I DID IT. I DID IT!
IT TOOK MONTHS, BUT I DID IT!
Alright, not the most efficient process I've ever gone through, but hey -- an accomplishment is an accomplishment.
So here I am. Thing 23 of 23 Mobile Things.
I've been asked to evaluate the process and experience. I guess I could do that. Here are my thoughts:
1) I learned about a few new apps. The person who challenged me to do this likely thought it would be more supportive of my work than my own personal use, but overwhelmingly my discoveries were related to my not-work life. Maybe I did it wrong, but I appreciate the discoveries.
2) I'd recommend trying this if you've thought about it. If nothing else, you have some decent topics to blog and share about. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.
3) If I had a critique, it would be exclusion of non-media specialists from the "official program." I mean, I get it -- you've got to be able to manage it somehow. It's all good.
Alright, I'm keeping this short and sweet because it's all I can manage at the moment.
Tack för att du kom med på resan.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Monday, October 20, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 22. Discovering Apps
When I was 22 years old, I discovered what it meant to finally have a big person job. I discovered it was cooler to be in college. I suppose 22 and discovery are inextricably connected forever.
So yeah, Thing 22 is all about discovering apps. This thing suggests I use one of their fancy search methods to discover new apps, and so I shall.
Internal dialogue: "Let's see, Elizeduction, what shall we search for today?"
Responding internal dialogue which is also named Elizeducation: "Hmmm...I don't know, what do you think?"
Internal dialogue: "How about apple orchards? You plan to go to the orchard tomorrow!"
Responding internal dialogue which is also named Elizeducation: "My god, you're a genius!"
Internal dialogue: "You too, Elizeducation. You too."
So, I used Quixey, an app search engine, to see what I could find out about Minnesota apple orchards. It didn't go well. My internal dialogue reminded me that something so specific is probably stupid to search for. Please note, I didn't intend for this to be a teachable moment or anything. I was honestly just being stupid.
Alright, alright...new topic: Discovering new music!
So after a quick search, I found a bunch of apps I already have (Shazam, SoundCloud, Soundwave), but also one I didn't -- Discovr.
So I tried it. It's rad. I found good musics. Recommended. Buy it.
That's all.
Bye.
So yeah, Thing 22 is all about discovering apps. This thing suggests I use one of their fancy search methods to discover new apps, and so I shall.
Internal dialogue: "Let's see, Elizeduction, what shall we search for today?"
Responding internal dialogue which is also named Elizeducation: "Hmmm...I don't know, what do you think?"
Internal dialogue: "How about apple orchards? You plan to go to the orchard tomorrow!"
Responding internal dialogue which is also named Elizeducation: "My god, you're a genius!"
Internal dialogue: "You too, Elizeducation. You too."
So, I used Quixey, an app search engine, to see what I could find out about Minnesota apple orchards. It didn't go well. My internal dialogue reminded me that something so specific is probably stupid to search for. Please note, I didn't intend for this to be a teachable moment or anything. I was honestly just being stupid.
Alright, alright...new topic: Discovering new music!
So after a quick search, I found a bunch of apps I already have (Shazam, SoundCloud, Soundwave), but also one I didn't -- Discovr.
So I tried it. It's rad. I found good musics. Recommended. Buy it.
That's all.
Bye.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 21. Free-for-all
So, I'm not completely flaky.
After taking an extended 'break,' I'm returning to actually complete the 23 Mobile Things challenge! Let's chalk up my timeline to this thing called 'summer' and the old adage that slow and steady wins the race. Yeah...that's it.
Alright, so it turns out Thing 23 is a free-for-all. The description says I'm supposed to share about an app I love.
Whilst my relationships with apps tend to be more at the "hey, let's just be friends" kind of level, there are a handful of apps I just might qualify with love. While our romance is nearly entirely one sided (yes, I'm getting the most out of this relationship), the wonderful thing is that my apps never complain. They never feel neglected, worthless, or complain when I forget their birthday. I must not be such a bad partner after all.
So app, that I love...who are you?
I suppose the app I currently love the most would be GateGuru. I'm just coming off a summer and early fall full of travel, and GateGuru turned out to be a companion worth keeping. Time at the airport can actually be pretty great if you do a little research, and GateGuru does all the heavy lifting. You can find out specific amenities by gate, ratings on the available restaurants, detailed maps to make sure you find where you're going, and it also keeps track of your flights. My favorite part, however, has the be the "tips" tab. Users can post tips such as what to order at certain restaurants, which bathrooms are the cleanest or least busy, and which stands to go to so you don't end up spending $10 on a candy bar. All around handy stuff for the frequent flyer.
So there you have it...a love story for the 21st Century. GateGuru + Elizeducation = <3
After taking an extended 'break,' I'm returning to actually complete the 23 Mobile Things challenge! Let's chalk up my timeline to this thing called 'summer' and the old adage that slow and steady wins the race. Yeah...that's it.
Alright, so it turns out Thing 23 is a free-for-all. The description says I'm supposed to share about an app I love.
Whilst my relationships with apps tend to be more at the "hey, let's just be friends" kind of level, there are a handful of apps I just might qualify with love. While our romance is nearly entirely one sided (yes, I'm getting the most out of this relationship), the wonderful thing is that my apps never complain. They never feel neglected, worthless, or complain when I forget their birthday. I must not be such a bad partner after all.
So app, that I love...who are you?
I suppose the app I currently love the most would be GateGuru. I'm just coming off a summer and early fall full of travel, and GateGuru turned out to be a companion worth keeping. Time at the airport can actually be pretty great if you do a little research, and GateGuru does all the heavy lifting. You can find out specific amenities by gate, ratings on the available restaurants, detailed maps to make sure you find where you're going, and it also keeps track of your flights. My favorite part, however, has the be the "tips" tab. Users can post tips such as what to order at certain restaurants, which bathrooms are the cleanest or least busy, and which stands to go to so you don't end up spending $10 on a candy bar. All around handy stuff for the frequent flyer.
So there you have it...a love story for the 21st Century. GateGuru + Elizeducation = <3
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Is School an Inspiring Place to Work?
...my guess is your first thought was, "yes." My second guess is it has something to do with your perception of this grandiose and oversimplified idea that working with kids is the single most gratifying thing you can do on earth.
And truthfully, I don't disagree. My time in the classroom was gratifying beyond explanation. No person I've ever tried to articulate it to (outside of fellow teachers) truly understood how much I loved being a part of my student's lives, and how damn hard I worked because of them. And that's fine. It comes with the territory.
That said, I'm not talking about the kind of inspiration teachers get from their kids. There's plenty of that to go around. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the inspiration that comes from above.
How do leaders create the conditions for teachers to feel inspired? To have a sense of belonging? To feel empowered and valued as the professionals they are?
Last week I had the privilege of attending the EdLeader21 conference in Atlanta, and Russ Quaglia was a featured speaker. Dr. Quaglia's work for the better part of FOREVER has focused on bringing student voice into the classroom, and the rich impact it has on learning.
He also touched on teacher voice.
Now, here it is. I've thought a lot about student voice and how critical it is. As a teacher, it was at the forefront of my mind every day. Exaggerate, I do not. It was something I decided early on in my career was a non-negotiable, and I made every attempt to get to know my students, take a genuine interest in their thoughts, passions, and dreams, and authentically incorporate them into the learning. It was fun. So damn fun.
Now that I'm out of the classroom, I've done a much crappier job of being so attentive to teacher voice, and the more I think about it, the more I realize how equally important it is.
While I'm beyond happy with the professional choices I've made, if I ever daydream about another career, it always involves working in some hip startup with open walls, convertible seating arrangements, rooms full of whiteboard, and sticky notes, and evidence of deliberation, the cliche pool table, and the prosaic bring-your-dog-to-work employee policy.
Why is it a daydream? No, it's not because the fridges are always stocked with quinoa salads and I can wear a T-shirt confirming my support for marriage equality (not to say those things aren't pretty rad).
It's because environments built for innovation and thought and positive deviants breed innovation and thought and positive deviants. And those breed ideas, and they're put into place, and the consequences of creative inspiration become tangible solutions.
Ok, ok -- I'll step back. I have many friends who work in the aforementioned types of places, and it's the not exactly the rosy picture I've painted. But it does speak to a concerted effort on the part of leaders to value the thoughts, ideas, and contributions of the professionals they employ.
How do we create similar opportunities and conditions for teachers? How do we lay the foundations for quality and research based initiatives whilst considering the voice of teachers who are the only ones who can anticipate what it will look like in their classrooms? How do we value new ideas and radical intentions within the constraints of countless protocols, standards, and six period days?
How do we afford the same respect, voice, and dignity to teachers that we require they exhibit to their students? There are lots of ways, and I think we've got many in place. But it's far from a finished exercise, and every educator who plays a part in crafting the teachers' everyday experience should be considering the question.
And truthfully, I don't disagree. My time in the classroom was gratifying beyond explanation. No person I've ever tried to articulate it to (outside of fellow teachers) truly understood how much I loved being a part of my student's lives, and how damn hard I worked because of them. And that's fine. It comes with the territory.
That said, I'm not talking about the kind of inspiration teachers get from their kids. There's plenty of that to go around. Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the inspiration that comes from above.
How do leaders create the conditions for teachers to feel inspired? To have a sense of belonging? To feel empowered and valued as the professionals they are?
Last week I had the privilege of attending the EdLeader21 conference in Atlanta, and Russ Quaglia was a featured speaker. Dr. Quaglia's work for the better part of FOREVER has focused on bringing student voice into the classroom, and the rich impact it has on learning.
He also touched on teacher voice.
Now, here it is. I've thought a lot about student voice and how critical it is. As a teacher, it was at the forefront of my mind every day. Exaggerate, I do not. It was something I decided early on in my career was a non-negotiable, and I made every attempt to get to know my students, take a genuine interest in their thoughts, passions, and dreams, and authentically incorporate them into the learning. It was fun. So damn fun.
Now that I'm out of the classroom, I've done a much crappier job of being so attentive to teacher voice, and the more I think about it, the more I realize how equally important it is.
While I'm beyond happy with the professional choices I've made, if I ever daydream about another career, it always involves working in some hip startup with open walls, convertible seating arrangements, rooms full of whiteboard, and sticky notes, and evidence of deliberation, the cliche pool table, and the prosaic bring-your-dog-to-work employee policy.
Why is it a daydream? No, it's not because the fridges are always stocked with quinoa salads and I can wear a T-shirt confirming my support for marriage equality (not to say those things aren't pretty rad).
It's because environments built for innovation and thought and positive deviants breed innovation and thought and positive deviants. And those breed ideas, and they're put into place, and the consequences of creative inspiration become tangible solutions.
Ok, ok -- I'll step back. I have many friends who work in the aforementioned types of places, and it's the not exactly the rosy picture I've painted. But it does speak to a concerted effort on the part of leaders to value the thoughts, ideas, and contributions of the professionals they employ.
How do we create similar opportunities and conditions for teachers? How do we lay the foundations for quality and research based initiatives whilst considering the voice of teachers who are the only ones who can anticipate what it will look like in their classrooms? How do we value new ideas and radical intentions within the constraints of countless protocols, standards, and six period days?
How do we afford the same respect, voice, and dignity to teachers that we require they exhibit to their students? There are lots of ways, and I think we've got many in place. But it's far from a finished exercise, and every educator who plays a part in crafting the teachers' everyday experience should be considering the question.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
What Can I Say...It's Summer...
...and I live on routines.
When those routines become disrupted, or rather adjusted, new routines take their place. And what can I say? My most recent routines just haven't really included writing. Apologies. My blog is, well, pretty lame at the moment.
That said, I've been spending most of my time professionally doing all kinds of consuming and far less creating. I've been doing an awful lot of reading, which in turn has led to an awful lot of thinking. I'm sure at some point, that will translate into an awful lot of writing.
In the mean time, don't hold your breath. Enjoy the sun, and look for more consistent writing in the near-ish future.
C'mon now...I've got to finish my 23 Mobile Things at the very least. I mean, who stops at number 20? Not cool.
Monday, May 12, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 20. Games
Fact: I've made it to 20. This is good.
