Looking for to jazz up that same old project? Feel like you have been doing the same thing year in and out! Here are two ways to integrate multiple content areas while building creativity and incorporating technology. For the sake of this post we are going to use the 4th grade Mission project as our lesson that needs a new twist. Instead of having students create a model of their Mission using tools like cardboard, pretzels and twigs let them create a 3D model using an app. Sketchup is a free 3D modeling app by Google. It is intuitive, easy to learn and fun! Google offers great training videos that students can access on their own while creating their design. Another great modelling app is MineCraftEdu. You have probably heard of it, as MineCraft it is very popular with students. What you might not have known is that there is a version of the app for educational usage. The education version has a custom mode, which is a customized modification of the game, that allows teachers to make the game more effective and focused. There are also many how to videos available on YouTube for this game but chances are your students already know how to use this one. There are also great resources for teachers starting with MineCraft Teacher blog that offers a list of other resources or the MineCraftEdu site. Check out these final products!
Sketchup example:
MineCraftEdu Example:
Of course these apps can be adapted for many other uses, I am sure you can think of one right now! The added benefit is that when using either of these tools kids are using math skills like proportion and scale. They also will need to understand and properly use the X, Y and Z axis. They will be introduced to building and architecture materials and terms, all while playing a game for homework.
Showing posts with label K-5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label K-5. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Monday, November 18, 2013
AirServer: Project your iPad screen
If you are using iPads in your classroom, whether you only have one for yourself or you have iPads for your students as well, you have probably wished you could display the iPad screen using your projector. AirServer is an inexpensive way for you to do just that. It is a software application that you install on your computer (Mac or PC) so you can send your iPad display to the computer and from there to a projector or interactive whiteboard.
You can model for students and display your content, but you can also quickly and easily share content from students. AirServer supports multiple connections at one time, so you can have more than one student sharing ideas and/or work with the rest of the class.
Other features that you will appreciate include a true full screen display (Reflector, a similar software application, shows a wide border around the display when mirroring content), optional password protection (useful to prevent teachers/students in nearby classrooms from accidentally sending content to your computer), and the ability to easily identify your computer on the network.
AirServer offers a free one-week trial. The application costs $11.99 for 3 licenses or $3.99 each when purchased in groups of 10 or more. For more information, visit airserver.com.
You can model for students and display your content, but you can also quickly and easily share content from students. AirServer supports multiple connections at one time, so you can have more than one student sharing ideas and/or work with the rest of the class.
Other features that you will appreciate include a true full screen display (Reflector, a similar software application, shows a wide border around the display when mirroring content), optional password protection (useful to prevent teachers/students in nearby classrooms from accidentally sending content to your computer), and the ability to easily identify your computer on the network.
AirServer offers a free one-week trial. The application costs $11.99 for 3 licenses or $3.99 each when purchased in groups of 10 or more. For more information, visit airserver.com.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Blogs vs. Wikis
As many of you think ahead for the up coming school year, one thing that teachers who are wanting to explore something new in their classrooms is an online tool that their students can use. We hear the buzz words of different tech tools all the time, and blogs and wikis come up often. What's great about both of them is that they are simple tools to use and have longevity of use...a project could last as short or long as you want them. So what are the differences? Which one should you use? Rather than explain it to you through written text, try checking out the videos below and see how they are demonstrated. Also, why reinvent the wheel, right?
What is a Blog? What is a Wiki? Also, check out this blog post on " 5 Ways You Can Use Wikis With Students"
Monday, April 29, 2013
Blabberize it!
Looking for a new way for students to showcase their biographies or a creative way to present their research? Blabberize.com is a great tool that will allow students to do just that.
This site allows students and/or teachers to upload a picture of one to multiple people or animals, record their voices, and create mouth movements to match the voice of the recording. It's an engaging way for students to speak as if they are a historical figure or an endangered species...and so much more.
Check out this video tutorial on how to use this tool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEtUu1r8Pe4
This site allows students and/or teachers to upload a picture of one to multiple people or animals, record their voices, and create mouth movements to match the voice of the recording. It's an engaging way for students to speak as if they are a historical figure or an endangered species...and so much more.
Check out this video tutorial on how to use this tool:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEtUu1r8Pe4
Monday, March 18, 2013
Take Advantage of Me, Please!
As an elementary media specialist, part of my job is to help teachers bring their old lessons and projects into the 21st century by adding a technology component. Many times, teachers are hesitant to ask because they are afraid that using technology will be more difficult, create more work, and take more time. Please believe me when I tell you that it doesn’t have to be that way.
Any new technology will have a learning curve, but the elementary media specialists are here to be your guide and help you up the slope so it isn’t so steep. You need only have the courage to ask.
For example, one of the teachers at Chaparral, Barbara Fitzner, came to me and told me she wanted to make a movie of her students to share with parents, but wasn’t sure how to do it. It turned out to be easy and the result was adorable (see below). We are already planning on how to make it even better for next year. If you have an idea of a project you would like to transform, don’t be shy! Take advantage of your media specialist and ask her to help. You'll be glad you did.
