Online K12 Conference Reflection
I took some notes as to what I viewed for the k12.onlinwconference.org and then wrote some summaries as to how I would apply what I learned to my classroom and my teaching. Enjoy!
Pre-conference keynote:
Finding ways to collaborate and communicate and to help kids communicate with and teach others. To do this, they need access and devices to use. Some may not have this at home, so we would have to find ways to make this happen. How can we transform the learning of our students. It made me thing of how to better bring education to kids through BYOD. I thought about How I could use Skype to be able to communicate with native speakers, like my friend Lalo who lives in town, but may have a hard time meeting with use here at the school. It also made me think about how they learn and when. It does not have to be just tied to my class during the day. They mentioned someone “being with their people.” It made me think about who are my people, both professionally and personally. That makes for a lot of people and connections.
They had cool tweet boards and blogs, but I am not sure how or if I want to really be able to use this with my students. I am all for communication, but I am still not sure where the boundaries should be. Blogs were mentioned, but I would like some help using this to teach.
Spanish classes were connected through social media by using Skype. They stated that is was a powerful connection that We have not yet explored.
Collaboration was big in the keynote. This is fine with me, but it would need to happen in the target language. They kids in the classes had ipads. I would love to know more about it, but from an Android standpoint. I guess I have some research to do.
Creating was also mentioned to help give kids a voice. How to use Instagram or Pintrest. Some of the creation stuff was also hands on. However, digital media can also be used to create through educreation and Google apps. It is kind of cool, and only takes up memory space to contain a LOT of creations. These creations can be put into portfolios.
They also mentioned flipping the classroom and how they were able to teach with it and how students were able to use Haiku Deck to have kids make the presentations. I never really thought about it, but maybe my students will learn how to use an iPad or tablet in my room, and then want to purchase one for themselves.
The first videocast that I watched was about Creating Learning Experiences Without the Textbook. It was a short video, but it seemed to have a LOT of information packed in. Based in Trussville, Alabama, it seems to have a lot of good things going for it. Teachers are led by administrators and other teachers at least weekly to be able to create and see how other teachers teach. Students also mad videos to teach other how to use the concepts that they had learned in class. Several tools were mentioned that I was already aware of, it QR codes. They also talked about sheets with codes given out to help get it done. However, they were placed in areas for a field trip that kids took to be able to access more information. I know that we have other apps that do a better job, but the process seemed cool. It could also be used by kids who were not able to go on the fieldtrip. They also talked about Edmodo, which I have seen before, but have not used in our tech classes.
Web pages were discussed, and the use of live web casts.
An application that was new to me was Wix.com, a free account with templates to make web pages. It can use flash or html web pages. They talked about www.socrative.com that can use wifi devices as clickers. They also discussed online cohorts and using common tools and technology.
I want to try out the Wix website, and also find more frequent time to meet with teachers in my subject area to discuss how we can better collaborate. A few of us share a Dropbox folder, but I would like to do more.
The second videocast I watched was Implementing the Flipped Classroom. It was more geared for administrators, but flippedclassroom.org as well as several other sites for the Flipped model. This was good to watch to help me explain to my administration about how to work and it and use it best.
The model:
What is the best use of your classroom?
Move the direct content to home. Lecture gets done at home, like the explaining part. Some myths and conceptions are that it is all about the videos. It is about the active and engaging stuff in class. Technology access can be an issue, so flash drives and DVDs were utilized. Now, even smartphones can be used. The homework does not have to be a video, but students, myself included, would probably rather watch a video than read a book, especially textbook.
Flipped mastery approach: take it to the next level: Flipped 201. The model is:
Direct Instruction-Practice-Apply-Assess-Remediate,( especially of and then Reassess
It talks about how to help our students become independent learners.
Every student is reached everyday of done properly. If the mastery model is used, there are no gaps because remediation is done. It may be noisy and la little messy. Change takes time. Teachers need time to change and time to collaborate. I have known this for more that 10 years, and the situation has improved over time, but it can still get better. Mistakes will be made, and we have to realize that and be able to fix it. Teacher evaluation need to occur, and it will look different in this model.
