Technology in the Classroom
February 2015
This newsletter is written by Rachel Medrano, Alice Independent School District's Coordinator of Instructional Technology.
If you have questions about technology, please feel free to email me (rmartin@aliceisd.esc2.net) or give my office a call
361-664-0981, ext. 34.
Mystery Skype
Mystery Skype allows you to connect to a classroom somewhere in the world, in real time, and play 20 questions with each other to determine the location of the other class. I was able to participate in this activity at the annual Texas Computer Education Conference and it was amazing to see what an experienced Mystery Skype class comes up with for their questions. We were given no hints as to where they were located before we called the class, we were just told they were a 5th grade class somewhere in the world.
The set-up:
Our presenter split the audience into four equal groups for the various tasks associated with Mystery Skype. One group was responsible for marking off the map (given both a US and World Map) based on the answers the class gave us. The second group was responsible for making up the questions we were going to ask the class. The third group was assigned the task for researching landmarks, rivers, and other geographical features, which could pinpoint the class to our location. For example, one of their questions was if we were located North of Interstate 80. I personally did not know where Interstate 80 was so I looked it up quickly to be able to provide an answer. Luckily, someone in group 3 was able to answer the question quickly for us so we didn't have to delay on our answer. The final group was assigned the task of actually asking the questions to the class and being the voice for us. It seemed like the class we were talking to had a very similar group set-up as there were only two students sitting in front of the camera, talking to us while the rest of the class were at different stations throughout the class.
We asked the class how they decide who goes first, and a round of rock, paper, scissors started quickly. The students beat us fair and square, so they earned the right to be the first to ask the questions. They started Mystery Skype off swinging by asking us right away if we were East of the Mississippi River. As educators, we were very proud they knew of this major river in the USA and the fact they would eliminate a good amount of states by asking this question with their first question. We then decided to ask them the same question, as we did not know how else to start the game off. Each question the class asked us, we were surprised by their knowledge of interstates, rivers, and borders. We thought we had lost quickly, but they asked us if our state bordered Texas. We did giggle softly at the question as they were so close to guessing our state. We finally narrowed it down to the state they were in by asking if their state abbreviation had an I in it, as we were down to five states. They answered yes, so we knew they were in Iowa but we had to wait for the next round before we could ask them. The students stole the game though because on the next round, they guessed we were in the state of Texas. Our guess was also right, as they were from the state of Iowa. After the game ended, the presenter informed us he normally has his class go until they determine the city of the other group. The only reason we did not try and guess the city is because we were on a time limit. I know I walked away from this session with so many ideas running through my head and the different type of Mystery Skypes that could be played.
This would be an amazing opportunity for all levels. The presenter indicated he has heard of the younger grade levels (K - 2nd) doing guess an animal, shape, color, etc. as they have not learned their states or countries yet. Imagine when you teach about the states, you can have the students interact with a class in a state you are talking about in your lesson.
Many people I have talked to about this were so excited to share their experiences with me. They all said that the teacher just arranges for the call and then steps back, as the students are responsible for running the call. The presenter along with other teachers indicated Mystery Skype has provided an opportunity for their students to learn more about other parts of the USA and other countries through the interactions. The class we called is in a secluded part of Iowa where many of the students never leave the city throughout their life. They have learned a lot about other states through Mystery Skype and making calls with other classrooms throughout the United States.
While talking to the other educators, the biggest hint I was given is make sure the state flag is no where visible when you make the call along with watch to make sure there is nothing on the students' shirts to give away your location.
If you are interested in registering your class with Mystery Skype, https://education.skype.com/mysteryskype has more information about getting your classroom set-up. I have set-up myself to see what you have to do, and it's as simple as clicking a register button and putting in your Twitter handle along with what age group you would like to interact with. Twitter is not required; it is another form of communication the teachers use to find each other.
Find a Teacher
Skype for Education allows you to connect with teachers around the world by using the find a teacher option within Skype. You can choose to search for a teacher to connect with or a guest speaker for your class. When you click on a teacher's or guest speaker's name, a short bio will appear describing what their goal is when it comes to connecting with teachers and classrooms.
A classroom teacher example is: I am an elementary teacher in Wisconsin, USA interested in connecting globally with classrooms. Looking for teachers and classrooms to connect with, as well as to work with us on this project: http://aglobalhello.wikispaces.com/
A guest speaker example is: The Iditarod Teacher on the Trail is in a unique position to bring the energy and excitement of the Iditarod to students around the country and world! Prior to the start of the race the Teacher on the Trail shares curriculum via the website itcteacheronthetrail.com. Once the race begins, I will be traveling the race trail by bush plane to bring the energy and excitement of the race to kids and classrooms! I am hoping to Skype with classrooms before, during, and after the race.
If you are interested in connecting with either one of these people then you can send them a message or add them to your Skype contact list. These are just two examples of professionals who want to share their classroom, knowledge, and experiences with classrooms across the world.
