A Bit About Me

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

My EdTech Spotlight article

I recently wrote an article on the concept behind EdTech Spotlights, and figured I'd share it with you all, in case it doesn't make it off the cutting room floor.

Here goes...

"This year, we’ve begun a new initiative that highlights the varied ways in which students use technology to enrich their learning experiences. From producing daily newscasts, to coding on iPods, our students are developing a greater sense for the ways in which technology is and can be used in their daily lives. Through weekly EdTech Spotlights, teachers throughout the school are able to see how their colleagues are leveraging the use of technology for academic purposes. This type of Spotlight has led the way to several practices that can now be seen in classrooms on a regular basis.

At Excel Academy, our girls are doing more than viewing technology. They are interacting with it, expanding their learning through it, and one day, we hope to see many of our scholars build technology tools that others can use. During Computer Science Education Week, over 200 of our scholars participated in the Hour of Code. Within this hour, students were able to program a virtual robot to light up a blue tile, using a simplified programming language. By opening our scholars’ eyes up to the world of technology, understanding it from the inside out, our goal is to increase interest amongst young girls for all fields of technology and computer science. Getting girls interested in technology at an early age, will in turn get more women involved in technological developments and related fields of employment; both adding variety and diversity to a field that is traditionally dominated by men."

Monday, December 2, 2013

My Nerdlution

It's been awhile, so here goes.

After reading a few tweets over the last few days, I learned about this thing called Nerdlution. Normally, I don't subscribe to such "nerdy" undertakings, but this one struck my fancy due to its start date and the ability to encompass more than one goal. Plus, having undertaken two whole jobs for the price of one :(, the sarcastic side of me spoke to my gluttonous side and decided that there's no such thing as "too much". While most may select one or two things to focus on for the next 50 days, I find myself choosing 3 equally important things to do. Maybe it's the overachiever in me, maybe I was just bored. Who knows?

My Nerdlution


1.   Read one chapter a day

I read less now, as a 30-year-old, than I ever have in my whole life. This fact alone is really sad when you couple it with the fact that I have over 3 dozen books that I've only opened once (maybe). That being said, this Nerdlution, will force me to finish those books that I can't believe I ever put down, and pick up those books that I've forgotten all about. 

One chapter at a time, I'll likely be able to finish at least 3 or 4 books over the next 50 days. On a really nerdy note, I just finished the book Lean In, today:)


2.   Write daily

For the last 6 years, I've been trying to write two books. One is about the unbelievable events of one's life; the other is about all of the ridiculous stuff that happens in airports. Writing daily will help me get a little closer to completing both of these books. 

The thing that I love about writing is that the very act of writing can encompass so many different forms. Over the next 50 days, I'll focus on writing chapters and vignettes for my books, I'll write blog posts (for work) every Tuesday and Thursday, I'll build my online portfolio and update my resume, and lastly, I'll compose the many short and long responses for my Google Certified Trainer application.


3.   Coding

This Nerdlution couldn't possibly be complete without the inclusion of some simple coding practice. Ever since I began to code over the summer, I've found myself dreaming of creating apps. and building websites. Just imagine all of the doors that can be opened when one learns to code. There's such a movement in education right now centered on the topic of coding, that it would be a crying shame to miss out on learning this new skill.



Whelp, off to coding now. I wish you all a successful 50 days of Nerdlution!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Adventures in Coding: A Teacher's Perspective, pt. 1

Since coding is all the rage nowadays, I figured I'd spend Summer "Break" learning how to code. I must confess that I was very naive at first, thinking that my mathematical genius would kick in and I'd pick up the coding process in a snap. Boy was I wrong.

I've been using this free program called LearnStreet. The website offers beginner courses in Javascript, Python and Ruby. As a novice Techie, I chose the most "popular" course: Javascript. Mistake #1.

In my opinion Javascript tends to be based more on problem solving and logic, and less on mathematical equations and operations. After venting to my Twitter peeps on the many obstacles in Javascript coding that I have been unable to overcome, Mr. Gauthier (@mrgfactoftheday) suggested that I try Python. So, I did. And to be completely honest, it makes a lot more sense to me.

I like Python, because it is more attuned to mathematical procedures and operations, as opposed to Javascript which uses more logic and syntax in order to complete a code. Python has reminded me of theorems from my high school Pre-Calculus and Algebra II classes. Also, in coding practice, I've learned a lot about myself on a very technical level.

For example, I don't tend to follow rules to a "T", in coding, you have to. I also don't read directions when I think that something should be intuitive. In coding, you MUST read the directions, otherwise you'll get lost, and begin pulling your hair out. So, take my advice, for now...if you're new to coding, and you want to travel down Easy Street first, then start with Python, and once you gain some confidence in your abilities, give logic-based, syntax-heavy Javascript a go.

