Digital Learning Day

On February 5th my class decided to participate in Digital Learning Day.  Due to extreme weather conditions Brighton Area School's have experienced 6 snow days, so I honestly thought I couldn't possibly fit an extra, unique activity in.  I am so glad I put forth the effort and went for it.  I designed my lessons for the day to utilize as many online learning experiences as possible using my class set of Chromebooks, 1 personal ipad and my iphone.  I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to stray away from the curriculum for any subjects at all.  I found ways of fitting all the objectives in while providing my students with new, exciting ways to receive and show understanding of the information. I have never seen my students more engaged.  I loved it! My day went as follows:

We started off using my favorite non-fiction website called Wonderopolis.org.  We just learned how to pick out the main idea and supporting details in our reading workshop lessons.  The students watched the video for "The Wonder of the Day", read/listened to the article, used a graphic organizer to record the main idea and supporting details mentioned and wrote a thoughtful response that Wonderopolis immediately responded to.  Our thoughtful responses usually restate something that we learned, a connection we had with the text or a question we are still wondering.  The kids loved the positive, encouraging responses Wonderopolis gave and felt that their writing was for a specific purpose and meaningful audience.

Next we got with partners and collaborated, created and designed Animoto videos on a non-fiction text feature partnerships pulled out of a hat.  In reading workshop we have been noticing and figuring out how non-fiction text features can help us comprehend a text and find information we want to know quickly.  Using the downloaded Animoto app on the Chromebooks the students created 30 second videos using photos they took with their webcam and saved images from the internet to show how their assigned non-fiction text feature helps a reader read a non-fiction text.  The loved that they could choose their own personal template with music.  I was expecting a high level of frustration with this activity, but surprisingly all students were thrilled to be doing creative work and they were proud of their hard work in the end.  So was I. You can see all of their Animoto videos on my webpage at
http://mrsgiannandrea3.weebly.com/animoto-non-fiction-text-videos.html

The Everyday Math lesson that was on the agenda for the day had students practicing writing, naming and comparing 7 digit numbers.  We started with a digital version of the suggested picture book "How much is a Million" By David M. Schwartz.  Youtube had a wonderful uploaded version that we watched as a whole group on the big screen.  Then as we worked on problems that pertained to the lesson in our workbooks selected students used my ipad and the Show Me app to record themselves writing and saying their own 7 digit number they come up with themselves.  The kids love to hear themselves talk and perform.  What a great way to get them to show their thinking!  See this great example:



During science time students learned about light.  They watched the interactive Brainpopjr video, played games, read word walls, read comic strips, wrote about what they learned using their keyboards, and took quizzes all pertaining to the subject of light.  Choice was key here.  It was the end of the day and we were all tired.  Having so many options for the students to choose from that they enjoy is a great,  positive quality of Brainpopjr.

As all of the mentioned activities were occurring in the classroom I was simultaneously sending out Tweets of everything on Twitter.  The kids knew that I was using the hashtag #DLDay and were hoping I would snap a photo of them to show off to our followers, especially their parents who can see what their child is up to during the school day.  Once again a meaningful, authentic audience made a difference of the performance level displayed.  And of course I used Class Dojo, like I do every day, monitoring classroom behavior.  Students were happy to get many "On Task" and "Participating" Class Dojo points as the day progressed while having fun with learning!

Phew!  What a day!

MiGoogle 2013 Conference

I am honored to say I am presenting in this year's MiGoogle Conference located at the Brighton High School on Tuesday, November 5th.  I am excited and nervous all at the same time.  I wanted to share my story of my Chromebook pilot with others because I am so thrilled on how this 1:1 experience has turned out.  I hope presenting at the conference will take me a step closer to convincing my district that we should consider purchasing a Chromebook for every student third grade and up to provide an universal, internet device accessible all day - every day.

My favorite part of this piloting experience has been the collaboration piece.  I have been able to participate in many learning activities such as International Dot Day, The Global Read Aloud and team teaching using Skype with individuals and classrooms around the world.  I love that I have had the opportunity to work with many other Michigan teachers, especially Caldonia Schools third grade teacher, Terrie Morrow.  As a close family friend, I have looked up to Terrie my whole life and to have the opportunity to collaborate with such a fantastic educator has been spectacular.  I've learned so much from her and her passion for education is contagious.  I am so glad she will be presenting with me!

I am also thrilled that a previous student from my last year's third grade class will be presenting with me, too. When he heard I was going to talk about the Chromebooks he came up with the idea himself to present along with me.  This technology implementation is all about the kids, anyways, right?  His name is Kayne and he is a perfect example of how a 1:1 device is useful for children even at the elementary level.  At the beginning of the year last year I would have never imagined this student getting up infront of anyone sharing his ideas and excited about it.  He barely performed well in all subject matters until he had the access to this piloted technology.  It opened up so many new doors for him and he was able to express himself in ways I never even thought possible.  I am so proud of him and can't wait to hear what he has to say!

My session is called, "Third Graders, Wild About Chromebooks".  It will be at the Brighton High School and 3:10pm in room F24.  Wish me luck!

Edmodo

I attended the EdmodoCon 2013 Wednesday and came away from this online conference pumped and excited to get those Chromebooks out of the cart and into my third graders hands as soon as the school year starts.  I've wanted to use this online networking application for teachers and students for about two years.  Now that I will hopefully start the school year off with 1:1 Chromebooks I am positive that the Edmodo platform will be so useful for all subjects in my class.

ALL learning materials can be located in one learning space that is accessible to teachers, parents and students.  The possibilities are endless.  There are so many positives with this program that I can hardly wrap my head around all of them.  Because of this intimidation I feel, I will try to focus on just a few aspects of Edmodo and take baby steps until I feel comfortable with it.  Thankfully, I have a couple Tech Ed friends I can rely on for assistance when needed.  Thank you Jennifer Bond and Terrie Morrow!!!!

