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 :)