| Tech Play 3 Technology Integration | |||||
| App Name Clickable Link | Description | Likes | Dislikes | Student user | Teacher user |
| WeVideo | Video using voice over, specal effects, annotations, sharable on social media | Very easy to use | None found | Student create in order to show information learned in place of essay or PowerPoint. | Can be used to introduce a unit, concept or skill. |
| Canva | Drag and drop design for Web or print: blog graphics, presentations, Facebook covers, flyers, posters, invitations. Easy, some small fees but can use freely. | Very easy to use | Small charges for some pictures. | Student would use to info learned or could use to design their own ePortfolio or blog. (header etc) | Can be used to introduce a unit, concept or skill. Also for website headers.Flyers for clubs & organizations. |
| Book Creator Free (iOS) | Share photos, video, audio and text from other apps straight into Book Creator also import songs from Garage Band | Allows import or mashup from other apps | Limited number of books | Student could use to make an ebook over a specific topic. | Teacher could use as an intro to a new topic. |
| PicPlayPost | PicPlayPost is a video and editing tool that lets users combine videos and still images into a shared frame. With a tap of the screen, the videos will play simultaneously or sequentially, and the still images will be placeholders in the frame. It's a great tool for displaying a combination of pictures as an alternative to a traditional slideshow. Kids can manipulate the style of the frame and add music from their iTunes library to play in the background. | Allows import or mashup from other apps | None found | Student could use in place of a traditional slide show. | Teacher could use as an intro to a new topic. Could also use at Open House or as a way to highlight student work. |
| Show Me | I used this when teaching 8th grade math. I would use the video option and color coding for each new step. After it was recorded, I would upload to my website so that students could go back and review or remember after they got home. | Recording feature. Can take pictures of problems and import as background for use in Math. | None found | Student could also record while doing math practice so that teacher can easily see what steps they are doing. Could be used even for note taking and then shareable. | Mostly designed for teacher use in my opinion. |
| Caption Distraction Comic Strips | Lite version and Creative version. Quickly made comic strips from your pictures. | Looks like authentic comic strips. Fast & easy. | Creative version cost $3.99 | Great way for student to show knowledge and have fun creating. | Mostly designed for student use in my opinion. |
| TouchCast iOS |
Touchcast is a really cool website/app that merges videos and the web. Essentially, you can record yourself discussing a topic, and include images to makes a point, a poll for assessment, or another video to corellate with your topic. It's really cool.
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Easy to use. Available from website or iOS app. Which can be good if not 1:1 ipads.
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None Found.
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I don't see many students wanting to use this just because of the face time / voice time involved. Especially shy students.
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Teacher can record yourself discussing a topic, and include images to makes a point, a poll for assessment.
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| TouchCast website | |||||
| Nearpod | A fantastic BYOD (bring your own device) resource for educators. Teachers can design interactive presentations that students can view on their iPads. When you embed elements like a quiz, poll, or drawing response, students can digitally interact with teacher-led presentations. It's a powerful tool for iPad classrooms and provides tons of free options for teachers. | You can mash up anything. Stop ask questions > Insert EdPuzzle | The only thing that is difficult for me personally is the subject I teach does not have resources in app. | Students would use interactively but would be teacher created. | Students would use interactively but would be teacher created. |
| Tellagami | Tellagami is a website that allows Ss to create characters and command what those characters say and do. This is a good app for Ss that are shy. | Easy to use. Available from website or iOS app. Which can be good if not 1:1 ipads. | None Found. | Students would use to create without the fear of their face being plastered on the big screen. | Fun tool for anything. Even Ice Breakers. |
| EdPuzzle | EDpuzzle is an easy and effective way to deliver videos in the classroom. Stop video and add questions for students. | Great to use with Google Classroom, Nearpod or Schoology. | None Found. | Students would use interactively but would be teacher created. | Students would use interactively but would be teacher created. |
| 30 Hands | http://30hands.com is a super easy way to integrate sound, pictures, drawings. | Easily used for PBL and integrated into Schoology LMS. | None Found other than $6.99 for app | Students would use to collaborate and share. Evidenced learning. | Fun tool for both Ss and T. |
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Tech Play 3
Tech Play 3 (part two) Analysis
I have been collecting websites, apps and anything else I could get my hands on over the last several years that would aide me and my fellow colleagues to seamlessly integrate technology within our curriculum. Although crude looking, as it came from a work in progress (Google spreadsheet), using only spare time. I plan to beautify it and make it more pleasing to the eye...soon. For now it remains a work in progress but still accomplishes the task in which I need. You may see my technology collection by clicking here: Leigh's Tech Resources
For the analysis portion of my learning, I want to address the use of the PicPlayPost app for iOS devices and how I believe it meets the requirements needed for TPack models. When I reviewed my favorites, I had to really think about what they offered in a singular app. Normally, I get what I need by using several apps to get the desired outcome. I want something that provides engagement, a place to discuss, student creativity that will be used for the assessment portion and checking for understanding. So, that means there are several passes back and forth or to other students that this app needs to be able to do. PicPlayPost offers a place for all of the above, especially when embedded in the LMS I use, Schoology. I like that because I make clickable links and the students know where to go daily (not a technology goose chase).
