Explore the Possibilities

Augmented Reality Isn’t a Dream

murraygirl — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 19:47:30 +0000

Augmented reality (AR) is no longer just embedded in some science fiction movie. Today’s technology is enabling the general population to experience AR as they interact in everyday situations.

Imagining how AR could be used in the classroom may still seem like a far-fetched idea. Or maybe you’re thinking it packs a high cool factor but lacks educational value. I’m hoping by the time you finish exploring the resources in this post, you will see the possibilities.

For now, let’s just look at some AR apps (iOS) that you could use in your classroom…

Making books come alive

The children’s book, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore is a touching story with many themes. From the far-reaching impact books can have on our lives, to the ways we can inspire those around us, this book is a treasure on its own. But, then there’s the AR app…

For $0.99, you can purchase an app that brings the pages of the book to life. For some interactions, you are actually immersed in the story yourself. Words don’t do this experience justice. Take a look for yourself. Go now. I’ll wait.

I try to imagine a world where our students can experience an augmented reality environment with every book they read.

Interactive math and literacy

The AR ABC Flashcards set will bring letters (and animals) to life. First, you have to print the ABC animal flashcards to use with the app. Then, as you hover over each flashcard, a 3D image of the animal appears. You can tilt and turn to view the animal from different angles, and you can touch the animal on the iPad screen to hear the letter and animal name. Take a look:

FETCH! LUNCH RUSH is a math app that helps students practice addition and subtraction facts up to 10. Students act as a sushi server, and they have to solve math problems by finding the correct corresponding answer card. Teachers can post the printed cards around the room and students must go to the correct card, use the iPad to activate the card, and click the 3D image of the sushi to solve the problem. This app is free from PBS. Check it out:

Virtual field trips

Help your students experience objects and places from inside your classroom walls. For example, NASA’s spacecraft 3D app turns a printed image of a rocky landscape into a robotic explorer. Choose from a list of interactive spacecraft. Watch in it action:

Create your own AR

We already live in that world where students can create their own augmented reality environments. Tools like Aurasma (free app) are making it happen.

The possibilities are endless. Take a look at how this app is changing how students interact with their environment and how it is helping create meaningful learning.

Aurasma education articles

Examples of using Aurasma in education – and a how-to guide

Augment Reality with a “Virtual” Routine Schedule

There are tons of videos on Aurasma’s YouTube Channel.

Want a couple more AR apps to explore?

Well, there’s the one called My Dragon Toy.

And then there’s this one, colAR Mix, which is. just. plain. cool. Print the page. Color it. And watch it come to life. So amazing.

Augmented reality is changing things.
And it is going to help our students see and learn in new ways.

Exceptional Children Teachers: Discover What Your iPad Can Do!

murraygirl — Wed, 11 Dec 2013 02:38:09 +0000

Get the most out of your iPad! There are lots of features and settings on the iPad that you may not know about or may not have had time to explore. Check out many of these features in the embedded document below, and see how you can maximize the functionality of this amazing tool!

View this document on Scribd

Here is a sampling of iPad apps that can support the exceptional learners in your classroom.

App Icon	App Title and Link	Price (as of 12/2013)
	Scholastic Storia https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scholastic-storia/id491014756?mt=8	Free (5 free books)
	Story Dice https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/story-dice/id525351988	$1.99
	Word Mover https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/word-mover/id572997152	Free
	Montessori Letter Sounds https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/montessori-letter-sounds-learn/id494564125?mt=8	$2.99
	Montessori Crosswords https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/montessori-crosswords-spelling/id384334005	$2.99
	MyScript Calculator https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myscript-calculator/id578979413	Free
	Little Digits – Finger Counting https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/myscript-calculator/id578979413	$1.99
	Montessori Numbers – Math Activities for Kids https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/montessori-numbers-math-activities/id547209737	$2.99
	ClassDojo https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/classdojo/id552602056?mt=8	Free
	Proloquo2Go https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/proloquo2go/id308368164	$219.99 An expensive app! But it is an all-inclusive communication app!
	Dragon Dictation https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dragon-dictation/id341446764	Free
	SoundingBoard https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/soundingboard/id390532167	Free
	SimplyNoise https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/simplynoise/id380643227	$0.99
	Toca Hair Salon 2 https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/toca-hair-salon-2/id569632660	$2.99
	Sock Puppets https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sock-puppets/id394504903	Free
	Educreations https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/educreations-interactive-whiteboard/id478617061	Free
	ChatterPix https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chatterpix-by-duck-duck-moose/id734038526	Free
	Common Core Standards https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/common-core-standards/id439424555	Free
	IMAG-N-O-TRON: “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” Edition https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/imag-n-o-tron-fantastic-flying/id534396897?mt=8	$0.99 (Must also have the book.)
	AR Flashcards https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ar-flashcards/id502903392	Free
	Spacecraft 3D https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spacecraft-3d/id541089908	Free
	Aurasma https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/aurasma/id432526396?mt=8	Free
	My Dragon Toy https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/my-dragon-toy/id644337915?mt=8	Free
	colAR Mix https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/colar-mix-3d-coloring-book-app/id650645305?mt=8	Free
	FETCH! LUNCH RUSH https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fetch!-lunch-rush/id469089331	Free

