TIA 2017

Think Iterate Act

North Texas Technology and Curriculum Conference 

Sponsored by Denton ISD

Last week I attended #TIA17. Wow what a great conference for learning about technology and how others are using the tech tools with their teaching. The keynote speakers this year were awesome - Dave Burgess the author of Teach Like a Pirate and Eric Sheninger the Senior Fellow and Thought Leader on Digital Leadership with the International Center for Leadership in Education. 

The key points I took away from Dave Burgess were:

• Make Learning a personal experience.
• Draw students into your lessons by using "Hooks" like props, storytelling, images, etc.
• Let kids see the real you! Make engagement personal and be passionate in your teaching.

The key points I took away from Eric Sheninger were:

• Leaders do not ask others to do something unless they are willing to do it themselves.
• Change happens in the classroom so campus leaders need to support and guide teachers in the classroom.
• If we do not get instructional design right then technology will just speed up failure.
• Think about the learning space - change it to meet the learners needs.
• Focus on the "What if..." not the "Yeah but..."
• Build relationships and communicate with students, parents, administrators, stockholders, etc. in the way that they need you to - such as social media, email, phone, webpages. etc...
• Tell and share your story.

I attended 2 days of break out sessions. I can not share everything I learned so I am going to share my top 5.

1. Be a Rock Star Librarian and Digital Tools for Student Inquiry - Presented by Nancy Jo Lambert. Student achievement is the #1 point of the library. Invite teachers to come to the librarian every time they are going to use information so you can help them use quality resources. MackinVia is a free resource to use when making pathfinders and gathering resources for classes to use during inquiry projects. Canva is a great resource for making posters, fliers, etc... for the library. A great tip when creating accounts for your library - create a gmail account for the library and link everything to that. So if and when you move to another library the next librarian has access to the social media accounts and other resources.
2. If you Give a Kindergartner a Chromebook - Presented by Jamie Morgan. Chromebooks can be used with kindergartners and students who can not read and write. Okay Google is a voice command tool that can be turned on so students can be able to search and type with voice commands. Google Tone can help the teacher send out websites to multiple Chromebooks at one time. Screencastify can be used for verbal accommodations during assessments.
3. Creative Storytelling with Adobe Spark - Presented by Claudio Zavala Jr., a free app that can be used on computer, tablets or phones. Adobe Spark - Post is for graphic design, Page is for webpages, and Video. I created a fun graphic illustrating a robot I made in the makerspace at the conference.
4.  What's hAPPening in Google - Presented by Sara Reed and Lynda Wright, provided lots of google extensions - Move It - an extension that will pop-up at time intervals and ask students to do gross motor tasks, Crafty Text - put a quick message on the screen over a webpage in big bold writing, Tab Scissors and Tab Glue - split the screen and glue it in place, Tab Saver - save tabs for use later, Extensify - can enable and disable extensions with a click, One Tab - helps conserve space in tab area, it combines all open tabs into one list.
5.  Matching Picture Books and Maker Activities - Presented by Jamie Jensen. I love the idea of matching a book to the makerspaces in the library. Jamie Jensen has a lot of different books and makerspace ideas paired up in her presentation. (I linked her presentation to the title of her session check it out.) One of my favorite activities was the book The Blobfish Book by Jessica Olien paired with a green screen. Create a green screen using a pizza box and light green felt. Then create the Blobfish with a purple balloon. Then students can retell and act out the story on video. Then use a green screen app to upload the video onto an ocean background.
   

“Media” is the Message?

