My colleagues and I have been discussing ideas for my EDIT 7500 project. We are currently learning to use our iPads that were given to us in May of this year. We recently were informed that the Apple trainers will be on our campus in September to assist us in using iMovie and any other app or assistance we need in using our iPad. We are required to have some footage of class activities, which may include us teaching and/or using technology in the classroom, for the time we will spend with the Apple trainers. Teachers will have a year to explore ways to use the iPad in the classroom in preparation for students receiving them next year. So I have thought about developing a project in which teachers/students have to use the iPad.
This year, our school also incorporated Studywiz as part of the Elementary Digital Learning Environment. Studywiz is an online learning management system in which teachers may communicate with students and parents. As part of my internship this summer, I had an opportunity to provide training sessions for my colleagues as well as create video and written tutorials to assist them in becoming acquainted with this tool. As we continue to explore the different functions of Studywiz, there is still a need for training sessions. Julia Osteen, Technology Integration Chair, will be offering training sessions for teachers. However, I also would like to continue providing some support to my fellow colleagues as they continue to use Studywiz. I have thought about hosting a blog in which they may ask questions. Another idea is to develop an Elluminate session in which teachers may ask their questions and actually go through the process while in the Elluminate session.
Today I had an opportunity to explore Julia Osteen's Blog, Reflections from the Trenches. In that blog, she shared the effect subject matter experts have on students. Although she is an expert in her field, the students somehow were enamored when the same information was shared by Ed Leonard, Chief Technology Officer at Dreamworks. This triggered an idea that our team discussed last year. That is to invite SMEs--authors, editors, etc.,-- into our classroom via the internet. We are incorporating book clubs into our reading program this year. Having an author or illustrator meet with the students via the internet could be a motivator for the students to read and share what they are reading. So that is another idea that I am pondering--how I can incorporate that into a lesson for our team. So much to think about as I plan for my final project for this degree program. So excited to see what the end will be. Stay tuned... Off to read the standards.
Well, first make sure it is OK to make the learning for teachers, and not students. I KNOW you are A#1 at designing learning tutorials. I have seen it. The focus may be on students, so you may have to go with your latter idea. But, maybe not?
ReplyDeleteI think kids like to be heard. It makes realize that educational pursuits have value and their thoughts on such things are appreciated. Also, students LOVE to have guest speakers. We have had veterans and Holocaust survivors come speak to our kids and they were very attentive and asked relevant questions. Maybe students could interview the SMEs and create a cool 3-5 minute news segment or something. I know you guys have the best tools at your disposal.
--Angie
Thanks so much Angie for your thoughts. The idea of having students interview SMEs and create a news segment to share sounds great. The news segments could be videotaped using the iPad. The segments may also be posted on Studywiz for parents to view. Your suggestions have my thoughts flowing...hmmmm. After posting, I viewed http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/, one of the cool tools demos shared earlier. Off to do more research.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love the idea of having the kids interview the guest speaker! You could even assign roles to the kids, (interviewer, reporter, videographer). You could give a couple of kids Flip camcorders to record the session from different angles too, which would be more interesting to watch. Could you show them how to edit their news report on the iPad or MacBook?
ReplyDeleteAs for finding authors/illustrators/SMEs who are willing to do this, I think social networking would be a great tool for you. I have been exploring the idea of joining Twitter, and although I am hesitant to add another thing to my already busy life, this is a tool you can use to communicate with SMEs. Just a thought. :)
Lady Be good,
ReplyDeleteWow, you have a lot of great resources and ideas for your project! An Apple trainer at your school will give you a lot more ideas, I would bet. You should have a fun idea for your class to video tape. Maybe have them all wear fake mustaches....
I can't wait to see how your ideas develop and unfold as you progress.
I like all of your ideas- and it is great to see so much thought going into the project. Your school sounds like Utopia!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I love the idea of having students enter the realm of social media and interacting with authors, SMEs, etc... in that way. Maybe you could try Edmodo? That way, with parental permission, your classroom could have its own social network (in case some parents are wary of having their kids do class stuff with Facebook)... You could invite willing authors and SMEs to join the network. What do you think??
Anyway, just some thoughts. Good luck. I know it will be a great project!
Lady Be Good,
ReplyDeleteWe too are receiving Ipads this year, but I have yet to hear of any Apple reps to review them with us. Let me know if you get any excellent tips. The main use I anticipate getting from them will be with various apps that apply to the subject matter, at this point.
That's great you have become a 'go-to' member of the faculty with regard to answering questions they may have. A blog, btw, would be an excellent way to maintain such a responsibility.
I also like your idea of bringing in a SME online to present to your students. That's a great idea!
Good luck and keep us informed.
-Aaron
Shelley, Thanks for your suggestions. Since I have three flip cameras this year, that idea will definitely work. One of my students asked me last week how he could transfer his movie from the iPad to Studywiz. I was speechless. However, we finally decided that he needed to transfer it to the MacBook. I also had the opportunity to show them how to upload a movie to their Studywiz eLocker, and each student follow my directions completely. Wow!!! So I believe that I will be able to assist them in learning to edit their movies in iMovie. I will also check out the author blogs and check with our Media Specialist to see how she is connecting with authors. Carmen Deedy is coming to school later this month; so maybe we can start there.
ReplyDeleteYes, Nick, I hope that the trainers can share more ideas for student projects. BTW, my students love role-playing; so they would enjoy having on fake mustaches.
Thanks, Jordan, for the Edmodo recommendation. I have joined and found that three other junior high teachers from my school are a part of the network. I will discuss this with our Integration Technology Chair to see how she uses it.
Aaron, I will definitely pass on any suggestions for iPad apps to you. One of my colleagues suggested Splashtop. It will serve as a remote for your computer (throughout your classroom--not sure how far).