Putting some Aurasma-tazz into the Classroom!

Augmented reality; the wave of the future or today's reality? Aurasma will help you realize it's here....NOW!

Aurasma is a scanning app that activates when it hovers over a pre-designated trigger image. You can make absolutely ANYTHING a trigger. Aurasma recognizes triggers when you follow specific channels where those triggers reside. The items that can reside within the triggers (called AURAS) include: images, animations, links, videos, etc. This technology opens up tremendous possibilities for classroom integration.

Using Aurasma:

#1. Download the free Aurasma app

#2. Select the spyglass and search for this channel: mrshoward118 or type in this link:  http://auras.ma/s/2T5RC

#3. Select [ ] to open the scanner. Hold your device over this image and watch the magic.

Within this business card, I've embedded a message and the following clickable holographic links:

So Many Classroom Possibilities!!

1.  Scavenger Hunts

Below I've created a classroom scavenger hunt.  The scavenger hunt has silhouette AURAS featuring famous people with speech bubbles describing who they are and clues with AURAS containing puzzles, videos and other effects.  My students LOVED this.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Aurasma-Scavenger-Hunt-Mystery-Person-Silhouettes

2.  Embedded Videos

Use cover art as a trigger and embed book trailers, student book reviews or even vocaroo voice overs!

3.  Secret Reveals

Create a sheet of auras each with a different reveal when scanned.  These could be used as behavioral rewards, clever review activities and more!

4.  Landmarks and Field Trips

Go to your local zoo or museum with the Aurasma app in hand.  Create AURAs out of important exhibits with supplemental videos and materials.

5.  Create Digital Greeting Cards

Embed an Aura inside a greeting card.  Provide them to students as rewards OR have students create their own videos and embed them within an Aura in the card.

6. Aurasma Badges on Edmodo

Use an Edmodo badge as a trigger and overlay a fun/silly/interesting animation or video.  Students receiving badges will have an added surprise!  Below is a badge trigger.  Use Aurasma to scan and watch the Purrrr-fect kitten dance!

You MUST follow channel mrshoward118 for this to work in Aurasma.

Follow my blog and stay tuned for details.  I will follow up soon with an Aurasma tutorial and MORE Aurasma products!

Adding Aurasma-tazz to your classroom?  Now THAT's using your Smarticles!!

Actively Learn - Interpret Poetry in a Collaborative Digital Environment.

Today I stumbled across a great site titled Actively Learn that has the potential to revolutionize the interactions that my students and I have with poetry and literature in the classroom.

In a previous post, I discussed the importance of close reading and how to integrate that with an iPad.  Actively Learn facilitates close reading and MORE!

An Overview

 Actively Learn allows you to build a class and provide an assignment to that class that has stop points throughout the text requiring students to answer or provide commentary as they read.  For students to access Actively Learn, they build an account and then 'find' their teacher's section and join that section. (avoiding the onerous task of building individual student accounts) Once they are active on Actively Learn, they will see any assignments that they need to complete.

Actively Learn provides a directory of poems and classic literature available for use.  The pieces are categorized allowing you to narrow your search by grade level as well as category of literature.  Actively Learn also allows for you to add online text or allows the teacher to upload their own .pdf or .epub file to share with students.  If you choose to upload your own text, it does take a while for that text to be processed and made available to you.

Once you've chosen a piece to add to your library, you can add your question(s), notes or other points of interest to the piece.  To add questions, simply highlight the area that you which to focus and a menu allows you to Insert a Question, Insert a Note (that students can also comment on and see each others comments) and Insert a Link for students to view related to the text.

After students complete the assignment, Actively Learn provides data and statistics specific to each student for evaluation.  For assignments that you obtain from the directory, many are linked to the Common Core standards so you can see which standards have been met.

My Thoughts

My personal goals when it comes to technology are to find ways to integrate technology to replace tasks that I currently do, NOT to reinvent the wheel.   I currently provide students with routine poetry experiences by using a generic Poetry Evaluation Form.  

