New Adventures in Technology

Thing 19 Research and Reference

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Mon, 05 May 2014 00:21:00 +0000

Diigo Browser EasyBib

MW Dictionary and Dictionary.com

EasyBib is just like the name EASY! I remember in college trying to make sure I had my citations right did I need MLA, APA...or whatever?? It was always so confusing. I would have gotten better grades with this app. Easybib took away all the guess work and was a breeze to use.

Dictionary apps MW and Dictionary.com of the two I liked MW the best. MW had nice large print and was very clear to use. MW doesn't have the buttons you need to push at the bottom they are already there in order as you scroll. I know if my first graders push a button they will end up going to an add. I don't like the ads on either one. When first graders are on the computer they are always distracted by the adds and they usually end up pushing a button and going somewhere they shouldn't.

Diigo Browser: I have been using this off and on for a while now. I have a few sites I've saved and use. I like that it doesn't matter what computer I am on I can get to my favorites with ease. It is a quick and easy way to save so you don't forget where it is at. I like the app it is also easy to use. I can share links with others and again it doesn't matter what computer I am on. Students can also use this site and save sites that they need for school while at school for use later at home. There is no need to print out addresses for students because they can go to the link. This makes it a time saver too. It is a great addition to the classroom at any grade level.

QR Codes and Augmented Reality

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sun, 04 May 2014 14:10:00 +0000

Qrafter

QR codes can be used for a number of things. In my classroom I have used them for vocabulary, spelling, math, and science. Students can quickly scan and go to a site or take a photo and save a list for studying.

Spelling: Students scan the list and taking a screen shot and then use the list to write a story containing the words I have chosen. They also work in pairs one taking the screenshot and then the two of them go back to their seat and use educreation to write, draw, and record the word and use it in a sentence.

Science: Students quickly scan and go to a video on life cycles. They then use information to create a Popplet about what they have learned.

Math: Students use the qr code to quickly go to the math site and review and do math problem.

Augmented Reality FUN!!!

AR Flashcards and Aurasma

My first graders just love augmented reality apps. My favorite is Aurasma. I use this app for science. My first graders did animal reports and then made a diorama using all the information they gathered on their animal. Next in pairs I had them record each other reading their reports. We then used them as an overlay for their projects. Aurasma uses a trigger object and then the overlay appears. The overlay of them reading was awesome. My first graders then shared their reports with other classrooms as they came to our class and used the ipads to watch the Aurasma app in action. I must say we surprised a lot of teachers and students with our technology!!!!

Augmented reality is a great way to keep students on task. At the beginning of the year I showed the kindergarten teacher the AR Flashcards I created and let her use them with the ipods in her classroom. She also saw how the students stayed on task and loved learning with technology!

Standards and Capstone

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sun, 04 May 2014 13:29:00 +0000

Common Core App

Using this app was easy. I like the way all of the standards are easily accessible and you can copy and paste them into your lesson plan. As we move forward into the Common Core this app allow me to review and organize my lessons in a quick way. I don't have to search through pages I just have to tap and there it is.

Lesson Plan

E. Budd Lesson

18 Study Skills & Visual Thinking

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Thu, 01 May 2014 00:40:00 +0000

Quizlet and Popplet

Both of these tools will work well in my classroom. I chose to use our amazing words from Pearson for the
Vocabulary words and plan on working with my students to get the rest of ou word added to the list.
Popplet is a great tool for first graders to use in many ways. They can use it to show what they know like the one here on adjectives. We could do all sorts of language arts projects compare and contrast, nouns, and verbs and many more! My students liked using these apps and stayed focused during the activity. Popplet and Quizlet are apps that incorporate the SAMR really well. It gets us away from using paper, pencil and even adds the option to use no words and draw or use photos. For math my students will compare two and three demensional shapes. In social studies they will use photos of themselves yfor a timeline. Modification and redefinition are easy to see with Popplet and that is what I look for.

17 Creative Expression

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:50:00 +0000

INKPAD

OMG was this hard to do! I am not the best at drawing on the ipad or moving objects around. Inkpad will definitely take some practice! There are lots of ways to use this app in the classroom I am just not sure first graders could use it effectively. I think the upper level grades and teachers would find it a great addition to a lesson or project. Students can use it in many ways. Science drawing and labeling the parts of plants, cells, and other items. In social stdies they might create brochures or posters using photos and adding their own editing. I know before I would use it in the classroom I would practice a lot more!

