Learn From Others....

As an educator I am always looking for new, innovative and effective ways to teach lessons.  I have  had many opportunities to go to conferences, workshops and schools to learn exciting approaches and techniques.  I can say without a doubt that I learn most when I see something in action!  Unfortunately, sometimes the life of a teacher makes it very difficult to leave the classroom and take the time to visit other schools or classrooms to observe the variety of teaching styles and techniques being used.  Why  not take professional development into your own hands...

I came across this website today that thrilled me!  The Teaching Channel houses a variety of videos on teaching in action.  It is organized by subject, grade and topic to make your searching easy.  They even have a section dedicated to common core aligned lessons.  The teachers that are in the videos are from all across our American schools and are considered highly effective and innovative educators.

I would highly recommend taking a peek at some videos; you may become inspired to try something new!

You can also sign up for their weekly newsletter, which will remind you to visit the site once in a while or follow them on twitter...@TeachingChannel

Watch the introductory video below...

Taking Pictures on a Smartphone May Pose a Risk

According to Comcore, by the end of June 2012 more than 110 million people in the United States owned Smartphones.  How many of these Smartphone users are aware of the location settings on their phones?  I have a feeling that not that many people are, especially teenagers who are taking and posting pictures using their phones.

Please watch the video I have embedded to educate yourself on the risks of taking pictures using your Smartphones and posting them on the Internet.  Then make sure that you educate your friends, colleagues, parents and especially students about this safety issue.

If you are unable to view the video click on the link here: Movie

Thanks to my principal for sharing this informative video to me!!

Classroom Management

I am sure some of you have heard of these apps before, but I am finally making use of them!  SplashTop 2 and Mobile Mouse Pro (or the lite version, free) are two iPad apps that you can use to either remote access your computer's content (SplashTop 2) or use as a mobile remote/trackpad (Mobile Mouse).
I have both on my iPad and feel that both can be used to enhance and mange your instruction in your classroom.  How many of you have an IWB (interactive whiteboard) in your classroom and find yourself facing that and turning your back to the classroom during instruction?  How many of you use presentation programs (prezi, powerpoint...) in your classroom and find yourself at your computer trying to control it.
These two apps will allow you to access your computer's content or control the presentation from anywhere in the room.  We all know that many times you have a student during a lesson that will need your assistance, but you find yourself at the IWB writing and can't get over there!  These apps will help in managing your classroom and meeting your students' needs.
Visit their websites to learn more about each app, so you can decide, which one would best match your needs or maybe you want both too!  I have also embedded videos that give an overview/demo of SplashTop 2 and Mobile Mouse Pro.

(Click images to view websites)

                                                                                   

Teaching Table iPad App

I watched a Webinar on a newly released iPad app called Teaching Table (click to visit their website).
The app has a slew of math manipulatives that you can use to create your own interactive math lessons. I think that this app would be great for small group learning as well as differentiating your instruction.  The app is half price until October 1st, $2.99 and then the price will go up to $5.99.

If you are interested in digging deeper and learning more about this app take the time to watch the webinar (click to watch video) - a 3rd grade teachers shows examples of lesson she has created.

Click the icon to visit the iTunes store

Our Social Media Universe

This is called The Conversation Prism, created by Brian Solis &JESS3 and I was blown away by how we can all stay networked and connected on a local and global level.  Another example of why technology integration is so important in education!

            (Click on the graphic to see a larger picture and then zoom in)
           

Teaching Ideas & Lessons Search Engine

                               Click graphic to access search engine

Looking for lessons/activities, but your Google search compiles WAY too many results? Then try a new way to search.

Kevin Cummins from edgalaxy.com has created a search engine that will compile ideas from reputable and free teaching sites for you.  If you don't have a topic in mind then you can utilize his drop down menus and search by content area as well.

Give it a try and see what results you get!

Digital Student Portfolios

I came across this app today called Three Ring.  iTunes describes it as an app that "allows you to take pictures of students work and keep track of them online."  It is my understanding that it supports audio and video work as well.  This app/online web tool sounds pretty neat if you want to try to create a digital portfolio for your students.

The app is free and you can sign up and visit their website at http://threering.com/.

The only complaint I read is that this is more of a teacher tool and others would like students to be able to access their work and reflect and evaluate themselves.

Click on the app's graphic to read more about it on iTunes.

The Flipped Classroom Described Through an Infographic!

Link to original source of image

Technology Integration in PE

I love when I find teachers who are so innovative!!!  A PE teacher in Australia has a blog and is sharing all of the ways he integrates technology...he even wrote an ebook that can be purchased through iTunes.
Super cool!!!

Check out the Mr. Robbo's The P.E. Geek Blog.

Math Maps!!

I think this is the coolest idea for math!!!  PLEASE take the time to visit Tom Barrett's Blog to read all about his math maps project.  He integrates Google Maps into his math curriculum by finding and pinning landmarks or places and then adding questions for the students to answer.  I have included an example below off his site.
Anyone interested in trying this out, PLEASE let me know...I am game!!!


***If you click on view 27 measurement activities in Madrid, it will make the map bigger****
 
View 27 Measures Activities in Madrid in a larger map

Interactive Math Manipulatives

This math resource was shared on a blog that I stumbled upon and I am so excited to share it with you.  McGraw Hill Education has designed an online interactive "Math Toolbox", as the other teacher likes to call it.  You have the ability to select your grade (PreK-8) and then choose from a variety of game boards, story boards or workmats.  There are also many manipulatives to choose from and a text tool that the teacher can use to create a problem for the students to work out.  I also think this would be a great tool for students to use to create a problem to show you their understanding of a concept.
Here is an example of a background a kindergarten teacher created (1) and then the student used the manipulatives and pen to solve it (2).

1.

2.

This would be a great resource to use on the SMARTBoard as a whole group or on the laptops for independent work or partner work.  Click here to try it out!!

Enjoy and I hope you find this site useful!

Webinar on Using iPads in a Flipped Classroom

I have finally had a moment to take some time to start blogging and am excited to share my first resource with everyone. I watched a webinar today and it was worth the time. As a previous 1st grade teacher, I do feel that it is geared toward older students.  I think many of the resources shared could be used or adapted for use starting in 4th grade and continue to be used through high school.

Please note that the link below will take you to the BrightTALK website, but you will need to sign up for free to watch the video.

The Flipped iPad Classroom Webinar