This is your TechTeacherT, signing off.

Until next time, when I conquer the beginner Python course.

Over and out.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Prepping for first-ever #girlsintechchat

On July 2nd from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. EST, I'll be hosting a Twitter chat called #girlsintechchat. The goal is to pull together ideas and resources for getting more girls interested in pursuing careers in a Technology field. In this day and age, something just seems wrong about having Technology as a field that boys run. I've personally been a fan of Technology, in particular gaming since I was 5 years old, when my older brother taught me how to play Mario Brothers.

By getting more girls in the mix within their K-12 careers, we're more likely to see diversity in the workplace, and a stronger prospect of gender equality. In today's society where a man's salary outranks that of a woman's the majority of the time, it's important that we teach our girls that equality is a goal worth striving for. By leveling the playing field on the Technology front, I hope that this prospect, this idea of equality in the workplace is something that can be achieved sooner, rather than later.

Since this will be the first #girlsintechchat I'll be seeking input as to the preferred time and date of future #girlsintechchat. Please complete the survey below, so that a regular time/date can be set for future chats.


Thanks so much,

#girlsintechchat Time/date preference Survey

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Notes To Self: ISTE 2013 - 15 Lessons Learned

After participating in ISTE13 this past week, I've had an opportunity to reflect on several lessons learned. These specific lessons are not academic in nature, that post will come a little later. Rather, I've formatted this post as a "Notes to self" type of entry, in order to make better decisions next year. In addition, one of my upcoming posts will be about what you should be prepared for when attending ISTE14 in Atlanta next summer.


1.        Eat more.
With all the walking and talking that one is bound to do while at an ISTE Conference, I quickly discovered the necessity of eating more than just once or twice a day. The heat that Texas has to offer is no joke, and while I didn't personally, nor did I hear of anyone fainting, I must say that it is still important to be mindful of one's dietary intake. And, just for the record, an Iced Chai from Starbucks does not equal a meal, or anything close to it.  

2.        Eat out.
Yes, we all love to splurge for room service every now and then, but it's really difficult to make F2F connections with people when you're cooped up in a hotel room for every meal. The few times when I ate at the hotel's restaurant, I remember starting impromptu conversations with other ISTE participants who were also enjoying a nice quiet meal. If you ever want to know where to eat in a foreign city, just get onto Foursquare, and you'll be able to check out the most happening locations within an area.  

3.        Buy the expensive, big bottles of Fiji water.
Let me just start by saying that I'm not a water snob, I just know what's good. When you're staying in a hotel that charges $2 for each little bottle of water you consume, you'd be better off walking over to the nearest drugstore and getting a few large bottles of Fiji. It's good water, and you get a lot more, for a little less $.

4.        Take naps.Many ISTE participants on Twitter have already talked about soaking up information like a sponge. This article talks all about the benefits of taking a nap, and no, it's not just beneficial for "old people". Besides, while taking a nap, you can also give your phone a chance to charge.

5.        Make sure phone is fully charged while out. 
Nowadays, no one likes to be "stranded" without their technology device(s). What's worse is having a phone, a full signal, and a dead battery. If you're the type of person that carries a charger or a spare battery around, then great! If you're not, then remember to recharge your phone before it dies, as my phone did twice. Luckily, I was hotel-bound each time.

6.        Get a hotel with FREE WIFI.Maybe I've been spoiled by always staying in hotels that had free WIFI at previous conferences and events. Either way, I couldn't bring myself to pay $10 a day for access when I could get unlimited access at Starbucks or the Convention Center for free. 

7.         Bring the bare minimum number of technology devices.
Just because ISTE13 was a Technology-based Educational Conference, it doesn't mean that one should bring half a dozen devices. Last year, my device count was rather light, with only my SmartPhone, an iPad, and my MacBook. This year was a bit more intense. I ended up packing my MacBook, iPhone, and both my personal and work iPads. Not to mention the free Surface tablet that 10,000 of us received for free at the event. As if the weight of these devices was not enough, now I have to go through and collate all of the QR codes that I scanned on my iPhone and iPads. Next year, I'll pack way smarter, limiting the devices to a ChromeBook, that I'll get this Christmas, and ONE iPad. Should definitely save a lot of time when being required to shut down devices prior to the flight departure.  

8.         If you know you're receiving a free device, follow the Twitter advice and bring a case.
It would have been really nice to carry around the new Windows Surface tablet in a case or bag, rather than the clunky box that it came in. But I suppose that this uncomfortable clunkiness was bound to be the result of not listening to the nice reminder tweets about bringing a case for the device. Oh well, another lesson learned.

