Thank you

Thanks to all of you that completed the survey and commented on posts.  Your contribution is appreciated by all.  I just wanted to let you know that Fox Teaches Tech is taking a break.  Posting will continue in January, so stay tuned and enjoy the Christmas holiday!

Another survey...please!!

Please take a moment to complete the survey below.  I know that you have been busy writing report cards and fighting with BCeSIS.  I am sure you are ready for a rest.  But, before you do, please take a few moments to complete this for the sake of my learning and development! :O)  Thank you!

More ideas for using the iPod nano in the classroom

In addition to the obvious features (podcasts, video recording and voice memos), there are even more ways to use iPods in the classroom.

1.  FM Radio - The 5th generation Nano comes with built in FM Radio and has a pause and playback feature.  So, listening to radio shows and weather reports is easier than ever.

2. Pedometer - The 5th generation Nano has a built in pedometer, so you can use it with your class to track km walked/run for KM Club or any fitness challenge.

3.  Music - Yes, the 5th generation Nano plays music.  Of course this is what the Nano was designed for, but with all of the new "extra's" available on the Nano, this feature is often forgotten.  Find music quicker then ever without worrying about finding a CD or protecting a CD from scratches.  The Nano will automatically organize your music for you into Genius Mixes too!  Or allow students to listen to music while working independently, if this helps to block our distractions and concentrate.

Enjoy the iPods, Terry Fox Elementary!  I want to hear all about them!

Using Audio Podcasts in the Classroom

Another amazing feature of the iPod nano is the ability to download literally thousands and thousands of podcasts and audio books through iTunes.  If you are unsure how to download podcasts and sync them to an ipod, take a moment and watch the video clip below.



As I mentioned, there are thousands of applicable podcasts and audio books available for the elementary classroom. Many of them are free and the cost of others is minimal. Here are a few ideas for ways to use your audio downloads in the classroom:

Primary ideas:

1. Download audio books to an iPod and use as a listening centre for one student. Or pick up Belkin Rockstar and have up to 5 students listening to the same audio book with just one iPod.  Audio books range in price, but are typically cheaper than a CD and are less likely to be damaged.  For example, I downloaded The Little Engine That Could for free at Free Audiobooks for Children. 

2. Download podcasts such as the Storynory or the Story Cellar to share with students during a quiet time. Many of these podcasts are free.

Intermediate ideas:

3. Use podcasts like the above suggestions to help students understand the parts of a story, how to introduce characters, develop plot, add imagery, etc.

4. Download an audio book and have students follow along as the book is read for a whole class novel study or in smaller groups for literature circles.

I know you must have many of your own ideas, so please take a moment to share how you are using audio downloads in your classroom, by commenting below.  Or post a link to a great podcast that you have discovered.  Thanks for participating!

Creating Video Recordings on the iPod Nano

This post is dedicated to interesting ways to use the iPod Nano to record video in your classroom.  If you are unsure how to record Video on the iPod, please take a minute to watch the clip below.



Tips for integrating video recording into your classroom:  As with audio recording, video recording has unlimited possibilities in the classroom from recording presentations and special events to creating documentaries on "A day in the life of..."  Here are few ideas for use at the different grade levels:

Kindergarten - Make a video alphabet.  Have each student create, draw, colour or decorate a different letter of the alphabet and record each of them sharing their creation and the letter name it represents.  Once all of the letters are added, upload the video to a class website or burn it to disk and send home for parents to review the alphabet with their children at home.

Grade 1 - Ask the students to video what they are doing or interview a friend explaining their favourite classroom activities.  Use the footage to share with parents at Parent-Teacher interviews or simply as a window for you into the learning experience of the kids in your class (they will talk differently when you are not around).

Grade 2 - Have students create a 'How To' video to share with parents and classmates (i.e. 'How to measure temperature or the length of the classroom).

Grade 3 - Have students create a Vlog (Video log) of the life cycle of a plant (potato plants).

Grade 4 - Studying explorers?  Have students dress up as an explorer and record them playing the role of their chosen explorer.  They could prepare a monologue to describe themselves and their explorations to share on video.

Grade 5 - Instead of the old fashioned book report, have students create and record a commercial for a book they just finished reading.

PE (I haven't forgot about you Courtney!) - Record students  performing dance or gymnastic routines for self or class evaluation.

So there you have it!  Ideas for using the video recording feature of the iPod Nano at all grade levels.  Craving more?  Check out the slide show below with 43 more interesting ways to use video recording in the classroom.

