Technology For All
Spring 2017
We ROCK!
Things happening in my room this month:
- WeVideo
- Student created ThingLinks
- Collaborating with Google
ePortfolios
- Think about taking a bit to update your portfolio. Digital projects can be an overwhelming beast if you wait!
Applications and Websites to Try
ThingLink
NearPod
ShowMe
iBrainstorm
Gloss
Snap Homework
I am still working through the ins and outs here but I know that some of you get just as intrigued as I do! So take a look and see what you think.
http://www.snaphomework.me/Tips for Daily Use
One big way we can differentiate is to give thick items for students to apply their knowledge to.. Math is a difficult subject sometimes when it comes to integration beyond the basic game usage. Fluency practice and review games are needed of course, but what about going deeper?
Here are some ideas of things going on that can work for your classroom!
Digital Word Walls- These can be done in a variety of ways. Mrs. Grantham & Mrs. Thomas have some excellent examples of how students can create digital word walls for Math vocabulary by using Slides. Another way would be students to reinforce vocabulary is by using PicCollage for a subject or topic. For example, if you are in a geometry unit they can make a shape collage. Students could take the collage one step further and turn their picture into a interactive ThingLink!
Digital Journals- By using a resource such as Padlet, students can reflect and record their learning during any project or unit. Padlets can be set for privacy with a passcode so their journals can only be accessed if you have permission. Since students now have their own email access, they can set up their own Padlet accounts. Padlets can be organized as a stream feed and give students the ability to record their learning and connections via written, photos, and video. I tried this in science and a few will be showcased at the Techno Expo, http://mrskerry.weebly.com/techno-expo-2016.html
Digital Web Quests
Where did the Web Quests go?
Many web quests can be located with just a search on the web for just about any grade level. I just created one for fun based on a few that I saw on line. I gave it a tweek so it fit for my style and my class! So far the students love it. Check it out at: http://mrskerry.weebly.com/shopping-quest.html It was easy to put together using PicCollage for the picture background and ThingLink for the interactive buttons. Embedding it onto the website gave the students easy access. You can also share it with just a website link.
Here are a few I found when searching for ideas:
EXAMPLES
Keeping Up With All of These Log-Ins...
Tips From Campus Troubles & Questions
Previous Integration Tips
Instead of using multiple forms put it all in one place by making a Google Form! Students can access the form from home or at school and log their reading. Forms can be created to include ANY items you want! Book titles, pages, summaries, and just about anything you can think of can be on your form. You can duplicate the forms so that each student has their own link, or leave it all on one that you manage by sorting on your own.
Teachers that I know are currently doing this are in LOVE with it! Ask Mrs. Lane, Mrs. Burwell, Dr. Bishoff, and Mrs. Turner about how it is working for them!
ScreenCast-O-Matic
If you haven't heard of this you are missing out! Why do I like it? Well, I can bypass the problems some sites give me with recording my videos. ShowMe only allows me to create up to one hour of videos for free. So, I use screen cast to record my screen while a video plays! The window it records is sizable and it will upload the recording directly to your YouTube account! The added benefit is that I can add ambient music to my video in youTube so it isn't silent anymore. If you are interested in hearing more let me know and I am happy to walk you through the steps.
NOTE: YouTube & ScreenCast upload maximums of 15minutes for free.
http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/
DISCOVERY LEARNING
If you are in need of a log-in for Discovery Education please let Mrs. Milton know. She will set you up! The steps to use the site once you have your account are below!
Sign-Ups
Some of these sites also force the parent to register for an account before being allowed to sign-up at all. I know we are all extrememly digitally savy and trying to completely digitize our way in school, but finding a way for a parent to sign up without having to be a member of site may help accomodate every parents privacy.
Stay Safe & Stay Savy!
ELMO TIPS:
The Elmo can be a great resource for the classroom teacher. So, if you have one, check this out!
Two ways to set up:
1. Straight to the wall through the Computer 2 mount. Every room has two wall mounts that function as Computer 1 & Computer 2 for the projector. Computer 1 is typically the one your teacher computer/workstation is connected through & Computer 2 is the mount underneath your chalkboard. If you use the VGA "monitor" cable you can attach to the PROJECTOR OUT (has a picture of the projector) on the ELMO and the other end directly to the VGA mount on the wall. Select computer 2 and make sure the ELMO is on.