9.        Leave enough room in your suitcase for free schwag.
When you attend a Conference of this size, you know there are going to be a lot of vendors, so be prepared. A recent tweet I read, said that there was one vendor for every three participants. That's a lot of information to take in, and a lot of freebies to receive. Wishing I would have planned accordingly. Thankfully, when I got home late Wednesday evening, my next-door neighbor intercepted me, and offered to carry my overstuffed suitcase up three flights of stairs:)

10.      Pack less.
This kinda goes in line with #9. However, the main reason for packing less is that you're not going to a deserted island, thus anything outside of the 4 or 5 changes of clothes can likely be purchased at a local retail location.

11.      Take comfortable shoes.
Unless you find some type of sick enjoyment out of getting blisters, pack comfortable shoes. In my situation, a roundtrip from the hotel to the Convention Center and back equaled a little over a mile. Multiply that by 3, and tack on another mile or two of walking around the Convention Center, and you're easily looking at about 5 miles worth of walking each day. Now, I realize that there were shuttle buses to and from the hotels, but there's something healthy to be said about choosing walking over riding or driving. Yes, I was that individual wearing Skechers with a maxi dress. In a Conference that is that spread out, comfort takes precedence over style. Next year, I'll definitely be breaking in a few pairs of shoes before taking them down to HotLanta.


12.     Remember username and password to the QR code source for personal business card.
Last year, just in time for ISTE12, I made a bunch of business cards that had a QR code which would link to my resume. Personally, I thought it was pretty sweet. But, when you spend the vast majority of the Conference in obscurity, too timid to converse with anyone, the business cards become relatively useless. Fast forward one year later. Too busy with work to even remember the password, let alone the email address I used to make the QR code, I was a little stuck. Thankfully, the QR code was linked to a GoogleDoc I had created, so all I had to do was change the text to replace my resume with my Twitter handle.
  
13.     Find a better way to make F2F introductions with Twitter followers.
Maybe it's just me, but every time I heard or said the word "following" or "follower", my mind immediately went to Fox's creepy TV show, "The Following". Now, there has got to be a better way to make face to face introductions with someone that you're "following" on Twitter than to say, "Hey, I think I'm one of your followers". Creepy, right?? So, while at the EdTech Karaoke party, I recognized one of the people I followed right away, and said "Krissy?". Thankfully, she wasn't too weirded out by the whole introduction, though it was still a little awkward on my part. I just had this crazy thought where next year, I'll wear some type of oversized sticker that reads "If you think you follow me, I'm @TechTeacherT". Great icebreaker, right?

14.     Make new friends.
In addition to finding your Twitter peeps at a Conference this size, it's also important to make new friends. You know, the ones that you've never communicated with or been connected to. For example, when the plane touched down in San Antonio on Sunday evening, I joined a taxi line that was at least one hundred people deep. While in the incredibly long line, another ISTE participant joined the wait. As we inched our way up to the front of the line, he asked if I'd mind splitting a cab. After seeing cab after cab pass by with only one person in it, I said , "Sure, why not". So, we ended up splitting a cab ride into the city, which in turn, reduced some of the inevitable costs. Plus, meeting this one stranger, and crossing paths with him on a few additional occasions over the course of the week, made it that much easier to realize just how seamlessly we were all connected to one another.



15.     Check in to flight 24 hours in advance, not one hour ahead of time.This problem was one of the most important travel takeaways that I took from this Conference. Southwest is a great airline, really it is. But, I had neglected to read up on the airline prior to checking in, and did not realize until I got to the airport that there were no assigned seats, and that your boarding order was based on when you checked in for your flight. Thus, when you check in an hour or two before your departure time, you can't blame anyone for any inconvenience you may experience, like not being able to access your devices because there's not enough room in the overhead for your bag. I learned my lesson. On the homebound flight, I checked in 24 hours ahead of time, and thankfully was able to get and keep a seat and my bags, as the flight had been overbooked.


Be sure to check out my next post on preparing for ISTE14 in Atlanta, on Monday. Those of you coming from far, far away, will surely find it useful.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Game-based Learning for 1st thru 6th Grades

All school year, I've been using a variety of games from ABCya.com to support classroom objectives. After a little bit of digging, I recently tripped upon the Arcademics website which offers a host of games that span over several topics:

  • Addition
  • Subtraction
  • Division
  • Multiplication
  • Integers
  • Decimals
  • Money
  • Decimals
  • Time
  • Algebra
  • Fractions and Ratios
  • Spelling
  • Geography
  • Word Relationships
  • Typing

These games were built for Grades 1st thru 6th, and several of them have an iPad app. that goes for 99 cents. The nice bonus here is that each month, the website offers one app. for free.

