Flipgrid Updates

Last spring I worked with a group of teachers during a PD session on Flipgrid. Since that time, Flipgrid was purchased by Microsoft and is completely free allowing teachers to make as many grids as needed.  In addition, there is a new "mixed tape" feature

Here is the link to the Flipgrid blog http://blog.flipgrid.com/news/mixtapes  and directions http://blog.flipgrid.com/news/mixtapesgridtip and quick overview below.

Flipgrid Tip - Create a Mixtape from Flipgrid on Vimeo.

I had my first flipgrid remix tape today by following the directions on the blog.  This could be a great way to highlight certain students in a class for a variety of reasons.  A portfolio, book review, feedback on an assignment.   I always learn from following Flipgrid on twitter! or #mixtapes #gridtip
Again, it's about taking the time to process the post and learn by doing!

It reminds me of using Let's Recap and the review reel that I have used for student reflection on Adobe Spark pages for presentations.

A few more new features to test out! blog.flipgrid.com/makemagic


I will be linking more resources for FLipgrid here in the near future!

Document Camera - options

When returning to school this month several teachers are inquiring about document camera options.

I have used two different models

1. i Pevo  Point and Click - Amazon around 69.00 - https://www.ipevo.com/prods/Point-2-View-USB-Camera  and I've been informed this month that it has "Visualizer software"  https://www.ipevo.com/ipevo_visualizer 
that make it easier to use.

Video


2. For the more serious document camera user there is the HoverCam Solo 8 that several of my Math and Science teachers used.  The cost is closer to $330.00,  There is also an adapter for the science microscopes.  Here is a link to the updated software - for windows 8 or 10.

http://www.thehovercam.com/download/hovercam-flex-10-pc/  and videos.

Why not take a picture of you notes and add to a Google Slide for an electronic notebook!

More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera - Student Summer Read

Summer Read  Nashoba Book Club- Friday 9/7 Activity Period

More Happy Than Not by  Adam Silvera

Part Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, part Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe, Adam Silvera's extraordinary debut confronts race, class, and sexuality during one charged near-future summer in the Bronx. 

Sixteen-year-old Aaron Soto is struggling to find happiness after a family tragedy leaves him reeling. He's slowly remembering what happiness might feel like this summer with the support of his girlfriend Genevieve, but it's his new best friend, Thomas, who really gets Aaron to open up about his past and confront his future.

As Thomas and Aaron get closer, Aaron discovers things about himself that threaten to shatter his newfound contentment. A revolutionary memory-alteration procedure, courtesy of the Leteo Institute, might be the way to straighten himself out. But what if it means forgetting who he truly is?

Discussion Questions

Chromebooks 1:1 - Presentation to Students & SMAR for staff

It's finally happening!  Our high school will be a 1:1 Chromebook school starting with the distribution of Chromebooks on Friday.  Last year we had grades 9 and 10 with chromebooks but grades 11 and 12 required the teacher to signout carts.  This could be a very time-consuming process to book the cart, bring the cart to the classroom, powerup, try to determine if any of the devices had issues, teach, power down and deliver the cart back to the media center or to the next teacher.  Not to mention it was a nightmare if you had a sub.  Well, I believe all that is about to change!

I will deliver the following presentation to all students tomorrow as part of an overall larger presentation. I know there will be a shift and learning process with classroom management and some issues that we may not be able to avoid, but I do know that we are on the right path.



Hopefully, the distribution of Chromebooks will go smoothly!

The Chromebooks connected to using the SMAR model (video) which teachers have been using to help guide their lessons design using technology.

Below is a Hyperdoc  or https://goo.gl/UcH7oD for teachers to evaluate the SAMR model that I presented to staff leadership at the high school last year. 

Previous post and reflection for teachers using SAMR. 

Back to School Newsletter with Tech highlights - Fall 2018

I am always looking to model technology in a way that is helpful for teachers and admin to communicate with colleagues, parents and students.  Below is a newsletter created with Smores, the program used to be free for as many newsletters or communications you needed to create, however it is now limited to three.

I plan to share with staff during the first week of school and follow-up with some sessions to review the new features.  It may seem a little overwhelming but students having their own devices (no more signing out carts) and with the new features of Google Classroom this should help streamline delivering of content and allow for more collaboration.

Link - https://www.smore.com/bh9ce  or see below!

When using Smores, you can email or tweet out the newsletter!

Summer learning (Grad classes and Book Clubs)

For many summer is a time for rest and relaxation. I did get a few weeks vacation but I also use it as an opportunity to learn and prepare for the following school year.

This summer I co-taught two graduate classes Google Apps for Educators #gafefsu and Teaching and Learning with Multimedia #multimediafsu 

I am proud of the new course we created and the positive feedback from teachers.  Portfolio link https://spark.adobe.com/page/lnDdg1TFMMki0/ 




I also read Innovators Mindset #InnovatorsMindsetNashoba

I am looking forward to reading this book with colleagues next year and having @gcouros present in our school district next year.

Wrapping up the school year

We have been waiting to become a 1:1 high school for several years.  It appears we will be a 1:1 school next fall.  Although there are always uncertainties with change I believe putting technology into the hands of every student will empower the students.  Our staff has been using G-Suite and chromebooks grade 9 & 10 have their own devices but grades 11 & 12 have been using carts and labs.  Additionally, this past year in my PLT we explored Design Thinking and had great success.  I am appreciative of teachers not only learning about DT but actually applying with students.  I plan to teach a few graduate technology classes this summer and take some time to relax!