Tech Tidbits
May 16, 2014
Some New Ideas/Resources
I wanted to share a few things and tools I've gleaned from being at Dynamic Landscapes and from my PLN this week. (I'm using a site call Smore.com to create this flyer)
Read & Write for Google
It's now free! Learn more about it here.
Advice for First Graders
Students making a transition after this year? Have them leave advice for new incoming students to your class/team with a Google presentation. Here are some examples. Adapt them as you see fit.
FlipGrid
Check out FlipGrid. Ask a question and post it, then others can answer via video (formative assessment, use in music assessment, elevator speech practice, digital storytelling, students in a non-face-to-face class connect)
Take Away Quotes from Dynamic Landscapes
- I think school should be like a choose your own adventure book.
- "Maker spaces are about attitude, opportunity, and getting out of the way."
- “There is a difference between online learning and networked learning”
- Why should you be connected? First year teacher: "You're not just hiring me, you're hiring all the smart people I know."
- You can't teach students in the 21st century if you haven't learned in the 21st century.
- Having a networked teacher is a school's best resource.
- Kids need new containers” for their projects. Go digital!
- "Your school probably has a mission statement but is your school on a mission?"
- It's not inquiry if you can Google it."
- How much of your student's digital work is available online after it is completed.?
- If we protect our students completely in the digital world, we are not preparing them for global citizenship.
- The best maker space is between your ears.
- “School has the responsibility to expose kids to what they don’t yet know they love”
Little Bits
Check out Little Bits- small pieces to put together to make things happen. (build circuits)
Squishy Circuits
Just like playdough, but some colors are conductors and some are insulators. Make the LED lights glow! See more about it here.
Generator
Newly opened maker space in Burlington. Spend some time there!
Digital Fun for Creative Kids
I shared this last year at about this time, and it was on the Curriculum Corner page of this week's Bell. It's worth sharing again.
Thanks for Reading!
Thank you for being innovative, open-minded teachers who integrate technology so well. Attending a conference brings home how amazing you are.
Email: bbirdsall@cssu.org
Website: www.wsdvt.org
Location: Central School Drive, Williston, VT, United States
Phone: 802-871-6024
Twitter: @bonniebird