Having or Using Technology, What Can We Learn?

Congratulation to Patrick Ledesma on an excellent Education Week blog post, Technology Integration Isn't About Technology

In my opinion, it is so easy to get caught up in the "tech stuff" that educators can forget to "keep it simple" and focus on using whatever technology is available.  
You have to read the whole article as Mr. Ledesma connects Apple's philosophy to teachers using technology with students.  The point of the article is that having the latest gadget or fastest computer isn't as important as using what you have enhance your life and the lives of your students.  I have worked in schools with incredible hardware, software, clickers, pads, and gadgets available to teachers and students that go unused and I have worked in schools where teachers get more out of one computer than you can imagine.  

Are you using the technology that is available to you?  Do you use technology to enhance the quality of your teaching and life?  What can you do to make it more about learning process?  Let's say YES to using and not just having!

If you agree or want to challenge the ideas presented here, you can comment here or comment on Mr. Ledesma's blog post on Ed Week Teacher. 

Engaging Science with "Science Monster"

In New York State, students are preparing for the state science assessment so teachers engaging science websites has been a topic I have been discussing with teachers.  If you have a favorite, please share it in a comment.
Science Monster is a site I recently found and it offers excellent information and interactive games on a number of science topics. 

You can click the pictures or from a list at the bottom of the page.   The topics include Earth Science, Technology, Solar System, Physics, and Plants.  There are additional topics that will be added in the future.
Each topic brings you to a lesson on a topic and then to an interactive learning game.

The Technology section has good information about the Internet and future lessons will include lasers, computer viruses, nano-technology, television, and how a computer works.  Is is obvious that Science Monster is still in development, but what is there so far is worth checking out.  The site "keeps it simple"and is easy to navigate. 
Science Monster is part of Cool Math so if your students like Cool Math, they will also find Science Monster as engaging.

If you like the site, please share a comment about how you use it and what your students think of the site.  Enjoy!

Video - The Science of Learning

I am working with some high school teachers who work with challenging, at-risk students. We are working on developing active learning and I came across this video on Edutopia.

Neurologist turned teacher, Judy Willis, shares her philosophy on the science of learning in 2-3 minute video segments that discuss boredom, curiosity, focusing attention, the relationship of video games to classroom instruction, and 21st century learning. She keeps it simple in her explanations and classroom suggestions.  She offers practical examples of how you can use brain research to improve your instruction. 

Check out her video and leave a comment and let me know what you think the video.  Do you use videos like this as part of your professional learning? 

Edutopia has a number of video resources for teachers and you can search by topic and grade level.

Google Site - Picture Pizazz

I work with a number of teachers who have classroom websites using Google Sites and this week I did a presentation on Adding Pizazz to a Google Site.  One of the keeping it simple  examples I offered was to add a picture collection.  Adding pictures to Google Sites and Blogger is easy and I usually insert a number of pictures to my blog posts.  However, when you want a collection of images, formating can become unwieldy so here is my tip.

Create your page, insert a table on the page, add an image to each cell on the table.  Your images will be aligned and have a neat look on your page.






In my example, I created a 3 x 3 table and the pictures resize to fit the chart.  Then, you can click on individual pictures and enlarge them.   If you like to share pictures of events or examples of student work, try this tip to organize the images.

I hope you find my simple tip useful if you have a Google Site.  If you don't have one, try creating one.  It's free and easy.

TIme Toast - Create Interactive Timelines

http://www.timetoast.com  is an easy to use time-line creator that could be your new instructional best friend.  With TimeToast you can create your timeline with a few clicks and view it in text or timeline view.  TimeToast also allows you to add a picture to each event you create in a timeline.  The ability to change views with one click reminds me of the software program, "Inspiration."  The ability to change views supports my keeping it simple philosophy and also promotes classroom differentiation.  Preparing a timeline can help students organize their thoughts.  Creating or filling in timelines promotes scaffolding and research skills. 
              Text View                                                                         Timeline View

With a free log in, you can save all the timelines you create.  After they are completed, timelines can be published on the TimeToast site or kept private, something for teachers to consider.  The ability to save timelines makes this tool valuable for the classroom.  Please follow your school's acceptable use policy when using Web 2.0 tools. 
In addition to creating, you can search and view published timelines by categories.  Give TimeToast a look for your next research project or help your students organize themselves with a timeline. 
I would love to hear how you would use this tool.  Leave a comment with your idea!  

Interactive Learning "Sid the Science Kid"

Looking for interactive science resources?  Check out Sid the Science Kid by PBS Kids.  This interactive website offers videos and games on science topics, even a topic of the week.   

