Shadow Puppet on iPad and Storybird via Chrome For Creation

Students creating content on the iPad and or using a Chrome browser is all about what students know or can formulate.  It is truly one of the best assessment and or creation methods that can be integrated into the educational setting.  Two applications that have gained my attention over the last week are below.  One is for the iPad and one is for the Chromebook/laptop.

Storytelling can take two forms.  One can be of pictures that the student takes and develops written/auditory words that explain the pictures. Another form can be writing that revolves around pictures that others create.

Examples of Storytelling in the educational setting:

• Explaining a process such as mitosis or steps to solving mathematical problems
• Developing sentence structure
• Providing details of a solution to a problem
• Examining/clarifying lab results
• Comparing and contrasting two, three, or more concepts
• Alternative to semester exam; describe the concepts learned throughout the semester
• Promotion of ideas

I also recently decided to purchase the Paper 53 complete set of tools in the app (I have had the free version on my iPad for more than a year).  I really like the way Paper 53 makes a person with zero artistic talent have some semblance of artist capability.  I have also been intrigued by the Sketch Notes that many of my PLN are utilizing. Brad ADE Class of 2010 is the first person I saw Sketch Noting at the ADE Institute in Austin.



Using an iPad?
The Shadow Puppet app is a free app that allows for no nonsense, easy creation of ideas, thoughts, and productivity.  I like how the final video creation can be sent to the camera roll which lends itself to easy uploading to Google Drive.
A Tutorial


My Creation - Took less than 15 minutes to make.  Took screen shots from the iPad, and started the creation.



Using a Chromebook?
The Storybird Chrome Store App is a free app and service that allows for the creation of short stories. A great set of video tutorials have been created if you would like to set up a classroom of students.  This would be great for management of the creations.  If you don't want to create a class, have students sign up as students and create individual accounts.

I have found a very detailed tutorial by another tech coach, Megan Ryder, that outlines everything. She really does a great job.
One of her tutorials is below.


As always, I am willing to help a teacher learn, understand, and co-teach these tools in the classroom if they meet learning objectives that need to be mastered.

App Smash Challenge To Our Teachers

Because of a tweet by @mrbadura and his compilation of App Challenges, I decided to present the challenge to our teachers after yesterday's Lunch N' Learn topic.

The app challenge was promoted as this...

• Combine Two Apps for a lesson in your classroom
• Chrome/Web Based OR
• iPad Options
• Submit challenge USING any method (email, link, Google Drive)
• $25 iTunes Card to the Best One (undefined)
• All submissions combined and shared with all teachers
• Deadline Dec 17; 4:00 PM

I also had PRINTED copies for the teachers as this was something that could be taken with them when the left Lunch N' Learn.  

Impact On Students:
Creativity:  Encouraging students to integrate two apps together challenges students to take their thinking to a higher level.  Determining the "work flow' forces students to think "how best can I make this work?"  This is a life long learning lesson.

Critical Thinking: (Similar To Creativity) Encouraging students to integrate two apps together challenges students to take their thinking to a higher level.  Determining the "work flow' forces students to think "how best can I make this work?"  This is a life long learning lesson.

*All credit for this idea needs to be given to @mrbadura and a large thank you to him for sharing!

Lucid Press In Family And Consumer Science

I stopped into to see if Ms. Treptau needed any assistance with technology integration.  After some talking, she mentioned that she discovered a great use for Lucid Press, a Chrome Web App.    LucidPress is providing her students with a digital resource to create an informational brochure on a health career. LucidPress is a great tool that fits in the Augmentation category of the SAMR model. The Pulaski Middle and High School teachers are so great as they are not afraid to try implementing different technology tools for the right purpose.

Hear her story and how easy it is to use.

Video Link
ITLS Standard 1

Chrome Web Store

The Chrome Web Store  provides a great resource for teachers desiring to integrate applications to enable students to efficiently learn and create.

• Launched December 6, 2010
• Market Place of Web Apps
• Downloads By The Numbers
• Web: Creation Platform

As more and more teachers and students use these tools, the Chrome Web Store may seem somewhat overwhelming.  To facilitate the implementation, the spreadsheet below, breaks down Chrome Web Store applications by subject matter.  Simply click on the name of the application and you will be directed to the Chrome Web Store.

View In New Tab

Need to access the Chrome Web Store?  View How

Successful Classroom Practice via Kathy Schrock
30 Ways To Use Chromebooks In School
Chromebook Classroom Webinar
Chromebook Classroom

As of today, our IT sent the email below.

On October 8th, the login screen for the student Chromebooks at PCMS & PHS will be changing.  

Instead of the "Add User" & Profile pictures on the screen, it will be changed to a "email address & password" box.  You can see the attachment for what this box looks like.

* There may be some Chromebooks in the morning on October 8th that will still have the old login screen when first turned on, but they will update to the new login screen later that morning.

I will send a reminder about this along with an email to PHS & PCMS staff next Monday morning.