Tech 3 #11

This week's Tech 3 focuses on using technology to make student thinking visible.  This is a benefit to online and blended learning.  Teachers can monitor and measure student reflection through the use of web-based technologies.  Keep track of student thinking through:

• Discussion boards
• Edmodo posts and replies 
• Shared Google Documents 
• Mind mapping web-tools 
• iPad creation apps (Link from my Creation App Sessions)
• Student blog posts and comments

Of course, there are many web-based tools and apps that will make student thinking observable and measurable.  The trick is to find what works for you.  Joe and I can help you find the right tool for specific instructional goals/objectives.

Tech 3 Episode 9

Extra iPad App: 

We were back in the studio this week from our "on the road edition" of Tech 3 from last week.  I'm not a big fan of recording video in a car.  This week we shared information on...

• Skyepack
• Instashare
• Code
• Scratch - from the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab
• Code Academy 

Extra iPad App: 

• Daisy the Dinosaur - Since we were share information on coding and programing, I wanted to share an interesting app that can help introduce students to the basics of computer or game programming.  Kindergarteners can easily pick this app up and learn how to apply commands for Daisy the Dinosaur to complete.  

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

Haiku Deck

Haiku Deck is a presentation app that allows you to create visually appealing slideshows.  Rather than filling a slide with too much information, this app seems to force a slideshow to focus on the core message.  Simply put, this tool allows you to:

1. Tell stories and/or share your ideas
2. Add quality images for the background of each slide
3. Share your presentation

Watch Haiku Deck's video overview and see what you think.  Better yet, stop reading this post, download the app, and try it for yourself.  How can you use this app in your class? 

Meet Haiku Deck from adam tratt on Vimeo.

Episode 3

Here is the latest video of Tech 3.  In this episode we share information on:

1. Infogr.am
2. Haiku Deck 
3. If This Then That

Digital Learning Day

Do you have a plan yet?  This year, Digital Learning Day is February 6, 2013.  Sign up with the Digital Learning Day website.  Click the image below to read more on Digital Learning Day.

What are you planning on doing this Digital Learning Day?  If you don't know yet, schedule a time with the Tech 3 hosts or ask for an opinion in the comments section below.  Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.