tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25067591372290055872024-02-23T18:02:16.417-08:00The De-tech-tive 4 TeachersA technology blog created by an educator whose goal is to de-tech and share 'teacher-tested' technologies for classroom use.Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-6901253005728475712014-10-23T20:57:00.001-07:002019-12-02T11:54:55.024-08:00How to Provide Real-Time Feedback with Kaizena<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgoSS9iLsSuwQU-tM5GpXn1dbKOMlOWBbzLyY4QxqdVh8I34cyNEvxQMWh6MogF7Wcw88NFMDr6MnttgXTyZiGnrJuEfBHADOmLftWNoSxLovr5HU9O-Z6-r1gcSM4sH9y0a3gop1QMFV/s1600/kaizena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgoSS9iLsSuwQU-tM5GpXn1dbKOMlOWBbzLyY4QxqdVh8I34cyNEvxQMWh6MogF7Wcw88NFMDr6MnttgXTyZiGnrJuEfBHADOmLftWNoSxLovr5HU9O-Z6-r1gcSM4sH9y0a3gop1QMFV/s1600/kaizena.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://kaizena.com/" target="_blank">Kaizena</a> is an excellent web-based tool that allows educators to provide high quality verbal and textual feedback with less time and effort than traditional assessment methods. Students are the real benefactors; however, as current research strongly suggests that audio file feedback is preferred by most students because it allows for a clear and more detailed assessment that is tailored to each individual student (King, D., McGugan, S., & Bunyan, N., 2008). In essence, students are more engaged in the learning process because <a href="https://kaizena.com/" target="_blank">Kaizena</a> allows students to receive personalized feedback that is more inspiring of improvement. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://kaizena.com/" target="_blank">Kaizena</a>'s impressive functionality is also highlighted by the following features:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- a tracking/rating system for skills and/or content.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- a tagging option to easily locate previously documented learning resources.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">- an on-demand actionable resources library that students can access via hyperlink.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>How To Get Started:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rpu6fzr2gH8" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sample Activities:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Click <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1DO7uP1sJzuX9Qc-t9yBTX0BqvWue5GTulgxNd2zryuM/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a> to start sharing your ideas with other educators. Please feel free to access this resource in the future as more ideas are added on a regular basis.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Teach-nology:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(the pedagogical rationale for the use of technology in the classroom) </span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Skill<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
</td><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teach-nology</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Literacy</span></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To demonstrate the ability to use language to read, write, listen and speak.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To evaluate feedback constructively and and competently.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />Make Judgments & Decisions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To reflect critically on learning experiences and processes.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reason Effectively</span></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To use various types of reasoning (e.g. inductive, deductive, etc.) to improve one's written output or comprehensive of the content.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://kaizena.com/" target="_blank">Kaizena</a> is quickly gaining a reputation as a go-to student feedback tool for educators. To get started, click <a href="https://kaizena.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a> technology blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">King, D., McGugan, S., & Bunyan, N. (2008). Does it make a difference? Replacing text with audio </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> feedback. <i>Practice and Evidence of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, </i><i>3</i> (2), 145-</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> 163.</span></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-75446202492782863832013-11-11T23:18:00.000-08:002013-11-13T10:41:22.514-08:00Hangin' Out Google Style<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAiimfT4B94/URKhTCkXdfI/AAAAAAAAA0g/b2GlLm_C8mw/s1600/google-plus-hangouts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HAiimfT4B94/URKhTCkXdfI/AAAAAAAAA0g/b2GlLm_C8mw/s320/google-plus-hangouts.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Communicating with a global audience has never been easier with the plethora of social media tools at our disposal. One such tool is <a href="https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/2944865?hl=en&ref_topic=2944848&authuser=0" target="_blank">Google Hangouts</a>. <a href="https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/2944865?hl=en&ref_topic=2944848&authuser=0" target="_blank">Google Hangouts</a> is an instant messaging and video chat service that can be accessed via a computer or mobile device. One feature of <a href="https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/2944865?hl=en&ref_topic=2944848&authuser=0" target="_blank">Google Hangouts</a> that is of particular use to educators is the sharing feature that allows users to share documents, images, YouTube videos, etc. This feature possesses great educational value for teachers because it allows educators to create and collaborate in real time on a variety of topics with their fellow colleagues worldwide.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">How to Get Started:</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The video tutorial below provides a complete overview of the key features of <a href="https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/2944865?hl=en&ref_topic=2944848&authuser=0" target="_blank">Google Hangouts</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">. Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/MartinSherv" target="_blank">Martin Shervington</a> for sharing!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/W7C8jn5EPeE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Teach-nology:</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">(the pedagogical rationale for the use of technology in the classroom)</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: '', serif, '', serif;">Skill</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: '', serif, '', serif;">Teach-nology</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Use of
Technology</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;">Use technology as a tool
to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;">Use digital technologies, communication/networking tools, and social networks appropriately to
access, manage, integrate, evaluate, and create information to
successfully function in a content rich environment.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: '', serif, '', serif;"><br />
<br />
Communication</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;">Listen effectively to
decipher meaning, including knowledge, values, attitudes, and intentions.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;">Use communication for a
range of purposes (e.g., to inform, instruct, motivate, and persuade)
and in diverse environments.</span></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: '', serif, '', serif;">
Collaboration</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;">Develop, implement, and
communicate new ideas to others effectively.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Be open and responsive to
new and diverse perspectives; incorporate group input and feedback into
the work.</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Sample Activities:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1. Professional development seminars, workshops, etc. are very empowering for teachers as <a href="https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/2944865?hl=en&ref_topic=2944848&authuser=0" target="_blank">Google Hangouts</a> allow users to share ideas, resources, etc. in real time with an limitless network of colleagues worldwide. For example, educators can collaborate on an innovative teaching idea such as Genius Hour.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />2. Students can connect with their peers to share and collaborate on any topic. For instance, students can share their perspective and opinions on a current events topic. Or they can work on a collaborative project or assignment with other student(s) from across the globe.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Connecting with others from around the world using <a href="https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/2944865?hl=en&ref_topic=2944848&authuser=0" target="_blank">Google Hangouts</a> is educationally very rewarding. Click <a href="https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/2944865?hl=en&ref_topic=2944848&authuser=0" target="_blank">here</a> to get started!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 27px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;"><br />This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-80589570929442865802013-10-31T18:25:00.000-07:002013-10-31T20:43:49.919-07:00Infographic Creation Made Easy with Piktochart<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCiPb5Oigtk/UOeVQFr7SoI/AAAAAAAAAyY/duzmrGseteg/s1600/piktochartlogo_FINALblack.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uCiPb5Oigtk/UOeVQFr7SoI/AAAAAAAAAyY/duzmrGseteg/s400/piktochartlogo_FINALblack.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh6EeOmkWsA/UnLexfzUI4I/AAAAAAAAA8c/hy38v3KcVno/s1600/ChildMortality.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh6EeOmkWsA/UnLexfzUI4I/AAAAAAAAA8c/hy38v3KcVno/s640/ChildMortality.png" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The use of infographics as a teaching and learning tool is gaining more traction in academic circles in recent times. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a nutshell, infographs are visually appealing representations of information.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> For a sample, view the infograph about child mortality on the left. What makes the use of infographs so attractive to educators is that u</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">sers are able to create informative, easy to understand visuals from comprehensive qualitative and/or quantitative data. Data can be depicted in a variety of ways including text, flowcharts, diagrams, graphs and so much more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://magic.piktochart.com/" target="_blank">Piktochart</a> is an easy to use online infographic creation tool. Using its 'drag and drop' format, users can access a wide variety of thematic graphics - including text options, mood icons and graph types - from the <a href="https://magic.piktochart.com/" target="_blank">Piktochart</a> template. There are also many sharing options with <a href="https://magic.piktochart.com/" target="_blank">Piktochart</a>. These include: storing them as an image (jpeg or png), using social media sites or utilizing the search engine crawling feature.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teach-nology</span><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(the pedagogical rationale for the use of technology in the classroom) </span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Skill<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
</td><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teach-nology</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Systems Thinking</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">To analyze how parts of a whole interact with each other to produce an overall effective presentation.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Make Judgments & Decisions</span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">To effectively analyze, evaluate and reflect on evidence, arguments, claims and beliefs to create an informative and factual infographic.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p><br /></o:p>Communication</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">To use a wide range of idea creation techniques (e.g. brainstorming).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">To clearly communicate ideas using visual and textual mediums.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>How to Get Started:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://magic.piktochart.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Piktochart</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">website has a comprehensive</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://piktochart.com/resources/tutorials/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">tutorial page</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that will get even the most novice user started in minutes! Click</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://piktochart.com/resources/tutorials/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to view the</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><a href="http://piktochart.com/resources/tutorials/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Piktochart tutorial page</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sample Activities:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. To help solve a mathematical problem, step by step instructions can be outlined in an infograph.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Grammatical principles such as word usage or sentence structure can be summarized using an infograph.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. The statistical data about the wealth and distribution of a country can be visually interpreted using an infograph.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. Factual information about the effects of prolonged drug use can be described in an infograph.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. A historical timeline can be created outlining the key events of the Holocaust or of World War I or II. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://magic.piktochart.com/" target="_blank">Piktochart</a> is a fantastic resource to help students summarizes vast amounts of information in a visually engaging way. Click <a href="https://magic.piktochart.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to get started!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-54865920799880561862013-10-23T19:27:00.000-07:002013-10-24T00:16:53.907-07:00#gettinggoing with Google Forms<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaVb3VlZOYs/UmiDaETkoyI/AAAAAAAAA8I/kIdnUj1SGQE/s1600/google-forms.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eaVb3VlZOYs/UmiDaETkoyI/AAAAAAAAA8I/kIdnUj1SGQE/s320/google-forms.png" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=wise&passive=1209600&continue=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%23&followup=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F&ltmpl=drive" target="_blank">Google Forms</a> is a useful tool to help you plan events, send a survey, give students a quiz, or collect other information in an easy, streamlined way.<br /><br />The best part about <a href="https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=wise&passive=1209600&continue=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%23&followup=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F&ltmpl=drive" target="_blank">Google Forms</a> is that it automatically tabulates and summarizes the answers received from all your participants. Try the sample <a href="https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=wise&passive=1209600&continue=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%23&followup=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F&ltmpl=drive" target="_blank">Google Form</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">below or view it in a separate window by clicking <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10ks2C52RJymFh3TnUReE0VHH0OzC0tM85EPAvcdx2Xk/viewform" target="_blank">here</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. NOTE: All 9 available question types are shown.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10ks2C52RJymFh3TnUReE0VHH0OzC0tM85EPAvcdx2Xk/viewform?embedded=true" width="700">Loading...</iframe>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">How to Get Started:</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Please view the tutorial below as it will provide new users with an