In my opinion media is not the message. The key to student deep learning is through collaboration and well-developed lesson planning. As the librarian, it will be my job to help teachers plan lessons that focus on the objective not on the technology being used. If technology is appropriate to make the learning of a lesson deeper for mastery of the content, then I will help the teacher integrate the appropriate technology tools. Last week I attended Lone Star TIA 2017 in North Texas. One of the leading Technology Conferences in the area. The key note speaker on day two was Eric Sheninger. He discussed “digital leadership” and what that means in education. During his speech one of the main points that stuck with me was, “Focus on pedagogy first, and technology second when appropriate” (Sheninger, 2017). I totally agree with his statement. Using technology just to use it in the classroom without a real purpose or a well defined plan is not going to prepare our 21^st century learners for the real world. The teacher must first develop the purpose of the lesson and then decide if using technology will be appropriate to help produce the end learning objective. Kozma and Clark debated the use of media in the classroom. I think they both have great points, but the bottom line is not the media or technology it is the learning objectives that we want our students to have a deep understanding off. If media (technology) can help support the learning or make the learning deeper than it is appropriate to use it in the lesson. If a teacher is just using the technology in the classroom with the lesson so they can say they used technology then it will not provide the desired outcome. As a librarian in a school I can support teachers with developing curriculum that is deep in meaning, while helping teachers decide which media may help students demonstrate conceptual mastery of the intended learning outcome (Sheninger, 2016). The SAMR is a model of teaching and learning technology using the digital blooms by Dr. Ruben Puentedura (Common Sense Media). Substitution is where a tech tool substitutes for a regular tool to complete a task – using a word doc instead of paper and pencil. Augmentation is where tech acts as a tool substitute with a functional improvement, such as using spell, grammar checks within a word processing program. Modification allows a tech tool to redesign a task, such as a google doc that can be shared and feedback given. Redefinition uses tech for creation of new tech previously inconceivable – transforming an essay or story into a media video by using an app. Daggett (2014) helped transform the SAMR in to the Rigor/Relevance Framework. The framework is a two-dimensional framework based on higher standards and student achievement.

The four quadrants focus on rigor and relevance to students learning. The rigor side focuses on higher order thinking, while the relevance side focuses on the real-world application. Combining the two dimensions together helps educators produce the best learning experience for the students, which in turn will produce higher achievement. As a librarian, the key to success of integrating technology appropriately will be collaboration, which will also be one of the biggest challenges. Working with teachers to create the best lesson to teach an objective while considering what the end product that is desired will be. Then as the technology specialist for the campus I can make technology tool suggestions that properly pair with the lessons objective and assessment needs. So, in conclusion Media is not the message. Pedagogy is the main focus in education and media is one of the tools that can be used to increase student achievement and higher-level thinking skills. Keeping the focus of why we (educators) are doing what we are doing is essential for continued growth in our schools and communities.

Reference

Common Sense Media. Introduction to SAMR model. Retrieved from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/introduction-to-the-samr-model#

Daggett, W. (2014). Rigor / relevance framework: a guide to focusing resources to increase student performance. Retrieved from http://www.leadered.com/pdf/Rigor_Relevance_Framework_2014.pdf

Edutech Wiki. (2012). The media debate. Retrieved from http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/The_media_debate

Sheninger, E. (April 25, 2016). Why pedagogy first, tech second stance is key to the future. EdTech. Retrieved from https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2016/04/why-pedagogy-first-tech-second-stance-key-future

Sheninger, E. & Kieschnick, W. (May 6, 2016). How to integrate Google apps with the rigor relevance framework. Ed Tech. Retrieved from https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2016/05/how-integrate-google-apps-rigor-relevance-framework

Podcast

Podcasts are very popular today. I have investigated three different podcast programs on the computer I am going to discuss. All three podcast sites are easy to navigate and use. I started by creating a voice recording file on my computer to upload to the podcast site.

PodBean

PodBean can be signed up for with Facebook, Twitter, or Email. I signed up using email. An email was supposed to get sent to my email address. I attempted multiple times to get the email sent to me so I could create my podcast. Unfortunately I was never able to get past that step. The site appears to be very straight forward and easy to upload a media file to add a podcast to your account. 

PodOmatic

Very easy to get started and the user can choose to upload a file using Flash, HTML5 or Dropbox. The steps are very easy to follow to label, and describe your podcast. Unfortunately, I attempted multiple times to upload my voice recording and it was never successful.

SoundCloud

Sound Cloud was very easy to get started. I went to upload a file. It took about 10 minutes to upload my file but it worked. Then I uploaded a picture that was from creative commons to go with my podcast. The podcast I created is for my prek students to use during workstations/centers. Prek students love to sing songs and do chants. I decided to create a podcast with a few favorite songs. That way the students can sing along and do the hand movements as they sing while they play it. I thought this would be a great way to incorporate podcasts with early childhood students. A teacher could also create podcasts with students singing the songs and put those on the playlist. 