PicPlayPost has several windows that run simultaneously. While one window could be the student talking or reporting research, the other window could be a photo slide show that incorporates visual information that would correlate with what the student is reporting. Another window could show drawings, still shots or run video with or without audio. It would take well timed synchronization.
In order for a student to make a report this way the content knowledge would have to be in place. For a teacher to make an introduction or added content, pedagogy, technology knowledge and content knowledge would be a well balanced trio.
For this sample I used EDpuzzle to clip and post statements. (A few choice words had to be cut out as this video was found on YouTube and is not made by myself or my family) Although this is not an academic sample, you can see how versatile you could make a project using PicPlayPost.
Here is a sample of what PicPlayPost can do. PicPlayPost
For the analysis portion of my learning, I want to address the use of the PicPlayPost app for iOS devices and how I believe it meets the requirements needed for TPack models. When I reviewed my favorites, I had to really think about what they offered in a singular app. Normally, I get what I need by using several apps to get the desired outcome. I want something that provides engagement, a place to discuss, student creativity that will be used for the assessment portion and checking for understanding. So, that means there are several passes back and forth or to other students that this app needs to be able to do. PicPlayPost offers a place for all of the above, especially when embedded in the LMS I use, Schoology. I like that because I make clickable links and the students know where to go daily (not a technology goose chase).
PicPlayPost has several windows that run simultaneously. While one window could be the student talking or reporting research, the other window could be a photo slide show that incorporates visual information that would correlate with what the student is reporting. Another window could show drawings, still shots or run video with or without audio. It would take well timed synchronization.
In order for a student to make a report this way the content knowledge would have to be in place. For a teacher to make an introduction or added content, pedagogy, technology knowledge and content knowledge would be a well balanced trio.
For this sample I used EDpuzzle to clip and post statements. (A few choice words had to be cut out as this video was found on YouTube and is not made by myself or my family) Although this is not an academic sample, you can see how versatile you could make a project using PicPlayPost.
Here is a sample of what PicPlayPost can do. PicPlayPost
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Tech Play 2
Eportfolio Tools:
Over the last two years I have used and searched for different methods to house my own curriculum. I didn't matter to me if it was web based, software or even a wiki site. Sadly, I would start on each and find out that it wasn't capable of doing everything I needed. Even though I have spent many hours creating and designing it would soon be abandoned because of the limits placed on the user. For my portfolio I have compared, wikis, websites and eportfolio vendors.
Wiki's that I have used in the past are no longer working. I tried WetPaint.com but it really seems geared in a different direction than educational use. I really don't know how many late night surfers I'd like to find my information. Also, the look of this particular wiki board just doesn't appeal to me.
Portfoliogen.com almost won me over until I realized that I need more pages (or tabs) than it allows on their free version. It does allow some customization such as color and background that was nice.
Livebinder.com has a real notebook feel to it. I like it. I do use it for some projects, but again, there are limitations on how much you can upload for free. I don't know about you but I do not want to get hours into something and then be limited or forced to pay.
For now, I am sticking with the Blogspot.com. This site offers what I need and I am used to it. What I like most about it is that I will "own" it or it will be easily accessible to me no matter where I am or how old I am.
Folio Thinking:
When I think back to my first portfolio four inches thick, in colors that were carefully selected and thought out, I have to smile. I was new to the field of Education, energetic and well... inexperienced. I must admit that I am happy that portfolio's are now web based, but either way this collection of personal educational items serve many purposes. Having a portfolio that you spend time creating, maintaining, and reviewing is somewhat like having your very own personal adviser. It is a sort of professional development where you are the presenter and the audience. When I think about having a portfolio I get a little antsy, mostly because I am a perfectionist. I have to remember to break it into small chunks to get started and then simply continue to update it on a regular basis. Since I believe that portfolios make us a little more vulnerable and transparent, who wouldn't want theirs to be fabulous? It's somewhat like your claim to fame, your very own go-to source. So why shouldn't we make it GREAT? It's a place I will revisit several times a year to reflect, remind, revamp or just giggle.