Progression goes from Try something new to work out the kinks to part of the culture. It is important to get a coach, like the one used at flippedclassroom.com, and do not forget the IT department. I am part of that here at BHS, so it is nice to be on that look.
Faculty meetings can also be Flipped! I would love to see that if that is something we want to promote, in everything we do. Don’t forget it can be personalized. Think of how we can now custom-order our cars, drinks, and food. There is a text titled Flip Your Classroom for more information.
I though this gave me additional insights as to how to help my administration see what we are doing and explain to those unfamiliar with the model how it works and why. For a foreign language, it is a no-brainer. The most valuable thing we can do in our classrooms is to speak that language and use it in real life or role play contexts.
The 3rd session I watched was Speak Up! Transforming Classroom Discussions by Robert Appino. He works in Ho Chi Min City in Vietnam! Some kids enjoy speaking up ideas while other do not. What can we do to help those who do not speak up in class?
Face-To-Face Discussions were compared to Virtual Discussions. In a study where he compared the two styles, females seemed inhibited in the classroom by the dominant males in the class, who outnumbered the girls 2:1. One of the more inhibited girls in the class in face to face discussions was the most active blogger in the class. Would Virtual Discussions help her out? Some studies say that virtual worlds will be used more in teaching in the future. Another study showed that students had a higher number of on-topic discussions in the face-to-face setting that in the virtual setting.
Second Life is a virtual 3d world that is created to be anonymous. This led to students going more off task in the virtual world.
However, this setting provided more opportunities to communicate for students who tended to be quieter in face-to-face discussions. This seemed to help. While outspoken students may be looked well upon in some cultures, other cultures do not appreciate this. It can be culture.
“Quiet” students may be more comfortable to contribute to virtual online work group. However, face to face discussions seem to be more real and authentic. It was also noted that online discussions were more comfortable and less aggressive, and more equal opportunities to respond.
In the end, the study showed that Participation increased in Virtual Discussions, along with the quality of participation. So students were more on topic. Females were freed from the constraints they felt in the real class with more frequent on topic discussions. The males were more on topic and didn’t blurt out like in real life. They also read what their responses were.
SO would Twitter and other was of having Virtual Discussions work in my class? Several tools that I need to try out were mentioned. Among them are: Titan Pad, TodaysMeet, and Collaborize Classroom. I also need to try to use Google docs with the chat function enabled. Currently in my classroom, we give out pesos for participation in class. Maybe I need to give out pesos for online participation as well. There is a required amount of participation for my class, and a good portion of it revolves around verbal communication. However, this presentation has mad me think that maybe communication in any form should be rewarded equally.
The last presentation that I watched was called Kids Teaching Kids. It talked about student forums were homework was posted and students could communicate through it online to each other through instant messaging for help with math on Math Train. This was happening on a 6th grade level. It was done through a math cast, with a tablet pc and Camtasia studio. It had voice and video of the process, but no video of the actual teacher. It was part of mathtrain.tv. The kids got behind it and started making the videos. I think that my high schools kids could do this. We have to be able to trust kids with the technology to be able to do new things and treat then as equals. This seems to engage and encourage students to do well in the classes and stimulates them to create, listen in and respect others.
I like how students are able to tutor and teach each other. We need to give the kids the tools to do it. Making a video helps kids to master concepts and think through what they are doing in order to be able to show others. One student had 30,000 views. Kids can better relate in their own language and different thought processes. Some of the live and unscripted videos help teachers to also see the thought processes of the students through their kid language. Some Pneumonic devices were used, and it was really kind of cute and fun to watch and here.
This method seems to help kids to want to participate to own their own learning. The videos were not forced or rewarded, but he students felt self motivated to make them.
I think there are several ways that this could apply to have students help other students to be able to learn. The classroom should be used to help students learn. I can see myself assigning students to make videos on what they know how to do to help other to also learn. It helps keep learning a two way street. It will make the learning more hands-on and more reflective. I can’t wait to flip my classroom and then have students be able to make the videos and contribute to the learning. If topics were pre-assigned, could students learn the material faster. After watching this last presentation, I want to make a video instead of type all of this!
