We can't forget about spelling!! Click on the two links below to see a list of iPad Apps that help with spelling. This a great resource if parents ask you for suggestions.Free Apps
Paid Apps
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
iPad Apps to help with Spelling
We can't forget about spelling!! Click on the two links below to see a list of iPad Apps that help with spelling. This a great resource if parents ask you for suggestions.Free Apps
Paid Apps
Math Games -Whiteboard
It covers many math concepts and the puzzles are not easy for kids to solve. It is a great way for students to work on their grit!
Thinking Puzzles from TeacherLED
TeacherLED is such a great resource for math interactive whiteboard activities.
They are challenging and would be great to use whole class but since they also work on iDevices, they would also be great to use as stations!
Crates Puzzle
At the start of the puzzle the crates numbered 1 to 4 run across the top and the crate 5 to 8 run across the bottom. The challenge is to place the top crates at the bottom and vice versa. They must still run in order though. Only one crate can be in a square at a time and they may not move through each other. It can be solved in a minimum of 41 moves but solving is challenge enough for most! Tap a crate and then tap the square you would like it to move to. This counts as a single move, regardless of the number of squares the crate passes through.
Difference Triangle
Swap tiles so that each number in the triangle is the absolute difference between the two numbers below. The absolute difference is effectively the same as subtracting the smaller number from the larger number, whatever order they appear in. The bottom numbers will always appear as correct as there are no numbers below to produce them. Note that the resource tells you when the absolute difference is correct but NOT that the tile is in the correct place to solve the puzzle. Warning: This puzzle is a challenge!
Route Finder
Choose your start point from any of the circular nodes on the grid. You must then visit each straight section in only 19 moves. They will fade out to show they have been visited. As there are 17 straight pieces and the minimum you can complete this puzzle in is 19 you will obviously have to revisit a couple of straight sections. You can only move along the grid lines one circle at a time and each of these counts as one move.
Flip Over
n this puzzle you must arrange the pattern of shapes so that there are 4 octagons followed by 4 stars with the 2 blanks on the far right. The twist with this puzzle is that every time you move the two shapes they flip relative positions. This makes it a bit harder to visualize your strategy and offers a simple to understand, but challenging to solve, puzzle. The top blue bar lets you select which two shapes to move while the lower blue bar will move the selected two shapes. You must always move two shapes.
Lock Down
n this puzzle each row, column and the two diagonal lines add up to 12. The catch is that one of the numbers cannot move and must be locked before the tiles can start to be moved. After this the puzzle works like any other slide puzzle where you must try to meet the finishing condition by sliding the tiles into position. The blank counts as zero for working out the sums. The puzzle can be solved in just 19 moves but a good way to solve it is to try to work out the correct finish position first and, from that, which tile never moves. Tapping a tile will cause it to move into the blank if its a valid horizontal or vertical move.
Nine Digits
When the resource opens you will see that both multiplication calculations give the same result of 3634. The highest number that can be the answer for both calculations using each of the nine digits once is 5568. The challenge is to arrange the numbers until both calculations equal 5568. The resource will take care of the calculating but the player will have to think hard about the results of multiplication to make progress. Random moving of tiles is likely to take a long time! Tap one tile and then another to swap them.
Square Sums
The challenge is to arrange the numbers 1 to 15 so that each adjacent pair, when added together, result in a square number. This puzzle is particularly nice in that it doesn’t need a high level of maths knowledge to engage with. Simple adding and identifying square numbers is all that is needed. Even this latter requirement is quite easy as there are very few square numbers that these numbers can result in. Despite this ease of engagement it will still provoke in depth thinking. Tapping the circles lets them switch places and their sums are automatically calculated in the squares above them. When a new square number is made a little burst of ticker tape confirms it. When all 14 are correct you’ll know!
