Lucy Prochazka at Magee Elementary is the winner. She was the first to answer the questions on Tuesday's post. You will be recieving a 2GB Flash Drive. The tool that was highlighted in the 3rd Six Weeks CSCOPE newsletter was Live Binders. Good Job Lucy!

Keep checking the blog. I'm thinking I should start a Freebie Friday.

CSCOPE Newsletters

Take a look at the newsletters below. These CSCOPE newsletters contain some beneficial tips and tools for teachers and administrators. One article in the 3rd Six Weeks newsletter talks about how binders can be inefficient. If you print CSCOPE and keep it in a huge binder stacked on a shelf, this article is for you.

To replace those clunky binders, the article suggests a certain tool to be used instead. The first Calallen teacher to tell me what tool is highlighted in this article, and how it can be more efficient will win a prize. You can post your comment here or email me. Good luck!

1st Six Weeks
2nd Six Weeks
3rd Six Weeks

Many Thanks to Calallen Teachers

You are awesome! Technology integration is taking place everywhere. Teachers are working very hard to seamlessly integrate technology into their lessons. You are doing a great job!

Shahi

Shahi: A mashup of Wiktionary (a Wikipedia type dictionary) and Flickr. This visual dictionary is an excellent way for students to find definitions and get a visual of the word. Students can choose where they want the images to come from. Their choices are Flickr, Google, or Yahoo. My favorite is Flickr.

Integration Ideas: Visual dictionaries are great, but especially useful for your visual learners. Use as a dictionary dictionary or to teach your students parts of speech. Pictures acompany the definitions, therefore students can “see” that a verb is an action word. Use Shahi as the base for a part of speech game with the whole class and a projector. Choose a word from your reading or spelling list and have students guess the part of speech based on the pictures. This is a great way for students to learn the parts of speech through inquiry and problem solving. This is also a great tool for your ELL students. Bookmark Shahi on your classroom computers as a resource during reading/writing time. Look up a spelling word and have students write in their journal about one of the accompanying pictures. A great writing prompt site. Science teachers, Shahi would also be beneficial in the science classroom. Students can look up difficult words or concepts and quickly have a visual representation to aid in understanding. In social studies, students could search places and get a collection of images that will provide them with additional insight into the place.

D.A.T.E Grant Surveys

Grades 3-5 Technology Survey

Become a tech-savvy educator: Discover the resources to get you there

Want to be a tech-savvy teacher? Are you already a tech-savvy teacher and would like some additional ideas to liven up a lesson? Click the link below to watch a 1-hour webinar which provides many useful resources. This is a prerecorded session offered though eschool news. If you haven't gone through eschool news, I suggest you add it to your list of favorites. There is so much there to explore!
Become a tech-savvy educator: Discover the resources to get you there

Do you have AverMedia tools?

If you have an AverMedia document camera and/or AverPens, please take advantage of these prerecorded webinars from AVerMedia trainers. They do a great job of demonstrating how all these tools work together to create some fantastic lessons. Do you want to interact with the trainers? All you have to do is sign up for an upcoming webinar. There are various dates and times to choose from. It's all free!!!

Spell with Flickr

 

So here is a cool tool. You and your students can spell words with flickr. Just type in a word and press enter. Words are created with pictures for letters. This would be a great way to go over those spelling words your students dread. You can also use this to create a heading for your blog, wiki, or website. Click here to start creating.

Claymation

Last Friday, we had teachers from Calallen and Odem/Edroy ISD attend the claymation training at the education service center. Once we got started, we had so much fun putting these clay figures into action. I hope to have a repeat of this training sometime during the school year in Calallen. I want to thank these teachers for taking the time out of their summer vacation for attending. It is great to work with such awesome teachers!

Mimio Training at East Elementary

There were 14 Calallen teachers from the elementary and middle school campuses that showed up for today's Mimio training. These teachers sacrificed a day of their summer vacation to come in and learn some new tricks with Mimio tools. Hats off to all of you!!! Your dedication is much appreciated.  I hope to see the same turnout for tomorrow's claymation training. I would also like to thank Mrs. Parker (East principal) for allowing us to use the computer lab. Thanks to all!!!

T3 Technology Tools

So many technology tools that were ordered by Calallen teachers have arrived. I have to thank David Ebert for doing such a great job. I didn't realize there was so much to do. He stayed on top of everything. It was not an easy task. Thanks David!!! 

We are sorting items and will soon be delivering so that teachers can have their tools at the start of the new school year. I can't wait to see all this stuff in action. Of course, training will follow. This is an exciting time for Calallen ISD!

Web 2.0 Tools Galore

Are you looking for a certain online tool to integrate into your lesson? Well, if I don't have it listed on the blog, then take a look at Web 2.0 Directory or GO2WEB20. My favorite of the two is GO2WEB20. All the tools and applications are listed on one page and each is accompanied by a short description when you mouse over them. Web 2.0 Directory has over 1200 sites which have been put into 50 categories, making it a bit easier to find what you're looking for. Have fun exploring!  

                                                            Image via CrunchBase

Image and Text Generators

Online image and text generators are great if you want to add some pizzazz to your blog, wiki, or website. Remember, if you want your students to be drawn to your site, it is always a good idea to add some eye candy. That will keep them coming back. It is also likely to draw in the parents too. For the chalkboard above, I used addletters. but there are many others to choose from. Many students are already used to using these image generators on MySpace and Facebook. So, if you plan on your students creating their own blog, wiki, or website, this would be a great motivator. They love this stuff!

