Doing more with Google Classroom, Assessments and Engagement!

As we prepared for our NEASC visit in a few months I have been working with teachers to collect information especially using rubrics for assignments and grading.  Last spring I worked with a colleague to use Doctopus and Goobric and it was rather a complicated process.

Now with Google Classroom (Doctopus + Classroom + Goobric = :) ... checkout the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0NXeDKPyls )  it works so much better! I have a half dozen teachers using this month and hope to get more on board next month.

Several Social Studies teachers attended a conference last month and came back very excited about Flipping the Classroom techniques and provide me a link to explore to explore a new app called Videonot.es it allows you to split the screen putting the video on the left and the ability to take notes on the right.  You can then share the notes or sync to Drive.  We are exploring using Screencast-o-matic however, teachers would like students to also record and provide feedback as well using  Chromebooks so I plan to test out (Screencastify) to record Google/Presentations in Spanish.

I learn so much connecting to other teachers online using Twitter and I am so grateful for all the screencasts and sharing from my PLN!  I am now excited to see several of my colleagues using Twitter and inquire about many to the techniques they are seeing at conferences and online!

During a PD session last month we did a Google/Web 2.0 Demo Slam.  After teachers seeing first-hand the success of their colleagues I have seen more teachers will to explore ways to streamline their classroom workflow and bring in new interactive tools, like Kahoot to engage students.

Computer Science Classes take on Hour of Code

Mrs. Clark's Computer Science students are programming daily in their course.  Check out course along with the class link here

Check out some of the student reflections
Matt link http://youtu.be/hSvLTyMRNjc

 

 DJ link http://youtu.be/CD_sLxYevbg

Hour of Code at Nashoba this week!

This week Nashoba High School students in several classes participated in the #HourofCode including our new Gaming course using GameMaker Studio. We used code.org, Scratch and Tynker.com
Approximately 12 classes/300 student in Business/Tech Ed) were exposed to block coding which is a drag and drop introduction to coding and programming,








 During the week teachers tweeted out their success using #hourofcode and the sites they used.  We even received a "G'Luck" from Tynker this week!

Other areas that participated were  Mrs. Clark's and Dr. T's Computer programming classes, totaling approximately 400 students were exposed to The Hour of Code at Nashoba this week.

In addition, Sue Allaire from our Career Center/Guidance department will be hosting a "Career Spotlight Session" on Friday December 12th during activity period with professionals to discuss the role coding connected to jobs and careers!

Hour of Code (Dec 8th-12th) - Participate with us!

"The Hour of Code" that will take place during the week of  (Dec. 8-12th ). Last year, 15 million students tried computer science in one week. We live in a world surrounded by technology and we know that whatever field our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly hinge on understanding how technology works. But only a tiny fraction of students are learning computer science, and less students are studying it than a decade ago.

That’s why we would like encourage your participation and we will offer our help. There are many simple activities available on the Hour of Code website, designed to be completed in one class period.

1. Watch this motivational video (2 minutes) "Code the New Literacy"
   link to video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwLXrN0Yguk 
2. Learn more here http://code.org and click on the "Angry Birds" maze game.

Contact us to plan and thanks for joining us in this important STEM initiative!

Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/codeorg #HourofCode

This week is - Digital Citizenship Week (10/19-10/25th)

Next week, in conjunction with October’s Connected Educator Month, Common Sense Media is sponsoring Digital Citizenship Week from October 19 -October 25th. Teachers can find ways to get connected, activities to do with students. Really, the week is a perfect time to discuss digital responsibility, safety, and citizenship with students, and there are plenty of valuable events and resources for educators and students to use.

What is a digital Citizen? It's one who knows what it is right and wrong, and exhibits intelligent technology behavior and makes good choices when using technology. With recent events in our school concerning Yik Yak along with iCloud and SnapChat recently being hacked, it's a good time to remind you that what you put online is permanent. Here are some videos made by students on the topic.