Garage Band
Wow! What an adventure. I didn't think I would ever figure this out well enough to post but I did it! This could be a great tool in the hands of a pro but this rookie had on hard time. I will continue to play with it and get it down to a science maybe by this summer. I do think in the hands of kids and someone who knows how to use it this is a wonderful tool and kids who have an ear for music will love it. Her is the link. I have to warn you I have never been consider much of a singer.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xnb72prx6f2wjya/Old%20McDonald%20Had%20a%20Square%20copy.m4a

16 Content Area Evaluating and Finding Apps

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Tue, 29 Apr 2014 02:32:00 +0000

Sentence builder listed as Winner 2010 IEAR language Arts app of the year on APPitic
Place Value MAB 4 + rating in iTunes store.
Endless Alphabet App Stores Edito's Choice

When it comes to apps I try hard to get them for free. I have installed Apps Gone Free and check it daily for specials. I also get free app offers from Through email from Brad JCISD EdTech Team. At McCulloch I am the go to person for the ipads and ipods. It is my responsibility to purchase apps through the volume purchase program. When I purchase apps for the cart I buy 30 at a time. Most apps are discounted by about half and I can get them for around 14.99 for a cart of 30. Depending on the app some discounts are less. It is very easy to use and gives me my balance so I know how much money is in our account. As a person who uses apps daily I am glad Apple offers this program it has allowed our school to purchase more apps at lower cost.
When teachers come to me asking about apps I can sit down with them and do an evaluation with them and we can check out reviews that other educators or companies like Apple have done. It is a nice tool to use and it makes it easier to see if apps are worth purchasing or not.

Thing 15 Assesment

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 13:46:00 +0000

Socrative

Five Question Quiz Before and After
I should have change my title to 10 more 10 Less but forgot to will go back and do it later. This is a short math quiz. I like that I can do a quick check over to see who knows 10 more 10 less. When I did this with the whole class it was fun to hear their reactions if they saw a wrong answer on the screen! It is nice that they have no idea who gives the wrong answer. I have also used this with my 3rd grade class a couple years ago. Students like the quick feed back.

Test results I only had a couple students do this for me the other day so it only shows the two.

A short true or false. Question was "Is 16 ten less than 25?"
These types of apps are very useful in the classroom and have some advantages to the basic raise your hand and answer the question verbal activity. Students enjoy the interaction and ability to make a mistake without everyone seeing who did it. Kids aren't afraid to make a mistake and I get more participation. Usually when I ask a question I see the same hands go in the air and with Socrative everyone will answer and no one sits back and waits for someone else. Of course there are also drawbacks. You have to be prepared if the app is not working. I have had times where some students get locked up and it doesn't work and there have been times when connection to the Internet has been a problem. So it is important to always have a back up plan in place just in case you have technical difficulties.

InfuseLearning

I tried InfuseLearning with 4 students. I like the way it worked more on the iPad because it was easier for my students to draw. My students liked the draw feature the best. It was easier to use the small stylist to draw on the iPad so most of them said the ipad was the best. On the computer you had to use the mouse and that was harder for my first graders. I can see a big advantage in using both Socrative and InfuseLearning in my classroom. It may take time to set up but once you have made your quizzes they are there to use year after year. I like the immediate feedback that students receive. Students see how well they know the material and we can quickly go over and review which areas they don't know. It helps me with the reteaching process. I don't have to sit and grade papers I can look at the screen and quickly know what to do as far as reteaching. Socrative and InfuseLearning are very similar in both features and connection. InfuseLearning offers a draw feature and Socrative doesn't. Both have quick response short answer ability and I like that. My favorite is InfuseLearning. I like that it has the draw feature for my 1st graders. I can say that both would be a great addition to any classroom and a quick assessment tool to use.

