Rotation Stations for VR/AR self directed learning

So last week I introduced rotation stations in a few classes.
My goal was to bring awareness to using  Merge Cube https://mergevr.com/cube

We discussed the evolving roles of AR/VR in education and new job opportunities.  I showed the following Merge Cube video/demo and then set up the following stations:

Students we introduced to QR codes to scan the
app and download onto their ios/android phone)



The Stations Presentation -  Phase I
included the following options:

1. Station Merge Cube (with three options to explore)
2. Google Expeditions using AR/ VR over 300 Google Expeditions listed in this spreadsheet
3. 360 images, Street View App and the Thea 360 Camera with the setup to access Google Tour Builder

We set up prior to the week of vacation to use Google Tour Creator.
- here is a great tutorial by Eric Curts https://www.controlaltachieve.com/2018/10/tour-creator.html 

In addition, we will be building a tour together using https://vr.google.com/tourcreator/
Here are some tutorials and resources to set the tone for the rotation stations.  The directions were printed and provided in Google Classroom.

Here is a link to a tour of a few locations will visit in Italy this spring.

The next phase, phase II will involve students researching creating and review apps for creation start with:

• Metaverse 
• CoSpaces

Shark Tank - QBall an Interview with Shane Cox - let's Jam with entrepreneurship Class

This week we have been using the Jamboard in a new entrepreneurship class to prepare to interview Shane Cox learn more here https://www.buyqball.com and on Twitter @goPEEQ     

Shane appeared on Shark Tank to pitch his product.  We will be doing a Google Hangout/meet later today to interview Shane along with students from Bedford, NH entrepreneurship class. 

You can view the episode below!
Both schools use the Q-Ball!  Students tried out in class and researched the company.  Both schools modeled the use of our new Jamboard , which we both received as part of a grant from Google to "Transform you classroom environment"

We created a Jam and students using the web-based version jamboard.google.com along with the mobile app and added interview questions.

Students from both schools will alternate questions for Shane to learn more about his journey as an entrepreneur and the road that led him to Shark Tank.  I can't think of a better way to start a new semester of entrepreneurship!

Here is a sample of our jam! 
Students learned to use the collaboration tool on the web and by using the board!  This was a great way for business students to see the new ways business a collaborating for virtual meetings.  They will also get to experience a Google Hangout and bring that learning into the classroom!


We had students follow Qball on twitter to learn current information about the company by following them on Twitter https://twitter.com/goPEEQ 

I am looking forward to sharing this experience with the teacher and students!

The Innovators Mindset - Feb 8th Part IV - Concluding Thoughts (Ch 13-14)

Next week we will be wrapping up The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros

Part IV: Concluding Thoughts (Chapters 13-14)
Questions and activities will be posted to the classroom in presentation
http://bit.ly/innovatorsmindsetnashobapart4  along with a reflection on the process coming soon.

Transforming your Classroom with Google Jamboard

Earlier this year I posted about the Google Jamboard, I was intrigued by the integration with G-Suite.  I was notified last last month that I received the "Transforming your Classroom with Google Jamboard" grant and I have been using with teachers this month!

Jamboard Overview presentation
http://bit.ly/transformlearningwithjamboard 

Stay tuned for more!

Google Recertification for Trainer - for 2019

Each year Google requires trainers to recertify and submit evidence of training.
Options: Google Keep  https://goo.gl/oPS9PK  and Hour of Code 2018 http://bit.ly/nashobahoc 

I passed the Google Certification test and submitted all evidence for 2019 in order to keep by Google Training Certification. In addition, this is the year to update all teaching certifications by June 2019!

All my certifications have been approved!  Here's to 2019!

Saying Goodbye and remembering a colleague

This post is for a colleague of mine that passed away this weekend. Kathy McHale was a French teacher in my high school and I had the privilege of working with her, traveling with her and being a friend. I've been thing Kathy today and remembering her classes and our travelling adventures.  I searched my blog today for a post I did about Kathy and her students.  Several years ago I came across a video contest by The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).  Kathy decided to enter her french III students in the contest.  The theme "Why I am a 21st Century Learner" they created Students Rap ‘Round the World video https://vimeo.com/18011416

Local newspapers covered the story. Here is the article link from the Stow Independent by our friend Ann Needle. There was a cash award for the contest and with Kathy, there always a reason to travel and celebrate!  She took the group of students to french restaurant in Boston to celebrate their success and extended the invitation to me, the principal and other colleagues that helped with the contest.  She always took the time to celebrate and find an adventure. Later that spring I had privilege to travel to Greece with her and some of my friends. Kathy was welcoming and made the trip so memorable, I signed up for a few more trips.

I am shocked and saddened by Kathy's passing, but I am so happy we captured one of her teaching stories in this blog and I can take the time to reflect on a teacher that loved teaching, Nashoba, her students and friends.  She will be missed.

Google Session - Applied Digital Skills Training in Lexington

A group of 70 educators attended a Google Session in Lexington yesterday.
Here is a link to the agenda http://gg.gg/lexconnect.  Introduction by Jen Judkins and Gooogle's
(Sam Canning-Kaplan, Program Manager, Google for Education)

The morning session focused on Applied Digital Skill Training

• Applied Digital Skills Training (Sue Tranchina, Google Certified Trainer) - Explore the Curriculum
• A quick Google Demo Slam at lunch
• The afternoon had a few options, the GAFE PBL session was canceled - Leveraging Google Slides for Presentation (a variety of tools and tips)
• "Executive Functioning" is an umbrella term for brain-based skills involving mental control and self-regulation. It includes three main areas: Behavior regulation, emotional regulation, and cognitive regulation. https://sites.google.com/lexingtonma.org/executivefunctioning/home

It's always great to see from the lens of another Google Certified Trainer delivering content and Sue Tranchina, a business/video teacher did a great job.  Although the curriculum had some great lessons the student would need to be signed up for the Applied Digital Skills training and it would be tracked in the program. This may work in a blended model or to support a class such as Computer Apps for a help desk self-paced model.  I did find myself sharing many of the rubrics that could easily be adapted for other projects with my colleagues.

Although I did not attend the Executive Functioning for Secondary Students, I shared the site with our SPED Department Chair as a model we could potentially customize to meet our school needs. I have been thinking about this type of setup, which we created in a class under our Special Education training for recertification, but the site provides all students and staff with great tools. Lexington did a great job have the special education department create this with the help of a digital coach. Now that we have a model, we will explore the features.

The best part of the day, reconnecting with colleagues from other schools and have some takeaways to share with teachers.