Technology Tip Tuesday: December 17, 2013

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Skype (in the classroom)

To review this resource, I will give it the "FRAGALE 5."

 

1. What? (A brief overview of what the resource does)

According to the Skype in the Classroom website, Skype is a software that allows you to speak to, see and instant message other people who have Skype accounts wherever they are in the world. It is an application you download which allows you to make calls and send messages via the internet. In the classroom, Skype can be used to collaborate with other classes, no matter where they are; find guest speakers and invite them into your classroom; and take a virtual field trip anywhere in the world.

2. Who? (Audience, which grade levels can really benefit from this resource?)

Skype can be used in every classroom. In our school, classes have held “Mystery Skype” lessons, collaborated across the globe, and even taken a virtual field trip to the Channel 5 News Studio! This is NOT a resource for only upper grades – it is really for everyone J

 

3. Where? (In what learning context would this resource be relevant?)

Below, I have listed some ways to use Skype in the classroom. This is just a sample of some ways to use the resource, but really the possibilities are endless!

·         “Mystery Skype” - a lesson in geography, research, and collaboration to determine the location of the class with which you are Skyping.

·         Virtual Field Trip - visit a zoo, museum, explore oceans, mountains, and faraway places – no money, buses, or parent permission forms required!

·         Guest Speakers - connect with an author, historian, or an expert of some kind to learn more about a particular subject.

·         Literature Circle - meet with another class to discuss a reading assignment.

·         Story Hour - be the readers or the listeners in your own online “Story Time.” I’ve seen this used for ‘Read Across America’ on Dr. Seuss’s Birthday and one idea that I absolutely LOVED was having a “Grand-Friends and Fairytales Reading Hour,” a time for elementary classes and elderly people in the community to connect and share with each other.

 

4. Why? (How can this REALLY help me?)

Using Skype in the classroom can really transform the way you reach children. It has the possibility to take students places they have never been and teach them in ways that seemed impossible. It is FREE which just makes everything better, and with the use of AirServer, Skype can be projected on your interactive whiteboard without any cords!

5. How? (Basic instructions)

The following link directs you to a basic “getting started” packet for Skype in the classroom:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5GoWygcrC1RdnVHRVptWEhiNTQ/edit?usp=sharing

 

If you are interested in a one-on-one or small group tutorial, please schedule a meeting with me at your convenience - simply fill out a Technology Coach Request form on my website (https://sites.google.com/site/reestechcenter/teacher-technology-center-requests).

In closing, I will leave you with a video that gives a brief introduction to a “Mystery Skype” lesson from a Connecticut news program. Enjoy, and have a great holiday J

Technology Tip Tuesday: December 10, 2013

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: AirServer

 

To review this resource, I will give it the "FRAGALE 5."

1. What? (A brief overview of what the resource does)

According to the website, AirServer is an AirPlay receiver for Mac and PC. It allows you to receive AirPlay feeds, similar to an Apple TV, so you can stream content or Mirror your display from your iOS devices or Macs running Mountain Lion or Mavericks. In regards to the classroom, AirServer allows teachers to show content and to the class and engage students using an iPad. With AirServer you can wirelessly beam your iPad display to your Mac or PC and from there to your projector or interactive whiteboard. This gives you the freedom to move around the class with your iPad in hand. * AirServer also supports multiple simultaneous connections, so one or more students could mirror their iPads to share their ideas and their work with the rest of the class.

2. Who? (Audience, which grade levels can really benefit from this resource?)

All grade levels can benefit from using AirServer. If you use the iPad in that subject area, you will LOVE AirServer. This could be anything as basic as a game to a higher order thinking “product creation” app like Educreations or VoiceThread.

3. Where? (In what learning context would this resource be relevant?)

This resource would really work in any learning context. AirServer could display a math problem solving app during one part of your day. Later, AirServer can allow the teacher to move around the classroom while displaying a dramatic presentation of a text in reading. Furthermore, AirServer gives teachers the ability to FaceTime and Skype using the projector, thus involving the entire classroom and allowing them to actively participate.

4. Why? (How can this REALLY help me?)

AirServer gives teachers the freedom to move around the room (manage behavior!) while manipulating the interactive whiteboard. In this regards, the iPad becomes like a slate giving the classroom projector access to all of the wonderful tools that you can use on the iPad.

5. How? (Basic instructions)

 

You can find a starter guide for AirServer here. I will be activating every class’s AirServer account if I haven’t already done so. During this time,  I will also give you a tutorial. If I have not already done so, please schedule a meeting with me at your convenience - simply fill out a Technology Coach Request form on my website (https://sites.google.com/site/reestechcenter/teacher-technology-center-requests).

In closing, I will leave you with a video that gives a brief introduction to AirServer. Enjoy, and have a great week J

 

 

 

Technology Tip Tuesday: December 3, 2013

APP OF THE WEEK: Educreations

To review this resource, I will give it the "FRAGALE 5."