I have listed some, but there are so many more on the Web. Let me know if you have a favorite not listed below. Have fun!!!

Page Plugins

Chalk Board Letters

Comic Strip Generator

Cool Text

Tiny Tags on Wig Flip

Street Signs on Wig Flip

Wig Flip - They also have speech bubbles, sticky notes and more.

Image Chef Word Mosaic

Mosaic Generator - Very Cool...must see this!

Shape Collage

Typo Generator

Wordle

Don't have PowerPoint or iPhoto for a Presentation...Don't Worry

Tired of PowerPoint or you just want to try something new. In the article, "Top 10 Sites for Creating Slide Shows" David Kapuler lists his top 10 sites to create an out of this world presentation. Visit the sites below and let us know which is your favorite. If you know of one not listed here, please share it with the rest of us.

1. Kizoa - Creates slide shows with a variety of music, effects, and transitions.
2. Shwup - Create private collaborative slide shows that allow comments.
3. Photo Peach - Create quizzes in your slide show with multiple choice questions.
4. Animoto - Very popular site with free all-access pass for educators and my favorite.
5. Slideroll - Can also make private and allow comments.
6. Flixtime - Uploads photos and select audio and transitions. Then you can embed the code onto a blog, wiki, or website.
8. PhotoSnack - Drag & drop interface.
9. Pho.to - Create flash based slide shows and get an embed code to put on your blog, wiki, or website.
10. Vuvox - Create eye-catching multimedia slide shows.

Slideshare is a site that is not on the list, but very useful. If you already have a PowerPoint presentation, Slideshare allows you to upload and share it.

Generation Yes and Podcasting

Generation Yes is a program which allows students in grades 6-9 to help teachers use technology in the classroom. Students help with lesson planning and provide tech support. Students are building technology and leadership skills, and creating a school-wide llaborative learning community. This curriculum is not free, but GenYes does offer free resources such as this Podcasting How-To. This pdf may come in handy for those of you who ordered iPods through the T3 Grant.

 

 

Image via Wikipedia 

How to Teach with Technology: Science and Math | Edutopia

If you teach math and science, then you will probably want to read this article which was written by Sara Bernard in Edutopia. This is a very informative article about various technology tools to use for math and science. I really like how this article included tips from students.
How to Teach with Technology: Science and Math Edutopia

"Seven Free Online Resources you can use today!"

"Seven Free Online Resources you can use today!" is a recorded webinar which was sponsored by Intel and presented by Dan Morris, Naomi Harm and Judi Yost. This was a free webinar that was offered through ISTE. This would be of great benefit to K-12 teachers because of the free teaching tools and resources which can assisst you in creating 21st century teaching and learning.


Below are links to access the great resources from the presentation.


Intel Education Tools

Visual Ranking

Showing Evidence

Help Guide

PBA

CSCOPE Conference

The CSCOPE conference has come and gone, and I am full of information to share with the rest of you. We will be going over all this information in future trainings which will be taking place throughout the summer, but there are a few links that I want to share with you all now. Many thanks to Lannon Heflin from Region 13 for sharing these technology integration ideas. Go ahead and start exploring!

Create a book jacket - Read Write Think...Thinkfinity
Create a commemorative stamp - Zazzle
Create a commercial - Atomic Learning
Create a crossword puzzle - Puzzle Maker
Create a diorama - Cavanaugh
Create a flip chart - Read Write Think...Thinkfinity

Create vocabulary cards - Quizlet

Create a front page newspaper - Using PowerPoint, set page up in portrait orientation and use text boxes and images to make a newspaper front page.

Another site I would like to share with you is Storybird. A colleague in an online course I'm taking shared this site with us, and I have to say it is wonderful. Storybird is a place that students can read or create stories. Storybird promotes creativity and collaboration by allowing students to work on creating stories with others. The tools are easy to manipulate. I put it to the test with my 8 year old daughter who created a story quickly and easily. Get inspired by art which is provided to you by Storybird's growing list of artists.You must register, but it is free.

Sample art to use in stories.

6-8 TA TEKS

Many thanks to the 6-8th grade teachers who came together yesterday to tackle the TA TEKS. I have to say they did an awesome job! Teachers from Calallen Middle School are Maurine Sacky, Melissa McBurnett, and Bernice Lesmeister. Teachers from Odem/Edroy ISD are Alicia Alvarez, Jerry Plemons, and Lindsay Silguero.

Math in Movies

So you have a student who believes that math is not important. Well, if it wasn't for math, we would not be able to enjoy some great Pixar movies such as Up, Toy Story, WALL-E, Nemo, Cars, ect. Everyone has a favorite. In this Science Daily article, Tony DeRose, a computer scientist at Pixar Animation Studios discusses the connection between math and animation. The article includes a video clip. This would be a good topic of discussion with our students on the importance of math and how it can be used in the real world. 

Calling All ELL/ESL Teachers

On May 25 Thinkfinity is launching a new 90-minute webinar "Reaching English Language Learners with Verizon Thinkfinity" where attendees will learn several key strategies and specific resources to use with students who have various levels of English proficiency. Thinkfinity provides many resources to promote core content knowledge and language development for all learners. Sign up for this fantastic webinar. Upon completion, you will earn a certificate!
Click here to find out how to register.

