Here is a link to an interesting article I read today. It's worth a read!
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/digital-divide-technology-internet-access-mary-beth-hertz
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Flubaroo + Google Forms = Homerun
Tired of grading quizzes? Would you like immediate results for students? Want more plan time?
Flubaroo and Google Forms are the ticket to more time to plan instruction and less time to spend of grading! The results will be inserted on a new sheet on your form and results can be e-mailed to students.
It's simple, fast, and FREE!
Here are a few quick steps:
1. Create the quiz using Google Forms. Add three questions at the beginning of the survey: first name, last name, and e-mail address.
2. Take the quiz. Your results will be the answer key.
3. Go back in to Google Docs. Open the Form.
4. Click on Insert > Script > Flubaroo
5. You will see a new tab appear on the spreadsheet called Flubaroo.
6. Click on Flubaroo > Grade Quiz. Click Yes to enable the script. Then click Flubaroo> Grade Quiz again.
7. Answer the on screen prompts.
8. Your quiz should be graded and results ready for you to view!
Need some help? Check out the Flubaroo website at http://www.flubaroo.com/
Flubaroo and Google Forms are the ticket to more time to plan instruction and less time to spend of grading! The results will be inserted on a new sheet on your form and results can be e-mailed to students.
It's simple, fast, and FREE!
Here are a few quick steps:
1. Create the quiz using Google Forms. Add three questions at the beginning of the survey: first name, last name, and e-mail address.
2. Take the quiz. Your results will be the answer key.
3. Go back in to Google Docs. Open the Form.
4. Click on Insert > Script > Flubaroo
5. You will see a new tab appear on the spreadsheet called Flubaroo.
6. Click on Flubaroo > Grade Quiz. Click Yes to enable the script. Then click Flubaroo> Grade Quiz again.
7. Answer the on screen prompts.
8. Your quiz should be graded and results ready for you to view!
Need some help? Check out the Flubaroo website at http://www.flubaroo.com/
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Dropping Bricks
What makes someone embrace a new technology tool?
Every two years my cell phone is eligible to be upgraded. Each time I am forced to learn a whole new set of tools in order to communicate effectively with this new phone. First came texting, then taking and sharing photos, and now with the release of iPhone4GS last week, Siri!
If educators would be forced to refresh and re-tool with instructional technology in the classroom every two years like we must with cell phone plans, we would be blazing trails into the 22nd century and beyond!
We all cling to the comfort of the old, afraid to drop the heavy old tools we are so familiar with and embrace a collaborative 21st Century tool. By clinging to old technology and not venturing out to try new things, we become weighted down just like carrying a load of bricks where ever we go. If we were to try to jump weighted down with bricks, we do not have the ability to leap for the sky.
As an example, I took a bold new move several years ago when I abandoned my brick of MS Word and took my bold leap into Google Docs.
It started after I had attended the ISTE conference and learned about this new tool. I was at a meeting in school where most people were taking notes in Word, a few even with paper and pencil. I jumped in with a new Google Doc and shared it with one of my colleague's. As the meeting progressed, we together took notes, added links, and even shared ideas by instant messaging on the side of the doc. It ROCKED! When I left the meeting, my notes were not only complete, but the doc was shared with all the people in the room! Everyone had the power to add more content to this document and the doc is always available in the cloud for everyone to access anytime.
Then and there I knew this was a game changer for workflow productivity. The power of many brains on one document was revolutionary. Imagine how teacher collaboration could be transformed if everyone were using Google Docs.
Taking that first step to incorporate a new tool into my routine is vital to continual growth and learning. I am constantly dropping bricks so I can bounce higher and higher into the 22nd century!
I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and dropped the brick of MS Word. Letting go and re-tooling is a must. It’s up to you, are you ready to drop a brick and bounce with me?
Every two years my cell phone is eligible to be upgraded. Each time I am forced to learn a whole new set of tools in order to communicate effectively with this new phone. First came texting, then taking and sharing photos, and now with the release of iPhone4GS last week, Siri!
