Bringing Learning to Life....

Bringing Learning to Life....

My T-shirt that I added Augmented Reality to.

This summer I set out to teach as many people as I could about creating augmented reality or use already created triggers.  I attended an edCamp and brought augmented reality to the attendees.  I stepped out of my comfort zone and presented at edCamp Home on augmented reality as well as did a hands-on workshop at Podstock.  In reaching out to others I thought a community or group was needed to keep connected with those I've reached out to.  With that thought in mind I created 2 groups.  They are both considered a private group where I have to approve your entrance into the group.  I really love Edmodo and their platform they have created.  I like that I can share folders as well as resources to those in the group.  Edmodo also has a place where you can communicate, ask questions, post ideas and etc... I noticed after setting up the group in Edmodo that some people were not as comfortable with that form of group so I created a Google+ community.  I was able to tie my Edmodo folders to my Google+ community so that people in both groups would still have access to all of the content I am sharing.

The resources I am sharing are pre-created augmented reality triggers.  Triggers are images that when scanned with the correct app will give you a unique experience by added an augmented reality component or items.  I am also posting the apps that are needed to use these triggers.  I will also be sharing how to create your own augmented reality triggers with the help of Daqir's 4D studio. The groups are also a way for others to ask questions, get help, share ideas, and etc...

If you are an Edmodo user and would love to join the Augmented Reality group for Educators feel free to join and share.  If you would rather join the Google + Augmented Reality for Educators Community feel free to join and share too.  If you want to join both feel free to do so.

The Groups:

• Google + Augmented Reality for Educators
• Edmodo - Augmented Reality PD '14

Click here to view my interview with Chromville.

"Bring Learning to Life one Augmented Reality Trigger at a Time"

Creating a Global Project....

Creating a Global Project....

In just one click you can travel to Rome, Hong Kong, and see the pyramids in Egypt.  Twenty years ago in
order for you to get a glimpse of these amazing places you had to visit your local library and pray that they had some resources on them. Today all you have to do is hop on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone and you can travel the world without leaving your couch or classroom.

In August of 2013 I started working on creating my global project - the "Global Digital Scrapbook".  I have gone to several conference sharing how I created my global project.  I was suppose to be holding a workshop at ISTE this year helping other educators start creating their own global projects.  Due to lack of people signing up for the workshop my session was cancelled.  I would still like to share with you some resources on the topic.

I have created a group in Edmodo on Creating Global Projects.  I encourage you to join the group if you are interested in creating a global project or if you would like to connect with others and participate in their global project.  Once you click the link to join the group I will have to accept you.  In the group you will be able to post your questions, ideas, or ask for help.  I have also created folders with resources and tools I have used in creating my global project.

If you need need or have questions please feel free to connect with me.

Resources:

• Edmodo Group - Making a Global Project
• Global Digital Scrapbook Project - 2013/14

Tech Fun with Mrs. Wilson's Classes...

Tech Fun with Mrs. Wilson's Classes...

Technology in the classroom in general is a passion of mine.  I love learning new techie tools and finding ways to use them in the classroom.  Augmented Reality is quickly becoming a huge part of my passion and I love sharing it with others.  I invited some of our younger students in our district to spend some time with my middle school students.  We colored coloring pages from colAR and Chromville.  After the kids had finished coloring their pages my students helped them scan their pages using the apps on their student iPads.  The reactions of the little guys when their coloring pages came to life was priceless.
While the kids were busy coloring I went around with Google Glass and let the little guys try them out.  We did learn that one size does not fit all when it comes to Google Glass.  The pre-schoolers little heads were too small to keep the Glass active.  It didn't matter though, the kids enjoyed posing for a picture modeling the cool glasses.  I did use Glass to capture some images and video clips.  My students tried to also capture video clips using Glass.  We are still learning how to operate them so some of the video clips and pictures didn't turn out like we thought they should.

Daqri's Elements 4D Cubes

I also have Daqri's Elements 4D cubes. When the little guys where done coloring they had a chance to play around with the cubes.  I kept hearing that it was like magic that those wooden blocks just changed changed.






I plan on having more younger students join my middle school students for more tech fun before school is let out for the summer.  My students also had to color the pages just to see what fun things happened when the pages were scanned.  I now keep a 3 ring binder with pocket dividers full of all of the Augmented Reality coloring pages.

Recorded with Google Glass.

Growing and Connecting via a Global Project ....

Growing and Connecting via a Global Project ....

Winning LOGO Design

I attended several teched conferences, workshops, and webinars right before school started this year.  They inspired me to create a global project.  I am really big into scrapbooking and thought how cool it would be to have a living digital scrapbook that students could use to share their stories.

I decided to use Edmodo as my platform to connect, collaborate, and to share my dream for my global project. The Global Digital Scrapbook Project for 2013-14 was then born.  I created my goals and posted the outcome I wished to achieve with this project.  I needed a sign-up form for those who decided to join me on this journey so I created a simple Google Form that I shared with anyone and everyone who would listen to me.  By the end of October I had 75 schools from around the world that joined me in this amazing journey.

Within our Edmodo Group I created several small groups for students to use to post, collaborate, share, and connect with the other students that were participating in the project.  The students can post into groups such as art, economics, culture, school life, and etc....  My favorite group is the Spanish-English group where students can share and learn either in Spanish or English.  I did create yet another Google Form for students to fill out and and request to join the small groups.