Now that you have three podcast resources to choose from: how might you incorporate podcasts into the classroom / library?

Audio resources are very popular with students. The hardest part would be creating an account and getting students started. A teacher or librarian can create a screencast explaining step by step how students can start creating podcasts for the classroom. I would set up a classroom account and make it private for student security. Make sure to follow your districts AUP. Classrooms and libraries can use podcasts in two different ways: as a way to get information (listening to others) and in away to share information (creating their own). When students create their own podcasts they are learning research skills, vocabulary skills, speaking skills, and problem solving skills (Eash, 2017).

Examples of ways podcasts can be incorporated into the school setting:

• Audio journaling
• Audio storytelling
• Current event discussions
• Informational / concept sharing recordings
• Creating persuasive arguments on issues
• Students could create podcasts on summaries of books they have read, then the librarian could attach a QR code to the summary and attach the code to the book for future students to use when selecting books in the library.
• Promoting library and school news
• 10 Podcasting Projects

When having students create a podcast have them follow the following steps to help them organize their information.

1. Decide on the podcasting tool they want to use.
2. Decide on the content they are going to research and share - writing a script/outline before recording/creating.
3. Practice out loud, before recording/creating.
4. Record/Create
5. Test - Find someone to share it with and get feedback before publishing.
6. Edit, if needed
7. Publish
8. Promote and Share 
9. Evaluate and learn from any mistakes for the next time.

Resources

Eash, E. K. (April, 2006). Podcasting 101 for K-12 librarians. Information today, inc. Retrieved from http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/apr06/Eash.shtml

Gardner, T. Teaching with podcast. Read write think. Retrieved from http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/teaching-with-podcasts-30109.html

Macpherson, E. (August 7, 2014). 10 podcasting projects teachers should try in the classroom. We are Teachers. Retrieved from https://www.weareteachers.com/10-podcasting-projects-teachers-should-try-in-the-classroom-2/

Whatever After Series - Books 1-3

Book 1 - Whatever After: Fairest of All by Sarah Mlynowski

Abby and Jonah are siblings. They just moved to a new house. In the basement is a mirror. One night Jonah is exploring is knocks on the mirror it starts making noises. He goes to get his sister. He knocks three times and the mirror sucks them in. They land in the forest. Soon they realize they are in the fairy tale - Snow White. They keep Snow White eating the apple not realizing it changes her story. Abby and Jonah set out to help her have her happy ending. Soon they are on an adventure and realize time does not work the same way in the mirrors world as it does in the real world. One night in the real world is like several days in the mirror. Soon they make it home and Snow's story is fixed.

Booktrailer 

Book 2 - Whatever After: If the Shoe Fits by Sarah Mlynowski

Abby and Jonah are sucked back into the mirror for their second adventure. This time it is Cinderella's story. They change her story by have to help her fix it. They teach Cinderella how to make brownies that they call crownies. In the end lots of magic is used and they return home. Cinderella's story does not end the way you may think.

Book 3 - Whatever After: Sink or Swim by Sarah Mlynowski

The third adventure of the siblings takes them to the land of Mustard. Where they land in the ocean and realize they are in the story of the Little Mermaid. They are forced to have to help the Little Mermaid when she realizes she made a bad deal with the Sea Witch. Jonah and Abby have to swim in the deep ocean to try and save her. In the end the Little Mermaid is saved, but her story does not end the way you may think.

Where will book 4 take them? 

Whatever After Discussion Questions from Scholastic

Sarah Mlynowski's website

Carve the Mark

Roth, V. (2017). Carve the mark. New York: Katherine Tegen Books.