I look forward to assigning assignments though Edmodo and having the students submit their work through this platform.   I can't wait to create and store on Edmodo exploration stations with non-fiction texts and digital media for students to investigate to make their own conclusions about real world matters.  I can't wait to make separate groups for mystery book clubs that have the potential to be shared with other third grade classrooms around the world on Edmodo.  I look forward to participating in The Global Read Aloud with my students on Edmodo.  I also look forward to making mini-quizzes on Edmodo as an exit slip after a concept has been introduced to see if my students have comprehended the way I had hoped.  The quiz feature even allows students to skip or flag a question to come back to later if needed.  I can't wait to try the Goanimate app available in Edmodo's own app store along with a few others that looked beneficial to my students.  I look forward to joining educator communities within Edmodo, to make connections with teachers who are passionate about their job and want to share resources, just like me!

Summer's Almost Done - Time to Think Technology Education

As I was sitting at a local restaurant enjoying a lunch out on a week day, I discovered I am ready to get back to school and start thinking about implementing educational technology.  There weren't very many customers.  Everyone was at work and I felt lucky to have the time off to spend with my kids.  I couldn't even recall what day of the week it was, which means I was totally immersed in my summer vacation relaxation.  We sat next to a large table of retired, elderly men who must have just finished a round at the nearby golf course.  They were quite loud and I found myself eavesdropping on their conversations, especially when the topic of education was brought up.

One of the gentlemen expressed his concern about a recent technology bond that was passed in the community and said something like, "They don't need computers at school.  They can just play on their own when they get home."  And then the conversation continued about all the fancy gadgets their grandchildren have that could perform such tasks that seemed magical and impossible.

I wanted to interrupt the conversation so badly and express my opinion on the importance of technology in the world we live in and the future of our students, but I didn't want to seem rude.  It is amazing to me that so often technology is viewed as a play thing even though the careers of the future are going to require more than a basic knowledge of it.  As I left the restaurant and have been reflecting on this eavesdropping experience, I wish those fine gentlemen could see this video that I have watched so many times:

Or look at this infograph:

Anyways, as the school days approach I am changing modes in my brain and am starting to get excited about ways to not only implement educational technology, but also to create a learning environment that will prepare my students for a technology enriched future.

Glogster EDU

To finish up our poetry unit we decided to create an online interactive poster through an app available at the Chrome Store.  The app is called Glogster EDU.  I had never made a "glog" before and I knew the kids would have fun trying it out. I love their slogan, "Creativity is Learning!" After learning about 8 different types of poems, the students logged into their Glogster EDU accounts and created a free, poetry multimedia poster with text, photos, videos, animations, graphics, audio and much more!  It was a unique way to publish their thoughtful writing.  When I practiced Glogster EDU at home it worked great.  I was able to manipulate text boxes, record myself reading my poetry,  and add photos found online with a Chromebook hooked up to my own wi-fi network.  Working with it at school, was a little more challenging.  For some reason we could not hear any sound that we tried recording.  It would have been super cute to have the students record their voices, but for some reason it would not work.  Even though we experienced this disappointment, all the kids were still very excited to make the online poster and many of them turned out spectacular.  I will use Glogster EDU again, for sure!  Click on the links below to see some great examples from my third grade class.

Student 1

Student 2

Student 3

Student 4

Student 5

Student 6

Student 7

Student 8

Student 9

Weebly Non-fiction Websites

Students experienced writing a non-fiction piece for this last quarter.  We used our Chromebooks to create non-fiction websites that gave the opportunity for students to write a factual piece that included an introduction, description chapter, sequence chapter, compare chapter and a conclusion.  The kids chose whatever topic they felt they were an expert on.  We used a very friendly, free website builder called Weebly.  The students caught on real fast and actually decided what tabs and information to include.  They enjoyed using the photos available through this website builder and uploading some found on the internet that related to their topic.  Some kids went over and beyond and learned how to insert html code to embed a video relating to their topic.  It was so nice to have the Chromebooks at our disposal all day, so the kids could grab a machine and get back to work on their website if they finished their work in other subjects.  The best part about this project was the pride these kids felt to create something that looked so professional and appealing.  They also were so excited about them, that many students went home and built more on other topics of their choice.  We plan on having a "Website Gallery Dessert Night" as the year comes to a close to show off all of our hard work.  Please click on the links below to check out what some of them have accomplished so far:

All About Snakes

Swimming

Fashion

Basketball

All About Dogs

Minecraft

Dogs

All About Dogs

Tekkit

Music

Volleyball

Soccer

Minecraft School

Typing Practice

After seeing one of the example writing questions for the Smarter Balanced Assessments and knowing about the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, I am convinced that students need to start practicing typing before third grade.  I have found that the last few years I have taught more lessons and provided more practice time for typing rather than writing cursive.  Cursive is great, students need to try it and learn how to read it. However, in my opinion typing is more important and is a skill all students will be using in the future no matter what career path they choose.  There are two typing programs I like that are free and fun.  One is Dance Mat Typing provided by the British Broadcasting Corporation.  It is very entertaining and the kids love it.  You need to pass levels of difficulty through practice.  Some of the accents the characters use can be a little hard to understand though.  The second is an app provided through Google Chrome's Elementary Education Pack called Typing Club.  After practicing, the app will rate you with 1-3 stars depending on how you perform.  It also tells you the words per minute you can type, your accuracy percentage and the time it took you to finish the task.  It also gives a lesson before practice begins and shows a picture of hands with the finger needed highlighted on the screen.  My students have become fast typers especially with the amount of exposure to technology this year.  I would like all Brighton students to have that same advantage.