43 Interesting Ways To Use Your Pocket Video C

View more presentations from Seth Hansen.

Please take a minute to share your ideas for using video recording in the classroom by commenting on this post.  Thanks!

Creating Voice Memos on the iPod Nano

The iPod is many things and there are so many ideas for ways to use the iPod in the classroom that I decided to break down the suggestions into feature groups. So this post is dedicated to the way Voice Memos or an iPod as an audio recorder can be used in the classroom.  If you are unsure how to record Voice Memos on the iPod, please take a minute to watch the video below.

The first idea that I would like to share is a simple way to help students with written output. Instead of wasting time staring blankly at an empty sheet of paper, unsure of what to write or how to begin, give students an an iPod and have them 'tell' their story first. When finished recording have students listen to the story they created and then write it down. No more blank pages!!

Or take it a step further and try this:
Have your students think of an exciting beginning to a story they want to tell (characters and setting).  Record the beginning using the iPod and press pause (the middle button) when finished.  Then have the students develop their story by creating the middle (plot or introduce the problem) and record it by unpausing the iPod and adding on to the beginning.  Press pause when finished.  Finally, have the students develop the end of the story (solve the problem) and record it by the same method.  Stop the recording and listen to a complete story with a beginning, middle and end.  The student can then write the story they created (or simply listen and upload), and you, can enjoy the dramatic improvement in your students story development and writing skills!

Now, I know these ideas won't work as well for the primary students (and teachers), but I don't want you to think that you can't use the iPods with your students.  So I have tried to come up with some ideas that would be helpful at different age groups.  Here are a few interesting ways to use an iPod as an audio record:

Kindergarten - use the iPod to record an interview with each of your students, describing what they love about their mom. Upload the interviews or burn them to disk and send them home with the students to give to mom on Mother's Day.

Grade 1 - use the iPod to record your students reading at different times during the year.  Upload or burn the recording to disk to send home for parents to keep as a memento.  Guaranteed this one would be saved forever!

Grade 2 - record PM Benchmark retells or other assessments that require students to explain their thinking.  You could even have the students listen back to their retell, asking them if they would like to add any additional details.

Grade 3 - record a collaborative classroom story.  Pass around the iPod and have students record one line of a story before passing the iPod to the next student to add another line.  Listen to the story created as a class and upload to your class website for parents to enjoy as well.

Grade 4 - use the iPods to record public speaking practice.  Have the students listen to their recorded speech and ask themselves if they are using expression, speaking clearly, etc.

Grade 5 - use the iPods to interview an expert on a research topic of choice.  This could be a parent or grandparent for an oral history project or a community leader for a government project.

Here are some other ideas for using the audio recording feature on the iPod nano's in the classroom.


Apple - Education - iPod in the Classroom - Lesson Plans -


Please take a moment and share your ideas for using audio recording in the classroom by commenting below.  Thanks!

iPods

The iPods have arrived!!  Thanks Dan and the Terry Fox PAC for purchasing iPods for our school.  Here is a quick video about some of the features of the iPods Terry Fox just received.  I am so excited about them and everything that our students and staff will be able to do in our classrooms with them.  I believe strongly in the benefits of this tool in the classroom.  There are so many ways to use the iPods and I plan to dedicate the next few posts to the iPod and different ideas for using them.  So stay tuned!!

In the mean time, I encourage you to charge up the iPods and bring them into your classroom.  My guess is that even if you don't know how to use them, some of your students will...yes even in Kindergarten...and you can spend time playing and learning about the features and capabilities together.  This particular iPod is called the iPod nano 5th generation (just in case you want to watch 'how to' videos on YouTube) and has been out for a year, so some of your students will definitely have one at home.  Have fun playing...

Drop Box

Dropbox is a great way to store your data online so that you can access if from anywhere.  Put your files into your Dropbox on one computer, and they'll be instantly available on any of your other computers that also have Dropbox installed.  You can also access them from any computer or mobile device using the Dropbox website because copies are stored on Dropbox's secure servers.  Dropbox provides users with 2GB of online storage for free, with up to 100GB available to paying customers.

Tips for integrating Dropbox into the classroom:  Dropbox is the perfect internet accessory for teachers.  Because we use computers in the classroom, computer lab and a home, accessing the same files in all of these places without trying to keep track of a flashdrive, is incredibly convenient.  In addition, you could Dropbox with your students by starting up a class account and saving documents, photos, videos, etc. that you want all of your students or students' parents to access.