(link to Scribd document)

Donna Murray’s Resources

Instructional Technology Website – http://murraygirl.com/
Pinterest Boards
- Ed Tech Pinterest Board – http://www.pinterest.com/murraygirl/ed-tech-explore-the-possibilities/
- iPad Resources Pinterest Board – http://www.pinterest.com/murraygirl/ipad-resources/
- Speech Apps Board – http://www.pinterest.com/murraygirl/speech-apps/
- Special Needs Board – http://www.pinterest.com/murraygirl/special-needs-olivia/
Donna Murray’s PD Site – http://navigatepd.blogspot.com/
Social Bookmarking Sites – https://delicious.com/murraygirl and https://www.diigo.com/user/murraygirl
- iPad Resources – https://www.diigo.com/user/murraygirl/ipad
- Special Education Resources – https://www.diigo.com/user/murraygirl/sped

Other Pinterest Boards

Find some free apps

App Friday (from Moms With Apps)
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/app-friday/id672367077
http://www.appfriday.com/
Apps Gone Free
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/apps-gone-free-best-daily/id470693788
(Apps highlighted on Apps Gone Free are not always educational. But, it is still worth exploring! There are also games, productivity, picture apps, and more.)

Resources for using a switch with the iPad

Accessibility Support
http://www.apple.com/support/accessibility/
iOS: Using Switch Control
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5886
Switch accessible iPad apps (.pdf)
http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/alatec/documents/2013presentations/Switch+Accessible+Apps+Handout.pdf
Sample of switch-related devices for the iPad

iOS 7 Switch Control- Set Up A Single Switch With Auto Scanning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqWkNxB27DM
iOS 7 Switch Control- Set Up Dual Switches with Step Scanning
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuLETwuxSbs

———————————–

Direct link to these resources posted on my professional development site: http://navigatepd.blogspot.com/2013/12/exceptional-children-teachers-discover.html

Today’s Links 12/06/2013

murraygirl — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 00:38:01 +0000

Navigate: Integrating Technology with K-2 Literacy

Session learning target: Attendees will explore resources and strategies for integrating technology in k-2 literacy.

Technology can be used as a tool for learning within literacy instruction. In this session, we’ll explore ways to effectively integrate technology in literacy activities and across the curriculum.
Leave with a collection of FREE online resources for lessons, printables, interactives, manipulatives, eBooks, software, and tools to help enhance literacy instruction in your K-2 classroom.

tags: elementary literacy languagearts reading phonics links bydonna novice intermediate techie newtome
Navigate: Technology for All Learners: Supporting Students with Assistive Technologies

Session learning target: Attendees will explore various assistive technologies and investigate ways to incorporate these tools in the classroom to support learning.

Supporting diverse groups of students is a challenge, but free and inexpensive assistive technology tools are providing opportunities for students to be successful in the classroom. In addition to leaving with ideas and strategies for integrating assistive technology in your classroom, you will hear some inspirational stories of how these tools are changing lives.

tags: at assistivetechnology sped elementary middle high presentation newtome novice intermediate techie bydonna apps ipad
Navigate: Pin it! Pinterest for Teachers

Session learning target: Attendees will investigate the features and functionality of pinterest.com and discover ways to use this site in the classroom.

If you’re not already “pinning,” you’ve probably at least heard of the third most popular social media site, Pinterest. In this session, we will start from the beginning, learning the basics of using Pinterest and exploring the functionality of the site. Pinterest can be loads of fun to explore, but there are also ways that Pinterest can be used in your classroom. Come explore tons of educational resources on Pinterest and hear about ways you can use Pinterest with your students.

tags: pinterest elementary middle high presentation bydonna novice intermediate newtome readyforadvfeatures links professionaldevelopment
Navigate: Open Education Resources

Session learning target: Attendees will understand the definition of open education resources and explore various OER online.

