QR Code Check Out

Because of this tweet, I created something new in my classroom.

See how it works:



Students were always writing their names on the board which while working with students is difficult to view.  Now I will have the spreadsheet of the checkout sheet as a tab that I can quickly reference on my computer which is right next to me.


UPDATE:  I have added another QR code so that as they return to my room they scan it and complete a quick form so that I know the exact time they returned.

QR codes were created in Google URL shortener.

Love the fact that the form gives a time stamp.  No more taking time to write that down!

The QR code goes directly to a Google Form that I created!

Students loved it!


PLN strikes again!

QR Voice Memo To Students

I used QR Voice producer to create a message for my students about respecting students.  The students will use another iPad2 and scan the QR code.

GET THE INFORMATION THE CLASS VIEWS

Digital Lesson Plans For The Substitute Teacher

Once again, as I am creating tasks that need to be done this year, the question always pops in my head.

• "There must be a better way to do this!"

As I created my lesson plans for the substitute teacher, I decided to go digital.  I created my instructions using my iPad2 camera and uploaded them to YouTube.  As with everything this year, I have reflections below which will make the product better for the next time that I do this.

Reflections:

• I need to slow down.  Originally, I thought I would directly email them to her.  This would have limited me to 50 seconds as emailing video from iPad2 only allows 50 seconds.  
• I eventually uploaded them to YouTube and placed them as UNLISTED.  This limits the number of people that can view them, but provides a lengthy opportunity to explain details.
• Needed to have substitutes email, which I obtained from the sub list.
• In the email, simply included the link to the YouTube page of the video.  The thing that I love about YouTube is that it doesn't matter if you are on a Mac or Windows, have QuickTime or Windows Medio Player, usually all computers will play YouTube videos.
• I know that the work the students are doing looks "old fashioned", but with a blog post, it is the easiest way for me to ensure that some learning will take place during the days that I am absent.
• In addition, I sent an email to the students explaining that I am not on another planet!  They may contact me with questions at any time and I will respond to them.
• Overall, I believe this is a much more visual way to present lesson plans to substitute teachers!

Try it!  Let me know what you think!

Writing Process With Digital Devices

IMPORTANT: I know the post is long, the REALLY good stuff is at the bottom!

With the help of our cooperating teacher and our language arts teacher, we concluded our thirteen colonies unit prior to assessment with compare and contrast, four paragraph paper.

The Process:
A GAFE email sent to students yesterday.  We had two, two hour blocks.  We focused on following directions.  Where it says "Check In", teachers held a one on one session with the students to help with ideas and editing.  We did not help with directions.  We did write on paper, so that we could use the iPads for recording and listening to the edit and for publishing to G Docs.  We'll work on that in the future.

Today, in class you will be given some independence to follow this list of directions. Do not copy other students because directions may vary. Please complete these tasks in the following order.

1. Read through ALL the directions and information in this email! (Return to this email if you have questions about what to do. Teachers will be helping with writing- NOT DIRECTIONS! ANY questions not about your writing will cost you points!)You will be writing a 4 paragraph paper comparing and contrastingTWO (2) COLONIAL REGIONS (Pick any TWO- NEW ENGLAND, MIDDLE, OR SOUTHERN COLONIES)  

The structure will be THE SAME AS THE WAR COMPARE AND CONTRAST PAPER (see below):

(Introduction paragraph) Attention getting sentence. Topic Sentence about the entire topic.

(Second paragraph) Topic sentence about similarities OR about differences OR about one topic. Followed by three main ideas about the similarities, differences or topic WITH EXAMPLES and TRANSITIONS.

(Third paragraph) Topic sentence about ANOTHER similarity OR difference OR one topic. Followed by three main ideas about the similarities, differences or topic WITH EXAMPLES and TRANSITIONS.

(Conclusion) 1-2 sentences to sum up and bring closure to your thoughts.

(IF YOU ARE CONFUSED BY THE STRUCTURE PLEASE SEE “CC Paragraph Directions” ON ROOM 2025.)

3. Take out a clean sheet of paper. Title your new document- “Your Name’s Compare and Contrast: American Colonies” 

4. SKIP LINES- ONLY WRITE IN EVERY OTHER LINE!! 

5. Begin by writing your introduction (FIRST) paragraph- an attention getting sentence about your topic, followed by your topic sentence for ENTIRE paper check both sentences off with the teacher (Follow teacher direction to make your writing better).