If educators would be forced to refresh and re-tool with instructional technology in the classroom every two years like we must with cell phone plans, we would be blazing trails into the 22nd century and beyond!
We all cling to the comfort of the old, afraid to drop the heavy old tools we are so familiar with and embrace a collaborative 21st Century tool. By clinging to old technology and not venturing out to try new things, we become weighted down just like carrying a load of bricks where ever we go. If we were to try to jump weighted down with bricks, we do not have the ability to leap for the sky.
As an example, I took a bold new move several years ago when I abandoned my brick of MS Word and took my bold leap into Google Docs.
It started after I had attended the ISTE conference and learned about this new tool. I was at a meeting in school where most people were taking notes in Word, a few even with paper and pencil. I jumped in with a new Google Doc and shared it with one of my colleague's. As the meeting progressed, we together took notes, added links, and even shared ideas by instant messaging on the side of the doc. It ROCKED! When I left the meeting, my notes were not only complete, but the doc was shared with all the people in the room! Everyone had the power to add more content to this document and the doc is always available in the cloud for everyone to access anytime.
Then and there I knew this was a game changer for workflow productivity. The power of many brains on one document was revolutionary. Imagine how teacher collaboration could be transformed if everyone were using Google Docs.
Taking that first step to incorporate a new tool into my routine is vital to continual growth and learning. I am constantly dropping bricks so I can bounce higher and higher into the 22nd century!
I am glad that I stepped out of my comfort zone and dropped the brick of MS Word. Letting go and re-tooling is a must. It’s up to you, are you ready to drop a brick and bounce with me?
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
We are creatures of habit.
For example, if a student sits in a chair on the first day of school, the student will return to that same chair the next day expecting to find it empty. The same thing happens in a restaurant, once a person finds a favorite item on the menu, they order it over and over again.
Technology is like a new menu item in the restaurant. Technology tools are on the menu of items to choose from, but are often times overlooked for the comfort of a tried and true lesson just like that new food item on the menu that may tantalize the taste buds but will never be ordered over the comfort food that is known to be delicious.
Stepping out of the comfort zone means to take a risk. It means to move forward on a path that is not predicable. It means to invest time. It means to become a learner and not know all the answers. It is uncomfortable. It takes courage.
“Older people sit down and ask, 'What is it?' but the boy asks, 'What can I do with it?'.”
Steve Jobs.
Be the learner today. Start with one new technology tool. Learn it, create with it, and integrate it into your daily workflow. It will feel uncomfortable at first, like being in an elevator with a bunch of strangers, but before long it will become as natural as sending a text.
“In times of profound change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
~ Eric Hoffer, American social writer
For example, if a student sits in a chair on the first day of school, the student will return to that same chair the next day expecting to find it empty. The same thing happens in a restaurant, once a person finds a favorite item on the menu, they order it over and over again.
Technology is like a new menu item in the restaurant. Technology tools are on the menu of items to choose from, but are often times overlooked for the comfort of a tried and true lesson just like that new food item on the menu that may tantalize the taste buds but will never be ordered over the comfort food that is known to be delicious.
Stepping out of the comfort zone means to take a risk. It means to move forward on a path that is not predicable. It means to invest time. It means to become a learner and not know all the answers. It is uncomfortable. It takes courage.
“Older people sit down and ask, 'What is it?' but the boy asks, 'What can I do with it?'.”
Steve Jobs.
Be the learner today. Start with one new technology tool. Learn it, create with it, and integrate it into your daily workflow. It will feel uncomfortable at first, like being in an elevator with a bunch of strangers, but before long it will become as natural as sending a text.
“In times of profound change, the learners inherit the earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.”
~ Eric Hoffer, American social writer
Monday, October 17, 2011
Skype Resources
Skype is a free downloadable software that lets you do voice and video calls combined with instant messaging for free. The possibilities of Skype to flatten your classroom are endless. Here are a few ideas followed by resources you may be interested in!