1. What? (A brief overview of what the resource does)

According to the website, Educreations is a recordable interactive whiteboard that captures your voice and handwriting to produce video lessons that you can share online. Students, colleagues, parents, and really anyone (given a permission like a login or a link) can replay your lessons in any web browser, or from within our app on their iPads.

2. Who? (Audience, which grade levels can really benefit from this resource?)

All grade levels can benefit from using Educreations. This product creating app is fantastic for both students and teachers to use. It is fairly user friendly, and, in our school, I have personally seen Kindergarten, Third, and Fifth really utilize this wonderful resource.

3. Where? (In what learning context would this resource be relevant?)

This resource would really work in any classroom as a way for teachers and students to create presentations, therefore demonstrating higher level thinking. Also, this resource could be a great way to keep track of classroom instruction, providing you with the opportunity to then upload the lesson onto a blog for student review.  This could give absent students access to missed instructional time and even differentiate for struggling learners.

4. Why? (How can this REALLY help me?)

This app is an easy and effective way to boost student interest and activate genuine excitement about learning. Also, this technology will help teachers organize teaching and differentiation, a great way to show just what a dedicated teacher you are. In addition to personally created presentations, there is also a public directory (http://www.educreations.com/browse/) that displays other teachers’ presentations from which you can borrow and use to address the wide range of learners in our classrooms.

5. How? (Basic instructions)

 

You can find a starter guide for Educreations here (http://www.cvisd.org/cms/lib/TX01001642/Centricity/Domain/23/PDF/educreations.pdf).  I am also available to give you a tutorial at your convenience - simply fill out a Technology Coach Request form on my website (https://sites.google.com/site/reestechcenter/teacher-technology-center-requests). In all honesty, there are some little quirks with Educreations. To create a lesson, you MUST record audio and the lesson must be completed in one sitting. You are NOT able to save and finish the work at a later time. However, with a little practice and patience, Educreations can really become a favorite app in the classroom.

In closing, I will leave you with a video that gives you a hands-on look at Educreations in a first grade classroom. It’s pretty amazing! Enjoy J

 
*BONUS LESSONS LISTED BELOW*

- Here is a link to a sequencing activity for Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? that uses Educreations. Pretty neat! http://zigzaggingedtech.blogspot.com/2013/09/brown-bear-educreations-task-card.html

- Here is a link to a Kindergarten Math Activity using Educreations to demonstrate proficiency in CC standard K.MD.A.2 to describe and compare measurable attributes in which they compare to see which group has more than or less than. http://www.iteachwithtechnology.com/2013/10/ipad-lesson-educreations-math-for.html?spref=tw

 

 

 

 

Skype EXCITEMENT!

This week, in addition to LOVING Google Drive, I have fallen in love (again) with Skype. Skype in the Classroom is amazing, just an overwhelmingly fantastic resource for educators. As an ELA teacher, however, one assignment really struck a chord with me - A Skype Chat with an Author! How amazing would that be - you read a book and then have an interactive lesson where you are able to interview the author. This virtual field trip would be amazing for all grade levels. Below, you will find a link to a list of authors who are willing to participate in this activity. ENJOY!





 Link to Skype Available Authors! 

Technology Tip Tuesday (on a Wednesday): November 20, 2013

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Google Drive (formerly known as Google Docs)

 

 

To review this resource, I will give it the "FRAGALE 5."
 

1. What? (A brief overview of what the resource does)
According to Google, Google Drive (in particular, Apps for Education) provides "free web-based email, calendar & documents for collaborative study anytime, anywhere." Furthermore, the "website and document creation tools offer real-time editing, powerful sharing controls, and seamless compatibility – an ideal environment for learning in the 21st century." *For more infomration, go to this link.

2. Who? (Audience, which grade levels can really benefit from this resource?)
Really all grade levels can use this, though I see it especially beneficial for older students who can collaborate, give feedback, peer review, and even complete group work all stored in one location.

3. Where? (In what learning context would this resource be relevant?)
This resource would really work in any classroom as a teacher can create a class account and store student documents, quizzes, polls, blogs, etc. This brings parents, students, and teachers together for easy access and input. Participants can work together to learn, review, assess, and even create.

4. Why? (How can this REALLY help me?)
The graphic below gives 12 different ways a teacher can use Google Drive in the classroom. I love the idea of using Google Drive for rubrics (create a form, answer the questions to assess a writing piece, then all answers are automatically stored in a handy spreadsheet that Google automatically creates for you - aka AMAZING!).

5. How? (Basic instructions)
You can find a starter guide for Google Drive here. I am also available to give you a tutorial at your convenience - simply fill out a Technology Coach Request form on my website (https://sites.google.com/site/reestechcenter/teacher-technology-center-requests). I used Google Drive to create my website, request forms, and even this blog! Needless to say, I am a big fan and continually amazed by the possibilities with Google.

