Google Expeditions: Leader and Followers

Google Expeditions (Get The Scoop) enable teachers to bring students on virtual trips to places like museums, underwater, and outer space.  Read Google's Expeditions Help Page



Learning Opportunities in School (suggestions):

• Metals: "Explore a Car Factory" - relating classroom experiences to world experience
• English: "Slavery in America"- book settings
• Geography: "The Art of Yangzhou" - culture, museum, poetry
• ELL: "Field Trip to Hispanic Historic Sites in the U.S." - relating to people in our school
• Spanish: " Field Trip to Spain" - See the places speaking the language
• Math: "Nasa's Modern Figures" - STEM in the world
• Social Studies: "World War I" - Visit recreated trench system
• Business: "Girls Power to Beat Poverty in Bangladesh" - beginning own business
• Chemistry: "Hydrogen Burning" - Inside a burning hydrogen reaction and explanation
• Autos: "Subaru of Indiana Automotive" - Inside a "zero waste plant"
• Speech: Students lead tours with other students in class to practice public speaking skills

Currently there are roughly 600 expeditions!  Plenty of opportunities for use!

Things that I was impressed with while leading a group through Expeditions:

• Teacher as the leader
• Direct students to the exact places you want them to go
• Read word for word information on each item in the expedition
• See exactly where every "follower" is on your tour

Things that I was impressed with while following a leader during an Expedition:

• Student as follower
• With an arrow, I was directed toward the site of the information being explained by the leader
• Amazing real images
• Felt like I was there

Since we do not have viewers for every student in the class, we have shown students how to use their iPad to experience the expedition.  For high school students, I think the iPad isn't as good as a viewer, but good enough to experience the images and information.

I really like the "List of Available Expeditions" that someone created.  Combined with the free lesson plan presentations, and these really are a special experience for students who may never get there in reality.

The video below was created by Pioneer RESA Tech and displays both screens well.

Raider Strong Episode 013: Jackie Salewski [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mrs. Jackie Salewski, Pulaski High School Secretary, says "bring it on" when it comes to answering these questions! She has known since her Coleman High School days that she had a passion for this type of work!  She loves the relationships she has built with Pulaski Community families and is the main reason why she loves her job! She has no other aspirations to work anywhere else.  This is her "dream job".

She's a digital scrap booker and wants to see Alaska soon!

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed? Email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Digital Story Project: Spanish II using Explain Everything as a Template

In collaborating with the Spanish II team of Mrs. Van Gheem-Rottier, Ms. Sampson, and Ms. Slasarek, we developed a digital workflow in which students will be creating written stories based on a template created in Explain Everything.

This stemmed from the template that Mrs. Vertz created.  She wanted students to focus the majority of their time on working through the process and not creating all of the pieces needed in the process.

Explain Everything's "export a project" option allows for "guided creativity" from teacher to student.

In this project, Spanish II students will be showcasing their creativity and language using the Spanish language by creating a digital legend.  Their goal is to use the "preterite and imperfect tense" to create a story about the characters, setting, and plot of their choice.  Only text will be used - no audio.

Read about the entire process and view the "digital workflow" in the images below.

The template that students will "open in" Explain Everything on their iPad has been exported as a project from Explain Everything to Google Drive by the instructors.  Our teachers utilize Canvas to disseminate resources.

VIEW THE DIGITAL WORKFLOW

Twitter: Advanced Tips & Tweetdeck

We are continuing our #RaiderFieldofDreams social media campaign with our Principles of Marketing students.  Today we are introducing them to some advanced tips and Tweetdeck!

Public Library Books on iPad through Overdrive

A great FREE resource exists through the Overdrive app.  Grab your public library card number, create a password and start reading new and classics on your iPad.

In addition to ebooks, audio books and videos are available for check out!

Here's how:

Canvas Courses Starred in App and Browser

We use Canvas from Instructure.  Making sure a student sees the correct courses.

Raider Strong Episode 012: Ben Otto [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mr. Ben Otto, Business and PBL teacher at Pulaski High School, realized in high school after his enjoyable experience and the fact that many of his family members were teachers that the education profession was for him.  The staff and students are great and the climate makes it really enjoyable to come to work every day!

