Teaching with Technology

Using educational technology to enhance the learning environment and increase student engagement!

My Week in Review: Global Collaboration, edcamp, and Pineapples

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Do you ever have one of those weeks that is so jam-packed with awesomeness that it leaves your head spinning? Well, friends, last week was one of those weeks for me. My American Government students started in their Executive Branch HyperDoc on Monday. On Tuesday, my Amazon order that included “Assessment that Matters” by Kim Meldrum (affiliate) and “My Not So Perfect Life” by Sophie Kinsella (affiliate) was waiting for me when I came home from work. On Wednesday, I attended a FANTASTIC Social Studies Integration session led by Rhett Oldham. On Friday, my dual credit American Political Systems students had the rare opportunity to actually watch in real-time something they’re learning in class play out (House of Representatives debate over Trumpcare). On Saturday I experienced my very first edcamp … my mind is spinning, in a good way!

I’ve used HyperDocs before in my American Government class, however, I’ve never created a HyperDoc for an entire unit. So … as you can imagine, I’ve been a little skeptical about how that will work. I’m trying to mash the HyperDoc concept together with flipped mastery and promote more of a student-centered classroom. If you checked out my Executive Branch HyperDoc, you probably noticed my spin on the “Show What You Know” Bingo that the HyperDoc gals shared in their awesome book, The HyperDoc Handbook. (aff) My students’ response to this part of the HyperDoc made my teacher heart swell with pride, “wow, you really put some work into this, didn’t you Mrs. Petty? It’s cool that I can pick what I want to do.” I’m telling you, people. It’s like the sky opened up and angels were singing the Halleluiah Chorus. I’ll share more feedback about this in a post soon!

One of my favorite aspects of the Social Studies Integration workshop on Wednesday was the emphasis on global collaboration. Rhett’s middle school students work with classes from all over the world to share ideas, culture, and even help with homework. I LOVE this idea and have used it in my own classroom. So far, my students have worked with a class in the United Kingdom and one in Belgium. The feedback from my students and from students overseas has been phenomenal. Students ask cultural questions of their counterparts, exchange social media info, and talk together via Google Hangout. It. Is. AWESOME. I love seeing my students collaborate with their peers in other parts of the world. We’re breaking down barriers – classroom and cultural – and promoting global citizenship and cultural empathy. I really want to expand my global collaboration projects and have turned to my social media outlets for help in doing so. I’ve created a Google Form for teachers interested in global collaboration projects to complete … my goal is to create a database for teachers to connect with other educators around the world! If you’re interested in global collaboration, please read my post here and complete the form below. I’ll share all of the info I gather in a page on my blog!!

When I got home from my first edcamp experience Saturday afternoon, I felt like I had just downed a giant latte … I was PUMPED UP! Edcamp was awesome! I shared on Twitter yesterday that the whole experience made me feel like there are more “freaks on my island.” As educators, we know that our profession is isolating. Sometimes, we feel like we’re in the trenches alone. When we try something new and different in our classrooms, it’s like we’re setting sail by ourselves into unknown waters in a little canoe boat. The edcamp experience was not only revitalizing for me as an educator (it seems as though I need a jolt in March!), it helped validate my efforts in my classroom. I know I’m not supposed to need validation … I’m doing what I know is good for my students … but, come on! Sometimes we need to know we’re not alone! That other people are just as crazy as we are and are looking for new tools and strategies to use in their classroom, too! That we’re not the only ones who don’t want to teach the same way as we were taught and know that education needs to be different than it was in the early 1900s! I’m so glad there are so many great educators who are like me and are not willing to just do what they’ve always done.

I also won a SIGNED copy of “The Innovator’s Mindset” by George Couros. WOW!!!

One of the big “ah-ha” moments I had at edcamp was the concept of Pineapple Charts. Have you heard of this? Pineapple Charts are posted in schools (offices, breakrooms, teachers lounges, etc) where teachers can post when they’re doing something really cool in their classrooms to encourage other teachers to come in and observe! Teachers are asking for feedback and encouraging their colleagues at the same time! What an awesome idea!!!

I also learned that these charts are called “Pineapple Charts” because the pineapple is the global symbol for “welcome.” How in the world am I 31 years old and I have NEVER heard of this?!?!