I now plan on using Actively Learn to replace that poetry process and to build the Poetry Evaluation Form questions directly into Actively Learn.

A Quick Way to Integrate NOW

#1.  Sign up for Actively Learn

#2.  Set up your account and build your class (classes)

#3.  Select a poem

#4.  Use THIS set of generic poetry evaluation questions

#5.  Assign to your students

#6.  Have students sign-up, find your account and see the assignment.

#7.  Monitor student responses and provide feedback.

Actively Learn to use Your Smarticles!!

A Quick Quizlet Question Game

Today I discovered a great 5 minute way to create an "I Have, Who Has Game" (also known as the loop game) for your classroom.  

If you're not familiar with the game, it's a whole class way to review vocabulary or concepts in ANY content area in a way that involves the entire classroom. 

Student A: (Reads the word side of his card):
     "I have MEEK" 

Student A: (Reads the definition side of his card)
    "Who has SELF-CENTERED or VAIN" 

Student B: (Reads the word side of his card)
    "I have CONCEITED" 

Student B: (Reads the definition side of his card)
   ....

This continues until all cards have been read and it leads back to the definition of MEEK where you started.

I used to LABOR over getting one of these games set up.  Quizlet, however, solved that problem for me.

Here's how I did it:

#1.  Build a set of words and definitions in Quizlet. (Mine are characters and descriptions from the book The Westing Game)
#2.  Print them in this format:

#3.  Cut apart the cards and lay them side by side in a column.

#4.  Remove the bottom word (leave the definition) and bring it to the top.

#5.  Slide the remainder of the column down.

#6.  Glue together each word with the definition it is next to.  (Yes, they are wrong!)

#6.  You can start in ANY spot and you will make it back to the beginning.

Do this with any content area and any grade level:

• Math Facts!
• Vocabulary words and definitions for any content area
• States (countries) and Capitols
• Synonyms/Antonyms
• Characters in a novel

There is a Web 2.0 Tool that will do it for you but I like quizlet because not ONLY can it create the cards but I make the 'stack' available to my students to assist them with studying.  ;)  http://www.ihavewhohasgames.com/games/create

NOW who has Smarticles?

Facilitate Close Reading with the iPad

Close Reading Meets Technology

Putting high quality, authentic text into the hands of students and providing them with opportunities to engage in a close reading of the text is a challenge now presented to educators. Close reading is the process of reading whereby the students are not simply consuming the text, but rather, re-reading and evaluating the text.  When students are close reading, they are engaged with the text and considering the author's perspective, main idea, what the text really says AND what the words mean. Undoubtedly, if you have familiarized yourself with the expectations of the Common Core Curriculum, the term close reading has been mentioned.

Close Reading Strategy
After perusing several articles regarding the concept of close reading, several keywords surfaced:

Naturally, my mind migrated towards the potential of technology to facilitate close reading.  

The purpose of this blog is not to outline how to instruct students on close reading, it is primarily to instruct the educator on how to incorporate technology into the close reading process.  

Below I demonstrate how to download a .pdf file onto your iPad to allow students to annotate that text thus providing students an opportunity to digitally 'close' read.

The Tools

• PC/Mac
• iPad
• Dropbox
• GoodNotesFree
• Stylus

Step #1:  Locate/Identify a .pdf file (on your pc) that you would like to house on your iPad.  If you need something for the purposes of this trial, here is a link to a reading passage that you can download: http://e-book.webpark.cz/pdf/whispering_knights.pdf

Step #2:  Download and install Dropbox onto your pc.  (FREE)

Step #3:  Locate the file that you would like to eventually place on the iPad for students to annotate.  

Step #4:  (There are 3 ways to upload your .pdf file)

• Copy and paste the file to Dropbox on your desktop. 

• Drag the file onto the Dropbox icon on your desktop.

• Go to Dropbox and Upload the file 

Step #5:  Download GoodNotes Free or GoodNotes $4.99

Step #6:  Open the GoodNote App on your iPad.  Click on the + icon at the top left hand corner.  You will see the drop box icon.  Click on that an scroll until you find the preferred .pdf file.