Video 1 Your Digital Footprint link 

Video 2 - Cyber Bullying link 
Video 3 - Bullying is Bad link 

Digital Citizenship is an important topic that students should consider whenever posting online.
Here are some additional resources.
Infographics and Site

Upcoming Google Demo Slam (Nashoba PD Day) and Christa McAuliffe Conference

I am thinking about putting together a Google Demo Slam for a PD Session in my District next month. 

A Google  Demo Slam is a high energy, geek out kind of session. We are going to have a half dozen presenters share their most used or tip and trick using GAFE. Participants will be encouraged to jump in and share! What do you want to learn and share with your colleagues? 

Some of the topics I am thinking about are:

•  Creating Assessments with Google Forms/ Flubaroo (Add-On) to grade assignments/DDM’s.
• Audio Correcting in Google Drive with Kaizena Google Classroom Tips for Assignments
• Google Classroom users. Looking to benefit from the popular Goobric extension (rubric) grading fed to a spreadsheet right from your browser? Want the ability to send merged emails to students providing them personalized feedback on their assignments? Look no further;)
• Doctopus now offers rudimentary integration to make these important Doctopus features available for Google Classroom assignments. 
•  Creating E-Portfolios using Google Sites to showcase student work Classroom 
• Kaizena · Give Great Feedback
• Back Channel Today’s Meeting and Google Accounts Assessment with Kahoot learning! 
• Open Mic – What would you like to share? 

Update: The Google Demo Slam was a great hit with Nashoba Staff this month.  The survey results indicated teachers loved collaborating and learning from each other.  Did I mention it was also a lot of fun!  What a great group of teachers that shared their favorite tips and techniques. Many of the teachers loved Kahoot  a game-based learning tool for assessment.  We hope to offer more in the future and the session gave me more ideas for an upcoming Demo Slam later this month!

I attended the  Christa McAuliffe Technology Conference 2014 and presenting another  Google Demo Slam with a few of my former graduate students and colleagues

If you want to follow me on twitter me or the conference use #NHCMTC. I will be sharing the demo slam link Bit.ly/nhcmtcSLAM .
A special thanks to Nicole @nicoletomaselli and Craig @csheil. It's always great to reconnect with my NH colleagues!

The Keynote on Wednesday @k_shelton topic “The Art of Iteration: Embracing Failure for Learning” #nhcmtc Emphasized how important it is to take risks and show your work as outlined in Austin Kleon's book.  It's always a great learning experience to work outside your comfort zone and continue to learn!

Meet Anastasia. Her Hand Came from a Printer

A great article/link in this weekends Globe "Meet Anastasia. Her Hand Came from a Printer".

How 3-D Printing is Transforming Everything from Medicine to Manufacturing .... Last spring a Hudson High School teacher used 3-D printer to make prosthetic hand for middle schooler see article he worked with another school for inspiration here.  It always impressive reading about the impact of technology but I love the fact it's in our own backyard!

Snapchat isn't private. Period.

Snapchat isn't private. Period. 

The Snapchat photo-sharing app offers a false send of privacy by promising it will erase photos.
Read more here: http://www.wcvb.com/money/snapchat-isnt-private-period/29057302#ixzz3G3YEVyGt

Just another reason for students to realize that whatever they put on the internet is never private!   Last spring Adam McLane posted Why You Should Delete SnapChat,  This should make for an interesting lesson this month.

Digital Footprint - Freshmen Presentation

Today I had the opportunity to speak to the entire freshmen class about their Digital Footprint. The purpose of the presentation was to address The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of using social media. I started the presentation with focusing on all of the good things Nashoba is doing online.  I highlighted the our Athletic Director @nashobaAD and school newspaper The Chieftain Press @Chieftain_Chat.  I then moved on "The Bad" and talked about our unpleasant experience with Yik Yak last week but show the positive tweets that were sent out to show that does not represent our school.  Lastly I moved on the "The Ugly" discussing Sexting and other bad choices that students sometimes make.  I wanted to make sure students were aware of the consequences of their actions.  Our school resource officer addressed the students along with a representative for the Worcester DA's office.  When preparing for the presentation I struggled.  I didn't want to lecture on the evil of social media.  I use social media as an educator and wanted students to see the value of contributing to the Nashoba Community.  At the same time, I wanted to make they realized there are legal consequences for bad choices.  The students were a great audience and hopefully the presentation gave them something to think about.  Here is the link to Prezi Presentation  and published below.

