BONUS Post: Hour of Code @ DCDS and Coding Resources

As I mentioned before, last week was Computer Science week and the week code.org was designating for their grassroots campaign goal of tens of millions of students to try an "Hour of Code."  The goal is to inspire K-12 students to take interest in computer science.  Coding is a wonderful opportunity to teach students 21st Century skills such as:

• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking
• Computational Thinking 
• Collaboration

Well, I am happy to state that DCDS had over 600 students, a variety of faculty, and even Glen our Head Master  participate in the "Hour of code."   I had the privilege to participate as well in some of your classrooms and it was amazing to watch the engagement, collaboration, and problem solving skills our students were experiencing.  The best part for me was watching who our students leaned on for assistance when they ran into an issue...their peers.  Then watching them provide the leadership and guidance.  What an amazing experience!!

If you are interested in coding opportunities in your classroom, here are some resources to help you get started.

• Scratch: Coding program based on blockly language (blocks that link together to make writing code easier.
• ScratchEd:  An online community where scratch educators can share stories, exchange resources, and/or ask questions.
• Code.org:   A non-profit organization and websitethat aims to encourage people, particularly school students, to learn computer science.
• Codecademy:  Online interactive platform that offers free coding classes and resources in 9 different programming languages.

#1 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Glean--"Explore the Best Video Lessons in Education"

The Ed Tech 12 list # 1 is...Glean.  This is a free website providing the "best educational video lessons" in the areas of math and science. The topics include Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Biology, and Chemistry with Calculus, Physics and Organic Chemistry coming soon.   According to Glean, "There are incredible educational lessons all over the web but they're hard to find...we help find the best ones for students."  The site organizes and tags videos by educational standard, and wraps them in interactive tools (like Q&A and practice exercises).   This resource also has a feature in which teachers can assign videos to students and track how students interact with each lesson.

#2 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: BoomWriter--"Free and engaging group-writing tool"

The Ed Tech 12 list # 2 is...BoomWriter.  This is a free tool that provides a platform for students to engage in collaborative writing.  It offers three group-writing activities focusing on developing and enhancing writing and vocabulary skills across all curriculum areas.  The three activities include:

1. StoryWriter for creative and narrative writing
2. WordWriter for vocabulary  
3. ProjectWriter for expository, argument and scientific writing

#3 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Adobe Slate--"Turn any photos and message into a beautiful visual story...in minutes."

The Ed Tech 12 list # 3 is...Adobe Slate.  Are you looking for a tool that allows students to tell a story to demonstrate understanding of content?  If the answer is yes, then Adobe Slate may be worth a look.  It is a creation tool that empowers users to create visual presentations through the web or the iPad app.  It is free, easy to use and creates visually rich presentations that can be shared with a link.

#4 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Toontastic-"Amazing Digital Story App for the iPad"

The Ed Tech 12 list # 4 is...Toontastic.  This digital storytelling app for the iPad teaches storytelling skills through playful cartoon creation.  Launchpad Toys designed this app in partnership with Standford's Graduate School of Education and the Zeum:  San Francisco's Children's Museum. Recently Launchpad Toys was recently acquired by Google offering more free features within the app.

Toontastic is simple to use and has a built-in story arc that assists with creating well-structured stories.  The story arc is a story planner that forces students to plan out the setup, conflict, challenge, climax and resolution of the story.  Following the story arc encourages students to think, plan, execute, sequence and follow the key elements in storytelling.

Finished stories can be shared online (including on Toontastic's ToonTube) or saved to the camera roll.  This app also works great in a single iPad classroom as several students can collaborate on the same story taking turns creating and editing the scenes and characters of the story.   There are endless opportunities for assignments in all areas using Toontastic and this app offers a great way for students to become producers of content.