Step #7:  You will see a small thumbnail image of the .pdf that you just downloaded.  Tap on that and the .pdf will open allowing you to annotate directly on the document.  

Step #8:  You can use your finger to annotate, but a stylus works beautifully!  (Make FREE ones!)

A Quick Tutorial

 

Cross-Curricular Possibilities

Although the focus of this blog entry is close reading, this strategy can be employed with ANY worksheet that you currently use and wish to place on an iPad for students to complete.   Converting a traditional word file into a .pdf isn't a challenging process.  To convert, you can use an online converter, use your photocopying machine (many photocopy machines now allow you to copy and send yourself a .pdf file through e-mail).  Also, many versions of word allow you to save your file as a .pdf (under Save As).

Ideas (Not NEARLY an exhaustive list)

• Concept circles
• Diagrams
• Maps
• Math Problems
• Graphic Organizers
• Fill in the blank sheets
• Handwriting sheets
• Crossword Puzzles
• Word Search Activities
• Matching

Save paper, integrate technology, and use quality materials that you already use....now THAT'S using your Smarticles!!

QR Codes....Pimping those Pixelated Patterns

If you've integrated QR Codes into your classroom already, congratulations!!  You've discovered how engaging those be-speckled little buggers can be.   Teachers have discovered a plethora of great ways they can be integrated into the classroom.

What are QR Codes?  Click here for more:  http://mainideaqrhunt.weebly.com/what-is-a-qr-code.html

As QR code use continues to evolve, there are some features that perhaps you DIDN'T realize about QR Codes.

They can be MORE than Just Black and White!!

Do you like attractive colorful posters, worksheets, stations and more?  Several sites offer the option to create colorful codes that scan just as easily as regular black and white codes.

http://www.qrstuff.com
http://www.qr4.nl/Candy-QR-Generator.aspx -->




Morph them....add a Logo, Words, or Animations! 
Coloring, pixel editing, logo integrating and complete morphing of the codes is now a possibility.  Make your codes more dynamic and more interesting!.  I like color coding and numbering mine when setting up stations...the black and white ones all look the same to me.

This site allows pixel by pixel editing:   http://www.qrhacker.com

Animate your QR Code!:  http://blog.qr4.nl/Animated-QR-Code.aspx

This site allows you to morph and change the look of the code and add logos: http://www.unitaglive.com/qrcode


This site allows you to turn an image into a QR Code.  http://www.visualead.com








You Don't always HAVE to Have a Wifi Connection
QR codes can house text without the need to hook up to wifi.  Great for 'bring your own device days' where one wants to avoid having students access district networks OR for field trips.  Students can scan a code at designated stations and read the supplemental information.  A great way to consolidate paper packets!

How to create a text only QR Code using http://www.qrstuff.com

• Select:   "plain text"
• Enter your text
• Select:   Use our qrs.ly URL shortener 
• Your QR code will build as you type
• Change the color
• Save your QR code. Click: 

They Can Link Straight to a Map Location

Social Studies teachers delight!!  Studying locations or landforms?  Several QR Code generators offer the option to link straight to a specific map location:

http://www.qrcode.cx/
http://blog.qr4.nl/QR-Code-Geographic.aspx

They Can Link to a Dropbox URL

Do you have a dropbox account?  Did you know that every document in Dropbox has a unique URL?  This includes files, images, pdfs, videos, etc.  Capture that URL and convert it to a QR code if there is material you want your students to view.

How to create a QR Code that links to a file in your dropbox

• Select the image you want to link to.  Then click this symbol:  

• When it takes you to "Share this Image" select:

• This URL has now been copied.
• Next, open a QR Code generator:  kaywa.com, qrstuff, etc.
• Select 'Website URL' as your content type and paste in the code.  Generate the code.
• Now you have a QR code linked directly to that dropbox image.  

So jazz 'em up teachers!  Pimp those codes.  It's one MORE way to use Your Smarticles!!