1.Interview authors, astronauts and other amazing individuals from around the world.
2.Collaborate with classrooms, businesses and more in multi-disciplinary projects.
3.Explore a volcano, rain forest, or history museum in virtual field trips with experts in the field or even share your field trip experiences with others.
4.Practice conversational foreign languages with native speakers.
5.Provide additional support for students needing extra attention or unable to come to class.
6.Invite a guest lecturer from leading educators and experts from anywhere in the world.
7.Explore foreign cultures first hand with classroom to classroom video conferencing.
8.Broadcast a performance or project to parents and families unable to make it to school.
9.Access and share professional development opportunities with educators on the go.
10.Collaborate with innovative educators to plan units, lessons, and more.
Resources:
1. Using Skype at School for Dummies: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/using-skype-at-school.html
2. Skype in the Classroom. This article offers help on ways to set up Skype, tips for finding other teachers on Skype, technical obstacles, and more. http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/skype-in-the-classroom.html
Here are a few ways to connect with others using Skype in classrooms and to promote education.
1. ePALS. Sign up for a free account here, then find other teachers and classes around the globe using Skype. http://www.epals.com/
2. Skype an Author Into Your Library or Classroom. This site will connect schools with authors through Skype. Short sessions are free, while longer sessions are subject to a fee set by each author. http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/
3. Skype in Schools. List yourself or find others in this directory just for educators seeking Skype collaboration. http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/w/page/11008318/FrontPage
4. Skype in the Classroom – The EduSkypers Phonebook. Scroll through these comments to find other teachers from around the world looking to connect through Skype. The most recent are at the very end of the list. http://skypeintheclassroom.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/lets-build-a-community/#comments
5. Global SchoolNet. This organization works to connect teachers and students around the world through forensic science programs. Browse to find something of interest or start your own project. http://www.globalschoolnet.org/
6. Around the World with 80 Schools. This teacher is hoping to connect schools around the world through short Skype sessions. http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/01/03/around-the-world-with-80-schools/
7. Skype in the Classroom. Join this community to find other teachers seeking Skype connections.
http://maculspace.ning.com/group/skypeintheclassroom
8. Mixxer. This group helps connect language learners seeking partners to practice their language skills via Skype. http://www.language-exchanges.org/
Teachers and parents can benefit from Skype in the classroom, too.
1. Professional development. Teachers can use Skype to access professional development opportunities, such as watching conference presentations.
http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2008/03/02/podcast231-global-voices-using-synchronous-and-asynchronous-voip-applications-for-worldwide-classroom-collaborations/
2. Share students’ work with parents. Let parents get a first-hand look at what their children are doing with Skype.
3. Conference with parents. Whether a parent has to miss a regular conference or a concern comes up that requires speaking with a parent, Skype can provide an opportunity to connect with a parent that may not otherwise be available for a conference.
4. Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents. See how this teacher helped share information with parents using Skype and the PBS program, Growing Up Online.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/?campaign=pbshomefeatures_1_frontlinebrgrowinguponline_2008-01-23
5. Collaborate with other teachers. Who says Skype has to be fun just for the kids? With Skype, teachers can collaborate on ideas, projects, and more.
http://coordinator2.wordpress.com/2007/05/13/skype-for-teachers/
6. Share travel experiences. If you will be traveling during the school year, arrange for your substitute to connect with you via Skype and you can share the experience with your class.
7. Receive teaching feedback. Have an experienced or mentor teacher watch you teach via Skype and receive valuable feedback.
8. Be available to students. If your school is suddenly closed for a while or if you want to set up conference hours for students, use Skype to allow students to contact you.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/25/nation/4188033&sec=nation
9.Bring busy parents into the classroom. A busy parent who has knowledge to share with the classroom may be more likely to be able to make the time for a presentation if she or he can do so with Skype rather than having to leave work and come to the school.
1.Interview authors, astronauts and other amazing individuals from around the world.
