Tech Tip Tuesday
March 24, 2015
In this Issue: M-Step Supports, Google Earth Tour Builder, Twitter, and Aurasma.
Local School Visits
March 23 - Lakers
March 24 - Ubly
March 25 - Harbor Beach
March 26 - North Huron
April 7 - Bad Axe
April 8 - Owen-Gage
April 14 - Ubly
April 15 - Lakers
April 29 - Owen-Gage
May 5 - Lakers
May 7 - UblyCheck out the schedule to see when I am coming to your district. Here are a few reminders for you as I visit local schools:
- If you want to meet at a convenient time during your day to discuss tech options, you may either sign up on the Google Doc that your administration will pass out or email me at tylerl@huronisd.org.
- If you would like to meet and your district is not on my schedule or the scheduled day doesn't work for you, let me know, and we can make different arrangements.
- Not only can I meet during your prep, but I am more than willing to teach/co-teach to your class using a new technology (I was a classroom teacher for five years). Maybe you are nervous about trying a new tech tool out? Well, I can help you with this process and show you how and why you may want to use more technology in your classroom.
M-Step Supports
Student Tools Websites
MEL Kids InfoBits - Students can choose various informational topics and have an automated voice read the text as it highlights it for the student.
Newsela - Current events website that is Lexile leveled and has similar set up to the M-Step. Students have the chance to read event articles, take a quiz over the questions, and practice scrolling through pages.
Front Row - Differentiated Math Instruction with online tools similar to the M-Step. Free iPad app.
Math Manipulatives - Clicking and dragging features.
Desmos - Gives students the ability to experience an online calculator.
GeoGebra - Creating, clicking, and dragging for advanced math.
Online Typing - Free online typing tool.
Nitro Type - Test out your typing skills with this addictive racing game.
Mousercise - Get students practicing their mouse precision.
M-Step Websites
Online Assessment Awareness - This is probably the best site to better prepare all individuals in the M-Step.
Online Tools Training - This site is a MUST. It gives previews, sample item sets, and calculator practice.
M-Step Videos
M-Step Top 12 Online Tools - View the 12 tools in a "How To" tutorial.
Tour Builder with Google Maps
These tours give students a good sense of direction and global awareness as the 3D imagery is fantastic. Whether students are learning about the continents, other countries, or are mapping their travel history, this is a tool that needs to be implemented in the classroom.
Getting up to Speed with Twitter!
If you are a Twitter user, I would like to hear from you and what your favorite classroom technologies currently are. Throw the hashtag #hurontechtips to the end of your tweet, and this will allow followers to view shared experiences and communicate. You may also follow me @TLeipprandt
Aurasma
This is very helpful because any 2D object can come to life with augmented reality. Take that boring bulletin board in the hallway plastered with book reports, president reports, paintings, book characters, etc., and give them a makeover. Now the items on the board can come to life by scanning them with a device. Students can link math problems, tutorials, videos, songs, or skits to their projects and make them interactive.
One of the best AR apps out there is called Aurasma. Download here at the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. Check out the video below to see an example of how Aurasma could work in the classroom.
Here are some other AR apps that are good for the classroom:
Anatomy 4D (Free) - Apple Store or Google Play Store
ColAR Mix 3D Coloring - Apple Store or Google Play Store
ZooBurst - Apple Store
Google Sky Map - Google Play Store
Layar - Apple Store or Google Play Store