Fact: I've ran out of steam to make clever or interesting number introductions as I have in previous posts. It might be 'that time of year.'
Anyhow, I've got four left, so let's get to it. This post is all about games.
I've got little to no interest in mobile games. At any given time, I have 1 or 2 games that I play semi-regularly. And by semi-regularly I mean before bed when I'm lying around and don't have much else to do.
Right now, that game is Ruzzle.
For this particular Thing, there is a nice long list of games recommended to try. If I had even a small amount of motivation to do so, I might just try some of them myself. That said...I really don't. I'm going to gracefully bow out on this one, and really rock it on #21. I mean, really rock it out -- you don't want to miss this one folks!
<<cliffhanger>>
Fact: I've ran out of steam to make clever or interesting number introductions as I have in previous posts. It might be 'that time of year.'
Anyhow, I've got four left, so let's get to it. This post is all about games.
I've got little to no interest in mobile games. At any given time, I have 1 or 2 games that I play semi-regularly. And by semi-regularly I mean before bed when I'm lying around and don't have much else to do.
Right now, that game is Ruzzle.
For this particular Thing, there is a nice long list of games recommended to try. If I had even a small amount of motivation to do so, I might just try some of them myself. That said...I really don't. I'm going to gracefully bow out on this one, and really rock it on #21. I mean, really rock it out -- you don't want to miss this one folks!
<<cliffhanger>>
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Choose Your Own Adventure #EdCampTC
You remember those books, don't you? Choose your own adventure? So great. Was I the only strange kid that immediately tried to choose the path that resulted in the most horrible things happening?
Yeah, I might be.
Anyhow, the selling point of the "choose your own adventure" genre was the ability to have control over outcomes. To tap into your own interests and give you as many pathways as possible. Sometimes the outcomes were desirable, sometimes not so much, but ultimately the choice in process outweighed the outcome anyhow. The process was user-driven.
The same appeal applies to EdCamps. If you've never been to an EdCamp or heard of them before, the basic premise is that the entire conference is user-driven. The content, structure and outcomes are all determined by the participants. Everyone is simultaneously an expert and a learner.
Here is a short video shared by Byron Public School's Jen Hegna from their in-district #EdCamp. It does a nice job of summing up how EdCamps generally work.
I bring all this up because this past weekend I had the privilege of attending #EdCampTC (Ed Camp Twin Cities). In the past, I've also attending #EdCampMSP and #EdCampMN -- All highly recommended events. Using what you learned in the above video, take a look at the schedule that was generated this weekend for #EdCampTC: SO MANY GOOD SESSIONS. So much learning driven by the interests of people in the crowd.
Take a moment. Think about the possibilities here. The possibilities when the people in the room dictate the direction of the day.
The possibilities for me are ones that I hold a high appreciation for: authentic collaboration, relevancy, inspiration, connections, and a whole lot more.
I'm sure many who read this blog are already familiar with EdCamps. This post isn't necessarily for you. It's for anyone who might come across this post who has never attended one. If you fall into that category, I highly recommend you seek one out in your area. You'll leave feeling invigorated, you'll likely make connections with people you'll stay connected with, and if nothing else, you'll definitely get your voice heard.
Find a list of upcoming EdCamps here
Yeah, I might be.
Anyhow, the selling point of the "choose your own adventure" genre was the ability to have control over outcomes. To tap into your own interests and give you as many pathways as possible. Sometimes the outcomes were desirable, sometimes not so much, but ultimately the choice in process outweighed the outcome anyhow. The process was user-driven.
The same appeal applies to EdCamps. If you've never been to an EdCamp or heard of them before, the basic premise is that the entire conference is user-driven. The content, structure and outcomes are all determined by the participants. Everyone is simultaneously an expert and a learner.
Here is a short video shared by Byron Public School's Jen Hegna from their in-district #EdCamp. It does a nice job of summing up how EdCamps generally work.
I bring all this up because this past weekend I had the privilege of attending #EdCampTC (Ed Camp Twin Cities). In the past, I've also attending #EdCampMSP and #EdCampMN -- All highly recommended events. Using what you learned in the above video, take a look at the schedule that was generated this weekend for #EdCampTC: SO MANY GOOD SESSIONS. So much learning driven by the interests of people in the crowd.
Take a moment. Think about the possibilities here. The possibilities when the people in the room dictate the direction of the day.
The possibilities for me are ones that I hold a high appreciation for: authentic collaboration, relevancy, inspiration, connections, and a whole lot more.
I'm sure many who read this blog are already familiar with EdCamps. This post isn't necessarily for you. It's for anyone who might come across this post who has never attended one. If you fall into that category, I highly recommend you seek one out in your area. You'll leave feeling invigorated, you'll likely make connections with people you'll stay connected with, and if nothing else, you'll definitely get your voice heard.
Find a list of upcoming EdCamps here
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 19. Hobbies
Have you all seen that show 19 Kids and Counting? Whoa.
I mean, that's really all I have to say about that.
Hobby 4: Organic, Sustainable Foods - I found 2 apps that I'm super excited about. It's just about CSA season, so I downloaded Riverford Veg Recipes. It works by having you enter 2 or 3 vegetables you have on hand, then generates recipes to match the combination. Super handy when you get odd veggies or an unexpected abundance of something in your Summer CSA. With summer also comes Farmer's Market time! Yippee! For that, I happened across Eat Local. It will help you learn what’s in season anywhere in the US and available at local farmers’ markets. Complete with directions by car, bike, foot, or public transportation. I'm hungry.
Thing 19 of 23 Mobile Things is all about hobbies. While having kids may not be a hobby of mine, there's no doubt that nearly any hobby has an app to support it.
Knowing there are thousands of apps that could fit into this category, this Thing went ahead and chose a few random apps to focus on that support a wide range of interests. Let it be highlighted that two just happen to focus on wine as a hobby. I didn't mind.
That said, none of the apps really piqued my interest other than Spotify, which I use all the time already. For that reason, I brainstormed 5 random hobbies of mine, and attempted to seek out a few miscellaneous apps that support them.
Hobby 1: Coupons - I'm such a nerd about coupons, but it's amazing how long I've put off signing up for all the fun coupon-y and save-y apps. I finally caved and downloaded Shopkick. May the annoying push notifications and points obsession take over my life.
Hobby 2: Roller Derby - Turns out apps related to Roller Derby are either timers for our illustrious refs (like this one) or games (like this one). Not much out there to support derby players themselves or derby as a hobby.
Hobby 3: College Hockey - It's a weird time to be downloading college hockey apps seeing as my beloved Gophers just rounded out their season (in a slightly disappointing way). That said, that Fargo game during the Frozen Four made it all worth it. Anyhow, I'll be primed and ready for next season after having come across the College Hockey News app.
Hobby 4: Organic, Sustainable Foods - I found 2 apps that I'm super excited about. It's just about CSA season, so I downloaded Riverford Veg Recipes. It works by having you enter 2 or 3 vegetables you have on hand, then generates recipes to match the combination. Super handy when you get odd veggies or an unexpected abundance of something in your Summer CSA. With summer also comes Farmer's Market time! Yippee! For that, I happened across Eat Local. It will help you learn what’s in season anywhere in the US and available at local farmers’ markets. Complete with directions by car, bike, foot, or public transportation. I'm hungry.
Hobby 5: Local Fun - I love to travel. I mean, I know people say that a lot, but seriously. I love to travel. When I do, I'm not super keen on the tourist destinations, but instead love to find local hotspots that give you a feel for the city. I didn't quite find what I was looking for, but I did find something awfully handy for international travel. In my searches, I came across the World Customs app, which gives you access to customs and traditions for 165 countries. I can think of many times in my travels when having a quick heads up on local greetings, gestures, and taboos would have come in very handy.
Hobbies, hobbies, hobbies. Oh how fun they are.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 18. Education
Catch-22 was originally supposed to be named Catch-18 to represent the significance of the number in the Hebrew language. The author opted to change the name to 22 in order to avoid confusion with another novel, Mila 18.
I guess it's kind of a Catch-18 that the phrase Catch-22 became extremely popular while not maintaining the integrity of the author's original idea.
Oh well.
So 18. Thing 18 is all about Education. And here I was trying to apply all the other ones to Education :)
This things starts off by prefacing that there are a lot of apps in education, which we all know. The lists are endless and ever growing. This Thing then goes on to share a "mishmash" of interesting apps that spread across various grade levels and subject areas.
I've had a chance to play around with most of these, but a few were new. Therefore, I decided to jump in and check them out. The four apps that were new to me were artCircles, B-Rhymes Dictionary, colAR Mix and Show of Hands. Here are my thoughts:
artCircles: Great app for art or any time when using meaningful visuals would be a good idea. Offers various "circles" of categories such as Nature, Texture or Colors. Within each circle are various components, and each component is tied to a visual gallery. The interface is fantastic.
B-Rhymes Dictionary: iPhone only. The tag line is finding words that "almost rhyme," with the purpose being that students will find words that sound good together. When I search for "animal," the first three returns I get are "trigeminal, seminal, and sentinel." A search for "orange" (intentional trick!) returns "lozenge, goldfinch, and scavenge." I see very limited though interesting educational uses, but it's a bummer that the process for getting to the actual definition of the returned words is cumbersome.
colAR Mix: This app sounds super cool -- apparently it turns drawings into 3D images. However, I couldn't figure out how it works. I might be dumb. Also lots of in-app purchases. I'll not so sure.
Show of Hands: A real time anonymous polling tool. At first I assumed this would be like a polleverywhere tool where the teacher could poll students in the classroom. Instead, it's an open polling medium wherein students could explore the poll results to various questions posted by users that are as in depth as "The UN Panel on Climate Change has issued a report calling for a 70% reduction in global carbon emissions within 30 years, and complete elimination by 2100. Do you think it's doable?" or as superficial as "Coke or Diet Coke?" While viewing each result, you can segregate by gender, age, income, state, and political party. Could lead to some interesting discussions.
Alright. I must know...what are your favorite Education apps?
I guess it's kind of a Catch-18 that the phrase Catch-22 became extremely popular while not maintaining the integrity of the author's original idea.
Oh well.
So 18. Thing 18 is all about Education. And here I was trying to apply all the other ones to Education :)
This things starts off by prefacing that there are a lot of apps in education, which we all know. The lists are endless and ever growing. This Thing then goes on to share a "mishmash" of interesting apps that spread across various grade levels and subject areas.
I've had a chance to play around with most of these, but a few were new. Therefore, I decided to jump in and check them out. The four apps that were new to me were artCircles, B-Rhymes Dictionary, colAR Mix and Show of Hands. Here are my thoughts:
artCircles: Great app for art or any time when using meaningful visuals would be a good idea. Offers various "circles" of categories such as Nature, Texture or Colors. Within each circle are various components, and each component is tied to a visual gallery. The interface is fantastic.
B-Rhymes Dictionary: iPhone only. The tag line is finding words that "almost rhyme," with the purpose being that students will find words that sound good together. When I search for "animal," the first three returns I get are "trigeminal, seminal, and sentinel." A search for "orange" (intentional trick!) returns "lozenge, goldfinch, and scavenge." I see very limited though interesting educational uses, but it's a bummer that the process for getting to the actual definition of the returned words is cumbersome.
colAR Mix: This app sounds super cool -- apparently it turns drawings into 3D images. However, I couldn't figure out how it works. I might be dumb. Also lots of in-app purchases. I'll not so sure.
Show of Hands: A real time anonymous polling tool. At first I assumed this would be like a polleverywhere tool where the teacher could poll students in the classroom. Instead, it's an open polling medium wherein students could explore the poll results to various questions posted by users that are as in depth as "The UN Panel on Climate Change has issued a report calling for a 70% reduction in global carbon emissions within 30 years, and complete elimination by 2100. Do you think it's doable?" or as superficial as "Coke or Diet Coke?" While viewing each result, you can segregate by gender, age, income, state, and political party. Could lead to some interesting discussions.
Alright. I must know...what are your favorite Education apps?
Thursday, April 10, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 17. Connecting to Community
17 is known as the 'least random number.'