I think this site can be used in the classroom and shared as an "at home" learning resource.  Young kids will be engaged and learning with the games and videos.  The characters talk you through the directions and guide you through the games.

Directions are clear and won't require much assistance on the part of teachers or parents.  Kids will get it!









The videos have a weekly theme and some include close captioning.  The health theme for this week has a number of engaging short videos on health topics including germs, fitness, eating healthy, and moving.  I like the fact that PBS updates the site with new content.  Teachers will like this and it will keep kids returning to the site when they visit it at home.

This one's a keeper for the younger set.  Hope you check it out and leave a comment if it works for your class.

Interactivate - Math & Science for MS & HS

Interactivate is an award winning free resource for math and science that provides Java-based activities and lessons, along tools and a dictionary for students and discussions and standards alignment for teachers.  This web tool is produced by Shodor, a nonprofit organization that supports computational science. 

One thing that I really like about this tool is the step-by-step guide that uses screen shots and clear directions to help users effectively use the activities.
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/guide/
This guide "keeps it simple" and I encourage you to check it out.  It is a superb example of how to develop a user guide.
The teachers I have shared this with really enjoy using it with their students. We need to find ways to challenge and engage students in their study of math and science.  I hope you find this a powerful learning tool and as always, I hope you will comment after you check out Interactivate.

Drip Read Keeps It Simple

Drip Read is a simple to use website that allows you and your students to break reading into a daily digest.  Does reading overwhelm your students?  Does your daily routine minimize the time you are able to read?  Drip Read may be a viable alternative or solution and it's free!

FAQ's about Drip Read that you may find helpful.



Here are some things I like about Drip Read.

• You can read classics without creating an account with Drip Read.
• Your daily reading is emailed to you.
• Reading becomes part of your daily routine.
• You can upload e-books that you have purchased or e-books that are available from other online resources.

This is an example of what you receive in your email from drip read.

Check it out.  See if it works for you and think about how you can use this with your students. 

Leave a comment and let me know how drip read can work for you.

Happy reading!

Digital Footprints - Do We Scare or Prepare?

This week, I did a parent presentation about learning online with children.  I talked about digital footprints and I shared what parents could do to support online learning and what they can do to protect their children when they are online.  Based on their response, I am not sure if anyone has shared this type of information before or if they had thought about it before.  We need to have this type of conversation more in schools.  

So, when I read this article, Positive Digital Footprints by William Ferriter, the topic resonated with me, based on personal experience in schools.  The ideas shared by Ferriter will increase your understanding of the topic and, I hope, spark an interest for inquiry and conversation in your school or organization.  He keeps it simple and offers ideas for "preparing" students and not "scaring" them about being online.  I hope you will read the article.

 Positive Digital Footprints

In Ferriter's article, he quotes technologist Will Richardson who believes that today's kids will be judged by their digital footprint and the positive ways they learn, share and connect online.  Achieving this is going to take a lot of work educating administrators, teachers, parents, and students.  I have worked with teachers and administrators who fear using Google Docs because someone will find them and who want blogs that no one besides the class can view.  We still have work to do to get educators to support online publishing, e-portfolios and the many other ways students can positively and creatively build their digital footprint.  Can we prepare and support students' development of a positive digital footprint?  What do you think?

If your school or organization promotes developing a positive digital footprint, share your idea in a comment.  

Here is a final thought for today... 

Image licensed under Creative Commons by suburbanbloke: www.flickr.com/photos/49333819@N00/723665503

A Google A Day!

Google is promoting a new tool that educators can use to teach research skills.  A Google A Day provides an opportunity to search for the answer to a daily research question. Today's question is:

I like the keep it simple format and you can click to show the answer.  Don't cheat!  Try to get the answer yourself.  If you do give up and see how to get the answer, this is what you will find.  

How to find the answer: Search [country with twice as many sheep as people]. Various results show that the answer is Iceland. Next, search [ferry to Iceland]. The first result will give you the answer: Seyðisfjörður. To be totally sure, check the next several results, which all yield the same answer.

I like the fact that Google allows you to see the step by step process for solving the question.  I hear from many teachers that students don't know how to research and I am not sure how much we actually "teach" students to focus their searches.  So, I think this is a tool that is worth trying with middle and high school students.  The contest-like format should appeal to kids.

You can search the other daily questions by click on the dates at the bottom of the question window. 

Give it a try, model a solution with your students and share a comment on how it works.  Happy researching!

Beautiful Music With NY Philharmonic

 Here is a well developed, engaging website that will teach students about instruments of the orchestra, composers and musicians, allows them to create music, hear music, and play games.  This website supports creativity while teaching students about a variety of musical topics.  