6. Next, when your introduction paragraph is checked off, write only the TOPIC SENTENCE for the SECOND paragraph and flip the paper over to write the TOPIC SENTENCE for the THIRD paragraph. (Check off both at the same time by your classroom teacher- BE READY to explain the main ideas and examples you will discuss in both paragraphs).

7. Return to your desk and complete BOTH paragraphs using complete sentences, transitions and correct punctuation.

8. Once they are written out, use a flip camera or iPad within your homeroom to video/record a reading/editing of your paragraph OUTLOUD- making notes of editing that is needed while you read. Watch video again to LISTEN and LOOK for errors or confusion. Ask a friend or your homeroom teacher questions. IF YOU ARE CONFUSED ABOUT TO DO- PLEASE SEE EXAMPLE TITLED “Editing Monster” on Room 2025. 

9. The video and your editing need to be checked off by your classroom teacher. 

10. Once editing is complete, write 1-2 sentences for your conclusion (FOURTH PARAGRAPH) of your ENTIRE topic and check it off with your classroom teacher.

11. When your writing has been completed, open your Google Docs, create a new document titled “YOUR NAME’s Compare/Contrast: American Colonies” and SHARE it with Mr. Reisler, Mr. VanSchyndel and Mrs. Schwittay and after you are finished writing, POST it to your professional blog. 

12. When this is completed please read your DEAR book or study for Social Studies Assessment on Friday options for study are available atRoom2025.blogspot.com

Break will be given at the bell between 8^th and 9^th hour…DO NOT ASK TO LEAVE BEFORE OR AFTER. Ladies will be dismissed from class for break first, and after ladies leave, boys you may go. DO NOT get out of your seat before the ladies have left the room!

Grades will be given based on completion of tasks (4 check offs x 3 points each =12 total points), following directions (15 points- are lost when you have not read clearly and followed direction laid out in email), and ON TASK behavior (6 points-are lost only when you need redirection to task).

THE PROCESS:
One of the teachers in our house, allowed Frank to explain some information!

Student Comments After The Process: (GET READY FOR THE TEAR JERKER!!!"

Student #1: "Mr. R, I had fun doing this writing process."
Student #2: "This is the FIRST time that Student #1 has ever said FUN and school work together"

Student #3: "This activity made me feel smart!"

Student Teachers Using Screen Chomp

This may have been one of the greatest learning experiences in our room!

I discovered...

• that students loved using the Screen Chomp app as one student said, "This is better than regular math."  
• that while assignments were done correctly, once students needed to explain it, some struggled.  I was then able to help them.
• that students loved seeing their video tweeted!
• students adapt and understand tools in apps very quickly!  I did give a small set of direct instructions!
• students realized how difficult it is to teach as some had to "start over" with their production.
• Screen Chomp will be a great way to share screen casts by students
• that the possibilities are endless!

IMPORTANT: Once sharing on Twitter, Screen Chomp will save password.  Teach "Signing Out" after posting to twitter!  SEE THE WARNING 

The Process: (Playlist Link For iPad Users)


PRODUCTIONS: Future Professional Educators!  
World of Awesomeness #1
World of Awesomeness #2
World of Awesomeness #3
World of Awesomeness #4
World of Awesomeness #5

The Day After:  More Discussion!

21st Century Model Classroom PCSD School Board Presentation

Tonight: We had the awesome opportunity to share our first accomplishments with our school board and many community members.

Our Theme:  How is our learning environments different since acquiring technology tools for our classroom?

PSCD School Board: Thank you for committing to this endeavor.  I believe that we are truly doing what is right by taking one year and seeing which device fits which need.

Invitation: All community members are invited to any of our classrooms at any time to see the amazing student learning experiences.



This video is created with the REEL DIRECTOR app for the iPad2.

To see the entire presentation activities, click HERE!

Simple Mind + App To Summarize

After a two day lesson of discovering the connection between Algebraic rules, patterns, graphs, and tables, our students Tweeted the MVP of the two days.  In addition, we blogged about the connections using the Simple Mind + App.  This app allows for great color and idea organization!  It is FREE!

Twitter MVP (Most Valuable Point)

Through a post, I learned of a teacher using Twitter with the MVP concept.  Have students tweet the Most  Valuable Point that they learned during the lesson.

See below...






Added to our discussion is this great tweet: T.W.I.T.T.E.R.

Twitter = (T)weet (W)ith (I)ntegrity (T)o (T)hen (E)arn (R)espect

Cursor Direct Placement on iPad - Student Discovery and Teaching

Awesome!  I learned something today!

Student driven learning and teaching!

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)