Thing 14 Universal Design

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 12:10:00 +0000

I have taught 2nd, 3rd, and now 1st grade and it is nice that there are apps like Dragon Dictation to use in the classroom. When I taught special education this type of tool was just coming out and it was on the computer and boy was it hard to figure out. I downloaded Natural Reader to our computers and my low readers would highlight and listen. It was hard for some to highlight but it eventually became easier. Using the iPad is easier. With just a touch and hold the word or words get highlighted and the student can tap speak. My 1st graders have used this feature to read worksheets and sentences on other websites I have sent them too.

Guided access is another great feature to limit where a student can go within an app. I have students who like to avoid work and spend time where they shouldn't be. It is nice to have the ability to guide where they go. I also like the lock feature using a pass code to keep them only in the app I assign. Students are unable to search around and try other apps when I am not looking. It is a nice surprise to them when they get locked out after trying to leave the app several times. This feature has a tendency to stop the messing around during instruction once they know they will get caught!

Thing 13 Classroom Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sat, 12 Apr 2014 21:55:00 +0000

ClassDojo

I use this app in my classroom to track behavior. My students enjoy the quick feedback and have learned the sounds that tell them to be good. Our music teacher Mrs. Purdue showed me this app at the beginning of the year. It is the one she uses in her classes. I set up a system where they earn points for good behavior and for every 10 points they get a ticket. They may spend their points at that time or choose to save them for a larger prize. Most students spend them qickly but I have had a couple save their tickets for a beanie baby. This is an effective tool as long as you remain consistant. Just like anything else if you don't keep up on it your students will loose interest in it and it won't be as a effective as it could be. I like the ability to choose the behaviors you want to track. It isn't hard to unerstand and it was easy to set up!

Remind 101

I tried to set this up using addresses of teachers and my husbands just to see how it works. I kept getting a message saying that I could not sign up because the link was too old. After several tries I decide to stop wasting time and move on. This would be a great tool to use as a teacher. I like the private feature allowing phone numbers and text to be private. Remind 101 would be a useful tool in any classroom allowing for quick and easy communication between teacher, student, and parents.

Stop Watch + and I Tap Timer
I use these two apps for timers. When we are doing an activity like writing I always set the timer and when it goes off we stop to regroup at the carpet and read our writing. I also use it if we are doing activities that require a start and stop. I like both of them because they are nice and bright and the kids don't have any trouble hearing or seeing them.

Thing 12 Learning Management

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 03:01:00 +0000

Edmodo

Lesson and Note with Link

Schoology

Both Edmodo and Schoology would be useful tools in the classroom. I prefer to use Edmodo because I have been using it for the past 3 years. I began using it with my 2nd grade class a couple years ago. The following year I was teaching 3rd grade so I used it then too. Now I am teaching 1st grade so it hasn't been used this year.

I found Edmodo very easy to use and so did my students. My students liked posting comments on Edmodo and I see that is also a feature on Schoology. Teachers are able to monitor post and set up restrictions on both apps. When it comes to ease of use I am not sure that Schoology would be as easy to use for the lower grades it seems to have too many features. In early elementary students don't need a lot of extra thing to distract them. I like the simplicity of Edmodo.

Both apps offer ways to connect with other teachers and communities. I have several that I use on Edmodo. Edmodo added apps a couple years ago and my students enjoyed watching Flat Stanley as he traveled the globe. Flat Stanley was an app that we could download and use. Schoology also offers apps to add to your page so the two are similar in that area.

Schoology seems to be set up more toward middle school or high school and would be helpful to teachers. In Edmodo I was able to create assignments and even attach links for my students to use. The same is true in Schoology. My students took Social Studies and Science quizzes on the ipad using Edmodo and this made grading easy for me. I enjoy not having to correct papers. Once you have set up your quizzes they are there to use year after year. Having another resource in the classroom is a plus.

Thing 11 Productivity

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 02:59:00 +0000

TinyScan

Evernote

Using storage in the cloud gives easy access to work you may need when not in class. Using apps like Evernote and TinyScan teachers are able to quickly take note or upload documents to file and save them as needed. The plus side is less clutter and stacks of papers on the desk. The negative side may be that teachers don't back up files and risk losing documents they have saved. Digitizing and annotating add a dimension to the document that teachers can use in lesson planning and explaining. I have used Evernote in the past but haven't used it lately. I know there are lots of features to it and it takes time to learn and become familiar with them. Both apps would be helpful in the classroom.