How to Create a Captivating Presentation (Science and English Interdisciplinary Course)

Interdisciplinary Course with Science Teacher Mrs. Doyle and English Teacher Ms. Rocha

Lesson 1 with Mrs. Doyle
- Trading Card for an influential person
- Introduce Google Classroom for collecting pdf files

Present to class on presentation techniques and tools.
Getting Students to create an engaging presentation and show creativity can be a difficult task.  It's easy to put all the words on a slide and read the slide to the class but it's not very engaging! Here are some tips and a blog post to help prepare for your presentation:
1. Tap your enthusiasm
2. Get to the core of your message.
3. Tell a captivating story.
4. Wow them with words.
5. Create stunning slides.
6. Keep it simple.

There are several tools that you can use to create an interesting presentation.

• Google Presentation (incorporating YouTube Videos into the presentation
• Prezi
• SlideShare
• Infographics (example http://piktochart.com)

An upcoming science class will be working on a presentation this week on The Plague.
Here are some example that I will show the class:

Prezi

• http://prezi.com/qobiqjkuv8k3/the-plague/
•   http://prezi.com/wp7tbn87xjsp/the-plague-and-hiv/
• http://prezi.com/0yqvqr8tv5xk/the-black-plague/ (turn sound off)
• Teacher Assignment on the plague http://prezi.com/oabtabt2uetl/the-black-death/

Powtoon

http://www.powtoon.com/show/fAIQpohMJ4S/the-black-plague/

Infographic - (example http://piktochart.com)

 Poster Example -  http://www.themarysue.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/outbreak-infographic.jpg#geekosystem

Getting Started with Google Classroom (and Grading)

Google Classroom  has been released and so far the results are good!

I have been able to easily how teachers how to go to classroom.google.com, join as a teacher and create a class. I had a preview over the summer with a few teachers but not really able to check it out until this week in school with several classes.  I am impressed with how easily and seamlessly it integrates into Google Drive by creating a Class Folder with each course students are invited to by teachers.  When showing students the new icon under the Apps Menu and the link classroom.google.com. I had them join as students, provided them the class code.

We started with a basic exercise posting a question "Tell me something about yourself" as an assignment with a due date.  The questions appeared on the student class site.  Students created a google doc, responded and simply click the turn in option.  The teacher was delight to see the list of students, with links to their email and view what students had turned the assignment in.  We quickly assigned points for the day for the assignment.

I then posted a YouTube video  link with an overview. of Classroom.

I then had students access their Google Drive and locate the Classroom Folder and assignments. A few of students had already activated other classes and had could see three of their classrooms.  The interface and process is very easy to use.

Now, I only wish Google would streamline some other options such as grading without having to use Add-On's.  I wouldn't be surprised to see more classroom features integrated this year.  The timing is great, teachers are looking for a way to streamline their work and Google just gave it to them.

I tweet out some benefits of Google Classroom over the weekend and plan to meet with more teachers next week.

#GoogleClassroom launch, product updates, and more. Our August #GoogleApps Newsletter is out. http://goo.gl/5m8rrl  pic.twitter.com/MxrxwAc7tL Retweeted by mmarotta

Featured Launch: Google Classroom

Classroom helps teachers create and organize assignments quickly

• Easy to set up
• Saves time
• Improves organization
• Enhances communication
• Affordable and secure

Back to school and new options 3 Different Things You Can Do With #GoogleClassroom - via @Edudemic http://bit.ly/1p6UnPi

I worked with a few teachers to use Google Forms with the Flubaroo
Add-On to create Pre-Post tests for our DDM's.
I also provided them the link to my blog post along with the video below.

Next Month -  We will explore using Google Classroom with Doctopus and Goobric (Andrew Stillman has updated for classroom here) for online grading with a rubric.
Or watch this review Doctopus + Classroom + Goobric = :) youtu.be/r0NXeDKPyls
http:// 
by here by Jen Magiera

These enhancements and direct usefulness in the classroom should have more teachers embracing #GAFE with these new features!