Now, of course these are my personal feelings about a portfolio. Do I feel the same way about a test? EWW, no way! An essay?? Definitely not! (Not to over use the exclamation points but, Definitely NOT!!!!!) Comparing portfolios to tests, essays, quizzes, or any other types of assessment, think about it for a minute, portfolios are work you have already completed. The only thing left is to assemble, arrange, decorate your portfolio with your work. Why wouldn't we love that? Unless you just like to study of course. I'd rather study about ways to grow, get better at what I do, continue my learning and leading my learners.
As a student myself, I would much rather articulate what I know to be true rather than be taught the test. Exploring is so much more fun than memorizing or studying a hand-out. I feel as if I learn more by hands on learning, So, although information identified and received by professors is very important because it guides our learning, by telling us what we need to know. However, telling what we know and showing proof through educational artifacts is evidence of our learning. Showing growth in each and every learner is our goal.
The difference between physical and electronic portfolios are vast. True, they both serve the same purpose. They both allow us to reflect, review, revise, revamp, reuse or make refuse out of an artifact. Conversely, paper portfolios must be within reach. Choosing an electronic portfolio enables that you can reach it with a smartphone or wifi connection basically, always at your fingertips. Many of us have admitted to recycling our previously made paper portfolios. Quite simply, they are bulky and take up precious space in our homes or classrooms. Seriously, that would be embarrassing to lug around to interviews, summatives or anywhere other than the dumpster. The ease of sharing a link with prospective employers, team members, class-mates or professors far outweigh the idea of the big bulky binder.
My own students use blogspot.com to create their portfolios of their digital work. My only concern and drawback of this feature is that it allows other students to copy and paste from one student website to another. Honestly, I have not sat down to attempt to tackle or solve this problem as of now. Students blog, and I grade directly from their blog. This allows me to grade from home, the doctors waiting room or while I am a passenger in the car. Blogs have changed my life as a teacher and grading.
As you can decipher, I am a fan of blogspot.com. I am familiar with it and know that if I need to change something, I can go into HTML mode and push out what I need it to be. Although I rarely have needed to, knowing it's there and there are not as many limits makes me blogging happy.
Here is a link to my portfolio: Leigh Moreno's Eportfolio
Over the last two years I have used and searched for different methods to house my own curriculum. I didn't matter to me if it was web based, software or even a wiki site. Sadly, I would start on each and find out that it wasn't capable of doing everything I needed. Even though I have spent many hours creating and designing it would soon be abandoned because of the limits placed on the user. For my portfolio I have compared, wikis, websites and eportfolio vendors.
Wiki's that I have used in the past are no longer working. I tried WetPaint.com but it really seems geared in a different direction than educational use. I really don't know how many late night surfers I'd like to find my information. Also, the look of this particular wiki board just doesn't appeal to me.
Portfoliogen.com almost won me over until I realized that I need more pages (or tabs) than it allows on their free version. It does allow some customization such as color and background that was nice.
Livebinder.com has a real notebook feel to it. I like it. I do use it for some projects, but again, there are limitations on how much you can upload for free. I don't know about you but I do not want to get hours into something and then be limited or forced to pay.
For now, I am sticking with the Blogspot.com. This site offers what I need and I am used to it. What I like most about it is that I will "own" it or it will be easily accessible to me no matter where I am or how old I am.
Folio Thinking:
When I think back to my first portfolio four inches thick, in colors that were carefully selected and thought out, I have to smile. I was new to the field of Education, energetic and well... inexperienced. I must admit that I am happy that portfolio's are now web based, but either way this collection of personal educational items serve many purposes. Having a portfolio that you spend time creating, maintaining, and reviewing is somewhat like having your very own personal adviser. It is a sort of professional development where you are the presenter and the audience. When I think about having a portfolio I get a little antsy, mostly because I am a perfectionist. I have to remember to break it into small chunks to get started and then simply continue to update it on a regular basis. Since I believe that portfolios make us a little more vulnerable and transparent, who wouldn't want theirs to be fabulous? It's somewhat like your claim to fame, your very own go-to source. So why shouldn't we make it GREAT? It's a place I will revisit several times a year to reflect, remind, revamp or just giggle.
Now, of course these are my personal feelings about a portfolio. Do I feel the same way about a test? EWW, no way! An essay?? Definitely not! (Not to over use the exclamation points but, Definitely NOT!!!!!) Comparing portfolios to tests, essays, quizzes, or any other types of assessment, think about it for a minute, portfolios are work you have already completed. The only thing left is to assemble, arrange, decorate your portfolio with your work. Why wouldn't we love that? Unless you just like to study of course. I'd rather study about ways to grow, get better at what I do, continue my learning and leading my learners.
As a student myself, I would much rather articulate what I know to be true rather than be taught the test. Exploring is so much more fun than memorizing or studying a hand-out. I feel as if I learn more by hands on learning, So, although information identified and received by professors is very important because it guides our learning, by telling us what we need to know. However, telling what we know and showing proof through educational artifacts is evidence of our learning. Showing growth in each and every learner is our goal.