The National Math Trail

Here is a great opportunity to bring real-world math into the classroom. The National Math Trail is for K-12 teachers and students to explore and share math that exists in their own communities. Students can explore their communities and create math problems that relate to what they find. Teachers can then submit the problems to the National Math Trail site, along with photos, drawings, recordings, and videos. All entries are posted to the site and will remain there so teachers, students, and parents can access them. The site provides technology tutorials and templates for the creation of web page submissions
Take a look at Magic City Math Trail. This is one example by teacher Susan Clopton and her middle school students in Birmingham, Alabama.

T3 Surveys

The Texas Education Agency is collecting information related to the Target Tech in Texas (T3) grant.
This grant is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. It is
authorized by Public Law 107-110, CFDA# 84.386, No Child Left Behind (NDLB) Act of 2001, Title II, Part D and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA or Recovery Act); enacted February 17, 2009 (P.L. 111-5).
Since we are part of the T3 grant, Calallen principals (K-8), teachers(K-8) and students (3-8) should take the T3 survey as soon as possible. This is required as part of the Target Tech in Texas grant. Here are some suggestions to help meet TEA’s Spring 2010 survey.
Parents
• If they have Internet access at home, they can complete the survey there
• If they do not have Internet access at home, they can use public library computers to complete the survey
Students:
• Class time in the computer lab to input responses
• Time during class if classroom computers are available
Teachers
• Use their conference period to complete the Teacher Survey
• Time after school to complete the survey
• Time during faculty meetings to complete survey
• Survey can be completed at home since many of the teachers have Internet access at home
Principals
• On their own time at school or at home

The surveys are located on the main Calallen ISD Page on the Bulletin Board.

T3 Announcements from TEA

Great Lessons on the TATN Website:
The Technology Applications Teacher Network (TATN) is a collaborative project between the twenty Texas Education Service Centers and the Texas Education Agency. TATN is designed to provide Texas teachers with resources to implement the Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills in the K-12 classroom.

The new website contains resources to integrate the K-8 Technology Applications Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills across the curriculum at all grade levels as well as to teach the dedicated High School Technology Applications courses (Digital Graphics/ Animation, Desktop Publishing, Web Mastering, Multimedia, Video Technology and Computer Science). There are lessons and unit plans that show how technology can enhance each of the foundation curriculum areas. TEKS alignments with mathematics, science, social studies, and English language arts/reading are provided to support the connections.


K-12 Databases:
Visit the new K-12 Databases website for information and access to online research and information resources for all Texas public and charter schools funded by the Texas legislature. Resources currently include a broad range of age appropriate, authoritative and relevant materials from Britannica Digital Learning and EBSCO Publishing. Access is 24/ 7/ 365 to students, teachers, parents and school leaders for use at school and home. Regardless of district size or funding, all Texas public school communities have equal access to these state-funded resources. There are many lessons provided at the website that align with the foundation curriculum areas’ TEKS, professional development modules, and valuable resources for school leaders.


TCEA Needs Presenters for 2011:
Texas Computer Education Association (TCEA) is the largest state organization in the nation devoted to the use of technology in education. TCEA is currently looking for presenters to share your knowledge and expertise with other TCEA members by presenting a session at the 2011 convention. All proposals will be carefully reviewed and selected by a committee of TCEA members. The Texas Computer Education Association 31st Annual Convention & Exposition will be held on Feb. 7 – 11, 2011, at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas. Applicants will receive acceptance or regret notifications in July 2010. The deadline for submission is Monday, May 31, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. CST. For more information, please visit TCEA.  

The New Magee Elementary School

Teacher Appreciation Week

Thank you teachers...you are the best!

Free Web-Based Trainings by Mimio

1. Mimio Setup and Support (60 min.)
2. Mimio Studio Basics I: A Tour of mimio Studio (45 min.)
3. Mimio Studio Basics II: Presenting Lessons (40 min.)
4. Mimio Studio Intermediate I: Adding Content (30 min.)
5. Mimio Studio Intermediate II: Sharing Lessons and Galleries (30 min.)
6. Mimio Studio Advanced (30 min.)
7. Mimio Integration: Weaving Interactivity into your Curriculum (45 min.)
8. MimioConnect: Navigating Through Your Online mimio Community (60 min.)


If you are utilizing any Mimio products in your classroom, then this is for you. Mimio has a wide variety of training materials on their website. I especially enjoy the QuickLearn webinars. There are 8 quick learn webinars that you can sign up for free of charge. You choose the date and time. These are real-time and completely interactive. Take a look at the sessions I attended below. These are the actual recorded training sessions that I signed up for through Mimio. I love how they email the recording session. If needed, I can always go back and review.


Mimio Studio Intermediate I: Adding Content
Mimio Studio Basics II: Presenting Lessons 
Mimio Studio Intermediate II
Mimio Integration: Weaving Interactivity into your Curriculum
Mimio Studio Basics I – A Tour of mimio Studio
Mimio Studio Advanced
MimioConnect

If you haven't already, register for MimioConnect and take advantage of the many interactive resources offered for free.

