Thing 9- iBooks

Free ePub Readers

This is my Kindle library. I use it all of the time, as you can see. I enjoy reading on my iPad because the Kindle App will sync to my iPhone so it will always remember where I left off.

Project Gutenburg

PDF to iBooks

Reflection:

I enjoy the Kindle app over the iBooks app. I think that the Kindle app is straight forward and self explanatory, plus I am an Amazon expert so that helps. I only use the iBooks app to open up PDFs or certain stories.
   I think that there are a lot of great books out there for students of all ages. The downfall is you would have to be able to set up your iPad to read to the students, in my case anyways. I like when you read books on websites on the computer you can have the students click next after a page is read to them. 

   Using an iPad as an eReader would make sense over a traditional book if you are going to be taking notes like textbooks. With an eReader you can write questions and comments right on the page! It is neat because everything is typed and no one has to decipher messy handwriting. I think for traveling eReaders are best because they are compact and you don't have to bring multiple along if you planned on reading more than one book. 
   I think the traditional book still works best when students are learning to read, personally. They should be able to see all of the books they have read on a shelf. They can flip along as the teacher is reading a story to learn more challenging words. Sometimes the eReaders don't have the book you want for free like a library so that would be a good time for a traditional book as well. 
   The eReader has a lot of built in accommodations for all readers. The define option allows the students to figure out the meaning of a word in seconds rather than wrtiing it down then looking it up in a dictionary, which is a whole other skill. The speak portion is helpful so students can follow along as the words are read to them and focus on the comprehension rather than the reading-which is something some students struggle with. Highlighting and notes on an eReader are also something that are beneficial to students. Students with poor handwriting can just type their notes right onto the page. They won't have to struggle reading their notes for a test or re write notes just so the teacher can understand them. For the most part students aren't allowed to highlight directly on their books, unless they are bought for some outrageous amount, so these digitial books would allow students to identify the important parts of the book as they are reading. 

Thing 8- Comic and Book Creation

Comic Creation

Reflection:

It is best to have an idea of what you are going to create a comic about before you go ahead and write it. It is important to know the themes though before you start brainstorming so you are aware of your options. I was really glad I watched the tutorial because that duplicate button saved me a lot of time! I liked how bright and colorful the images were.

1) Students could create a comic strip based on current events or what we read in our News 2 You newspaper. They would be able to pick the characters and words to show what they learned.

2) I could see my students creating comics on how to make a sandwich. They would be responsible for taking pictures and gathering supplies. They would also have to know how to make a sandwich! This would be considered a substitution because the pictures could just be put in a book where I could write the words to describe what is going on. I like that this way the students are responsible for all of the steps.

3) Student could create a comic on preparing to go on a field trip in our class. We could do this as a whole group activity so everyone understands what needs to be packed and brought with us on a trip, no matter how small. 

Book Creation

Reflection:

I have learned how important it is to know where to find images you are allowed to use for these types of projects. I found that to be the hardest part, finding the images. If I were to use this with my students I would have a hand out by the computer or on their desk to show them what website to use and how to save the photos so they were able to easily access them. I also learned it is better to have an idea before you start the project then to just go for it, the second way will take longer.

1) I would pick a routine for a group of students. They would be in charge of taking pictures of the important steps of the routine and how to do it. They could use the text to describe the routine taking place in the picture. In the SAMR model this would be considered an augmentation because the students would be in charge of taking the photos and deciding what is the important part of the routine.

2) Based on the ULS topic of the month students could work with an adult and create a summary of what they have learned. They could take screen shots of stories from ULS to describe the important parts.

3) Students could go around the school taking pictures of other students and staff who are following our PBIS "ROAR." The students would identify which behavior the students are following and write that below the picture. They could go on to share this with the school to show what they have learned about "ROAR."

Thing 7- Digital Storytelling

Animated Story Project

Story board created using Popplet Lite App. 

The rough draft of my script using the Notes App.

http://youtu.be/VXPY8RAcxe8 This is story I created using Sock Puppets.

 Image Based Story Project 

My storyboard using Popplet Lite App.

Script from the Notes app: This is a video about how to start your day right with our morning procedure. First you come off the bus and quietly walk down the hall to our classroom. Then you take off your jacket and your backpacks. If you have boots now would be a good time to take them off. Take your notebook out of your backpack and put it on the shelf. Then go over to the refrigerator and get a drink. If you would like a snack pick one from the snack basket on the counter. Find a seat to eat. Once you are done eating throw away any trash then go to the bathroom to wash your hand and face. Finally look at the daily schedule to see what we are going to do next.