Planning for the new school year

We will be returning to school on Monday August 25th.  Prior to returning to school we are reviewing
- Atlas Rubicon (Nashoba) for our upcoming opening day along with Understanding by Design.

Blogs and Videos to Share

• Digital Integration in the Classroom | Mike Fisher [ more info ]
• Digital Tools to Upgrade Your PD | Ann Johnson [ more info ]

Understanding by Design (by Grant Wiggins  and Jay McTighe
Book   (and internal / copy)

Optional Resources
- Video)

Technology Integration Essential Questions (examples)
Multimedia Examples

Summer 2014 - Professional Development Workshops and Graduate Classes

This month I delivered two workshops on iPad and Google Apps for Education and the two one week graduate classes on the following:

1. Transforming Learning to Promote Collaboration and Efficiency with Google Apps for Education (GAFE)
2. iPad for Educators

The more I use GAFE/Google Drive with the iPad's and stress workflow, the more I realize how easy it is to share information with students. I am delighted the CMRC Grant will cover more workshops next month due to the high demand for the offerings.

I have started to explore Google Classroom but I am limited to exploring only with teachers within my school district.  Next month I will be delivering another iPad class and three workshops on iPads, GAFE and Multimedia/Blogging.

I am so impressed with colleagues within my district and the many fine educators I had the chance to work with this month.


Now, I am ready to unplug for a few weeks and enjoy my summer!

Workshops/Free on GAFE and iPads this summer (June and August 2014)

A few days of rest this week and two (7/25 iPad and 7/26 GAFE) great PD Workshops that sold out!
I will be offering again at the end of August for the Central MA Readiness Center (Early Learning Challenge Grant)

1. Introduction to Integrating iPads in the Early Childhood and Elementary Classroom Added Date  August 19^th, Tuesday - Johnny Appleseed Elementary School, Leominster, MA, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
2. Google Apps for Educators (GAFE) New date added August 20^th  Wednesday
   Johnny Appleseed Elementary School, Leominster, MA 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
3. Multimedia - Publishing and Blogging August 21st -  Thursday

More details on the CMRS website 
http://www.fitchburgstate.edu/offices/community-outreach/central-mass-readiness-center/professional-development-across-the-region/ 

So many talented teachers.  We had a great few days of learning and collaborating!

Teachers now want additional sessions on Blogging, iMove/iPad and YouTube.

I get to rest up for the next few weeks and will be teaching a few weeks in July on both topics.

For details about the FREE workshops contact:
Central MA Readiness Center (Early Learning Challenge Grant) Debbie Fnine dfnine@fitchburgstate.edu 978 665-4162

Summer PD and Vacation!

Today is one of my favorite days of the year!  As we wrap up another school year it's time for reflection and planning for summer PD.

I will teaching a few workshops and graduate classes this summer around integrating iPads and GAFE. It's always a great opportunity to connect with other educators and co-teach with some of my favorite former students.

I am looking forward to some travelling and down time on the cape this summer too!

Literature Cicle and book trailers!

This month I worked with another amazing high school english teacher, Jen Panarelli on an assignment that served as a warm-up to the summative assessment for a literature circle unit. Students chose from the following books for their literature circle: 
Within their book commercial, each student had to identify a major theme from the book and provide a brief character and plot introduction.  We used the educational version of Animoto and created students accounts so they would have the abilty to create longer vidoes.  The process to setup the accounts was slightly cumbersome but the results were very impressive. 

Here are a few examples: The Lord of the Flies, The Fault in Our Stars, Fahrenheit 451, and Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie. 

The Fault in Our Stars - http://animoto.com/play/aaDBK1UAnyf1eroLWzePsg

http://animoto.com/play/lAUhD70gnkx0XCarPXPLkw

http://animoto.com/play/BMvgsxx2q7587owowqV1TQ

http://animoto.com/play/fkAh14n60hc3JLEpEo60aQ

http://animoto.com/play/YB4FFZRaIRp1q89f21KkGA

http://animoto.com/play/Oh2MSqdat0NbGMExMrWiLA

http://animoto.com/play/9JStdO1xiw5nG3VShVQPUw

http://animoto.com/play/NotbBCOHOevd6R81SMmXvg

Today for the their final exam essay, the students used chromebooks in class to analyzed the theme they identified in greater detail.

