Tech Tip:
When you first begin a more technology focused classroom, whether 1:1; blended instruction or online learning, the change can quickly become the focus. However, there are many aspects of good instruction and lessons that you are already doing that can easily be enhanced with technology. We don't always have to reinvent the wheel, just make use of the flashy new rims that enhance the experience! Today, the shared tips and examples demonstrate how teachers allowed the implementation of 1:1 to enhance lessons and tools already used previously. The emphasis is how students are moved to the roles of creators and innovators as they begin to own their learning.
Our Award-winning, Division 1 rating marching band provides a great example. The Director, Mr. Robert Gras, has used a subscription software called Pyware to developed 3D drills and programs for years. Using a SmartBoard, he could demonstrate to the students the program that they would learn. This year, with each student in pocessions of an iPad, the 3D instruction moves out to the field with the student. Each student can view the video, identify their place in the program, and have visual replication of their movements. The video is then available for student review at any time.
Maximizing Google
As ACS has integrated Google Apps, many teachers are moving lessons and assignments that were stored on the network to the cloud. Here is a helpful settings tip that will allow your uploaded documents to be converted to the Google Doc format automatically.
Featured App
Haiku Deck is a free iPad app presentation software. Their motto is to make presentations "simple, beautiful and fun. There are unique features in Haiku Deck that change the way that students view presentations. The greatest advantage is the limit on the text per slide, forcing students to think visually, with highlighted overviews or objectives instead of paragraphs of information. Images are searchable by keyword or phrase or personal photos can be uploaded. The example below demonstrate how teachers took a lesson that they already used at the beginning of the school year and made it a creative activity that is quickly and easily completed. In French classes, Madame Bokhari has students create mini-biographies as an ice breaker. Access to creativity tools, such as an iPad and Haiku Deck app, turn this ice-breaker in to a one day activity. Meet Georges:
In U.S. History, Mr. Ranger introduces his students to the curriculum using Billy Joel's song "We Didn't Start the Fire". This year, with every student having a research and creation tool in their hand, the introduction was followed by research to be presented to the class. In only two days! Students were assigned historical events mentioned in the song lyrics and were required to give an introduction of the topic in their presentation. On day three, here is an example of what was created:
Twitter Friday Follow
Brad (@dreambition), a Tech Ed Consultant from Jackson County, has not only written an app, he has a weekly newsletter "Free Apps Friday" (sign up here) that provides reviews and recommendations for free apps. Relevant articles, tutorials and experience are the items most often found in his tweets.
Library News
Conversion to the library learning space continues. Collections are being shifted to align with learning spaces as well as seated conversation and work areas. We are officially using a Google Form QR code for library sign in. Please remind your students that Mr. Dobbs does cross reference sign in with passes! Library science students can assist students that need help with the location change of collections.
Recommendations this week are in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. All are available in the library collection.
No comments:
Post a Comment