 New York Philharmonic Kids Zone

http://www.nyphilkids.org/main.phtml

Games

 While this website could be used to support a music curriculum, it also supports history, researching, reading, and creativity so more teachers should find it a site to use or share with students.  The site is easy to navigate, as you can see from these screen shots, and offers many engaging opportunities for students. The developers of the site "keep it simple" so even young children will be able to learn on it.  Click to learn about famous composers and hear some of their music.   http://www.nyphilkids.org/gallery/main.phtml?


Kids can take a daily poll on a musical topic and see the poll results.

 Click through the site and see how it might work for your students.  As always, I welcome your comments.

GlogsterEDU Wins Den March Madness Mashup

Congratulations to Glogster EDU for being chosen as the winner of the Discovery Educator Network's March Madness Mashup!  Glogster EDU won the title of #1 education tool, beating 15 other sites.

I blogged about Glogster a while ago but this new distinction is worth sharing with you.  Glogster is a "keeping it simple" tool and the EDU version for teachers offers many free benefits. Glogster EDU offers a premium membership but I suggest you try and explore the free version first before you upgrade.

Here is a get to know Glogster EDU link.  http://edu.glogster.com/what-is-glogster-edu/

and a 5-minute video tutorial on using Glogster EDU.

Glogster edu from Jeff Haston on Vimeo.

Now that you know a bit more, perhaps you are already thinking about how you can use Glogster with your students/class.  Here is a list of 20 ideas but the most important thing to remember is that Glogster supports student creativity and engagement, is easy to learn, and can be used in any subject.

Since DEN members voted it #1 site, I hope you will check it out and register for a free membership.  Post a comment if you already use Glogster EDU to have your students create glogs.

Learning Math Via Video - Woo Hoo!

 I have two simple to use free tool to share today that can help math students of all ages and abilities.  There are a number of ways you can use these videos with your students and support their use of them at home.  These sites keep it simple  and provide quality content so kids can learn anytime, anywhere!

A free website offering free, high quality math videos, the Khan Academy, has been getting a lot of press lately.  Salman Kahn, the creator of the Khan Academy, has created over 2,000 YouTube videos that are helping students of all ages.  Check it out!
 Two-minute video.


This video on multiplying expressions has been viewed over 34,000 times on YouTube.  The Khan Academy features videos from the simplest math concepts to the most advanced. 

Basic math begins with 1+1.  Check it out.

Another instructional math video website, MathsMaster.Org has great videos found on  iTunes.
Their basic operations videos are well developed and they are working on adding more algebra, geometry and data videos.

Here is a video from Maths Master. You can see how this site "keeps it simple" for math students too.  If you are a math teacher or you have students who need additional support, these free video websites should be a part of your instructional and support repertoire.

I hope you find these websites helpful as you work to differentiate instruction, engage your students, and support learning options. Enjoy!

Dropbox - Easy Cloud Storage

www.dropbox.com is a cloud storage web 2.0 tool that offers 2GB of free storage.  They keep it simple and this is what you see when you go to the site.

Click to watch a simple video that will help you understand how Dropbox can help you protect your files.  I continue to work with teachers who still store all of their school documents, lessons, etc. on a school computer and/or a flash drive.  Have you had a computer crash or lost a flash drive?  Dropbox makes sure that never happens.

The first question I get asked when I suggest cloud storage to teachers is whether documents are secure when you save them to Dropbox.  Here is the answer to that question from Dropbox.
https://www.dropbox.com/help/27

 I'm keeping it simple today and simply suggesting that you watch the video on the Dropbox and if you want to try it, download the tool and start saving your files.  I hope Dropbox is a tool that you consider adding to your technology tool box.
If you use it, please leave a comment on this post so other teachers can learn how it works for you.

Interactive White Boards - Learning and Resource Guide

I do a lot of work with teachers to support and increase their knowledge and appropriate use of IWB's (Interactive White Board).  I came across this resource page that was developed by the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resource System Network as part of a US Dept. of Education grant.  I am always looking for simple, quality resources to use with teachers.

• If you want to learn more about Smartboard and all the other interactive white boards that are available, this site is for you!  
• If you are looking for ways to use your IWB with your students, this site if for you!  
• If you need more interactive lesson activity resources, this site is for you!  The resource page is well organized, most of the links work and the developers "keep it simple."  

Whether you are an IWB power user or just learning about this powerful learning resource, this webpage has something for you.  The site is organized into four categories: companies that make IWB's, tutorials, interactives, and downloable resources. 