#5 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Vialogues--"Build Discussion Boards Around Videos"

The Ed Tech 12 list #5 is...Vialogues.  Vialogues lets you build discussion boards around videos.   This platform provides a space for users to hold meaningful and dynamic time-stamped discussions about videos.  You can upload a video, grab one from YouTube, or choose one from their collection. Once created, scaffold video content by posting comments, polls and surveys.   Vialogues can be a great way to promote communication and critical thinking while using videos in your classroom

#6 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Everystockphoto--"A search engine for free educational images"

The Ed Tech 12 list #6 is...Everystockphoto. This is a search engine for free photos.  The photos come from many sources on the web and are license-specific. Students can use  Everystockphoto for images they want to use for class projects, blogs, etc.  The image search will produce results with photos and the photo's license.  By clicking the license icon or tab, students can determine the permission available for use of that image (see screenshot below).  What a great and easy way to teach digital citizenship.  If you are interested in using the site to dive deeper into image licenses, check out their FAQ section with your students to begin conversations.  

#7 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Seesaw--"A student-driven digital portfolio"

The Ed Tech 12 list #7 is Seesaw.  During one of the breakout sessions at our recentTEDx jr. day, one of the groups I was facilitating began discussing digital portfolios.  Although the topic of digital portfolios for all our buildings/grade levels is a greater topic of discussion, the application Seesaw was discussed.  Some of you may be interested in digital portfolios on a smaller scale for your classroom needs, therefore I thought #7 on our list could be Seesaw.

This is an app and/or web-based platform where students create digital portfolios.  The application allows students to document and share what they are learning in school (both using digital content and nondigital content).  It empowers students to take more ownership of their learning and is easy to use for a PK-12 environment.  Implementing it in the classroom couldn't be easier with the use of Seesaw's Teacher Resource Center.  The application is also great for parents as it provides them with an up-to-date window of what their child is learning.

#8 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Desmos--"Free Online Graphing Calculator"

The Ed Tech 12 list #8 is...Desmos.  Yesterday, I was chatting with John Meyers in the hall and he mentioned he was at a math conference recently and they were showing off Desmos.   This is a recycled post from last years EdTech 12 list, but since this blog was not established at the time,  my conversation with John reminded me that it might be worth reposting about this neat tool again...

Desmos is a free online graphing calculator geared for grades 6-12 that instantly plots an equation.  It is also available in the Chrome App store for Chrome users and in the iTunes store for iPhones/iPads. This application will allow you to graph functions, plot tables of data, evaluate equations, explore transformations, and much more.  Be sure to check out their classroom activities and if you are interested in learning more about Desmos, check out their YouTube Channel.

#9 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Nepris--"Connecting Industry Professionals to Every Classroom"

The Ed Tech 12 list #9 is...Nepris.   Just as I was submitting my #10 post yesterday,  I received an email from Kelly Hincks our Lower School librarian about yet another application that would tie in well with "Connecting to the Outside World," so I felt it would be a great to use Nepris as our #9. According to Kelly, Nepris is a "great resource that will connect your classroom with an industry professional that can support what you are doing in your classroom..."  

How does it work?  You submit information and a date range for your needed presentation to Nepris. The site pairs you with a professional who will be presenting.  For example, if you are looking for a chef for a nutrition unit, you can submit a request to the site and they will pair you with someone in that field.  You then communicate with this professional to ensure they know exactly what it is you are looking for from their presentation and that it is a good fit.  Seems pretty simple and easy!! Another great way to bring real life application to a unit.   Thanks for sharing Kelly!!!

#10 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Field Trip Zoom--"Live and interactive content for your class"

The Ed Tech 12 List #10 is...Field Trip Zoom.  A few weeks back during our TEDx jr. sessions, Liz Brady's session "Connecting to the Outside World" talked about bringing the content area alive by finding ways to bring the outside world into the classroom.  Field Trip Zoom offers that ability.  It provides an online service that allows you to search, order, schedule and connect to hundreds of live interactive programs through a rapidly expanding network of museums, science centers, historical sites and other cultural organizations.  (Note: it is free to sign up for the site, but there is typically a small free for the programs from the provider however some programs offer free options with an application for a scholarship or grant).   What a great way to bring a new level of understanding to classroom material...definitely worth taking a look!!