2.Collaborate with classrooms, businesses and more in multi-disciplinary projects.
3.Explore a volcano, rain forest, or history museum in virtual field trips with experts in the field or even share your field trip experiences with others.
4.Practice conversational foreign languages with native speakers.
5.Provide additional support for students needing extra attention or unable to come to class.
6.Invite a guest lecturer from leading educators and experts from anywhere in the world.
7.Explore foreign cultures first hand with classroom to classroom video conferencing.
8.Broadcast a performance or project to parents and families unable to make it to school.
9.Access and share professional development opportunities with educators on the go.
10.Collaborate with innovative educators to plan units, lessons, and more.
Resources:
1. Using Skype at School for Dummies: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/using-skype-at-school.html
2. Skype in the Classroom. This article offers help on ways to set up Skype, tips for finding other teachers on Skype, technical obstacles, and more. http://www.wtvi.com/TEKS/05_06_articles/skype-in-the-classroom.html
Here are a few ways to connect with others using Skype in classrooms and to promote education.
1. ePALS. Sign up for a free account here, then find other teachers and classes around the globe using Skype. http://www.epals.com/
2. Skype an Author Into Your Library or Classroom. This site will connect schools with authors through Skype. Short sessions are free, while longer sessions are subject to a fee set by each author. http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/
3. Skype in Schools. List yourself or find others in this directory just for educators seeking Skype collaboration. http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/w/page/11008318/FrontPage
4. Skype in the Classroom – The EduSkypers Phonebook. Scroll through these comments to find other teachers from around the world looking to connect through Skype. The most recent are at the very end of the list. http://skypeintheclassroom.wordpress.com/2008/10/31/lets-build-a-community/#comments
5. Global SchoolNet. This organization works to connect teachers and students around the world through forensic science programs. Browse to find something of interest or start your own project. http://www.globalschoolnet.org/
6. Around the World with 80 Schools. This teacher is hoping to connect schools around the world through short Skype sessions. http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/01/03/around-the-world-with-80-schools/
7. Skype in the Classroom. Join this community to find other teachers seeking Skype connections.
http://maculspace.ning.com/group/skypeintheclassroom
8. Mixxer. This group helps connect language learners seeking partners to practice their language skills via Skype. http://www.language-exchanges.org/
Teachers and parents can benefit from Skype in the classroom, too.
1. Professional development. Teachers can use Skype to access professional development opportunities, such as watching conference presentations.
http://www.speedofcreativity.org/2008/03/02/podcast231-global-voices-using-synchronous-and-asynchronous-voip-applications-for-worldwide-classroom-collaborations/
2. Share students’ work with parents. Let parents get a first-hand look at what their children are doing with Skype.
3. Conference with parents. Whether a parent has to miss a regular conference or a concern comes up that requires speaking with a parent, Skype can provide an opportunity to connect with a parent that may not otherwise be available for a conference.
4. Innovative teacher uses Skype and Wikis to involve parents. See how this teacher helped share information with parents using Skype and the PBS program, Growing Up Online.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/kidsonline/?campaign=pbshomefeatures_1_frontlinebrgrowinguponline_2008-01-23
5. Collaborate with other teachers. Who says Skype has to be fun just for the kids? With Skype, teachers can collaborate on ideas, projects, and more.
http://coordinator2.wordpress.com/2007/05/13/skype-for-teachers/
6. Share travel experiences. If you will be traveling during the school year, arrange for your substitute to connect with you via Skype and you can share the experience with your class.
7. Receive teaching feedback. Have an experienced or mentor teacher watch you teach via Skype and receive valuable feedback.
8. Be available to students. If your school is suddenly closed for a while or if you want to set up conference hours for students, use Skype to allow students to contact you.
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/6/25/nation/4188033&sec=nation
9.Bring busy parents into the classroom. A busy parent who has knowledge to share with the classroom may be more likely to be able to make the time for a presentation if she or he can do so with Skype rather than having to leave work and come to the school.
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