So … takeaways from last week, in no particular order …
–> my students like HyperDocs … more to come on that experience soon
–> I have new books to read — teacher books and chick lit
–> I want more teachers to join me in my global collaborations projects
–> edcamps are awesome

By the way, I’m adding pineapples to my classroom decor as soon as I can get to Hobby Lobby.

Thanks for reading this super long post 🙂

 

Collaborating with Google Slides

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Hello, friends! It’s been quite a hectic few weeks in the land of Teaching with Technology. 2017 has not been kind to my family and me in the sickness department – we had strep throat in January, Flu A in February, and it looks like bronchitis and a sinus infection will be the plague of March. Will it never end?! On a positive note, I decided to try something different with my American Political Systems class landmark case project: Collaborative Google Slides!

I actually decided to try this about 30 seconds before class began … a practice I DO NOT recommend! Sometimes, I feel like I get stuck in a rut with this project, though. And that’s not something I EVER like to feel! I was explaining the project to my students … roll the dice to choose a case, include the background of the case, the Constitutional issue of the case, the ruling of the case, and why this case is important … and just as I was about to say, “create a Google Slides presentation, a Prezi, or another type of presentation,” I said, “I’m going to share a presentation with you on Classroom and each group will contribute a slide for their case.”

The response was, “whoa, we can do that?” and “what happens if someone deletes my slide?” My answers were “yes,” and “I can always check the revision history!” That last response seemed to assuage their fears 🙂

Here’s what I hope to accomplish with this collaborative Google Slides presentation –
–> Peer review: Students can easily view their classmates’ slide and provide feedback – students can also view their classmates’ product and potentially “up their creativity game” 🙂
–> Creative product: Since students are only required to contribute one slide of content, hopefully, they’ll REALLY take ownership of their portion and make it awesome!
–> Easy grading: Instead of opening 18 different presentations, I’m opening one! Wow!
–> Easy product display: I like to display student work in my classroom and on the wall in the hallway by my room. This collaborative project will make printing and showcasing their awesome work a breeze!

I’m excited to share their product with you!

Thanks for reading 🙂

 

Augmented Reality – My Day at RCET

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I was fortunate enough to attend some GREAT sessions during my time at RCET this week, and one of these great sessions was on Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. I’ve had experience with both of these “realities” – more experience with VR than AR – and was excited to learn more about the applications for AR in the classroom!

I learned about Augmented Reality, specifically using Aurasma, a few years ago at another conference. I was, of course, extremely interested and excited about it! However, I struggled with how I could incorporate it into my classroom and curriculum. Sometimes, I learn a new app or strategy and kind of push it to the back burner because I don’t see an application in my classroom. Then, down the road, an idea pops into my head and I think, “hey! I can use (enter app or strategy) in my classroom!” This basically describes my epiphany with AR and Aurasma at RCET!

The AR/VR presenter was extremely knowledgeable and shared so many wonderful apps and video examples during her presentation! One video that REALLY got my attention was this from the WWF and Coke … as I was watching, I kept thinking about how I could use this technology to create a more engaging learning environment for my students. Seriously, this video rocks!

The tool I found most useful was Aurasma. Why, you ask? It seemed like the most user-friendly tool that was shared! AND … it’s free 🙂

To get started with Aurasma, simply create a free account and dive right in! Before creating your own Aura, check out the featured images, and be sure to search for Auras that are relevant to your content.

When you’re ready to create your own, click “my Auras,” then select “create new Aura” in the top right corner of the screen.

Next, you’ll select a “trigger” to upload, either from your device or from your Aurasma account. This image will serve as the trigger, for lack of a better word, for your Aura. Basically, when you scan this image with your phone, using the Aurasma app, the media you layer on top of the image will appear/play.

You’ll first be asked to name your Aura. Next, you’ll upload the “trigger” for your Aura. The other information is not necessary to create your Aura 🙂

After you’ve uploaded your trigger image, you’ll be able to add another “layer” to your Aura. The layer is what will appear when the Aurasma app is hovering over the trigger image.

You will need to upload a file – image, photo, video – from your computer. To my knowledge, adding a YouTube video, for example, is not an available option.