For more QR Ideas:  

http://www.yoursmarticles.blogspot.com/p/qr-code-ideas-and-resources.html

http://mainideaqrhunt.weebly.com/what-is-a-qr-code.html

Socratic Seminar

The Socratic style of discourse lends itself quite well to establishing critical thinkers due to the fact that Socrates believed that enabling students to think for themselves was more important than filling their heads with knowledge.


With so much talk about the Common Core standards and truly increasing our student's argumentative powers and critical thinking skills, I decided to launch a Socratic Seminar style of instruction in my sixth grade classroom this week.

Our Seminar

The Text

My approach began by engaging in a guided reading of a novel titled I Can't Believe I Have To Do This by Jan Alford.  Throughout the course of the week we read the novel and discussed story events and critical vocabulary associated with the readings.

The Questions

Students were given a Socratic Seminar "Prep Sheet" at the beginning of the week.  The sheet asked the students to do the following:

#1.  Summarize the assigned reading
#2. Identify 3 compelling quotes or statements from the reading
#3.  Develop one Knowledge based question
#4.  Develop one Application style question
#5. Develop one Synthesis style question

Download at:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Socratic-Seminar-Packet

The Set Up

I then arranged my room in a double horseshoe configuration and assigned five students to be the inner circle. The inner circle students were slated to be the ones discussing and interacting. The outer circle of students were slated to observe and reflect and provide a 'backchannel'.

The Discourse
Relinquishing control was the MOST DIFFICULT thing!!  Once the seminar began I truly had to force myself not to jump in and facilitate.  Initially, it was truly awkward.  Students nervously giggled and looked down at their papers.  No one seemed willing to emerge as a leader.  Once they realized that no one was coming to their rescue, the dialogue began and WOW.

DID YOU KNOW??  A website called blockposters.com can take any .jpg or .gif image and turn it into a larger printable poster with overlapping edges for assembly??

Backchannel

To occupy my outer circle, I distributed 5 ipads (1 for every 3 students) and allowed them to connect on todaysmeet.com.  There they posted thoughts, questions, comments and even prompts to assist the inner circle.  This back channel scrolled on the Smartboard throughout the seminar.  (Admittedly, I didn't love the lack of grammar conventions demonstrated in the statements below.)

Reflection/Assessment

Without a doubt, we will do this again.  Once the awkwardness ended, the dialog went FAR beyond what I've ever experienced with this novel.  Students shared events that related DEEPLY to the characters, the character's choices and experiences.  They also extrapolated character traits and applied them to new situations.

As an assessment tool, each student completed an Exit Slip paragraph where they exercised their argumentative writing skills by completing a one paragraph reflection on the grade they deserved as a result of their participation in the seminar.

Socratic discourse....making the kiddos use THEIR Smarticles!!

All of my materials are available at:

 http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Socratic-Seminar-Packet

Or follow my blog and leave me a message and I'll send them to you for free!!!  :)

Liebster Award

Thank you Jenifer and Sandi for the Liebster Blog Award!

So, what is a Liebster Award? It is an award given by bloggers to bloggers ... a  way of saying- " I appreciate the work you're doing and I enjoy reading your blog... now pay it forward!".  Google it, and you'll see tons of recognized blogs.

The word "liebster" in German means: adj. favorite, preferred above others; liked or loved above others {source: babylon.com}

Basically this is a way to get new bloggers' {under 200 followers} blogs out there and recognized and to let you in on some facts about the person who spends precious time blogging for the good of others.

So, here are the rules:

• You must post 11 random things about yourself.
• You must answer the questions that the nominator set for you.
• You must create 11 questions for the people that you nominate.
• You must choose 11 blogs (w/ less than 200 followers) and link them to your post and let them know they were nominated.
• You cannot "tag back" the other blog, but leave a comment on this post with the URL of your Liebster post so I can learn more about you and see who you nominate.