Note: Send me an email to request a personal invitation to Dropbox and we will both receive an additional 250MB of storage space.

Tagxedo

Since many enjoyed learning about and playing with Wordle, I thought I would share another word cloud site with you that I recently learned about from a LTT friend  (Thanks Jill!).  Tagxedo is a word cloud site with style...and a lot of options.  In addition to typing or copy and pasting your text to make a cloud, you can also use a URL, twitter ID, Del.icio.us ID, RSS feed, search term or news article to create a cloud.  Once you have your text, choose your font and theme and then choose a shape or upload an image of your own.    I chose an apple and used the URL from this website to make the word cloud above.  Watch the video below for step by step instructions on how to create a Tagxedo of your own.




Tips for integrating Tagxedo into the classroom:  Use Tagxedo this Thanksgiving holiday and have students make a list of the things they are thankful for.  Then have the students create a word cloud with the list in an image of their choice and share it with friends and family.  Have fun Tagxedo-ing!

Google Wonder Wheel

Today I am sharing with you one of my favourite Google treasures, the Google Wonder Wheel.  I love the Wonder Wheel because it helps make Google searches less stressful and more valuable - hurray!  With today's searches producing results upwards of 100,000,000 or more the Google Wonder Wheel really is good news!  By definition, the GWW is a wheel display of search terms related to the current searched inquiry. Essentially, it makes searching visual and helps students break down broad concepts into more manageable search terms.



Tips for integrating Google Wonder Wheel into the classroom: For both you and your students, the Google Wonder Wheel is relevant and enables the user to navigate the internet more easily. When doing research, students often start with a very general search term and then struggle to find the specific information they are looking for. With Google Wonder Wheel, students can narrow their search quickly and easily by clicking on the search term or resource that is the most relevant to their inquiry and most likely to be of value.

Here are the steps:
1. Type in your search topic and press search.

2. Scroll down and find Wonder Wheel from the Standard View menu on the left-hand side of your screen.

3. Click on one of the related search terms to narrow your search.

4. Give it a try!

Blabberize

Blabberize is a fun and crazy website that allows you to make your pictures talk.  I mean really talk!  It is quick and easy to use, with instructions that are easy to follow.  I made the blabberize above in about 3 minutes.  Just select and upload a picture, crop it if you wish, place the mouth, record the sound and watch the magic happen.

Tips for integrating Blabberize into the classroom:  Blabberize will immediately captures student interest.  Have students create a Blabberize to demonstrate knowledge and share research information with others in class or on a class website.  Just have the animal, building or map do the talking!  When you are finished, you are given the option to save and make your Blabberize private or public.  Once saved, you can copy the link or embed the code into a website (like I have).  You also have the option of converting your Blabberize to video.  This is a great option if you would like to download the projects onto your computer or copy them to DVD for distribution or sharing. Check out this Blabberize I made on hippopotamuses!

Note:  Users need to log in and create a password.  Another option would be for the teacher to create a log in and have all of the students sign in on one account.

Don't forget to let me know how you are using Blabberize in your classroom by commenting below!

Storyline Online

Storyline Online is an on-line streaming video program featuring Screen Actors Guild Foundation members reading childrens books aloud.  Choose from nearly 25 stories including Stellaluna, A Bad Case of Stripes, Harry the Dirty Dog, and The Polar Express. Then listen to each story read aloud by an actor, such as James Earl Jones, or Melissa Gilbert  (there are even a few actors reading that the students might know like Haylie Duff, Amanda Bynes and Elijah Wood).  Each book includes streaming video of the actor reading the story, optional captioning for students to follow along and downloadable activities and lesson ideas that teachers can use to further student learning in the classroom.

Tips for integrating Storyline Online into the classroom:  Storyline Online immediately captures student interest and would be a great way to share a story with the entire class using a projector connected computer. (Remember that this is an on-line streaming video site, so you must be connected to the internet when viewing the videos.)  Storyline Online would also make a great literacy centre or bookmarked site for students to visit during exploration time in the computer lab.  Also, post a link to this site on your class website or send it home in a newsletter for parents to use at home with their children.

Don't forget to share a comment on how you are using Storyline Online in your classroom!

Welcome to Fox Teaches Tech

Please take a moment ...and I promise it will only be a moment, to complete this simple survey.  My goal for this site is to help simplify the search process and time required for you to find that perfect technology tool or website to compliment the learning in your classroom. The data collected from this survey will help me achieve this goal and develop a framework for this site.  So ...HELP ME, HELP YOU!! ;)  Thank you for your time.