This is the image based story I created using Videolicious. I also edited a picture using Photoshop Express and Skitch. http://youtu.be/YY0CZ2CCeqg

Reflection

1. I would use image based digital storytelling apps to explain procedures in the classroom. It is visual and auditory to help the students understand the process. I would also use animation to explain rules and expectation for the classroom and school. I could also see a teacher explaining how a center would function or what work the students should do independently. I like that the image based ones can use actual students and objects that have meaning to the students. 

1. http://bit.ly/1fSYfJm (Talking Snowman, super funny and the student works on learning a new perspective http://bit.ly/1fSYpR0 (Student explains art project that was created using recycled materials)

1. I think the animated story telling would be a good way for students to reflect on their learning. They could create animations of the stories they listened to or read. The students could also create alternative endings to stories using animated story telling. In combination with other apps students could understand the different parts of a story and let it all flow together and create their own story from scratch. Image based story telling would be used more for explaining pictures, assignments, answers, etc. While looking at an image students could describe it and it would be recorded for everyone to hear. Another thing I see it being used for was to create a slide show to show people the process of an assignment or to explain a specific process. 

Thing 6- Screencasting

Explore Screencasts 

Money Review- This is a video created by a teacher that was made for the students to practice adding money and dollar bills. The teacher asks the viewers to pause the video so they could complete the problem then he shows how got to the correct total so students can compare their answers and steps.  http://www.educreations.com/lesson/view/money-review/6475497/?ref=app

Money Unit Intro Lesson-This lessons was also created by a teacher to begin her unit on adding money under $1.00. She gave examples http://www.educreations.com/lesson/view/money-unit-intro-lesson/7374192/?ref=app

Reflection: I liked the Money Unit Intro Lesson and thought it was more effective than the Money Review. Although they both used actual coins and dollar bill images the Intro Lesson video had more effective annotations. I also find it hard to believe that students would pause the video to practice independently like the Money Review video asked the students to do. I know they should but will they? And if they don't practice they aren't going to have a clue what is going on in class. The Intro Lesson was clean, which is how I am or I get easily distracted, and included a variety of colors and text. The Money Review presenter was also going quickly. I liked at the end of the Intro Lesson the teacher left the students with a problem they needed to bring into class so it kept the students engaged until the end.
   I felt that by searching through the lessons I learned a lot about what I felt would be important in a video I made for my class. It would need to be short with visuals and clear explanations. I shouldn't be doing a lot of annotations because that would easily distract some of my students. I liked the idea of students interacting with the material and showing me evidence that they watched what I had created to help them learn.

Create a Screencast

I created a screen cast on teeth brushing.

http://www.educreations.com/lesson/view/toothbrushing/18717850/?ref=appemail

I used soundcloud to record my reflection: https://soundcloud.com/meaghan-garbutt/sounds-from-sunday-evening

I was really impressed with the quality of the recording and how easy it was to use! 

Thing 5- Presentations

Presentations

The following is a link to my presentation. I reflected on a session I recently attended at the MACUL conference about branding your classroom. It inspired me to think about what was really important in my classroom.

http://www.haikudeck.com/p/kJ3qJ40bJJ

I used Haiku Deck to create my presentation on the iPad. At MACUL a lot of presenters used Haiku Deck and the visuals were amazing! I would recommend to students to first think of words that describe the purpose of their presentation. I think when using Haiku Deck the selection of images can be overwhelming so make sure they are picking out the images that best reflect their point and not just what looks cool. It is also important to choose the correct layout for the audience. Having a lot of words on the slide along with the large image in the background can be too busy so think again of what you want the audience to be focused on.

In my class I see student creating a presentation as a reflection after a field trip or community experience. They could pick the images of what they learned such as manners or a new word on their communication device. I think that this would fall under Modification in the SAMR model because they could just show the pictures but with using a presentation app they would have the ability to pick images and words to convey a message. My students enjoy sharing what they do at home so presenting a story about what they do at home for others to see would be cool. I think my students would like the idea for only using a couple of words to describe what they are talking about. Another idea they could present on would be to explain what they learned in our Unique Learning Curriculum for the month. They would be able to share this with other classes and students to show what they have learned. This would fall under Adaptation under the SAMR model because they could create images right from the internet to add to the presentation and then add to our classroom blog.