In multiple studies replicated multiple times, when asked to give a random number between 1-20, humans overwhelming report 17.
Weird.
What's not weird is reporting on Thing 17 of 23 Mobile Things.
Connecting to Community. This is something incredibly important to me, and something that has become infinitely expanded with mobile technologies. You can connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime, about anything. It's no surprise This Thing boasts far, far more app suggestions than any other thing to date. In fact, the possibilities for connection via mobile devices is so robust that This Thing narrowed itself specifically to connecting in Minnesota.
Being a lover of all things Minnesota and a well established NE Minneapolitan, I've tried out a few of the suggested apps. Some of my favorites are:
A few I haven't tried from the list that sound positively intriguing:
In multiple studies replicated multiple times, when asked to give a random number between 1-20, humans overwhelming report 17.
Weird.
What's not weird is reporting on Thing 17 of 23 Mobile Things.
Connecting to Community. This is something incredibly important to me, and something that has become infinitely expanded with mobile technologies. You can connect with anyone, anywhere, anytime, about anything. It's no surprise This Thing boasts far, far more app suggestions than any other thing to date. In fact, the possibilities for connection via mobile devices is so robust that This Thing narrowed itself specifically to connecting in Minnesota.
Being a lover of all things Minnesota and a well established NE Minneapolitan, I've tried out a few of the suggested apps. Some of my favorites are:
- MPR Radio (cue guilty feeling if you are not already a member)
- Highlights of the Superior Hiking Trail (yay summer!)
- Minneapolis Skyway (8 miles of protection from our hideous winters)
- Minnesota State Fair (my derby teammate's name is Ana Stick to fully honor this esteemed and annual occasion)
A few I haven't tried from the list that sound positively intriguing:
- MN Museums (total museum junky)
- Enjoy Red Wing (total SE Minnesota bluffs and Red Wing Shoes junky)
- Going Out from Star Tribune (total nightlife and good food junky)
- Minnesota Beer Activists (total craft beer junky)
So...if you'd ever like to listen to MPR while hiking the Superior Hiking Trail followed by lunch in the Minneapolis Skyway preceded by some serious people watching at the Minnesota State Fair after a leisurely stroll through one of our many amazing MN Museums while wearing our Red Wing Boots before Going Out for the night and drinking a delicious beer suggested by Minnesota Beer Activists we may just be best friends.
So there you go. Your mobile device is your connection to all things wonderful in Minnesota. For those of you outside our regal borders, if I haven't convinced you to visit yet, you must be crazy. Just don't let those pesky 95° and humid or -40° with -60° wind chills scare you. There are like 5, 6 days a year that are actually quite pleasant.
Thursday, April 3, 2014
Kids Aren't Motivated By Technology
Seriously.
The same way I'm not motivated by a toilet. It's a tool I use every single day. It's exceptionally useful, I assure you. But I don't jump out of bed ready to take on the day because I have access to it -- I take it for granted because it's a part of my everyday life.
I feel very fortunate for having the privilege of teaching in a 1:1 classroom for 4 years prior to my colleagues. I have vivid memories of hearing from the other teachers in the school about how my students must love my class because they get to play on the computer. It's not surprising they behave well because they know they'll lose their computer privileges if they don't.
I used to take offense to such statements. HUGE offense.
Nobody in my classroom ever lost their computer "privileges." They never lost their pencil "privileges" either.
What good would it be to dangle the computer as a carrot? About as good as dangling the toilet I suppose :)
I wanted them to learn in ways they never could have imagined, and the computer made that possible. It wasn't the jolly rancher I handed out for behaving the right way.
Fast forward 5 years and I no longer take offense to those statements from my past. Teachers in my school have had 1:1 technology in their classrooms for the last 2 years and they've learned better than anyone that technology does not motivate students. That having 1:1 devices does not make classroom management easier. In fact, sometimes it makes management harder knowing we have an obligation to provide personalized, innovative and engaging learning experiences -- and we've got all the tools we need to do it. No excuses.
They've learned first hand that what motivates students now is what has always motivated students.
Relationships.
Engaging content.
Relevancy to their lives.
Collaboration.
Creating something new.
Being a part of something special.
Being successful.
Knowing you care.
Community.
And so much more.
As a teacher with 1:1 technology, I loved sending a message to a student to let them know I cared about how well they were doing. I loved seeing the way kids felt connected when they shared projects with ePals in Kazakstan, Germany and Japan. My favorite days were spent guiding kids as they created videos to raise money for causes they felt deeply committed to. I will never forget the way they would smile when they realized that a website could be read to them so that they could finally understand it. I was driven by seeing them motivated and times when they were so deeply connected to their work.
I'd love to say technology is the key to motivation. I'd love to share rosy anecdotes about homework completion skyrocketing when we put iPads in classrooms, and standardized test scores shooting through the roof.
If I did, it wouldn't be because of the iPads. I'd be because of the way we used them. Because of the experiences we created with them (and without them) every day.
Technology doesn't motivate kids. But you do.
The same way I'm not motivated by a toilet. It's a tool I use every single day. It's exceptionally useful, I assure you. But I don't jump out of bed ready to take on the day because I have access to it -- I take it for granted because it's a part of my everyday life.
I feel very fortunate for having the privilege of teaching in a 1:1 classroom for 4 years prior to my colleagues. I have vivid memories of hearing from the other teachers in the school about how my students must love my class because they get to play on the computer. It's not surprising they behave well because they know they'll lose their computer privileges if they don't.
I used to take offense to such statements. HUGE offense.
Nobody in my classroom ever lost their computer "privileges." They never lost their pencil "privileges" either.
What good would it be to dangle the computer as a carrot? About as good as dangling the toilet I suppose :)
I wanted them to learn in ways they never could have imagined, and the computer made that possible. It wasn't the jolly rancher I handed out for behaving the right way.
Fast forward 5 years and I no longer take offense to those statements from my past. Teachers in my school have had 1:1 technology in their classrooms for the last 2 years and they've learned better than anyone that technology does not motivate students. That having 1:1 devices does not make classroom management easier. In fact, sometimes it makes management harder knowing we have an obligation to provide personalized, innovative and engaging learning experiences -- and we've got all the tools we need to do it. No excuses.
They've learned first hand that what motivates students now is what has always motivated students.
Relationships.
Engaging content.
Relevancy to their lives.
Collaboration.
Creating something new.
Being a part of something special.
Being successful.
Knowing you care.
Community.
And so much more.
As a teacher with 1:1 technology, I loved sending a message to a student to let them know I cared about how well they were doing. I loved seeing the way kids felt connected when they shared projects with ePals in Kazakstan, Germany and Japan. My favorite days were spent guiding kids as they created videos to raise money for causes they felt deeply committed to. I will never forget the way they would smile when they realized that a website could be read to them so that they could finally understand it. I was driven by seeing them motivated and times when they were so deeply connected to their work.
I'd love to say technology is the key to motivation. I'd love to share rosy anecdotes about homework completion skyrocketing when we put iPads in classrooms, and standardized test scores shooting through the roof.
If I did, it wouldn't be because of the iPads. I'd be because of the way we used them. Because of the experiences we created with them (and without them) every day.
Technology doesn't motivate kids. But you do.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 16. Audio
Fact: On my 16th birthday I took my driver's license test.
Double Fact: I got the lowest possible score you can receive and still pass.
Oh, to be 16 again.
At least we can be this 16 -- Thing 16 of 23 Mobile Things.
This one's all about audio. It's pretty sweet actually -- the mobile devices our students carry around every day double as audio recording devices. I like to imagine the kids walking around all day recording a "Note to Self" a la Norm Macdonald, but I'm not quite sure it works that way.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of useful reasons why we would have our kids use mobile devices for audio recording. I think of young readers recording themselves to evaluate fluency, or teachers recording to model fluency. Our teachers have recorded their voices as a test modification, and our students have created mock radio shows or podcasts. Our choir and band teachers have asked students to record their singing/playing so they're able to critique it or send it to the teacher for feedback. Other students have recorded their voices over movies or presentations to enhance the product. All pretty legit and awesome uses of this technology.
When it comes to apps, our teachers and kids use a few for recording purposes. Among the most popular are Audioboo and Voice Recorder Pro. I'd say most prefer the latter.
This Thing also suggests ipadio and SoundCloud. I haven't used either, so I decided to give them both a shot.
First up -- ipadio:
This is a pretty simple app and a cool concept. But I'm not going to dig into it any further. Reason being: I work in a middle school, and right off the bat the app requests that you register, enter your first and last name, email address and even a phone number. Wha?
If you get beyond the registration page, a list of not so kid friendly terms of use pop up which are meant to be cheeky, but wouldn't fly well in the middle school classroom.
I'm sure the functionality of this app is great...I just don't see it working for our purposes.
Next up -- SoundCloud
This one also requires registration (sad face), but at least it can be logged in through a Google Account (which our kids have). I can get on board with that. Once in, SoundCloud immediately requests your musical preferences. You see, beyond being a recording app, SoundCloud's primary purpose is to expose you to new music. After selecting your preferences, a unique "stream" is created for you to promote music you might like.
The allure of SoundCloud is that you can VERY EASILY record audio and share it with an authentic audience. I like the concept -- our kids could share their original musical compositions, poetry, writing, singing, etc. with a real life audience with ease. The recording and sharing process is easy to use and seamlessly integrated into the app.
I'm not 100% sure it's middle school approved (some of the music is inappropriately named, we'd need terms of use approval, and I haven't been able to give it a long look-over). That said, even if the teacher managed and shared the content, it could be a great way to expose student creation to the world.
Well there it is.
Until next time, keep listening.
Double Fact: I got the lowest possible score you can receive and still pass.
Oh, to be 16 again.
At least we can be this 16 -- Thing 16 of 23 Mobile Things.
This one's all about audio. It's pretty sweet actually -- the mobile devices our students carry around every day double as audio recording devices. I like to imagine the kids walking around all day recording a "Note to Self" a la Norm Macdonald, but I'm not quite sure it works that way.
Nevertheless, there are plenty of useful reasons why we would have our kids use mobile devices for audio recording. I think of young readers recording themselves to evaluate fluency, or teachers recording to model fluency. Our teachers have recorded their voices as a test modification, and our students have created mock radio shows or podcasts. Our choir and band teachers have asked students to record their singing/playing so they're able to critique it or send it to the teacher for feedback. Other students have recorded their voices over movies or presentations to enhance the product. All pretty legit and awesome uses of this technology.
When it comes to apps, our teachers and kids use a few for recording purposes. Among the most popular are Audioboo and Voice Recorder Pro. I'd say most prefer the latter.
This Thing also suggests ipadio and SoundCloud. I haven't used either, so I decided to give them both a shot.
First up -- ipadio:
This is a pretty simple app and a cool concept. But I'm not going to dig into it any further. Reason being: I work in a middle school, and right off the bat the app requests that you register, enter your first and last name, email address and even a phone number. Wha?
If you get beyond the registration page, a list of not so kid friendly terms of use pop up which are meant to be cheeky, but wouldn't fly well in the middle school classroom.
I'm sure the functionality of this app is great...I just don't see it working for our purposes.
Next up -- SoundCloud
This one also requires registration (sad face), but at least it can be logged in through a Google Account (which our kids have). I can get on board with that. Once in, SoundCloud immediately requests your musical preferences. You see, beyond being a recording app, SoundCloud's primary purpose is to expose you to new music. After selecting your preferences, a unique "stream" is created for you to promote music you might like.
The allure of SoundCloud is that you can VERY EASILY record audio and share it with an authentic audience. I like the concept -- our kids could share their original musical compositions, poetry, writing, singing, etc. with a real life audience with ease. The recording and sharing process is easy to use and seamlessly integrated into the app.
I'm not 100% sure it's middle school approved (some of the music is inappropriately named, we'd need terms of use approval, and I haven't been able to give it a long look-over). That said, even if the teacher managed and shared the content, it could be a great way to expose student creation to the world.
Well there it is.
Until next time, keep listening.