The thing that I love the most about this site is that it incorporates the use of usernames (without passwords). Thus, in teaching students as young as First Grade about the importance of Digital Citizenship and being safe online, this site proves to be very useful.

At the beginning of the school year, I taught students about the importance of being safe online. In this particular lesson, we talked about usernames and how they help to keep us safe online. I had each First Grader create their own username based on some of their favorite animals, foods, colors, numbers and letters. As a result, I got some creative little combos.

cat8bird
ggme725
bridog2
piza3pi

The beauty of this lesson was that the students were over the moon with excitement about being able to use their self-created usernames to play some of the Arcademics games.

This lesson is a MUST for teaching students the importance of staying safe online. The fact that they get to practice some core skills in timed settings is an added bonus.

Monday, April 1, 2013

It's All About Collaboration

Every single grade level has at least one standard that relates to collaboration or shared writing experiences. The beauty of these standards are that there are several ways to go about accomplishing this task.

*Note: This particular post will be continually updated based on the new collaboration tools that become available.

Some collaboration tools require an email, while others don't. Therefore, I'll be segmenting this particular post based on the need for an email address or just a username/password combo.

The first tool is the tried and true GoogleDocs. While you do need an account in order to set up a GoogleDoc, you do not need an email to edit one. Check out this GoogleDoc, and add your own text to it without signing in.


When setting up your own collaborative writing GoogleDoc, just be sure to choose "Anyone with a Link" and "can edit".



K-12 Typing - It's in the Standards

With the introduction of the Common Core State Standards, one can only begin to ponder the ways in which to approach the many technology-infused standards that exist. Since there is only one standard (technically three) that focuses on both the quantity and quality of one's ability, I've decided to dedicate this post to the skill of typing.

We all know how important it is to learn how to type correctly. I'm sure that many of you have had staggeringly long papers to write type for graduate school. I remember the longest paper that I've ever had to type was 27 pages long.  That being said, below are the Standards that relate to typing. As you can see, there is only a clearly defined expectation for 4th, 5th and 6th graders.


W.4.6:  With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.

W.5.6:  With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting.

W.6.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.



In making software purchase decisions, I've been getting input from fellow teachers on the software programs that they'd like to have for their students next year. When I brought up the need for typing programs, several teachers mentioned how great the Mavis Beacon Typing program was when they were in school. As great as the program is or may have been, some things need to be adequately updated with the changing times to ensure that our students are engaged in the learning process.

Through my experiences in teaching, I've devised a grade-by-grade plan for teaching typing. Keep in mind that a lot of typing lessons require the teacher to function as the scaffolder.


Kindergarten
I completely realize how crazy it may seem to teach a 5-year-old how to type, but here's the thing...since tech integration in the Common Core begins in kindergarten, so too should the most basic keyboarding instruction. Kindergarteners should be focused on finding letters with their two pointer fingers, as many of them have hands that are not quite big enough to span adequate reach on the keyboard. Thus, I recommend the following online activities for Kindergarten:

Keyboarding Zoo
Typing Rocket Jr.
Key Seeker
Super Hyper Spider Typer

I've used all of these "games" with kindergarteners and they've absolutely loved them all. The Keyboarding Zoo and Key Seeker games are great because animated animals and such come up after a specific letter is typed. Keyboarding Zoo is reinforces letter locations by having students type the same letter 10 times before they are given the next letter in alphabetical order. Super Hyper Spider Typer, and Typing Rocket Jr. are timer-based games, making them both my secondary choices for kindergarten. 


First Grade
The list of typing programs for First Grade is very similar to that of Kindergarten, with only a few minor tweaks based on their overall ability levels to find proper keys on the keyboard. With adequate keyboarding practice in Kindergarten, First Graders will likely feel more comfortable in timed settings. Thus, I would include the Cup Stacking Typing Game into the mix for First Grade.

Based on how quickly students are able to consistently "master" the above games, I'd begin to include Dance Mat Typing into the instructional plan. Dance Mat Typing is a really great program, and though it says its meant for students aged 7 to 11 years old, I would personally cap the cut off age at either 8 or 9 years old, as I've noticed many 4th and 5th graders getting bored by this very animated program.


