Using PhotoPeach to Share Career Day

Grade: K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Technology tools: Computer, projector
Tools used: Interactive website, Communication Tool
Activity type: Presentation

To share the events of Career Day at Jenkins Elementary, I created a PhotoPeach slideshow of pictures from the day.

View the slideshow here.

Crystal Pritchett,  Jenkins Elementary

Interactive PowerPoint Presentation for Rainforest Unit

Subject: Science
Grade: K
Technology tools: Computer, projector
Tools used: PowerPoint
Activity type: Lesson

I created and used a PowerPoint presentation for my Rainforest unit…It incorporates all the subjects and higher-order thinking skills. I have another one for animals that I use as well.

Here are images of a few of the slides from the presentation on Rainforests:

Here is a picture of the culminating project for the Rainforest unit:

Jenny Wadsworth, Longview Elementary

Integrating Technology in an Elementary Classroom

Subject: Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Math
Grade: 4
Technology tools: Computer, Projector, Interactive Whiteboard
Tools used: PowerPoint, Interactive website
Activity type: Lesson, assessment, project, research

This week in reading I will be using Spelling City in Literacy First stations for Words Their Way word sort practice.

I also use my classroom computers for student research on NC history, geography, etc. The students Google search and compare researched information to other sites as well as what their teammates found.

I use a listening station in Literacy First stations and this week they are listening to Roald Dahl read Fantastic Mr. Fox.

In whole group, I will use the SMART Board for viewing videos of JFK to go along with our Weekly Reader. We will Google search and project Google images of Oswald, Ruby, and Maria Shriver.

Other websites I will visit to connect with the Weekly Reader are http://www.dinosaurfact.net/ and http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/bos/ballpark/index.jsp.

Also, I will use it in math to project our textbook and homework practice book as well as real world math problems in the beginning of each lesson (these are interactive PowerPoint presentations generally used to introduce the lesson). I will use “Mall Math” from Lakeshore which reviews decimals, fractions and percents on the SMART Board using an interactive game and real world flyers. 

Lastly, and most cool of all, I will be using the Zoomy this week for Science. We are studying systems of the body and I will use the handheld digital microscope to project examples of striated, smooth and cardiac muscle from their text book. We will also take a close look at our skin using the Zoomy!



Danielle Jackson,  Longview Elementary

Using technology tools to reach all students - every day!

Subject: Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies
Grade: 3
Technology tools: Computer, Projector, Interactive Whiteboard
Tools used: PowerPoint, Interactive website
Activity type: Lesson, assessment, project, research

I use technology each morning by having rotations to use IXL for math review as part of morning work.

 
I use a SMART Board lesson every day in math rotations.



Kids use PowerPoint presentations, SMART Board Notebook lesson, game templates like Candy Land for prefixes and suffixes, etc.

Students have used Wordles this year for each vocabulary unit or chapter book they are reading.



Students make the character scrapbook from Scholastic for each book we have read with a prominent character.




Students use the Internet to research for non fiction projects.

They have made a Word document for each other to highlight positive character traits in a musical chair activity.

I use Google Images for inferencing ideas.



I use Pinterest to organize all of the things I find ☺




I also use my iPhone to download Apps for my non-reader EC child.



I use Storyline Online and the monthly free read-alouds on Barnes and Noble site for the monthly book available.





YouTube also features several Scholastic books read aloud with video clips.



I use blogs for ideas, lesson downloads, and games.

I could go on and on and on!!!

Lora Snider,  Longview Elementary

Tech Integration Activities in Middle School

Subject: Language Arts
Grade: 7
Technology tools: Computer, Projector, Interactive Whiteboard
Tools used: PowerPoint, Interactive website
Activity type: Lesson

I am using my Mimio Teach to do Daily Grammar Practice. I also uploaded a PowerPoint into the Mimio so that I could use the pad.

We also just completed a project using the computers. The students had to create an online poster about a poet using Glogster.

Heidi Eveland,  Grandview Middle

Working with Vocabulary Words

Subject: Language Arts
Grade: 3
Technology tools: Computer, Projector
Tools used: PowerPoint
Activity type: Lesson

Today my class viewed a power point presentation from the Open Court reading resource website. This power point was projected on our TV through AVerKey.