Interview the Author - Social Media Fascination

Today our class will be skying with Deborah Owen's to discuss her new book, "Social Media Fascination" Embracing Social Media To Build Community, Trust and Rapport.

The author suggest we focus on the DO's and less on the DO-NOT's -
DO be honest
DO be transparent
DO find out what your followers need
DO reach out to get to know them
DO offer them solutions to their problems
DO help them find information that will help them move forwad whether it is informationthat you write or information that you gather and curate for them to use.

Start with DO CARE/SERVE, and the rest will follow.

Book Link / Video - Deborah C. Owen's new book: Social Media Fascination; Embracing social media to build community, trust and rapport

6 ways social media can ruin your life Cautionary tales of Facebook fails, Twitter traps, and Insta-gaffes.

A great post from the Boston Globe this week on
6 ways social media can ruin your life  Cautionary tales of Facebook fails, Twitter traps, and Insta-gaffes.
Here is the link bit.ly/1oSFJKG 

I have talking with students this semester about their digital footprint and using current events.  This approach has allowed lots of interesting conversation and reflection.  However, I also like to highlight the benefits of using social media to connect with community, colleges and potential internships and jobs.  The article is a great reminder to students there are consequences for online posting so the should THINK before the post!

I am looking forward to discussing this article in class this week and will encourage other staff members to join me!

Book Link / Video - Deborah C. Owen's new book:Social Media Fascination; Embracing social media to build community, trust and rapport

Screencasting updates

In the past I have used Jing to create screencasts and host to screencast.com, which saves as a swf/flash file and works great.  However when working with students the computers in our school do not have the ability to download programs so I started using Screencast-O-Matic a web-based screencasting tool.  Student's have been posting to their YouTube accounts and then have the ability to use the YouTube Editor to change or enhance the screencast.  Here is an example of How-To Create a Class Site using Google Sites and
here is a link to the video edited with the YouTube editor and caption slides.
Draft 1 (I need to work on this and will prepare a better verision this week),

I wasn't happy with the above screencast so I did another verision. One with music and one without,
I also had lots of problems when I downloaded Screencast-o-matic into a video editor.  My voice was in fast forward and I was not able to slow down.  So, I reverted back to using my SmartRecorder.

TAKE – 3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcHwJnHlFEM&feature=youtube_gdata
with music https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlwgFs_pGTI&edit=vd

 

This has been a humbling experience! I am glad I have introduced screencasting to students in Multimedia this year!

Google Educator Certification

After taking Google Bootcamp a few weeks ago I tackled the Google Certification tests and I am now a qualified Google Educator, which will allow me to apply to be a Google Certified Trainer. The process involves the taking and passing the tests.  See below for more details.

1. Taking and passing the tests –There are five (5) Google Apps tests  (Sites, Drive/Docs, Calendar Gamil and a choice/elective) to become a Google Educator Certification Exams. You are timed when taking the test, you get 90 minutes for each multiple choice test, and to be honest I found them very challenging.  Not only do you need to a strong teacher user experience wiht GAFE, but a more techincal background with Mail, Calendar and Chrome. They offer Training Modules Site to review prior to the taking the tests.  I found the test to be challenging and more technical than I anticipated.  With this part of the process completed I am in the process of preparing a portfolio to be evaulated to become a Google Certified Trainer. There is a review cycle next week and another one in August.

2.  Google Certified Trainer -  the application process – Passing the tests awards you Google Educator Certificaiton for a eighteen months. But to become a Google Certified Trainer, you must be approved by Google via an application process. You can see the application here – it consists of an array of essay questions, a case study, a record of your previous workshops/speaking events/etc and user-created videos.  I reviewed the overview for the case study, essay questions and videos.  Let the brainstorming begin!

Stay tuned!