Hop Over
The goal is to reverse the order of the counters so that there are 3 purples, then 3 blues and finally the blank space. Counters can move to an adjacent empty place or hop over one or two other counters to get to it. The resource will only allow correct moves. It can be done in 10 moves. Tapping any counter will move it to the blank space. Tapping reset will set it all back to the beginning. First try to solve it in any number of moves and then try to distill this down into the most efficient process.
Crates Puzzle
At the start of the puzzle the crates numbered 1 to 4 run across the top and the crate 5 to 8 run across the bottom. The challenge is to place the top crates at the bottom and vice versa. They must still run in order though. Only one crate can be in a square at a time and they may not move through each other. It can be solved in a minimum of 41 moves but solving is challenge enough for most! Tap a crate and then tap the square you would like it to move to. This counts as a single move, regardless of the number of squares the crate passes through.
Difference Triangle
Swap tiles so that each number in the triangle is the absolute difference between the two numbers below. The absolute difference is effectively the same as subtracting the smaller number from the larger number, whatever order they appear in. The bottom numbers will always appear as correct as there are no numbers below to produce them. Note that the resource tells you when the absolute difference is correct but NOT that the tile is in the correct place to solve the puzzle. Warning: This puzzle is a challenge!
Route Finder
Choose your start point from any of the circular nodes on the grid. You must then visit each straight section in only 19 moves. They will fade out to show they have been visited. As there are 17 straight pieces and the minimum you can complete this puzzle in is 19 you will obviously have to revisit a couple of straight sections. You can only move along the grid lines one circle at a time and each of these counts as one move.
Flip Over
n this puzzle you must arrange the pattern of shapes so that there are 4 octagons followed by 4 stars with the 2 blanks on the far right. The twist with this puzzle is that every time you move the two shapes they flip relative positions. This makes it a bit harder to visualize your strategy and offers a simple to understand, but challenging to solve, puzzle. The top blue bar lets you select which two shapes to move while the lower blue bar will move the selected two shapes. You must always move two shapes.
Lock Down
n this puzzle each row, column and the two diagonal lines add up to 12. The catch is that one of the numbers cannot move and must be locked before the tiles can start to be moved. After this the puzzle works like any other slide puzzle where you must try to meet the finishing condition by sliding the tiles into position. The blank counts as zero for working out the sums. The puzzle can be solved in just 19 moves but a good way to solve it is to try to work out the correct finish position first and, from that, which tile never moves. Tapping a tile will cause it to move into the blank if its a valid horizontal or vertical move.
Nine Digits
When the resource opens you will see that both multiplication calculations give the same result of 3634. The highest number that can be the answer for both calculations using each of the nine digits once is 5568. The challenge is to arrange the numbers until both calculations equal 5568. The resource will take care of the calculating but the player will have to think hard about the results of multiplication to make progress. Random moving of tiles is likely to take a long time! Tap one tile and then another to swap them.
Square Sums
The challenge is to arrange the numbers 1 to 15 so that each adjacent pair, when added together, result in a square number. This puzzle is particularly nice in that it doesn’t need a high level of maths knowledge to engage with. Simple adding and identifying square numbers is all that is needed. Even this latter requirement is quite easy as there are very few square numbers that these numbers can result in. Despite this ease of engagement it will still provoke in depth thinking. Tapping the circles lets them switch places and their sums are automatically calculated in the squares above them. When a new square number is made a little burst of ticker tape confirms it. When all 14 are correct you’ll know!
Hop Over
The goal is to reverse the order of the counters so that there are 3 purples, then 3 blues and finally the blank space. Counters can move to an adjacent empty place or hop over one or two other counters to get to it. The resource will only allow correct moves. It can be done in 10 moves. Tapping any counter will move it to the blank space. Tapping reset will set it all back to the beginning. First try to solve it in any number of moves and then try to distill this down into the most efficient process.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Hour of Code
What is the hour of code???
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries Anyone, anywhere can participate.One hour tutorials are available. No experience is needed! Ages 4-100 can participate!!
How can you participate?
The Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries Anyone, anywhere can participate.One hour tutorials are available. No experience is needed! Ages 4-100 can participate!!
How can you participate?
- Sign up for your class to participate! http://hourofcode.com/us#join
- Click on teacher and "Host it"
- When you go to the computer lab the week of Dec. 8th, have your kids complete one of the tutorials.http://code.org/learn
- Start with "Tutorials for Beginners"
- Once your class has completed the entire tutorial, send me an email (jeanette.choy@springbranchisd.com)
Need help?
Come to an after-school training in my room (room 110). Spend go through the tutorials your students will be using. Both trainings are the same, so choose the one that works best for you. (Eduphoria link coming soon...)
Dec. 9 - 3:30-4:30 http://eduphoria.springbranchisd.com/wshop/default.aspx?cid=10536
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
November News
Stay tuned for more details on how your class can participate in the hour of code!!
Please take 20-30 minutes to complete the Speak Up Survey.
InnovateEDU Summit - Saturday, Jan.24 - 8:00-3:00 at Spring Woods HS
Panera Breakfast and a Chick-Fil-A lunch will be provided for free!! Door Prizes: 2 Chromebooks, 5 Chromecasts, and 1 ISTE Conference Trip (in Philadelphia this summer)!
Join in professional conversations about our practices and share how we are using innovative strategies to engage today's learners and foster flexible literacy development!
Are your kids doing awesome things in the classroom with technology? Consider having your kids enter the Media Fest!!
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
October News
Speak Up Survey
Speak Up, a national online research project facilitated by Project Tomorrow, gives individuals the opportunity to share their viewpoints about key educational issues, particularly concerning 21st century education and technology. Each year, findings are summarized and share with national and state policy makers.
The survey is open until Dec. 15,2015. It will take about 20-30 min to take the survey. Students are encouraged to take the survey as well. They have a shorter survey, so it will probably take 15-20 minutes for them to take.
Take Survey
Special Code: texas
InnovateEDU Summit
Looking for ideas on how to effectively use technology in your classroom? Attend the InnovateEDU Summit!
The survey is open until Dec. 15,2015. It will take about 20-30 min to take the survey. Students are encouraged to take the survey as well. They have a shorter survey, so it will probably take 15-20 minutes for them to take.
Take Survey
Special Code: texas
InnovateEDU Summit
Monday, September 22, 2014
October Tech Training
Oct. 28, 2014 - 3:30-4:30
Come and learn how to use MyBrainPop in your classroom! You will learn how to create individual student accounts that allow you to track student progress when taking BrainPop quizzes. You will learn how to create your own BrainPop Quiz (from the question bank or your own questions).
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Using YouTube videos in the classroom??
Safeshare.tv - View YouTube videos safely without ads or other recommended videos appearing.
YouTube Clipper - Tammy Worcester created awesome how-to steps! Super Easy!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Scholastic Computer Lab Favorites
Click on the wheel to check out the computer lab website.
- Click the button at the top of the screen to choose their grade level (K-2 or 3-5).
- Click a button in the center of the wheel to choose the content area.
- Click to choose an activity, or use the “Spin” button to let the computer select a random activity.
Teacher View:
Click on the image:
Saturday, September 13, 2014
September Tech Training:Edmodo
Edmodo is a free and safe social learning environment that can be used across the curriculum.
Come and learn how to set-up your class and use Edmodo in your classroom Tuesday, September 30 from 3:30-4:40 in room 110. Bring your laptop!
Eduphoria sign up link:
http://eduphoria.springbranchisd.com/wshop/default.aspx?cid=9773
Thursday, September 4, 2014
September -Tech Staff Development Opportunities
The Ed. Tech department has scheduled some great staff development to help you learn how to make the most of the tools already on your laptop!
