Digital Day

Subject(s):  Math, Language Arts

Grade(s):  2

Technology tools:  Computer(s), LCD Projector, Document Camera

Tools used:  Video, Word processing

Activity type:  Lesson, Teacher presentation, Assessment

I used the computer, projector and document camera as my teaching assistant all day today. NO BOARD and NO MARKER! :)

From this:


to THIS:

Today, I used the computer and a simple PowerPoint presentation instead of the board and marker system that I have so been accustomed to using.  I changed everything over. The student's agenda and schedule, directions, work were on a PowerPoint presentation that helped guide clear and direct instruction today. The technology seemed to hold the student's attention because they remained engaged and could stay focused on the task at hand.

Assessment: I could allow students to self check work they answered questions, comments on target, etc.

GREAT day with technology!. Having what we have makes me want more! :) It opened the doors for my teaching and the learning and exploration for my students!

Susan Winkler,  Viewmont

Edmodo as a Classroom Website

Subject:  Language Arts

Grades:  10, 11, 12

Technology tools:  Computer(s)

Tools used:  Social media tool

Activity type:  Lesson, Teacher presentation, Assessment, Research

Since my mode of technology includes an online classroom atmosphere, most of my goals are met through the use of Edmodo.

I post PowerPoint notes for my students, weekly think questions, and even major assignments where students turn in their work. Additionally, I make use of polls for formative assessment so that I can gauge the students on their levels of understanding. Additionally, I have used Edmodo in conjunction with ExamBuilder so that students can take their summative assessments (that I once printed) online, and the computer will even grade the work for me.  :)

This particular web site is what makes my classroom easy to manage! The best feature is that I can organize all of my assignments for each class, and students have a calendar of events and due dates to help with their own organization. In my English classes, I don't use Edmodo as regularly, for all of my students do not have use of a computer at home. For this group, I post weekly vocabulary assignments where students have a week to complete the work; moreover, I will post reminders.



What I've enjoyed most about Edmodo for this group is that the research process has become much easier. I post attachments, links, and even embed pages that they might need complete their work, and I do not have to make copies or resend emails. material is available to them from any computer anywhere.

I would not change anything about using this website.  I've tried other sites before, but it is by far the most user friendly for both me and my students.

Rachael Moyer,  Hickory High

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Read more about using Edmodo in the classroom here.

Math at Grandview

Subject:  Math

Grade:  7

Technology tools:  Computer(s), Laptop(s), LCD Projector, digital cameras

Tools used:  Simulation, Digital manipulative, Digital text / ebook, Word processing, Communication tool, Collaboration tool

Activity type:  Lesson, Unit, Project, Teacher presentation, Assessment, Research, Tutorial

Unit Topic: Math at Grandview

Learning Target: Create and present a presentation with peers showing math shapes and concepts  found at Grandview

Curriculum standards and objectives:

·         All 7th grade math standards and objectives were covered:  Goal 1...Number and Operations, Goal 2...Measurement, Goal 3...Geometry, Goal 4...Data Analysis, Goal 5...Algebra

·         Info and tech standards: Assimilate and evaluate information

 

Students were to create a PowerPoint presentation using shapes and measurements found at Grandview.

·        Step 1: Students were divided into groups and given the rubrics necessary for the project.

·        Step 2: The groups were  given a stop watch and digital camera. Following the rubric they were to take up to 15 pictures to use on their slides.

·        Step 3: Following the rubric they created a PowerPoint presentation to present to their class and parents at PTA night.

Students were assessed using a rubric that included  a group grade for content and presentation. The participation grade was for each individual (each group member graded the members of their group according to a rubric and I averaged these together to get the individual's participation grade).

This activity was extremely successful. The discussions that were generated when the projects were presented were amazing. Students asked each other probing questions and pointed out things that were in the slides that the presenters did not notice.  Students were also able to point out mistakes in a nonthreatening manner.

Changes for the future: The one change that I would make would be to I sign up for the computer lab for an extra day. (The students became so involved that they wanted to do the same project again but take different pictures.)

