Students could type the essay on Google docs, and then share with their peers and leave comments/feedback for each essay. The assignment has now been modified and the students are now evaluating and working collaboratively.
Redefinition
At the top stage, students would be asked to do a totally new task, that would be previously inconceivable without the use of technology. An example in this stage would be to take the concept of the essay, and have students create a video with narration, music, etc. Then, students can publish their work and provide feedback in real-time.
When looking at your own lessons, and think of how you could incorporate technology to create new outcomes that would not be possible without technology. If you want some help on ways to take your students further with the aid of technology, book a time with me and I would be glad to help you meet your desired outcomes.
Thanks for reading, and have a great week! Don't forget to check out the video below :)
Hey, Tech This Out!...
Name: Plotagon
Type: Ipad App (maybe android too?)
Subject: Any
Grade: Grade 3+
What it does: You build your characters, you choose the scene, and you enter plot and dialogue. Plotagon turns it into an animated cartoon.
My Take: This was one of the most fun apps I have played around with yet. There are some MAJOR limitations on what it can do (all people are the same height, weight, etc./Only can have 2 people in the clip at a time/Cannot add props or visual text/Only on Ipad). However, if you are wanting an alternative to a quick skit, this could be your tool. The ability to customize each character, their voice, their mood/actions, etc. are what make this a useful app. It also creates a pretty professional looking product that makes people think you spent hours when really it took minutes.
Here is a video that I created using Plotagon for my wife on our anniversary. I am sure she will love me sharing this with everyone.
*Events in the video may or may not have really happened the way they are portrayed* Also, thank you Joe Stellmacher for unknowingly co-starring.
Today, I want to bring your attention to an underutilized tool that is available in google docs. The research tool (found under the 'tools' menu) is a great way to get information quickly and insert it directly into your google doc without having to open other tabs or leave your document.
HOW IT WORKS
Let's say I am typing a report on Abraham Lincoln. In my report, I want to include the date of his assassination, but I do not know it. I can highlight the search term I want to use in my google doc ("Abraham Lincoln" or "Abraham Lincoln Assassination") and then select "Research" from the "Tools" menu. Immediately, a window opens to the right of my document that has information about Abraham Lincoln, including his assassination date, pictures, and links to websites with more information.
IMAGES
This tool works great when you decide you want to insert an image into a document as well. Instead of opening up another tab, highlight your search term and hit "Research" and immediately you have your choice of many images that you can just drag and drop into your doc. It will automatically create a footnote that cites the source for you (you can choose the format of citation). Here is a quick video to see how it works:
Other Features
In the dropdown menu at the left of the search bar (letter 'G'), you can choose to search for the following:
Everything: Text and images related to your topic from any source
Images: Images related to your topic found on the web
Scholar: Educational information related to your topic that you can read, add to your file, or cite in a footnote
Quotes: Quotes related to your topic that you can add to your file
Dictionary: Definitions, synonyms, and antonyms related to your topic
Personal: Results from your personal documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and photos that you can open, cite, or link to from your file
Tables: Data presented in tables related to your topic that you can open, cite, or export
I think students and teachers alike would benefit from knowing about this tool. Thanks for reading and have a great week! GO INDIANS!!!
HEY, TECH THIS OUT!!
WORD CLOUD GENERATORS
Name: Word it out, Wordle, ABCYa
Type: Sites
Subject: Any
Grade: Any
What they do: Take word lists or text and creates interesting looking "word clouds".
My Take: All three of these sites do basically the same thing. First, you copy a piece of text or a word list. Next, you paste it into a box, and select color schemes, fonts, and other settings. Then, the program creates a visually-pleasing arrangement of your words. Why would you do this? Maybe you are reading the declaration of independence in class, and there are some words that you want students to know. Putting the whole declaration of independence into the box, and using the built in features that eliminate certain words (and, of, the, it, a, etc.), will create a cloud that just has your base words in it (and some will make the most frequent words larger or standout). Another option is to take your weekly spelling list, word wall words, vocab list, etc. and create a different representation than a standard list that may get more attention from your students.
I found Word it Out to be my favorite, with ABCya second. Wordle works well and is quite popular, but requires JAVA which I didn't have on all my devices. I would recommend ABCya for the younger grades especially. They don't take long to create, so I recommend you experiment with all three to best fit your needs. Here is a sample using my digital literacy vocab words:
