2017's Twelve Apps of Decemeber

It's that time of year again...which is hard to believe.  Due to a crazy busy year, I have been extremely delinquent in posting things to the blog this year.  I am making one of my New Year's resolutions for 2018 to post more.  Even with my delinquency I didn't want to miss posting my 2017 Twelve Apps of December...so here goes

I hope you find something in this list that can be of use in your classrooms:

1. Recap:  designed to have students create short videos highlighting their reflections on the learning they're doing in the classroom
2. Quiznetic: Looking for a Kahoot alternative, try Quiznetic.  Create a variety of learning games where students race each other in answering the questions
3. Erasures:  Looking for a creative exercise in your classroom.  Have students create blackout poetry using Erasures.  The concept of blackout poetry is to take a page from a book or newspaper and create a poem using selected words from that page and marking out the rest. Erasures lets you create a version of Blackout Poetry online (if you are looking for ways to do this using your own text, contact me and we can work together on getting it done)
4. Verse:  allows you to create interactive videos
5. MySimpleShow:  great tool for creating animated explanatory videos.  MySimple show for students is great because they have to create a script in order to produce the video
6. Web Whiteboard:  an online collaborative whiteboard.  Passwords and accounts are entirely optional.  You can just create a board and share it live by sending the link to students. 
7. Mathigon: engage, play and explore math.  This is a math site that supports active and inquiry based learning for math.  It offers interactive content the lets students explore and discover new ideas.  
8. CommonLit: a free website that helps students develop advanced reading and writing skills.  It provides free digital curriculum that enable to assign texts to students, score written responses and send real-time feedback and collect analytics on student progress. 
9. Chart Accent:  lets you create charts and then annotate them
10. Google Arts and Culture: website that offers many fantastic media resources, including Google's street view and museum view experiences. 
11. Google's Science Journal App: free digital science notebook for recording data and writing observations.  There are sensors built into the app for recording sound, speed, light, direction and magnetism. 
12. The Learning Network:  this is a New York Times website full of resources.  It includes articles written specifically for student readers and lesson plans that cover a wide range of topics, writing prompts, contests, multimedia resources.   

Happy Holidays to you and your families.  I hope you all enjoy your break and look forward to seeing you all in 2018...again hard to believe and weird typing it!

Book Creator (an awesome iPad App) is coming to the web

Book Creator is an iPad app that provides a simple way to create ebooks and since its creation in 2011 has been one of the best-selling Education apps in the App Store.   Book Creator can be used in any subject area with any age from 4 year olds to adults.  It can be used to create resources to share with your class or better yet, put the creation in the hands of the students.   It is an open canvas that allows students to create by adding text, images, annotations, sound, video and voiceover.  Use the app to create interactive stories, digital portfolios, poetry books, science write-ups, research journals, etc.

The possibilities of what you can create are endless.  The only limitation today is the device you can create on...book creator is only available as an app on mobile devices.   However, this summer that all changes.  Book Creator will be launching a web-based version that will allow users to create ebooks on ANY DEVICE (Chromebooks, Macs, Windows devices, Android, and iPhones).  The web-based version will be as fully featured as the mobile app:

• Add text, images, drawings, shapes, audio and video
• Create awesome comics with built in comic templates
• Publish and share books online
• Work collaboratively and combine books from multiple authors (this is an awesome feature for the classroom)
• Access all your books on any device (work on a book using in school on one device and get home to work on it on another device).

Put Book Creator on your radar to check out this summer for use in your classroom.  

GOOGLE SLIDES FEATURE UPDATE: Add Google Drive Videos into Google Slides Presentations

Over the past few years, I have been utilizing Google Slides more than any other platform for presentations.  I love being able to access it from any device and the ability to add collaborators is second to none.  One of the major down sides to using Google Slides however, has always been with adding video.

If any of you have tried embedding video into a Google Slides presentation, you will know that the only option has been to embed a video through YouTube.  This in my mind has provided limitations to the videos I wanted to embed, often times adding additional steps if I wanted to use my own video or forcing me to use links.  

I am excited to say with a new feature in Google Slides this is no longer the case.  This new feature will now allow you to embed video stored in Google Drive into a slide presentation.  Once the video is added from Drive you can access Video Options to specify where you want the video to start and end, enable autoplay during a presentation and toggle audio on and off.  

Please note a few things:  

1. Adding video to a presentation through Google Drive is only available on the web version of Slides, but viewing them is possible on both web and mobile.  
2. If you've shared your presentation ensure your video is shared as well.  If the video is not shared, those users who do not have permission to view the video will have the option to request access. 

12 Apps and Websites for World Read Aloud Day

World Read Aloud Day is this week...Thursday, Feb 16th.   So what is World Read Aloud Day?