EasyTech at Learning.com

EasyTech is our state adopted technology applications curriculum which some Calallen ISD teachers are already familiar with it. This is an online interactive technology literacy curriculum that integrates technology lessons into the classroom for elementary and middle school students. Easytech has everything you need to integrate technology skills with core curriculum...computer basics, keyboarding, ect. Rey and I attended a webinar on Monday to find out more about this program. We are now working to get all K-8 teachers into the EasyTech system.  

Think Green Resource Guide from Edutopia

Think Green Resource Guide Edutopia is a free download filled with lots of ideas and resources which can help you plan green projects for your students. Let's make every day an earth day!

Today is Earth Day

Here is another resource from Thinkfinity. Using this worksheet  from a ReadWriteThink lesson, students can brainstorm lists of messages they want to communicate to others about protecting the Earth.

There is something for everyone at Thinkfinity.

A suggestion from Neysa Rutter over at Wood River Elementary.
I am a recycle fanatic when it comes to saving animals from dying. You can recycle plastic bottles, but not the caps. The caps end up in the ocean, and landfills. The dolphins, manatees etc. ending up trying eat them (thinking they are food), and the animals choke and worse die because of it. I save the caps and sort and use them as manipulatives (counters, ABC’s, numbers). On the big caps (simply oj), I put a label on the top and the kids use them to write their spelling words). I have a bunch of bags of different colors and sizes outside my door.Anyone are welcome to take what they want, because I have a million. Please help yourself. Thanks, Neysa

Animoto Video...Geometry Fun

Geometry Fun is a geometry video created by one of Mrs.Sandroussi's 4th grade students over at Magee. This is a great example of a student created project. This 4th grade math class searched for real-world examples that represented geometry terms. Great Job! 

TA TEKS Training-Grades 3-5

Many thanks to our fabulous teachers who came in on a Saturday to help finalize the 3-5 TA TEKS. Starting from the left-Sarah Dennis from Wood River Elem. and Karen Story from East Elem. From Odem Elementary... Jennifer Crumly, Lisa Flores, and Maria Elena Garcia.

Missing from the picture...Cindy Lopez and Kristi Gittinger from Magee Elem.

 You all did an awesome job!    

Thinkfinity and Earth Day

Earth Day is April 22. Let's celebrate Earth Day and inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth 's environment by incorporating some Earth Day resources into your lessons. Make every day an Earth Day by starting some classroom or community projects which can improve our local environment. Go to Thinkfinity to access many resources on Earth Day.

Below is a podcast that was found on Thinkfinity. This podcasts offers suggestions on books that are Earth Day related for grades K-5.

Teachers, how about creating your own podcast on Earth Day related topics?

Odem/Edroy ISD Staff Visit Calallen

Last Friday, some OEISD staff came over to Calallen to explore some interactive devices. This was put together to offer OEISD some guideance on possible technolohy tools to purchase through the T3 grant. OEISD and Calallen ISD are collaborating partners.

As soon as they walked in, they were prompted to sign-in using the Mimio Interactice Device. I wonder if this was their first digital signature in a school setting. They also had a chance to explore the Mimio Tablet, the Mobi, and the AverPens.

Many thanks to principal Greer Parker (East Elementary in Calallen ISD) who graciously offered their brand new computer lab for this event.

Rey Saenz shows Mr.Brannigan how to create his digital signature.

  

Connect A Million Minds

I have placed a widget on this blog for Connect a Million Minds. This is an initiative to connect our youth to after-school activities that are STEM related. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. These resources can empower our youth with the vital skills needed to obtain future jobs that will more than likely require STEM skills. Let's spark their interest by introducing them to exciting after-school opportunities in our area. Educators can place the widget on their blogs, wikis, or websites and inform parents about it. All they have to do is enter their zipcode and a list of after-school activities will come up. You can also take a pledge to connect young minds to STEM related activities. My hope is to surpass the 1 million mind goal!

Hopefully, more organizations will provide STEM related activities in our area.

PowerPoint...It's Just Not For Presentations

Students use PowerPoint over and over again for presentations. Give them something new to do utilizing this very versatile tool. How about allowing students to create their very own bookmark? They can create one on just about any topic. The example below is one that was created using PowerPoint. The first page is upside down because I wanted a front and back bookmark. I printed out both slides, then using a copier, I created a 2 to 1 copy. Print that out and lamininate if you wish. Calallen teachers...I will be placing a bookmark in your box next week.

A few other ideas include creating fact flippers, greeting cards, post cards, sticky notes, pattern books, and more.

If you would like step-by-step instructions on how to create a bookmark using PowerPoint, click here.

Create a Brochure in Publisher

Create a class brochure for parents. You can pass these out during Meet The Teacher Night, Teacher/Parent conferencs, ect. You can include class rules, homework links, email address, conference time or other information. Another idea is to have students create a brochure over a certain topic. How would you use a teacher or student made brochure in your class?

Fun with Pics

Visit one of these picture sites to have a little fun with your pics. If you have any pics that have been sitting in your digital camera, this is for you! Take a look at the sidebar to explore some other cool pic sites for your student projects.


Some personal favorites include: Big Huge Labs, Photofetti, Yearbook Yourself, Image Chef,  and Image Mosaic Generator.

As always, check appropriateness first as these sites are constantly changing.