About Me: 

Collage created using Turbo Collage

Answers to Questions:

What is your favorite web 2.0 tool or site that could be used for teaching (if you have one)?  Glogster

Name your favorite young adult or children's book? What was I Scared Of?  Dr. Seuss

Name your favorite adult novel? Pillars of the Earth

Technologically savvy or not? VERY

What area of technology (topic or skill) do you wish you knew more about? Apple Desktop

What type of computer/technology do you use? Apple or Other? Windows based but have an iPad

Do you collect anything? Hippopotamus figurines

What is your favorite music genre; artist? All

What is the last thing you bought for yourself that was not a necessity? Fashion boots

What is your favorite vacation location? Italy

What is your absolute favorite meal?  Spaghetti

Who was your favorite teacher and why? Mrs. Wells, my Science Teacher because she let me feel the baby move in her VERY pregnant belly in 8th grade.

My Questions:

Favorite App for demonstrating learning:

Favorite Web 2.0 Tool:

If I wasn't responding to this award, I would be:

Given $1,000,00 I would:

With 26 hours in a day, I would:

My feet have been...

Worst injury:

To me a door represents:

The political appointment I would most prefer for myself is:

The person I would like to be stranded on and Island with is:

The item I am most willing to spend frivolously on is:

My Nominated Blogs:

http://bestpractices4teaching.blogspot.com

http://tmsteach.blogspot.com/2013/01/nonfiction-unit-using-fabulous-resource.html

http://tmsteach.blogspot.com/2013/01/slice-of-life-tuesday-flu-finally.html

http://lessons_from_the_middle1.teacherlingo.com/

http://mrsrayburnsroom.blogspot.ca/2012/09/blog-post.html#comment-form

http://queenoftheclick.com/

http://fantasticfifthgrade.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/currently-december/#comments

Gamification: Ready or Not!!

Ready or not, here they come! Those digital natives have migrated into our classrooms. Their fingertips poised and ready for swiping, flicking and clicking. Their brains wired for digital notoriety in the form of badges, XP points and leader boards. But are our classrooms ready for them? Can we engage these hypo-electronically stimulated kids?

Courtesy of Edmodo, I stumbled upon a lesser known style of instruction that is beginning to gain some attention. That style is called Gamification. Users in the gamification group in Edmodo introduced me to the concept and generously shared their Wix, Weebly and even Scratch ideas for gamifying their classrooms. They also showed ways to use ClassDojo, GoogleDocs and courageous challenges to motivate their students. All of these examples inspired me to give it a try.

If you haven't heard of gamification, it described as the infusion of game design techniques, game mechanics, and/or game style into anything. These techniques can include: achievements / badges, levels, leaderboards, progress bars, activity feeds, avatars, real-time feedback, virtual currency, gifting, challenges and quests, trophy cases.

Feeling motivated to give this exciting strategy a try, I re-wrote my World War II unit and 'gamified it'.

Here is my gamified site: http://mrsmaryhoward118.wix.com/knowledgeispower

In this gamified unit, students are introduced to the premise that they are living in a barren, post-apocalyptic world in which the only currency is knowledge. Their challenge is to obtain the knowledge XP points for survival.

Here's a Closer Look.

First I created a Bootcamp of strategies for students to complete and submit on Edmodo to ensure they were comfortable with turning in assignments, uploading pictures and obtaining .html code to embed into assignment responses.

Here are some bootcamp ideas:

Then, using Blooms Taxonomy and some of my favorite Web 2.0 Tools, I designed an XP scoring system to go along with responses that students can create or write based on their readings. Responses earn XP points based on difficulty. Some examples:

Students submit their responses by 'turning in' their daily assignment via Edmodo. The assignment value (in XP points) needs to be listed in their submission along with the popplet, bubbl.us, penzu, audioboo or whatever item they have created.

Students can also earn Bonus points by answering the 'blitzkreig bonus' questions. For each blitzkreig bonus they can earn a badge.

I'm working on another gamified site for my ELA class. It's a world called Elatima. It's not ready yet, but here's a sneak peak!!

http://mrsmaryhoward118.wix.com/elatima

Gamified Instruction....now THAT's using your Smarticles!!