If Mr. Otto could do one other job in the district, it would be mine!  A technology integrator!  He loves to do one thing outside of school that takes him throughout the Midwest and Nationally!  Find out what it is.  Our conversation ends with him and I disagreeing on one thing.  Can you guess what it is?

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed? Email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Lunch N' Learn: PODCASTS: Consuming To Creating and How to Get There

Because of a recent conversation with our AP Environmental Science teacher, I determined an iPad only workflow for consuming podcasts and creating content through a podcast.  Some may say that "we don't have time for that".  While time needs to managed appropriately, this is a great tool for reflection on content or passions that are present in the content area.  In addition, this could be a "quarter project" ideas as once the process is taught for the first time, students will be able to create the podcast(s) on their own and publish.

This really doesn't need to be an hour production.  Three to ten minutes with one or no guests can really spark creativity, thinking and discussion.

UPDATE: [June 2, 2017] Students really did a great job, and had fun doing it! They created unique "entry music" to their podcasts along with rich content.

Some of them can be found HERE.
All of them can be found HERE if the permissions are correct.


Listen to the Raider Strong Podcast.


Find a podcast using the podcast app found on iPads.

Listen to choices and learn

Create a podcast using Garage Band

Create art work for the podcast using the Canva app

Publish it using the "sharrow" to Soundcloud

Write a "show page"

Podcast Options For Classes:

• Students create podcast(s) pertaining to content area studying in the classroom
• Students develop a 20% topic.
• Students after the AP exams can apply "what they have learned" throughout the year.

Raider Strong Episode 011: Todd Rodal [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mr. Todd Rodal, Social Studies teacher at Pulaski High School, realized he wanted to be a teacher after a volunteer coaching stint.  There are certain groups of people that he loves hanging out with for eight hours every day!  Find out who they are.

If Mr. Rodal could work in one other area it would be physical education.  Reason?  Something you may be able to relate to!  His children are his main focus when he leaves our school.  His bucket list actually includes twelve items!  Find out where he wants to go!

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed? Email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 010: Rebekka Budz [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mrs. Rebekka Budz, a paraprofessional at Pulaski High School, explains that after she was released from a previous job she wanted to do something that was close to her children.  She loves the staff members, the students, the sports, really everything that has to do with Pulaski High School.

If Mrs. Budz could be a counselor she would.  She thinks it is a great opportunity to help students with anything and everything.  Her bucket list includes one of the most important things which is to honor her late husband's wish to see her children be successful.  She would also like to start a foundation for children with cancer.

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 009: Luke Martinson [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mr. Luke Martinson, a mathematics teacher who emphasizes in statistics,  explains that he has enjoyed mathematics his whole life, but it was a high school teacher that he connected with that motivated him to be a teacher.  His dad was a teacher in the Pulaski School District for 35 years.

He loves working in a school district that always bases decisions on what's best for kids and their futures.  If he were not a teacher, he would like to work in maintenance because likes fixing things! When he's not in school, he loves being outdoors hunting and fishing!  He also wants to visit a place that a number of other staff members want to visit as well.  Find out where!

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 008: Bill Mihalski [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mr. Bill Mihalski, a mathematics teacher, realized that in college he truly enjoyed working with others and sharing his love for mathematics.  He really likes working with the people in the Pulaski High School and helping students do what they want to do in life.

Mr. Mihalski would like to teach phy. ed as he likes being active and playing sports.  His family is very important to him and his bucket list is to improve on spending time with family.

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 007: Taylor Mattson [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Ms. Taylor Mattson, a Family and Consumer Science teacher,  explains that she knew she wanted to be a teacher "just like her high school teachers".  Did I mention she attended Pulaski High School?

She loves how close the community is tied to the school district.  She loves high school, but would really like to be a kindergarten through third grade teacher.  She has taught younger students in the past and loves them!  You'll find her outside boating and fishing in her free time!  Some day she'd like to travel to Australia!