Thing 10 Collaboration

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 11:19:00 +0000

Collaboration
In my first grade classroom I created a lesson for writing. I had the students write about what they wanted to do on spring break. When they went to get on and edit it wouldn't work. It had been a while since I used this program so I sent Brad my link. He let me know I was in view only and told me how to change it so the kids could edit. Well I changed it and boy was I surprised when my room became a buzz of excitement. Each student on the document could see the other and the typing was all over the place. I had to have them stop and then I organized it so they could do it one at a time. I made sure to explain that they didn't go up and change or delete any other comments. This was a little tricky for first grade but we made it work. You have to explain the process of what to do and what not to do so it will run smoothly.

While I had Google Drive open I went ahead and used Google Forms to make a quick quiz on adjectives for my students to take while the other ones where writing. I had forgotten the ease of using it for this type of assignment. Because I have first grade I think on a lower level and actually I shouldn't. My student were able to complete the quiz and submit with no problem. I will use it for more things like this now and in the future.

I am going to set up a story starter and using one computer have each child go over and add to the story until it is complete. This is another way to get Google Drive into my classroom and give my students the opportunity to stretch their mind and incorporate the SAMR method.

Thing 9 iBooks

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 01:55:00 +0000

My iBook Collection. I have many more at school on our iPad carts. I really like the free ones for my students who struggle with reading. If a book doesn't have audio my students use the speak feature on the iPad. They select the text and then tap speak. It is a wonderful feature and my low students have learned a lot from listening to books.

Project Gutenberg

PDF to iBooks

I have been using iPads in my classroom for 3 years. In that time I have downloaded books and pdf files. I had not heard of Project Gutenberg and now will look for ways to use it in my classroom. I like the ability to use the eReader feature of the ipad. Our curriculum is digital based with a copies of our reading series on line. My students can log in and use the ipad to read the selection of the week. The best part is it has an audio feature allowing my below level readers to listen and read a long. Of course having the text book is important too so students can read it as well. I like the highlight feature because I can highlight high frequency words for my students. I also like the define feature because students have a better understanding of what they read when they understand the words. Using traditional text books is important for students who have the ability to read and follow along. Students need to become strong readers and if they have the option to listen I think they get a little lazy and don't pay attention to what the story is about and they fail to comprehend. So both eReaders and traditional books have an important purpose in my first grade classroom. I have also used the PDF feature to download work sheets and test to use with my students. The latest PDF I added were our I CAN statements for Common Core. I like having them on my ipad so I can easily access them at any time.

Thing 8 Comic and Book Creation

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 01:11:00 +0000

Comic Maker: Making a Lava Lamp

This is just a short comic strip used to explain how to make a lava lamp. As I was using Comic Maker it occurred to me that there were a number of ways a teacher could incorporate this into a lesson. Within the SAMR framework augmentation, modification, and redefinition apply. Completely moving away from the standard methods of text books, paper, and pencil, using the iPad moves students into much higher order thinking and takes them way beyond just using the note pad. Students can work on making comics of their own to explain something or even teach a new idea to another student. Teachers can introduce the app and then allow students to explore and take it where they would like to go. It gives options to use ones imagination as students and teachers can use different media within the same app. I liked the ability to use my own photos or even take photos when needed. I think students would like that option as well. Even though I have first graders this app would work. For reading month our theme included super heroes and my students used Comic Creator on the lap tops to make comic strips of their own. I will now download this app for the iPads giving them another option to use for their comic strips.

How We Use iPads in the First Grade

Book Creator
I introduced my students to Book Creator this year. After break my students are going to go through their writing folders and decide on stories they want to use to put together in a book. I am hoping that they can come up with stories that allow them to use pictures either photographs or ones they draw. We have done a lot of writing so it shouldn't be hard to pick a few.

I used Book Creator to create a how to book. I used this book at the beginning of the year to introduce my students to the ipads. Having first grade is a challenge but I think they have come a long way and have learned a lot of cool things in technology. I will keep teaching them even more and hope they will get an opportunity to use their skills in the upper grades. Now that I know the SAMR model I realize just how much I have been using it. Redefinition and modification are the two areas I strive for. Students need to learn that the ipad is a tool. I want them to use it to learn not after they finish some other paper pencil assignment. I want the ipad and or laptops to be the tool they use for the assignment!