Second Grade
Dance Mat Typing and the other 'games' above are well-suitable for Second Graders. In teaching this particular level, it's important to begin scaffolding proper typing practices. At this grade level, students should be introduced to the home-row keys (L = a, s, d, f; R = j, k, l, ;). During the Dance Mat Typing activities, I consistently walk around the class tapping the back of students chairs to remind them to sit up straight. By the end of Second Grade, they've got this mantra stuck in their heads: "No backs on backs, No legs on legs, No elbows on the tables". This mantra encourages students to sit straight without getting elbow cramps.

In addition to Dance Mat Typing and the previously listed activities, I'd include the following activities as they encourage students to type complete words:

Spider Typer - Hard
Alpha Munchies w/ Sight Words


Third Grade
Before a student completes Third Grade, he/she should be able to:

W.3.6:  With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.

On the aspect of keyboarding, there are two viable choices, depending upon your school's situation. 

Option 1
First is continuing with Dance Mat Typing, and beginning to incorporate timed typing examples like the one listed below.

Timed Typing assessment:
Typing Assessment 

When it comes to online Typing Tests, one thing that I've found is that it is hard to find a website that isn't infiltrated with advertisements. So, when it comes to Typing Tests, I'd suggest doing a Google search and finding the one that works best for you.

Option 2
If your school has a technology budget, then I'd suggest purchasing software to push out to all of the computers. 
 
Software purchases are a tricky area, depending upon your school's Vision and Philosophy. Thus, I've stumbled upon this great list that breaks down the Top 10 Typing programs for kids. It's a great resource site because it compares each program, side-by-side, saving you a lot of the typical legwork required in making software purchases. 


Fourth Grade
Since the formalized keyboarding skills begin in Grade 4, I suggest utilizing Typing software as needed, while focusing on the actual integration of keyboarding skills in classroom assignments. This can be done in a variety of ways, from having students type their hand-written poems, to typing full-on research papers. Either way, the most important thing here is that students become comfortable with typing information on a regular basis, as they will be expected to type one page within a single sitting. 

Incorporating daily or weekly typing tests would also be beneficial for this grade, as it will help them build both speed and accuracy. 

Typing Test for Kids 
 

As a way to incorporate game-based learning programs into the curriculum, I recommend having students "compete" against others in a typing race. It's relatively easy, you see. All they have to do is join a game of Sky Chase, and type the words as they see them, as quickly as they can. At the end of the game, students can see their accuracy percentage and how many words per minute they were able to type.




Fifth Grade
By the time a student completes 5th grade, he/she is expected to type 2 pages within one single-sitting. This makes it extra important to reinforce typing opportunities for writing assignments, while also amping up on the Typing Tests. 

At this grade level Typing software can still be used, but it becomes increasingly important for students to gain comfort in typing. As adults, we know how tiresome it can be to type up a two-page paper in one sitting. Now, imagine your students having to do the same exact thing. At this stage, typing should become an activity that is infused within the curriculum, multiple times a week, if not daily. 

In addition to the previously listed software in the Third Grade section, feel free to include any of the additional game-based learning sites listed above, as these will undoubtedly maintain the student's interest while also teaching them an invaluable skill.


Sixth Grade
At this stage, students are expected to type 3 pages within one single-sitting. Prior to this point, students should have grown accustomed to typing. They should be using their home-row keys, without making many mistakes and capitalizing without using CAPS LOCK.

By this point, typing should be as second-hand as texting.


7th Grade thru 12th Grade
In 7th thru 12th grades, typing should become a daily part of the student's life. Though there are no standards within the common core that directly relate to the skill of keyboarding for these grades, special attention should be paid to more formalized typing that relates to the various writing standards of each respective grade. 

Since these grades will likely have to type their responses, to the questions in the Writing Section of the PARC-C, it's important that typing is regularly practiced within the instructional day.



I hope this post gave all an insightful view on infusing keyboarding instruction into the curriculum. Be sure to read my next post on some collaborative writing platforms.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Digital Rendering of an IT Lab

Computer Lab:



3D model by
TechTeacherT
This is my idea of what a computer lab for a growing K-5 school could look like.


Towards the end of January, I had offered to create a digital lab rendering of my school's future IT Lab as a way to interactively show potential donors a rendition of the physical products that their funds would help to purchase. The model above is my final rendition.

One thing that I realized while using this Sketch Up program was that I should have paid much better attention in my High School Geometry class from 15 years ago. The nice thing with this free software is that you can download other peoples' models and position them on your own, if need be. 

In completing this meticulous project, I considered the many ways in which this software could be used to support classroom instruction. The software definitely caters to several types of Geometry standards found within the Common Core. Plus, if teachers are uneasy with introducing the software to a class of students, then the Sketch Up website offers a variety of great tutorial videos to ease users into the use of this wonderful tool.