BENEFITS:
- Substitutes can use it!
2. Through your Computer using Imagemate - This is the most versitle in terms of uses. You must have a USB cord connecting to the ELMO and to your COMPUTER (usually grey). You have to use ELMO IMAGE MATE on your Laptop. If you need this program you can download it from the "Get/Run Programs" through the control panel. Once the program is downloaded you just open the program and make sure the ELMO is on.
BEWARE:
- Dual monitors- I have yet to locate a setting to have the "full screen" mode utilize the second monitor that is shown on the projector. So, just drag the small screen over and size it manually. Once you do this it will stay there unless you close it.
BENEFITS:
- ALl in one area for teaching.
- CAMERA & VIDEO! I hear it now...WHAT? This can do pictures and video just like the iPad mount? YES! The image mate contains controls that can take a picture of whatever you are showing. This is GREAT for snapping pictures of students sharing during a close or lesson. I have used the video for sharing & science inquiries.
- I love the phrase "work smart not hard" The camera and video may be limited to the angle or position but, it is not shaky, does have sound, and saves directly to your computer!
If you would like to meet and discuss options or check out how others use it, let me know!
Pictures and Video Below
Please disregard the talking on the video, it is not the best representation of any lesson. I was doing it a second time for the students so it really doesn't include all the questioning for the activity. I usually video edit it and silence the sound, but wanted it to remain so that you could see that the sound will be recorded. I hope the examples help!
Common Troubleshooting Questions & Tips
Help Desk:
When do I help desk? What do I help desk for?
- Anything and Everything! That would be my best answer.
Projectors:
My projector will not come on...
- Is the red lamp light on? If so, the bulb is out and needs to be replaced by Technology- help desk
- Is the Clypso (wall) unit working? If the Clypso is not working the remote will. -help desk
The projector is really dim and hard to see...
- Either using a hand held remote or actually reaching the projector itself, go to menu and brightness. This can be adjusted.
- Close blinds & turn off the front lights.
- The ELMO has a light than can be turned on and is helpful sometimes.
- If none of this improves it enough please help desk it.
I want my projector to project on the board and not the screen...
- You will need a ladder and probably an assistant. There are screws on the top of the projector that can be raised and lowered to suit your needs. Many of us have this done and can assist as needed. It works wonderfully with the Origo Curriculum.
What browser is best?
- This is a complicated question. It truly depends on what platform your website is using that you are trying to use. Right not the hot one is Google Chrome. I personally use either Google Chrome or Firefox because if one won't the other will. It is good to have at least two available, just in case you hit a snag with a site so you can try it in another browser.
Updates....HELP?
- You will need to update your computer programs through "control Panel" Get Programs If you need help getting to this please let me know. These are on the network and do not require a password. If you do not find the program you want to download or the update you need, help desk it.
I need a printer?!?
- To add a network printer:
- First figure out what place you are going to print and get the model/room#
- Control Panel - devices & printer - Add Printer-
- "The printer I want isn't listed"
- Choose "Select a shared printer by name" - NEXT
- This now lists all printers on our network.
- FUN TIP: You can print to your room printer while connect to NISD networks in ANY building.
Dual Monitors...
If you have a second monitor and would like to do this let me know and I can set it up for you. -OR-
If you would like to try to set it up on your own...
- Unlatch the docking port
- Remove the platform that is now unattached
- Dock your computer & open the screen
- Swipe on the right
- devices
- project
- extend
TIPS for using the Dual Monitor
- Yes your primary should be using the entire screen. If it is not you can change the setting for the device in "change PC settings" (I can help if you can not find it)
- Powerpoint - When needing to view the PPT on the second monitor - Click Slideshow and on the fiar right of the toolbar you can select which screen to project to. Select the secondary monitor and begin your slideshow.
- IMAGEMATE- I have not found a setting on this to use full screen mode on secondary projector. SO... drag it to the second screen & enlarge it to use the full screen area.
Laptop Settings that are handy....
- Swipe Left - This can be changed to pull up a bar just like the right side so you can switch between any open apps you have.
- Hot Corners - Easily turn your screen saver on or go to sleep by touching a corner or dragging your mouse.
- Pin your frequent programs to the START menu or TASK bar