It's the end of THIS Session

Even though it may be the end of this class session, learning never ends. I have been able to learn how to utilize my technology in a manner that I will be able to benefit from as a consumer, collaborator and professional. These traits will create a technology rich environment for my students as well as an efficient one for me.

In this last week, I tried something new. As part of my final project, instead of creating a brochure, presentation, Google Drive Form, etc, I utilized Screencast-O-Matic. Screencast-O-Matic is a free site that anyone can use to create a recording. These recordings can be of just the screen, just the webcam, or you can create a dual view! I created a screen cast recording of my Pinterest account as utilized for the purpose of collaboration with friends and professionals. Even though I utilize Pinterest as a way to organize multiple hobbies and just "fun things', I use Pinterest for a lot of classroom purposes as well.

As you can see...

...I have a pinning problem...

In any case, back to Screencast-O-Matic. One down side that I did encounter - after finishing my video, I went to attempt to upload it through a website and I was informed that the size was too large. So, to YouTube it was! There I easily uploaded it and here it is!

I am positive Screencast-O-Matic will become easier to use the more I get used to it. Now, to figure out a way to implement it into the classroom! The kids will love this!

Social Media and 21st Century Learners

Today's learners are Techies!! Lets face it, if I have a problem with my computer or iPad or even iPhone, there's no need for me to reach out and wait for tech support, I have 20 specialists sitting right in my classroom! With this technology come a great amount of responsibility. To incorporate technology into the classroom requires that students understand how to stay safe. This can be applied through all social media outlets as well. Education of students and internet safety begins early. The following is a video put out by Toshiba. Even though it is an ad, this is a great video that can be pulled apart and analyzed by teachers with their students one topic at a time.

Social Media Safety

By educating students on how to utilize technology and social media sites responsibly, students and educators can have FUN!!!

Collaborating across digital media has never been easier. One amazing tool (that can also help you keep all of our thoughts organized) is Pinterest. I use this site like crazy! I have boards after boards of ideas flowing. Two recent tools that I have started researching and subsequently established new connections and boards for is Project Based Learning and STEM projects. Project based learning incorporates real world applications into the classroom. These connections only allow students to create a deeper understanding for the content being presented. Furthermore, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) allows educators to bring together all subjects into one core topic. A wonderful resource can be located at Defined STEM. By setting up for an account, users can browse topics and receive ideas for projects that can be brought back into the classroom. 

Below are two great links for Project Based Learning and STEM sites to find resources and pre-made plans!

                                      

Google Calendar and ClassDojo

Let's face it, a teacher's desk can sometimes become a black hole of assignments, meeting announcements, permission forms, calendars, etc... In the digital age, Google Drive allows educators, and any other disorganized individual, become organized.

One tool that I use is Google Calendar. Here I am able to create a specific school calendar, a personal calendar, my son's school calendar and a calendar for my husband's work schedule in one tidy place. Even better, I can share one, or all, of these calendars with the public or specific individuals. Furthermore, I can embed a school calendar on any website such as our classroom page so that parents can keep current on what is going on in the district, school and specific classroom.

The following is a video that introduces a couple of cool calendar add ons that will help with time tasks.

Digital classroom management tools can come in handy! ClassDojo is such a tool. This positive behavior management tool is able to be projected on Smartboards or on individual iPads. Furthermore, parents can also log in and receive messages or reminders on their student. There are several ways to implement ClassDojo in a classroom. 

In a blog by Flap Jack Educational Resources, the author, Tabitha Carro, presents her tools and methods of implementing ClassDojo in her classroom. Additionally, she gives links to free materials to get the system established. Another blog, Tales From Outside the Classroom, shows how ClassDojo was implemented as a Token Economy as well. ClassDojo is very flexible and can be utilized for several age groups.

Google Drive

I have already stated in several posts now that my local district utilizes Google Docs and the educational venue Google Classroom. A primary reason why we utilize this network is due to the availability to collaborate across many outlets!