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 006: Dan Anderson [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mr. Dan Anderson, Science Department Anatomy and Biology teacher,  explains that he realized he wanted to be a teacher after earning his first degree.  That's right after his first college degree!  His favorite part about working in the PCSD is the community aspect that he feels!

He loves cooking and would like to grill out for the students! How could that not be fun!  Being outside is a favorite activity of his in his free time!

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 005: Laurie Fischer [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Ms. Laurie Fischer, a paraprofessional in the Pulaski News,  explains that she knew since high school that she wanted to work as an administrative assistant.  She loves works with students at Pulaski High School because they are refreshing and help keep her young!

If Ms. Fischer wasn't working in her current job she would like to be a kindergarten teacher.  She thinks they are adorable.  She really enjoys spending time with family as they go to different places to eat!  Her bucket list includes traveling to Las Vegas see everything, but NOT gambling!

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 004: Allie Thut [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Ms. Allie Thut from the Science department explains that she didn't realize she wanted to be a teacher until she fell in love with being a coach.  She loves this school district.  Every day is rewarding!

Ms. Thut would like to work at the local Dairy Queen.  She has really been into cake decorating since she was little.  She'd like to have a fun summer job at Dairy Queen.  Find out the famous distance run that she qualified for last year!

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 003: Billi Jo Vertz [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mrs. Billi Jo Vertz tells us that her entire family of educators inspired her to be a teacher since middle school.  Mrs. Vertz is in Science Department and teaches all levels of Biology.

Mrs. Vertz would work in the kitchen if she could and wants to make lasagna.  Hear how she always wants to spend more time with family "off the grid" and travel to Alaska.

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, email me!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 002: Marty Krause [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mr. Marty Krause describes his love for the Raider School District.  Mr. Krause is the English Department Chair, teaches college level English, creative writing, and coaches the Forensics team.

Mr. Krause is passionate about our school district.  He is so invested in students' lives and staff members' lives as well.  His wife teaches in our school and his children attend school in our district.  His "bucket list" answer was worth a listen.  A little known fact: He wants to let 'er fly on a lawn mower!

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, let us know!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast show to be #RaiderStrong

Raider Strong Episode 001: Aaron Sperduto [Podcast]

Podcast: Play in new window  |  Subscribe: iTunes

In this episode, Mr. Aaron Sperduto kicks off the new Raider Strong Podcasts as the first host.  Mr. Sperduto impacts our school by not only teaching a wide variety of art mediums, drawing, painting, pottery, and photography, he also serves as the yearbook advisory.

In addition, Mr. Sperduto is our head boys and girls tennis coach.

Mr. Sperduto is passionate about working with kids and realizes that teaching is a natural fit for him.  When he is not in school, you will find him outside enjoying hunting, snowmobiling and anything to do with nature.

Why Are We Creating Podcasts?
Our AP Environmental Science teacher will be listening to and creating podcasts in May 2017 based on an item of interest.  I needed to understand the workflow and found a purpose: introducing our great staff to the world! Discover the details!

Have a Suggestion?
Do you want to be interviewed (It Takes Five Minutes) or know someone in the #RaiderStrong community that should be interviewed, let us know!

Subscribe to the Podcast:
If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, please subscribe on iTunes!  I would really appreciate you leaving a review as this grows.  I want our podcast show to be #RaiderStrong

#RaiderFieldofDreams Social Media Campaign Kicks Off In Marketing Principles

On February 2, we introduced the Marketing Principles students to Canva.  Students proceeded to create a personal logo, website, and as of today a marketing campaign geared toward our school's "Seat Licensing" opportunity in our new stadium.

Since Mr. Otto and I met the first time, I have always liked the purpose for this learning opportunity.  Students are learning about "Marketing Principles Objectives" at the same time that they are learning about "Personal Branding" objectives.  All within the confines of a real situation that can benefit our school.

View The Scope, Sequence and Objectives

Today we introduced the Social Media Campaign and aspects of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.



After the presentation, all of the students were working diligently to clean up their social media feeds.  I believe that the purpose for cleaning up the feeds was that tomorrow four clients are coming in to explain what they want in the social media campaign.