Types of IWB's

I hope you check out this extensive learning resource.  Interactive white boards are becoming very popular in Pre-k -12 schools so I am pleased to share an IWB resource with  you.  When used interactively, they provide a high level of engagement in the classroom. 
I you already use an IWB, leave a comment if you find something new or different on the resource page.  How do you get your students interacting with the board? 

Congratulations to the FDLRS Network for this quality tool.

Getting Kids to Tell Their Stories

Throughout the time I have been blogging on this site, I have shared a number of digital storytelling tools and examples of giving students a voice with various technology tools.  In the work I do with teachers, I am amazed that many teachers say "I never thought of that" when I suggest digitally recording their students. 

Yesterday, I did a presentation on digital storytelling for a 6th-8th grade ESL class. Several students recorded poems they wrote and the class got excited when I told them that they could use the free tool Vocaroo at home. The message is that these tools are not just for the classroom and students can use them in their personal lives.

Today, a teacher told me about a monologue her students were preparing for a project on the ancient Mayan civilization.  As is customary, the students were going to present their monologues in the classroom.  Another aha moment!  I explained Vocaroo to the class and one student who had completed her monologue volunteered to record her piece.  Now the class and teacher are planning to add a digital component to their existing monologue project. 

 I am always looking for examples and articles that support giving students a voice and recently, I read an excellent blog post that I want to share. Rob Bayuk, author of TechTec, posted this on Feb. 1, 2010.  It included a teacher's guide to digital storytelling by Microsoft and information about Windows Live Movie Maker and Photostory3, two free downloadable programs.  The blog also mentions an ISTE webinar on digital storytelling that took place in January and includes a link to the archive of the webinar, something you can watch at your leisure if you want to learn more about the power of engaging kids
by allowing them to tell their stories.  Mr. Bayuk presents a number of compelling reasons to become involved with digital storytelling.

I hope you check out the blog post and think about ways you can use some tool to support storytelling, in every way possible, within your curriculum and/or classroom.  Let's engage kids and get those stories told in as many ways as possible!

Your comments are always welcome.


Image source: tigdigitalstories.wikispaces.com

Microsoft Math 4.0 - FREE!

Microsoft offers a free downloadable math program called Mathematics 4.0.  The website offers more than just the download.  There is a video overview of the program and a number of printable support documents.

There is a keeping it simple teacher guide and step-by-step instructions for using each of the four elements of the program, along with a classroom poster and a datasheet.  The program provides a graphing calculator, triangle solver, a unit conversion tool and more.

The program will work on Windows XP, Windows Vista Windows 7 operating systems.  Give it a try.  Anything that keeps kids engaged and interested in mathematics is worth trying and the price is right!  If you like the download, leave a comment and share how it works for you.

Graphic Organizers - A Good Collection

If you are looking for a good collection of free graphic organizers, check out this group of resources from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.  The extensive list of graphic organizers open as PDF files and can be printed.  They can also be used on an interactive white board.  There is something for everyone here and the page definitely keeps it simple.

 
The graphic organizer collection is available in both English and Spanish.  This provides teachers with additional uses for them.
Check out this site and see if it can support the graphic organizers you currently use.
Share the resource with a colleague and leave a comment if you have a suggestion on using this resource.  As stated on the website, you have permission to use and copy the organizers for your classroom.  Enjoy!

Teach Writing Transitions With the Owl Online Writing Lab

Are you looking for grammar and writing resources?  Purdue University's Owl Online Learning Lab has many learning tools that can help students of all ages.  These writing transitions are an example of the "keeping it simple" http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/574/02 way the handouts on Owl are produced.  The information is clear, easy to understand and accurately presented. 

The transitions are just one of many helpful pages on the writing mechanics section of the website. You can see the extensive list of resources on the left. 
This site has a ton of writing resources.  The general writing url is:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/1

Share this quality writing resource with students and give them another way to learn the tools that will make them better writers. 

This site is a great example of a college English department sharing free information that can be used by all educators and students.  Check it out and use the link I have shared to help your students add some new transitions to their essays.

Twitter for Teachers - Another Video That Says 1000 Words!

Thank you to Justin Tarte who created this video on Why Educators Should Be Using Twitter.  In my work as an educational technology consultant, I have been trying to excite teachers about the possibilities of using twitter.  So far it has been difficult to convince teachers that Twitter is more than people sharing where they are having coffee.
I too have looked for videos that demonstrate the power of Twitter and I always want to keep it simple on this blog.  I believe Justin's Twitter video does that. Take 7 minutes to learn how Twitter can support your professional learning.

Share your thoughts in a comment and if you like the video, share it with your colleagues.  You can follow my tweets at: @sheilatebbano