The first book in a two book series from Veronica Roth the author of the Divergent Series. The new world she crafts in this book is unique and fascinating. While reading, the reader, is able to experience the growth and change of the two main characters. Akos is a simple boy who lives on one half of the planet occupied by the Thuvhe people. He has a fate from birth, but does not know what it is. His mother is an oracle and can see different versions of the future. He has a brother named Eijeh and a sister named Cisi both have fates also. One day they are all picked up at school by their father and taken home. They are meet by three Shotet soldiers in their house. The Shotet people are not like the Thuvhe people they are very aggressive and strong. The Shotet want Akos and the second born child of the family Kereseth. Their father is murdered in their home. Akos and Elijeh are taken to Shotet. Akos kills one of the soldiers on their way to Shotet. He earns his first mark on his arm. The Shotet people remember the people they kill by marking their arms so the person is always remembered. The leader of the Shotet is Ryzek Noavek. He wants Eijeh because he is fated to be an oracle. Akos learns he is fated to serve the Noavek family. He is sent to learn survival and military behaviors for two seasons. Then Ryzek makes him serve his sister Cyra. Cyra has the current gift that causes pain to herself and anyone who touches her. Akos has the current gift that anyone he touches puts their current gift to sleep basically. He brings relief and strength to Cyra. She has not been able to stand up to her brother until she spends time with Akos. Akos is set on saving his brother and escaping back to Thuvhe. Unfortunately he fails his first attempt and Ryzek uses his current gift on Eijeh. Trading good memories with painful memories. He breaks Eijah and starts to be able to get prophecies from him. The Shotet people one time a season go on a sojourn through space to scavenge another planet for their discarded goods. Akos experiences this adventure with Cyra. By the end of the journey both have learned new things about beliefs they had that makes their understanding of the world around them change. Cyra aligns herself with rebels. Eventually Akos makes it home with Cyra's help. But Akos is not okay being with out her or his brother. The Shotet attack Thuvhe and kidnap the sister of the chancellor. Akos reunites with his sister Cisi and meets the chancellor Isae Benesit. One of the Benesit' are fated to bring about the death of Ryzek, so he tries to change his fate with Eijah's help. Eventually Cyra, Akos and the renegades create a plan to murder Ryzek and try to save Isae's sister. The book ends with Ryzek death being faked, Eijah in a coma like trance and the renegades in space on their way to the Assembly Headquarters.

So much happens in this story, my summary does not do it justice. I like how Roth wrote the book alternating back and forth from the perspectives of Akos and Cyra. 

Learn more about Veronica Roth at her official website.

Cartoons and Comics

Cartoons and Comics creators are fun ways for students to share information they have learned with others. I have explored several different tools for creating comics and cartoons. Below you will find my opinion of each:

ToonDoo

ToonDoo is my favorite tool out of the ones I explored. I loved the vibrant colors and all the choices. The format was very user friendly, drag and drop. The tool bar at the bottom was easy to use and adjust items in my strip. It is very easy to save and I did struggle a little to figure out how to share my comic. I went to the help and did what was suggested. I was able to share the visual with out having to link to a sight as you can see below. I would defiantly recommend this site.

By scj014 | View this Toon at ToonDoo | Create your own Toon

MakeBeliefsComix

I liked MakeBeliefsComix because it was able to be created in several different languages. The bilingual teachers at my campus would be able to use this application with out having translation issues. The pictures and backgrounds were not as colorful and inviting as ToonDoo, but it was functional. I had difficulty retrieving the strip. The site has you email it to yourself and a friend. I thought I would get it in my email box but it never came. So I went to my friend and had to forward the link to myself. I could not figure out how to embed it to my blog so you can see it with out having to link to another window. So click below to see my comic strip:

My Comic

I did like that the site provided a lot of additional resources. I will be recommending it to teachers at my campus. There are lots of writing tools and a link to Bill Zimmerman resources.

Pixton

I attempted to create a comic/cartoon in Pixton. Unfortunately, I could not get the Adobe 10 to download correctly onto Chrome or in Microsoft Edge. So I went into Chrome and found a comic creator called Story Top.

StoryTop

Here is the comic strip I created in Story Top on chrome.

My Comic

Story Top was my least favorite out of the three apps I tried. It was fairly easy to make and had a decent selection of pictures and backgrounds. I struggled with being able to copy the link to share. I think I attempted at least 10 times to copy the link. Finally it worked and I was able to link it to my blog page. If your school is a heavy Chromebook user it might be a good app extension to add to your students Chrome books. It is simplistic for telling more of a cartoon story then a comic strip story.