Digital Story Telling Thing 7

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:08:00 +0000

Mrs. B's Science Review
http://youtu.be/RSa_IllM7pM

Shadow Puppet: Image Based Storytelling

http://get-puppet.com/s/B16F6A45-7D41-4147-86D8-B03F299FD4FA

Reflection

Digital storytelling could be used in many ways in the classroom. As a teacher I would use it to develop short skits for explanation of daily work. Both apps could be used to explain or review content. For example a beginning of the year photo story showing new students around the school and explaining the rules. Sock puppets could be used to review things like the short one I did for science. In the beginning the only drawback would be time setting down and putting it all together. I believe once that is done the ease of use for students will make lessons more interesting and engaging.
Student use might be similar as students use Sock Puppets to make their own review skits or even just put together short, fun tutorials for other students. Projects on Sock Puppets would be quick and simple like practicing a concept used in math or language arts. Students could act as if they are teaching a lesson to another student. Perhaps even explaining something better than the teacher did.
On the other hand using an image based app like Shadow Puppets, students could put together book reviews, book reports, and even research project. Students could take pictures or look for photos to use on line. No matter what they choose it would be a lot better than just words on the page.
A photo walk through of a research project would require higher order thinking and get kids more actively involved as is expected with the new Common Core Curriculum.

Thing 6 Screencasting

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 00:52:00 +0000

Screencasting Comparison Thing 6

Touch Math

This lesson was created by a teacher and set up nicely for students to learn counting on using touch math. I like her use of pictures and not just drawing in the numbers. Giving students a little better visual than just writing on the ipad. She speaks clearly and slowly making it very easy to follow and because of that I think this was the most productive of the two.

Adding Double Digits

This lesson is also given by a teacher. He is demonstrating double addition. He talks a bit fast and doesn't use any pictures only writing. Students may get a bit bored and not pay as much attention with this video as it is simply the teacher talking and writing. Both of these would be helpful in my first grade math class.

As I looked through the different videos I became aware of untapped knowledge and now will look for ways to use this in my class. I can use these apps to make my own videos but why reinvent the wheel if there is something out there that I can already use. Our time is so limited during the day and at night I find it hard sometimes to turn on my ipad. Knowing that I can go to these sites and find ready made lessons is a big help.

When I do make my own videos I know to speak slowly and clear. I will also consider using images and walking students through worksheets that they will be doing in the classroom. This type of lesson will be very helpful to those students in my class who are below grade level in reading. I can send them to the lesson video and allow them to watch it and stop it as many times as needed. Another great option for differentiating instruction in the classroom.

My Screencast: Greater Than

In my first grade classroom we just started our chapter on comparison in math. Students need to learn the symbol of greater than. They also need to remember place value.

In this lesson I combine the two giving students a bit of review with the new. They all have work mats to use at their desks and this lesson reminds them to use it for practice. I t may be a bit long but when you are working with first grade everything takes longer. I try to encourage them and show them just what to do. In first grade I also do a lot of repeating. It helps my students to focus on the task at hand.

In the SAMR model this modification helps to redesign the way I can teach a lesson. Now instead of just standing in front of the board or using the document camera, I can give each student an ipad and let them listen and practice at their own pace. We all know that some students catch on quickly while others struggle. Using lessons like this students will be able to listen and learn at their own pace. It will also free up some of my time so I can work with those student who need the extra help even with a video .

So one way to use this is just teaching the lesson. Second, it could also be used by students to record their own version of a lesson allowing them to become the teacher. Third if you have a student that is home bound or for some reason not in school you can broad cast this lesson on you tube or send it by email to the student so they could work from home and not get behind.

I think this would change how I set up a lesson and help me with the reteaching part of each unit. I could record my reteaching pages on the iPad using Explain Everything and then have them ready for students when needed. This would save time and help keep kids on task because they won't be waiting for me to help.

Increased independence is always a good thing in the classroom.

