Sunday, August 16, 2015

iPads & PBL

I am working with an elementary school who currently has iPads, but they use them for testing and skill & drill. I had the opportunity to meet with each grade level to discuss project based learning (PBL) and how to incorporate the iPads.

We started off by discussing creation type apps such as ShowMe, Educration, Explain Everything. We used the app ShowMe. Then we moved on to and quick example of PBL...The Marshmallow Tower challenge. I had to shorten the activity so we had 6 spaghetti sticks and 1 large marshmallow. Then each team had 4 minutes to construct the tallest tower they could. During the building process they had to take pictures. After 4 minutes, we took 5 minutes to create a narrated slide show about the process of building the tallest tower.Here is an example of their final project.





We also had a few minutes to debrief about the process. The response was positive and they reported having a better understanding of PBL. We laughed all day and enjoy creating projects on the iPads rather than skill & drill!





Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Web 2.0 Tools Part 2

Here are some additional Web 2.0 Tools I have seen teachers using or wanting to use as we are back to school.

6. QR Codes
Quick Response (QR) code is a bar-code-like image which you scan and it takes you to a specific, digital destination. Create a QR code using a free generator. Then use an QR code reader app to scan the code. My favorite QR code reader is I-nigma.

7. Symbaloo
Access your bookmarks and online favorites by creating tabs and shortcuts. This is a free bookmarking services which also provides and education service.  This is great to have on student computers for fast and easy access to their favorite websites.

8. Thinglink
Transform an image into a rich and interactive experience by adding music, video, text, images. Thinglink also provides and education service where teachers can set up a class.

9. Skype
Have your class connect across the world, go on a field trip, or have an author read to your class. Also try Mystery Skype with another class, if you are adventurous!

10. Plickers
This is a low tech response system. No clickers needed… just one teacher mobile device and printed Plicker cards!  

Have you used any of these tools in your classroom?