excellent introduction to</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=wise&passive=1209600&continue=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%23&followup=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F&ltmpl=drive"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Google Forms</span></a>. This document can also be viewed in a separate window by clicking <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/Zazuster/google-forms-tutorial-for-beginners" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/27518760" width="476"></iframe>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">Sample Activities:</span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Click</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/10EqQATbYq5b0aNfsCzkPcAsZT71H8_wSrziK8y4NAHs/edit"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">here</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">to start sharing your
ideas with other educators. Please feel free to access this
resource in the future as more ideas are added on a regular basis.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">Teach-nology:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(the pedagogical rationale for the use of technology in the classroom)</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Skill</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Teach-nology</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Organization</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Use a variety of
organizational techniques such as categorizing, classifying, ordering,
etc. to effectively maximize group productivity.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Analyze and evaluate
organizational techniques for the purpose of improving a group's output.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><br />
<br />
Communication</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Quickly and effectively
convey information and ideas to multiple group members for the purpose
of increasing group productivity.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Use digital web tools to
communicate for a wide range of purposes e.g. to inform, organize,
motivate, etc.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><br />
<br />
Collaboration</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Demonstrate an ability to
effectively work in a diverse and dynamic environment with groups of
various sizes.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Assume responsibility for
shared work along with recognizing the contributions of everyone in the
group.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
<br />
<a href="https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=wise&passive=1209600&continue=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%23&followup=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F&ltmpl=drive"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Google Forms</span></a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">is an excellent organizational tool to help you quickly and easily collect and organize
large amounts of data. Click <a href="https://accounts.google.com/ServiceLogin?service=wise&passive=1209600&continue=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%23&followup=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2F%3Furp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F%26authuser%3D0%26urp%3Dhttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.ca%2F&ltmpl=drive"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">here</span></a> to get
started!</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">NOTE: <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/06/flubaroo-googledocs-online-marking.html" target="_blank">Flubaroo</a> is an excellent companion tool to use with Google Forms as it grades the objective portions of the quizzes/tests your students write. For more information, please visit the following blog post for more information - "<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/06/flubaroo-googledocs-online-marking.html" target="_blank">Flubaroo: A Google Drive Online Marking System</a>".</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</span></a>.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-10859803719961705762013-10-05T17:06:00.000-07:002013-10-24T21:32:56.209-07:00Organize Group Tasks Easily with Trello<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApWq-kNLihg/Uj5K-pXnCtI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/GgxpKk4MVkA/s1600/trello.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: x-large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApWq-kNLihg/Uj5K-pXnCtI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/GgxpKk4MVkA/s320/trello.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Planning, organizing and collaborating on large projects or events can be a challenge for many. The most taxing aspect of any large project is to communicate in an efficient manner that does not interfere with productivity but at the same time keep group members abreast of the latest progress updates. Students, in particular, who struggle completing project work due to the breadth and depth of the overall task need a means with which to move forward to a successful completion. <a href="https://trello.com/" target="_blank">Trello</a> offers just such a means! <a href="https://trello.com/" target="_blank">Trello</a> is an online task management web tool that allows individuals or groups to collaborate in real-time on an user-friendly 'pin board' environment with the use of collection lists and task cards. Boards can be </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">privately or publicly </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">accessed with users also being able to be members of multiple boards simultaneously. View the image below to get a better sense of the layout and functionality of <a href="https://trello.com/" target="_blank">Trello</a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--guJPfALoR0/UlCRyzUO9eI/AAAAAAAAA3k/w-olB7wfX7g/s1600/Trello+Board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--guJPfALoR0/UlCRyzUO9eI/AAAAAAAAA3k/w-olB7wfX7g/s640/Trello+Board.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sample Trello Board</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Teach-nology:</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(the pedagogical rationale for the use of technology in the classroom)</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 0cm 0cm; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Skill</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 24.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;">Teach-nology</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Organization</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Use a variety of
organizational techniques such as categorizing, classifying, ordering,
etc. to effectively maximize group productivity.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Analyze and evaluate
organizational techniques for the purpose of improving a group's output.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"><br />
<br />
Communication</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Quickly and effectively
convey information and ideas to multiple group members for the purpose
of increasing group productivity.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Use digital web tools to
communicate for a wide range of purposes e.g. to inform, organize,
motivate, etc.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Collaboration</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";">Demonstrate an ability to
effectively work in a diverse and dynamic environment with groups of
various sizes.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif"; font-size: large;">Assume responsibility for
shared work along with recognizing the contributions of everyone in the
group.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">Sample Activities:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">
1. Group class projects with single or multiple members can include the teacher
as a member of the group. This will allow the teacher to be fully involved in
the planning and organizing of the project as well as provide helpful
suggestions as to how to improve group processes or the overall quality of the
project.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br />
2. Extra-curricular school clubs or teams can use</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://trello.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Trello</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">to plan, organize and manage activities. Depending on the nature of the
group, coaches, teacher sponsors, administrators, community members, parents
and students can assign tasks, offer feedback or provide progress updates.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br />
<br />
</span><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 24pt;">How to Get Started:</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Please view the video tutorial below as it will provide new users with
an excellent introduction to</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://trello.com/"><span style="color: blue; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Trello</span></a>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/aaDf1RqeLfo?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://trello.com/">Trello</a><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>is an extremely useful organizational
tool students can trust to manage and coordinate large projects. Click <a href="https://trello.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to
get started!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-3456514224216483532013-09-15T14:31:00.001-07:002013-09-15T14:31:10.514-07:00Design a Trendy Digital Magazine in Minutes with Glossi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DouSxDk_vKk/UjTkhOxd2hI/AAAAAAAAA3A/G3PgfTXrw6M/s1600/Glossi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DouSxDk_vKk/UjTkhOxd2hI/AAAAAAAAA3A/G3PgfTXrw6M/s200/Glossi.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Glossi is a digital magazine creation tool that produces eye-catching online publications students can use to share their learning with others. To get started all students need is a topic or idea! Glossi provides several design options with which to add images, videos, audio files, text and external links to a magazine page in an easy to use </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">drag-and-drop format</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. The final product can be shared privately or publicly via external link or embed code. View the sample magazine below to get a sense of the endless educational possibilities students can explore with Glossi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div id="glossi-embed-10305" style="cursor: pointer;">
<a href="http://glossi.com/bgreen/10305-wwi-project?eb=MsLHall" target="_blank"><img alt="Glossi.com - WWI Project" src="http://glossi.com/embed/cover-img/10305/media/4f19962d90ad4893a588bd2aff638dbanHLvBr.png" title="Glossi.com - WWI Project" /></a><br />
<a href="http://glossi.com/bgreen/10305-wwi-project?eb=MsLHall" target="_blank">Click to view <strong>WWI Project</strong> on <strong><big>GLOSSI.COM</big></strong></a></div>
<script src="http://glossi.com/static/js/lib/glossy/embed/cover/entry.js?glossiId=10305&eb=MsLHall&height=573&width=450&tkn="></script>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-large;">Teach-nology:</b></div>
<div id="glossi-embed-10305" style="cursor: pointer;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(the pedagogical rationale for the use of technology in the classroom)</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Skill<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
</td><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teach-nology</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Creativity</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Use a variety of idea creation techniques such as brainstorming, visualization, etc.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Analyze and evaluate ideas for the purpose of improving one's creative efforts.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Communication</span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Effectively convey information and ideas using text based and visual elements.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Use digital web tools to communicate for a wide range of purposes e.g. to inform, instruct, motivate, persuade, etc.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Application of Technology</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Properly utilize technology to research, organize, evaluate, and communicate information.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Use digital technologies to access, create and communicate effectively.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sample Activities:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Visual and practical arts students can create an aesthetically pleasing e-portfolio to present their work to their teachers or potential employers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Students can demonstrate their knowledge of key historical events in an user-friendly news magazine format.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Writing assignments such as short stories and poems can be presented in a page-turning anthology using Glossi.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>How to Get Started:</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please view the video tutorial below as it will provide new users with an excellent introduction to Glossi.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/aJzusczR03A" width="560"></iframe> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Glossi is an excellent presentation tool for students to demonstrate their learning. Click <a href="http://glossi.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to get started!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-30841074730691959932013-01-27T16:50:00.001-08:002013-01-27T19:35:06.466-08:00Here Goes Something ... I guess<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITW7yN-fj4o/UPyIM8uqvII/AAAAAAAAAzw/XbA54db0_wU/s1600/etmooc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITW7yN-fj4o/UPyIM8uqvII/AAAAAAAAAzw/XbA54db0_wU/s400/etmooc1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For well over a year now, my professional goal has been to expand my interaction with the global teaching community. As you can well imagine, the benefits of developing a supportive and passionate Professional Learning Network (PLN) have been very inspiring and thought-provoking. The way in which I approach teaching my classes now is very different than it was even a few short months ago. In particular, I am most pleased to report that my students have also benefited from these new teaching practices as we have incorporated many innovative ideas into our daily classroom activities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiDLmyMz2Yk/UPx18DHkzgI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/nLZwbUPFRMU/s1600/MOOC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiDLmyMz2Yk/UPx18DHkzgI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/nLZwbUPFRMU/s320/MOOC.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Without question, the connectivist approach of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23etmooc&src=typd" target="_blank">#etmooc</a> has certainly motivated me to continue my pursuit of life-long learning. Specifically, <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23etmooc&src=typd" target="_blank">#etmooc </a>participants are encouraged to act upon the following principles as outlined by Alec Couros in his welcoming comments:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Make your learning visible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Contribute to the learning of others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Even before <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23etmooc&src=typd" target="_blank">#etmooc</a> started, I was very good about applying and practicing both of these principles. However, I was definitely starting to hit a rut. It is this powerful video that made me realize I need to continue pushing my limits and boundaries in order to fully maximize the potential of the global connections I have made.