In case you have never collaborated with Google Drive, here is a webinar recently completed in January of 2015 by Eric Curts of SPARCC EdTech:

The following graphic shows several ways that Google Drive can be utilized within the classroom:

Finally, Google Docs/Drive does not have to be used just for the classroom. There are so many uses for this network within everyday operations. In fact, if you simply search for Google Templates, you can find an endless supply of pre-made templates that can help you organize your life! Check out a hot list of 50 Google Templates here!

Schoology vs. Google Classroom

Our classroom currently uses a collaborative learning network Google Classroom. This system easily allows students to collaborate on projects and submit their work to the educator. The only catch is that this program is not accessible to students or teachers who do not have an Educational Docs account and it is a service that you have to purchase.

This week I learned more about two unique alternatives: Edmodo and Schoology. Both of these systems would seamlessly transition into the classroom with my students. And even better, both programs are FREE!!! Again, what teacher doesn't love that four letter word?!

Personally, I prefer Schoology. I feel like the interface is easier to manipulate and I really like the grade-book and attendance functions. The only complication is that the documents that I currently access through Google Docs cannot be transferred onto the system. Here is a quick graphic on how Schoology and Google Classroom features compare.

So, what is Schoology and how does it work?

The following video is a Hangout with Dr. Will Deyamport of GEG Mississippi, Robert Schuetz and Michael Fricano II. Here they discuss the comparisons between using Schoology vs. Google Classroom. I really enjoyed this seeing as how our district is currently spending quite a bit of money on our Google accounts for all students throughout the district. 

In short, I will definitely be implementing Schoology within my learning community regardless of the district I am in!

Social networking beyond Facebook

When a student hears the words "Social Networking" their immediate thoughts go to Facebook and Twitter. Well, they would be 50% correct. Effective classroom networking can still incorporate Twitter! Students are able to have discussions and collaborate with other students from around their area, state, nation and the world. Networking isn't just for the professionals anymore. Students can have the same access to the outside world and apply real world scenarios through the guidance of their classroom teacher. In an article from Educators Technology, they have listed 50+ Ways to use Twitter in the classroom. The article can be found here. But is a quick list!

• Bulletin borads
• Assignment coordination
• Parent Communication
• Partnering with other classrooms
• Gathering real-world data
• Follow the government
• Communicating with Experts
• Class newspaper
• Bring characters to life
• Inspirational quotes of the day

To get an even better idea on what Twitter in the Classroom would look like, check out this video!

And in a final thought:

Teachers, welcome to Diigo! I cannot believe that I did not know about this sooner!! A resource that helps you to organize all of those essential website and PDF bookmarks as well as collaborating with other educators! I have already put all of my math files on Diigo and now, off to do my Reading, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Character Counts, Professional Learning, Leadership Training, MTSS/IEP...you get the point. I love how I can easily place tags on each site and then share these resources with other teachers in a variety of groups. 

Now, if you are like me and have never heard of Diigo before, you can download it here. Also, here is a great video on how to implement it effectively! ENJOY!

Bookmarks Galore...NO MORE!

I'll admit it, I have way too many tabs on my Google Chrome bar. However, by utilizing Feedly and RSS (Really Simple Syndication), I will be able to store the sites that I visit the most in a clearly organized manner, AND, I can access from anywhere! It never fails, at least twice a year I will lose my tabs on my menu bar. Now I will not have to panic to locate my favorite sites or locations where I find much of my supplemental materials. The Kansas College and Career Ready Standards really require that educators think outside the box when it comes to locating relevant materials for the classroom. Locating Education Blogs to assist with ideas can be a great way to connect with other educators and locate materials ready to be implemented with little prep time.

RSS and Feedly are simplistic in their design and use! I love how this video relates RSS to Pinterest for News and Blogs! Just like my menu bar is packed with links, my Pinterest is packed with a variety of boards. I had no clue that RSS has been this long. WHY DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS SOONER?!