World Read Aloud day was started by LitWorld to bring attention to the power of reading stories aloud to children.  Research shows when children listen to stories read aloud they can become stronger readers.  I recently read an article that shared some great resources to use for World Read Aloud Day (don't be afraid to use them any day) and thought I would share them.  Here is the list of 12 Apps and websites:

1. EPIC (website and app):  gives elementary-school aged readers access to thousands of books. Users can set their preferences, browse the collection and earn badges for achievements.  
2. One More Story (website): This is an online library with plenty of fiction titles that would be great for read alouds 
3. Speakaboos (app): The free version of this app provides 3 free books to download with access to many more with the upgrade.  The stories are engaging with audio and interactive features
4. Blue Planet Tales iOS/ Blue Planet Tales-Android (apps):  This interactive reading library provides lots of choices for students
5. Storyline Online (website):  This is a website you should be familiar with.  Presented by the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, stories are read by well known actors reading picture books aloud. 
6. Oceanhouse Media (apps):  Offers dozens of apps from Dr. Seuss to the Little Critters series and plenty of nonfiction titles.  The apps let students read independently by swiping from one page to the next or listen as the books are read aloud. Available in iOS and Android
7. Brainspace (print with app): This educational print magazine is interactive with iPads, iPhones, Android Tablets and smartphones.  The pages come to life with extra content for 8-14 year old students by scanning the page with the augmented reality app Blippar
8. PlayKids Stories (app):  Terrific eBook library that lets you download stories on an iPad.  Kids can listen to a story read aloud or read by themselves
9. Reading Rainbow (website and app):  Reading Rainbow has plenty of titles for independent readers.  Students can work on any device to explore stories independently or with a partner.  
10. Caribu (app):  This app connects two reader (down the street or across the world) so they can explore a picture book together (long distance read alouds...cool). 
11. Goodnight Safari (app):  This is an illustrated interactive book that children can explore independently
12. Shout Science (app):  Interactive book that tells the stories behind science discoveries using nonfiction text features.  

The Most Dangerous Writing App...don't stop typing, or all progress will be lost!

Practice makes perfect.  That is what I share with my own children, my students athletes and former students when I taught.  The same holds true with writing.  I still remember hearing my high school english teachers telling me the best way to become a better writer is to write.

I recently was told about an interesting application that could be a fun and interesting way to have students practice writing.  The app is a website based application called The Most Dangerous Writing App.  This application encourages you to keep writing...no matter what.  Here is how it works:

The application forces users to keep a writing flow.  It is designed to "shut down your inner editor and get you into a state of flow."  Before you begin typing, you have the option to set the amount of time you would like to type for (3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 60 minutes or hardcore mode...which I have not tested so I am not sure what that means).  Once you click start, begin typing and continue typing for the duration of the time you selected.  If you stop typing for more than 5 seconds all of your work will be deleted.  If you type without interruption for the duration you selected you have the option to save your work (copy/paste it somewhere or download it as a .txt file). 

The Most Dangerous Writing App could be great for brainstorming activities or free writing, but I would definitely avoid using it for essays and research papers...you will see why once you try it.  I've also heard teachers using it as bell work assignments leading into lessons.

2016's Twelve Apps of December

The past two years I have posted 12 apps of December to introduce various apps to use in your classroom.  Typically, I have posted an app daily for each of the 12 days leading up to our break.  This year I decided to put the 12 apps of December in one post...here you go!  I hope you find something that can be of use in your classrooms:

1. Edynco: This application allows you to create learning maps or multimedia presentations that are "zoomable" (similar to Prezi).   Use all sorts of multimedia in your learning maps such as audio, video, images, and quizzes.  Completed maps can be shared via a URL or embedded into a site/blog.   Use the learning maps to share your lesson resources or have students create presentations using a learning map.  The following link is an example learning map explaining how to use Edynco learning maps (https://gallery.edynco.com/show/learning-map-about-edynco-523)
2. Credo-This is an online library resource for curated educational content.  Credo provides students with a reliable, credible, and easy to access resource when they need to conduct research, allowing students to focus on their research and not navigating multiple databases. This online reference library provides access to encyclopedias, subject dictionaries, biographical sources, reference tools, and thousands of videos, high resolution images and audio files.
3. Help Teaching: This site offers printable and online tests, activities, lessons and games for PreK-12 grade levels.  There are three levels of membership from free to paid offering different levels of use. 
4. KidzType: I know we use TypingClub at the JS, but this site is another resource for teaching students how to type.  Students can choose from games, lessons, exercises, and more.  Please share this app with parents who are looking for more resources for learning how to type.
5. Learn Zillion: Improve classroom instruction by providing high-quality instructional materials (lesson plans and videos).  Teachers use it to give students an extra learning boost, provide review on topics already covered, or as a springboard for new exploration.  Also use it to find new lessons, provide inspiration or learn how to explain a concept a different way.  Lessons can be used as a whole class, small groups or individually.  
6. Prep Factory: A free interactive site for ACT and SAT prep.  Prep Factory uses a variety of educational videos, texts, games, and more to help students prepare for their standardized tests. 
7. WriteReader: This learning tool helps students in K-4 with reading and writing. WriteReader provides resources such as tutorials, lesson plans, etc.  Students can create digital books in a safe environment and share them with others.  Students take pictures of family, friends, things or situations and write about them in their actual level of written language.  Teachers/Parents then "translate" the child's text to conventional writing and by comparing their own attempt to the edited version the child will step by step improve their writing and reading capabilities.
8. Yash Math Adventure: This is a mobile app (iOS, Android) to help students with basic math skills.  It is a game geared for grades 1st-4th grades where they must find their way through the game using logic and solving math puzzles while collecting coins.  There are 36 levels through 6 wolds so students can select the skills they want to practice.  I know we have been using Reflex Math at our LS/JS to help students increase their Math Skills, but this may offer another fun resource as well.  Please share this resource with parents who are looking for additional math resources for their sons/daughters (The app cost $2.99).
9. Sketch Nation: This free app (iOS/Android) and website allow students to create their own games.  Students select a game category then draw their backgrounds/characters/items and let the application do the rest.  Students can create more complex games using the advanced level editor to assist in building their STEM Skills.  Sketch nation has an education section that provides examples of games students created around what they were studying.  In addition, it recently updated its lesson plan section providing more options on how to integrate the application into your classroom.  These lesson ideas focus on a wide variety of subjects such as: Coding, History, Math, and more. 
10. DimensionU: Creates engaging and interactive multiplayer video games that focus on core skills in mathematics and literacy.  These games are designed for kids grades 3rd-9th and are aligned to Common Core Standards.  They have a free 3 day trial period if you'd like to test it out.
11. Vocabulary Spelling City-This application provides tools, resources and training for spelling and vocabulary.  Teachers can implement research based vocabulary learning techniques that lead to word retention and improved reading comprehension. There are more than 35 interactive, engaging activities that allow students to read, hear, speak, write, break down, and play with words.  The application offers teacher resources, writing practice activities and mobile apps for mobile learning.  Spelling city offers a free membership with limitations or a premium membership with more robust features.   We currently have about 15 teachers using the premium membership.  
12. Level it Books: This is an app (Android/iOS) for scanning a book's ISBN and getting a Reading Lexile/Level, guided reading, grade level equivalent, and/or DRA levels for the book. Use it to keep a virtual library of books, manage students reading levels and more.  The app features well liked books ranging from K-8 on a weekly basis and also has high school level books as well.  Be sure to share with parents. 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

Looking for Ways to Boost Student Listening Skills...Try Podcasts

"Listening...the neglected literacy skill."  This comes from an Edutopia article I recently read that was written a few years ago.  The article went on to explain that often times the primary literacy focus is on the measurable skills--reading, writing and speaking.  However, we all know the importance of good listening skills.  They are important when it comes to career and college readiness and play a vital role when we talk about collaboration and communication.  

Podcasts can offer a great way to strengthen students listening skills.  Podcasts are audio recordings (or sometimes video recording called Vodcasts) used by individuals to share their thinking around a specific topic.   Many of us may use podcasts to influence our own learning, so why not find ways to use them in our classrooms for our students learning.  Not only can they help provide educational knowledge, but they can also provide listening skill development.   Here are some thoughts I recently gathered from a respected educator in regards to using podcasts to strengthen listening skills:

1. Listen with partners- Have students group together to listen together.  This allows the students to have others to share the story with.  Similar to reading together, students listen to the podcast to gather information together or experience a new story
2. Response to the Podcast-just as students would share their thinking about an article/passage they read, students can respond to the information or story presented in a podcast.  Talking about topics helps students set a purpose for listening
3. Teach students to replay/re-listen-Students today use a wide-range of media to learn new information, so it is important to help students understand how rewinding a podcast to re-listen can improve their comprehension...similar to how we teach students to reread.
4. Teach students to use podcasts at home-This is a great way to extend a learning activity.  Share podcasts/episodes  with families in an email, on the portal, or in a newsletter to help connect learning in the classroom to activities at home.

When selecting your podcasts, here are a few things to think about:

• Screen any podcasts you plan on sharing with your students to get a feel for the kind of content presented in the podcast...listen to more than one episode
• Ensure they fit the values for your classroom, DCDS, and our community
• Ensure they are fit your curriculum goals

If you are interested in some suggestions for K12 Podcasts, let me know and I can provide a handful of resources.