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ebtGRvP3ILg" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Okay, so where do we go from here? What new challenge am I willing to take on? Well, here goes something ... I guess:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have always wanted to connect with my on-line colleagues in a more direct and personal way. I have also wanted to try Google Hangouts. So I have decided to challenge myself and host three - 1 hour Google Hangout sessions this week. Accordingly, I am extending a formal invitation to all those interested, especially to my fellow <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23etmooc&src=typd" target="_blank">#etmooc</a> participants, to join me. The schedule is below along with potential discussion topics. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Wednesday, January 30 9 pm EST</b> - <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23etmooc&src=typd" target="_blank">#etmooc</a> Thoughts so far</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thursday, January 31st 4 pm EST</b> - The Global Teaching Community</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Friday, February 1st</b> <b>1 pm EST</b> - Connected Learning</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />If you are interested in joining us, please feel free to contact me beforehand or just join in. The Google Hangout will be entitled "etmooc Faculty Lounge".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I look forward to the opportunity of connecting with you. See you Wednesday! </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/68051075@N02/8380341879/">alisonseaman</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gforsythe/7549370822/">giulia.forsythe</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-85159883534869482682013-01-13T21:19:00.002-08:002013-01-13T21:22:25.091-08:00Getting Fired Up about #etmooc<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello for Kamloops, BC Canada!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This post is a bit different than my usual entries as starting this week, I am participating in an amazing online professional development opportunity - #etmooc. (More information can be found at - <a href="http://etmooc.org/">http://etmooc.org/</a>).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the coming weeks, I will be writing about my #etmooc experiences so that we can all benefit so look out for those upcoming posts!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is our first #etmooc assignment - an introductory piece about ourselves. Please feel free to check it out!</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/6Cdj6wJGDyY" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-31749431283330461122013-01-07T22:58:00.000-08:002013-01-07T23:02:03.116-08:00Create Stylish Word Clouds with Tagxedo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8Nuk374qB6bpe-8x9lgr-Kl7gGyqV8d5aeorvIZkRE0B7ByGXf5vSenUAhahozZ1ZwiwDnUySidx4D8TxKuxOqU-86REByyT08pKEtdHK3pFzPRBJHtUYUtbQXhTRBDB7EkfkLPsnaqc/s1600/Tagxedo+De-tech-tive2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8Nuk374qB6bpe-8x9lgr-Kl7gGyqV8d5aeorvIZkRE0B7ByGXf5vSenUAhahozZ1ZwiwDnUySidx4D8TxKuxOqU-86REByyT08pKEtdHK3pFzPRBJHtUYUtbQXhTRBDB7EkfkLPsnaqc/s400/Tagxedo+De-tech-tive2.jpg" width="353" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers Word Cloud</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">Tagxedo</a> is a free, online web tool that students can use to create very visually appealing word clouds. As you can see from the image on the left, word clouds can be generated in the shapes related to the topic. For visual learners this is an excellent tool to highlight or emphasis key terms, concepts or themes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">Tagxedo</a> offers many terrific features such as:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. customization of fonts, themes, colors, orientation and shapes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. saving images for printing and sharing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">numerous fine-tuning options</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teach-nology</span><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(the pedagogical rationale for the use of technology in the classroom) </span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Skill<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
</td><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teach-nology</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Visual Literacy</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To interpret, recognize, appreciate, and understand information presented through objects and/or symbols</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Creativity</span></td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To elaborate, refine, analyze, and evaluate ideas in order to improve and maximize creative efforts.</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p>
<span style="font-size: large;"><o:p>Language Skills</o:p></span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; padding: 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">To expand and improve vocabulary by using various language expressions such as synonyms, homonyms, antonyms, etc. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sample Activities:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The official blog of <a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">Tagxedo</a> offers an excellent resource for teachers entitled "<a href="http://blog.tagxedo.com/101-ways-to-use-tagxedo-completed" target="_blank">101 Ways to Use Tagxedo</a>"</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is a sampling of some of the great lesson ideas offered: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>Contrast Candidates in a Political Debate</b> - Using debates, speeches, slogans, promises, etc., students can examine the political platform of two or more political candidates.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b>Current Events</b> - Using key terms from various news outlets (newspaper, radio, television, etc.), students can summarize the latest newsworthy event.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <b>Make a Self Portrait</b> - Using one's dreams, hopes, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">character traits, goals, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">etc., students can summarize their personality. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. <b>Make a <a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">Tagxedo</a> Poem</b> - Using a favorite poem or one written personally, students can create a word cloud highlighting its theme. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>How to Get Started:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />View the video tutorial below to create your first <a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">Tagxedo</a> word cloud in minutes!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HswBhGERKPA?list=UUyrr3hfDGeTc_f7o7WnHfIg" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">Tagxedo</a> is a fantastic resource to help students improve a variety of 21st Century skills. Click <a href="http://www.tagxedo.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to get started!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-50079549933030386982013-01-01T10:25:00.000-08:002013-01-01T10:25:33.750-08:00Unlock the Educational Power of Comics with Bitstrips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6L24n1QFpA/UN_ONnj-qYI/AAAAAAAAAw8/xSGdmXmsHdM/s1600/Bitstrips+-+logo-small_en.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="167" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n6L24n1QFpA/UN_ONnj-qYI/AAAAAAAAAw8/xSGdmXmsHdM/s320/Bitstrips+-+logo-small_en.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Comics have a way of piquing the interest of even the most disengaged student. In fact, I have had younger siblings of former students request to create a comic of their own! In most cases, these siblings are referring to <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">Bitstrips for Schools</a>, a Canadian-based comic engine that users can access on-line for free. The reason most cited by students for using <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">Bitstrips for Schools</a> is its f</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">un, engaging, and user-friendly environment. In fact, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">he <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">Bitstrips for Schools</a> template format allows users to create and customize characters, backgrounds, drawings, and so much more. View the sample comic below to give you a better idea as to the functionality of <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">Bitstrips for Schools</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<object height="400" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://static.bitstripsforschools.com/r05.swf?c=XKXGF"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param>
<embed src="http://static.bitstripsforschools.com/r05.swf?c=XKXGF" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="400"></embed></object></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">Bitstrips for Schools</a> feature not evident in the example above is the private virtual classrooms students are able to work in. Educators will definitely value the safe and secure on-line environment <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">Bitstrips</a> architects have created mainly because teachers control all student permission settings. Another very useful feature teachers will appreciate is the dashboard homepage which immediately shows the latest student activity. By including these two features, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">teachers can monitor student progress in a few mouse clicks. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>A New <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a> Feature Segment! </b><b>Teach-nology</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Incorporating technology into classroom activities is a great way for students to learn 21st Century skills. However, with any form of teaching, it should be based on sound educational practice. Teach-nology is just that - the pedagogical rationale for the use of technology. <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a> goal for the 'Teach-nology' segment is to not describe every learning outcome, but to outline the key 21st Century skill(s) students will be exposed to by using a specific technology.</span><br />
<br />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Skill<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Teach-nology</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p>
<span style="font-size: large;">Communication</span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">- Use written communication to inform, instruct, motivate and persuade.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- To extend & confirm meaning of a visual text.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Creativity</span></td><td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">- Write effective imaginative texts to explore ideas & information.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">- Experiment with various writing styles & syntax.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 118.8pt;" valign="top" width="158"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></o:p>
<o:p><span style="font-size: large;">Organization</span></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 360.0pt;" valign="top" width="480"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;">- Utilize a variety of strategies to generate, develop, and organize ideas such as considering one's audience, gathering & summarizing ideas, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sample Activities:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another valuable <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">Bitstrips for Schools</a> feature is its '</span><a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/activities/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Activities</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">' </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">section. In it, educators will find a wide selection of prepared </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">activities organized by subject and topic. Below is a sampling of some of the great lesson ideas offered: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/activities/TXP1/" target="_blank">My Report Card</a></b> - Students create a comic to reflect on their academic progress in a subject area. Analysis should include what they have done well and what they should improve upon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/activities/LJV/" target="_blank">Two Sides to Every Story</a></b> - To demonstrate their working knowledge of point of view, students create a comic describing a situation about how two or more people can interpret the same circumstances differently. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/activities/7TK/" target="_blank"><b>People We Depend On!</b></a> - Students create a comic strip describing what may happen if the people they depend on were not so dependable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/activities/B5271/" target="_blank"><b>Une Activite Dehours!</b></a> - Using proper French language writing skills, students create a comic describing their favorite outdoor activities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/activities/05V/" target="_blank"><b>Your Province</b></a> - To demonstrate their knowledge about a particular Canadian province, students create a comic interviewing the province's premier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>How to Get Started:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">Bitstrips for Schools</a> has developed a very detailed support page for its users. You can access it using the hyperlink below: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/support/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bitstrips for Schools Support Page</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">Bitstrips for Schools</a> is an excellent web-based educational tool students will love to use as it allows users to express themselves in a fun and engaging way. If you are interested in 'unlocking the educational power of comics', click <a href="http://www.bitstripsforschools.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to get started right away!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-74600032596371144332012-12-29T20:33:00.001-08:002012-12-29T22:52:20.664-08:00The Ever Evolving 'Teach-nologist' <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As the year 2012 winds down, I, like many of my teaching colleagues worldwide, find that it is a good time to reflect on the year that was. This process of reflection has solidified for me several benefits of writing the '<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>' blog. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>Learn, learn, learn, I love to learn</b>! The writing process authenticates my learning because I must formulate into words my understanding of it. How many times have I 'learned' something to only forget it shortly thereafter? Too many, I am sure. More importantly, I may be able to add to the concept and subsequently enhance someone else's learning too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnmTRdr2YRU/UNtzIirTVYI/AAAAAAAAAwg/m3Lcc0rHY5A/s1600/De-tech-tive+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EnmTRdr2YRU/UNtzIirTVYI/AAAAAAAAAwg/m3Lcc0rHY5A/s400/De-tech-tive+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Sharing</b> - Teaching in isolation is a thing of the past. Sharing our professional knowledge and experience,</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">not only improves our teaching practice, but also broadens our perspective. Interacting with the global teaching community offers a multitude of opportunities to expose ourselves to different ideas, perceptions and opinions - all of which should make us further reflect on our own professional practice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. <b>Empower</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>ing</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">! The positive connections I have made through '<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>' blog in the past 7 months have not only inspired me but also empowered me. Specifically, I </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">am no longer willing to</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> sit at the back of the bus and let a driver determine the direction. At times, I find myself wanting to be the driver. This new found self-confidence has led me to contribute a lot more to the educational community - a responsibility I am beginning to appreciate more and more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. <b>Evolving</b> - I started '</span><a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>'<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> blog as a way to offer </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">assistance to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">educators</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who are interested in integrating technology into their classroom activities. My goal was to not only de-tech 'teacher-tested' technologies, but to also recommend potential classroom activities. However, I have found that a more detailed explanation is needed as technology should be used as an effective pedagogical tool, one that challenges students to expand their learning. In essence, to effectively use technology in the classroom, there must be a pedagogical basis for its use. As a result starting in 2013, future '<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>' posts will also include a 'teach-nology' or a pedagogical rationale segment. This segment will continue to offer sample classroom activities, but it will also explain how the technology will help meet required learning outcomes. My goal is to enhance the information offered by '<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>' blog so as to better assist my colleagues. I certainly hope I can meet this goal.