Tech3: Episode 7

This weeks we are talking about audio recording apps and project-based learning (PBL).  

Audio Apps: 

• Audioboo: http://audio.fm
• Croakit: http://croak.it
• Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com

PBL: 

• Buck Institute: http://www.bie.org
• PBLU: http://www.pblu.org

Audio Recording Apps

I put these screenshots together to demonstrate how easy it is to record audio on your classroom iPads.  As the teacher, you will have to login to your account for these apps.  Then, have students complete these steps to record...

1. Writings
2. Passage reading
3. Reflecting on learning (exit slips)
4. Book Reviews
5. Student presentations
6. Small Moments 
7. How-tos 
8. Messages to family members
9. Messages to other classes

This list is not exhaustive and there is much more you can do with these apps.  Be creative and use it for a learning objective that can be enhanced by recording audio. 

When students finish their recordings you can then upload their work to a class blog or Edmodo page.  As a warning, each of these apps have a limited amount of time for recording.  So, it helps if students have something ready to record prior to arriving at the listening/recording center.  

Croak.it 

SoundCloud

AudioBoo

Tech 3: Episode 6

This week we are shared the following information and resources:

• QR codes - have students scan these codes with a mobile device to get around typing long-winded web addresses
• Ted-Ed - create online lessons to provide students with instructional content
• Narrable - allow students to engage in the creative process of digital storytelling

Narrable

You've probably heard a picture is worth a thousand.  I have many fond memories of sitting around with family looking at old pictures.  As a kid, I was always intrigued by photos from the 50s, 60s, and 70s.  It left such an impression on me that I can't image those time periods in high definition.  In my mind, the 1950's had to be in black and white.  Then, the 1960's color scheme was just slightly off from reality.  

Anyway, Narrable allows you to upload images and record audio with your computer's mic or you can even call in to record.  Check out a final product from the Narrable website and think about how you could use this in the classroom.   

One drawback to Narrable is that it isn't completely free.  With Narrable you start with five free Narrables.  But, at the moment, every Narrable you share earns you another free Narrable.  So, share your work through email, Facebook, Twitter, or embed the Narrable on blog.  

Currently, the folks at Narrable are working on an iPhone capture app that will allow users to take a photo, record audio and then upload it to Narrable.  

• With Narrable you can: 
• Create family histories
• Interview family members across the country about photos
• Reflect on field trip photos
• Create micro a yearbook for class trips, clubs, or small classes

QR Code Quizzes

Download a QR Code Scanner: 

First, download a QR code scanner for the student devices.  The app I suggest is i-nigma.

Classroom Activities 

1. Vocaroo - Use Vocaroo to record a message to your class or directions to a test (or homework).  Then, select the QR code that links students to your Vocaroo recording.  
2. ClassTools - Create a QR code scavenger hunt with questions associated with each QR code.  
3. QRStuff - This site just has a lot of options for using QR codes.  
4. Delivr - Delivr is a QR code generator that shortens your URL at the same time.  When a URL is too long, the QR code becomes more complex.  
5. QRHacker - Allows users to add images or change the colors.  
6. Google Forms - Have students or parents link to a Google From Online.  
7. Link QR codes to websites like MathTrain or Khan Academy for assistance with math concepts.  
8. Link students to a message of the day recorded at QR Voice or Record mp3.
9. 75 Ways to Say Good Job: A QR Enabled Poster - Use QR codes to link to online praise for the students.  
10. Do Try This at Home - On this blog, the author has posted several QR code related worksheets.  If the student needs assistance on solving a problem, the QR code will link them to additional support.
11. BingoBaker - Create bingo boards for students.  For instance, right your content area words on the board and callout the definitions for students to mark.  If you link students to your specific Bingo sheet, they get a unique bingo sheet every time the QR code is scanned.  

Work from Leaders of Thought

Last week, I read and watched two oldies but goodies.  The first was an older blog post by Cool Cat Teacher on using QR codes, and I also watched the Learning in Hand podcast from Tony Vincent on using QR codes in the classroom.  I would suggest reading her blog post and watching Tony’s  podcast.   

How can you integrate QR codes into your classroom? 

Tech3 Episode V

This week we talked about applications on our Tri-Creek issued MacBook Pros.  I thought everyone knew about iMovie, but I run into a few people here and there.  So, more than anything this video was just a reminder of a couple applications you shouldn't overlook.  If you are too intimidated by them or just feel too overwhelmed to perform some self-directed professional development, please book a time with either Joe or Dan for extra assistance.

P.S. I, Dan, dedicate my ear tugging to Carol Burnett.  

Twitter Finds for the Week

Twitter Finds: 

Twitter is a powerful tool and it provides me with many resources to enhance my collegiality.  Here is a list of finds that I thought were fairly valuable this week.  

• 101 Websites Every Elementary Teacher should Know about. 

• Again, here's Holly's article (I was just so proud to see her on there.) 

• E is For Explore post on Multiplying Fraction Arrays

• 4 Things you Should do this Valentines

Twitter users follow the hashtag #BetterTeaching and voice your thoughts and opinions.  

Use Google Docs more Effectively: 

Watch the video tutorial on inserting a diagram into a Google Doc below.  Why insert a diagram into a Google Doc you ask? 

• You can have students create examples of Nonfiction Text Features (i.e. labels & captions)

• You can create online math journals, which require students to take notes within a Google Doc

• You can include images in a research report

• You could create a illustrations for a fictional writing

  

Tech 3 Episode IV: A New Hope

Here is the latest episode of Tech3.  This week is animated for the fun of it.  We used PowToon, which provides teachers with a discounted price plan.

We stuck to theme this week to promote Student Response Systems.  The three web-based technologies we discuss are:

1. GoClass (GoClass App in the iTunes Store)
2. Socrative (Teacher App & Student App in the iTunes Store)
3. InfuseLearning 

Here is a list of additional options for response systems.  Take a look at the options below and find one or two that work for you.  The goal is not to overwhelm you with choices but to provide you with options that will work for your unique needs.

1. Vizaroo 
2. TodaysMeet 
3. Google Forms - create a form within your Google Drive account.  
4. Urtak
5. PollEverywhere
6. Kwiqpoll
7. SimpleMeet.me
8. Understoodit
9. Mentimeter

GoClass

With GoClass teachers can create lessons to broadcast through their iPad, which can then project specified content to student devices and the projector screen.  So, while students are within class, teachers can send them images, webpages, video, documents, and questions to interact with on their tablet, smart phone, or laptop.

Images from the GoClass app

Save Lesson Plans for Future Classes

There are three main sections within the lesson plan editor and they allow teachers to add content, an explanation for the session, and questions.

• Show 
• Search for media on the web or upload documents from your computer
• Display the content while broadcasting and manipulate the 
• This content will provide students with something to look at or watch during instruction 
• Explain 
• Provide details on the lesson
• Ask 
• Teachers can pose questions for their class.  

Images from the GoClass app

Additional Features

With additional features, teachers can...

• View logs and reports
• Review the activities within a session
• Create and modify lessons
• Create and modify student accounts

Check out GoClass on your MacBook, iPad, or iPhone today. 

6 Part Socrative Tutorial

Watch these videos to learn more about how Socrative can work in your class.

Register for Socrative and signing in your students devices.

Quick polling in Socrative.

Creating a quiz in Socrative.

Administering a quiz in Socrative.

Reports in Socrative.

Exit Slips and Space Races in Socrative.