BYOD Part 2

Yeah, I think I figured out how to embed an educreations movie. http://www.phillipsconcord.blogspot.com/2013/01/if-you-give-student-ipad.html

I am also having students upload to youtube. Is there a way to do this without logging in to the youtube for them each time. I don't like putting in my password since it is connected to my e-mail, but my students don't have e-mail addresses?
http://www.phillipsconcord.blogspot.com/2013/01/long-division-lesson.html

I also want to start using QR codes. My goal is to incorporate this into my lessons, but I need help. I have been reading a lot of websites and articles about using them in the classroom.  I am thinking about using them in a math center to get my feet wet, but I want them to be useful and not just something to do...

iMovie

I found this following website:
http://edapps.ca/2011/11/13-ways-to-use-imovie-in-the-classroom/

I am interested in using iMovie as a tool to record literature circles and have students reflect on their discussions. I want students to be self reflective and give peer feedback. I thought it could be good to record several groups and then play them back. Students could have a check list to evaluate. Then they could record the refection to be included in the movie. This could be a great learning tool. It is also a way to hold groups accountable.

When were learned about literature circle discussions I pulled videos off youtube for the class to watch and we evaluated the discussions. We could them upload our videos to youtube so other classes could evaluate us. If they were on youtube parents could also see the discussions.

BYOD

After Christmas I have had a lot of devices in my classroom. I have been working on lessons to better incorporate these devices. Currently I am using devices to research in writing and to access spellingcity. I have also used my devices in math to use educreations and showme. Students will "teach" a lesson as a center. I have, however, had a hard time sharing these videos. I struggle embedding them on the blog, also when I e-mail parents, they can't open them unless they also have the app...any advice. I am thinking about starting to us edmodo with one of my book clubs.
Ironically, despite the fact that most of these devices are ereaders, my students do not use them to read on.

Promethean Planet Hunt

I use flipcharts a lot in math, so I decided to find one for science. I found a flip chart about making circuits. Students were able to manipulate graphics to create series and parallel circuits. Students were very engaged at the active board, but less so at their seats. I had everyone get a turn, but the students at their seats were not engaged. Even with them drawing it in their notebook it was not hooking them until they got to go up to the board.

BYOD YouTube Reflection

So I watched the YouTube video about Carson Middle School. One take away that I had was that I want to find out more about that flashcard app! Also the engagement piece is so true! My student LOVE to use the technology so I need to incorporate it more. My students are bring 10+ devices a day. So I am constantly feeling challenged to think of innovative ways to incorporate them. I have been thinking that word study is typically a mundane assignment, maybe it can be better with technology...not sure what I will do yet. I also liked the quote about breaking the barriers between school and home.

BYOD Reflection

I have been incorporating BYOD in my math centers. In honor of the holidays I had students shopping online to complete a budget project. This project was engaging and fun. Students wanted to work on it more and more so they were encouraged to bring their devices to school. I know have 8-10 regular device users daily! Also 3 parents have e-mailed me to tell me that they are purchasing devices for their students for Christmas because their child is excited to bring them to school!

Writing Re_Launched: Teaching with Digital Tools

This article was so fitting with some conversations I had with parents during conferences this week. Students have so many great ideas and creativity that pen and paper are not always sufficient. Today we live in a time that they don't have to be restricted with pencil and paper. We have technology, but as teachers we are still restricted by the pressures of testing. Until testing changes, I will still have to teach the conventions and rules of the friendly letter to all 4th grade students because it will be on the test. Students are being tested on how to write a friendly letter on paper when in reality they will use e-mail and text to communicate as adults.When is the last time you wrote a friendly letter on a notepad...really!

 As the article states even college applications and entrance essays are digital. I had a parent tell me at parent-teacher conferences that he was concerned about his child's spelling. My response was, "Adam's spelling is close enough, spell check will catch it so I wouldn't be worried." I have hard bound dictionaries in my classroom, but only the students who publish writing on paper with pencil use them. Students using computers never touch them.

Finally, I like the part of the article with teachers giving 1:1 instruction as students write on Google Docs. This is ultimate differentiation! Why  teach the whole class a mini-lesson when you can write and make instant comments to individual students about their needs. I would totally implement this if all my students had computers or ipads. Unfortunately  with 5 laptops in the room and a laptop cart for 1/2 day once a week this is not something that would be time efficiently used since I would still have to teach a traditional mini lesson to my non-technology using students.

Cool article!