Music and Videos = Learning

I was able to participate in several workshops this past summer.  I found one especially interesting since I too have experienced the value of learning through music/songs.  This concept uses music, songs, videos, paper slides, etc. and gets the students involved in their own learning.  In my workshop, the adults created a music video and we quickly saw how easy this would be to do with students of all ages in the classroom.  For examples of what these may look like, check out this site of videos.  There will be more to come on this topic in later blogs.   But do not wait!!  Start trying this now in your classroom.  Your tech support personnel can help you with the necessary equipment.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2B670A44697FA147

Flattening the Classroom

This is a wonderful article on Flattening the Classroom and how we as teachers should be the ones guiding our students in best practices of Social Networking.

Happy Friday : )

http://smartblogs.com/education/2012/08/16/once-go-flat-never-go-back/

Technology Integration Matrix (TIM)

The Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) illustrates how teachers can use technology to enhance learning for K-12 students. The TIM incorporates five interdependent characteristics of meaningful learning environments: active, constructive, goal directed (i.e., reflective), authentic, and collaborative (Jonassen, Howland, Moore, & Marra, 2003). The TIM associates five levels of technology integration (i.e., entry, adoption, adaptation, infusion, and transformation) with each of the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments. Together, the five levels of technology integration and the five characteristics of meaningful learning environments create a matrix of 25 cells as illustrated on this site.

Our school system is embracing this model as we move forward in our educational initiative know as eCLASS.

Take some time and look over this matrix and see where you are on the continuum.  Then challenge yourself to move into a new area on the matrix.

http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix.php/

http://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/gradelevel.php/

Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate!!

Collaboration is key between teachers, parents and students.  Want to find a quick and easy way to start??  Check this out...

http://www.stixy.com/

Google A - Z

Want to learn more about Google?  Explore these...

Google A - Z

Remind101

Send reminders to your students....one way texting!!
With Remind101 you can send text to your students. 
They do not see your phone number and you do not see theirs. 
Check it out!!

https://www.remind101.com/

Use Those Cells Phones

For the teachers who are allowed to use cell phones in the classroom.  This is a great resource and a cheap alternative to those expensive student response systems.

http://www.polleverywhere.com/classroom-response-system