Thing 4- Photo Editing

Take and Edit Photos

Original Photo taken with Camera

Screenshot of Original Photo

Edited using Photos Tools

Using photos in the classroom is an invaluable tool. You could use photos documenting student participation and create a timeline of pictures of them doing work from the beginning to the end of the school year. I know parents love to see students being involved with the different activities that go on in and outside of the classroom. As a special education teacher, I will go over to a student working on an academic app and take a screenshot of their work. It is just another way to show what they are capable of doing. We also work on a lot of communication in our classroom so it would be fun to show a picture of an activity and have the students say or create a sentence about what is happening in the picture. Students could go on a scavenger hunt around the building and look for different objects. They could match the objects listen then take pictures. Although some of my students have physical disabilities they are still able to take pictures and be proud of the work they made!

Photo Enhancement 

 

Original Photo

Modified with Photoshop Express

I chose to use Photoshop Express to modify this photo because I already know Skitch. I thought that Photoshop Express was easy and fun to use. I liked the different options that were available to edit the photo. I think it would be interesting to pick a time frame then have the students edit the picture to make it from that time frame. I would use it to spruce up the pictures that I send home or put on the classroom blog for a different look. This could definitely be used as a creative outlet for students by having them bring in photos from home to edit. The students could let their imaginations run free! 

Thing 3- Staying Informed

News



The students can use news articles to find current events that are going on in the world. Students can use an article as a point to start research on a topic. I think that sharing school related articles with parents would be helpful. As a teacher having news articles to support my point of view would help parents get on board as well.

FlipBoard

Here is a link to my Educational Technology FlipBoard. I had a great time using FlipBoard. I see lots of benefits to using this app. I like that you can customize the articles so you only read the articles that are relevant to your topic. I would like to create more flipboards for my parents so they don't have to search the internet on a topic but could just read a magazine created on flipboard. Since I teach special education it would also be good to share special education law changes and assistive technology advice with my co workers. I am sure there are endless possibilities but right now to slowly get into I will start with those.

Thing 2- Connecting and Communicating

Build Your LPN

 Twitter has completely changed my view on professional development and creating a network of resources. Twitter is a non stop pool of resources. People can share information at all time. In fact, it can be a bit overwhelming because there is a TON of information. Issues involving twitter include the fact that some professionals don't have personal and professional accounts so people see personal information while the account only intends to share professional information.

Participate in a Video Call

As a teacher it is important to connect with other educators outside of your building to bounce ideas off of. Google+ Hangouts is a great way to Connect with educators not only in your area but also in places that might take hours to get to. It is always refreshing to hear a new perspective and gain knowledge about your field. I personally use Google+Hangouts to see my friends who don't live close and enjoy the fact more than one of us can hang out at the same time. It would be fun to video call other students so students could discuss a topic they were learning about. Another way this could be used is for students to interview authors or historians to learn more information about a topic.

Thing 1- IPad Basics and Pedagogy

Customizing the Home Screen

 Customizing the ipad for classroom use helps my classroom run smoothly. For one my classroom staff now the apps the students are allowed to be on because I put all of the apps the students are to use on the front page and on the dock. The apps are easily accessible and recognizable. The students are also aware of this rule. They know to be on the front page or use the dock to find an app that they can use.

SMAR Model

Substitution- Students used Rocket Math game on the IPad to practice math skills instead of using a pencil and paper. This would be considered substitution because the student just replaced pencil and paper and the IPad did not add anything else to practicing the skill. It would be considered remembering under Bloom's Taxonomy because the students are just carrying over math skills they have already learned or are using the game to practice a skill. 0:30 in the Hamilton video.
Modification- Students were able to zoom in on the graph to see how lines are reflected across the x axis. This is considered modification because not only are the students graphing on the IPad but they are also able to zoom in on the coordinates they need to be able to see. This would be considered remembering in Bloom's Taxonomy because the students are recognizing where the lines reflect across the x axis. 0:44-1:05 in the 9th grade video.
Augmentation- Students created a commercial using the iPads to promote selling wristband to help build an onsite classroom. I believe this fits augmentation because they could have just used a camcorder but instead used their iPads to create this movie and were able to add more to it that wouldn't have been possible just using an IPad. This would fit under Bloom's Taxonomy as creating because the students created this commercial from scratch. 0:44 in the Zeeland 5th grade video
Redefinition- Stydents are able to take virtual field trips using the iPads. I think this is considered redefinition because the IPad allows students to individually experience these field trips. It used to be when there wasn't any money students couldn't experience leaving the classsroom but know students can go on field trips independently using the IPad. I would consider this specific part of the video understanding because the teacher asks the students to write about an artificat they saw on their virtual field trip. 0:33-0:47 in the Chicago video.