Whiteboard Groups

Having whiteboard groups was a great tool for this problem as more than one answer was available.

Problem Solving To Understand Concept

This activity really didn't involve the iPads, but it did involve problem based learning on a small scale.

Whiteboards Get All Involved

I continue to be pleased with the group whiteboards that were created at the beginning of the year.  This video is a great example of how the whiteboard is large enough to facilitate all students participating at the same time.

Whiteboard Work Areas

Due our remodeling (so to speak), we have new whiteboard work areas!  Perfect for group work or individual instruction!

Direct Instruction To Group Work

This activity didn't really require much from the iPad, but the whole "rethinking the learning environment" has come about because of iPads.

Today, we needed to get some direct facts to the student, but certainly didn't want to have an entire class period of "sit and get".  So we came up with the below activity.

Solving System of Equations

We formalized the concept through this classroom learning environment:




Groups chose any method to present their work and their answers.


Short video clips of the presentations:



Reflection:  During the entire day and one half lesson, I was moving throughout the groups giving small group direct instruction and guidance.  I really like this method of teaching.  It allows for leaders to lead small groups and for constant discussion of the concept with students.  I also like the end product where the students need to become the teachers.  Had we had more time, all students should have been involved in the presentation.  I also wish students would have used more creation apps.  Next Time!

Collaborative White Board Areas

How does a teacher make a classroom of 24 students and 1 teacher into a learning ratio of 1 teacher to 3 students?

By implementing whiteboard collaborative spaces!

We have implemented whiteboard collaborative areas in our classroom this year.  This is an update as to their use.  Students are really starting to use the tools in the areas.  The small whiteboards are cut from a 4 x 8 piece of shower board from Menard's or Home Depot.

One of my favorite aspects of these areas is how much positive learning conversation is generated while students are in these groups.  In the old days (5-10 years ago), two people always dominated the classroom conversation: the teacher and the student that was called upon.

While these groups are in session, I am always taking pictures of students' work and sending it to our classroom blog.  You can set that feature up on your classroom blog by completing the posting section as an email.

Examples: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

Playlist of Videos Link (needed for iPads)

Contextual Math Problem

Tweet Prompt

Our first in-class tweetup consisted of small groups being instructed on their first tweet prompt.

All students in our class completed each statement.  Students were excited to see the real time communication tool in action.  We also worked at hashtagging items.  We have decided that while #pcmswhatilearned is nice and concise, it is quite lengthy.  A student asked if #pcmswil would work.  Standing for pcmsWhatILiked.  The other students agreed that this would be positive.  At the end of the year, we hope to have a TWEET CELEBRATION of things we learned.  

See the set up below...

Could I be using something other than Twitter?  Possibly,
But the positives are...
1.  It allows for instant messaging so to speak.
2.  Students loved seeing other people's responses.
3.  All responses need to be concise and to the point as only 140 characters are allowed.
4.  Much quicker than a full blog post.
5.  For me, as a teacher, evaluating them is all in one, easy, online place.
6.  Parents can see their child's thought process and articulation of the concept.
7.  Mobile version of Twitter on the iPad works very well!

Overall, the opportunity to have small groups to explain Twitter and how it works followed by an actual tweet prompt was a positive learning situation for our students.

iPad Use of Camera

Whiteboard Areas For Team Teaching

While having iPads is a fantastic addition in my classroom, creating six different whiteboard areas for group brainstorming has been a HUGE addition to my classroom learning environment. Take a look... We actually only have one whiteboard in our classroom, but with 20 American Dollars we purchased two 4 x 8 pieces of shower board from Home Depot. We cut each one in half and instant whiteboards were made. Honestly, one of the best additions to my classroom in years!

Students Create New Game - PBL Introduction

This was a great idea.  We have an "afternoon block' of one hour and twenty minutes to complete social studies and communication arts.  47 students learning at one time.  Our first attempt at the problem based learning aspect was to demonstrate a game that has never been created.  Since placing 47 students in one room would be challenging we created a Ustream Channel and broadcast the instruction to two different rooms.  It was quite successful.  In the future, we want to incorporate Google Chat so that students from the other room can communicate with the students that are being presented.




Students watching in another classroom.



We have 12 different learning areas in our two classrooms.  Students have access to a large whiteboard learning area.  This was fantastic for students to draw, write, and create their game.  The best aspect of the whiteboard area is that it does NOT need to be erased.  Students will return on Tuesday and their ideas will still be present.  AWESOME!