Below are some of the CCSS Math Standards that could be applied to the use of the Sketch Up program:

7.G.2:     Draw (freehand, with ruler and protractor, and with technology) geometric shapes with given conditions.  Focus on constructing triangles from three measures of angles or sides, noticing when the conditions determine a unique triangle, more than one triangle, or no triangle.

8.G.1:     Verify experimentally the properties of rotations, reflections, and translations.

G-CO.12:   Make formal geometric constructions with a variety of tools and methods.

G-MG.3:    Apply geometric methods to solve design problems. 

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Great Opportunity: Doodle 4 Google

Last week, one of my students told me that she was creating a Doodle 4 Google to try to win a computer lab for our school. I had seen the initial call for entries from Google about a month ago, and hadn't really gotten around to revisiting it since. When the student told me that she was creating a Doodle 4 Google, I thought of a much bigger idea. Why not have a school-wide contest???

My school is located in Washington, DC, so when I first went to the Doodle4Google website, one can imagine my discouragement in seeing that DC was not listed. So, I looked through the FAQ and the "Judging and Prizes" sections and, low and behold, there it was: Washington, DC is lumped in with Maryland. This of course means, that not only can my student apply, but the entire student population could apply as well, if they so chose to.

With less than three weeks to go until applications are due (March 22nd), I'm planning to launch a school-wide application for Doodle 4 Google. Since the theme is "My Best Day Ever...", students would likely look at this as a fun way to creatively answer a question and express themselves. As educators, we all know how essential it is to re-awaken creativity in the minds of our students. This could be a great way to start.

Submissions can be drawn on physical paper, OR they can be created with the use of technology. As the Technology Teacher, I've already taught Kindergarten thru Second Grades how to use the Microsoft Paint software, and am so excited to give them this great opportunity to combine the use of this software with their imagination of the "Best Day Ever".

I'm curious to see if anyone else out there has students entering this contest as well. Anyone??

Google Teacher Academy - 8 days of waiting :)

I recently applied to the Google Teacher Academy that is taking place this May in Sydney, Australia. The mere excitement of the opportunity to apply for this great professional development session that will expand one's PLN and introduce one to several great educational technology tools is priceless. This will be the third time that I've applied for the program, and I feel that with each submission, I've gotten a little better. Below is my YouTube video submission on "Motivation and Learning" which is a step up from my last submission.




This leads me to my 7 days of waiting. Yesterday was Day One. It went by so quickly that the thought of running home to check my email only crossed my mind a total of 5 times, as opposed to the usual 20+ times. I can only hope that the events of this week (Gala, teaching, yoga, meetings, creating Tech Plan, blogging, and so much more) will create enough of a productive distraction from the anticipation of finding out whether or not I got in.

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Savings Alert: Glogster EDU - discounted for a limited time

About a year ago, I blogged about how my students used Glogster to complete some projects for their Social Studies class.

Today, I'm so excited to share with you all the fact that from now until February 28th March 6th, Glogster EDU has reduced their pricing from $99 a year down to $20 a year. Discovering this news late last week was better than finding out that Five Guys Burgers and Fries now has a "Little" size for their french fries. But, I digress.

Glogster is a wonderful multimedia tool that is easy enough for a third grader to use. It basically functions as an online poster filled with text, color, pictures, animation, links....you name it, Glogster can almost always include it. In addition to the vibrancy of this Web 2.0 tool and the ease of its use, there's a communication tool that allows the everyone within a classroom to send messages to one another. The teacher can monitor all of the communication that takes place, both through the messaging system and the commenting boards. The teacher also has the ability to retrieve and change student passwords as needed.

Overall, I give this tool an A+.

Plus, the price is a hard one to pass up on in this economy.


Below is an example of what one of my students created on Glogster.



Saturday, February 2, 2013

Technology Integration within the ELA Common Core State Standards

While developing my school's Technology Plan, much conversation has been centered on the Common Core State Standards and their linkage with technology. So, I took it upon myself to go through all of the ELA Standards to find every Standard that deals with Technology. Below is a compilation of the results. Throughout the course of the next several months, I plan to provide posts that aid fellow teachers in ways in which Technology Tools can be integrated to properly meet the Common Core State Standards.

**These Standards were pulled directly from the Common Core State Standards


-->
Elementary (K-5) ELA Standards

Kindergarten
W.K.6:  With guidance and support from adults, explore a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.

SL.K.2:  Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood.


First Grade
W.1.6:  With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.

SL.1.2:  Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

RI.1.5:   Know and use various text features (e.g., headings, tables of contents, glossaries, electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or information in a text.