Any new technology will have a learning curve, but the elementary media specialists are here to be your guide and help you up the slope so it isn’t so steep. You need only have the courage to ask.
For example, one of the teachers at Chaparral, Barbara Fitzner, came to me and told me she wanted to make a movie of her students to share with parents, but wasn’t sure how to do it. It turned out to be easy and the result was adorable (see below). We are already planning on how to make it even better for next year. If you have an idea of a project you would like to transform, don’t be shy! Take advantage of your media specialist and ask her to help. You'll be glad you did.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Student Webpages for Portfolios & More
Student webpages can open up a world of learning for you and your students. During my first year teaching I piggybacked on the work of a colleague who had students create webpages with links to all of their classes to showcase their work. I continued this practice throughout my time in the classroom as I saw few projects bring a greater sense of accomplishment and pride than their webpages.
Through Google Sites I created a homepage as an example for my students, but it has transformed over the years. I started posting assignments, videos and pictures related to the class or my students on the website. I used the student webpages to show exemplar work, generally yielding better student projects. (Through Google Analytics I have discovered that people all over the world visit my webpage! My entrepreneurial spirit wonders how I can capitalize on this.) Now my webpage is a home to some professional documents and resources.
When I helped my 11th and 12th grade students create the pages I taught them about cyber safety and encouraged them to use their online portfolio as they started applying for jobs and to colleges. Students also used their webpages to complete group projects, and were able to collaborate on their assignments real-time, even if they couldn’t get together by using Google Drive.
Webpages aren’t only for secondary students. Last year Round Meadow’s George Hees had his students create webpages through Weebly. The privacy feature that requires a password to enter the students’ site is one of the features that appealed to him about Weebly over Google. He too has created his own page, which he uses as an alternative to the teacher webpages provided by the district, to communicate to his students and their families. Check out some of the student’s webpage below at the end of this post.
The student directions for creating a webpage either through Google, or Weebly are attached. You will likely need to change the directions to fit your class. (Thank you for sharing George!)
*Note: If you decide to have your students create webpages you may want to inform their parents.
Student directions for creating a Weebly.
Student directions for creating a Google Site.
Through Google Sites I created a homepage as an example for my students, but it has transformed over the years. I started posting assignments, videos and pictures related to the class or my students on the website. I used the student webpages to show exemplar work, generally yielding better student projects. (Through Google Analytics I have discovered that people all over the world visit my webpage! My entrepreneurial spirit wonders how I can capitalize on this.) Now my webpage is a home to some professional documents and resources.
When I helped my 11th and 12th grade students create the pages I taught them about cyber safety and encouraged them to use their online portfolio as they started applying for jobs and to colleges. Students also used their webpages to complete group projects, and were able to collaborate on their assignments real-time, even if they couldn’t get together by using Google Drive.
Webpages aren’t only for secondary students. Last year Round Meadow’s George Hees had his students create webpages through Weebly. The privacy feature that requires a password to enter the students’ site is one of the features that appealed to him about Weebly over Google. He too has created his own page, which he uses as an alternative to the teacher webpages provided by the district, to communicate to his students and their families. Check out some of the student’s webpage below at the end of this post.
The student directions for creating a webpage either through Google, or Weebly are attached. You will likely need to change the directions to fit your class. (Thank you for sharing George!)
*Note: If you decide to have your students create webpages you may want to inform their parents.
Student directions for creating a Weebly.
Student directions for creating a Google Site.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Friday Mornings at Starbucks and Google Translate
Two years ago I discovered teachers from Lupin Hill Elementary and LCMS meet Friday mornings 7:00 a.m. at the Starbucks on Las Virgenes Rd. I try to attend these gatherings each week.
This morning a third grade teacher was explaining how she is using Google Translate with a new student who speaks almost no English. The student is from China and speaks Cantonese. The teacher is able to speak in English and Google translates her speech to Cantonese writing. Rapid learning is taking place for both the student and teacher. Cheers to our teachers who are embracing technology tools to do what ever it takes to foster a learning environment.
Each week I learn about great things happening at these school sites. I often bring ideas and concerns back to our EdTech team from our teachers working with students. We are off to a great start of the new year.
Cheers.
This morning a third grade teacher was explaining how she is using Google Translate with a new student who speaks almost no English. The student is from China and speaks Cantonese. The teacher is able to speak in English and Google translates her speech to Cantonese writing. Rapid learning is taking place for both the student and teacher. Cheers to our teachers who are embracing technology tools to do what ever it takes to foster a learning environment.
Each week I learn about great things happening at these school sites. I often bring ideas and concerns back to our EdTech team from our teachers working with students. We are off to a great start of the new year.
Cheers.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Web 2.0 Tools for Each Subject and Grade-level
Escondido Union School District has put together a comprehensive list of links, broken down by grade level and subject, with web 2.0 tools. It has so many resources...so why reinvent the wheel?
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