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 2012, '<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>' blogs published 38 posts in total. Below I have created a ranked summary of these posts with the top 10 highlighted at the top (from left to right).</span></span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="600px" name="_symFrame" noresize="noresize" src="http://www.symbaloo.com/embed/de-tech-tive4teachers" width="700px"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Feel free to use this hyperlink for a larger view - <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/mix/de-tech-tive4teachers" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers Top Posts for 2012</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Holiday Cheer</u></b>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNqj28bsSrg1AytNNaqViXcHCHDgikWVi8vdcCCga5yc_LLtwbMt49bb1pYMGipGLOUWFyGxarX_MNNUVLFwCjKBM3ypMhBPmQ3lumfPzF3sjCnUzvaTUGZNIMZD7fISjjQzG1qxSTMAf/s1600/Pano_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvNqj28bsSrg1AytNNaqViXcHCHDgikWVi8vdcCCga5yc_LLtwbMt49bb1pYMGipGLOUWFyGxarX_MNNUVLFwCjKBM3ypMhBPmQ3lumfPzF3sjCnUzvaTUGZNIMZD7fISjjQzG1qxSTMAf/s640/Pano_0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stake Lake Nordic Centre - 20 minutes west of Kamloops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello from snowy Kamloops, BC Canada! As you can see from the photo, it has snowed a lot as of late which allows us Kamloopsians the opportunity to enjoy some good ole Canadian winter fun during the holiday season. For me personally, I will be hitting the cross-country ski trails but I am sure most of my students will be snowboarding, ski-dooing or playing hockey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As this post will be the last one for 2012, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your continued support of '<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>' blog. It has been an absolute pleasure to connect with you on a regular basis. More importantly, I would like to wish you continued success and future prosperity for both you and your family in 2013. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Happy Holidays!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-61817082811539898902012-12-22T21:49:00.000-08:002012-12-22T21:49:21.934-08:00Create 3-D Videos with Xtranormal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9WYwwDTChs/UNZy52oTbyI/AAAAAAAAAvo/YqwrrXYP2vw/s1600/xtranormal_logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9WYwwDTChs/UNZy52oTbyI/AAAAAAAAAvo/YqwrrXYP2vw/s320/xtranormal_logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> is a text-to-speech video creation tool that creates animated video clips with three-dimensional, conversing characters. This storytelling tool allows users to choose from the template, a wide range of actors and sets options. Once selected, users enter </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">into the timeline </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a text script with accompanying character actions and video </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">effects to create a dynamic video in minutes. Please view the video below for a sample of what students can create with </span><a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, the free on-line version. </span></span><br />
<br />
</div>
<iframe border="0" frameborder="0" id="xtranormal_Historical Figurez Movie" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="xtranormal_Historical Figurez Movie" scrolling="auto" src="http://www.xtranormal.com/xtraplayr/14007030/historical-figurez-movie" style="height: 299px; width: 480px;"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Depending on student needs, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">access to</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> technology resources and monetary availability, educators can choose from two versions of <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">desktop version and </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a web-based version</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. The desktop version requires a software download and a monetary payment upon video export but as a result, it does include many more powerful video features. The web-based version has both basic and paid account options but it also offers the flexibility of accessing the account from any web browser anywhere. To help support schools, <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> also provides a paid Educator Account that offers </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">unlimited publishing, full access to the actor/set template, security features and grading options. The following hyperlink - <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> - has a more detailed comparison of the two options. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>How to Get Started:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> has created an excellent '<a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/how-to/" target="_blank">How To</a>' web page that assists users with the various features of the Online Movie Maker, the <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> Desktop and the <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> for Education account features. Click on the link below to access this first-rate <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> resources. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/how-to/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Xtranormal </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">'</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How To</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">' Webpage</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sample Activities:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>Narration of an Historical Event</b> - As depicted by the video example above, my students used <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> to chronicle an event from the Napoleonic era. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b>Improve Language Skills</b> - Because <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> allows users to change the attributes of a character's voice as well as the language a character speaks, a French Immersion colleague of mine has her students create short narrations for the purpose of exposing her students to new vocabulary, accents and expressions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <b>Creative Writing</b> - Storytelling is a fantastic way for students to express themselves creatively. Use <a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> to teach students how to brainstorm, plan, write and edit a fictional story, mythical tale or space-age fantasy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> has many</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, many educational uses </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">that I know your students will enjoy. Get started with </span><a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Xtranormal</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by clicking </span><a href="http://www.xtranormal.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-6146708719982602292012-12-16T21:05:00.001-08:002012-12-22T14:20:58.833-08:00Create Graffiti Style Text Images<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-az3GHCB7wxQ/UM6bEhaDCgI/AAAAAAAAAvA/uHmLPgpC8Zw/s1600/GraffitiCreatorlogotype.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="76" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-az3GHCB7wxQ/UM6bEhaDCgI/AAAAAAAAAvA/uHmLPgpC8Zw/s400/GraffitiCreatorlogotype.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At a recent EdCamp I attended, a student-led session highlighted the idea that the best way to engage learners was for educators to interact with students at their level. Many ideas and strategies on how to achieve this were exchanged, but the one idea that struck me was that the on-line tools we so proudly use for our classroom activities may not be as engaging as we think! In order to fully connect with students, it is important to use web tools that fit the interests of the students before us. In other words, a specific web tool may be engaging to one class but not another. Clearly, teachers must take this into account and have a Web 2.0 toolkit that includes a diverse set of resources that fits the needs of a wide range of students. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQDu8MTBMFDM71HIguLyYdKBmu__hOBdQ-IpKvoORLNbtaUWOX7pxhVCeLXE8dRYz9X6FwNDiaVOKRvxQxePbOKaAMnkjmf5k_p0JQDXfHz8p6u2YiYoj0l9P7_b7YFL6Z8_bkgybOZj8/s1600/The+De-tech-tive+Graffiti+Style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQDu8MTBMFDM71HIguLyYdKBmu__hOBdQ-IpKvoORLNbtaUWOX7pxhVCeLXE8dRYz9X6FwNDiaVOKRvxQxePbOKaAMnkjmf5k_p0JQDXfHz8p6u2YiYoj0l9P7_b7YFL6Z8_bkgybOZj8/s400/The+De-tech-tive+Graffiti+Style.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers - Graffiti Style</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As a result of this latest revelation, I have begun revisiting some web tools that I had earlier dismissed. One of these tools is <a href="http://www.graffiticreator.net/" target="_blank">The Graffiti Creator</a>. <a href="http://www.graffiticreator.net/" target="_blank">The Graffiti Creator</a> allows users to create a graffiti-style name or logo within minutes. There are many options to choose from including various font styles and artistic features that will add life to your creation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>How to Get Started</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is a <a href="http://www.graffiticreator.net/" target="_blank">Graffiti Creator</a> screen-cast tutorial that will assist you in creating your first graffiti-style image:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XEt9_ndb1PQ?list=UUyrr3hfDGeTc_f7o7WnHfIg&hl=en_US" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Sample Activities</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>Class Website or Blog</b> - jazz up your classroom on-line space with a graffiti-style message or title.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b>Student E-portfolios</b> - students can include a graffiti-style name bar to introduce their e-portfolio.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <b>Presentations</b> - insert a graffiti image into any on-line or print based visual. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>NOTE</b>: For on-line insertions, users may need to use '<i>PrtSc</i>' on their computer keyboard to generate the image. Once generated, a cropping tool will be needed to crop the excess portions of the image to isolate the graffiti text. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A special thank you to Dave Guymon (@DaveGuymon) for first introducing me to this web tool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is a lot of potential with <a href="http://www.graffiticreator.net/" target="_blank">The Graffiti Creator</a>. Please feel free to explore the possibilities with your students today! Click <a href="http://www.graffiticreator.net/" target="_blank">here</a> to get started.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-65693996506059438362012-12-03T22:14:00.002-08:002012-12-22T14:23:11.098-08:00Zoom, Zoom, Zoom with Prezi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COy6cQhmgaQ/ULwq7lJux5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/SWlK0qDSzbI/s1600/prezi_horizontal.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-COy6cQhmgaQ/ULwq7lJux5I/AAAAAAAAAuI/SWlK0qDSzbI/s320/prezi_horizontal.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> is a cloud-based presentation and storytelling web tool that allows users to create unique and engaging presentations. Within the virtual hybrid canvas - a blend of a whiteboard and PowerPoint slides - users can create visually appealing presentations using two distinct <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> features: the Zooming User Interface and the non-linear presentation design. To view a sample <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> presentation, please watch the Hansel & Gretel story below:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="400" id="prezi_gv4_hgsyfvpy" name="prezi_gv4_hgsyfvpy" width="550"><param name="movie" value="http://prezi.com/bin/preziloader.swf"/><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"/><param name="allowFullScreenInteractive" value="true"/><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/><param name="wmode" value="direct"/><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"/><param name="flashvars" value="prezi_id=gv4_hgsyfvpy&lock_to_path=0&color=ffffff&autoplay=no&autohide_ctrls=0"/><embed id="preziEmbed_gv4_hgsyfvpy" name="preziEmbed_gv4_hgsyfvpy" src="http://prezi.com/bin/preziloader.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowFullScreenInteractive="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="550" height="400" bgcolor="#ffffff" flashvars="prezi_id=gv4_hgsyfvpy&lock_to_path=0&color=ffffff&autoplay=no&autohide_ctrls=0"></embed></object><br />
<div class="prezi-player">
<div class="prezi-player-links">
<a href="http://prezi.com/gv4_hgsyfvpy/hansel-gretel/" title="Hansel & Gretel">Hansel & Gretel</a> on <a href="http://prezi.com/">Prezi</a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Additional Features</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