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Top 7 Internet Safety Sites for Kids

The internet is changing our classrooms!  No longer are we limited by the physical structure of the building we teach in.  Instead the internet has opened up the teaching and learning environment to the rest of the world.  The ability to rapidly communicate and interact with others, inquire and find sources of information about anything, be independent or cooperative, and support higher-order thinking skills through creating and constructing projects such as interactive posters, videos and voicethreads* is exciting, but also requires us as teachers to think about Internet safety.  So, as you head into your classrooms this fall, get to know your students and begin developing your rules and routines, I encourage you to think about Internet safety and what your students need to know.  

My top 7 Internet Safety Sites for Elementary Students are:  

http://pbskids.org/license/

1. PBS Kids, Get Your Web License provides students with a Web Licenses once they have completed a series of questions on a variety of topics related to internet safety. The questions are interactive and provides the students with immediate feedback on their answers, giving them the opportunity to "try again" if a mistake is made.  The Web License is printable and only available once all questions have been answered correctly.

http://home.disney.com.au/activities/surfswellisland/

2. Disney's Surf Swell Island is a quiz-driven adventure game.  Internet safety information is presented to users in a series of games, each featuring well-known Disney characters and focusing on an area of concern; privacy, viruses, or netiquette.  Each game is followed by a mini-quiz reinforcing the area presented in the game.   

http://www.ikeepsafe.org/

3. iKeep Safe is a site that provides teachers with an amazing Internet Safety program covering all of the basics including: keeping children safe online, how to handle cyber-bullying, balancing real life with screen time, and dangerous downloads.

http://www.infinitelearninglab.org/

4. Internet Safety with Professor Garfield is an easy to navigate site (especially when you follow the quick start guide) with printable lessons (available under teacher's materials) on online safety, cyberbullying, fact or opinion and forms of media.  Each lesson includes a watch (video), try (game) and apply (quiz) section.   

http://www.netsmartz.org/index.aspx

5. NetSmartz teaches internet safety with engaging characters, songs, videos and interactive games.  The topics presented include knowing the rules, chat abbreviations, dangers of sharing personal information, viruses, passwords and what makes a good one, and cyber-bullying.  

www.hectorsworld.com

6. Hector's World is a site that helps students stay safe online and learn about digital citizenship.  Hector and his friends are engaging characters that face interesting and challenging situations in order to model the behaviour of good digital citizens.  The topics include Your Personal Information Online, Cyberbullying, and Computer Security.

http://www.covenantworks.com/

7. Internet Safety provides the user with links to many of the sites I have listed above as well as others.  There is information applicable to any grade level and its all in one easy to find location.  Got to love that!








Do you have a favourite site that I missed?  I would love to hear about it. Please share your experiences below.

*more on these later.  But, I linked to my favourite sites for those who are interested. :)

Wordle

Wordle is a tool for generating word clouds from text that you provide.  The words appearing more frequently in the text are given prominence.  Fonts, layouts and colours can be changed on clouds and the images created are yours to print or save.

Tips for integrating Wordle into the classroom:  Wordle would be a great tool to use with students at the beginning of the year to introduce themselves.  They can describe who they are and what they love and let Wordle do the rest.  Check out the example my son and I made above.  Print or post your Wordle's in the hallway or on a class website, for a great (and quick) gallery of student work...just in time for Meet the Teacher night! :)

Below is a slideshow with the how to's or Wordle.  This simple process can be completed in as little as the time it takes to copy and paste or type text into the word box.  Check it out!

Using Wordle In The Classroom

View more presentations from murcha.

Check out the slideshow below for more great ways to use Wordle in your classroom.

38 intersting ways to use Wordle in the classroom

View more presentations from mberner.

Hector's World

http://www.hectorsworld.com/island/index.html

Hector's World is a New Zealand educational initiative targeted at helping 5-11 year olds stay safe online and learn about digital citizenship.  Hector and his friends are engaging characters that live in the magical world of Silicon Deep.  They face interesting and challenging situations in order to model the behaviour of good digital citizens.  The topics include personal information online, cyber-bullying, and computer security and are presented through videos episodes, mp3 music files, puzzles, games, and downloadable storybooks that provide opportunities for students to be safe and ethical users of digital technologies.  