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 15. Infographics
Do you guys play tennis? I don't. I'm not trying to knock tennis because I actually think it's really entertaining to watch, but what's with all the weird scoring? Love, then 15, then 30 (ok...so double?), then 40 (nope...no double...no add 15...just a random 40), then Game. Wait, what?
Alright, sure, it's weird. But 15 is the first point scored in tennis, and Thing 15 scores major points. I guess we'll call that a win.
Thing 15 is all about Infographics, and I'm all for nonlinguistic representations that help our students better understand the information that inundates our world.
Not familiar with Infographics? They're essentially visual summarizations of data common to a particular topic.
For example, here is an Infographic about Infographics.
Alright, so Thing 15 offers up several apps that help us build or find Infographics. These apps include Infographics Hub, Info.Graphics, i Visual Info Touch Lite, and Visualize Free. Of these 4, the only one I haven't tried is i Visual Info Touch Lite. Both Infographics Hub and Info.Graphics are nice for finding Infographics. Visualize Free is a fine app, but I don't necessarily think of it as an Infographic builder -- it's more like a media filled poster creator. You could use it to build an Infographic, but I think of it more along the lines of a simplified Glogster.
Truthfully, I've always been disappointed in the free infographic builder options available on the iPad. I've always wanted to find something like a Piktochart or Easel.ly that works well on an iOS device. For that reason, I was excited to try out i Visual Info Touch Lite.
My thoughts...
Super easy to use, but just like Visualize Free I see it a bit more as a poster builder that can be used for infographics. That said, kids would pick it up quickly, but the lack of features compared to Visualize Free are pretty disappointing. I wish there was a "duplicate" feature and a "send to back/send to front" feature, but I could survive without them. You cannot change fonts, and there is no multiline text so each line needs to be a new text box. A few other features seem to be MIA as well. The HUGE missing link, however, is you cannot import a picture saved to the camera roll. That seems a bit ridiculous to not include. There is a full version app that retails for $2.99...it's hard to say whether it's worth the investment or not based on what's available in the free version.
In about 15 minutes, I made this quick Infographic about Spring Lake Park Schools, which is the district I work for:
If you ever find a great Infographic creator for the iPad, do share! I know my teachers would love to be able to explore this type of creation.
Alright, sure, it's weird. But 15 is the first point scored in tennis, and Thing 15 scores major points. I guess we'll call that a win.
Thing 15 is all about Infographics, and I'm all for nonlinguistic representations that help our students better understand the information that inundates our world.
Not familiar with Infographics? They're essentially visual summarizations of data common to a particular topic.
For example, here is an Infographic about Infographics.
Alright, so Thing 15 offers up several apps that help us build or find Infographics. These apps include Infographics Hub, Info.Graphics, i Visual Info Touch Lite, and Visualize Free. Of these 4, the only one I haven't tried is i Visual Info Touch Lite. Both Infographics Hub and Info.Graphics are nice for finding Infographics. Visualize Free is a fine app, but I don't necessarily think of it as an Infographic builder -- it's more like a media filled poster creator. You could use it to build an Infographic, but I think of it more along the lines of a simplified Glogster.
Truthfully, I've always been disappointed in the free infographic builder options available on the iPad. I've always wanted to find something like a Piktochart or Easel.ly that works well on an iOS device. For that reason, I was excited to try out i Visual Info Touch Lite.
My thoughts...
Super easy to use, but just like Visualize Free I see it a bit more as a poster builder that can be used for infographics. That said, kids would pick it up quickly, but the lack of features compared to Visualize Free are pretty disappointing. I wish there was a "duplicate" feature and a "send to back/send to front" feature, but I could survive without them. You cannot change fonts, and there is no multiline text so each line needs to be a new text box. A few other features seem to be MIA as well. The HUGE missing link, however, is you cannot import a picture saved to the camera roll. That seems a bit ridiculous to not include. There is a full version app that retails for $2.99...it's hard to say whether it's worth the investment or not based on what's available in the free version.
In about 15 minutes, I made this quick Infographic about Spring Lake Park Schools, which is the district I work for:
If you ever find a great Infographic creator for the iPad, do share! I know my teachers would love to be able to explore this type of creation.
Monday, March 24, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 14. Videos
There are 14 pounds in a stone. If you look at my weight in stone, I should be eating so much more ice cream. I should be eating so much more ice cream anyway. While I watch more videos. Ice cream and videos. I'm so in Thing 14! So in.
Alright, so Thing 14 is all about video, and if you read my posts about Thing 10 (sharing pictures), it's probably not surprising to hear that I'm all about the video too.
Seriously...I've got a Vine for everything.
Well, by everything, I mean really stupid interactions (mostly with friends), that provide 6 seconds of useless but entertaining content.
Hurray!
So again, as I mentioned during the the Thing 10 picture post, this may not be the stuff of deep thinking or learning, but it is something pervasive in my every day life, and mobile technology makes that possible.
That said, knowing this is an education blog, I certainly don't want to imply that we need to exclude video apps from the possibility of being used for deep thinking and learning. Many of the teachers I work with use it in such a capacity every day:
I see coaches and physical education teachers filming their students' form to provide feedback.
I see students creating videos to demonstrate their learning.
I see classrooms sharing videos with global classrooms to make connections.
I see kids filming their teachers or peers so they can review the content later.
I see teachers creating screencasts and tutorials for remediation, extension, and everything in between.
Video is great, isn't it? The opportunities to incorporate it into learning are endless, and it still kind of blows my mind that every student in my school has access to a video recorder and camera at all times. I remember about 5 years ago when I got a set of 10 Flip Video Cameras in my classroom and I thought it was the COOLEST THING EVER.
That was only 5 years ago, and already the technology seems silly and archaic. Wow.
Anyhow, I'd love to hear how you use video in your classroom and school to support learning. Please share. This is great stuff, people!
Alright, so Thing 14 is all about video, and if you read my posts about Thing 10 (sharing pictures), it's probably not surprising to hear that I'm all about the video too.
Seriously...I've got a Vine for everything.
Well, by everything, I mean really stupid interactions (mostly with friends), that provide 6 seconds of useless but entertaining content.
Hurray!
So again, as I mentioned during the the Thing 10 picture post, this may not be the stuff of deep thinking or learning, but it is something pervasive in my every day life, and mobile technology makes that possible.
That said, knowing this is an education blog, I certainly don't want to imply that we need to exclude video apps from the possibility of being used for deep thinking and learning. Many of the teachers I work with use it in such a capacity every day:
I see coaches and physical education teachers filming their students' form to provide feedback.
I see students creating videos to demonstrate their learning.
I see classrooms sharing videos with global classrooms to make connections.
I see kids filming their teachers or peers so they can review the content later.
I see teachers creating screencasts and tutorials for remediation, extension, and everything in between.
Video is great, isn't it? The opportunities to incorporate it into learning are endless, and it still kind of blows my mind that every student in my school has access to a video recorder and camera at all times. I remember about 5 years ago when I got a set of 10 Flip Video Cameras in my classroom and I thought it was the COOLEST THING EVER.
That was only 5 years ago, and already the technology seems silly and archaic. Wow.
Anyhow, I'd love to hear how you use video in your classroom and school to support learning. Please share. This is great stuff, people!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
The "I'm a Really, Really Great Teacher" Model
You may have noticed that the education world can be a bit finicky. We have a love/hate relationship with a lot of things...
I recall a time not so long ago when SAMR was all abuzz in the EdTech community as a thoughtful way to approach technology integration. Shortly after, a whole lot of rethinking surfaced about how or if it should be used. Like this. Or this. And this.
Or how about this viral video about the equally buzzy 'grit' we need to encourage within our kids? Later, it was followed up by this commentary on being careful with how we use it.
Oh hey, and how about Bloom's Taxonomy!? That's a tried and true framework everybody can get behind, right?
Well, maybe not everybody.
Ok, ok...so I admit, it may seem like I'm pointing out inconsistencies or a lack of sustained practice in my profession. I am not! I find these differing opinions on the best way to reach our kids not only indicative of a thoughtful and intelligent population, but also a natural consequence of the industry in which we work.
The industry of kids.
Every decision we make has a direct impact on those kids in front of us. There is no middle man. There is no design team to dream up the idea, or engineering team to create the product. There is no advertising team to develop the message, or sales team to deliver the pitch. We are the design team, the engineering team, the advertising team, the sales team, and so, so much more.
I congratulate us for adjusting accordingly. When we try something, we evaluate it. When it works, we refine it. When it doesn't, we alter or scrap it. We are infinitely creative and caring individuals solely driven for the sake of our kids.
I applaud us for not sticking to a routine. Or an algorithm. Or an assembly line.
When we put our kids into a classroom, we better not put them into a box.
So I implore you to consider and learn from Bloom's Taxonomy or SAMR or the Zone of Proximal Development or TPACK or LoTi or The Access Model or Gardner's Multiple Intelligences or the Framework for 21st Century Learning or RAT or Blending or Flipping or Cognitive Theory or Habits of Mind or Marzano or Differentiation or Personalization or PBL or CBL or IBL or Domains of Teaching or inTASC Standards or ISTE Standards or Pretty Much Everything On This Page or This Page or This.
But in the end, don't forget why you began teaching in the first place.
I've got a pretty great model to consider. It's called the I'm a Really, Really Great Teacher model, and it works like this...
I am responsive to my kids' needs.
I care.
I am thoughtful about their differences.
I am cognizant of my own.
I plan each day with their needs in mind.
I have the highest expectations of them.
I do what I need to to make sure they're met.
I do it whether it comes in the form of a nicely wrapped up research model or not.
I see my students as human beings.
I know they're more than just a score.
I value their passions and interests and strengths.
I see no limits to what they can do.
I make sure they see no limits to what they can do.
I am intelligent.
I am an expert.
I am experienced and full of passion.
I do what many cannot.
I don't do it alone.
And I don't do it for myself.
I am a really, really great teacher (model)*
*Trademark pending
I recall a time not so long ago when SAMR was all abuzz in the EdTech community as a thoughtful way to approach technology integration. Shortly after, a whole lot of rethinking surfaced about how or if it should be used. Like this. Or this. And this.
Or how about this viral video about the equally buzzy 'grit' we need to encourage within our kids? Later, it was followed up by this commentary on being careful with how we use it.
Oh hey, and how about Bloom's Taxonomy!? That's a tried and true framework everybody can get behind, right?
Well, maybe not everybody.
Ok, ok...so I admit, it may seem like I'm pointing out inconsistencies or a lack of sustained practice in my profession. I am not! I find these differing opinions on the best way to reach our kids not only indicative of a thoughtful and intelligent population, but also a natural consequence of the industry in which we work.
The industry of kids.
Every decision we make has a direct impact on those kids in front of us. There is no middle man. There is no design team to dream up the idea, or engineering team to create the product. There is no advertising team to develop the message, or sales team to deliver the pitch. We are the design team, the engineering team, the advertising team, the sales team, and so, so much more.
I congratulate us for adjusting accordingly. When we try something, we evaluate it. When it works, we refine it. When it doesn't, we alter or scrap it. We are infinitely creative and caring individuals solely driven for the sake of our kids.
I applaud us for not sticking to a routine. Or an algorithm. Or an assembly line.
When we put our kids into a classroom, we better not put them into a box.
So I implore you to consider and learn from Bloom's Taxonomy or SAMR or the Zone of Proximal Development or TPACK or LoTi or The Access Model or Gardner's Multiple Intelligences or the Framework for 21st Century Learning or RAT or Blending or Flipping or Cognitive Theory or Habits of Mind or Marzano or Differentiation or Personalization or PBL or CBL or IBL or Domains of Teaching or inTASC Standards or ISTE Standards or Pretty Much Everything On This Page or This Page or This.
But in the end, don't forget why you began teaching in the first place.
I've got a pretty great model to consider. It's called the I'm a Really, Really Great Teacher model, and it works like this...
I am responsive to my kids' needs.
I care.
I am thoughtful about their differences.
I am cognizant of my own.
I plan each day with their needs in mind.
I have the highest expectations of them.
I do what I need to to make sure they're met.
I do it whether it comes in the form of a nicely wrapped up research model or not.