Monday, Sept. 8th FWE Library: Games-Based Math Resource: Mangahigh
Tuesday, Sept. 9th TTC - Tuesday TechBytes
Rm 118: Introduction to Google Apps
Rm 119: Introduction to Camtasia
Rm Conference: The Edmodo Store & Apps
Thursday, Sept. 18th TTC Rm 119: Buidling Literacy with the Book Creator App
Tuesday, Sept. 23rd TTC - Tuesday TechBytes
Rm 118: The New Google Classroom
Rm 119: More Coolness in Camtasia
Rm Conference: Twitter: Building a Personal Learning Network
Friday, May 23, 2014
iMovie Book Trailers
I attended TCEA this past February and several sessions focused on iMovie. One session shared how easy it was for students to use iMovie to create book trailers on in iPad. The finished product was very impressive and professional looking!I have used book trailers in my classroom to introduce read aloud books. I have shown them 2-3 titles and we vote on the book we want to read. I compared book trailers to movie trailers. You want to tease the reader enough to persuade them to go and read the book, but not give away the ending. I showed my students several examples of iMovie book trailers. There are several book trailers on YouTube, but I wanted book trailers that were created using iMovie. I also wanted book trailers that used images instead of filmed footage. I found Tim Jefferson's awesome blog which had storyboards for every theme ready to be printed.
I read a picture book with my students, then I did a think aloud about which theme would best fit the book. I showed them the storyboards and we discussed what should be written for each segment. We discussed which events of the story to focus on, characters, and theme of the story. I modeled how to break apart the sentences into the the different speech bubbles. I then told them every picture box will need to have a picture. You cannot delete anything. We discussed taking pictures of the book and copyright issues.
I paired my students up and gave them a selection of picture books to choose from. After reading their books, they chose an iPad to to view the different themes. Once they chose a theme, they came to me and I once again explained to complete the storyboard. Students thought they had to use the default text. I had to show them in iMovie it could be deleted. The hardest thing my students had was being succinct and not giving away too much of the book. Some students were trying to write entire sentences in the speech bubbles. I told them to break the sentence apart or uses phrases.
After students did their planning they came to me and we conferenced on what they wrote. If any revisions needed to be made, they took care of it and then they were given an iPad. I suggested they get all of their pictures before starting their iMovie. Students used the camera to take pictures from the book, drew them, or looked online.
After their finished product was complete I exported their iMovie directly to YouTube. It was so easy!
Take a look at some of the finished products.
Reflections:
- I borrowed some iPads from a fellow teacher, but if you just have 1 iPad this will have to become a station. Once the planning students took about 15-30 min to complete the entire trailer.
- Exporting the iMovie from the iPad straight to YouTube is the quickest way to share your iMovie. I had students create practice ones on a Mac and the process of getting them onto YouTube was significantly longer!! I a 1 min trailer took 20-30 to upload.
- This could be used in other content areas. I have seen science trailers on YouTube. Using regular iMovie would be better to use because students can put more information in their movie. The iMovie book trailers have a set time limit....about 1-2 min.
- You can introduce a unit or event (Math/Science Night, Book Fair, Open House) going on in school with iMovie.
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Twitter Chat
I couldn't find a Google+ Hangout to participate, so I decided to try Twitter. I searched #edchat and I came across this awesome tweet from someone which had a list of all the weekly chats going on and what time. It was a little tricky the first two times I tried to join in a chat because I forgot some of them were EST. I was surprised at the variety of chats out there and I'm sure there are more than what was on the weekly Twitter chat schedule. I joined the #PBLchat last night and I hope to participate in some of the others chats in the future. I decided to join this one because it was the only that fit in my schedule & that I was interested in. I would love to do more PBLs, however if takes a lot of planning and collaboration. Interestingly, that was one of the topics that came up in the chat...how much time teachers are given to collaborate on a PBL. It was very easy to just join in and put in my two cents worth on topics. Last night's topic was "What PD best supports teachers transitioning to PBL?" There were some great perspectives and links to resources for managing, getting ideas, and things to think about when creating your unit. I also found out there is an elementary PBL chart on Mondays. School-wide Twitter chats came up during the chat sessions since a huge source of expertise is at each campus. I doubt it would be very successful on my campus. Many teachers are not using Twitter and some have no clue how it works. It would be more effective meeting face to face. Maybe the district could have Twitter chat sessions once every nine weeks or weekly.A few resources/nuggets of info shared during the chat session...