Then, you’re ready to try it out! Display your Aura anywhere … test it on your computer screen! Simply download the Aurasma app (free!) and choose the square icon on the bottom of the screen. Hover over your Aura and watch the magic begin! Check out my Aura below!

I’ll be using Aurasma in my classroom to create interactive review games and will probably include one on my next digital BreakoutEDU!

Thanks for reading 🙂

 

HyperDocs are AWESOME!

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Over the summer, I purchased the HyperDoc Handbook with the intention of reading and digesting it before the beginning of this school year.

Am I the only one that sets huge goals for summer and then accomplishes little to none of it?! That, my friends, was the case with the HyperDoc Handbook.

Last semester, I finally had time to actually read the HyperDoc Handbook, and IT WAS AWESOME!

A HyperDoc is so much more than just an electronic worksheet. HyperDocs allow teachers to design lessons that promote more of a student-centered approach. There are MANY templates that teachers can follow when creating HyperDocs such as, “Explore, Explain, Apply,” “5 E’s,” and the “Basic HyperDoc Lesson.” Part of the beauty of HyperDocs is that teachers are free to use one of these templates, a variation or combination of templates, or create their own!

Just like with BreakoutEDU, when I learned about HyperDocs, I immediately began formulating game plans for using them in my classroom. It was almost an obsession because HyperDocs are actually FUN to create!

Teachers can use a variety of tools when creating HyperDocs, and many of these tools are probably already familiar to you and your students – YouTube, ThingLink, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Sites, etc. HyperDocs allow teachers to package content in such a way that allows their students to explore content material and apply their knowledge while working in a more individualized setting.

The first HyperDoc I made was for my American Government class dealing with the Bill to Law process. I was working on my laptop while I was creating this activity for my students and pulled up my copy of the HyperDoc Handbook on my iPad. (The HyperDoc Handbook provides fabulous information AND examples/templates for teachers to use in their classrooms! It’s spectacular!)

The “Engage” step of my HyperDoc takes students to a podcast called, “60 Second Civics,” in which they were to listen to 5 podcasts about the Bill to Law process. As they were listening to the information, they were to type their thoughts in the corresponding box.

The “Explore” step directed students to three websites, all concerning an aspect of the legislative process – Vetoes, Pocket Vetoes, Overridden Vetoes, Bills Presented to Congress, and an article about the repeal of Obamacare. I wanted students to view “real life” applications of the content they were learning in this section.

The “Explain” step required students to actively view an instructional video I had created about the Bill to Law process via EDpuzzle. They were also required to take notes on this video on their unit note-taking document.

The “Apply” step requirement was two-fold: students needed to create a Quizlet deck that detailed the Bill to Law process and then submit an idea via Google Form for bills they wanted to see passed in our school (more on our Bill to Law simulation later!).

Finally, the “Extend” step provided students with games and other extension activities (for lack of a better phrase!) to allow them to further their knowledge of the legislative process … or have fun with trivia 🙂

Overall, the HyperDoc activity was FANTASTIC! My time was freed up — I was able to interact with students and help them understand the legislative process instead of constantly reminding them of instructions, redirecting them to the correct sources, etc. HyperDocs ROCK!

If you’re interested in checking out my HyperDocs, please click here or access the HyperDocs for Social Studies page on my blog.

If you haven’t already, DEFINITELY put the HyperDoc Handbook on your reading list! Click here to purchase from Amazon (affiliate).

More will be added soon!

Thanks for reading 🙂

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Thanks in advance!

 

Fabulous Updates to EDpuzzle!

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Earlier this calendar year, I access EDpuzzle for the first time since Christmas break,EDpuzzle updates and what did I find? New updates! Teachers can now award partial points for student responses! Hooray!!

 

Here’s how it works:

When grading student responses to assessment questions, you can now mark the entire question wrong like this,

…or, award partial points like this,

…or can count the question entirely correct like this.

Be sure to check out my EDpuzzle tutorials and other posts about this fabulous tool!

Thanks for reading this super short post! Check back soon for more fun information about HyperDocs, Book Snaps, and MORE!

 

 

 

Rocketbook Wave Notebook – WOW!!