I see my students as human beings.
I know they're more than just a score.
I value their passions and interests and strengths.
I see no limits to what they can do.
I make sure they see no limits to what they can do.
I am intelligent.
I am an expert.
I am experienced and full of passion.
I do what many cannot.
I don't do it alone.
And I don't do it for myself.
I am a really, really great teacher (model)*
*Trademark pending
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 13. Presentations
You guys. 13 gets kind of a bad rap. It's generally considered unlucky, but hey, let's give it its day. Well, I guess technically we give it a day every month, but you know what I mean. Today, on March 18, we'll celebrate 13 and all of its greatness.
Or at least one of its greatnesses. Y'know, for representing Thing 13 of 23 Mobile Things.
Presentations.
Woot! Who doesn't LOOOOOOVE a presentation?
*waits for no one to raise their hand*
Right, right. We've all sat through our fair share of horrible, boring, Death by PowerPoint presentations. They're so literal and regurgitative on the part of the presenter that you lament them for not having just sent their word for word bullet points in a "read on my own time" email.
And no, that little clip art dude telling me to 'not to forget' doesn't actually help me not to forget.
Thankfully, there appears to be a pretty strong revamping of presentation utilization. This revamp seems to strongly appreciates the significance of a striking image, the importance of minimal and high impact text, and a return to the importance of the orator to reach deep levels of learning.
Not only that, but the approach turns the presentation for our students from a copy and paste animation filled exercise in regurgitation into a creative and thoughtful way to demonstrate understanding.
In other words, the presentation CAN be an amazing tool (if it's used correctly).
For that reason, I'm pretty into Thing 13. Of course, each of these apps can be used 'the right way' and 'the wrong way,' but having tools that support the right way by their very nature is a nice start.
Take Haiku Deck for example. Haiku Deck by its very design encourages minimal text and focusing on a single, maximum-impact image.
Another recommendation of Thing 13 is Deck Slideshow Presentations. I hadn't tried this one before. After giving it a shot (for all of 5 minutes), I appreciate the interface. Super simple to use, and the app itself does all the design "heavy lifting."
I'll throw in a recommendation of my own that isn't listed as well. I recently presented Flowboard to my staff, and a few of them have tried it with kids. Again, it seems to be designed for a more simplistic presentation that focuses on learning via purposeful images and maximizing the limited text that you have available to you. Frankly, the interface isn't quite as user friendly as some other presentation tools on the iPad, but the results of the finished product are quite nice.
All in all, make presentations your friend. They can be.
Insider's Tip:
If you want to get really friendly with taking a "Zen" approach to creating presentations, talk to John U-F. The man's got a way of turning the presentation into an art form, expects the same of his kids, and has done a number of sessions on it that I've had the privilege of attending. It's a mix of psychology, simplicity, impact and beauty. Ommmmmmmmmm.
Or at least one of its greatnesses. Y'know, for representing Thing 13 of 23 Mobile Things.
Presentations.
Woot! Who doesn't LOOOOOOVE a presentation?
*waits for no one to raise their hand*
Right, right. We've all sat through our fair share of horrible, boring, Death by PowerPoint presentations. They're so literal and regurgitative on the part of the presenter that you lament them for not having just sent their word for word bullet points in a "read on my own time" email.
And no, that little clip art dude telling me to 'not to forget' doesn't actually help me not to forget.
Not only that, but the approach turns the presentation for our students from a copy and paste animation filled exercise in regurgitation into a creative and thoughtful way to demonstrate understanding.
In other words, the presentation CAN be an amazing tool (if it's used correctly).
For that reason, I'm pretty into Thing 13. Of course, each of these apps can be used 'the right way' and 'the wrong way,' but having tools that support the right way by their very nature is a nice start.
Take Haiku Deck for example. Haiku Deck by its very design encourages minimal text and focusing on a single, maximum-impact image.
Another recommendation of Thing 13 is Deck Slideshow Presentations. I hadn't tried this one before. After giving it a shot (for all of 5 minutes), I appreciate the interface. Super simple to use, and the app itself does all the design "heavy lifting."
I'll throw in a recommendation of my own that isn't listed as well. I recently presented Flowboard to my staff, and a few of them have tried it with kids. Again, it seems to be designed for a more simplistic presentation that focuses on learning via purposeful images and maximizing the limited text that you have available to you. Frankly, the interface isn't quite as user friendly as some other presentation tools on the iPad, but the results of the finished product are quite nice.
All in all, make presentations your friend. They can be.
Insider's Tip:
If you want to get really friendly with taking a "Zen" approach to creating presentations, talk to John U-F. The man's got a way of turning the presentation into an art form, expects the same of his kids, and has done a number of sessions on it that I've had the privilege of attending. It's a mix of psychology, simplicity, impact and beauty. Ommmmmmmmmm.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 12. Books, Books, & More Books
There are 12 months in a year, and thank goodness, we're finally moving into the ones that don't make you worry about freezing to death (which, of course, my fellow Minnesotans can relate to!).
In other positive news, we're also moving on to Thing 12 of 23 Mobile Things...Books, Books, & More Books. In other words, this one is all about books. Could you tell!?
The focus of Thing 12 is all about apps that give you access to free books and audiobooks on your mobile device. I'm a reader through and through. I've got an oversized book shelf full of hundreds of bargain bin finds and trades amongst friends. My Kindle and iBooks apps are similarly overflowing, but with a slightly less cumbersome physical consequence.
I can still very much appreciate the experience of holding a physical book, but I also love eBooks for their convenience and mobility. Either way, I love a great read.
This Thing suggests several apps that give you access to free eBooks and Audiobooks. Among these are Wattpad, Free Books, and Audiobooks. I've downloaded all at one point or another, but truthfully, find the majority of my books through Kindle and iBooks. Sometimes I pay, and other times I take a chance on something that's gone free. These work great for my individual purposes.
I'm all for access to literature and texts, and truthfully, my BIGGEST concern with the whole eBook mobile access industry is the lack of a viable, simple and affordable solution for classroom sets of books. I have lamented over the struggles our district Media Specialist, Learning Technology Coordinator, and Learning & Teaching Coordinator have gone through trying to find a simple and affordable way to get digital copies of multiple fiction and nonfiction texts to our kids who have 1:1 mobile technologt. It's so silly! What you would think would be rather evolved industry knowing the need exists, companies are admittedly rather behind the curve at this point.
I have no doubts companies will catch up, but in the mean time we do what we can to give our kids access to classroom and personal texts through their devices. I'm psyched for the time when this becomes a seamless and cumulative process, giving kids access to loads of digital books and all the accessibility features that come along with them.
In other positive news, we're also moving on to Thing 12 of 23 Mobile Things...Books, Books, & More Books. In other words, this one is all about books. Could you tell!?
The focus of Thing 12 is all about apps that give you access to free books and audiobooks on your mobile device. I'm a reader through and through. I've got an oversized book shelf full of hundreds of bargain bin finds and trades amongst friends. My Kindle and iBooks apps are similarly overflowing, but with a slightly less cumbersome physical consequence.
I can still very much appreciate the experience of holding a physical book, but I also love eBooks for their convenience and mobility. Either way, I love a great read.
This Thing suggests several apps that give you access to free eBooks and Audiobooks. Among these are Wattpad, Free Books, and Audiobooks. I've downloaded all at one point or another, but truthfully, find the majority of my books through Kindle and iBooks. Sometimes I pay, and other times I take a chance on something that's gone free. These work great for my individual purposes.
I'm all for access to literature and texts, and truthfully, my BIGGEST concern with the whole eBook mobile access industry is the lack of a viable, simple and affordable solution for classroom sets of books. I have lamented over the struggles our district Media Specialist, Learning Technology Coordinator, and Learning & Teaching Coordinator have gone through trying to find a simple and affordable way to get digital copies of multiple fiction and nonfiction texts to our kids who have 1:1 mobile technologt. It's so silly! What you would think would be rather evolved industry knowing the need exists, companies are admittedly rather behind the curve at this point.
I have no doubts companies will catch up, but in the mean time we do what we can to give our kids access to classroom and personal texts through their devices. I'm psyched for the time when this becomes a seamless and cumulative process, giving kids access to loads of digital books and all the accessibility features that come along with them.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Preaching to the Choir: The PLN Version
I fully recognize that by virtue of you reading this very blog post, I'm likely to be in the process of preaching to the choir.
That said, it's still worth it to me to say how appreciative I am of my PLN, and how much I encourage all educators to form a network of people with whom they can continuously learn.
For those who may be new to the terminology, a PLN is a "Professional Learning Network." Quite often that network is built and facilitated digitally, though it's not necessarily a requirement. A good chunk of my PLN affiliations occur wholly face to face, or some include a combination of face to face and digital interaction.
Let's be honest: Sometimes it's nice to talk to you, and see what your face looks like when it's not a tiny box on Twitter. Turns out, you're actually a full sized human being.
Anyhow, I just completed a great conversation with a colleague whose questions and insights consistently assist me in constructing meaning, challenging my thinking, and clarifying my next steps. I'm so thankful for those face to face conversations, and worry what I'd be doing if I didn't have access to them.
Similarly, I recently followed along with the #SXSWEdu chatter on Twitter, and was able to learn from those who attended in person from way up here in frigid Minnesota.
When I've got a question or thought unique to the type of work that I do, my first instinct is almost always to pose it to my Twitter PLN or my Google+ Community, and the results and depth of learning that can occur in these forums is game-changing.
I'm a continuous learner because of the incredible colleagues I see face to face, and the insightful professionals I learn with from afar. I sincerely thank you. I owe you so much.
I know most teachers believe that we accomplish more when we don't go it alone. I encourage all to acknowledge that our interactions can stretch globally, and the expertise and perspectives we come across can grow exponentially. Seriously you guys...the whole world cares about our kids. How lucky are we?
That said, it's still worth it to me to say how appreciative I am of my PLN, and how much I encourage all educators to form a network of people with whom they can continuously learn.
For those who may be new to the terminology, a PLN is a "Professional Learning Network." Quite often that network is built and facilitated digitally, though it's not necessarily a requirement. A good chunk of my PLN affiliations occur wholly face to face, or some include a combination of face to face and digital interaction.
Let's be honest: Sometimes it's nice to talk to you, and see what your face looks like when it's not a tiny box on Twitter. Turns out, you're actually a full sized human being.
Anyhow, I just completed a great conversation with a colleague whose questions and insights consistently assist me in constructing meaning, challenging my thinking, and clarifying my next steps. I'm so thankful for those face to face conversations, and worry what I'd be doing if I didn't have access to them.
Similarly, I recently followed along with the #SXSWEdu chatter on Twitter, and was able to learn from those who attended in person from way up here in frigid Minnesota.
When I've got a question or thought unique to the type of work that I do, my first instinct is almost always to pose it to my Twitter PLN or my Google+ Community, and the results and depth of learning that can occur in these forums is game-changing.
I'm a continuous learner because of the incredible colleagues I see face to face, and the insightful professionals I learn with from afar. I sincerely thank you. I owe you so much.
I know most teachers believe that we accomplish more when we don't go it alone. I encourage all to acknowledge that our interactions can stretch globally, and the expertise and perspectives we come across can grow exponentially. Seriously you guys...the whole world cares about our kids. How lucky are we?
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 11. Library & Reference
Chapter 11 is generally synonymous with bankruptcy. That's sort of how I feel about Thing 11. There just ain't a whole lot there for me. Not its fault!
So basically, Thing 11 of 23 Things is all about mobile apps that support library and reference materials. Then, the post went on to share the the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) website is responsive. Well, gee, I hope so. Though as I write this, our school's website currently is not. Oops.
The post then goes on to share mobile apps for various local libraries as well as vendor apps that interact with books or databases that our library subscribes to.
Again, the bankruptcy aside has nothing to do with this post itself...it's great and helpful. I guess I just don't have much to say, other than databases and ELM are great resources. So use them!
Ok?
(I promise Thing 12 will knock your metaphorical socks off. Maybe.)