 








Dumpr - Photo Fun

Museum Box

Let your students have some fun at Museum Box, and they won't even notice that they are working on a school assignment. Have your students argue or describe an event, person or historical period. All they have to do is research and place the information in a virtual box. You or your students can display text, pictures, or videos. Teachers can view and comment on the museum boxes or have the students peer review one another. Click here to view an example of how a middle school student used this tool to debate on the topic of animal testing. Click here to view an example of this tool can be used in math. 

Tutorials & training: Podcast + Videocast Essential Training with Garrick Chow

Tutorials & training: Podcast + Videocast Essential Training with Garrick Chow

Take a look at this weeks featured videos on podcasting and videocasting from Lynda.com: Want to create video podcasts to provide students another resource for TAKS tutorials? Demonstrate how to workout particular problems or teach hard to grasp concepts or have students conduct presentations/demonstrations that can be shared to build on real world collaborative skills and critical thinking.

Need a Timer...Here's a Free One

Cool Timer is a free stopwatch download. If you are in need of a timer for your class and can't afford to go out and purchase one, then go to cnet and download one for free. It is easy to understand and can be programmed to the hour, minute or second. You can also choose the sound when the time is up. Another favorite is The Hat. Just enter student names, shuffle, and randomly draw a name from the hat. This is a great way to make sure all your students have a chance to answer and no one is left out. Don't want names, enter student numbers...the choice is yours. Take a look. Not what you need, go to cnet   and look under the free education software category. There might be something there you can use.

TCEA Workshop Handouts

The TCEA Workshop Handouts is a list of the many workshops that took place this past February in Austin. It lists the title of the workshop, the presenter's name, and files that can be downloaded. Many of the files include powerpoints and links along with handouts. There is an abundance of information here. Whether you are tech. shy or tech savvy, there is something here for you. Take a look and share with us something that you are already using or hope to use in your classroom.  

TXDLA Workshop Videos

Want to view some of what we saw at TXDLA. Click TXDLA and veiw some of the videos. The videos are high quality, and you can get some very useful information from them.

Collect All T3 Lists...Check!!!

I am so happy to say that I have collected all the T3 Wish Lists. I thought I was never going to get through this, but it is done. I have also completed inputing all that data from the lists and passed it on to Rey.
Good Luck Rey!!! We can now order all this stuff.

This is so exciting...Calallen teachers will soon have all these cool tools in their classrooms to enhance lessons and student achievement. Our students will have access to cutting edge technology. Lots of training will come with all this too. We WILL get through this!

Have a Safe and Happy Easter! Enjoy your time off!

Day 2 @ TXDLA

Dimdim is a videoconferencing tool that has several uses. Some ideas include conferencing with parents who can not make it to the school or as an online afterschool tutorial. The way that I saw it being utilized was as an online afterschool math tutorial by Kiesha Taylor, a teacher for Aldine ISD. Many thanks to Mrs. Taylor who shared this information with us during her workshop. I love how she incorporated dimdim into Moodle.

A few things I picked up today.

Dimdim is free, but the free version does not allow you to record the session. Not happy about that, but if you do not want to record your session, then you're good. If you want to use dimdim and you also want to record your session, then you would have to use a screen capture tool such as ScreenToaster (also free) to record your session. The free version allows a teacher to have up to 20 students. Hope that makes sense.

The teacher will first sign up and create an account in DimDim. Students do not need to create an account. All they have to do is click on the join meeting button and then type in the teacher's username. Once they have located their teacher, the student can then type their own username and join the meeting.

Some other free tools.
Xtranormal
ToonDoo

Day 1 @ TXDLA

It was a long day, but we all learned so much. I will be listing some great videoconferencing sites. Some free, others come with a fee but very worth looking into. Some of the crew that came along, Caroline and Joann from Calallen. Also in the picture, Bert, Ron and Walter form Mathis.

Stacks...A Book Review Site for Kids

Stacks is an online book review site for kids created by Scholastic. It is set up like a blog. Many thanks to Kristi Nix who shared this site. I was in the Magee Computer Lab last Thursday while Mrs.Nix assisted her students. She did a great job guiding her students as they set up their profiles. The students were excited and really enjoyed creating their Avatars. They are now ready to start reviewing books and sharing that information with others. Take a look at Mrs. Nix's page.

Copy Right Use/Fair Use

Have you ever wondered what in the world can be fairly used from copyrighted material? What is a copyright and why do we have it? What is fair use, and well, it is really fair? Well, here is a great example of what is fair use of copyrighted material, talking about...well...copyrights!

Fair(y) Use

AVerPen...How Does It Work?

As I visit each campus to talk about the T3 List, there have many questions concerning the AVerPens. Rey and I have done our best to describe the features of these interactive devices. I understand how hard it is to picture something you have never seen nor used. If our description of these tools left you somewhat confused, I hope the following videos will give you a better understanding of the functionalities these pens possess.

Also, please make sure you have the updated price for the class set (1 teacher pen and 8 student pens) if you are ordering these pens. They are now $953.

Downloads: Views: 503

Downloads: Views: 256

iPhone/iPod Touch as an Instructional Tool

The iPhone/iPod Touch document from TCEA lists many apps (some free) that may be used in the classroom. There are many to choose from, and they are also catagorized by subject. I thought this would be beneficial to those of you who are contemplating an iPod Touch on your T3 list. This PDF from TCEA provides more detailed information. Parents can benefit from this information too, so please pass this on.