In conclusion, how can you use these tools in your classroom. Well, I think there are lots of ways to use them. A teacher could create the beginning, and middle of a story that focuses on a concept being studied. Then students can finish the story either on paper or using the app to draw the ending. Another way would be to have students create a comic/cartoon to share a reflection on a book they are reading. Teachers can create cartoons and comics to advertise activities in the classroom and send it out to parents in a newsletters. As the librarian I might also send out comics/cartoons to advertise events or displays in the library to teachers. Encouraging them to share it with their students or sign up to join us in the library to participate. Kids love comics/cartoons creating one uses several higher order blooms taxonomy and digital taxonomy thinking skills. Such as Designing, planning, producing, just to name a few. 

Videos and QR Codes in the Library

Creating videos for educational purposes are becoming really easy to create and access. Teachers and students can use YouTube to find all kinds of resources for instruction and learning. Animoto is another tool that can be used to create videos (later in the post you can view the booktrailer I made using Animoto).

I explored a few library YouTube channels that I would like to share. 

1. Calypso Gilstrap (Norman High School Library). The video I thought would be most helpful to students was the one titled - Getting started with the NHS Library website - because it sets the foundation of how to access all the information in the library. The video - Tiger Visits the Norman High Library - I thought students would like the best because it is fun and engaging, plus it points out all the basics about how to use the library.

2. The Unquiet Library - It is very hard to pick just one video that I thought students would find helpful. The channel has multiple videos with mini lessons / tutorials on how to use different technologies or how to use them for research purposes. I learned something new from How to Export a Bibliographic Data File from LRC to EAsyBib.  The video that I think students will like the best would be the student centered videos. Again hard to pick just one, the channel has so many student projects that are posted. My favorite was The Importance of Choice for Igniting Student Passion and Learning Through Research Projects.

3. Pikesville High School Library - The videos posted on this channel are very fun and full of energy. The video I think students would like the best would be ones that are of interest to them. I think the video Hip Hop Day would be a great way to show students how relevant and hip the library is.

I think students would find the information in PikesvilleHighschool FAFSA to be helpful to students. The video helps students realize all the ways to stay connected and informed about the happenings around the school.

4. bbmsmedia - This channel is full of great videos. The video crew is very talented. I think students would like all the videos the media crew created that help communicate information about the library. I'm The One by DJ Khaled Overdue Library Book Parody is a great way to get students attention to return their books.

The video that I think is the most helpful to students would be all the Noodle Tools videos - NoodleToolsGAFE. Lastly I want to include this video because it is very impressive that middle school students produced it and it is awesome.

QR Codes

A QR Code is short for Quick Response Code. The codes are every where. The first step in becoming a consumer of QR codes is finding a reader and downloading it on your phone or tablet. I chose to download QR Code Reader from Google Play on my phone. The app icon looks like this:

 

I created a booktrailer that is linked to the below QR code. Use a QR reader to view it by scanning it. Enjoy!

Mlynowski, S. (2012). Whatever after: Fairest of all. New York: Scholastic. Annotation - From the Publisher - A fresh, modern spin on a classic fairy tale - from bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski! In this fresh, funny new middle-grade novel, bestselling YA author Sarah Mlynowski writes for a younger audience for the first time! In each book, Abby and her younger brother Jonah visit the magic mirror in their basement at night, and the mirror transports them inside a different fairy tale. In the first magical adventure, Abby and Jonah find themselves tangled in Snow White's story. Once there, they accidentally change key events in the tale! In order for Snow White to get her happy ending, it's up to Abby and Jonah to make things right.

To conclude this post I will share a few ideas of how to use QR codes in the library.

1. Use QR Codes for students to learn more about directions on how to do something, quick access to files, quick access to websites during inquiry projects, PowerPoint, handouts, etc.