Lessons in Skype
Lessons in Skype allow you to connect with other classes, authors, and leaders in various industries through lessons designed by these various people. When you click on the lessons tab within the Skype for Education website, you can search for lessons you would like your class to participate in. You click on the subject area then select the age group, and a list of lessons appear in the middle of the website that are currently available to participate in.
An example of a lesson is: K-2 Weather Across the Nation
Hello!! I'm a K-2 grade Science teacher in Kansas City, MO. We are looking for other classes to Skype with about your weather. Preferably in another region with a different climate than ours. Looking forward to working with other awesome scholars and teachers!
If you would be interested in participating, you would select register for this lesson and fill out a little bit of information. The teacher then would contact you if you were chosen to participate in the lesson. The lessons are always updating as more and more teachers create lessons for people to participants. If you check on a daily basis there is a chance you can find a whole new batch of available lessons you can have your class complete.
A word of warning, just because you sign up for a lesson does not guarantee you will be able to complete the lesson. Sometimes the person designing the lesson has a huge number of interested participated, and they have to choose who will be able to participate.
iPad Applications
Below is a picture of the app along with a short description of what the app allows the user to do and what different concepts it covers.
Chicken Coop Fraction Games
On any of the options you choose, the game puts a number line at the bottom of their screen and displays a fraction. There is a nest that is displayed on the number line and the student has to move it to estimate the value of the fraction. Once they move the nest, the chicken will lay its egg to see if it will land in the nest. The app will also display the number line in decimal format on the harder choices.
If you want all five games associated with Chicken Coop, the price is $5.99. I know I have fun playing this game, just to see how well I can estimate the place on the number line.
Math Vs Zombies
I know this game is very addicting to anyone who tries to play it. The student gets the option to work on subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division problems in a fun way. The student can also compare numbers (greater or lesser) and a Zombie Count Down game.
When it comes to the subtraction, addition, multiplication, and division parts of the game, the game starts off easy and gets harder as the student beats levels. The student is given a math problem and has to solve the problem before the zombie gets them. The harder levels might require the student to have a piece of paper & pencil handy, as the problems become 2 and 3 digits.
You can have students taking turns with this app because each student can start off at level 1, even though a previous student might have already been successful.
Maths Toolbox
If you are short on manipulatives, this app is a great option for you. The toolbox provides students to use an abacus, counting beads, number squares, multi base, numibond, and dice.
When using the multi base, you are able to put a variety number of hundred blocks, ten blocks, and single units on the board and the student has to calculate the value of the blocks. You are even allowed to change the operation to addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The number squares option provides a multiplication chart where the student can put color blocks on the chart to practice number sequences, odd & even numbers, prime numbers, and much more. The teacher can even display this option and have their students tell them where to place the different colored blocks.
TapSum!
This is another addicting game because you always want to beat your previous time. There are also a couple of different ways this app can be used in the classroom.
When you play the app, you are given a screen of different numbers and a target number is displayed in the top center. Your goal is to reach the target number by using the numbers below it. As soon as you reach the center number, you are given another number. Your goal is to clear off all of the numbers.
One way this app can be used is to compare the value of time. When I used this app at a conference I attended, each group was responsible for playing the app and then reports their times. Each group was given the task to write our time on a sticky note and place it on a number line that was already on the wall. Once every group completed this task, we were asked questions about the accuracy of where the sticky notes were placed and if any changes needed to be changed. The teacher then asked us additional questions like which group posted the fastest/slowest time, what the average time was for the whole class, and what the median time was for the exercise.
The app provides an opportunity to discuss the additive property, as it does not matter which order you click on the numbers to reach the center number.
5 Dice
5 Dice is an order of operations game where the student can choose how many operations they would like while playing the game. The game provides the option to start off with addition & subtraction and go all the way up to all 6 operations.
Once a student chooses how many operations they want, they are then given 5 dice and a number they are suppose to reach by manipulating the dice along with placing the operation tiles in the correct place. The student can use more than one dice to make a 2 or 3 digit number; sometimes it takes them a few tries to realize this is an option.
When the students are ready to see if they are correct, they press the shoot button and a target tries to hit the target number. If the student does not get the correct answer, they are given the option to try again and get a new target number. The app also tells the student how far away they were for the target. When the student gets the correct answer, then the problem is worked out step by step to show the order of operations.
5 Dice is also a multiplayer game, I was not able to try out multiplayer as I was getting an error message.
Math Terms
Keeping Students Accountable
I have had the privilege of visiting almost every campus in our district over the past week and a half. Every campus in our district handles technology in very different ways including how they hold their students accountable for their performances on the various programs we use.
I was very fortunate to catch one campus recognizing the work their students have been doing on Mathletics since the beginning of the school year. Mrs. Selene Flores took the time to call five students out of class, call them to the office, and present them with their Mathletics certificates. These students had the top five lesson completion amounts out of the 300 students who attend Salazar Elementary. One of the students she recognized had over 60 lessons they had completed since the campus started Mathletics. The students had big smiles on their faces when they received their certificates. She then encouraged them to stay on top because she will be recognizing students again later in the school year.