So basically, Thing 11 of 23 Things is all about mobile apps that support library and reference materials. Then, the post went on to share the the Electronic Library for Minnesota (ELM) website is responsive. Well, gee, I hope so. Though as I write this, our school's website currently is not. Oops.
The post then goes on to share mobile apps for various local libraries as well as vendor apps that interact with books or databases that our library subscribes to.
Again, the bankruptcy aside has nothing to do with this post itself...it's great and helpful. I guess I just don't have much to say, other than databases and ELM are great resources. So use them!
Ok?
(I promise Thing 12 will knock your metaphorical socks off. Maybe.)
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 10. Sharing Photos
I was 7 when Ten was released. I'm currently 29 as Thing 10 is reached. Coincidence?
...
Yes, absolutely. But I appreciate you ruminating on that for just a minute -- attempting to find a nonexistent correlation between those two things.
Anyhow, on to the big show.
Thing 10 of 23 Mobile Things is all about sharing photos using our mobile devices. For me, how can I make sure everyone in the world is completely aware of my obsession with my cat? This stuff is critical, ya'll!
Thing 10 suggests two mobile apps:
1) Instagram
2) Snapchat
I actively use both.
My Instragram feed is so stereotypical, its almost made up.
My Snapchat activity largely consists of sending and receiving group 'snaps' amongst a select group of friends, all attempting to out-irony ourselves with ridiculous photos.
Alright, so not exactly the stuff of deep learning or thoughtful introspection. Nevertheless, I love it. I admit it. I love it.
Sharing photos is oodles of fun. Getting glimpses into my friends' and loved ones' lives is awfully pleasing, and no, I don't get too annoyed seeing endless pictures of your baby, or your dog, or your vacation that I wish I was taking. In fact, I find it all to be downright pleasing.
I guess I don't have much of substance to say about this post other than I've embraced mobile sharing of photos. So yeah, that's it.
I guess I'll just leave it at that.
...
Yes, absolutely. But I appreciate you ruminating on that for just a minute -- attempting to find a nonexistent correlation between those two things.
Anyhow, on to the big show.
Thing 10 of 23 Mobile Things is all about sharing photos using our mobile devices. For me, how can I make sure everyone in the world is completely aware of my obsession with my cat? This stuff is critical, ya'll!
Thing 10 suggests two mobile apps:
1) Instagram
2) Snapchat
I actively use both.
My Instragram feed is so stereotypical, its almost made up.
It's basically a lot of cat pictures,
pictures of food,
and the occasional friend adventure...
...with a filter overlay that makes me look cooler than I am.
The one outlier might be a roller derby picture here or there,
but I suppose my derby career is a story for another time.
My Snapchat activity largely consists of sending and receiving group 'snaps' amongst a select group of friends, all attempting to out-irony ourselves with ridiculous photos.
Alright, so not exactly the stuff of deep learning or thoughtful introspection. Nevertheless, I love it. I admit it. I love it.
Sharing photos is oodles of fun. Getting glimpses into my friends' and loved ones' lives is awfully pleasing, and no, I don't get too annoyed seeing endless pictures of your baby, or your dog, or your vacation that I wish I was taking. In fact, I find it all to be downright pleasing.
I guess I don't have much of substance to say about this post other than I've embraced mobile sharing of photos. So yeah, that's it.
I guess I'll just leave it at that.
On Kids
I once maintained a blog about my life. It's now defunct, and I needn't share it with you as it was a personal (not professional) blog. If you feel offended, or off-put, or overtly curious about why I might not share, take a moment to reflect on Context Collapse and feel satisfied that I'm only properly conducting myself online (insert smiley face here).
However, I will share one post.
I wrote this post on July 11, 2011. It's on kids. A friend shared with me that this blog post inspired her to quit her job and go into childcare, which is so humbling at a visceral level that I can't even articulate how that made me feel in words.
I figured I'd share it here because it's relevant to the topic of this professional blog, and because after going back and re-reading it three years later, I want to remember everything I felt the day and I sat down to write it. So here it is:
Ask anyone who knew me growing up and they'd have laughed at the thought of me working with kids. And by laugh I mean wince. I wasn't known to be caring. Nurturing never suited me, and for all the female anatomy I possess (you know, just the usual), maternal instincts never seemed to fuse within my genes. I was insensitive, youngest-child selfish, and maybe even slightly oblivious to the outside world and those who wandered around it. God help me, how I ended up becoming a teacher has yet to be reconciled in my brain. All I know is that whatever cosmic mishap or post adolescent idealism got in the way of a more lucrative livelihood deserves to be applauded. Revered.
Kids. Oh my god, kids. They opened my heart more than I care to admit, and far more than I can assume shows. I nanny for elementary aged kids during the summer and just today I had to stop, close my eyes, and wonder how a ten year old could make me so happy. There's just something about these little people that reminds me of how much of an idiot I am, and how much better I ought to be. Seriously. They've got it figured out. Kids smile when they're happy. They eat when they're hungry. They yell and kick and fight for what they want. They show love because they love you and disdain because they don't. They live moment to moment in a seemingly endless quest to have fun, all the while entertaining ignited brains whose concept of limit and impossibility are advantageously underdeveloped. They're so damn fun, and if you spend even a little time with them...not as an adult, or parent, or caregiver, or teacher, but as a peer...you begin to realize how easily you can revert to that mentality. And then you smile.
We were swimming at the beach today. We took turns pulling each other in the inner tube, ate fruit snacks between refreshing dips, built sandcastles with rooms you could look into, complete with sofas and thrones. We buried each other in sand, let popsicle drops drip down our sun burnt chins, commented on the way the woman next to us seemed to be sitting in a peculiar way. We didn't want, we simply were, and that's an amazing place to be.
I'm certain I'll write a lot about teaching, so I'll share those stories another time. Not to mention my nephews, who I might love more than anything in this world. But for now, I thank the kids. I credit them with opening something up in me that had previously lied dormant and dull. I am the best version of myself when I'm among them, and they haven't the slightest idea of what they've given to me. It's a little bit love, a little bit maternal, but mostly valuable perspective and a passion for something in this world I can devote myself to exultantly.
Never underestimate them, talk down to them, discourage them. They'll consistently rise to your highest expectations, impress you with their imaginative sagacity, and teach you so much if you're willing to revert and learn. Every kid is an artist until they're told they're bad at art, a singer until they're told they missed a note. Every kid's an engineer until they're scolded for building a fort, a gymnast until they're told to stay in their seat. Every single kid is a scientist until it's no longer polite to play with your food.
I love them so much sometimes that it actually hurts. And frankly, that's just someone I never thought that I could be.
However, I will share one post.
I wrote this post on July 11, 2011. It's on kids. A friend shared with me that this blog post inspired her to quit her job and go into childcare, which is so humbling at a visceral level that I can't even articulate how that made me feel in words.
I figured I'd share it here because it's relevant to the topic of this professional blog, and because after going back and re-reading it three years later, I want to remember everything I felt the day and I sat down to write it. So here it is:
"Kids: They dance before they learn there is anything that isn't music." William Stafford
Ask anyone who knew me growing up and they'd have laughed at the thought of me working with kids. And by laugh I mean wince. I wasn't known to be caring. Nurturing never suited me, and for all the female anatomy I possess (you know, just the usual), maternal instincts never seemed to fuse within my genes. I was insensitive, youngest-child selfish, and maybe even slightly oblivious to the outside world and those who wandered around it. God help me, how I ended up becoming a teacher has yet to be reconciled in my brain. All I know is that whatever cosmic mishap or post adolescent idealism got in the way of a more lucrative livelihood deserves to be applauded. Revered.
Kids. Oh my god, kids. They opened my heart more than I care to admit, and far more than I can assume shows. I nanny for elementary aged kids during the summer and just today I had to stop, close my eyes, and wonder how a ten year old could make me so happy. There's just something about these little people that reminds me of how much of an idiot I am, and how much better I ought to be. Seriously. They've got it figured out. Kids smile when they're happy. They eat when they're hungry. They yell and kick and fight for what they want. They show love because they love you and disdain because they don't. They live moment to moment in a seemingly endless quest to have fun, all the while entertaining ignited brains whose concept of limit and impossibility are advantageously underdeveloped. They're so damn fun, and if you spend even a little time with them...not as an adult, or parent, or caregiver, or teacher, but as a peer...you begin to realize how easily you can revert to that mentality. And then you smile.
We were swimming at the beach today. We took turns pulling each other in the inner tube, ate fruit snacks between refreshing dips, built sandcastles with rooms you could look into, complete with sofas and thrones. We buried each other in sand, let popsicle drops drip down our sun burnt chins, commented on the way the woman next to us seemed to be sitting in a peculiar way. We didn't want, we simply were, and that's an amazing place to be.
I'm certain I'll write a lot about teaching, so I'll share those stories another time. Not to mention my nephews, who I might love more than anything in this world. But for now, I thank the kids. I credit them with opening something up in me that had previously lied dormant and dull. I am the best version of myself when I'm among them, and they haven't the slightest idea of what they've given to me. It's a little bit love, a little bit maternal, but mostly valuable perspective and a passion for something in this world I can devote myself to exultantly.
Never underestimate them, talk down to them, discourage them. They'll consistently rise to your highest expectations, impress you with their imaginative sagacity, and teach you so much if you're willing to revert and learn. Every kid is an artist until they're told they're bad at art, a singer until they're told they missed a note. Every kid's an engineer until they're scolded for building a fort, a gymnast until they're told to stay in their seat. Every single kid is a scientist until it's no longer polite to play with your food.
I love them so much sometimes that it actually hurts. And frankly, that's just someone I never thought that I could be.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 9. Taking & Editing Photos
Getting dressed "to the 9's" is an idiom for being all fancy like. These guys know what's up:
In honor of all this fanciness, let's go on to Thing 9 of 23 Mobile Things, which I have no doubt will be equally dapper.
Today we explore taking and editing photos on our mobile devices. Yay! This is something I (and I presume many) use their mobile devices for all the time. Remember the days of carrying around a digital camera? I've got like 3 in a drawer somewhere right about now.
So yeah...taking photos with my iPhone is wonderful. The quality is good (enough), the convenience is fabulous, and there are a world of apps to make my mediocre photography skills appear far better than they actually are.
Let's start with my most used: I'm an Instagram-er -- have been for years. Something about those filters can take ugly to significantly less ugly. It's also perfect for catching my jerk cat red handed (pawed?):
I'm also a big fan of VSCO Cam, which is geared toward those who appreciate a streamlined/minimalist/zen aesthetic -- inspired by the Nordic influences that are everywhere in clothes and furnishing these days. Just look! (pun intended):
Lastly, Cycloramic is definitely my go-to panoramic app. It's pretty much fool proof. I was lucky enough to download it when it was free, but it looks like it's up to $1.99 these days. Might still be worth it. Check out the quick shot I just did of our school's locker bay:
What does Thing 9 have to say? They actually shared several photography apps I've never used before: LINE Camera, Photo Editor by Aviary, Color Splurge, and CamMe. I took a peek -- Color Splurge and Photo Editor might have some potential for my use. My first attempt at Color Splurge is below...it was fun (though you'll have to excuse my ridiculous subject matter):
In honor of all this fanciness, let's go on to Thing 9 of 23 Mobile Things, which I have no doubt will be equally dapper.
Today we explore taking and editing photos on our mobile devices. Yay! This is something I (and I presume many) use their mobile devices for all the time. Remember the days of carrying around a digital camera? I've got like 3 in a drawer somewhere right about now.
So yeah...taking photos with my iPhone is wonderful. The quality is good (enough), the convenience is fabulous, and there are a world of apps to make my mediocre photography skills appear far better than they actually are.