2. Put QR Codes on promotional materials such as bookmarks that will link to key library information.

3. Can use QR Codes for students to follow a library scavenger hunt.

4. Use QR Codes for students to easily to connect to book trailers, author websites, and ebooks.

5. Use QR Codes on bulletin boards for students to scan to learn more about the display concept.

Reference

QR Code Generator. Retrieved from https://www.qrstuff.com/

Scan Me! Retrieved from http://eduscapes.com/sessions/qrcodes/

Vincent. T. (2012) Learning in Hand. Retrieved from http://learninginhand.com/blog/learning-in-hand-25-qr-codes.html

Zinkovich.B. (2015). Using QR Codes to Promote Your Library. Retrieved from https://www.ebscohost.com/novelist/novelist-special/using-qr-codes-to-promote-your-library

We're All Wonders

We're All Wonders by R. J. Palacio

If you have read R.J. Palacio's novel Wonder you know how special the story is. Wonder is a book about a boy who is not seen by the world like a normal kid. R.J. Palacio has written a picture book simple version of how to be kind to all people. The pictures are simple, but very meaningful. I plan to read this book at the beginning of the school year to discuss how we are not all the same and it is O.K. The world would be a boring place if everyone was exactly alike. I think my pre-k students will love this book and the story will help me teach them how to be kind to each other. I teach a blended half-day pre-k class where some of my students have developmental delays or physical delays. My co-teacher and I like to help the students understand that we are all special. Along with the idea that everyone does not learn the same way and that is O.K. We also supplement our social/emotional development curriculum with Dan St. Romain materials and Filling Buckets.

TeachingBooks.net resource
Publisher Resource

Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood

Jane Austen Goes to Hollywood by Abby McDonald

Hallie and Grace are sisters who could not be more opposite of each other. Their father dies which creates new challenges and changes for the family. They are left penniless. Their mother contacts a relative and the family moves to Hollywood to live on their Uncle Auggie's guest house. Both girls struggle with the change and what life sends their way. Hallie falls head over heals in love to only have her heart smashed. Grace the more down to earth sensible sister is to afraid of her feelings to admit she loves Theo. In the end they both grow and mature.

The story could be used as a compare and contrast to the Classic book Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. A student could read McDonald's book and watch the movie of Sense and Sensibility (or read it). Then create a compare and contrast essay, or Prezi to share how they are similar and different.

Lesson idea for compare/contrast stories.

Screencasts, Instagram and Flipagram

Today I have made a screencast on Google Keep. Google Keep is an app extension that can be added to chrome. I thought it would be a great tool to use in the classroom for students to write summaries of what they are reading. It could also be a great place for kids to keep notes when doing research. If your students have chrome books I highly recommend looking into this app to add to use in the classroom. It can take the place of a paper journal. Students can share their entries with the teacher which allows the teacher to be able to read and comment on their summaries or notes. I also recommend the website Storylines Online  were students can go and have books read to them from famous people and authors.

I have done a few screencasts for teachers to help them be able to use google drive and upload data into Eduphoria for student records. The more experience I have with making screencasts, the more comfortable with creating them. I recommend Screencast-O-Matic as a resource for making your screencast. Then uploading to YouTube.

Instagram - I just created my Instagram account. I have done a few posts of books I am reading. I can see how this could be fun to use in the library as a quick pick reference of what students are reading. Teachers need to be careful to create a private account to use within the classroom to protect their students. This app is a great way to allow parents to see what is going on in the classroom. Teacher's can have kids post pictures of projects, that then parents can see. Middle School students, High School students and teachers I think will get more use out of this app than elementary students.

Flipagram - I just created my Flipagram account, also. I am still playing around with it and learning how to create short videos. I could see students enjoying using this app to create quick educational videos about concepts they are learning about. I also think because they are short students will have to use some pre-planning skills before using the app. I have not figured out how to take pictures and create a short video. I still have a lot to learn and explore with this app. I think I could use it in my classroom to film my Pre-k students retelling stories or taking pictures of a block tower being built. I am sure older students from 2nd grade up could use this app in the classroom with out much teacher assistance. A teacher could video a student telling how to solve a math problem, then other students could watch it as a little tutorial if they are struggling. 

I personally like the screencast the best out of the three different media recording applications. I like how you can go over how to do something on the computer and then post it for others to use. I have fellow teachers who struggle with technology applications. I have created screencasts to help them. It allows others to learn at their own pace and view the video as many times as they need. Which saves me time because I only have to share it one time. Each application offers different ways to share information with others. I think I like the screencast the best because I have experience with it. Who knows maybe in the near future I will be making all kinds of Flipagrams in the classroom with my sweet Pre-k students.