The students were able to see the vocabulary words for our story this week and view pictures of the words. By clicking and enlarging, they could get a closer look at what each word means.

Melanie Gray,  Viewmont Elementary

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

Making Learning Engaging for ALL!

Subject(s):  Information Literacy

Grade(s):  K, 1, 2

Technology tools:  LCD Projector, Document Camera

Activity type:  Lesson

In working with the children in the self-contained K-2 class, my objective is always to have them be as physically involved as possible. This keeps them engaged.  I try to use music or something visual to hold attention and invite participation. This lesson involved comparison and contrast using the terms same and different.

Because all children love to touch things and see material projected, I decided that, since I don't have an interactive white board and these children are on the floor, I'd project the book I was using and lower the projector to a small, floor level white board.  It worked well.  The children were eager to answer questions and point to the illustrations that supported their responses.

 

Beth Shoffner,  Oakwood

Rainforest Project with ESL Students

Subjects: Language Arts, Science, Information Literacy
Grade: 2
Technology tools: Computer(s), Laptop(s), LCD Projector, Document Camera
Tools used: Interactive website
Activity type: Lesson, Project, Research

Objectives:
ELA Gr 2 Writing Standard: Text Types and Purposes: 2. Write Informational Texts in which they introduce a topic, use facts ad definitions to develop points, and provide a concluding statement or section.Research to Build and Present Knowledge: 7. Participate in Shared research and writing projects

WIDA ELP Standard 2: Language of LArts: Reading Informational Text ; Standard 4: Language of Science: Reading and Writing Living Organisms

Grade 2 Science Standards: Life Cycles

In connecting with their classroom study of the rainforest, Second Grade ESL Students are using internet resources to collect data about Frogs/Amphibians. Each student is uses a netbook to log onto educational websites such as National Geographic Kids to correctly label poison dart frogs, complete life cycle diagrams, and collect dash facts about the species. They have also been able to watch short video clips about the habitats and life cycles of tree frogs and poison dart frogs. Student are creating their own frog research book. This project builds ESL students' background knowledge and vocabulary in the areas of life science, nonfiction reading, and information technology.

Christine Smith, Viewmont

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

Using Technology in a Kindergarten Classroom

Subjects:  Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Information Literacy

Grade:  K

Technology tools:  Computer(s), LCD Projector, Student Response Devices, Cd/tape player

Tools used:  Interactive website, Video, Audio

Activity type:  Lesson, Unit

Topics/Objectives:

• Social Studies: we were studying symbols.

• Math: No matter what we are studying, the LCD projector is always used. The students' attention is kept because they are more involved. I will use counters, and overhead pieces for the lessons. For Kindergarten, this is very interesting to them.
   
• Literacy: We have a listening and computer center that we use in our classroom every day. Both of these are tied into literacy and what we are studying that week. 

In Social studies we were learning about symbols. We watched a video on United Streaming about different symbols. The students loved it.

In literacy centers every week we have a listening center. Students listen to a story on tape and follow along in their books.

In math and in literacy we use the overhead projector. We use this for many things in math including counting numbers 1-20, addition, shapes, etc...

In literacy centers we also use the computer every week. It depends on what we are currently studying that week as to what the game/activity may be. We have done short vowel games/long vowel game, consonant digraph practice, abcya.com and starfall.com.

All of these activities have been very successful. The students love when technology is involved.

Cell Transport and Cell Division

Subject:  Science

Grades:  9, 10, 11, 12

Technology tools:  Computer(s), LCD Projector, cell phone camera

Tools used:  Digital camera on phones

Activity type:  Lesson

NC SCoS Biology Cell Transport and Cell Division

Students were using microscopes to view living cells (red onion) with fresh water and when salt water was added.  After students saw the cells shrink with the addition of salt water, I challenged them to collect before/after pictures using their cell phone cameras.  They did beautifully! 

Onion cell Before

Onion cell After

We then shared these with an ELL Biology class during the same period.  I repeated the exercise the following week as we observed the stages of mitosis/cell cycle with onion root tip slides.  Students who could not distinguish among the stages could then use the pictures taken by their classmates for assistance,  I projected these the following day in my classroom.