Video, Audio, Mashups and more

Last month I worked on Oral History Projects with several classes using their mobile devices, (mostly iphones) and published their interviews to YouTube and then linked to their E-Portfolio.  Students uploaded their videos to YouTube and many need to rotate the video and add screen captions, so we used the YouTube Video Editor.  This got me thinking about different project I would do with students and introducing Mashups to the class.  I found a blog post by Alice Keeler on Students Submitting YouTube Videos and Student Video Mash Up with YouTube and plan to explore with students next month.  There was even a Pinterest board on Student Video Mashups with YouTube that I can't wait to explore!  I already pinned to my class Multimedia Board.   We will be exploring several media options we we return from spring break.  We will look at creating tours with Google tour Builder, Audio Editing (Audacity, Sound Cloud /TwistedWave) Pixlar for banner editing for Google Site along with the YouTube Editor and WeVideo.

Learning and GAFE Bootcamp

I am spending a few days this week attending a two day Google Bootcamp to become a certified Google Educator and then a certified trainer along with 60+ other local educators. To become certified we need mastery of four required subjects (Gmail, Calendar, Docs & Drive, Sites and 1 elective) more detail here. I have been using Google tools for years, and now we hope to make it official by becoming a Google Educator which will recognize us for our mastery of four required subjects plus an elective.  If all goes well this month we will receive a Google Educator certificate by passing the five related exams (small fee for examination).  To pass the test you must score 80 or higher or wait a week and retake the test again.  There is more details on the testing site here https://google.starttest.com.  Once that is complete, I can then move to the certified trainer portion of the application.  

The Assabet Valley Collaborative has organized the bootcamp and we are using twitter #avcmaboot).  I took the Google Sites test, it was 60 questions timed for 90 minutes. It was a good reivew of the features of sites.  I will be back in class tomorrow for learning! The best part of the workshop is connecting with so many colleagues!  We are asked to share a tool at the end of the day and I thought I would show Smore for a flyer to showcase what we are learning!
My flyer link

Link https://www.smore.com/33wsc 

Screencasting and student creativity

Last week we introduced students to Screencasting (A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture, often containing audio narration). The term screencast compares with the related term screenshot; whereas screenshot generates a single picture of a computer screen, a screencast is essentially a movie of the changes over time that a user sees on a computer screen, enhanced with audio narration.   I found a post on twitter this week that indicates "Screencasting is most powerful when it is used as a student creation tool. Screencasts take a typical presentation a step further by requiring higher order thinking skills; not only do students create the presentation, but they also have to explain their thinking." from here article and tools edudemic 

We will be using Screencast-O-Matic  a web-based program for this class.Screencast-o-matic  is an easy to use, Javascript based program  that records your screen. If you don’t have any Java issues (as I always seem to), all you need to do is click “Record” on the website, and it will begin to record your screen or webcam for you. This product offers two options: a free version and a paid version ($15/year). The free version allows users a maximum recording time of 15 minutes while the pro version offers unlimited recording time, a variety of upload options, and no watermark. All of the video editing tools, screenshot tools and a few other things are also reserved for the paid version.

The assignments are posted in our class site here 
Here are a few examples from last semester

1. Customizing your Blog link  (By Nashoba Student - Julia)
2. Organize your Google Drive link  (by Zak)
3. Using Google Presentations link (by Katie)

1. PART ONE - Saving to YouTube
   My example today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQyNf50ct90&feature=youtu.be&hd=1
   Note: Publishing Options (Screencastomatic or YouTube).  Post to YouTube.
2. With the video published to YouTube providde the link and video on your E-Portfolio as and your blog.
3. PART TWO - Using the YouTube Editor
   Link - https://www.youtube.com/editor
   With the Video posted to your YouTube Account and can use YouTubes Video Editor to provide additional details to the video.
   Watch to see techniques in the
   
4. Finish Video with Edits and screen captions
   Here is my new link with TEXT on the starting slide
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?edit=vd&v=0cDL3OI6Mf4
   

I hope you take this opportunity to challenge yourself to produce a creative screencast to teach and engage others!  A reminder all topics must be approved.

Later in the course we will work on additional video projects using the YouTube Editor.  Here is another screencast with some of the features.