At Mary R. Garcia, Mrs. Bailey Klatt recognized her top Mathletics performers by putting their certificates on her classroom door. The students are able to see these certificates every time they leave her classroom, and any visitor to her classroom is able to she how she recognizes her students.
While at Noonan, there was a message written by one of their teachers on the white board in the computer lab that they are watching them and will be checking their progress on I-Station.
By doing these various strategies, the students can easily see that the teacher and administrators are checking on their progress and holding them accountable for what they are doing in the computer lab. Each of the programs we utilize in the district provides different reports, which analyze the usage. In I-Station, you can even run a report to see if a student has a lot of idle time when they are on the program. Students just sitting at their computer and not interacting with the program calculate the idle time. They also get idle time by pausing their program to talk to a classmate or to go to the restroom.
It is important to hold the students accountable for their use of the programs and how they are spending their time in the computer lab. When they know, no one cares how they perform then they will not put in the effort to do well.
Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA)
Benefits
Below are just some of the benefits you get from joining this professional organization. If you have any questions about TCEA, feel free to e-mail myself and I will get back to as soon as I can.
The information below comes from the TCEA website (http://www.tcea.org/).
Publications:
They have two publications they send out on a regular basis, one is in e-mail form (TechNotes) and the other is a magazine (TechEdge). Each publication highlights various technology related items happening in the world and across the state. The publications also highlight professionals and what they are doing in the classroom with technology. You can learn about upcoming trainings sponsored by TCEA which are either a webinar or on-site training at their location in Austin.
Special Interest Groups:
- CAMP (Campus Technology Specialist Group)
CAMP-SIG provides assistance and networking opportunities for campus instructional technologists. Members include instructional technologists, campus technology coordinators, district or campus technology trainers, and technology specialists. The SIG has a special group in the Community that provides tips and resources, coaching and mentoring methods, and networking opportunities, as well as annual meetings.
- GEO (Geospatial Technologies)
GEO-SIG has been formed to help educators embrace technologies that leverage spatial based information. Some examples include GPS, geocaching, spatial photography, geoRSS feeds, GIS, virtual globes and remote sensing. Members network, share ideas, advertise professional in-service opportunities and support development in spatial based curricula.
- LIB (Library)
The purpose of our Library SIG is to help librarians increase their technology skills and to integrate those skills into the learning environment.
- ROBO (Robotics)
The ROBO-SIG''s mission is to become a network hub for educators involved in robotics; advocate for robotics as a classroom tool to teach and engage students in STEM; assist members in acquiring classroom robotics pedagogy and knowledge base; and prepare sponsors for the challenges of student competition.
- TA/CS (Tech-Apps/Computer Science)
TA/CS-SIG provides a forum to promote and support technology applications, computer science, and information technology educators and curriculum across the state of Texas.
- TEC (Technology Coordinators)
TEC-SIG is the largest SIG and was established in 1989 for the purpose of providing a means of communication between technology coordinators, instructional technology leaders, and other administrators throughout the state.The organization furnishes its members up-to-date information on legislation, happenings within the Texas Education Agency, grants, and TEC SIG activities. Members share their own technology-related experiences at three yearly meetings in an effort to educate and inform each other on what is happening in the field of technology.
- VL (Virtual Learning)
The Virtual Learning SIG is dedicated to supporting collaboration and communication among virtual learning coordinators, online course instructors, and online curriculum developers. It also promotes and advocates for virtual learning to support the 21st century learning environment.
Educator Awards and Scholarships
There are more than 360,000 professional educators in Texas and TCEA would like the opportunity to recognize those that stand out.
The following award recipients are presented with checks and plaques in a special event family and friends can attend. Winners of the eight awards receive engraved plaques and $1,000 each from TCEA.
- Classroom Teacher of the Year
- Library Media Specialist of the Year
- Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year
- Technical Support Person of the Year
- District or Campus Administrator of the Year
- Superintendent of the Year
- Technology Administrator of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of Technology in Education
The TCEA scholarships are awarded every year to deserving teachers and students who desire to further their knowledge of technology education. They encourage and enhance the learning of technology skills for practicing and pre-service educators. TCEA supports professional growth in technology through the awarding of scholarships.
TCEA scholarships are awarded in a special awards ceremony in February during the TCEA Convention & Exposition. Winners are presented with checks at a special event that family and friends can attend.
Technology Application TEKS
Below, I included pictures of the K-2 student expectations. Next month, I will focus on the 3rd - 5th grade SE's.
AISD Technology Department
Velma SolizGarcia
Assistant Superintendent of Technology, Curriculum & Instruction, and Career & Technical Education
Coordinator of Instructional Technology
MiReina Garcia
District Technology Specialist/Mobile Device Management Tech
Alex Garza
District Technology Specialist
Rick Ortiz
District Technology Specialist
Robert Perez
District Technology Specialist
Amelia Salinas
Textbook Coordinator/District Technology Specialist
Ruben Sandoval
District Technology Specialist