#11 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: ViewPure-A YouTube Tool for Teachers

The Ed Tech 12 List #11 is...ViewPure.  ViewPure is a tool that lets you watch YouTube videos without the distractive features such as ads, related videos, and comments.  All these features are removed using ViewPure.  This is great to ensure any inappropriate material is not visible when you are trying to incorporate YouTube videos into your curriculum (Please Note: some ads are integrated with the YouTube videos so ViewPure can not remove those).   Here is a snapshot of the difference between the user interface of a YouTube video and ViewPure:



ViewPure also allows you to create customized URLs for your YouTube videos (original URL: youtube.com/watch?v=JmA2CIUvUY vs a customized URL of the same video using ViewPure: viewpure.com/BabyDebate).  Learn more at http://viewpure.com/

#12 of the December Ed Tech 12 List: Drop It To Me

Last year around this time I provided an December Ed Tech 12 List leading up to the holiday break. In keeping up with tradition and in the spirit of the upcoming holidays, I will be sharing one tool a day from now until the break (hard to believe we only have 12 more days...) so please feel free to visit daily over the next 12 school days...

The Ed Tech 12 List #12 is...Drop It To Me.  This is a free web-based application that provides an easy way to receive files from students, colleagues or parents and connects with Google Drive, OneDrive and Dropbox.  Senders will not need an account and emails are not needed to send files. You would just provide the sender with a link to your Drop It To Me webpage and after inputting the page's password, they are provided with an upload button.   Any file type can be submitted and that file is sent to the dropittome folder in your Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive.    You also have the ability to create multiple upload pages with unique addresses and passwords during your registration of an account.   To learn more visit https://dropitto.me/.

12 Windows Shortcuts Every Educator Should Know

Last night I was checking my twitter account and saw a tweet about a blog post regarding... "12 Windows shortcuts every educator should know" and instantly thought it was necessary to share. It provides times saving techniques for PC users so you can focus on the things that matter most.  A summary of the twelve techniques stated in the blog are below.  Check out the full blog post for the short cuts (Click here for the full blog post):

1. Snap windows side-by-side to work simultaneously
2. Add an interactive whiteboard or second screen quickly
3. Easily take a screenshot, copy to clipboard, and send directly to OneNote
4. Clear all windows and show only the desktop
5. Go back to the most recent window you are on
6. Minimize and maximize windows with ease
7. Zoom in and out
8. Instantly lock screen
9. Switch between different language keyboards
10. Instantly access Task View for a complete view of your windows 
11. Add another Desktop (available only on Windows 10)
12. Temporarily peek at desktop

Smallpdf - the platform that makes it super easy to convert and edit all your PDF files.

Recently, I was asked to send a PDF version of a presentation as an attachment via email.  As many of you know emails have limitations to the file size it can send and receive.  That was the case with me for this presentation...the file was too large to send via email.  Since it was requested to be an attachment I was bypassing sending it as a link using google drive.  I opted for using a free web tool   to compress the file to a size that was manageable to send.  This web tool is called Smallpdf, is extremely easy to use and has a variety of features:

Smallpdf is an online tool that makes it super easy to convert and edit PDF files.  Some of its feartures include: compressing PDFs, converting PPT/Word to PDF or vice versa, convert JPG to PDF or PDF to JPG, merging PDFs, Unlocking PDFs, and splitting PDFs.  This could be a valuable resource to you and/or your students so be sure to share it with them.  It is extremely easy to use and 100% free.

3D Cell Simulation and Stain Tool app for iPads

Are you a science teacher looking for another way to have your students explore cells?  If so, you should check out a free app on the iPad called 3D Cell Simulation and Stain tool.   This app is loaded with interactive features to complement instruction in biology, biochemistry and life science classrooms.

The app consist of videos, colorful images and is easy to navigate.  In addition, users can create their own cell images.  What a great way to use a single iPad in your classroom...use it as a center where groups can explore the cell on their own or display it via the Apple TV to demonstrate/explore cells as a whole group.

Key Features:

• 3D cell model and interactive walkthrough
• Cell imaging videos and descriptions
• Cell staining tools with additional products and imagery
• Create your own cell image with the ability to email your image

Zoom In: An interactive, web-based platform for U.S. history instruction and assessment.