Second Grade
RL.2.7:  Use information gained from the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot

W.2.6:  With guidance and support from adults, use a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.

SL.2.2:  Recount or describe key ideas or details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

SL.2.5:  Create audio recordings of stories or poems, add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

L.2.4.E:  Use glossaries and beginning dictionaries, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases.

RI.2.5:   Know and use various text features (e.g., captions, bold print, subheadings, glossaries, indexes, electronic menus, icons) to locate key facts or information in a text efficiently.


Third Grade
W.3.6:  With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.

W.3.8:  Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.

SL.3.2:  Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

SL.3.5:  Create engaging audio recordings of stories or poems that demonstrate fluid reading at an understandable pace; add visual displays when appropriate to emphasize or enhance certain facts or details. 

L.3.4.D:  Use glossaries or beginning dictionaries, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the precise meaning of key words and phrases.

RI.3.5:   Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.


Fourth Grade
W.4.2.A:  Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.4.6:  With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of one page in a single sitting.

W.4.8:  Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.

SL.4.2:  Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

SL.4.5:  Add audio recordings and visual displays to presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes.

L.4.4.C:  Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation and determine or clarify the precise meaning of key words and phrases.

RI.4.7:  Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, timelines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.


Fifth Grade
RL.5.7:  Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem)

RI.5.7:  Draw on information from multiple print or digital sources, demonstrating the ability to locate an answer to a question quickly or to solve a problem efficiently.

W.5.2.A:  Introduce a topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus, and group related information logically; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.5.6:  With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of two pages in a single sitting.

W.5.8:  Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; summarize or paraphrase information in notes and finished work, and provide a list of sources.

SL.5.2:  Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

SL.5.5:  Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, sound) and visual displays in presentations when appropriate to enhance the development of main ideas or themes.

L.5.4.C:  Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation and determine or clarify the precise meaning of key words and phrases.


Middle School ELA Standards

Sixth Grade
RL.6.7:  Compare and contrast the experience of reading a story, drama, or poem to listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live version of the text, including contrasting what they "see" and "hear" when reading the text to what they perceive when they listen or watch.

RI.6.7:  Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

W.6.2.A:  Introduce a topic; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.6.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum of three pages in a single sitting.

W.6.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and providing basic bibliographic information for sources.

SL.6.2:  Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

SL.6.5:  Include multimedia components (e.g., graphics, images, music, sound) and visual displays in presentations to clarify information.

L.6.4.C:  Consult reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.

RH.6.7:  Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

RST.6.9:  Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.

WHST.6.2.A:  Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

WHST.6.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.

WHST.6.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.


Seventh Grade
RL.7.7:  Compare and contrast a written story, drama, or poem to its audio, filmed, staged, or multimedia version, analyzing the effects of techniques unique to each medium (e.g., lighting, sound, color, or camera focus and angles in a film).

RI.7.7:  Compare and contrast a text to an audio, video, or multimedia version of the text, analyzing each medium's portrayal of the subject (e.g., how the delivery of a speech affects the impact of the words).

W.7.2.A:  Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information, using strategies such as definition, classification, comparison/contrast, and cause/effect; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.7.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with others, including linking to and citing sources.

W.7.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

SL.7.2:  Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

SL.7.5:  Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.

L.7.4.C:  Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.

RH.7.7:  Integrate quantitative or technical analysis (e.g., charts, research data) with qualitative analysis in print or digital text.

RST.7.9:  Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.

WHST.7.2.A:  Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

WHST.7.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.

WHST.7.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.


Eighth Grade
RI.8.7:  Evaluate the advantages and disadvantage of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.

W.8.2.A:  Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.8.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently as well as to interact and collaborate with others.

W.8.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

SL.8.2:  Analyze the purpose of information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and evaluate the motives (e.g., social, commercial, political) behind its presentation.

SL.8.5:  Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest.

L.8.4.C:  Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning or its part of speech.

RH.8.7:  Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, as well as in words) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

RST.8.9:  Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.

WHST.8.2.A:  Introduce a topic clearly, previewing what is to follow; organize ideas, concepts, and information into broader categories as appropriate to achieving purpose; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., charts, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

WHST.8.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.

WHST.8.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

High School ELA Standards

Ninth Grade
RI.9.7:  Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g, a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.

W.9.2.A:  Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information or make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.9.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.

W.9.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

SL.9.2:  Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.

SL.9.5:  Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

L.9.4.C:  Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, or its etymology.

WHST.9.2.A:  Introduce a topic and organize ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

WHST.9.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.

WHST.9.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.


Tenth Grade
RI.10.7:  Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.

W.10.2.A:  Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information or make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.10.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.

W.10.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

SL.10.2:  Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source.