Let's start with my most used: I'm an Instagram-er -- have been for years. Something about those filters can take ugly to significantly less ugly. It's also perfect for catching my jerk cat red handed (pawed?):
I'm also a big fan of VSCO Cam, which is geared toward those who appreciate a streamlined/minimalist/zen aesthetic -- inspired by the Nordic influences that are everywhere in clothes and furnishing these days. Just look! (pun intended):
Lastly, Cycloramic is definitely my go-to panoramic app. It's pretty much fool proof. I was lucky enough to download it when it was free, but it looks like it's up to $1.99 these days. Might still be worth it. Check out the quick shot I just did of our school's locker bay:
What does Thing 9 have to say? They actually shared several photography apps I've never used before: LINE Camera, Photo Editor by Aviary, Color Splurge, and CamMe. I took a peek -- Color Splurge and Photo Editor might have some potential for my use. My first attempt at Color Splurge is below...it was fun (though you'll have to excuse my ridiculous subject matter):
So there you have it. Camera fun for everyone. Hit me with your best (snap) shot or camera apps!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 8. Social Media Management Tools
Dear Magic 8 Ball,
Will Thing 8 bring me great joy?
Well, far be it from me to deny the power that is The Magic 8 Ball, so I guess we're in for a good one.
As the title indicates, Thing 8 of 23 Mobile Things is all about Social Media Management Tools. In other words, how can I manage my PinTwitterFacePlusInstaTubeFlickTumbLinked page?
Truthfully, I don't use many social media management tools. I guess I'm old school in that way -- when I want to check up on Facebook, I go to facebook.com. Or if I'm feeling really old school, I might even go to thefacebook.com (apologies...reference is strongly preferential to my fellow late 20-somethings).
Really, the only social media management tools I use are for Twitter...and that's mainly because following hashtags and chats on the site or app itself is a pain. On my MacBook, I use the TweetDeck App to be able to participate in chats and follow hashtags. On my iPad, I use the TweetCaster App. Both are dandy for my purposes.
So knowing I haven't tried many social media management tools, I decided to give a few of Thing 8's suggestions a shot. Here are my thoughts:
1) Cloze App:
Ok, seriously...I just wrote that and then immediately decided to opt out as I was about to download and test out the app.
Do I see the potential value in tools like this? Yeah, totally. But truthfully, my current systems for managing social media work just fine. More importantly, I try to severely limit the number of third party apps and programs I give access to my social media accounts unless I truly, truly need them.
For that reason, I'm going to leave it at that.
How....ummmm...anticlimactic.
Dear Magic 8 Ball,
Fail.
Will Thing 8 bring me great joy?
Well, far be it from me to deny the power that is The Magic 8 Ball, so I guess we're in for a good one.
As the title indicates, Thing 8 of 23 Mobile Things is all about Social Media Management Tools. In other words, how can I manage my PinTwitterFacePlusInstaTubeFlickTumbLinked page?
Truthfully, I don't use many social media management tools. I guess I'm old school in that way -- when I want to check up on Facebook, I go to facebook.com. Or if I'm feeling really old school, I might even go to thefacebook.com (apologies...reference is strongly preferential to my fellow late 20-somethings).
Really, the only social media management tools I use are for Twitter...and that's mainly because following hashtags and chats on the site or app itself is a pain. On my MacBook, I use the TweetDeck App to be able to participate in chats and follow hashtags. On my iPad, I use the TweetCaster App. Both are dandy for my purposes.
So knowing I haven't tried many social media management tools, I decided to give a few of Thing 8's suggestions a shot. Here are my thoughts:
1) Cloze App:
Ok, seriously...I just wrote that and then immediately decided to opt out as I was about to download and test out the app.
Do I see the potential value in tools like this? Yeah, totally. But truthfully, my current systems for managing social media work just fine. More importantly, I try to severely limit the number of third party apps and programs I give access to my social media accounts unless I truly, truly need them.
For that reason, I'm going to leave it at that.
How....ummmm...anticlimactic.
Dear Magic 8 Ball,
Fail.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Memories...
I've recently decided it's critical to reflect on your own school experiences if you've deciding to become a teacher. How can we impact the experiences of our students without truly understanding our own?
I want school to be a place worth remembering.
In talking with teachers, I often find they've become educators for one of two reasons:
A) Because they loved school and the teacher(s) they had growing up
B) Because they found school boring, and had little connection to their teacher(s) growing up
I definitely fall into the B category. While very successful in school, I found it to be a trivial and contrived exercise. Don't get me wrong -- I loved the idea of school. Absolutely loved it. From kindergarten through college, I enjoyed every minute of it, but it had very little to do with the content. I was social, and being around my friends made me happy. I didn't find school to be difficult, and it didn't take long to figure out "the game."
Generally speaking, I could float through the academics, and enjoy the social aspects as I pleased.
This got me thinking...
If I so vividly remember the approach I took to school, how can I use that experience to understand the experiences of our kids? Maybe I can't. Truthfully, though, I have to believe that the more I understand the kid-me perception of school, the more the adult-me can react accordingly.
So here's what I did. I wrote down every single memory from kindergarten through 12th grade. Every single one.
I purposely left out social interactions (locker chat, lunch room conversations, out of school events, etc). Honestly, I remember a whole lot more of these.
Instead I focused entirely on academic memories -- and only included social aspects if they directly impacted the structure or depth of my learning.
My conclusion: I put a lot of effort into recollection, and in the end, I don't remember a whole lot. I had smatterings of lessons here and there...a teacher's comment...an activity...a class...
It's astounding how little impact those 6 hours a day had on my long term memory.
What does it mean?
I'm not sure. I can't imagine it's a good thing.
I don't want to get too idealistic, and I can certainly put into context the memory prioritization of an adolescent. That said, I can't deny my disappointment. For all the hard work and thought adult-me puts into making our schools engaging and full of impact, I don't see that impact's prevalence at all in my own experiences.
Am I overreacting?
Yeah, maybe.
But I refuse to believe this is a forgone conclusion. I truly believe we as teachers can have lasting impact on our kids. That learning can be profound and long term. That experiences can be relevant and always remembered. That what we do today will matter 20 years down the road.
Impact. Remembered. Profound. Matter.
I remember a lot of things as a kid, but school just wasn't one of them.
So there we go. I'll say it and I mean it...
I want school to be a place worth remembering.
--- If you're curious, you can read all of my kindergarten through 12th grade memories by clicking HERE. Don't judge ;) ---
Sunday, February 16, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 7. Content Saving & Sharing
There are 7 Seas, 7 Deadly Sins, 7 Continents, 7 Wonders of the World, 7 Colors in a Rainbow, 7 Days in a Week, 7 Heavens, 7 Liberal Arts, 7-Eleven...
...and, of course, the world renowned Thing Number 7.
Thing 7 of 23 Mobile Things is about Content Saving & Sharing. As you can see, the post references two tools that allow you to save and share content in the cloud. Content sharing and social bookmarking are game changers in my book. The ease with which recommendations, reviews, and suggestions are shared about every imaginable topic is pretty mind blowing. Becoming adept at navigating this world seems to make life a whole lot easier.
The post suggests Pinterest and Bitly. I'm a big fan of both. But that's just scratching the surface. There are a countless ways content can be saved and shared on the internets.
Diigo comes to mind (a social bookmarking app), eduClipper is the new kid on the block (shall we label it the Pinterest of Education?), and even old faithful Twitter works (You post article or idea -- I read article or idea). All become quick avenues for getting what we've found useful out there for all to enjoy. Sharing is caring, friends. Sharing is caring.
...and, of course, the world renowned Thing Number 7.
Thing 7 of 23 Mobile Things is about Content Saving & Sharing. As you can see, the post references two tools that allow you to save and share content in the cloud. Content sharing and social bookmarking are game changers in my book. The ease with which recommendations, reviews, and suggestions are shared about every imaginable topic is pretty mind blowing. Becoming adept at navigating this world seems to make life a whole lot easier.
The post suggests Pinterest and Bitly. I'm a big fan of both. But that's just scratching the surface. There are a countless ways content can be saved and shared on the internets.
Diigo comes to mind (a social bookmarking app), eduClipper is the new kid on the block (shall we label it the Pinterest of Education?), and even old faithful Twitter works (You post article or idea -- I read article or idea). All become quick avenues for getting what we've found useful out there for all to enjoy. Sharing is caring, friends. Sharing is caring.
 |
| In this grossly overused technique, the author incorporates a gratuitously cute image to make an otherwise boring post seem slightly more interesting. The author is sorry she's not sorry. |
So, how do you save and share content on your mobile device? (not a rhetorical question)
Saturday, February 15, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 6. Creating and Editing Docs
Because apparently one Sesame Street reference wasn't enough during 23 Mobile Things, we're on to Bert's favorite number you guys! Oh the joy!
So Bert, what does your favorite number hold for us? Looks like Thing 6 is dedicated to creating and editing docs on our mobile devices. Thing 6 offers 3 apps for our perusing: CloudOn, Quickoffice, and SignNow. I'm 2/3 on having tried these out, with SignNow being the odd man out. For that reason, I decided to start there.
SignNow is actually a pretty cool and practical concept. It's sole purpose is to give people an easy way to sign electronic documents. Nifty.
Here's how it works...
Step 1: Open Word or PDF Document into SignNow (you're given a whole bunch of options of how or from where you can load a document). It's super simple.
Step 2: Click where you need to sign and choose Insert Signature (you also have the option to insert text, today's date or a check mark).
Step 3: A new big screen pops up for you to sign with a finger or stylus. Something about the sensitivity of the program makes even your finger signature appear very "scriptish." You can see mine below:
Once your signature is added to the document, you can send it via email or "Open In" other apps. Not too shabby!
Well there you have it, folks. This is is ElizEducation, signing off! (I'm sorry...I couldn't help myself)
So Bert, what does your favorite number hold for us? Looks like Thing 6 is dedicated to creating and editing docs on our mobile devices. Thing 6 offers 3 apps for our perusing: CloudOn, Quickoffice, and SignNow. I'm 2/3 on having tried these out, with SignNow being the odd man out. For that reason, I decided to start there.
SignNow is actually a pretty cool and practical concept. It's sole purpose is to give people an easy way to sign electronic documents. Nifty.
Here's how it works...
Step 1: Open Word or PDF Document into SignNow (you're given a whole bunch of options of how or from where you can load a document). It's super simple.
Step 2: Click where you need to sign and choose Insert Signature (you also have the option to insert text, today's date or a check mark).
Step 3: A new big screen pops up for you to sign with a finger or stylus. Something about the sensitivity of the program makes even your finger signature appear very "scriptish." You can see mine below:
Once your signature is added to the document, you can send it via email or "Open In" other apps. Not too shabby!
Well there you have it, folks. This is is ElizEducation, signing off! (I'm sorry...I couldn't help myself)
Friday, February 14, 2014
Inter-District Collaboration {and other related adventures}
We are a privileged bunch; teachers and educators, that is. We work in a job where receiving support to improve upon our weaknesses is an expectation, and continual growth in our areas of strength is afforded time.
I'm not saying it's done perfectly, but it's done.
I have plenty of friends and acquaintances in industries where this is not the case. Where an area of weakness is looked at as fixed, or a liability that cannot be afforded time, and in many cases, a downfall worthy of getting "the ax."
Schools are a supportive environment, however. We're in the business of growth, support, continuous learning, and an unwavering belief that human beings are capable of amazing things, including (but not limited to) the ability to make tremendous gains and improvements if given the right conditions.
That said, traditionally, a great deal of this support has been provided within the school or the district: Coaches helping teachers, PLC's supporting one another, Principals guiding growth, Leadership teams implementing relevant professional development, etc.
Something I've noticed explode over the last couple of years is this support reaching beyond the building or district to outside inter-district collaboration opportunities. I'm not referencing the digital PLN (of which I'm a huge advocate and participant). We'll save that discussion for another time. I'm referencing neighboring districts making concerted efforts to learn from one another and grow together. I'll give a few examples:
1) The district I work for is a 1:1 iDevice district. We moved in that direction at the same time that an area district was doing the same. Knowing that, our superintendents made a conscientious effort to create levels of support between our respective staffs.
2) I work in the area of instructional coaching. Many other area districts also have existing or newly developed coaching models. In an effort to share and expand our collective expertise, we hold a combination of face to face and online community meetings to learn from one another.
3) Just yesterday, I attended a free and internally-developed event to support quality learning and teaching with iPads. Many area districts have some arrangement of iPads available to them. The event brought many of these districts together for a day of learning, with sessions led by educators who are on the front line of using learning technologies in their classrooms.