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A few months ago, I received an AWESOME package in the mail … my Rocketbook Wave! Seriously, it’s like something out of an awesome, futuristic show. Friends, George Jetson would be jealous of this notebook!

I first learned about the Rocketbook Wave at the ST4T Conference in Clearwater, Florida last summer – what a fun conference to present at and attend!! I immediately put it on my list of tools to check out!

Here’s how this great tool works!

Before having fun in your notebook, add the Rocketbook Wave app to your smartphone (Android or iOS). On the bottom of each page in your Rocketbook Wave, you’ll notice icons. Through the app, you’ll be able to direct each of these icons to a specific cloud-based storage system or email.

Next, using an approved pen, like these from Amazon (affiliate) write in your notebook. Mark an icon at the bottom of the page to direct your notes to that account and/or folder.

Then, open your Rocketbook Wave app on your smartphone, position the phone over the page, and get ready for awesomeness!

When you’re ready to erase your notebook, simply fill a coffee mug 3/4 of the way full with water, then put your notebook in the microwave and place the coffee mug on the circle on the cover.

Microwave your mug and notebook according to the instructions on the packaging …

And … out comes a clean notebook page!!

Word of caution … give your notebook some time to cool off … you did just microwave your notebook 😀

Seriously, how cool is the Rocketbook Wave?

Click here (affiliate) to order yours!

Thanks for reading 🙂

This post contains affiliate links which mean if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. Thanks in advance!

An Awesome Day of Learning at METC17!

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Wow, friends! METC has delivered yet again! I love love LOVE learning new strategies, ideas, and tools for my classroom and METC17 definitely provided a wonderful opportunity to do just that!

And networking … OH, THE NETWORKING! I love meeting innovative and inspiring teachers and leaders in education. Did I mention I got to meet Dave Burgess?!

In case you’re not from Missouri … 🙂 … METC is the Midwest Educational Technology Conference held every year at the St. Charles Convention Center. METC is put on by EdPlus, an organization in STL that provides high-quality, awesome professional development!

Just in case you missed my poster session, here’s my presentation!

On another note … one of my favorite things to do on Twitter is to share tidbits of awesomeness I hear at conferences. Here are a few from today :

“We are in the life-changing business!” – Dave Burgess

“We can’t measure a teacher’s effectiveness with standardized test scores!” -Dave Burgess

Thanks for reading 🙂

Review Game – QR Codes and Google Forms

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I’m always looking for fun ways to review course content with my students! Today, we reviewed vocabulary from last semester using Quizlet Live which is always super fun. Read more about how we use Quizlet Live here. Today, I was thinking about a different review game to try and I thought, why not smash together two of my favorite EdTech tools …QR Codes and Google Forms!

Creating the QR Codes

I love QR Codes. They’re easy to make, easy to use, and provide a fantastic way to share information with students. I also love Google Sheets …  especially the add-ons and formatting options! And, wouldn’t you know there’s a QR Code add-on in Sheets! It’s fabulous and so easy to use! Simply open a new Google Sheet, click the “Add-Ons” menu, choose “Get Add-ons,” and browse away! To create QR Codes from Sheets, simply search “QR” in the search bar on the “Get Add-ons” menu.

Next, add definitions (or anything really) to a column in your sheet. I would suggest including a number in your description (ex) 1. this amendment abolished slavery) to prevent confusion in your QR Code.

Then, select “QR Code Generator” from your Add-ons menu and click “start.” You’ll see a box on the right side of your screen with many options.

To create the QR Codes for each cell, simply highlight the cells and select “generate.” You’ll notice a progress bar as the add-on gets to work! When it’s finished, select “open document,” and you’ll see your QR Codes on a Google Doc! Rename the Google Doc to save your sanity in your Google Drive. Print the document, cut out the QR Codes and post them throughout your classroom or your building for a fun scavenger hunt!

Creating the Google Form

I also love Google Forms. They’re just simply fabulous. For this activity, you’ll create a Google Form that uses data validation to require students to enter the correct term before submitting the form.

I’ll be using this activity in the coming weeks with my students!

Here’s a brief instructional video for creating this activity!