Students Cleaning Up Their Social Media Feeds

PechaKucha Presentations in Criminal Justice

So many students present multiple times in their school career.  We have established a "PechaKucha" presentation opportunity for groups of students in several content areas.  One of those areas is Criminal Justice.  Today I team taught with Mr. Pirman and explained the workflow for the students.

• Create slides that are 20 seconds long in Explain Everything.  Slides should contain image(s) with 20 seconds of narration describing the content.
• Since the students are in a Flex Mod schedule, they may not be with their partners from now until the due date.  After students create their portion in Explain Everything, they will export the EE as a video to their camera roll.  They can either share their finalized portion via Google Drive or AirDrop.
• Each portion will then be combined in iMovie
• Students will take the finalized iMovie and submit the creation on Canvas

Introduce To Students (Option)


To introduce the concept I shared with the students the PechaKucha of "The Secret Life of a Pencil".  

We also played a small portion of an example for students.



We also have a number of students actually delivering their "PechaKucha"

Google Keep on the iPad (or Anywhere)

Google Keep is another option in your Self Service store for staff and students to organize all types of notes.  It is also an alternative to Evernote which seems to be slowing down and becoming less user friendly.   It is a simpler option than Notability, but the features are worth "noting".  See what I did there?  Of course, you did!

Raider Strong Podcast: Workflow That Makes It Happen

I finally understood and completed the entire workflow for creating and producing a podcast to iTunes!

I made the intro and exit music in Garage Band on the iPad. (Starter Book) I made the art work in Canva on the iPad.  I recorded the actual interview on the iPad.  I uploaded it to Google Drive where it can be produced into an MP3 on the iPad.

Here's where the entire process on the iPad could stop and people could listen to it via the Google Drive Folder.

However, that's not officially podcasting.  I needed to get it to a host, I chose Soundcloud for now as it allows three hours of free hosting.  See the product.  After that, I connected with iTunes Connect. This is the official "housing" area of all iTunes podcast accounts.  I used my iTunes account, completed all of the information, and waited 24 hours for Apple to approve.  Now, you can find my podcasts on iTunes OFFICIALLY!   

UPDATE:  Once the Soundcloud app is installed, use the Garage Band's "sharrow" to produce the podcast directly to Soundcloud.  No computer needed.

MY GOAL: Interview as many Raider Strong employees as possible which will help promote the GREAT people that work in our district. 

RELATING TO STUDENTS' LEARNING EXPERIENCE:

After conferences with Ms. Thut, we created the beginnings of how it looks for students.  Our students will focus on:

• Consuming quality content using Environmental podcasts found on iTunes
• Critically think about what makes an exemplary podcast both from a technical stand point and content stand point.
• Collaborate with experts on YouTube or in the community to develop a passion for an environmental issue that is important to them. 
• Create a series of three podcasts that directly relate to the environmental issue that they want others to know about.

While all of the creation can and will be done on an iPad.  Our students will spend time in the library downloading their podcast from Google Drive and then back up to Soundcloud. We will also use their Pulaski iTunes account to establish an official Podcast account.

I'm thrilled at the final results and can't wait for our students to experience the thrill of podcasting!

UPDATE: [June 2, 2017] Students really did a great job, and had fun doing it! They created unique "entry music" to their podcasts along with rich content.

UPDATE: [February 1, 2018] teacher asked for no frills step by step directions.  Read Them

Some of them can be found HERE.
All of them can be found HERE if the permissions are correct.

GIVE IT A LISTEN, Subscribe, and Review

If you are interested in more of an elaborate set up, THIS post provides great information!

CANVA: World History Russian Revolution Controlled Twitter Project

It's the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution.

We want students to Tweet as if they were in the midst of the Revolution, but not all students have a Twitter account.

We decided to utilize Canva's Twitter Post Templates so that students can tweet by creating a graphic.  We are introducing the project by including a great resource from RT
Not only are the tweeting, but they have a very interactive website!

Our students utilize iPads as one of their educational tools.  I created a six minute tutorial for the teachers to display during several sections of classes at the same time.



Once students have completed their three twitter graphics, they will submit all three images through CanvasLMS.  Teachers will be able to use Speedgrader to view all images at one time.