Savvy Seven Day 2

Technology Fair

Last night, the District hosted a technology fair. Organized and put on by Desiree Caskey, Karen Palmer, and Deana Elder, the purpose of the event was to help people who are interested in purchasing technology to see it, feel it, discuss it, and ask questions about it to those of use who are implementing and testing it out in our classrooms. In Desiree's words:

PURPOSE OF THE TECHNOLOGY FAIR:

So just a quick reminder that the Technology fair is for people who influence or make purchasing decisions. There will be people from SD#2 and surrounding districts. Your charge is to provide information for them about the product - 

• what it does, 
• how you use it in your classroom, 
• what you like about it, 
• what you don't like about it
• ANY other information you think will help them in planning and purchasing technology

Deana, Karen & I will have current pricing, product information, and planning documents. We will be there to help people have a PLAN OF PURCHASE. 

Now We're Flipping Out

Today I was asked a question I was unprepared to answer; Rendan wanted to know how to insert a video interview into his Google Presentation. It just so happened that I had my Flip camera sitting right there, so I gave it a shot. I spun his Chromebook around, flipped out the USB tab, and popped it in. What do you know... it works! I sent the camera home with him tonight, so tomorrow we will upload it to YouTube and take it from there.

Blogging on Blogging

Based on what you know right now, what is the purpose of a blog? 

AND

How could you see yourself implementing a blog in your classroom (at your grade level)?

What a Slacker!

It has been far, far, far too long since I have updated, and I can simply say that it's because I feel like this year has just begun! Most of our new equipment has arrived, and we have been busy setting it up, trying it out, and learning just how much we have to learn!

With only 1.5 days left of this wonderful year (NO! I am NOT ready for it to end!), I am making it my goal to get this information caught up at my summertime leisure! Check back for updates, where I will share the tools, tricks and trip-ups of our new gear.

In the meantime, here is the thank-you video we assembled for Phillips 66, our primary donor.

Google Presentations

Greta's Google Presentation on Death Valley, part of the Heritage Project for Social Studies:

As Easy As 1/2, 2/3, 3/4

Mrs. Brucker's students taking a math test

Online math assessment

This has been a fun-filled week of "experimentation." We have been using our computers daily, for everything from researching distances between historical sites, to adding events to the Google Calendar. At the moment, the students are taking a math test online, using the Test Builder in Pearson Success Net. In the past when I have tried to use this product, I have had to either cycle students through our classroom computers (which is a pain because of the varying amounts of time the students take to complete it) or reserve the wireless lab. Since the lab is booked out virtually every morning for 3rd and 4th grade Read About, we are usually left with no batteries in an afternoon time that has to be squeezed in between specialists, recess, and the end of the day. This morning, I announced that we would be taking a test with our computers, and instead of the usual, "Awwww... a test?!" I heard, "Yay! A test!" As I look out across my class, I see eager eyes scanning the screens for fractions in simplest form, pensive pencils calculating least common denominators, and speculative students calculating the fractional distance from school, to Aunt Mary's house, and then to home.

Tech Time Transitions
It became very clear about a week ago that we were going to need to figure out some kind of system in order to make the transition between getting the computers and using the computers go more smoothly. I decided that a code word, followed by an orderly progression of 3 students at a time getting their computers, would make the most sense. We only had to practice it twice before they had it down... I think this speaks to the eagerness they feel to use their equipment and their willingness to do it respectfully in order to make it happen more often. Now, all I have to do is say, "It's tech time!"and students numbered 1, 2, and 3 make their way over to the cabinet. As they are seen walking away with their laptops carried safely with two hands, 4, 5, and 6 follow suit. Each person has another students to whom they look for their cue to move. So far so good.