The difference between physical and electronic portfolios are vast. True, they both serve the same purpose. They both allow us to reflect, review, revise, revamp, reuse or make refuse out of an artifact. Conversely, paper portfolios must be within reach. Choosing an electronic portfolio enables that you can reach it with a smartphone or wifi connection basically, always at your fingertips. Many of us have admitted to recycling our previously made paper portfolios. Quite simply, they are bulky and take up precious space in our homes or classrooms. Seriously, that would be embarrassing to lug around to interviews, summatives or anywhere other than the dumpster. The ease of sharing a link with prospective employers, team members, class-mates or professors far outweigh the idea of the big bulky binder.
My own students use blogspot.com to create their portfolios of their digital work. My only concern and drawback of this feature is that it allows other students to copy and paste from one student website to another. Honestly, I have not sat down to attempt to tackle or solve this problem as of now. Students blog, and I grade directly from their blog. This allows me to grade from home, the doctors waiting room or while I am a passenger in the car. Blogs have changed my life as a teacher and grading.
As you can decipher, I am a fan of blogspot.com. I am familiar with it and know that if I need to change something, I can go into HTML mode and push out what I need it to be. Although I rarely have needed to, knowing it's there and there are not as many limits makes me blogging happy.
Here is a link to my portfolio: Leigh Moreno's Eportfolio
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Tech Play 1
Definitions:
A blog is a unique address located on the internet that allows you a space to present your thoughts, ideas or information you would like to share. It is a spot all your own that you can customize to represent your individuality or to represent the information you would like to put out to the public. There are very few limits as to what you can do with a blog. Limits are simply defined by which hosting site you choose.A blog is a little more simple to update regularly than a web site. Some web sites can be cumbersome to navigate in or to build. Most blog hosting sites are drag and drop or ready to use.
Other options are:
- VLOG which is primarily a video log. Great if you just need a simple tutorial or would like to showcase work in your room for parents to see.
- VOICE THREAD which is simply audio threads.
- GLOG is an interactive media poster ( I use this for students to show parts of a computer in my class).
- BLOG is an interactive site that can be a combination of any of the above.
Blog Sites:
I have a little experience with several different sites. Here is a list of what I have tried over the years and my thoughts. Please know, some may have been upgraded since I have first began using them.- Google sites (not the same as Blogger or Blogspot) access via your Google account. This is a web site but works well for blogging.
- www.Svbtle.com - Sleek, not free, but inexpensive.
- www.squarespace.com - Totally love the way this looks but again it isn't free. If I had a product to sell this would be my choice.
- www.edublogs.org - free trial, not free. ( :
- www.edu.glogster.com/product-information - not free
- www.wix.com - I like the look of Wix, but I feel like it is less personal.
- www.blogger.com - free, ability to create tabs, customize to your liking. It takes a little time to get used to it, maybe not as "new user" as others. Allows for coding rather than just plain drag and drop fill in the space type of sites. Did I say FREE? It's free!
Affordances:
As a teacher, using blogs in the classroom allows me to check student work from home. I have several ways that I store all of their site addresses for easy point and click checking. It makes my life a little easier rather than shuffling papers or flash drives.
Being a learner and using a blog allows me to reflect on my own thoughts and classwork once I move forward in my career. This blog will allow me a simple and effective storage area for things I want to remember, use later, or to share with others. This blog would be easily accessible to me no matter where I am.
For My Lessons:
I currently keep my own scope and sequence on a blogsite. I work in a small district that does not furnish lessons. Everything I teach, I create or borrow and revamp to fit my needs. The site I use for my scope and sequence of my 4 different classes allows me to simply click and teach. I don't have to worry about running to the file cabinet to pull a lesson if I am off campus.
To support learning I keep papers, videos, self created videos using screencasting on my blog. If a student is out sick, homebound or needs to review they can access my site for all in class work that was covered on that day.
To support learning I keep papers, videos, self created videos using screencasting on my blog. If a student is out sick, homebound or needs to review they can access my site for all in class work that was covered on that day.
Obstacles:
I would like to use the feature where students can comment on each others work. So far that has not been so successful because inappropriate or silly comments are made. I have had many lessons on internet safety, flaming and appropriate content, however, it is very hard to control and monitor. If I were able to use this aspect of the blog, I feel it would allow a type of discussion board rather than going to another site such as a Wiki for discussion. At High School level, I have not been able to successfully implement discussion boards where inappropriate postings haven't been a problem. Another obstacle I have is that if student blogs are shared to all students in the classroom, they begin to start copying information from one student site and posting to their own. Would love ideas if you have them.
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