Pre-conference keynote:
Finding ways to collaborate and communicate and to help kids communicate with and teach others. To do this, they need access and devices to use. Some may not have this at home, so we would have to find ways to make this happen. How can we transform the learning of our students. It made me thing of how to better bring education to kids through BYOD. I thought about How I could use Skype to be able to communicate with native speakers, like my friend Lalo who lives in town, but may have a hard time meeting with use here at the school. It also made me think about how they learn and when. It does not have to be just tied to my class during the day. They mentioned someone “being with their people.” It made me think about who are my people, both professionally and personally. That makes for a lot of people and connections.
They had cool tweet boards and blogs, but I am not sure how or if I want to really be able to use this with my students. I am all for communication, but I am still not sure where the boundaries should be. Blogs were mentioned, but I would like some help using this to teach.
Spanish classes were connected through social media by using Skype. They stated that is was a powerful connection that We have not yet explored.
Collaboration was big in the keynote. This is fine with me, but it would need to happen in the target language. They kids in the classes had ipads. I would love to know more about it, but from an Android standpoint. I guess I have some research to do.
Creating was also mentioned to help give kids a voice. How to use Instagram or Pintrest. Some of the creation stuff was also hands on. However, digital media can also be used to create through educreation and Google apps. It is kind of cool, and only takes up memory space to contain a LOT of creations. These creations can be put into portfolios.
They also mentioned flipping the classroom and how they were able to teach with it and how students were able to use Haiku Deck to have kids make the presentations. I never really thought about it, but maybe my students will learn how to use an iPad or tablet in my room, and then want to purchase one for themselves.
The first videocast that I watched was about Creating Learning Experiences Without the Textbook. It was a short video, but it seemed to have a LOT of information packed in. Based in Trussville, Alabama, it seems to have a lot of good things going for it. Teachers are led by administrators and other teachers at least weekly to be able to create and see how other teachers teach. Students also mad videos to teach other how to use the concepts that they had learned in class. Several tools were mentioned that I was already aware of, it QR codes. They also talked about sheets with codes given out to help get it done. However, they were placed in areas for a field trip that kids took to be able to access more information. I know that we have other apps that do a better job, but the process seemed cool. It could also be used by kids who were not able to go on the fieldtrip. They also talked about Edmodo, which I have seen before, but have not used in our tech classes.
Web pages were discussed, and the use of live web casts.
An application that was new to me was Wix.com, a free account with templates to make web pages. It can use flash or html web pages. They talked about www.socrative.com that can use wifi devices as clickers. They also discussed online cohorts and using common tools and technology.
I want to try out the Wix website, and also find more frequent time to meet with teachers in my subject area to discuss how we can better collaborate. A few of us share a Dropbox folder, but I would like to do more.
The second videocast I watched was Implementing the Flipped Classroom. It was more geared for administrators, but flippedclassroom.org as well as several other sites for the Flipped model. This was good to watch to help me explain to my administration about how to work and it and use it best.
The model:
What is the best use of your classroom?
Move the direct content to home. Lecture gets done at home, like the explaining part. Some myths and conceptions are that it is all about the videos. It is about the active and engaging stuff in class. Technology access can be an issue, so flash drives and DVDs were utilized. Now, even smartphones can be used. The homework does not have to be a video, but students, myself included, would probably rather watch a video than read a book, especially textbook.
Flipped mastery approach: take it to the next level: Flipped 201. The model is:
Direct Instruction-Practice-Apply-Assess-Remediate,( especially of and then Reassess
It talks about how to help our students become independent learners.
Every student is reached everyday of done properly. If the mastery model is used, there are no gaps because remediation is done. It may be noisy and la little messy. Change takes time. Teachers need time to change and time to collaborate. I have known this for more that 10 years, and the situation has improved over time, but it can still get better. Mistakes will be made, and we have to realize that and be able to fix it. Teacher evaluation need to occur, and it will look different in this model.
Progression goes from Try something new to work out the kinks to part of the culture. It is important to get a coach, like the one used at flippedclassroom.com, and do not forget the IT department. I am part of that here at BHS, so it is nice to be on that look.