Thing 5 Presentations

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 21:06:00 +0000

Haiku

http://www.haikudeck.com/p/SodWBuhiwn

Haiku was easy to follow and I didn't get frustrated. At times when I have tried to set up other types of presentations I have become discouraged or frustrated with the process. The simplicity of Haiku is a nice change. Students should also have an easy time if they do some basic preparations first. I would suggest that they have all the needed images on the ipad first. This made it easy to upload what I needed quickly. I would also suggest that they have an outline or some idea of what they want to say or show on each slide. Setting up the correct layout is also important as I found out. Bullets need to be prepared so they are not too long and they say what needs to be said in as few words as possible. Presentation apps can be used in many ways. Students can use them to inform an audience about a subject. They can also use it to entertain or tell a short story and finally they could even use it to tell about themselves.

SAMR framework both Augmentation and Redefinition are included using presentation apps. No longer will students just orally present or write a report. The student can combine both in a way that shows creativity which include a significant design change for an old lesson. Reports will be new and improved. Higher order thinking will be observed as students prepare, plan, and show what they know using technology in the classroom.

Photo Editing Thing 4

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 15:40:00 +0000

Photo Editing

Original screenshot

Enhanced photo of my silly girls!

Reflect on the potential benefits of using photos to support your curriculum. Include a minimum of three ideas related to how screenshots could be useful for purposes such as assessment or documentation.

The benefits I see for screenshots are, recording data, supplying proof of data, and adding documentation for our yearly teacher evaluation. As our students complete various assessments a photo could be used to record it to his/her file. Using a photo to track student progress will help in record keeping should something happen to the hard copy. Students could even begin to save work in a file of their own. Documentation has become one the major pieces in our evaluation and now here is an easy way to keep files that are needed.

Photo Enhancement

Reflect on how useful using tools like Photoshop Express or Skitch could be for projects you or your students do on the iPad.

Students could use Skitch in many ways. In science students could take photos outside and then use Skitch to add details about the objects they have photographed.

Another possibility is using it to label the steps in a science experiment. I used it to show how we did our lava lamps in class. Even first grade students can use this tool. Basic directions can be given and the students can try it themselves. Students enjoy doing things out of the ordinary and Skitch can make this happen.

Thing 2 Connecting and Communicating

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sun, 16 Mar 2014 02:03:00 +0000

The always on nature of professional learning on Twitter enhances modern PD by giving teachers the option to locate and follow those with the information they want. As a first grade teacher I am now able to look up list of educators and check out what they are doing and get ideas for my own classroom. Many times I have seen links for conferences and or reviews of conferences or PD’s others have actually gone to. It is nice to read what others have to say about the things they have done and it helps me decide where I want to go. I follow teachers that I have seen at MACUL and have gained lots of great information when it comes to using technology.

I don’t really have a lot of concerns about Twitter. I just think that I need to use it more in order to become more comfortable with the format and how to do it. I admit that I am not on it enough and need to try it out more. When I am on it I find that it is a useful tool in education for both teachers and as time goes on for students as well.

Staying Informed Thing 3 USA Today

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 00:46:00 +0000

Photo from USA Today. Wish I was on the beach!

Reflect with three ideas on how you could use this app or a similar news app in class with students or parents. Include ideas on how you might use the content and images from this app in projects students could create using other apps, e.g. presentations.

1 1. Writing: Students choose a photo and write in a journal.

2 2. Daily Reporting: Students choose an article to report on or the weather and make it a daily report in the classroom.

3 3. Science and Technology: Students can explore new science and technology ideas and as a class we could research or write about our findings.

I teach first grade so I think my options would be a bit more limited than the upper elementary, middle school, or high school teachers. Students need to look at the world today and know what is going on. It is important as they are trying to decide where they are headed in the future. Looking at various career options and what would be out there after they complete college or maybe even a trade school of some kind. Keeping an eye on the world through apps like these makes it easy for them to stay in the loop and gain knowledge about the world around them. It also gives them an opportunity to go beyond their own community and look further for choices about the future.

Flipboard My Magazinehttp://flip.it/UmKvH

As a first grade teacher I would use this to stay informed on the latest in technology and sciene.Students would be able to check out some of the articles using voice over to read. It may be difficult to for students to use at my grade level. In the upper grades this would be a great tool for research and up to date coverage of what is happenning in the world. Lessons could be planned around different articles. Students could develop their own magazines too. It is not hard to use and can add another element of reading into the classroom.