As you can see from the example above, <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> has many fantastic presentation features to engage your audience. Some features that were not shown are:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>Screen Blackout</b> - With all the great features <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi </a>offers, audiences may lose focus on the content of the presentation. To assist with this, presenters can press the 'B" key during a presentation and temporarily black out the screen to re-engage the audience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b>Fade-In Animations</b> - PowerPoint has always had the capability to fade in content on command; <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> can now too. This feature is useful if posing a question and when ready, revealing the answer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <b>Off-line Presentations</b> - No need to worry about poor Wi-Fi connections any longer as <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> allows users to share presentations without needing on-line access.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. <b>Create a <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> presentation with others</b> - Collaborate remotely with others by adjusting the settings found at the bottom of each <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a>. Once the settings are changed to "Edit Together", copy the URL that is generated and send it to your desired collaborators via email, instant messaging, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How to Get Started</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is a great video tutorial created by <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> to help you get started with your first presentation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tp1iqZQH5vI" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> creators have been very diligent in supporting their users. This support page - <a href="http://prezi.com/learn/">http://prezi.com/learn/</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> - offers various resources users can access for additional assistance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sample Activities</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>Student Presentations</b> - Students can create and present the events of an historical event or tell a creative story they have written.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b>Teaching a Lesson</b> - Several colleagues of mine use <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> to introduce new content. In fact, one colleague gives students a ready-made <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> and has them present it to the class. Prior to presentation, however, students can edit the <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> to suit their needs.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">Prezi</a> is a great presentation tool that will engage any audience. To get started on your first presentation, click <a href="http://prezi.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-45062608982940994352012-11-09T19:18:00.003-08:002012-11-10T11:16:42.953-08:00Engaging Today's Students with Voki<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTrgReGgrMw/UDFvG86WSeI/AAAAAAAAAfs/6VQhalilTNQ/s1600/Voki+Classroom+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTrgReGgrMw/UDFvG86WSeI/AAAAAAAAAfs/6VQhalilTNQ/s320/Voki+Classroom+Logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Student engagement can be an elusive entity for today's educators. There are many possible causes for learner apathy which range from boredom to socio-economic issues to a lack of ability. The goal for educators is to find resources that inspire students to actively participate in their learning. One such resource is Voki - a speaking avatar web tool. Even the most reluctant learners embrace Voki as it gives them the opportunity to express themselves without the need of standing in front of their peers - a very terrifying experience for some. From an educational standpoint, Voki provides all students with an equal opportunity to earn the best grade possible!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But who is really best suited to explain the educational benefits of Voki? The students, of course! Below are some student testimonials that will further highlight the educational benefits of Voki.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"I liked it because it was an unique and fun way to introduce yourself to your class and your website. You could also customize your Voki differently than what you look like ... You can have fun!" - Sydney
</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>"It is good for Grade 8 introductions. Students can find things out about their classmates without the stress of being in front of the class." - Noah</i>
</span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>"I think it's a good tool because you can use it to present a project or a speech with it." - Chase</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>"It's fun to use and it could be helpful in other ways such as sending it to a family member for their birthday, etc." - Keisha</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>"I like Voki because you get to know more about your classmates. It's fun, new and a good way to start the year." - Lizzy</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"I liked it because we can express our creativity and get to know others." - Shaelyn</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">"It is good for auditory learners." - Heidi</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><i>"If you weren't comfortable with speaking in front of the class, you could use Voki to speak instead." - Sarah</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you can see, Voki is a fun and engaging web tool that motivates students to creatively share their knowledge. Click <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/08/the-talking-voki-avatar.html" target="_blank">here</a> for a detailed explanation on how to get started. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you haven't yet, I strongly encourage you to give it a try!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lynda Hall originally wrote this post for <a href="http://blog.voki.com/2012/11/06/guest-blogger-lynda-hall-engaging-todays-students-with-voki/" target="_blank">Voki for Education</a> November 2012.</span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-50624441876239090402012-11-03T11:12:00.000-07:002012-12-22T14:24:21.663-08:00Collaboratively Create Online Videos with WeVideo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPo2dbMHbug/UJSF4jTBMqI/AAAAAAAAAtE/13GN9uRPyFg/s1600/wevideo+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="84" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPo2dbMHbug/UJSF4jTBMqI/AAAAAAAAAtE/13GN9uRPyFg/s320/wevideo+logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> is a collaborative, online video creation and editing tool that I really encourage educators to try as the educational possibilities and subsequent benefits are endless. Currently, my students are Skyping with a class from Layton, Utah. Throughout this process, students have been paired with a partner to create a video in response to a question(s) asked of them about some aspect of Canada. Students have not only worked together at school on their video project but they have also worked on it from home. Each time a student accesses their <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> project - no matter where they are - they are ready to start from the last video edit. So far, the project is progressing very well. My ultimate goal, however, is to expand this collaborative piece by pairing one of my students with a Layton student. Needless to say, t</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">he ability to collaborate with a much larger global learning community will be exciting! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5x4HP_Lg2I/UJSnYa-aOLI/AAAAAAAAAto/iuRUiuzUtgQ/s1600/computer+lab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5x4HP_Lg2I/UJSnYa-aOLI/AAAAAAAAAto/iuRUiuzUtgQ/s320/computer+lab.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> has many excellent features but it should be no surprise that my absolute favorite is the ability to extend unlimited invitations to others to collaborate together to create a video. Once invited, collaborators can co-create or make their own video using the clips shared by others. As stated above, the educational possibilities are endless with this feature in that students from around the world can work together to create a video masterpiece on any topic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Additional Features</span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;">:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">1. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Full-feature video editor</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: Users can drag & drop images, video and sound clips, special effects and graphics into the timeline-based editing interface. Once entered into the timeline, users can get creative with a wide range of editing options. A real-time preview feature also allows users to view their edits immediately. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">2. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Music & Effects</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: Create an absolutely unique video with <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a>'s animation, transition, special effects and royalty-free music features! <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> also offers color correction and filters that will definitely add life to your raw footage. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">3. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">All File Formats are Supported</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> supports all file formats from common camera devices - smartphone, digital camera, or video camera.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">4. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sharing Options</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: Users can export their video creations directly to YouTube, Vimeo, Facebook and Twitter. Paid <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> accounts allow for video download to your computer. Exported videos can be either 360p, 480p, 720p or 1080p full HD.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6w5OrU4Deg/UJSGHS1gYDI/AAAAAAAAAtM/6LMYelJsuY8/s1600/wevideo+and+google.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6w5OrU4Deg/UJSGHS1gYDI/AAAAAAAAAtM/6LMYelJsuY8/s400/wevideo+and+google.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> Apps</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: In recent months, <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> has released two apps - an <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.wevideo.camera" target="_blank">Android app</a> and a <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wevideo-for-google-drive/okgjbfikepgflmlelgfgecmgjnmnmnnb" target="_blank">Google Drive app</a>. The <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.wevideo.camera" target="_blank">Android app</a> allows users to capture images and videos from their mobile device and instantly add them to their <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> project. The <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.wevideo.camera" target="_blank">Android app</a> will also trim unwanted portions of a video clip prior to its inclusion to a project.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wevideo-for-google-drive/okgjbfikepgflmlelgfgecmgjnmnmnnb" target="_blank">Google Drive app</a> not only saves video projects to the cloud for easy access across multiple devices but it also allows users to record from their webcam. The resulting video file can be split or trimmed for further editing enhancements later on. Improved audio functions are also available with the <a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/wevideo-for-google-drive/okgjbfikepgflmlelgfgecmgjnmnmnnb" target="_blank">Google Drive app</a>. Users are able to fade-in audio, fade-out audio, adjust audio volume so as to create a background or feature sound. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></b></span>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">How To Get Started</span></u></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below are just some of the video tutorials created by <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> to get you started creating your first video. Just click on any of the links below to view.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=3SFteXuDjLM" target="_blank">Importing Files</a> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fnuwL6xUAOM" target="_blank">Project Setup</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://youtu.be/3F4yk-hEV4I" target="_blank">Collaboration</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. <a href="http://youtu.be/VdUkKcsdoZM" target="_blank">Basic Editing</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. <a href="http://youtu.be/RRmOQy5aC9c" target="_blank">Exporting</a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sample Classroom Activities</span></u></b><span style="font-size: large;">:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. As mentioned earlier, my students are using <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> to teach our Skype partners about Canada. Essentially, students can teach others about where they live - locally or nationally - by creating a <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Have your students create a video book trailer for a recent novel your students have read.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Students can create a video biography of a famous historical figure. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. To introduce themselves to their classmates at the beginning of a course, students can create a video autobiography.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. Teachers can use <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> to create a flipped classroom instructional video for a particular lesson.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">WeVideo</a> is a very good visual web tool. My students absolutely love using it and I am sure yours will too! Click <a href="http://www.wevideo.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to get started.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/hmns/4184560257/">Houston Museum of Natural Science</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/">cc</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-34067039556194550042012-10-28T14:30:00.000-07:002012-11-02T22:59:21.585-07:00Create a Symbaloo Homepage for your Often Used Websites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dADog8ikvk4/UIyhvgoWb1I/AAAAAAAAAsM/kHF7y0acyZY/s1600/symbaloo-white_3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="90" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dADog8ikvk4/UIyhvgoWb1I/AAAAAAAAAsM/kHF7y0acyZY/s400/symbaloo-white_3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As of late, I have received a lot of positive feedback from students, parents and colleagues about my use of <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a>. Oddly, it is only in the last month, I started using <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a> as I am a former iGoogle user. I am very glad that I made the switch though, as <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a> accomplishes my goal of organizing my often used online content in one easy to use homepage that I can access with all my devices - smartphone, tablet and laptop(s).</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0r2k0WJwRNg/UIyvHUfKkYI/AAAAAAAAAso/nuHKddV5fuI/s1600/Symbaloo+webmix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0r2k0WJwRNg/UIyvHUfKkYI/AAAAAAAAAso/nuHKddV5fuI/s320/Symbaloo+webmix.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a> is a visual, online bookmarking service that allows users to create 'webmixes' or tile-like collections of website links. <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a> allows users to create multiple webmixes with each being available for private use or for sharing with others. Another <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a> feature users can access is the ready-made webmixes on a wide range of topics from the <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/mix/?q=Education" target="_blank">Symbaloo Gallery</a>. Also, there is an educational version of <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a> but it is only free for individual users. At this point, educators are best to stay with the regular version as there is no added features that warrant a purchase. Lastly, another <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a> service users can utilize are the iPhone/iPad apps or the companion Android app. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How to Get Started</b>:</span></div>