The 1st powerpoint below demonstrates how one school district, MISD, is utilizing iPods. This shool district presented at TCEA. The 2nd powerpoint offers some more examples. Hope this helps.

iPodTouch-TCEA

See more presentations by coffas | Upload your own PowerPoint presentations

iPhone/iPod Touch Education Presentation

See more presentations by chocxtc | Upload your own PowerPoint presentations

MathTools...A Math Forum for Teachers

Math Tools is a community library of technology tools, lessons, activities, and support materials for teaching and learning mathematics. There are many software tools, mostly free, together with reviews and discussions by teachers. Registration is free.

Below are some homework help websites to share with students and parents.
Encarta.com, AOL Step-by-step Math, Hotmath.com, Nutshellmath.com

T3 Collaborating Partners...Calallen & Odem/Edroy ISD

This past Saturday, both Calallen and Odem/Edroy ISD teachers came together to work on the Technology Applications TEKS. This team consisted of PK-2 teachers from both districts.

From Calallen, the East Primary teachers were Deanne McClure, Lori Vasquez, Kimberly Jones, and Emily Grimes. Also from Calallen, the Wood River teachers were Odilia Torrez, Dayla Hearon, Susie Cloud and Lauren Kiddy.

The teachers from Odem Elementary included, Lecretia Ann Witten, Yolanda Chapa, and Jena Hunter.

These teachers had the task of aligning the TA TEKS and adding specificity. They did a great job! It was great to work with such an awesome group of teachers! Thank you ladies for your time and effort!!!

Also included in the picture are Faye Stone from ESC2 and Gay Palmero from Odem/Edroy ISD.

 

Website Builder

I was asked by a colleague today about teacher websites. This prompted me to include a category of free website builders. A website is a great way to provide a static resource of information to your students and parents. This led me to do a little research and provide you with some sites that will allow you to build a great teacher site. You can link your blog (great for frequent updates) or wiki (excellent for collaboration) to your site.     

K-8 T3 Teachers

CISD K-8 teachers are attentively selecting technology tools for their classrooms. There have been many questions, which is a good thing. Rey and I are here to help. We will do our best to answer all your questions.   

As you make your choices about the technology tools you would like for your classroom, please keep in mind that you will be required to describe how it will help you enhance your teaching and student acheivement...make the lessons more effective or efficient. Tell why and how you will use the technology in your classroom. (Make a detailed outline of how you will use the equipment selected.) This should all be included in you teacher plan.

This is a classroom technology integration project.   

T3 & Teacher Wish Lists

Things are moving along here in Calallen and teachers have started to prepare their technology wish lists.

As part of the T3 Grant initiatives, K – 8 teachers are given approximately $1,000.00 to spend on technology resources for the classroom to increase 21st Century learning skills and accelerate student achievement. The list of technology resources to purchase for your classroom is found in the district’s new online Moodle platform, called “Student Portal”. Instructions on accessing the list and creating your classroom technology plan have been emailed to all CISD K-8 teachers. Please contact Rey or Rebecca if you need any help.

Google for Educators

If you have not already explored Google for Educators, you are missing out.
Take a look at lessons that were submitted by teachers by clicking here. You can choose by product, subject and grade. These are lessons using google apps. There are even posters that you can download and print for your classrooms.

Target Tech in Texas (T3) Grant

The T3 Grant will fund movement towards 21st century classroom as envisioned by the Long Range Plan for Technology 2006-2020. The grant strives for more media rich and project based learning to promote critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, and career rediness. Calallen ISD and Odem/Edroy ISD will be provided with grant money. These funds will provide current and innovative technology to teachers and students so schools can focus on improving both teaching and learning.

Calallen ISD has partnered with Odem/Edroy ISD in a collaborative effort to identify common needs, goals and resolutions in K-8 and to create a broader participation within the community as we move towards 21st Century classrooms. We are excited to have this grant and the many opportunities it is providing our teachers and students with.

WallWisher

Who's Out There?

So at this moment, I know that someone in Sheppard, Texas is viewing this blog. Are you an educator? Did you find anything useful? Is there anything that I can do to make this blog better? I just started blogging this past December. In the past, I only participated on various blogs, but never started one of my own. So, constructive criticism is always welcome.

CSCOPE Parent Portal

C-SCOPE now has a parent portal. Please refer parents to this website. Parents can find out what is being taught by grade level and subject. There are also other resources to that allow parents to support student learning at home. They can even sign-up for the newsletter. Click here to find out more.

Design a Cool Website Contest

Design a Cool Website is a contest just for high school students and sponsored by Microsoft, NASA, TBEC, and the State of Texas. The registration deadline is Feb. 24, 2010 and the submission deadline is Mar. 25, 2010. Students can win cash and prizes. NASA-Johnson Space Center in Houston will host the winning teams to honor their accomplishments. Email me for more information.

Technology Applications Teacher Network

Technology Applications Teacher Network is another resource that was mentioned to me at TCEA. I just went to the website and signed up. TATN was put together as a collaborative effort between TEA and several Texas Education Service Centers in hope of provideing teachers with resources to implement TA TEKS in grades K-12. There are technology infused lesson plans for every grade level. I am just
getting familiar with this site so I will research it and get back with you all.

