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

Tech Integration Matrix from Florida - Videos Are Worth At Least 1000 Words

http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/index.html - I came across this matrix and have to share it.  You may have seen similar tools but what I like about this one is the video examples of Levels of Technology Integration into the Curriculum and Characteristics of the Learning Environment and the fact that the video examples are from all levels and include examples from shared and 1:1 computer access. 

The examples are well done and I believe the matrix "keeps it simple" for readers/viewers.  Bravo to the Florida Center for Instructional Technology for sharing genuine lesson examples with teachers demonstrating various ways they use technology to support their curriculum.

Click on the examples to see the video examples.  The videos require QuickTime 7, a free plug-in from Apple.

I look forward to hearing what you think about this matrix.  I am sharing this so teachers can reflect on your personal level of integrating technology into your classroom and to offer good examples of what each level can look like.  Whether you are at an entry level of technology adoption or a master at transformational use of technology in your classroom, this matrix will support your professional learning.





Check out the videos and have a look at the matrix.  Enjoy!

		Levels of Technology Integration into the Curriculum
	Technology Integration Matrix	Entry The teacher uses technology to deliver curriculum content to students.	Adoption The teacher directs students in the conventional use of tool-based software. If such software is available, this level is the recommended.	Adaptation The teacher encourages adaptation of tool-based software by allowing students to select a tool and modify its use to accomplish the task at hand.	Infusion The teacher creates a learning environment that infuses the power of technology tools throughout the day across subject areas.	Transformation The teacher creates a rich learning environment in which students regularly engage in activities that would have been impossible to achieve without technology.
	Active Students are actively engaged in using technology as a tool rather than passively receiving information from the technology.	Indicator: Students use technology for drill and practice and computer based training.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Students begin to utilize technology tools to create products, for example using a word processor to create a report.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify technology tools to accomplish specific purposes, for example using colored cells on a spreadsheet to plan a garden.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Throughout the school day, students are empowered to select appropriate technology tools and actively apply them to the tasks at hand.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Given ongoing access to online resources, students actively select and pursue topics beyond the limitations of even the best school library.  1-1 access  shared access
	Collaborative Students use technology tools to collaborate with others rather than working individually at all times.	Indicator: Students primarily work alone when using technology.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to utilize collaborative tools, such as email, in conventional ways.  1-1 access  shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify technology tools to facilitate collaborative work.  1-1 access   shared access	Indicator: Throughout the day and across subject areas, students utilize technology tools to facilitate collaborative learning.  1-1 access  sharedaccess	Indicator: Technology enables students to collaborate with peers and experts irrespective of time zone or physical distances.  1-1 access  shared access
	Constructive Students use technology tools to build understanding rather than simply receive information.	Indicator: Technology is used to deliver information to students.  1-1 access  Shared access .	Indicator Students begin to utilize constructive tools such as graphic organizers to build upon prior knowledge and construct meaning.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify technology tools to assist them in the construction of understanding.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students utilize technology to make connections and construct understanding across disciplines and throughout the day.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students use technology to construct, share, and publish knowledge to a worldwide audience.  1-1 access  Shared access
	Authentic Students use technology tools to solve real-world problems meaningul to them rather than working on artificial assignments.	Indicator: Students use technology to complete assigned activities that are generally unrelated to real-world problems.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to apply technology tools to some content-specific activities that are based on real-world problems.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify technology tools to solve problems based on real-world issues.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students select appropriate technology tools to complete authentic tasks across disciplines.    1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: By means of technology tools, students participate in outside-of-school projects and problem-solving activities that have meaning for the students and the community.  1-1 access  Shared access
	Goal Directed Students use technology tools to set goals, plan activities, monitor progress, and evaluate results rather than simply completing assignments without reflection.	Indicator: Students receive directions, guidance, and feedback from technology, rather than using technology tools to set goals, plan activities, monitor progress, or self-evaluate.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: From time to time, students have the opportunity to use technology to either plan, monitor, or evaluate an activity.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students have opportunities to select and modify the use of technology tools to facilitate goal-setting, planning, monitoring, and evaluating specific activities.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students use technology tools to set goals, plan activities, monitor progress, and evaluate results throughout the curriculum.  1-1 access  Shared access	Indicator: Students engage in ongoing metacognative activities at a level that would be unattainable without the support of technology tools.  1-1 access  Shared access