Ellie Wilson,  Grandview

Making Ice Cream

Subject:  Language Arts

Grade:  K

Technology tools:  iPad

Tools used:  Video, Simulation

Activity type:  Teacher presentation

Activity: Using YouTube to view videos on specific topics prior to reading a non-fiction text to activate APK

We were learning about how ice cream is made and used a video on you tube to watch a company make ice cream.

Students created their own sequence cards to show the process of making ice cream.  Then we used the sequence cards to retell the process as we made our own ice cream.

This activity was very successful.

iPad App for Speech Therapy

Subjects:  Language Arts, Speech therapy

Grades:  K, 1, 2, 3, 4

Technology tools:  iPad

Tools used:  Simulation

Activity type:  Lesson, Teacher presentation, review

The goal is for students to see how all parts of the oral mechanism move and work together to produce specific speech sounds.

An app on iPad shows students how the speech mechanism works for the purpose of accurate speech sound production via simulation/looks like videoflouroscopy;  students can hear the sound produced and see how the sound is produced (i.e. can see lateral and head-on views of tongue movement inside the mouth, etc.)

The app is called PocketSLP SpeechTutor, created by Synapse Apps., LLC

Very helpful for students to get a simulated look at speech production & how all parts of the speech mechanism are working together at the same time to produce a sound - because they can't always see what the speech mechanism parts are doing when the SLP

This is a great app.  I will use it often when first teaching a new speech sound to a student, and periodically for review.

Integrating Technology Tools into Art Instruction

 

Subject:  Arts

Grades:  4, 5

Technology tools:  Computer(s), Digital camera

Tools used:  electronic presentation

Activity type:  Lesson, Unit, Project, Research, individual/collaborative work

My objectives are to encourage the use of technology in my classroom, to have the students learn more about using digital cameras/computers, to demonstrate that electronic presentations can be an art form, and creating electronic presentations can be a real life art career.

My students are working as teams to create electronic presentations on one (of their choice) of the Elements of Art.  They can choose from color, shape, line, texture, value, space, or form. 

They are using the computer and digital camera to explain/teach/illustrate their product with visuals.

This lesson, still in the works, has caused a lot of excitement with the students! 

I have found that we help each other.  I share my skills and they enjoy helping me and the other students by sharing their skills.

I'll be as proud of them as the students because this is a learning process for me too!
I use this as a real life situation.  We have a company that needs an informational product and the students are the producers of the product.  The class response will be the judge if their product would fit the needs of the company.

Since this is a visual product we will have the actual finished work for the assessment.

They are required to have at least ten pages and more is encouraged.  At this point it may be necessary to limit them since they are so excited!  Intro page, definition, examples of the Element, actual examples they found at school and from research on the computer will be included, and the compilation of team's efforts are some of the things I expect them to have in their presentation.

This activity has been highly successful so far.  I have students coming in during the day to tell/show me things they have found in the school to demo their element.  For example - I like seeing them get excited about the texture of the wall!  It may be the first time they really looked at them closely.  It is like a new discovery for them.

These productions will be used with my students next year to introduce the students to the various Elements of Art as we use them and as an example of what they can do also.

I would like to have an LCD projector to use so the creators could see what it looks like on a big screen, see what they might need to adjust for a more eye catching product and also to show the final products to the rest of the students.

Donna Buchanan, Art, Jenkins Elementary

Using PhotoPeach with ESL Students

Subjects:  Language Arts, Science, Social Studies

Grades:  K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Technology tools:  Computer(s), Laptop(s), LCD Projector, Interactive Slate

Tools used:  Interactive website, Video, Digital text / ebook, Audio, Audio creator / editor, Word processing, Image creator / editor

Activity type:  Lesson, Unit, Project, Teacher presentation

I used PhotoPeach, a web-based, user-friendly, slideshow maker, to integrate science and technology, and ESL/ELA content and technology. In one third grade project, students studied main idea, comparing and contrasting, and Tier 2 words, and science content. After drawing pictures and writing descriptive sentences that compared and contrasted, they were able to upload their drawings, and add music, text, and comments to their presentations.

A similar activity was done in first grade; with more of a focus on sentence structure.

Another PhotoPeach project integrated the school-wide Career Day presentations by parents and community members. After pictures were uploaded, students added descriptive sentences, which are now to be presented to parents and attendees at Awards Day.