<div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">View the quick </span><a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> video tutorial below to learn how to get started within minutes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HORV4obuyV0?list=UUyrr3hfDGeTc_f7o7WnHfIg&hl=en_US" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Possible Educational Uses</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is just a sampling of the possible uses of <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. As I already mentione</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">d, create a <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a> homepage for your often used websites - personal and professional. E.g. I have a webmix for the technology based website</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">s I like to visit on a regular basis - Free Technology for Teachers, Classroom 2.0, etc.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Create a </span><a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> webmix </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of related educational content that you would like to share with parents, students or colleagues. E.g. a webmix of the online resources you use to teach your students fractions in math class.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Have your studen</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ts create a </span><a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> webmix</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> to share </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">with their classmates,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the online resources they found for a specific subject area research project.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really think you will find <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">Symbaloo</a> a great tool to use for not only organizing online content but also sharing that wealth of information with others. To try it out, click <a href="http://www.symbaloo.com/" target="_blank">here</a>!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-28803119623923323422012-10-19T20:28:00.001-07:002012-10-19T20:28:15.290-07:00Maximize Your Productivity with IFTTT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmj-dgAAPWc/UHuJpIUYWkI/AAAAAAAAApE/Dl7clE1M5sU/s1600/IFTTT-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zmj-dgAAPWc/UHuJpIUYWkI/AAAAAAAAApE/Dl7clE1M5sU/s320/IFTTT-logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Staying connected with the global teaching community can be a very challenging, and at times, very frustrating undertaking for today's busy educators. The trick is to spend less time with administrative tasks such as tweeting out your new blog posts and more time connecting with members of your Professional Learning Network (PLN). Amazingly, there is a web tool educators can use to automate repetitive tasks - it is called <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a> (If This, Then That). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>How It Works</b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before we get started, there are some terms you must be familiar with first:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b>Channels - </b>are on-line services such as Twitter, Dropbox, Gmail, Foursquare, etc. that when linked, allow <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a> to perform automated tasks. Currently, there are over 50 on-line services that can be linked to <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a>.<br /><br />2. <b>Triggers</b> - constitutes the '<i><b>this</b></i>' part of a recipe. They are messages that <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a> looks for to start an action. A trigger can be a Twitter message, a voicemail, an email, etc.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />3. <b>Actions</b> - constitutes the '<i><b>that</b></i>' part of a recipe. They are the tasks to be performed when a trigger is received. For example, if a trigger is the receipt of an email, then the action could be to send the email to your Dropbox account. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. </span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - are specific pieces of data from a trigger. E.g. the ingredient of a Twitter trigger could be a tweet from a specific person (@MsLHall) or a hashtag (#edtech).</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />5. <b>Recipes - </b>are a combination of a trigger and an action generated from your active channels.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A sample <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a> (if this, then that) recipe could be:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">IF</span> </b><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDtwP66naDQ/UIDNqBX32fI/AAAAAAAAAp4/_QY9Zi6UKAc/s1600/FB-small+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDtwP66naDQ/UIDNqBX32fI/AAAAAAAAAp4/_QY9Zi6UKAc/s1600/FB-small+pic.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(your profile changes)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>THEN</b> </span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn0vFLKSq1U/UIDMitek1eI/AAAAAAAAApo/aZiIpc-eczU/s1600/Twitter-small+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nn0vFLKSq1U/UIDMitek1eI/AAAAAAAAApo/aZiIpc-eczU/s1600/Twitter-small+pic.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(update profile)</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To best explain how to get started with <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT </a>and to learn how to create recipes, view the two short video tutorials below:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/321N5J461mg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EotDXMV8aq0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you can see, <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">IFTTT</a> is a great tool to automate repetitive on-line tasks. By doing so, educators will free up precious time for tasks that require more skill or engagement. I highly recommend giving it a try. Click <a href="https://ifttt.com/" target="_blank">here</a> to get started!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-13037419828021112592012-10-13T21:26:00.000-07:002012-10-13T21:35:46.013-07:005 Fun & Interactive Grammar Websites for Students<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSXquh0eAn8/UEV6kK4ISKI/AAAAAAAAAjw/gfJRGZur4RA/s1600/question+mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OSXquh0eAn8/UEV6kK4ISKI/AAAAAAAAAjw/gfJRGZur4RA/s200/question+mark.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Teaching grammar and vocabulary can be challenging at times for Language Arts teachers as the content is not as exciting as learning about other topics like the combustible chemical reaction of napthalene. Below are five websites that will provide a more fun and interactive methodology to teaching grammar and improving vocabulary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RM4tsBQOtc/UHm73sYKeiI/AAAAAAAAAng/SB9EWgU5wQQ/s1600/Irregular+Verb+Wheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_RM4tsBQOtc/UHm73sYKeiI/AAAAAAAAAng/SB9EWgU5wQQ/s200/Irregular+Verb+Wheel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.macmillandictionary.com/verb_wheel/" target="_blank"><b>Irregular Verb Wheel</b></a> - This fun and engaging website created by Macmillan Dictionary allows students to practice identifying various verb conjugations. The goal of the game is to earn as many points as possible by identifying the correct past, present and future tenses of a selected verb from the wheel within the allotted time. The learning focus for this game is commonly used irregular verbs that are often incorrectly applied in our daily oral and written expression. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9Iws51hwgU/UHm8Y2AaNBI/AAAAAAAAAno/fz8253ZjrVQ/s1600/logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r9Iws51hwgU/UHm8Y2AaNBI/AAAAAAAAAno/fz8253ZjrVQ/s1600/logo.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://freerice.com/category" target="_blank">Free Rice</a></b> - is a free, online game that allows users to help with world hunger while improving one's grammar and vocabulary skills. For each correct answer from the multiple choice format, 10 grains of rice are donated to the United Nations World Food Program. Also, students are further challenged to expand their vocabulary because with each correct response, the next question is chosen from the next upper level of terms. Recently, <a href="http://freerice.com/category" target="_blank">Free Rice</a> has expanded its gaming <span style="line-height: 115%;">repertoire</span> to include other subject areas such as art, chemistry, foreign languages, math and geography.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtOAnM1Uaq4/UHm83FcT1LI/AAAAAAAAAnw/mAtWoD6UUmA/s1600/Grammar+Bytes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YtOAnM1Uaq4/UHm83FcT1LI/AAAAAAAAAnw/mAtWoD6UUmA/s200/Grammar+Bytes.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.chompchomp.com/menu.htm" target="_blank"><b>Grammar Bytes!</b></a> - is another free website that enables students to practice a wide range of grammar skills including sentence structure, usage and punctuation. The website includes a glossary of terms, interactive activities, printable handouts, presentations including YouTube videos, and a quick summary of tips and rules. The best aspect of the <a href="http://www.chompchomp.com/menu.htm" target="_blank">Grammar Bytes</a> website is that students must demonstrate their working knowledge by correcting sentence errors, not just memorizing the rules of grammar.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPlMlYURpPg/UHnXvCDi2cI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Y16evJtgWgE/s1600/Grammar+Ninja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yPlMlYURpPg/UHnXvCDi2cI/AAAAAAAAAoM/Y16evJtgWgE/s200/Grammar+Ninja.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.kwarp.com/portfolio/grammarninja.html" target="_blank"><b>Grammar Ninja</b></a> - is a fun and engaging game that students can use to practice the identification of the various parts of speech. There are three levels of difficulty: Beginner Ninja, Skilled Ninja and Master Ninja. Instant feedback is a key feature of this website because if a student answers incorrectly, the words explode. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oMS17cu4k8/UHnbyOUoWHI/AAAAAAAAAoo/h-5bNQYeZ-c/s1600/Spelling+bee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5oMS17cu4k8/UHnbyOUoWHI/AAAAAAAAAoo/h-5bNQYeZ-c/s200/Spelling+bee.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.learner.org/interactives/spelling/index.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><b>Interactives: Spelling Bee</b></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - is a great website for students to practice their spelling. Students are read either a story or a sentence and then are to spell the missing words. Words can be repeated or a definition can be supplied if a student is having trouble. At the end of the activity, results are calculated to determine a student's mastery of the vocabulary. All grade levels are available as well.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>.</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-18224431814630089362012-09-27T22:17:00.000-07:002012-09-27T22:17:22.343-07:00E-Portfolios: Celebrating Student Success in the 21st Century<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“The age-old practice of
displaying a student’s work is alive and well.”</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWoLM-Q1PsE/UDBI9Eu6jRI/AAAAAAAAAeI/Z-eit8sztSU/s1600/e-portfolio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hWoLM-Q1PsE/UDBI9Eu6jRI/AAAAAAAAAeI/Z-eit8sztSU/s400/e-portfolio.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is no secret that children love to share their
accomplishments with others. Whether you
are a family member, friend, coach or teacher, there is at least one time when you
have been asked to display a child’s masterpiece on the refrigerator, office
desk or classroom pin board. The reason
behind this long standing practice is simple.
Children need continuous feedback to reaffirm that they are valued and
accepted and that their efforts are appreciated. Consequently, the more positive feedback children
can garner from encouraging role models will more than likely ensure the successful
and ongoing development of the child.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Enhancing the Learning Experience with
e-Portfolios<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-YBg7kVtoI/UDBJmFXpxYI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/TyUZVm9dliQ/s1600/word+cloud+for+e-portfolio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-YBg7kVtoI/UDBJmFXpxYI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/TyUZVm9dliQ/s320/word+cloud+for+e-portfolio.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For educators, it is imperative that student success is
celebrated. One method of displaying
student success is the use of e-Portfolios.
E-Portfolios are the ongoing collection of digital evidence and
artifacts for the purpose of demonstrating a student’s ownership and personal
reflection of his/her learning. The
benefits of using e-Portfolios are immense.
In a nutshell, e-Portfolios enhance the student learning experience by greatly
expanding the audience who can not only view the e-Portfolio, but also provide valuable
feedback. By expanding the walls of the
classroom, the learning process becomes more personal and authentic which
encourages students to play a more active role in their own learning, an
important component for future success. The
second key benefit of e-portfolios is the introduction of digital
citizenship. The importance of creating
and managing a positive digital footprint cannot be underestimated as much of
the content we share on-line is often permanent. In this digital age, it is imperative that
students actively engage in representing themselves on the internet in a
positive manner. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b>
<b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Factors to Consider Before
Choosing a Digital Medium</span></b></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Before suggesting possible web tools for e-Portfolio use, it
is important to consider the following factors:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sey9TYtAgVY/UDBKY0VCfZI/AAAAAAAAAeY/bHvi4b9bzmY/s1600/e-portfolio2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sey9TYtAgVY/UDBKY0VCfZI/AAAAAAAAAeY/bHvi4b9bzmY/s400/e-portfolio2.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">1. </span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;">Purpose</u><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">:
Educators must consider the purpose for implementing e-Portfolios into their
pedagogical practice as the reason(s) may be the determining factor(s) when
selecting the most appropriate web tool for your needs. For example, if the purpose of the
e-Portfolio is to encourage students to reflect upon their learning or to
assess and report student progress, the utilization of a web tool that
incorporates a text editing feature would be necessary. Or, if the goal is to showcase student work,
a web tool with a variety of graphic options would be needed. No matter what the educational goals are, it
is vital to select the right web tool for the task. </span></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">2. </span><u style="text-indent: -18pt;">IT Support and Infrastructure</u></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">: The main
concern one must investigate is whether or not the selected web tool matches
the technological resources available to you and your students. To minimize technological issues, it is
recommended to select web based tools as they are more likely to be compatible
with multiple operating systems. </span> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recommended Web Tools
for Displaying Student Work</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are the three web tools I highly recommend for
creating student e-Portfolios.</span> <br />
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IruuSFcq_M/UDBMq2ZRbWI/AAAAAAAAAe4/X4FMuFB3rN4/s1600/Weebly-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8IruuSFcq_M/UDBMq2ZRbWI/AAAAAAAAAe4/X4FMuFB3rN4/s1600/Weebly-logo.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">1. </span><a href="http://education.weebly.com/" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Weebly for Education</a><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> is a web based tool that allows users to easily create an attractive website - blogging option available as well - by using the simple drag and drop interface. Users have a wide range of multimedia features to choose from such as video, audio, images, etc. The true power of </span><a href="http://education.weebly.com/" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Weebly</a><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">, however, is demonstrated with its HTML feature as anything with an embed code can be added to the website. Lastly, another key element of the </span><a href="http://education.weebly.com/" style="text-indent: -18pt;">Weebly for Education</a><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> site is the teacher account feature as teachers are able to create and manage student accounts from a central location.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8H0IL-ztA8/UDBNd4l0vvI/AAAAAAAAAfI/WbjCLf5kLk4/s1600/Evernote_Icon_256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l8H0IL-ztA8/UDBNd4l0vvI/AAAAAAAAAfI/WbjCLf5kLk4/s1600/Evernote_Icon_256.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <a href="http://evernote.com/">Evernote</a> is a powerful cloud based web tool that works on multiple computing and mobile platforms. Not only can the user create text, photo and audio notes, but your favorite web pages can also be clipped and stored using “Web Clipper” – an <a href="http://evernote.com/">Evernote</a> compatible app. Organizing your data is also very easy with <a href="http://evernote.com/">Evernote</a> as a search can be conducted by keyword, tag or printed and handwritten text inside images. As well, annotation, shapes and sketches can be added to your data using “Skitch” - another <a href="http://evernote.com/">Evernote</a> companion app. By far the best feature of <a href="http://evernote.com/">Evernote</a>, however, is the synchronization of data across all devices. For instance, when a photo is taken from your phone and saved in <a href="http://evernote.com/">Evernote</a>, it can be accessed within minutes from your computer or for that matter any other device with an <a href="http://evernote.com/">Evernote</a> application.</span><br />