I recently stumbled on a  new U.S. history resource that seems promising for use with grades 6-12 called Zoom In.  Zoom In is a free, web-based platform that helps students build literacy and historical thinking skills through "deep dives" into primary and secondary sources.   This online resource features 18 content-rich U.S history lessons that supplement regular instruction and assist with using technology to support students' mastery of content and skills:

• Reading documents closely and critically
• Identifying author's point of view and purpose
• Engaging in higher-order, text-based discussions
• Writing explanatory and argumentative essays grounded in evidence 

Teachers have the ability to set up a class, access teacher guides, assign lessons, monitor student progress and assess student work online.  This application could even lend to cross-curricular opportunities with English Language Arts.

Website:  http://zoomin.edc.org/

Web Resources to Enhance Literacy

Having 3 little ones at the Lower School, I had the privilege to participate in Literacy Night this past Tuesday.   It was very informative and I thank our LS Faculty for their time and effort.  They provided great information and resources.  As I was digesting all the great material on my way home I thought what a perfect time to piggy back on that night with a post about literacy web resources...for a variety of grade levels  (I have mentioned a few of these before, but thought it wouldn't hurt to restate them):  

• Storyline Online (Read Aloud)
• Popular children's books read by famous people
• Teacher activity guies available
• Provides a new read-aloud experience for students

• Wonderopolis (Shared Reading)
• Exploration and discovery of real-world content
• Question based reading prompts for informative reading/writing
• Great for daily or weekly whole class activities
• Built in teacher resources and vocabulary instruction
• Also great for independent reading

• Lingro (Word Study)
• Make any web site a click-able form to define unknown words
• Build students vocabulary and enhance comprehension
• Create word lists for review
• Great for ELL students and foreign language classes

• Into the Book (Guided Reading)
• Interactive practice activities
• Models 8 main reading strategies with guided activities and various examples
• Great teacher tools to expand lessons
• Easy to read standard alignment

• ReadWorks.org (Independent Reading)
• Lesson Plans and materials based on various strategies for reading and comprehension
• Leveled reading passages with built-in question sets
• Close reading samples
• Novel study units

• Newsela (Independent Reading)
• Differentiated articles based on student lexile level
• Easy search by grad level or CCSS
• Articles from various publications with real-world application

Turn your iPad into a teleprompter as an aid for students public speaking

Public speaking can be a challenge for many students.  I was reminded about this during one of the keynotes at ISACS last week on a topic about introverts vs extroverts.  It was mentioned that public speaking can be a very stressful experience for students and a bad experience can have a long lasting negative effect.  However, I do believe public speaking is an important skill to have and we do a fantastic job of teaching it at all levels here at DCDS (witnessed first hand through my own kids).

The key seems to be providing students with the ability to succeed.  Here is a neat iPad app that may aid in the success of a student while public speaking.  PromptSmart Pro or PromptSmart Lite allows you to convert your iPad into a teleprompter.  Students can add their speech to the app and control the speed and text size on the screen.  Here are some key features:

• VoiceTrack: Follows your words during your speech and automatically scrolls the text at your natural pace in real time
• Digital Notecards: For casual presentations stay on point with built in digital notecards to ensure you address important topics seamlessly
• Audio Recording with export to Google Drive (Lite version)/Video Recording with save to camera roll (Pro version)

I am just thinking out loud, but I wonder if there are creative ways to use this app in an elementary reading and writing curriculum...I'd be intrigued to hear some ideas if anyone has any (feel free to add to the comments)

PromptSmart Website: http://promptsmart.com/

7 Tech Tips for Your Next Read Aloud

Edutopia recently posted an article called 7 Tech Tips for Your Next Read Aloud and I thought it had some great ideas that could be used in our classrooms.  Here is a summary of the 7 Tech Tips and a direct link to the article for further details if you are interested:

1. Video conference in a guest speaker using Skype, Google Hangouts, etc.
2. Project the book on the big screen for everyone to see  using the document camera to project the hard copies of books.  
3. Set-Up online exit slips to have students to answer comprehensive questions or to share their opinion.
4.  Use digital text from the web or downloaded on a device and project it to the big screen.
5. Have students sketch a response to a read aloud instead of writing a response.  There are many applications that can help with this (some provided in the article and feel free to reach out to me for others).
6. Record students responses using recording features on our devices.
7. Get Social: Tweet the read aloud.  I know not everyone has twitter accounts, but the article talks about simulating a texting environment.  

Happy Reading!!!