Thing 2 Connecting and Communicating

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 01:55:00 +0000

Build Your PLN Thing 2

The always on nature of professional learning on Twitter enhances modern PD by giving teachers the option to locate and follow those with the information they want. As a first grade teacher I am now able to look up a list of educators and check out what they are doing and get ideas for my own classroom. Many times I have seen links for conferences and or reviews of conferences or PD’s others have actually gone to. It is nice to read what others have to say about the things they have done and it helps me decide where I want to go. I follow teachers that I have seen at MACUL and have gained lots of great information when it comes to using technology.

Video Calling: Google Hangout

I think video calling would help a great deal in my classroom. On a daily basis it seems I have a teacher call me with some type of computer or iPad problem. Using video calling they could actually show me the problem. Most teachers call and try to explain what is wrong but for me a visual is best. I could also see us using it as a way to conference over a student or even for a staff meeting. Our staff is small and this would be a great way to communicate from the classroom and not have to worry about what room we are going to travel to.

Video calling with students is a great idea! Even better I could use it with parents in a one to one conversation when they have questions over homework.

Google Hang Out is a great tool when it comes to keeping in touch with your family! I have a brother in Florida and a sister who lives in Leslie. I can talk to both of them at the same time and they think it is great!

Thing 1- iPad Basics

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 01:32:00 +0000

Customizing the home screen allows easy access for teacher and student. Teachers have a better sense of where apps are and where students can go to find them. I teach first graders and telling them a specific location on the ipad makes a big difference. Using a folder to place all math apps together not only keeps the home screen clean but hepls my students find the app quicker. Teachers can show students how to do this in the classroom and then they can take it home to use on their own devices. As an elementary teacher I have always believed in the KISS method and using folders definitely uses this method.

Pedagogy

Learn

http://youtu.be/X79rBrFaENg

“Quincy 5^th Graders Learn Through Wetland Project” This video has several great examples of the levels in SAMR and Bloom's Digital Taxonomy.

.38 Substitution-Students use the iPad instead of graph paper to graph the forms for an outdoor structure. Bloom’s Analysing- using the graph paper to construct. This could also be a form of Augmentation because students could easily manipulate the iPad and clear and reuse the graph paper thus giving functional improvement

Modification: .59 Students use the iPad for writing which include photos and pictures of items they wish to sell in order to make money for their project. Bloom’s Applying loading pictures and sharing what they have done through writing and advertising.

Redefinition: .24 At the beginning of the video students are making a video to advertise the project they are doing. Bloom’s Creating-using the video to show what they have been doing and plan to do.

21 Things for ipad

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 18:56:00 +0000

Well getting ready to learn more things about the ipad. Then I will take it back to my first grade class.

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 19:15:00 +0000

Well this year I am teaching first grade. What a difference from third. I did not let it stop me from using technology. I am now using laptops and ipads in my classroom. My students are busy with math, reading, writing, and storytelling using technology.

My first graders do their spelling test on line using Spellingcity.com and we do our weekly testing on our Pearson site pearsonsuccessnet.com. I am amazed everyday by the ability they have to succeed with technology.

I continue to look for new ways to use technology in my class no matter what age level I am teaching.

Symbaloo is my newest addition. It is a great tool for organizing what I want my students to do. I also found out how to create my own avitar using Voki! Too cool? Check this out http://www.voki.com/ . Web 2.0 is a wonderful resource. I listened to a recent webinar on Symbaloo and this was included. So keep looking for new tools and don't think your students are too young to use technology. My first graders are turning into real techno geeks!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Evelyn Budd) — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 02:42:00 +0000

Ipad photography: Went on an adventure to Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore in Munising Mi. My husband and I took the Cruise along the shore and it was awesome. These are a few pictues I took using my ipad. They came out great. The only problem seems to be the glare from the sun. It was hard to see the screen. Also, I had my ipad in the case and it slid a bit causing some shadow in the corner, I took my ipad out of the case and that didn't happen again. Lesson learned!