<div style="text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sX5nuhyYOo/UDBN8ld6BII/AAAAAAAAAfQ/hL_S792GmIs/s1600/pinterest-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sX5nuhyYOo/UDBN8ld6BII/AAAAAAAAAfQ/hL_S792GmIs/s1600/pinterest-logo.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> is an interactive social media web tool which is best described as the present-day version of the scrapbook. Images are ‘pinned’ from the internet or uploaded from the computer and organized in categorized collections, or boards. These boards can also be shared by requesting an invite to someone else’s site. <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> is by far the most visually pleasing web tool of the three which definitely makes it a favourable choice for e-Portfolios for the visual arts. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">E-Portfolios are a great way for students to take ownership
of their learning. In turn, the
displaying of student work to a global audience has a powerful and motivating
influence wherein positive feedback can have a tremendous impact on continued
student success. It is for these reasons
that e-Portfolios are considered a pedagogical treasure.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
This post originally appeared on <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers</a>. </div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-81125929938372416872012-09-23T16:50:00.000-07:002012-09-23T17:47:17.324-07:00A Celebration of Connected Educators<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSnSd9pRdS4/UF4zfZcvPLI/AAAAAAAAAmk/2xFhmRo3nRo/s1600/TCBadgeGuestBlogger1400-150x150.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RSnSd9pRdS4/UF4zfZcvPLI/AAAAAAAAAmk/2xFhmRo3nRo/s320/TCBadgeGuestBlogger1400-150x150.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this third and final post of the "<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/09/staying-connected-with-teachercast.html" target="_blank">Staying Connected with TeacherCast</a>" series, our focus will turn to the wealth of information, knowledge and expertise offered by our very own industrious and innovative teaching colleagues from around the world. Many of these colleagues are educators just like you and I whose passion for teaching is demonstrated by the sound pedagogical practices that occur in our classrooms </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">on a daily basis</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. Teachers, such as these, strongly believe that sharing their educational know-how with a wider audience is not only important but a necessity in order for future generations of teachers, and subsequently students, to gain the most benefit. As a result, it is safe to assume the next step in our "staying connected" journey requires us to not only utilize new found resources but to also share our educational materials, insights and skills with the global teaching community. Many educators will resist this request not because of a lack of teaching skill but rather of confidence. I can personally attest to this view because it was only a few, short months ago that I, too, did not think I had anything important to contribute. But with a good heart to heart chat with a fellow colleague (Thank you, Anna), I gained the necessary confidence to break out of my shell. So for those educators out there who are in the same position I was, I strongly encourage you to rid yourself of those confining shackles and embrace the connected educators community by sharing your expertise with us! We are eager to learn from you too!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPPvzi0PZXA/UF9tkRTjjlI/AAAAAAAAAnA/hYrqHiEJaGc/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nPPvzi0PZXA/UF9tkRTjjlI/AAAAAAAAAnA/hYrqHiEJaGc/s400/Untitled.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast </a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">Educational Magazine</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">offers educators a relaxing and engaging coffee-shop atmosphere to share their pedagogical expertise. In essence, the <a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Educational Magazine</a> is a collection of articles written by every day educators on a wide range of topics such as technology integration, software tutorials, leadership, personal reflection and much, much more. Currently, with a family of more than 50 writers which include teachers, principals and superintendents, the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Educational Magazine</a> provides educators with an excellent o</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">pportunity to learn, share and collaborate with our peers</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">. In fact, many of these writers appear regularly on the <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/09/teachercast-podcast-with-jeffrey.html" target="_blank">TeacherCast Podcast</a> as well to further elaborate on their teaching practices and ideas. With a viewing audience from </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">more than 120 countries each month, the <a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Educational Magazine</a> is truly an inspiring educational resource teachers can not do without. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Below is just a sampling of the great content one will find in the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Educational Magazine</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/promoting-student-engagement-make-your-mark/" target="_blank">Promoting Student Engagement ~ Make Your Mark</a>" by Angela Maiers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/your-leadership-home-button-by-joe_mazza/" target="_blank">Your Leadership "Home Button"</a>" by Joe Mazza</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/student-standardization-by-tomwhitby/" target="_blank">Student Standardization</a>" by Tom Whitby</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/use-google-voice-to-call-parents-by-mseideman/" target="_blank">Use Google Voice to Call Parents</a>" by Melissa Seideman</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/making-digital-decisions-web20classroom/" target="_blank">Making the Right Digital Decisions</a>" by Steve Anderson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/teaching-communication-is-the-key-by-ctuckerenglish/" target="_blank">Teaching Communication is the Key</a>" by Catlin Tucker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are interested in becoming a <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> contributing writer, please fill out the contact form located at the bottom of the <a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Educational Magazine</a> web page and Jeff Bradbury will be more than happy to support you in your "staying connected" journey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There is no doubt that <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> lives up to its motto of "a place for teachers to help other teachers". Jeff has put his heart and soul into offering a central location or "meeting place" for a wide array of educational resources in various formats so that there is a little of something for everyone. On behalf of the thousands of educators out there, I would like to thank Jeff for all his efforts as we appreciate it very much. Also, we would like to thank Jeff's wife and fellow teaching colleague, Jennifer (@bassjen1) as without her love and support, Jeff would not be able to live out his dream of making <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> an educator's go to resource. The goal is and will always be to do the best for our students and <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> certainly makes that goal a reality for many, many educators worldwide. So please do not hesitate any longer, get involved and be vocal about the great things that are currently happening in education today. Get connected! Stay connected!</span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-74930976199569362232012-09-15T08:26:00.000-07:002012-09-23T17:46:15.262-07:00TeacherCast Podcast with Jeffrey Bradbury<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emz7F8IDVH4/UE_r18t3peI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/XfT2b8o8K9A/s1600/TeacherCast-Podcast-Network-Logo-1400x1400-200x200.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-emz7F8IDVH4/UE_r18t3peI/AAAAAAAAAkQ/XfT2b8o8K9A/s320/TeacherCast-Podcast-Network-Logo-1400x1400-200x200.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Staying connected with one's Professional Learning Network (PLN) is a critical component in the ongoing pursuit of improving personal teaching practices. To take full advantage of your PLN however, it is important to maintain a consistent pattern of engagement. For some educators, establishing that habitual routine can be difficult unless an universal resource is available. In the first post of the "<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/09/staying-connected-with-teachercast.html" target="_blank">Staying Connected with TeacherCast</a>" series, it was explained how <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> fulfills the needs of educators by offering a plethora of educational resources in a variety of formats. Resources such as <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast University</a>, <a href="http://teachercast.net/livebinders-gallery/" target="_blank">LiveBinder Gallery</a>, <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast TV</a> and much more offer educators a wide range of information to expand their pedagogical practice. The key attribute of these fantastic resources is that they are all offered in one, easy to use location. As a result, educators can easily connect with the global teaching community by utilizing the numerous resources <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> offers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In Part Two of this three part series, we now turn our attention to the merits of the <a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Podcasting Network</a>, a vibrant library of audio presentations hosted by Jeff Bradbury for the purpose of offering yet another medium for educators to access professional development resources. Essentially, <a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast podcasts</a> are lively discussions with the most respected educators from around the globe who share their knowledge and expertise about some of the hottest topics affecting education today. <a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast podcasts</a> are organized into three main formats. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjWrWNcdiQw/UFP42jtFmcI/AAAAAAAAAlI/UvQLSufhJc4/s1600/The+TeacherCast+Podcasting+Network++Educational+Professional+Development+hosted+by+Jeff+Bradbury.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjWrWNcdiQw/UFP42jtFmcI/AAAAAAAAAlI/UvQLSufhJc4/s400/The+TeacherCast+Podcasting+Network++Educational+Professional+Development+hosted+by+Jeff+Bradbury.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Podcast</a> </b>is a round table type show featuring teachers and administrators who discuss educational topics they specialize in such as EdCamps, curriculum development and leadership. Jeff welcomes all interested teachers who want to share their expertise to contact him and invite themselves on the show. In the past, the show has featured great guests such as Steve Anderson, Tom Whitby, Jerry Blumengarten, Angela Maiers, and over 200 other leading educators from around the world. Below are three sample round table discussions you will want to listen in on: </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/teachercast-podcast-45-how-to-begin-teaching-with-technology/" target="_blank">How to Begin Teaching with Technology</a>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/teachercast-podcast-58-skype-and-google-hangouts-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">Skype and Google Hangouts in the Classroom</a>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/teachercast-podcast-39-the-many-hats-a-principal-wears/" target="_blank">The Many Hats a Principal Wears</a>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">App Spotlight</a> </b>is an interview style podcast where Jeff invites web businesses, app developers and other educational vendors to discuss how their apps work and how teachers can best use them in the classroom. Past guests include</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/teachercast-podcast-32-kidblog-org/" target="_blank">KidBlog</a>",
"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/app-spotlight-socrative-socrative/" target="_blank">Socrative</a>",
"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/teachercast-podcast-24-easybib/" target="_blank">EasyBib</a>",
"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/app-spotlight-my-big-campus/" target="_blank">My Big Campus</a>", and
"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/app-spotlight-poll-everywhere-polleverywhere/" target="_blank">Poll Everywhere</a>". </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please check out some more excellent app reviews below: </span><br />
<br />
<b id="internal-source-marker_0.4833806522656232" style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/app-spotlight-remind101/"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Remind101</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/app-spotlight-edutecher-and-educlipper/"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">EduTecher & EduClipper</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><br /><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/app-spotlight-schoology/"><span style="color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Schoology</span></a><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span></span></b>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast University</a></b> is a</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> show that focuses on the pressing questions and concerns of today's busy educators. Teachers can email or call into Jeff and he will offer support and direct teachers to the resources that will best suit their needs. The <a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast University</a> podcast also features @GrogtheZombie or "Grog's World" as well as ASKITT with Jeff Herb (@InstTechTalk) who will also assist colleagues from around the world with pedagogical issues. Below are a few sample <a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast University</a> podcasts you will want to listen in on:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/tcu003-taking-control-of-your-professional-development/" target="_blank">Taking Control of Your Professional Development</a>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/teachercast-university-podcast-1-podcasting-in-the-classroom/" target="_blank">Podcasting in the Classroom</a>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"<a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/teachercast-university-podcast-2-taking-your-powerpoint-presentations-with-you/" target="_blank">Taking Your PowerPoint Presentations with you</a>"</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The <a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Podcasting Network</a> is an incredible educational resource for teachers as the breadth and depth of the topics covered is truly exceptional. However, the best part of the <a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast podcasts</a> is the convenience as the podcasts can be listened to anywhere, at anytime. The <a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Podcasting Network</a> can also be found on iTunes and Stitcher and is also available for download on every Apple and Android mobile device.