SL.10.5:  Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

L.10.4.C:  Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, or its etymology.

WHST.10.2.A:  Introduce a topic and organize ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

WHST.10.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products, taking advantage of technology's capacity to link to other information and to display information flexibly and dynamically.

WHST.10.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.


Eleventh Grade
RI.11.7:  Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.

W.11.2.A:  Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which preceded it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.11.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback including new arguments or information.

W.11.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and over reliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.

SL.11.2:  Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.

SL.11.5:  Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

L.11.4.C:  Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, its etymology, or its standard usage.

RST.11.7:  Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

WHST.11.2.A:  Introduce a topic and organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

WHST.11.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

WHST.11.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and over reliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.


Twelfth Grade
RI.12.7:  Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words in order to address a question or solve a problem.

W.12.2.A:  Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which preceded it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.12.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback including new arguments or information.

W.12.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and over reliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.

SL.12.2:  Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among the data.

SL.12.5:  Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.

L.12.4.C:  Consult general and specialized reference materials (e.g., dictionaries, glossaries, thesauruses), both print and digital, to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, its etymology, or its standard usage.

RST.12.7:  Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

WHST.12.2.A:  Introduce a topic and organize complex ideas, concepts, and information so that each new element builds on that which precedes it to create a unified whole; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

WHST.12.6:  Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback, including new arguments or information.

WHST.12.8:  Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the specific task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and over reliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Tech Plan, From the beginning

Currently working on creating a Tech Plan from scratch.

It's times like this when I'm thankful that the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) exist. I remember last year, working in a school district where the technology standards were so dated that they were not even intertwined with the general curriculum.

The Elementary (K-5) Technology Standards were literally as follows:

1.  Use a variety of technology tools to gather data and information. (e.g., Web-based resources, e-books, online communication tools, etc.)

2.  Use a variety of technology tools to organize data and information. (e.g., word processor, graphic organizer, audio and visual recording, online collaboration tools, etc.)
3.  Use technology tools to present data and information (multimedia, audio and visual recording, online collaboration tools, etc.)

In a way, the above standards were great because it meant that there were endlessly possibilities for implementation. However, in another way, they felt so very drab, because the language was so separate from that which was used in defining the standards of the classroom teacher.

Now, working in a position where I have the authorization to create a curriculum, I've also been finding ways in which to set up technology standards for each grade level from preschool thru 12th grade. In addition, to the technology integration that is included in the CCSS, I strongly believe that there should be a basic set up technology skills and operations that students should have a strong foundation in by the culmination of each grade level.

Below is a simple grid highlighting some of these skills, which is still currently undergoing construction, so please excuse the holes. The complete version will be posted soon...


A Lesson Activity on Presidents

Wow, I can't believe it's the 20th of January, already. Tomorrow is the Presidential Inauguration, and though I live within a stone's throw of Washington, DC, I have no interest in being crammed in a Metro like a bunch of sardines, so I guess I'll be viewing the Inauguration from home.

That being said, I've found some nice websites that teach students about the roles and responsibilities of a President in a fun and interactive way.

The one described in this post is a two-part activity that I plan to utilize in my 4th grade classes.


Be the President

In this activity, students read a brief description about the activity, then they proceed to answer multiple choice questions regarding the decisions they would make if they were the President.






Students also have the option to read about some additional facts on the activities of previous Presidents. At the conclusion of this activity, students get a newspaper story that auto-fills their name and some of their favorite activities based on what answers they chose.

































My Plan:
This week, my 4th grade students will complete the above activity and take notes. This will increase their knowledge of past Presidents, which they can then correlate with facts that they acquire within their classroom instruction, and will prepare them for Part Two.

Next week, we will commence with Part Two of the activity where students will be split up into 3 groups and will partake in a Jeopardy activity that questions them on Presidential facts that they learned from Part One.

As a personal note, the one thing that I must remember is to tell students this week that they will need to take notes in preparation for next week's Jeopardy game. For, if I don't share this important detail with them in the beginning, then they'll likely be very slack about pulling key facts and information from the text that they'll be reading.

The great thing about using Jeopardy labs is that you can select up to 12 teams, so if you have a large class, there can still be equality. You can choose your own questions, or use/edit one of the pre-made templates. As teams answer correctly, you click the green plus sign (+) once in order to add the points. If they answer incorrectly, then you have the option to click on the red minus (-) sign in order to decrease the points by the correct amount.


I have very high hopes for this lesson, as it teaches the students many great skills (reading online text, finding quality information, note-taking, teamwork and collaboration) that will build character as well as knowledge.


Let me know how this lesson activity works for you, if you happen to try it. :)