Learning curves

For every time something goes right, the pendulum must swing so that sometimes it is is bound to go wrong. Making our book/trailer advertisement was a lesson in frustration for me. I tried a new video making tool called Vyond. I put a lot of time an effort into the video that I intended to use a launch to our new science unit. The time spent creating it versus the 2 minute video final product was impractical. It was also very crushing that when I went to upload my video Vyond asked for me to purchase an annual subscription $79.99. I, of course, was not about to pay that for a 2 minute video. I contacted Vyond and was told that I should read the trial agreement (in fine print) that the trail is not meant to publish pieces, but a sample of what Vyond can do. UGH!  I accepted that my video would have a watermark stamped on it forever. I showed my 2 science classes and gave them the background story and the lesson learned here is know what tools you are using so that you don't get burned in the end. I also thought this was a fun and engaging way to kick off a new unit but I will use Apple clips or another video program next time!

Screencasting...all the cool kids are doing it!

I have watched so many screencasts (Thanks, Sal Kahn) but never knew how to do it myself. This is my new favorite tool and I will be doing it again in my classroom. The learning curve was not steep and it was a seamless transition to me making my first screencast. I think the biggest benefit is in the scaffolding that it provides to students when learning a new skill especially those who are visual learners, like me! The only problem I found was not rambling on and that is not one of my strengths. I also found out the hard way that you don't want to make a mistake at the end of the video and have to reshoot the entire screencast. It was fun to do, an engaging and helpful tool, and really easy to do.

I've attached a copy of my screencast that shows how to use the amazing SeeSaw activity library.

Pretty To Look At

Graphic design is easily taken for granted but can make such a difference in the classroom. Students are drawn to colorful, bright, aesthetically pleasing images, aren't we all? Because our students all learn differently a well-created infographic can make all the difference in the world for the visual learners in the classroom. It can draw them into content and get them hooked into engagement. And being just like my 5th graders, I did not carefully read the instructions of Module 5 so I created an infographic on Picktochart. We are entering IAR/PARCC season and I thought this little flyer would help students prep for test taking. It was really fun to make and who doesn't love bulldogs, french toast, meditation, and babies. I am in for graphic design and getting our students excited!!

 

You spin me right round baby, right round...

This could be the coolest tool I have ever been introduced to. Flippity is SO cool. I immediately put it into action to pick partners for some decimal war in math class. SO EASY and I look like a genius.   Partners, trios, quads, teams etc. I can do it all in one click. Such a great site!

So I love this site for the functionality but now I have to introduce the new man I admire. I introduced him to my husband and he does too. Thanks for the introduction to the kindest and most intelligent man. Simon, you might be Superman. His logic is sound and he offers safe and sensible solutions for technology use. I have three teenage girls and overuse is a problem at my house. Three cheers for Simon!!!

Simon Sinek

FlipChart, I mean FlipGrid. Am I showing my age?

I brought in a new technology piece to 5th grade. Problem is, I can't get the name straight. What is with my brain? The students are even starting to laugh at me, I continually call it FlipChart. Ugh! FlipGrid is awesome. It was easy to learn because it is very user friendly and very intuitive. Setting up classroom connections was very easy to do and the kids hit the ground running. They REALLY liked adding emojis and flare to their videos, I even had some students film in front of the green screen for very cool special effects. My favorite learning leap was figuring out how to make a "mix-tape" something I was very skilled at in the 80's and was able to blend videos into one to make a cohesive video. All said, Flipgrid is fun and engaging for students and even their name forgetting teacher!

She dropped a PHOTO bomb on me, baby!

5th graders and their mostly fearless leader are learning a new collaborative platform called FlipGrid which I keep calling FlipChart which I fear might be showing my age. FlipGrid is a very cool collaborative tool that we are practicing before we leave our district and venture out into the real world called Downers Grove for my end of unit project. It's a brave new world! I am enjoying watching the kids sharing their favorite book. I did end up photobombing one of my students' post so I used it as a teachable moment...you should film in a quiet space, without any distractions especially your hyperactive teacher who may ruin your post. At least we got a good laugh when I used his post as an example of what not to do! FlipGrid allows you to post a question or topic that each student will respond to via video or audio only  for 1-1.5 minutes. It was very easy to set up and simple for the students to execute so learning time was minimal. This could be used for countless ideas. Students could record themselves reading a passage for fluency, explain the steps for a math problem, collaborate with peers in the building, in the district or anywhere in the world. Learning for their peers and being inspired by your best friend's book review is a great way to bring technology into the classroom.

Reflections and Artifacts...sounds like a love song

I can not believe how fast this eight weeks flew right on by! I feel like I have learned so much in such a short period of time. One of my favorite takeaways was the Google Form/Mood Check-In. I implemented on Friday morning and was happy to see 100% participation by the class. There was nothing groundbreaking I learned but I love the potential to identify issues and create a safe learning space for my class. I also appreciate the open forum for students to discuss concerns with me and how easy it was to create and receive data points.

I also loved getting more acquainted with Twitter and had a disproportionate level of excitement when the Shedd Aquarium and a stranger responded to me and it was retweeted 3 times. This level of excitement singlehandedly explains my naiveté to Twitter!

Excited to see what 2019 and our next class adventure brings!! Thanks to Kim for creating a fun and engaging learning environment for us and to our cohort for being the coolest PLN ever!