Faculty meetings can also be Flipped! I would love to see that if that is something we want to promote, in everything we do. Don’t forget it can be personalized. Think of how we can now custom-order our cars, drinks, and food. There is a text titled Flip Your Classroom for more information.
I though this gave me additional insights as to how to help my administration see what we are doing and explain to those unfamiliar with the model how it works and why. For a foreign language, it is a no-brainer. The most valuable thing we can do in our classrooms is to speak that language and use it in real life or role play contexts.
The 3rd session I watched was Speak Up! Transforming Classroom Discussions by Robert Appino. He works in Ho Chi Min City in Vietnam! Some kids enjoy speaking up ideas while other do not. What can we do to help those who do not speak up in class?
Face-To-Face Discussions were compared to Virtual Discussions. In a study where he compared the two styles, females seemed inhibited in the classroom by the dominant males in the class, who outnumbered the girls 2:1. One of the more inhibited girls in the class in face to face discussions was the most active blogger in the class. Would Virtual Discussions help her out? Some studies say that virtual worlds will be used more in teaching in the future. Another study showed that students had a higher number of on-topic discussions in the face-to-face setting that in the virtual setting.
Second Life is a virtual 3d world that is created to be anonymous. This led to students going more off task in the virtual world.
However, this setting provided more opportunities to communicate for students who tended to be quieter in face-to-face discussions. This seemed to help. While outspoken students may be looked well upon in some cultures, other cultures do not appreciate this. It can be culture.
“Quiet” students may be more comfortable to contribute to virtual online work group. However, face to face discussions seem to be more real and authentic. It was also noted that online discussions were more comfortable and less aggressive, and more equal opportunities to respond.
In the end, the study showed that Participation increased in Virtual Discussions, along with the quality of participation. So students were more on topic. Females were freed from the constraints they felt in the real class with more frequent on topic discussions. The males were more on topic and didn’t blurt out like in real life. They also read what their responses were.
SO would Twitter and other was of having Virtual Discussions work in my class? Several tools that I need to try out were mentioned. Among them are: Titan Pad, TodaysMeet, and Collaborize Classroom. I also need to try to use Google docs with the chat function enabled. Currently in my classroom, we give out pesos for participation in class. Maybe I need to give out pesos for online participation as well. There is a required amount of participation for my class, and a good portion of it revolves around verbal communication. However, this presentation has mad me think that maybe communication in any form should be rewarded equally.
The last presentation that I watched was called Kids Teaching Kids. It talked about student forums were homework was posted and students could communicate through it online to each other through instant messaging for help with math on Math Train. This was happening on a 6th grade level. It was done through a math cast, with a tablet pc and Camtasia studio. It had voice and video of the process, but no video of the actual teacher. It was part of mathtrain.tv. The kids got behind it and started making the videos. I think that my high schools kids could do this. We have to be able to trust kids with the technology to be able to do new things and treat then as equals. This seems to engage and encourage students to do well in the classes and stimulates them to create, listen in and respect others.
I like how students are able to tutor and teach each other. We need to give the kids the tools to do it. Making a video helps kids to master concepts and think through what they are doing in order to be able to show others. One student had 30,000 views. Kids can better relate in their own language and different thought processes. Some of the live and unscripted videos help teachers to also see the thought processes of the students through their kid language. Some Pneumonic devices were used, and it was really kind of cute and fun to watch and here.
This method seems to help kids to want to participate to own their own learning. The videos were not forced or rewarded, but he students felt self motivated to make them.
I think there are several ways that this could apply to have students help other students to be able to learn. The classroom should be used to help students learn. I can see myself assigning students to make videos on what they know how to do to help other to also learn. It helps keep learning a two way street. It will make the learning more hands-on and more reflective. I can’t wait to flip my classroom and then have students be able to make the videos and contribute to the learning. If topics were pre-assigned, could students learn the material faster. After watching this last presentation, I want to make a video instead of type all of this!
Final Presentation of Technology assessment.
http://prezi.com/vqefmtmgxtk2/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy
Skyward Assessments
I really enjoyed using Skyward assessment quiz tool. At first I had issues, but the PDF helped me get past step #6, and then things went smoothly. I liked how the score goes right into Skyward, and I do not have to do anything else. My students also preferred to use this over Canvas. I think it is simply because they are familiar with how it works and they know how to log on. They did not seem to like canvas a much.