There is a growing collection of free resources available for teachers and learners everywhere. From lessons and courses to games and activities (and lots of goodies in between!), this “open” content is allowing teachers to find free and accessible resources to help their students be successful. We’ll explore collections of open education resources and discuss how to get started finding resources for YOUR classroom.

tags: oer elementary middle high professionaldevelopment bydonna links novice intermediate techie newtome
Navigate: Discover What your iPad Can Do

Session learning target: Attendees will explore iPad features and functionality for professional, classroom, and personal use.

Get the most out of your iPad! There are lots of features and settings on the iPad that you may not know about or may not have had time to explore. We’ll spend time learning about these features so you can maximize the functionality of this amazing tool!

tags: ipad apps elementary middle high professionaldevelopment novice intermediate techie newtome readyforadvfeatures bydonna pdfs
Navigate: Creative Commons

Session learning target: Attendees will explore resources related to common core standards and learn search strategies for further exploration.

One benefit of so many states adopting Common Core standards is the amount of educators looking for and creating related resources online. We’ll explore collections of lesson plans, printables, interactives, and more, and we will also learn some strategies for searching for resources on your own.

tags: creativecommons elementary middle high links resources professionaldevelopment novice intermediate newtome readyforadvfeatures presentation bydonna
Navigate: Exploring Tech Integration Strategies and Flipped Classroom Model

Resources from training on exploring technology integration strategies and learning about the flipped classroom model.

tags: edtech elementary middle high professionaldevelopment flippedclassroom novice newtome bydonna links
Navigate: TED Talks

Session learning target: Attendees will explore ted.com and discover resources for use in professional/personal growth and classroom use.

Despite how it sounds, TED has nothing to do with a guy named Ted. Each year, two TED conferences are held, and invited speakers give talks (each talk is 18 minutes or less) on various topics, all centered around TED’s theme of “Ideas Worth Spreading. We’ll explore some popular videos, talk about how to use TED talks in the classroom, and be inspired!

tags: tedtalks elementary middle high ted videos professionaldevelopment intermediate newtome presentation bydonna
Navigate: Free Online Video Resources (Part 2)

The next part of this training is designed to provide you with some searching strategies and ideas for using video in the classroom. There is no “written” assignment for this part of the training. In fact, I am simply trusting that you will explore the resources I’m sharing. There is no “formal” assignment at all! Of course, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me.

tags: free videos resources links elementary middle high professionaldevelopment bydonna youtube

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Higher-order Thinking With Twitter

murraygirl — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 19:31:19 +0000

This infographic may be helpful to you as you think of ways to use Twitter in your classroom. In addition to using this tool with older students who have Twitter accounts, there are many opportunities to teach younger students digital citizenship skills and help students understanding how this social networking tool works.

Check out more resources on how to use Twitter in your classroom from the Langwitches Blog.

Tolisano, Silvia. “Langwitches Blog.” Langwitches Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Dec. 2013. <http://langwitches.org/blog/2012/09/19/twitter-hots-establishing-a-twitter-routine-in-the-classroom/>.

Common Core Resources

murraygirl — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 19:28:28 +0000

Explore my Common Core Resources Pinterest board. Find links to lesson plans, activities, and ideas for incorporating Common Core state standards in your classroom.

Today’s Links 10/05/2013

murraygirl — Sat, 05 Oct 2013 00:37:53 +0000

Digital Technology Tools for Implementing Formative Assessment – Post Three

one of three blog posts with lists of digital tools for formative assessment

tags: formativeassessment elementary middle high tools interactive professionaldevelopment
The We Do Listen Foundation | Home

“Award winning Howard B. Wigglebottom animated books, songs, games, activities, and more.” Free

tags: books ebooks elementary guidance songs music games charactered
Interactive NETS*S – home

“This Wiki is a compilation of interactive resources and lesson plan ideas that can be used by K-12 teachers when addressing 21st Century and Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS*S) serve as the framework for this Wik.”

tags: wikis nets standards iste elementary middle high lessons resources links onlinesafety digitalcitizenship rubrics
Best Websites for Teaching & Learning 2013 | American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

“The 2013 Best Websites for Teaching and Learning foster the qualities of innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration. They are free, Web-based sites that are user friendly and encourage a community of learners to explore and discover.”

tags: resources tools aasl media elementary middle high interactive socialnetworking digitalstorytelling collaboration