An app that has PBL questions -$1.99
Great article on the difference between projects and project based learning
Are you asking non-Googleable Driving Questions???
My PLN has already grown as a result of my Twitter Chat. What a great way to connect with other educators.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
PLN
Teachers should be sharing and collaborating with others online...it's soo easy now. We can learn so much from one another. I also enjoy reading the logistics of using a web 2.0 tool or app...making it work in your classroom, so I can easily implement it in my classroom.
If I need an idea or want to try and change up something I go to Edmodo. I typically receive feedback within a few hours. I also try to explore Edmodo to see how I can share ideas to other teachers. I joined the SBISD Ed Tech community on Google+ and TCEA.
I clicked through some of the PLN hubs, but it is a bit overwhelming. I am now following some Ed Tech folks on Twitter. I really like Krystal's idea of using Flipboard app...putting everything in once place makes it so much more manageable to check on updates.
Technology has made connecting with other educators so much easier and has transformed education. There is just so much out there.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
January- Tools Audit
There are so many tech tools and apps out there that you just can't keep up. Just when you have a handle on one tool something changes or there's something better out there. Tools that work for me have to make my teacher prep time easier and the kids needs to love it.
Tools that I like and will continue to use in my classroom:
Tools that I like and will continue to use in my classroom:
- Google Docs - Besides using the "Word" version of Google Docs for publishing compositions, reading responses, and reports, I have now started using Google Drawing in math.My kids love it. I have shared this with other teachers at my school. I have used Google Presentation when preparing tech trainings, but I haven't used it with my kids.
- Stupeflix Studios- One of the reasons I haven't used Google Presentation with my students is because there are tools like Stupeflix and Animoto out there. In my opinion the end product is just much nicer and more professional looking than a Google Presentation. I think it depends on the assignment though.
- Edmodo - There are just so many endless uses for this tool. There are so many options... I feel like I am not taking full advantage of this tool. I also like the fact I can connect with our teachers from all over and get ideas.
- Go Animate -Easy to explain and I feel it has endless possibilities in all content areas. My kids love it and went home right after school to start using it.
- EDU Creation app - I just started using this app recently and my kids LOVE it. I use it as a math station. It's a low prep station for me. I type problems for kids to solve, but you don't have to do that. Kids could easily just problems on it. I wish it were easier to get it off the iPad and onto a blog or wiki.
- QR Codes-This is an easy math and literacy station to prep for with the end result being high student engagement. There are also tons of creative ways people are using it. My students haven't created their own QR Codes, but they will soon!
- Running Record App- Take running records just got easier with this app. The Lite version has everything you need for data. The full version allows you to record the students and you can email yourself the results. I thought this would be nice, but really it does all the calculating for me, I just plug in the numbers immediately after taking my running record I wouldn't need the info emailed to me.
- Glogster - I have to say my kids don't use this as much as my class did last year, although it could be because there are some many other tools we have been using. I love the possibilities with Glogster. The loading issues seem to have been fixed.
Honestly, I can't remember any tools that I have abandoned...maybe it's because I've stopped using them. I don't use DropBox as much because Google Drive serves that purpose for me. Evernote is just not an app that I have really used. I played around with it, but it wasn't something that I felt like I could use often.
I'm not sure if this is really a tool, but Manga High is not something I really like. I wish there was more teacher control over the content. My kids were playing games meant for middle or high school. They weren't solving any problems...just playing the game. That doesn't help them with math...just helps their gaming skills.
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