One thing that I did not enjoy about Skyward is the fact that is has a more limited variety of the types of questions that can be asked in comparison with Canvas. I also wish that I know more about hoe to transfer assignments over from other classes. I know how to import whole classes in Canvas, but I do not know how to do this with Skyward yet.
I wish that all of the logins could be the same for all students, regardless of whether it is for Canvas or Skyward. I will probably use Skyward more because it is hassle free for grading, but my student teacher and I have also started to utilize Canvas for the microphone recording feature and the easy to use rubrics that it has. My only wish is that Skyward should be able to directly import grades from Canvas, or maybe in one big swoop from an Excel document or something. Both seem to have great features, but I simple want the best of both worlds.
One thing that I did not enjoy about Skyward is the fact that is has a more limited variety of the types of questions that can be asked in comparison with Canvas. I also wish that I know more about hoe to transfer assignments over from other classes. I know how to import whole classes in Canvas, but I do not know how to do this with Skyward yet.
I wish that all of the logins could be the same for all students, regardless of whether it is for Canvas or Skyward. I will probably use Skyward more because it is hassle free for grading, but my student teacher and I have also started to utilize Canvas for the microphone recording feature and the easy to use rubrics that it has. My only wish is that Skyward should be able to directly import grades from Canvas, or maybe in one big swoop from an Excel document or something. Both seem to have great features, but I simple want the best of both worlds.
9/17/13
Thinglink.com is blocked due to the ability to search for prohibited materials and photos.
It can be embedded in a the website.
Next weeks is the last weeks of class.. the final deadline is October 1st.
DO THINGLINK, but he student side will not be counted against the grade.
Make , administer and present the data, and how it was used.
NEARPOD-it controls the device for the kids through the teachers device; you can show the kids work on the big screen.
Ppt can be imported and present questions during class
Nearpod
Npp is a nearpod presentation
Set up with your educator email
Can be launched , assigned as homework
It works as an app, but what about online?
Share lets it go out to the audience
You can change from presentations, w new pins and change from one presentation to go into another from one to another.
Learnzillion is free
You can see what the students wrote on the screen. It can them be enlarged
Set up email to get the report sent to you.
EBL line of evidence
Nearpod
Controlled or android or web based to see the presentation, teacher can control it from an ipod or android device
SOME THINGS ARE NOT FREE!
Student.infuselearning.com
DOES NOT SUPPORT IE
Gives previews of questions
Bad word filter
Both are cool
FREE!!!!
You can upload your students from a template form, as an excel spreadsheet
You can draw for your answer
Save results
One giant pdf file with all of the stuff they wrote and how it was done!
Send a link for the ipad to see it
Brianpop
Flubaroo
Videos for info w caption available
Make a copy of the spreadsheet
File
Make a copy,Titled copy; add the script for the
Goto insert, script flubaroo
Response nae as teacher, w your email, you can use a studnt as the answer key
Question responses grading 1 – 5 points or skip grading
CAN BE USED TO GRADE W QUIZZES, etc from the spread sheet
Google forms quiz (see flubaroo for user guide) skip grading to evaluate it on your own
Sort Period
Score
Make copy, insert script; to add the flubaroo tab; you can skip grade or have multiple answers; check grading report
Use csd docs email!!!
Email scores
It can be embedded in a the website.
Next weeks is the last weeks of class.. the final deadline is October 1st.
DO THINGLINK, but he student side will not be counted against the grade.
Make , administer and present the data, and how it was used.
NEARPOD-it controls the device for the kids through the teachers device; you can show the kids work on the big screen.
Ppt can be imported and present questions during class
Nearpod
Npp is a nearpod presentation
Set up with your educator email
Can be launched , assigned as homework
It works as an app, but what about online?
Share lets it go out to the audience
You can change from presentations, w new pins and change from one presentation to go into another from one to another.
Learnzillion is free
You can see what the students wrote on the screen. It can them be enlarged
Set up email to get the report sent to you.