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Resources for Fire Prevention Week – October 6-12

murraygirl — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 13:55:15 +0000

Firefighter Protective Clothing Tour

http://archive.cityofdavis.org/fire/pct/
Students can learn about the purposes for various pieces of clothing and equipment worn by firefighters through this interactive website provided by the City of Davis, California. In addition to a 360 view of each piece of clothing, there are related details, audio narrative, and related video.
Fire Truck Tour

http://archive.cityofdavis.org/fire/tour/
The City of Davis, California also has an interactive fire truck tour website. View each side of the truck and click to learn about various parts and pieces of equipment. You can even turn on the extra dispatch audio to make it feel like you are riding along on a call!
Crucial Crew – Fire Safety

http://www.crucial-crew.org/fire/
This interactive game presents children with fire-related scenarios and engages them in role-playing exercises to help them learn fire safety skills.
US Fire Administration for Kids

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/kids/flash.shtm
Interactive website for teaching Fire Safety to children (Home Fire Safety, Smoke Alarms, Escaping from Fire, Crossword Puzzles, Coloring Pages, Word Searches, Hazard House, Matching Game & Becoming a Jr. Fire Marshall).
National Fire Protection Association

http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/fire-prevention-week
Resources for Teachers, Kids and Families. Take the Fire Prevention Quiz. Check out the Fast Facts about Fire and Safety Tips Sheets.

Today’s Links 04/13/2013

murraygirl — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 00:37:55 +0000

Visuals for Foreign Language Instruction

“This site contains hundreds of visual aids (illustrations) that can be used to support instructional tasks such as describing objects and people (i.e., teaching vocabulary) or describing entire events and situations (i.e., teaching grammar).”

tags: esl_ell elementary middle high vocabulary resources images illustrations foreignlanguage
Royalty Free Images for Commercial Use & Educational Resources | Humanline.com

“visual library related to our civilization’s history, art, and science.” download and use images free for educational use

tags: images socialstudies science elementary middle high free resources arts photos
Free Pictures of Everything on Earth — Ookaboo!

free pics of places, people, animals, etc.

tags: photos images elementary middle high resources
Public Domain clip art at WPClipart, top thumbnail browsing page

clipart for education

tags: clipart free images elementary middle high resources
BurningWell.Org – Free Public Domain Images and Photos

download, copy, use photos from this site for any purpose. no attribution required.

tags: photos images elementary middle high resources
26 Places to Find Free Multimedia for Your Blog

lots of links to images, video, audio files to use for free

tags: multimedia images photos audio video resources elementary middle high
PicFindr

search for images by permitted use type, requirement for use, and keyword matching options

tags: photos images elementary middle high free
The Smithsonian Institution Archive Collections | Smithsonian Institution Archives

“Search the Smithsonian Institution Archives’ collections, which contain the official records of the Smithsonian, as well as personal papers, special collections, records of professional societies, and oral/video histories relating to the history of the Smithsonian.”

tags: images primarysources elementary middle high science socialstudies Smithsonian resources audio
The Best Online Sources For Images | Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day…

tons of links (and info) for sites that have images and clipart you can use for free. some don’t even require attribution. (another fantastic list from Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day blog)

tags: images photos resources free elementary middle high science socialstudies clipart

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today’s Links 03/28/2013

murraygirl — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:37:43 +0000

Collaborative Conference on Student Achievement (CCSA)

handouts (.pdf and .doc files) you can download from CCSA conference 2013 – March

tags: ncdpi conference resources elementary middle high professionaldevelopment math science socialstudies languagearts edtech presentations arts

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Today’s Links 02/19/2013

murraygirl — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:38:01 +0000

Maryland Learning Links: MatchUp – Maryland Assistive Tech Connection Hub

interactive tool from Maryland. get info on assistive technologies for various needs (math, science, writing, auditory, organization, communication, seating, positioning, and mobility, vision, and independent living).

tags: assistivetechnology sped elementary middle high professionaldevelopment resources

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Explore the Possibilities

Augmented Reality Isn’t a Dream

Making books come alive

Interactive math and literacy

Virtual field trips

Create your own AR

Want a couple more AR apps to explore?

Exceptional Children Teachers: Discover What Your iPad Can Do!

App Icon

App Title and Link

Price (as of 12/2013)

Today’s Links 12/06/2013

Higher-order Thinking With Twitter

Common Core Resources

Today’s Links 10/05/2013

Resources for Fire Prevention Week – October 6-12

Firefighter Protective Clothing Tour

Fire Truck Tour

Crucial Crew – Fire Safety

US Fire Administration for Kids

National Fire Protection Association

Today’s Links 04/13/2013

Today’s Links 03/28/2013

Today’s Links 02/19/2013

Price
(as of 12/2013)