I need to get more information about this, but from what I understand TATN pays $400 for a 30 minute presentation at conferences such as TCEA. These presentations are of course on the topic of technology in the classroom. I will try to find out more. If anyone out there is familiar with this, please share with us. Thanks!

Day 5 at TCEA

Well, as you can see, this post is a little late. The last day at TCEA was a bit exhausting, but I am so glad that I was able to attend. I came home with an abundance of knowledge and technology tools that I will be sharing with you. There were so many great presenters that I had the opportunity to listen to and many more that I wish I could have heard. TCEA put together a great conference and it is my hope to bring along some teachers next year.

I also have to thank Rey and Bryan for putting up with me and attending the Avermedia presentation on the last day. I figured the more people we had there, the better our chances would be in winning the new document camera and a class set of Aver pens. Instead, some lucky librarian won the package. Oh well...maybe Avermedia will read this post and donate a set to us!

See you all on Monday!

Day 4 at TCEA

Four down, only one day to go. I awoke to lots of rain this morning. I had to wake up extra early to make it on time for Geocaching. I volunteered to help out with Geocaching. The nice lady at the volunteer booth pointed me to where I needed to be. When I arrived, the presenter told me it was canceled and that I was not needed. You can imagine what was going through my mind. Oh well, I had a back up plan of course. I was on my way to attend the Engaged Mathematics session only to find out that the presenter for that session was late. So I sat down patiently and decided to go over my daily schedule. A few minutes later, a TCEA rep walks in apologizing for the delay and assures us all that the presenter was on their way. Well, the presenter's manager shows up instead, aplogizes again, and informs us that his presenter would not be coming, therefore there will be no Engaged Mathematics session. What luck!!! FYI...the presenter was from eInstruction. I asked for a Mobi to make up for this, but I got a t-shirt instead. I tried!!!

I am happy to say that the rest of the day went pretty well. I learned so much, and I can't wait to bring all that back to you all. I have one more day to go.

Oh, and the cart I told my mother I would never use, but brought anyway just to please her, was put to good use by me today . Yes, I was all over the convention center rolling around a little black cart that was overflowing with lots of stuff. More free pens! I will not tell her that I used it because that would mean admitting she was right and I was sooo wrong. I miss my family and I am ready to go back home.     

Day 3 at TCEA

I am still alive and going strong! I started the day waiting outside the doors to the ballroom where Chris Gardner was to speak. This is the gentleman that actor Will Smith portrayed in the movie "The Pursuit of Happiness". I had a plan, I had my coffee, and I felt as if nothing could go wrong until everyone else started showing up.

Educators can get quite vicious. It was chaos once those doors opened, and I had to run to get decent seating. As I am getting to the area that I want to sit down at, I notice that about the first ten rows have RESERVED SEATING! How nice...reserved seating...but not for me. So I sat in the 11th row!!!

I'm good and I still have a nice view. I am settled and  finishing off my coffee until 2 women sit down right in front of me in the RESERVED SECTION. Yes, they blocked my perfect view. So everytime I tried to take a picture of Chris Gardner, they were in the way. I gave up trying to get a picture.

There was a book signing afterwards. I had to stand in a ridiculously long line to buy the book only to find out that I had to stand in an even longer line to get it signed. Oh, and I had 15 minutes to get to the next workshop I signed up for. What was I to do...stay in line and get my book signed or forget getting my book signed and make it to the workshop? Decisions, decisions!!!

That was when I noticed  a nice librarian whose workshop I attended way up in the front of the line. So, I got my books signed and made the workshop...that is all I am saying about that.

Today is the day that the exhibits opened up. What is it about teachers and freebies? I was like a child in a candy store!!! I have pens to last a lifetime. I can't wait for tomorrow. Ready or not, here I come!!!   

His speech was phenomenal!!!

  

Day 2 at TCEA

I have survived day 1 and wondering how day 2 is going to roll out.  I am about to begin a workshop titled Podasting, Blogs, and Wikis: Building a Learning Community by North East ISD in San Antonio. This one seems like it will be so much fun. I am more than sure that I will learn something new and share that with you guys. 

I might have to sneak out to search for coffee though!

TCEA Conference 2010

Hi everyone! I am so excited to be here at the TCEA conference in Austin. I arrived just in time to attend the Thinkfinity workshop, but only to find out that it overlapped with the C-Scope workshop. Aahhhhhhhh!!!!!!

The start of my frustrations have begun. I will be talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly...all of my TCEA experiences will be shared.

My goal here is to learn a lot and take that back to you all. I will be posting everyday bringing you valuable resources. Stay tuned!!!!

Black History

February is Black History month. This week we read The Story of Ruby Bridges, an African American, who was chosen to attend an all white school in New Orleans in 1960. In class today we watched Ruby Bridges, the movie, and then compared the book and the movie. It was quite interesting to observe the class experience integration as it was portrayed on film!