In closing, I will leave you with this little video to peak your interest and get you pumped up about collaboration with Google Drive:

 

Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving break. I know I am QUITE thankful for this wonderful opportunity to be the Technology Coach at River Eves Elementary, an incredible school!

Technology Tip Tuesday (on a Wednesday): November 13, 2013

App of the Week: EVERNOTE

 

 

To review this app, here is your "Fragale 5":

 

1. What? (A brief overview of what the app does)
Evernote allows you to keep track of information in any environment using whatever device you find most convenient (phone, iPad, computer, etc.), and makes this information accessible and searchable at any time, from anywhere. Using Evernote, you can quickly jot notes, create to-do lists, clip entire Web pages, manage passwords, record audio, and take pictures. Everything added to Evernote is automatically updated on all devices and even searchable. Currently, I use it on my computer, iPad, and iPhone - it's easy and amazing!

2. Who? (Audience, which grade levels can really benefit from this app)
Everyone can benefit from Evernote! In the classroom, Evernote would be great for keeping track of behavior concerns, RTI information, even a Writing Portfolio ("notebooks" in Evernote can be shared with the public or with individuals).

3. Where? (In what learning context would this app be relevant?)
Every teacher can easily download this app on his or her iPad (and/or phone) and keep it for quick reference. I created a mock RTI notebook in my account to take notes on behavior, snap a quick shot of student work, record a seating chart, anything that can serve as evidence. Each notebook can be private and only visible to you as well.
 

 (Mock RTI folder with student names and notes)

 

In conjunction with Penultimate (an app that is already installed on the student iPads), the iPad becomes a piece of paper upon which a student can draw pictures, write sentences, etc. These can easily be saved to your account, and you easily have assignments without printing anything!
 

(Penultimate folder shows student work that is drawn or written like a piece of paper)

 

 

(Penultimate writing assignment that includes teacher feedback using an easy recorded response.

Then, this can be shared with parents!)

4. Why? (How can this REALLY help me?)
As a teacher, I always had trouble keeping track of those little pieces of paper where I would jot behavior notes, concerns, papers that indicated a weakness that should be addressed. Now, with Evernote, all this information is easily stored and accessible. Plus, as a writing portfolio, both teachers and parents can have access to student work from anywhere! Pretty amazing!
 

 

(Mock writing portfolio that can be shared with public or individuals)

5. How? (Basic instructions)
You can find information on how to get started using Evernote here. I am also available to give you a tutorial at your convenience - simply fill out a Technology Coach Request form on my website. It really is amazing, and a great way to lose the post-its and little scraps of paper, and get digital!

In closing, I will leave you with a video to show you a little about Evernote in the classroom. Thanks for reading, and good luck with Evernote!

 



Technology Tip Tuesday (on a Wednesday): November 6, 2013

APP OF THE WEEK: Nearpod

 

 

 

To review this app (and all apps in the future), I will give this App the "FRAGALE 5."

1. What? (A brief overview of what the app does)
Creates interactive presentations for students - teacher controls from iPad, student follows along on device or computer.

2. Who? (Audience, which grade levels can really benefit from this app)
Really all grade levels can use this - particularly good for quick, easy formative assessment.

3. Where? (In what learning context would this app be relevant?)
This app would probably work best in a learning center classroom - students rotate through activities and this app could give the teacher the possibility of being wireless while controlling what students see on theirs screens.

4. Why? (How can this REALLY help me?)
As a teacher, I always struggled with the formative assessment and really keeping track of my data. Nearpod takes the stress away as students track their answers in the device or computer and results are then sent to the teacher. Fun for students while teacher does not have to grade all of those "Tickets out the door."

5. How? (Basic instructions)
You can find a starter guide for Nearpod here. I am also available to give you a tutorial at your convenience - simply fill out a Technology Coach Request form on my website (https://sites.google.com/site/reestechcenter/teacher-technology-center-requests). At the end of the month, I will be holding my inaugural Friday Focus Breakfast where I will be going into more detail on Nearpod. More information to follow concerning this, but I sure am excited!

In closing, I will leave you with this little video to peak your interest and get you pumped up about Nearpod:

 

Have a great week :)

Welcome!

Thank you for visiting the River Eves Elementary School Technology Coach's Corner! Please stop by frequently as I will use this space to review apps and web-related resources. If you have any questions or concerns, you may use the "Technology Coach Request" form on my website, or simply email me, Lizzie Fragale, at Fragale@fultonschools.org. 


"AS EDUCATORS WE SHOULD HELP FACILITATE GOALS AND HELP CAST A VISION FOR STUDENTS THAT WILL, NOT ONLY, STRETCH THEIR IMAGINATIONS, BUT ALSO THEIR BELIEFS REGARDING WHAT IS POSSIBLE…" - Sam Pabon