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/7-tech-tips-read-aloud-monica-burns

BrainRush: A short, fast-paced learning game that automatically adapts to meet the needs of each student.

Game Based Learning (GBL) is a teaching methodology becoming increasingly popular in the classroom.  The premise is to use games that are designed with the idea of achieving learning outcomes to teach content.  I recently stumbled on a neat GBL resource called BrainRush.

BrainRush offers game based learning activities tied to all K-12 subjects.  The site provides  the opportunity to learn using existing game based activities called BrainRushes or by creating or customizing your own.  These games use an "adaptive practice technology" allowing this platform to be ideal for differentiated instruction. 

Accessing BrainRush is easy.  You can sign up for free using the Google sign up option (this allows you to sign in using your DCDS credentials).   Once logged in you have the ability to create a class to monitor student progress.  Here are some ideas for use in the classroom:

• Bell Work/Bell Ringer Exercises
• Homework Practice
• Vocabulary
• Stations
• Remediation
• Test Preparation

My favorite way to use this application would be to have students demonstrate mastery by creating their own BrainRushes. I am a big proponent of having students demonstrate mastery by creating (whether it be games, presentations, or assessments.)  I think in order to create and deliver meaningful content, students need to truly understand the content. These BrainRushes can then in turn be used review assignments for other students.  

Website Link http://www.brainrush.com

Zing: An eBook Platform

What is Zing?

Zing is an eBook platform created by Schoolwide.  Schoolwide is an organization whose mission "is to improve student reading, writing and learning by increasing the tools teachers can use to teach effectively."  One of these tools is Zing and here is what it offers:

• Huge Selection: of trade book titles that students will want to read, including award winning titles, books and series from well-known authors, Spanish leveled books, and short texts, poems and articles
• Accessibility:  accessible on desktops, laptops, tablets, interactive white boards
• eLearning: full customizable teaching points within books to support students in developing the skills and strategies they need to comprehend texts
• Assessment: students progress monitoring and reporting to provide actionable data for teachers and schools
• Teaching Opportunities: supports whole class instruction, guided reading instruction, and independent reading in class or at home

To learn more about Zing, check out these two link:

Vimeo Video about Zing
Zing Website

Macbook: Keychain Issues After Changing Your Network Password

Since we have moved to a mixed device environment for our staff, one of the more common issues occurring is with the keychain when Macbook users change their DCDS password (this is a known issue from Apple when network passwords are tied to Active Directory.  There is a roadmap for a fix in future OS X updates).  If your password expired before you had a chance to change it or you did not follow the preferred method of changing your password provided in an earlier post then you may be encountering keychain popups.

To correct this, please follow these steps to update your keychain password:

1. Open the Keychain Access: Hold down command and space together to bring up the spotlight search field: Type in Keychain Access
2. From the Edit menu, choose: Change Password for Keychain "login"
3. Type your original password in the current password field
4. In the new password field, type the password that matches the current account password
5. Re-enter the newer password in the Verify field, then click ok

If this does not work, then you will need to reset the password keychain entirely by following these steps:

1. Open the Keychain Access: Hold down command and space together to bring up the spotlight search field: Type in Keychain Access
2. From the Keychain Access menu (words Keychain Access at the top left near the apple), choose Preferences
3. Click General, then click Reset My Default Keychain
4. Authenticate with your current/new account login password
5. Quit Keychain Access 
6. Restart your computer

Repost: Changing Your Network Password on a Macbook

If you are a Macbook user looking to change your network password, this post will show you the preferred way to change your password to AVOID KEYCHAIN ISSUES.  Unfortunately, there is a known issue when passwords are tied to an active directory (which ours is) that Apple is working on. Hopefully in future OS X releases this will be fixed and not a concern. In the meantime, if  you currently follow other methods to change your password on a macbook, you run the risk of keychain request pop ups.  (I will be providing details on how to reset your keychain password in a subsequent post titled "Macbook: Keychain Issues After Changing Your Network Password" for those of you whose password expired or you changed the password via another method and run into the keychain pop up):

1. Ensure you are onsite at one of our buildings
2. Launch your system preferences
3. Select users and groups
4. Select change password
5. Type in your old password
6. Type in a new password
7. Type your new password in again in the verify field
8. Select change password