Exploring Multimedia and curation with class today!

This week I am teaching students in a Multimedia class how to cruate information.  We are using a few new tools.

1. Pinterest - Curate topics of Interest (example Multimedia Board for class)
2. Flipboard - Magazines
3. Students will be making Screencast-O-Matic 
4. How to Guides using SnapGuide 
5. Smores Flyer (see below) to publish a lesson
   I created the assignment using Smores link and embedded the content below.

Quotes
Follow mmarotta's board Quotes on Pinterest 

Tips to post Pinterest to Blog Directions  to create your own widget for Pinterest, go here 
You can copy it to a Blog Post or better yet add as a gadget to your sidebar!

Flipboards is another curation tool.  I created a Multimedia Book and invited another person to co-curate with me.  Here is the link to the book on Multimedia http://flip.it/mX2DI 

View my Flipboard Magazine.

Note: When using Flipboard, I have experienced issues with logging in with my Google+ account and unable to access on my mobile device.  The tip seems to be create your account first on your mobile device and then log in using the web.

Digital Footprint - Current Event Assigment 4 - Twitter (Week ending March 28th)

This week's Digital Footprint topic is the appropraite use of Twitter and consequences.

Below is a tweet sent out by a High School Senior at
Pembrook High School.  A baseketball player stripped of an award after sending out an inappropirate this week.

As part of of our ongoing discusstion on managing your Digital Footprint, we work on this assignment in class this week.

Assignment:

1. Read the article comments and watch the video
   Note: additional article
2. Go to your blog and create a post called Digital Footprint Assignment 3 Twitter.
3. Reflect on the article on your blog.
4. Do you think the punishment fits the crime and why?
5. Be prepared to discuss in class.
6. Submit your opinion using the "Poll" on the sidebar after competing the above assignments.

Other Local Issue

Sexting in high school and the legal consequences

Digital Footprint Assignment 3 - PSA (Powtoon or Cartoon PSA)

Create a Powtoon (PSA Public Service Announcement) on one of the following topics:

Options for Topics:
- Digital Footprint / Internet Safety
   (Note: Themes, Elementary, Middle, High School and College Job Ready)
- Communication the School's new Mission Statement (ICARE)
- Promote a school club
- Propose your own idea!

1. Having a Positive Digital Footprint (Example using THINK before you post!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwFE25f50P4 



2. Cartoon Option


3. Post the PowToon/Cartoon to your Google Site and your BLOG
    On your student Portfolio - Reflect on using the tool and would you recommend or use again.
    Explain the purpose of your PSA, provide the embed the code and provide the link.

Nashoba Mission Statement and link
.

Digital Footprint - Current Events Assignment #2 - 'Upskirt' ban in Massachusetts signed into law

In your Blog please post Digital Footprint Assignment #2

Pick one of the three current events and reflect on your blog.
Respond/comment on two classmates blog and provide feedback.

1. Is the law keeping up with Technology?  What are your thoughts about the change in the MA law with 'Upskirt' ban in Massachusetts signed into law - CNN  Fri March 7, 2014Please read the following article and watch the video.
   http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/07/justice/massachusetts-upskirt-bill
2. Review the "12 Things Student Should Never do on Social Media http://mashable.com/2012/09/04/students-social-media-warnings/#:eyJzIjoidCIsImkiOiJfZnoxMnFnOXhvMnRjdmdsd294b2drYV8ifQ 
3. Is there a current event you around social media that you would like to discuss?

Adding Voice to Google Docs and Usingg voice recognition to type (beta)

Last week my daughter showed me one of her assignments from college where she created a resume and was given audio feedback from the professor.  I believe the University uses Moodle/Turnitin.  Later that day I say a tweet on Kaizena which allows you to download an app from the chrome store in order to add audio notes. I found that  Richard Bryne's had posted a reveiew on his blog  and a great screencast overview from Stacey Behmner's video .

Note: WIth Kaizen you have to authorized it to access your Google Account and allow access to your microphone, like many other applications now require.

I plan to work with a teacher this week to see if you can replicate the assignment using Google Drive, templates and Kaizena. I will update later in the week!