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The final post of the "<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/09/staying-connected-with-teachercast.html" target="_blank">Staying Connected with TeacherCast</a>" series will focus on the <a href="http://blog.teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Educational Magazine</a>, a collection of blog posts written by notable educators who share their wealth of knowledge and teaching experience in their specialized field of expertise. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-75929446147837615012012-09-05T19:19:00.000-07:002012-09-05T19:19:39.098-07:00Staying Connected with TeacherCast<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHBRWMCcFSI/UDRN_4mZcjI/AAAAAAAAAic/FAE-jeUJ-DI/s1600/TeacherCast_Logo_600x600_No_Addy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XHBRWMCcFSI/UDRN_4mZcjI/AAAAAAAAAic/FAE-jeUJ-DI/s320/TeacherCast_Logo_600x600_No_Addy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With the month of August in the rear view mirror, so too is Connected Educator Month. Over the past several weeks, countless educators have expressed great appreciation and enthusiasm for the new teaching connections they have made as well as the new learning resources they have acquired. With the new school year now upon us, the goal is to incorporate those innovative pedagogical ideas into our current teaching practice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To continue to grow as an educator however, it is important to stay connected. Not only is it essential to nurture current teaching contacts but it is also important to continue to build your PLN (Personal Learning Network). Doing so can be difficult for some educators however. To aid in this process, a wide selection of resources in various formats in a central location is needed. Consequently, a website educators must try that offers these services and much more is <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a>. <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> is the brainchild of Jeffrey Bradbury, a music teacher from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jeff's passion for connecting educators and sharing educational resources is clearly evident through his ongoing work with <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a>. In fact, the underlying principle of <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> is to build 'a place for teachers to help other teachers'. With a reach of over 400,000 followers and growing, the collaborative nature of <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> is truly motivating and engaging. </span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMev9WbbRcI/UEDsEQK8-PI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/f9fcarcDTlE/s1600/TC+Screen+Shot+2012-06-12+at+9.10.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mMev9WbbRcI/UEDsEQK8-PI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/f9fcarcDTlE/s400/TC+Screen+Shot+2012-06-12+at+9.10.34+PM.png" width="400" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jeff's enthusiastic support for his teaching colleagues </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">does not end with just the</span> <a href="http://teachercast.net/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">website, however. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Jeff has recently added <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast University</a>, an </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">educational consulting service for teachers who are looking to expand their teaching practice with a more hands-on </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">approach. Jeff is a frequent workshop presenter </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">at Edcamps, TeachMeets and other educational conferences with the workshop topics ranging from technology integration to learning about Web 2.0 tools</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Virtual workshops are also available for those looking for a more</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> cost-efficient way of benefiting from Jeff's expertise</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. The goal for each workshop is to provide engaging and relevant material whereby each attending colleague leaves with something new to add to their teaching methodology. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast University</a> provides additional professional development opportunities as well such as conference keynote presentations and technology integration consults. For those teachers who are unable to attend a <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast University</a> workshop, Jeff also shares his expertise through highly engaging webinars. Below is the first <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> webinar on Sandvox, an easy to use website creation tool for Mac.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X98GpiLdiiU" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><a href="http://teachercast.net/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> offers a wealth of information on various educational topics. Below is a brief summary of some of the excellent features </span><a href="http://teachercast.net/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> provides: </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. <b><a href="http://teachercast.net/appreviews/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Mobile App</a></b> - Simply put, the <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">iPhone/iPad </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">app is "education at your fingertips"! This free, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">time-saving app easily allows educators to stay informed about the most current pedagogical practices, technologies, educational trends and much more. In fact, students can benefit from the <a href="http://teachercast.net/appreviews/" target="_blank">TeacherCast Mobile App</a> too by accessing a myriad of popular web tools and applications such as KidBlog. It is evident that this app is designed to be "the one app educators can use everyday." Click <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/teachercast-pro/id460774278?mt=8" target="_blank">here</a> to download the <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> mobile app. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. <b><a href="http://teachercast.net/appreviews/" target="_blank">App Reviews</a></b> - These very popular teacher-tested app </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">reviews are a definite educational treasure for teachers! </span><a href="http://teachercast.net/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'s dedicated</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> app reviewers, current classroom teachers themselves, recommend the best educational apps and suggest possible classroom activities for each. Click <a href="http://podcast.teachercast.net/app-spotlight-math-formulas/" target="_blank">here</a> to sample one of dozens of app reviews <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> offers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. <b><a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=154861" target="_blank">LiveBinder Gallery</a></b> - A wide array of educational resources are shared by educators from around the world in this nicely organized LiveBinder Gallery. Click <a href="http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=154861" target="_blank">here</a> to view the more than 15,000 LiveBinder resources!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank"><b>TeacherCast TV</b></a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b>- A library of educational videos are available ranging from tutorials on the latest technologies to keynote presentations. To sample one of the many screencast tutorials, refer to the video below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/OJ2GCnEzIbA" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">5. <b><a href="http://teachercast.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs" target="_blank">Career Center</a></b> - Looking for a job? <a href="http://teachercast.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs" target="_blank">The TeacherCast Career Center</a> offers a central meeting place for both employers and employees to connect. To further assist prospective teachers, a search engine is available to help narrow down your choices.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">6. <a href="http://pin.teachercast.net/" target="_blank"><b>TeacherCast Pinboard</b></a> - A collection of educational links organized by topic that every educator will find very helpful. Links range from information about upcoming professional development opportunities to blogging tips.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Without a doubt, <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> makes the task of staying connected very easy! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is the first in a 3 part series about the benefits of staying connected with <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a>. Next week's post will focus on the <a href="http://teachercast.net/" target="_blank">TeacherCast</a> Podcasting Network - a network of very informative and highly engaging presentations featuring respected educators who share their knowledge and expertise on the most pertinent topics affecting education today.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-41644712615703129522012-09-01T19:08:00.000-07:002012-09-03T16:57:25.030-07:00The Most Popular Posts for the Month of August<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f009XuoWGVs/UDKLyRZJLFI/AAAAAAAAAg8/RNE-MYoQKkA/s1600/Kamloops+aerial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f009XuoWGVs/UDKLyRZJLFI/AAAAAAAAAg8/RNE-MYoQKkA/s320/Kamloops+aerial.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ariel view of Kamloops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Greetings from sunny Kamloops, BC Canada! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have enjoyed a fabulous summer so far with the average temperature being 30 C (86 F). As August winds down, I am enjoying the last little bit of summer as well as preparing for back to school which starts on September 4th. I will be starting off with a bang as I am planning a joint project with my collaborative teaching partner from Layton, Utah, Jared Fawson. We are both very excited about it and we are planning to use all sorts of web tools from Skype to Animoto to anything else we can think of. I am absolutely positive the students are going to love it!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXqhj5yDDFc/UDKLigCBvaI/AAAAAAAAAg0/bGK3fPkxT2Q/s1600/SKSS+hsimpson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KXqhj5yDDFc/UDKLigCBvaI/AAAAAAAAAg0/bGK3fPkxT2Q/s320/SKSS+hsimpson.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My school - South Kamloops Secondary</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I will also be starting my Master's degree in Educational Technology & Design from the University of Saskatchewan as well as trying to keep up with writing posts. Busy, busy. Is there any teacher out there that isn't? LOL. I hope that all my colleagues from Canada and around the world enjoy a strong start-up to the school year! :) Below are the most popular posts from "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers" blog.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><u><b>The Most Popular Posts for the Month of August</b></u></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /> 1. <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/08/remind101-perfect-forget-me-not.html">Remind101: The Perfect Forget-Me-Not</a><br /><br /> 2. </span><a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/08/create-your-own-myth-with-story-creator2.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Create Your Own Myth with Story Creator2</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. </span><a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/08/create-striking-videos-with-animoto.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Create Striking Videos with Animoto</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/08/19pencils-ideal-classroom.html" target="_blank">19Pencils: The Ideal Classroom</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /> 5. </span>
<a href="http://thede-tech-tive4teachers.blogspot.ca/2012/08/instagrok-perfect-search-engine-for.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">InstaGrok: The Perfect Search Engine for Students</a> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2506759137229005587.post-22309813127977872132012-08-30T21:05:00.000-07:002012-08-30T21:09:40.615-07:00Gathering Feedback with Socrative Classroom Activities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3sgYwWmPeA/T9vnFNJF-OI/AAAAAAAAAJE/GVnv-rKmu3U/s1600/socrative-logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3sgYwWmPeA/T9vnFNJF-OI/AAAAAAAAAJE/GVnv-rKmu3U/s320/socrative-logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"This is sic! This is so cool! I can so do this!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These are just some of the comments my students expressed when our class used <a href="http://www.socrative.com/">Socrative</a> for the first time. As educators know, engaging students in their coursework can be challenging at times -- not with <a href="http://www.socrative.com/">Socrative</a> however!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.socrative.com/">Socrative</a> is a student response system that leverages the use of smartphones, laptops and tablets by having students respond to questions in various quiz and game formats. Almost instantaneously, student responses are populated and can be viewed by the entire class. No matter what format you use, <a href="http://www.socrative.com/">Socrative</a> is a fun and easy way for students to receive immediate feedback and for teachers to collect marks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For a quick video tutorial on how to get started with <a href="http://www.socrative.com/">Socrative</a>, please see below. </span><br />
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/EIn0FUzyDuE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">One key feature of <a href="http://www.socrative.com/">Socrative</a> that I would like to highlight is "Exit Tickets". "Exit Tickets" allow teachers to check in on student understanding of the day's material before they leave class. To do so, teachers can use Socrative's pre-designed "Exit Ticket" activities or design their own in real time or before class. Once student responses are submitted, they are collated as an emailed report or an online google spreadsheet.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sample Classroom Activities:</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.socrative.com/">Socrative</a> also has a sharing option. By selecting the sharing option in the "Edit Quiz" section located in the Main Menu, a SOC number is assigned that allows the pre-made quiz to be imported by others. It is no secret that educators always appreciate the sharing of good resources! Below I have included the SOC numbers of the English quizzes I have created. Please feel free to share with others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SOC-256509 - Poetic Devices</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SOC-256496 - Types of Poems</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SOC-90777 - Short Story Terms #1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SOC-93415 - Short Story Terms #2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">SOC-93503 - Short Story Terms #3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I highly recommend <a href="http://www.socrative.com/">Socrative</a> for classroom use as it is a very effective and engaging educational tool for students! Check it out <a href="http://www.socrative.com/">here</a>!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
Lynda Hall originally wrote this guest post for <a href="http://www.freetech4teachers.com/" target="_blank">Free Technology for Teachers</a> July 2, 2012.
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: <span style="background-color: #efefef;">Frantz, Sue. </span><i style="background-color: #efefef;">Socrative</i><span style="background-color: #efefef;">. 2012. Technology for Educators, Renton, Washington. </span><i style="background-color: #efefef;">Technology for Educators</i><span style="background-color: #efefef;">. Web. 16 June 2012.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">This post originally appeared on "The De-tech-tive 4 Teachers".</div>Lhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12335246395964398529noreply@blogger.com0