Students were given bonus points on their lab if they emailed me the digital photos.

Picture of cell cycle by 10th biology student

I think this was a great use of their own technology.  I think I might have them process the pictures (add labels, etc.) the next time I use this.

Gena Barnhardt,  Hickory High

Using Google Docs in IB English

 

Subjects:  Language Arts, English IV IB

Grade:  12

Technology tools:  Computer(s), LCD Projector

Tools used:  Interactive website, Collaboration tool

Activity type:  Unit

After two years of study and practice, IB seniors take two two-hour exams that count as a combined 50% toward their IB certificate for the Language A1 -- IB English certificate.  One of the tests is based on four novels we read during the spring semester.  My objective for these activities is for students to assemble information from each of the four novels that will be helpful in their preparations for the final exam in May.  (In addition to helping the students for THIS exam, of course, these activities also teach students how to consolidate information from a course, study, and prepare for college exams.)

To prepare them for studying, I usually have the students individually create time-consuming, laborious packets of information (including summaries and lists of themes, motifs, symbols, meaningful quotes, etc) as study guides from themselves.  This year I used Google Docs to make repositories for all that information, and my seniors were assigned to contribute one to two good items for each category sheet.


For example, on the symbol sheet for the novel BELOVED, everyone jumped in and gave great examples of the symbols, documented sections of the novel where the symbol(s) appear, and interpretations for what the author Toni Morrison accomplishes with the symbol.  Now, through online collaboration, the students have created excellent study guides that they may print out and use during their study sessions for the exam!  They get wonderful, helpful tools without having to expend as much energy and time as before!  That is called working better... and smarter!

After each entry students make, they type their names so that I may see who contributes what.  I then evaluate the entries on completeness, correctness, and elaboration.

Students really enjoyed these Google Docs assignments!  For one thing, they have all created Work Packets for other novels before, and they expressed how much better collaboration is over individual packet assignments:  less work, all the benefits!  Students also had a great time reading what other colleagues found in the novels. Sometimes class discussions revolved around entries on Google Docs (which thrilled me because their excitement translates into deeper understanding and analytical skill).  Often, students raced to post early so that they could give examples of and explain the items they wanted to cover.  Students who procrastinated sometimes had to work harder because many of the more obvious or apparent ideas from the novel were already taken.

Chris Rice,  Hickory High

Vocabulary Study with PowerPoint

Subject:  Language Arts

Grade:  3

Technology tools:  Computer(s), LCD Projector

Tools used:  Interactive website

Activity type:  Lesson, Assessment

Objective:  1.04 Increase sight vocabulary, reading vocabulary, and writing vocabulary through word study

Learning Target: I can understand my vocabulary by viewing pictures and sentences associated with each word.

Vocabulary is introduced to accompany the current story being discussed has been done by showing a PowerPoint presentation that has a separate slide for each word with pictures and clues for each word.

The beginning page displays the six words and we read them together. The next page shows a picture and the list of the six words. The children try to choose which word goes along with the picture. Next is a sentence with a blank that the children try to fill in with the appropriate vocabulary word. The sentence is then displayed with the correct answer.

This continues with each of the other five words.

The activity was very successful, and seemed to hold the attention of the entire class.

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 

Civil War Presentations using PowerPoint and Prezi

Subjects:  Math, Language Arts, Social Studies

Grades:  3, 4, 5

Technology tools:  Laptop(s), LCD Projector

Tools used:  Video, Word processing, Social media tool, Communication tool

Activity type:  Lesson, Unit, Project, Research

Students researched famous people of the Civil War and created PowerPoint presentations and Prezis to present along with their costumes and tri-folds for the Civil War Wax Museum.  Students viewed videos, researched their people, printed pictures, made PowerPoint presentations, and created Prezis.  Student learned how to save their information to their individual student share folders, and send their info to themselves through email, as well as save their info on flash drive.  On the day of the Wax Museum, students used the netbooks in the mall area of our school as part of their presentations.

Students were given a full rubric for the project that included use of technology.

The activity was very successful and I would like to link the Prezis together in a movie for next year's students to view.

Janet Hambrick,