 

Thanks for reading 🙂

 

Getting Started with Nearpod

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Nearpod is one of my absolute FAVORITE tools to use in my 1:1 classroom. In my dual credit social studies classes, I run more of a blended than flipped classroom in that I lecture 2-3 days per week and allow the remaining class time to be used for completing work. I try to mimic a college schedule as much as I can, and since I see my students every day, this plan works pretty well.

One of the many reasons I love Nearpod is that it helps me create an engaging, interactive environment for my students. No longer are my presentations simply projected on the white board while my students frantically copy down information. Now, my Nearpod lesson is displayed on their individual Chromebook which allows them to not only view the information without peering over the heads of their classmates, but also allows them to interact with the various images, virtual tours, and activities within the presentation making it much more FUN!

If you’re looking to get started with Nearpod, here’s a quick how-to guide 🙂

Create an account
Nearpod offers various account levels, each providing different perks. The “silver account” allows you to create lessons and include formative assessments in those lessons. However, it does not allow teachers to add websites, YouTube videos, games, etc into Nearpod lessons. One of my favorite features, the virtual tours, is also unavailable through the silver account. My suggestion? Spring for the “gold account!” This allows you to utilize the fabulous features of Nearpod that promote student engagement – virtual tours of awesome places ranging from Pyramids to Mars and everywhere in between, awesome 3D images and more! The gold account starts at $10 per month per teacher and is definitely worth it. Read more about pricing here.

Explore lessons
Are you looking for an engaging lesson for your students and don’t have time to reinvent the wheel? Check out the awesome lessons library! Search through the lesson library, set filters that relate to your content, and add free (or inexpensive) lessons to your account! It’s fantastic! Do you use Common Sense Education curriculum at your school? Be sure to access the lessons for each unit!

Create your own 
When you’re ready to create your own Nearpod, you have a few different options. Teachers can create Nearpod presentations through the “Create” feature on the dashboard page. This allows you to upload a file from your computer, in a PNG, PDF, or PPT file to create a presentation or individual slides. OR … you can use my personal favorite, the Nearpodize extension! Most of my presentations are created using Google Slides. To quickly create a Nearpod lesson from your Google Slides presentation, simply open your presentation, select the Nearpodize extension, and watch the magic happen! It’s fabulous!

Now, you’re ready to get started with Nearpod! Check out this post for more of my favorite Nearpod features!

If you or your school district would like more information about how to use Nearpod in the classroom? Please let me know! I would love to help you learn about and love using this fabulous tool!!

Thanks for reading 🙂

New Formative Assessment Tool – Triventy

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I honestly have no idea how I stumbled upon Triventy … does that ever happen to you? It wasn’t Pinterest or Twitter, I don’t think it was in any newsletter I subscribe to. When I share tools I find with you,  I like to also show you how I found it. Hmm. Oh well! Be sure to add Triventy to your formative assessment arsenal! Here’s how it works in my classroom.

Triventy is a gamified formative assessment tool, similar to Kahoot or Quizizz. Teachers can create games and can easily share them with their students via link or through Google Classroom. Games can be public or private and teachers can search (and modify) existing public games to fit the needs of their students.

To create a FREE account with Triventy, make sure the slider is on “education” and not “events” on the home page.

Next, choose “sign up” and choose “sign in with Google.” Be sure to sign in with the Google account you use to access Classroom — if you want to be able to post Triventy games on Classroom, that is 🙂 I know I’ve said this before, but how awesome is it to be able to sign in/ sign up with Google and not forget another username and password?!

To create a quiz, simply select “create quiz” on the main screen. Triventy gives quiz creators the option to invite others to collaborate by adding quiz questions. This could make for an interesting class assignment!

When creating a quiz, teachers can determine how long students will be given to answer quiz questions, and can also add an image for the quiz. Teachers can add images for individual questions as well … if you choose to add an image to the quiz, that same image will be added to each question. If you’d like to change the image on individual questions, you’ll have to make that change while editing the questions. 

I think it’s fun to add my bitmoji to the test and question images 🙂

Triventy provides a quiz question option and a survey option. Teachers can also include hints for each question or a “did you know” fun tidbit of information to display at the end of the question.

 

Be sure to add Triventy to your formative assessment toolbox!

Thanks for reading 🙂