Leslie Fischer presented Tools You Can Use Tomorrow (40:23). Leslie
demonstrated a number of apps and websites to incorporate in our
classrooms. I highlighted four that I have not heard of and enjoyed
learning about.
Screenleap allows teachers to broadcast their screen to a
device with a web browser and has audio support. This is a free and does not require any
downloads. The disadvantages of this
simple, free tool are no zooming or chat while it’s running.
Adobe Voice is a quick and easy way to record your
voice to create a story. The app has a
number of templates to choose for your story and the option to add music from
within the app. The project can then be
added to Facebook, Twitter, a website, or emailed.
AR
Flashcards App requires you to print flashcards to interact with the app
features. Using a device with a camera,
point the device at the flashcards and a 3D There are flashcards for an animal alphabet,
addition, space, and shapes and colors.
image will appear.
Arloon
offers apps for both elementary and secondary.
This app also uses a device’s camera to give realistic 3D models with
Augmented Reality. Elementary apps
include Mental Math, Plants, and the Solar System. Secondary apps are Geometry, Anatomy, and
Chemistry. These are all great apps, but in order for them to be implemented in my school, I need to introduce these to my colleagues and give them time to play with the apps. Teachers need time to think, brainstorm, and collaborate to help them develop plans for incorporating new technology in their classrooms in a meaningful, educational manner.
Eric Sheninger presented Leading the Maker Movement (42:18). My school just started our Makerspace this year and there are mixed feelings on what is a Makerspace. I enjoyed listening to Eric speak about his school’s Makerspace, because he kept offering definitions of the space. Makerspace is:
- Self-directed
- Creation
- Evolution of technology
- Engaged learners
- Curiosity
- Constructing
- Gateway to deeper engagement
- Control and trust given to the students
- Open-ended exploration
Eric talked about the three components of a
Makerspace as 1) process, 2) educator, and 3) space. The process will be messy, but we must be
willing to let things happen so students can problem-solve, explore, and
question. There needs to be the right educator
who is knowledgeable and can offer guidance when needed, but also understands
the importance of patience and letting the students work through the process to
find a solution. Lastly, a space that is
comfortable, flexible, has access to the internet, and offers limited
rules. Along with an educator for the
Makerspace, their needs to be administration that stands behind the
movement. He or she needs to be
inspiring and encouraging throughout the process.
As I look at technology tools or the Makerspace movement, I understand that forming a PLN can be beneficial to learn more about these topics. One of the easiest ways for me to learn is to hear from others who are using apps or experimenting with Makerspace. Hearing their successes, challenges, and examples offers me inspiration and allows me to start thinking about how I can incorporate these in my own classroom and school.