Copy of My Astonishingly Creative Newsletter

Let your student's creativity shine with this fun learning tool. Teachers, you to can have fun creating an awesome newsletter to post on your blog, wiki, etc. My daughter and I worked on one together. Click on the link below for one of many ideas.
Copy of My Astonishingly Creative Newsletter

February is Black History Month

Make those research projects come to life with Blabberize. Click on the example below for an idea. How will your students use blabberize?
Here are a few more links to some great Black History resources. These are of course just a few, you may include some of your favorites.
Time for Kids
RPF
Eduhound
HotChalk
CRDL

Blog Training at Magee

Many thanks to Rachel Davis at Magee for providing these links for cute blog templates and photo editing. Click here to access those links.

Links to great media and more...

If you haven't already, you really need to take advantage of this great wiki called Copyrightfriendly. This wiki lists many resources to images and audio for use in media projects. They can also be used on your blog, wiki, or website. I went to Morguefile and downloaded the picture below. Morguefile automatically cites the source. It does all the work for you. There are different catagories of pictures to choose from. Math teachers, have students search for pictures showing examples of different angles. Then allow students to create a video using animoto. Free-loops is just one of many sites to go to for audio clips such as a mooing cow. Did I mention that they are FREE?  


Photo credit: pschubert from morguefile.com

More Animation Tools

Bryan came across these two fun animation tools. Xtranormal and Goanimate are free and can be used to bring student stories to life. As always, please explore the site to determine if it is something you can use with your students.

Thanks Wood River

Many thanks to Wood River Elementary for this Movie Maker Cheat Sheet. Many CISD teachers will be completing a Movie Maker online workshop through ESC 2 as a sort of pre-requisite for the claymation workshop. Although many teachers were already familiar with Movie Maker, they agreed to take this online workshop so that they can attend the claymation workshop to be held later on this year. The cheat sheet can be useful to those who are not familiar with Movie Maker. I am trilled to see that our teachers are eager and excited in building 21st Century classrooms. You're the BEST!!!

Love it!

This is an awesome blog, Rebecca. I love the sounds, colors, etc.

Rain Forest Math

Rain Forest Math requires a username and password. This information was sent out to CISD math teachers from Melana. Magee, Wood River, and East have their own usernames and passwords. Teachers from these schools in Calallen can contact Melana or Rebecca for that information if you don't already have it.

Math Links

Melana came across this wonderful resource of various math links from Michele Wiles. There are many great sites to choose from.You can print it out and place a copy near the student computers or send it home with them. This list will be located on the side bar under Math. It is titled More Links, or click here to go straight to it.

Big Huge Labs

Big Huge Labs lets you create lots of fun stuff with your photos such as the mosaic below.

New District Website

Take a look at the new website for Calallen ISD. It is AWESOME!!!

Super Teacher Tools

Check out the cool tech tools that are quick and easy to download for teachers at http://www.superteachertools.com/ .  Classroom review games include Jeopardy, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Flash Board Game, Seating Chart, Group Maker, and others.

Registering for the Blog tutorial

Here is a tutorial to help you register for the blog when your invitation comes.

Record your screencast online

Eternal Sunset

Eternal Sunset is a great Science site, where you can show the kids about the Earth's rotation. It is a collection of webcams trained on the sunset all across the world, and its maps show how the Earth rotates, causing the sun to set at different hours all across the globe. Very cool!

Cumul.us

Cumul.us is a place where your kids can predict the weather for today. It's a great Science site.

Free Collaboration Tools For All...Take your Pick!

I came across some web-based collaborative tools this weekend. These tools will not only enhance collaboration between teachers, but they are also a great way to promote student-student collaboration. If used effectively, these tools can help viualize, explore, and communicate ideas. Dabbleboard  is an online whiteboard for drawing and team collaboration. I like the way it detects common shapes when drawing.  Rey told me about SKRBL, which is another online whiteboard. CoSketch is also similar, but you don't have to register at all. These are just a few, but I will have more listed under Collaboration. As always, these are completely free, some require registration, and others do not.

BITSTRIPS

Bitstrips is a fun and easy comic making tool that teachers can utilize in the classroom for student engagement. It's a great way to promote media literacy. Your kids will be focused while creating their own comic.

Teachers, sign-up for free and explore.

Bloom's Taxonomy Blooms Digitally, Andrew Churches

This is a great article explaining Bloom's Digital Taxonomy which addresses the emergence and integration of technology. It gives wonderful examples of how technology can be used to enhance what is being taught to our students. Click on the title below to find out more.

Bloom's Taxonomy Blooms Digitally, Andrew Churches

Posted using ShareThis

RockYou

RockYou is a free photo sharing site that allows the user to put together a pretty cool slide show with pictures, videos, and music. I put together a show about the life cycle of a butterfly. Here's an idea...students can create their own to express knowledge of complete and incomplete metamorphosis. It can be done in groups or individually. Students can really get into this!

A New Year...A New Way of Teaching

Welcome back everyone! We are getting off to a great start here in Calallen. Wood River Elementary has their blog up and running, and I can see many posted over the holidays. Hats off to you!

As we begin the new year, let us contemplate how technology can impact teaching and learning in the classroom. We are living in a digital society. Technology is an everyday part of our lives. Our students are technology savvy. Why not take advantage of that savviness and bring it into the classroom?

Technology can help make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun. Technology can offer teachers effective ways to reach different types of learners. As a bonus, students are more likely to stay engaged and on task, reducing behavioral problems.

How can you use technology to support and enhance teaching and student learning? What is your New Year's resolution...professionally speaking?