Note: Google is also testing  "Using voice recognition to type (beta)"
Chrome Store  learn more here.

Your Digital Footprint

Helping Students Not Trip On Their Digital Footprints

Your digital footprint is a lot about using common sense online as you would off-line.  It's important that we think before we act, the same is true with what we post online.  Your digital footprint is a reflection of you are.  You may want to think about protecting your digital footprint.

TedTalks Juan Enriquez: Your online life, permanent as a tattoo - Electronic Tatoos 


Digital Footprint Video | Common Sense Media
Video 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DinW62zlWcc 


Video 2 http://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/digital-footprint 

Listed below are a few pointers.

• Social Smarts: Be mindful about what you are posting on your social network channels.
• Longevity: Remember, What one does online stays online.
• Privacy is the best Policy - You may want to consider only allowing those people you know in rea life you have access to your personal informatinon.
• Stay Clean: Posting inappropriate pictures or posts online sends a very negative message about you.
  
  Remember your reputation, whether online or in reali life!

Classroom discussion topics - This week 2/12/2014

1. I saw this commerical on TV last month an loved the message it sent to kids -
   Commonsense Media Commercial - Family Dinner Commercial  (Message, If you would share something with your family, don't share it online.  Teacher your kids to avoid oversharing, and keep their personal information private".
2. Helping Students Not Trip On Their Digital Footprints - Article
3. Dislike: Having inappropriate pictures on your Facebook profile really could lose  you a job - Article 
4. How to manage your digital footprint in college 
5. Current Events "The Tweet heard aournd the world"  A reminder that every word uttered on the Internet can be seem or heard by everyone and with serioucs consequences. CNN Ex-PR exec Justine Sacco apologizes for AIDS in Africa tweet
6. Lots of Curated topics on Digital Footprints using Scoop.it
   Link http://www.scoop.it/t/digital-footprint  and Pinterest Digital Footprint
7. Local news - June Talvitie-Siple a teacher from Cohasset, MA lost her job due to a
   Facebook posting see article and video A Teacher Who Flunked Facebook 101 
8. Comic Strip by Gary Varvel / tweet College and Facebook

Here are some additional resources about Digital Safety

- http://www.mydigitalfootprint.com

- http://www.ikeepsafe.org

- http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/02/great-collection-of-e-safetydigital.html

- http://e-language.wikispaces.com/digital-safety 

Link to my presentation http://goo.gl/32Gl7q 

Using Social Media Responsibly - CommonSense Media

Earlier this year, when working with Journalism students I blogged about using Social Media responsibly and discussed students "Digital Citizenship". I wanted to share a link for Parents and Students provided by Commonsense Media (Advice for Parents and older teens) with some great topics, see below:

• Texting and Driving: A Killing Combination
• Boys, Girls, and Media Messages
• Help Your Kids Stay Safe and Secure in a 24/7 Digital World
• Parents' Guide to Protecting Kids' Privacy Online
• Parents' Guide to Kids and Cell Phones
• When Texting Turns to Torment

Teachers - Here is a great video from Commonsense Media/ High School Students Curriculum focused on Digital Literacy and Citizenship that is applicable for both teachers and parents.    In order to access the lesson plans you will need to sign into Commonsense Media as an educator to access the materials.

Here are some suggestion I shared with Journalism students earlier in the semester.

1. My Tweets today (see twitter feed on my blog)
   - 12 Things Students Should Never Do on Social Media http://on.mash.to/O8tau0   - Twitter tips for high school journalists http:// 
   - Ten Ways journalists can use Twitter, before during and after reporting a story http://goo.gl/udMrRL - Twitter tips for high school journalists http://wp.me/poqp6-Eg 
2. A Twitter Tutorial by http://www.jeadigitalmedia.org/2013/02/20/student-creates-twitter-tutorial/ 
3. Top 7 Twitter Tutorials http://mashable.com/2009/05/31/twitter-tutorials-youtube

In the past, during 8th Grade Opoen House meetings we have coordianted a panel with outside members from Law Enforcement and the DA's office to discuss trending topics in social media and a reminder for students to review their on line Digital Footprint.