PowerPoint presentations and interactive slates have been a part of my curriculum for a few years now.

Crystal Pritchett, Jenkins Elementary 

Revolutionary War Project

Subject:  Science

Grades:  9, 10, 11, 12

Technology tools:  Computer(s), LCD Projector

Tools used:  Interactive website, Communication tool, Collaboration tool

Activity type:  Lesson, Unit, Assessment, Tutorial

This technology integration allows me to address ALL of the curriculum goals in the NC SCoS (Coursesites is a Learning Management System)

 

I use the FREE version of Blackboard (www.coursesites.com) to post assignments, podcasts, course notes, and handouts for all of my science classes.  Links are provided in assignments and announcements (mini web pages I create) for external sites utilizing interactive technologies, practice quizzes, and other formative assessments. We have also used the discussion forum built into the site that allows ALL students to share in discussion.

Assessments have been created using Responsus, the built in test editor, testwizard.com, campbellbiology.com, and webassign.net.  Additionally, students can upload and submit their assignments digitally using the VIEW/SUBMIT ASSIGNMENT link in www.coursesites.com.

I would definitely use www.coursesites.com again. It is a GREAT LMS, and it is FREE for up to five classes.  The initial work is great, but it will allow me to "flip" my classroom and better meet the individual needs of my students in the classroom.

Gena Barnhardt,  Hickory High

Integrating the iPad into Literacy

Subject:  Language Arts

Grade:  1

Technology tools:  Computer(s), Interactive Slate, iPad, Document Camera

Tools used:  Interactive website, Digital text / ebook, Show me app on ipad

Activity type:  Lesson, Teacher presentation, Assessment

Language arts:

Competency Goal 1: The learner will develop and apply enabling strategies and skills to read and write.

Objective:  1.01 Develop phonemic awareness and demonstrate knowledge of alphabetic principle:

count syllables in a word.

• blend the phonemes of one-syllable words.
• segment the phonemes of one-syllable words.
• change the beginning, middle, and ending sounds to produce new words. 
•  create and state a series of rhyming words that may include consonant blends (e.g., flag, brag).

1.02 Demonstrate decoding and word recognition strategies and skills:

• generate the sounds from all the letters and appropriate letter patterns which should include consonant blends and long and short vowel patterns.
• use phonics knowledge of sound-letter relationships to decode regular one-syllable words when reading words and text.
• recognize many high frequency and/or common irregularly spelled words in text (e.g., have said, where, two).
• read compound words and contractions.
•  read inflectional forms (e.g., -s, -ed, -ing) and root words (e.g., looks, looked, looking).
•  read appropriate word families.

We used the projector and the iPad and the document camera to allow the students to become teachers using the ShowMe app to explain special parts/features in our high frequency words. This program is a white board program that records their work and it allowed them to be teachers as it was placed under the document camera. This is one part of a word wall lesson we do everyday.

We have also used the iPad during small group to check understanding of spelling patterns and phonic skills by allowing students once again to use the ShowMe app, the Doodle Buddy app, or the Magnetic Alphabet app to explain one thing they have learned to the group.

It would be nice to have multiple iPads, but having just mine is enough to allow the kids a chance to learn. They will build or write the words or identify phonics skill they have learned and explain to the group. This allows me to see who is grasping my lessons and the skills being taught.

My students really enjoyed using the iPad and explaining as the teacher what they were thinking. I like being able to see their thought process and hear it. With the ShowMe app you can record not only what they do but what they say and this was very helpful for me to use to better see where students were struggling and I can use in conferences to let parents see this as well. If I could change anything, well I would like more iPads to allow students access to the apps at once. But this is something that will take time, so for now I'm not sure of anything else I would do different.

Learning About Craters

Subject:  Science

Grade:  3

Technology tools:  Computer(s), LCD Projector

Tools used:  Video, Power Point

Activity type:  Lesson, Teacher presentation, Experiment

Earth, Moon, Sun - Craters

To begin the lesson a PowerPoint presentation was used to explain what craters were and how they were formed on the Earth as well as on the moon.  A short video from the internet was shown to further explain craters.  Afterwards, an experiment was completed to demonstrate how size and speed determines size of crater.

Donna Flowers,  Jenkins Elementary