Thing 10

A QR code or quick response code is a two dimensional barcode that reads both vertically and horizontally. Some ideas for using the QR code with students is to have an interactive bulletin board of a map with codes hung on parts of the map to lead to more information about a continent or a state or even Underground Railroad route or the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Or if you have a skeleton in the class, put QR codes on it that leads to more information about certain bones in the body. I have chosen to use QR codes in my Tech Open House brochure. I participate in an annual afterschool Tech Open House at each of our thirteen schools. These are the codes that are in this years brochure along with a screenshot of the inside page of the brochure. The brochure also includes an insert with textbook site addresses.

                  

Thing 9 Learn from Listening

Cursive Writing – A Write Off

Something caught my attention on a news clip recently about a witness in a court case not being able to read a letter because it was written in cursive. This made me think about the need for cursive writing in today’s electronic world of keyboards, texting, recordings, etc. Cursive Writing – A Write Off podcast talks about this very issue. Nova Scotia is the setting of this podcast and the department of education there does not have handwriting as an outcome objective. Student’s inability to print correctly or possess fluent penmanship seems to be getting in the way of learning around grade three or four according to this podcast. Lucas, whose mother is interviewed, was referred to be assessed by an occupational therapist due to his holding his pencil incorrectly. It said to learn a new skill, in this case cursive script, is easier than changing the bad habits of an old skill which is the student’s inability to print correctly. The mother being interviewed was shocked when she learned her son would not be taught cursive script in school. Cursive writing is mechanically a smoother flow of the written language and is one reason it historically takes the place of printing. Due to electronic communication being of this era, cursive writing is taking a back seat in schools if it is taught at all. Physically writing things is supposed to aid in retaining information according to the podcast.  Teachers are focusing on the outcome requirements and if they choose to teach handwriting at all, it is occasionally and for just a few minutes. When this student was assessed by the occupational therapist, he was told he just needed to learn to use a keyboard. They were told his future was in keyboards and touch screens and there was no need for him to learn to write. Is handwriting a priority in our society or is it not? Are keyboards “king” and being able to pick up a pen and write going to be null and void? Do our students know what a signature is? Will the cliché, “put your John Hancock here,” be a thing of the past with our younger generation? Certainly something to think about.

Teachers could benefit from podcasts so many ways. Professional development, current information and use with students are a few. Students could use podcasting for interviews, producing informative broadcasts, or having their own talk show. Teachers could use podcasts to assign a project to students, keep absent students up to day, messages to parents, or make announcements. One fun way to use podcasting in the classroom would have students take on the persona of historical characters and discuss their importance and contribution to history.
  

Thing 8a & 8b

Thing 8a Video Tutorial

 

TechSteps is now found at educatewv.me. We all know the changes to the program will be an adjustment for teachers to make. I chose to do this video tutorial on acquainting teachers to the new and improved techSteps site in hopes it will help to make everyone feel a little more comfortable.

 

 

Thing 8b Step-by-Step Cheat Sheet

I used scribd.com to embed this word document in my blog. Very easy and free, free, free!!

 

 



Thing 7 Image

I painted this on the request of my daughter for her first apartment when in college. Many years later, it has made it's rounds back to my house. The first is a picture of the original taken with my brand new Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 acquired at the WVSTC. Second, you will see the adjustments I made to the original using a free app from the Play Store called Aviary Photo Editor. I used the Boardwalk color effect and added a pair of glasses along with a pipe. Oh yes, I also added a movie strip frame. Waaalaaa!!

 



 



Thing 6 YouTube

Thing 6 Master YouTube



Thing 5 Word Cloud

This is a word cloud about the five ways to create word clouds!

Thing 4 Make a Message Board

We all had an amazing time this past week at the WV State Technology Conference. One of the most exhilarating experiences of my professional career hands down. From the beautiful surroundings to the delicious food, the conversations, the presentations, the exciting ideas.............our bend over backward helpful cohort leaders.........and everything in between. Please visit my padlet, formerly known as Wallwisher, and mention something you took away from the conference that you absolutely plan to put into practice in your school.

Created with Padlet

Thing 3 Tweet

Here is a screenshot of my tweet about the WV Technology Conference! Here are three people I follow on Twitter.

 Brian Lewis (Bobby) @usabbs is a guru in several areas. He is a Nationally Board Certified Math Teacher and has won numerous accolades.  Look for yourself........impressive, right?

Vickie Davis @coolcatteacher always offers some really good sites and ideas.

Kimberly Munoz @techmunoz Kimberly Munoz is a regular presenter for SimpleK12. She is a great presenter, writer and teacher.

Thing 2 My attitude about blogging.

I love reading blogs. Some people just have the knack for writing that makes me want to read anything they put in print, even if it doesn't say anything. Blogging is a great way to release thoughts, ideas, or frustrations I guess. I would call myself more of a blog creeper than a blogger. There are several educational blogs I follow. I like to read what other people have to say, then I either steal their idea outright  or tweak it a little bit to serve my own purpose. Heavens, I do sound self absorbed. But everything is not all about me, my thievery is not for the progression of myself, but that of the teachers and students I work with. That is how I choose look at it.

Thing 1 Get a Google

I love the titles of these posts because it makes me think of Dr. Suess. Anyway, here we go with our 23 things in technology!!

Gmail Account

tkmaynard60@gmail.com