EBL line of evidence
Nearpod
Controlled or android or web based to see the presentation, teacher can control it from an ipod or android device
SOME THINGS ARE NOT FREE!
Student.infuselearning.com
DOES NOT SUPPORT IE
Gives previews of questions
Bad word filter
Both are cool
FREE!!!!
You can upload your students from a template form, as an excel spreadsheet
You can draw for your answer
Save results
One giant pdf file with all of the stuff they wrote and how it was done!
Send a link for the ipad to see it
Brianpop
Flubaroo
Videos for info w caption available
Make a copy of the spreadsheet
File
Make a copy,Titled copy; add the script for the
Goto insert, script flubaroo
Response nae as teacher, w your email, you can use a studnt as the answer key
Question responses grading 1 – 5 points or skip grading
CAN BE USED TO GRADE W QUIZZES, etc from the spread sheet
Google forms quiz (see flubaroo for user guide) skip grading to evaluate it on your own
Sort Period
Score
Make copy, insert script; to add the flubaroo tab; you can skip grade or have multiple answers; check grading report
Use csd docs email!!!
Email scores
8/28-Data Dashboard
I really like that I can simply log in to data dashboard with my CSD credentials, and I am in. It seems pretty decent as far as navigation and it it easy to navigate certain fields, like searching for classes and searching for students by name. I will be using it to help better see and track 1) ESL students, 2) students who seem to be struggling in achieving school wide goals, like low math or other scores available as part of standards based testing. The processing used in foreign languages, English, and in math are inter-related for language processing. It is also quick and easy to collect demographics and find birthdays, to help recognize that special day with my students and build report with them. i also like how I can click on a graph bar and get information quickly about that particular part of the graph.
Data Dashboard will help me to identify problem areas for my students, or simply identify if there are problems, and if those problems extend into other into other classes. I also like that i can look up information on any kid in the school. Previously, I could only do this with administrator access in Skyward. Now, in just a few simple clicks, I can find a lot of information on any student in the school. This makes my job a lot easier when I need to know how the ESL population at my school is doing, and I can drill into that information rather quickly.
One thing that I do NOT like about canvas is the HUGE number of options. There are so many things to check or see, that it seems daunting at times. I click in a bar of a bar graph, and information comes up, but there is still information on the page that I am not looking for, and do not really care to see. In this aspect, it seems that there is too much information for me on a single screen.
Data Dashboard will help me to identify problem areas for my students, or simply identify if there are problems, and if those problems extend into other into other classes. I also like that i can look up information on any kid in the school. Previously, I could only do this with administrator access in Skyward. Now, in just a few simple clicks, I can find a lot of information on any student in the school. This makes my job a lot easier when I need to know how the ESL population at my school is doing, and I can drill into that information rather quickly.
One thing that I do NOT like about canvas is the HUGE number of options. There are so many things to check or see, that it seems daunting at times. I click in a bar of a bar graph, and information comes up, but there is still information on the page that I am not looking for, and do not really care to see. In this aspect, it seems that there is too much information for me on a single screen.
8/27 class notes for self
Canvas
settings
then navigation
announcements
Related content may include:
content pages
assignments
discussion
files
external links
quizzes
I CAN STATEMENTS-bubble pages
https://canyons.instructure.com/courses/823829/wiki/canvas-secondary
https://canyons.instructure.com/courses/823334/wiki/canvas-homepage-style-guide?module_item_id=5582316
class dojo an class badges
splashtop and doceri apps
prezi : gamification of the classroom
http://padlet.com/wall/b0y9esuzix
students learn better from taking test than by studying for tests
FEEDBACK from games and tests.
settings
then navigation
announcements
Related content may include:
content pages
assignments
discussion
files
external links
quizzes
I CAN STATEMENTS-bubble pages
https://canyons.instructure.com/courses/823829/wiki/canvas-secondary
https://canyons.instructure.com/courses/823334/wiki/canvas-homepage-style-guide?module_item_id=5582316
class dojo an class badges
splashtop and doceri apps
prezi : gamification of the classroom
http://padlet.com/wall/b0y9esuzix
students learn better from taking test than by studying for tests
FEEDBACK from games and tests.