Usually, Kellie and I use the blog forum to share new ideas about technology integration, reading promotions, and research tips. Yet, sometimes information from last year is so good that it is worth re-posting with updated information.
We know that teachers are looking for ways to include more reading activities into their curriculum. What better way to look for articles than to use the state database trial that’s going on now?
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What will you do this summer? Read, travel, visit family and friends? Although we all have plans, many of us will eventually work on curriculum. As you work, have you ever wondered when, or if, you would be moving from a traditional textbook to a digital textbook?
Here’s a nifty new trick: Plickers.
Lakes CTE Department Chair Neil Lesinski learned about this techy, easy-to-use assessment tool / discussion starter while attending a leadership class at Harvard University over spring break. He demonstrated how it works to the Lakes BLT shortly after his return, and my response was, “Woah.” It’s a little tough to explain how it works in writing, but I’ll give it a shot… As educators, we are always searching for new ways our students can demonstrate their learning to us authentically. Infographics blend visual literacy and written content that students can personalize, and they allow teachers to easily differentiate student learning on a grand scale regardless of the course being taught. In order to create an infographic, students must know what information they want to display. Because students are relying more heavily on visuals than words, they must think about organization so the information they display is communicated dynamically.
For the past month, Lakes ILC secretary Lisa Kent and I have invited students to attend Snack and Learns in the ILC on Fridays during their lunch study halls. We started with Origami. Then we tried Team Trivia (my first time using the Mondopad!). Then we introduced students to our digital media library, Axis360. Then we did game day. Checkers, chess, Uno—that sort of thing. Next up: We’ve invited staff member of the Talon Times to present on how students can use social media to stay up-to-date with school happenings and more. We think we might be on to something. In today’s digital era, teachers are always looking for ways to provide mobile learning opportunities to increase student engagement—whether it’s for the classroom, a club/activity, or sporting event.
One easy way for teachers to do that is by using QR codes. Quite simply, a QR (quick response) code is a two dimensional barcode that can be scanned by a mobile device. These codes can contain links to a website, video, image, etc. Visitors to Mr. Salaban’s classroom have noticed some changes. There are some fascinating new machines buzzing along. At first glance, students wonder what it is. But, with a further look, students notice the machines are making objects. These exciting machines are able to create objects—from what appears to be nothing! The machines are 3D printers. Yes, you can create 3D objects on a computer and print them out. Futuristic? Nope. 3D printing is a reality today. Welcome to 21st century “techy tech!”
Read this Q & A with Chief Technology Officer Ryan Miles to learn about the Mondopad. Both Lakes and Antioch have a Mondopad, which is great for video conferencing and many other class activities. I recently had the pleasure to trying it out for our Team Trivia Snack and Learn last Friday. Students loved it!
Social Studies teacher Eric Vichnick regularly uses video conferencing in his International Relations class to offer his students the chance to interact with and learn from students in other countries. England, Ireland, Italy, Lebanon, Palestinian territories, Pakistan, Israel, Egypt, India, and the United Arab Emirates. Where haven’t Eric’s students virtually traveled?
When Morgan O’Connor and I first introduced the yearlong e-portfolio assignment to her three Global Studies classes, students were less than thrilled. For one, they tend to not like work. For two, most of them have never experienced a project that is an entire year long. One that Just. Won’t. Go. Away.
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AuthorsBarbara Mason AboutThe ILC blog keeps Antioch students and staff up to date with news and events related to reading, research, technology, and more.
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Ideas?Contact me at [email protected] with topic suggestions or to contribute your own post to the ILC blog.
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