Tips for integrating Hector's World into your classroom:  Begin by taking the 10 minute guided tour for teachers of the site.  This helps with navigating and understanding the layout of the site and all of the different options available for teaching and learning.  Hector's World provides educators with excellent lesson plans (developed for 3 different age levels) on each of the episodes under the topics presented.  The lessons begin with engaging videos that would be great presented to students using a projector or interactive white board.  The downloadable material can be printed and used in the classroom without the need for independent use of a computer.  This is a nice option when computer times are limited.   A resource for planning a Digital Citizenship Week is also available and would be a great addition to SMART Week.  Digital Citizenship certificates can be printed in colour or black and white from the site and posters are available to order from the Netsafe Contact Centre.

Also, take time to install the Hector's World Safety Button on the computers used by students.  Hector's World safety button is a button children can click on to cover the screen with a beautiful underwater scene if something on-screen upsets or worries them.  Send home the parent newsletter provided on the site with information about the button for  parents to install on home computers.  

iKeep Safe

http://www.ikeepsafe.org/

 iKeep Safe is a site that has partnered with D.A.R.E to provide parents and teachers with an amazing Internet Safety program.  This is a well-rounded program, designed for kids ages 4 - 10.  It covers all of the basics including: keeping children safe online, how to handle cyber-bullying, balancing real life with screen time, and dangerous downloads.  Students learn about these concepts through a wide range of tools and along side fun, engaging cartoon characters.  There are videos, printable books, colouring sheets, games, worksheets, discussion guides, and lesson plans available to help teachers communicate the information to students.*  This program is the perfect way to introduce internet safety to students and reinforce it throughout the year.

Tips for integrating iKeep Safe into your classroom:  iKeep Safe is a perfect place to start teaching students about Internet safety.  Watch the Faux Paw cartoons together as a class on a projector connected computer and read and discuss the books.  Teach the lesson by having students complete the free downloadable worksheets or play an interactive game online.  Then send home a family assignment and have the students discuss internet safety with their parents.  Let's get the parents involved and working as hard as we do at keeping their kids safe.  


* these links are just a sample of what is available in each of the categories on the Faux Paw site

Disney's Surf Swell Island

http://home.disney.com.au/activities/surfswellisland/

Disney's Surf Swell Island is a quiz-driven adventure game.  Internet safety information is presented to users in a series of three games, each featuring well-known Disney characters and focusing on an area of concern; privacy, viruses, or netiquette.  Each game is followed by a mini-quiz reinforcing the skills presented in the game.   The site also contains a teacher and parent guide with recommendations for different ways to use the site for Pre-K - Grade 6.

Tips for integrating Disney's Surf Swell Island into your classroom:  Disney's Surf Swell Island would be a  fun way to address the very serious topic of Internet Safety.  This site could be used in a computer lab setting with students working through the games and quizzes at their own pace or in a large group setting on a projector connected computer.

Get Your Web License

http://pbskids.org/license/

PBS Kids, Get Your Web License provides students with a Web License once they have completed the 'road test'.  The 'road test' is a series of questions on a variety of topics related to internet safety.  The topics include meeting people, surf time, passwords, privacy policy and more.  I like this site because it is simple.  There are no advertisements or other links to distract students.  And the quiz is interactive and provides the students with immediate feedback on their answers, giving them the opportunity to "try again" if a mistake is made.  The Web License is printable and only available once all questions have been answered correctly.

Tips for integrating PBS Kids, Get Your Web License into your classroom:  Get Your Web License would be a great way to review internet safety practices with your students.  The quiz could be done in a computer lab setting, with each student or pair or students working through the questions at their own pace or as a whole class on a projector connected computer.

Internet Safety with Professor Garfield

http://www.infinitelearninglab.org/

Internet Safety with Professor Garfield is an easy to navigate site (especially when you follow the quick start guide) with printable lessons (available under teacher's materials) on online safety, cyberbullying, fact or opinion and forms of media.  Each lesson includes a watch (video), try (game) and apply (quiz) section.   There is also a great printable parent letter that can be sent home with tips and links that parents can use at home.

Tips for integrating Internet Safety with Professor Garfield into your classroom:  Professor Garfield provides a great option to begin teaching students about Internet Safety and would be a great addition to an internet safety week.  The videos are engaging and fun, I mean who doesn't love Garfield.  Students in Grade 3 - 5 could easily navigate the site and activities online, making this a great independent or small group activity in a lab setting.  For the younger students, watch the videos on a projector and during the try and apply sections discuss and choose the answers together.  An Internet safety certificate can be printed at the end of the unit along with posters for your classroom to remind students how to stay safe online.