Each of these three examples are all positive, productive, and growth minded events that I am privileged to have experienced.
These are just three of the MANY examples I could share of examples where districts are coming together. Seriously -- an incredible amount of these support groups, EdCamps, online communities, informal gatherings, and inter-district checkins and collaborations are popping up all the time. I can't over emphasize their pervasiveness in current education (at least in the area in which I live).
So here's my take:
YES! YES! YES!
I'm ecstatic to see districts moving beyond their sheltered vision of education to learn from outside districts that have taken a different approach or work with students unlike their own. I question whether you should work in education if you don't see the value in constructing meaning together, collective intelligence, and meaningful collaboration.
However...
There's something wrong. It comes in the form of unhealthy competition. It comes in the form of public relations, and shiny things, and neglecting to admit our faults. There's an undercurrent of "hey, look how great we're doing" that sometimes overshadows the honest conversations and productive work that happens during inter-district convening. It's not any one district or any one person. I'm guilty of having done it before myself. There seems to be a dissecting and knit-picky microscope imposed upon outside district practices, and a somewhat guarded 'dog and pony show' presented by those within. It's not even close to all the time, and it's certainly not every time. Overall, the good far outweighs the bad, but there have been isolated incidences where I've felt it, and I've seen it, and there's no place for it in this incredibly difficult and demanding work.
It's not that I don't want us to celebrate our strengths and achievements. I understand the propensity for doing so, and we can all learn from these successes. Instead, I challenge us to be humble and honest in this most difficult of professions. These are not cars, or houses, or pieces of jewelry we're selling out. It's kids.
When we open ourselves up to collaboration, and fail to be honest about areas of need, we don't suffer.
We don't suffer, but the kids certainly do.
I'm not saying it's done perfectly, but it's done.
I have plenty of friends and acquaintances in industries where this is not the case. Where an area of weakness is looked at as fixed, or a liability that cannot be afforded time, and in many cases, a downfall worthy of getting "the ax."
Schools are a supportive environment, however. We're in the business of growth, support, continuous learning, and an unwavering belief that human beings are capable of amazing things, including (but not limited to) the ability to make tremendous gains and improvements if given the right conditions.
That said, traditionally, a great deal of this support has been provided within the school or the district: Coaches helping teachers, PLC's supporting one another, Principals guiding growth, Leadership teams implementing relevant professional development, etc.
Something I've noticed explode over the last couple of years is this support reaching beyond the building or district to outside inter-district collaboration opportunities. I'm not referencing the digital PLN (of which I'm a huge advocate and participant). We'll save that discussion for another time. I'm referencing neighboring districts making concerted efforts to learn from one another and grow together. I'll give a few examples:
1) The district I work for is a 1:1 iDevice district. We moved in that direction at the same time that an area district was doing the same. Knowing that, our superintendents made a conscientious effort to create levels of support between our respective staffs.
2) I work in the area of instructional coaching. Many other area districts also have existing or newly developed coaching models. In an effort to share and expand our collective expertise, we hold a combination of face to face and online community meetings to learn from one another.
3) Just yesterday, I attended a free and internally-developed event to support quality learning and teaching with iPads. Many area districts have some arrangement of iPads available to them. The event brought many of these districts together for a day of learning, with sessions led by educators who are on the front line of using learning technologies in their classrooms.
Each of these three examples are all positive, productive, and growth minded events that I am privileged to have experienced.
These are just three of the MANY examples I could share of examples where districts are coming together. Seriously -- an incredible amount of these support groups, EdCamps, online communities, informal gatherings, and inter-district checkins and collaborations are popping up all the time. I can't over emphasize their pervasiveness in current education (at least in the area in which I live).
So here's my take:
YES! YES! YES!
I'm ecstatic to see districts moving beyond their sheltered vision of education to learn from outside districts that have taken a different approach or work with students unlike their own. I question whether you should work in education if you don't see the value in constructing meaning together, collective intelligence, and meaningful collaboration.
However...
There's something wrong. It comes in the form of unhealthy competition. It comes in the form of public relations, and shiny things, and neglecting to admit our faults. There's an undercurrent of "hey, look how great we're doing" that sometimes overshadows the honest conversations and productive work that happens during inter-district convening. It's not any one district or any one person. I'm guilty of having done it before myself. There seems to be a dissecting and knit-picky microscope imposed upon outside district practices, and a somewhat guarded 'dog and pony show' presented by those within. It's not even close to all the time, and it's certainly not every time. Overall, the good far outweighs the bad, but there have been isolated incidences where I've felt it, and I've seen it, and there's no place for it in this incredibly difficult and demanding work.
It's not that I don't want us to celebrate our strengths and achievements. I understand the propensity for doing so, and we can all learn from these successes. Instead, I challenge us to be humble and honest in this most difficult of professions. These are not cars, or houses, or pieces of jewelry we're selling out. It's kids.
When we open ourselves up to collaboration, and fail to be honest about areas of need, we don't suffer.
We don't suffer, but the kids certainly do.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 5. Notetaking
According to Numerology.com, the most official website of all the websites, the number 5 is the 'most dynamic and energetic of all the single digit numbers.' Fittingly, it correlates with the dynamic and energetic exercise that is....
...wait for it...
...NOTETAKING! YEAH!
Alright, so maybe notetaking is the most glamourous thing in the world, but it sure does come in handy on any mobile device. My MacBook, iPad, and iPhone have all been outfitted with the most essential ways I've identified to record my notes, which makes forgetting everything I need to do significantly less likely.
Most of the time.
Anyhow, Thing 5 provided several suggestions for notetaking apps to make life simpler and more, uh, recorded.
I chose to check out the one that seemed the most appealing based off of the description, which happened to be Bamboo Paper. While the utility of the app is nothing special, I found the aesthetics and format to be rather appealing. Each notebook looks like a digital version of a Moleskine®, which I liked. Notebooks can be protected by passcodes, allow adjustment of cover colors, and paper type options include blank white, lined, graph, and checklists (among others).
Within the pages of the notebook, images can be embedded, students can draw with their finger or stylus, and an eraser will take care of mistakes. Notebooks can be shared through a variety of mediums (Evernote, Dropbox, Facebook, Email, etc.). The major annoyance in the app is the excessive amount of in-app purchases you come across by clicking around the features. My favorite pros are the aesthetics and ease with which a user can manipulate the content on the page.
All and all, a pretty decent app. I don't see it replacing any of my current systems, but I can see it coming in handy for things like graph paper or subject-separated notebooks in a classroom.
Any favorite notetaking apps you'd like to share? How about a little numerology reading while you're here? ;)
...wait for it...
...NOTETAKING! YEAH!
Alright, so maybe notetaking is the most glamourous thing in the world, but it sure does come in handy on any mobile device. My MacBook, iPad, and iPhone have all been outfitted with the most essential ways I've identified to record my notes, which makes forgetting everything I need to do significantly less likely.
Most of the time.
Anyhow, Thing 5 provided several suggestions for notetaking apps to make life simpler and more, uh, recorded.
I chose to check out the one that seemed the most appealing based off of the description, which happened to be Bamboo Paper. While the utility of the app is nothing special, I found the aesthetics and format to be rather appealing. Each notebook looks like a digital version of a Moleskine®, which I liked. Notebooks can be protected by passcodes, allow adjustment of cover colors, and paper type options include blank white, lined, graph, and checklists (among others).
Within the pages of the notebook, images can be embedded, students can draw with their finger or stylus, and an eraser will take care of mistakes. Notebooks can be shared through a variety of mediums (Evernote, Dropbox, Facebook, Email, etc.). The major annoyance in the app is the excessive amount of in-app purchases you come across by clicking around the features. My favorite pros are the aesthetics and ease with which a user can manipulate the content on the page.
All and all, a pretty decent app. I don't see it replacing any of my current systems, but I can see it coming in handy for things like graph paper or subject-separated notebooks in a classroom.
Any favorite notetaking apps you'd like to share? How about a little numerology reading while you're here? ;)
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
So...I Read a Post Today
It was this:
10 Ways Teacher Planning Should Adjust to the Google Generation by Terry Heick.
I liked the article just fine. It speaks to our need as teachers to recognize the context in which our current students live, and adjust our teaching and instruction accordingly. Pretty straightforward, right?
I'd hope so, but I'm not so sure.
I think the concept itself squares just fine with teachers, but when it comes to student results, I wonder how often we attribute our willingness to meet students where they are as a primary reason why they perform the way they do.
Hear me out.
We know external factors contribute to student learning. Socioeconomic status. Parent involvement. Chemical use. Living situations. Peer pressure. Etc. Etc. Etc.
But if we choose to take on this exceptional challenge of making sure each and every student leaves our schools seeing no obstacles to his or her future, then we ought to start reimagining the approach we take to do that.
We have to meet kids where they are. We have to accept them as products of the generation from which they've come and the environments from which they've been raised. If they don't seem like the kids we taught 5 years ago, it's because they're not. What are we doing to ensure that the work we ask them to do is meaningful, relevant, and thought provoking so that kids feel investing in the time they give us, and leave our classrooms with the type of profound learning we so badly want for them?
It won't happen unless we're willing to take a serious look at who those kids are and how that influences what we need to do to reach them.
I know this isn't a new idea. It's essentially a regurgitation of a million and one conversations we've all had. Nevertheless, it's a reminder that wouldn't hurt to reiterate every single day.
10 Ways Teacher Planning Should Adjust to the Google Generation by Terry Heick.
I liked the article just fine. It speaks to our need as teachers to recognize the context in which our current students live, and adjust our teaching and instruction accordingly. Pretty straightforward, right?
I'd hope so, but I'm not so sure.
I think the concept itself squares just fine with teachers, but when it comes to student results, I wonder how often we attribute our willingness to meet students where they are as a primary reason why they perform the way they do.
Hear me out.
We know external factors contribute to student learning. Socioeconomic status. Parent involvement. Chemical use. Living situations. Peer pressure. Etc. Etc. Etc.
But if we choose to take on this exceptional challenge of making sure each and every student leaves our schools seeing no obstacles to his or her future, then we ought to start reimagining the approach we take to do that.
We have to meet kids where they are. We have to accept them as products of the generation from which they've come and the environments from which they've been raised. If they don't seem like the kids we taught 5 years ago, it's because they're not. What are we doing to ensure that the work we ask them to do is meaningful, relevant, and thought provoking so that kids feel investing in the time they give us, and leave our classrooms with the type of profound learning we so badly want for them?
It won't happen unless we're willing to take a serious look at who those kids are and how that influences what we need to do to reach them.
I know this isn't a new idea. It's essentially a regurgitation of a million and one conversations we've all had. Nevertheless, it's a reminder that wouldn't hurt to reiterate every single day.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
23 Mobile Things: 4. Keeping Up
1 2 3 4, Tell me that you'll teach me more...
Apologies if I just put that song into you head. I had a hard time resisting.
So, we're on to Thing 4 of 23 Things, and this one is all about keeping up. The article explains RSS feeds and apps one could use to compile a feed such as Zite or Flipboard. Truthfully, the only thing I really learned from Thing 4 was that RSS stands "Really Simple Syndicate."
That said, it doesn't mean there wasn't value in this particular Thing. While I may already use an RSS feed, I think the importance in this post is really about continuous learning. I love RSS feeds because it gives me a little organization in the otherwise chaotic world of information and opinion about my profession. There are countless articles and sources for continuous exploration in education. One needs a way to filter.
Keep on readin' on.
Apologies if I just put that song into you head. I had a hard time resisting.
So, we're on to Thing 4 of 23 Things, and this one is all about keeping up. The article explains RSS feeds and apps one could use to compile a feed such as Zite or Flipboard. Truthfully, the only thing I really learned from Thing 4 was that RSS stands "Really Simple Syndicate."
That said, it doesn't mean there wasn't value in this particular Thing. While I may already use an RSS feed, I think the importance in this post is really about continuous learning. I love RSS feeds because it gives me a little organization in the otherwise chaotic world of information and opinion about my profession. There are countless articles and sources for continuous exploration in education. One needs a way to filter.
Keep on readin' on.
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