This project has been a huge learning experience.  When I started the project I had to be the trainer to the teachers that joined in.  Most of them didn't really know how to use Edmodo or had never used it before.  I created little video clips to help those that needed it among answer tons of emails and messages.  I would like to think it has been a success since it is now February and the communication within the small groups seem to be running smoothly.

Some of the ways I've used Edmodo beyond just communicating with the thousand plus students and teachers was holding a LOGO submission for our project.  Students submitted their LOGO designs and then I created a Quiz so that kids could vote on their favorite design.  I used the Quiz feature because I could add an image to each choice.  I also post the "Page or School of the Week" and I am able to see how many times that link has been clicked on.  This helps to know if the participates are looking at what I post.  Teachers in the project also post polling questions and discussion questions within the small groups.  Students then receive either a grade for journaling or participating.  We are trying to teach the students not to type in Text talk, write in complete and proper sentences, and digital citizenship all at the same time.

Now the goal is to get all of the schools to add something to the Global Digital Scrapbook.  Again most of the teachers have not used the website creator I am using to host our scrapbook so I have to put on my trainer hat again.  The goal is to have a completed Global Digital Scrapbook by May.  I have faith that this will too happen.  It takes time to get a thousand plus people all on the same page and understanding what is needed so keep an eye on the project as it grows daily.

Tools Used for the Project:

• Edmodo
• Google Forms
• Weebly

The Global Digital Scrapbook Project (gdsp2013)

App / Tool of the Week - VoiceThread ....

App / Tool of the Week - VoiceThread ....

VoiceThread is a great presentation tool.  You can use it in many ways.  I choose to use VoiceThread for my 6th grade students and reporting on Ancient China.  I had my students compose their reports on a Google Doc and cite their resources before I gave them an iPad to record their reports.  You do not need an iPad to create a VoiceThread it can be done via their website.  After I had given them feedback and approved their report then they were given an iPad to record their report, they also had to find 3 images that represented their report.  I did have them make their recording all in one setting.  We found it hard to edit VoiceThreads via the app.

Below is an example of one of the Ancient China Reports.

Ideas for VoiceThread:

• Create a Book Report
• Create a History Report
• Create a Presentation
• Report on a Science Project
• Collaboration Project

Tips:

• Free accounts are limited, you can only create so many VoiceThreads and you can't delete them.
• If recording with the app, do all of your recording at once.  We found it hard to edit VoiceThreads via the app.
• You have to confirm your email so I created Fake/Disposable Emails for this.

Student Examples:

• China Reports

Resources:

• VoiceThread - Web Tool
• VoiceThread - iTunes App
• VoiceThread - Chrome Store

A Day of Learning .... PD at Home

A Day of Learning .... PD at Home

Today was a great day to learn something new and boy did I ever.  I participated in 7 webinars from SimpleK12 over a variety of Mobile Learning topics.  While participating in the webinars I also followed via Twitter #EdcampLiberty.  Between both learning platforms I gain a lot of information about different topics in Educational Technology or Teched.

I think it is important that we continue our education no matter what our profession is.  I just happen to be in the field of education and love learning.  I suggest that you find a learning platform that works for you.

My favorite take away from the day:

"It isn't about the app or tool it is about the outcome!"

Apps I've Learned About:  

• SnapGuide
• Snapseed
• Animoto
• POETRY
• Duolingo
• Kindle App
• Wunderlist
• History Pin
• iPrompt
• Funny Movie maker
• iTunesU 
• Comics Head
• Pic-Frame Artist 

WebTools I've Learned About:

• Box.com
• Blockposters
• Measuring Worth
• WhenSend
• VideoNot.es
• Youpd
• TinEye
• Google Research Tool
• Tour Builder

App / Tool of the Week - PocketCloud ....

App / Tool of the Week - PocketCloud ....

I have a MOBI which is a handheld device that lets me control my computer, SMARTBoard tools, and other applications remotely.  When the software updated recently it had stopped working, due to the computer I was using having an outdated operating system.  I spend most of my time walking around my classroom and loved that I could control my computer from across the room.  Since my MOBI wasn't working I started researching apps for my teacher iPad that would do the same thing as what my MOBI did.  I found a handful but they cost money.  Being a teacher and lack of funds I needed an App that was low cost or no cost.  I found the following app PocketCoud Remote Desktop.

This app is free.  You do have to visit their website and download the computer software to the computer you are wanting to control.

Steps to Set up the PocketCloud:

• Click to Download the App 
• Visit their Website and Download and Install The Campaign (click to visit their website)
• Run the Computer software.  The username for the computer part of the setup is the name of your computer.  The password will be the password for your computer.
• To Auto Detect - Enter your Gmail and its password.  This will auto detect your iPad with your computer.

On your iPad:

• After you have downloaded the app to your iPad you will need set it up to see your computer.
• Click Auto Connect.
• Enter the same Gmail you used when setting up your computer.
• Make sure you are running the computer software.  If so then you will need to click Done.
• Click Connect.
• It will ask you for your computer credentials.  The computer name and your computers password is what you will enter. (You should only have to do this once.)
• Now you should be able to control your computer. 

Tech Tips:

• Once you have your iPad is connected to your computer play around controlling your computer via your iPad.
• There is a little lag between your iPad and computer so be a little patient.
• To use your IWB a.k.a. SMARTBoard tools remotely you need to have them installed on the computer you are controlling via your iPad.  

App / Tool of the Week .... Livebinders

App / Tool of the Week .... Livebinders

Think of Livebinders as a Digital Trapper-keeper.  I like to use Liverbinders as a Digital Portfolio for my students.  Student can create a Digital Binder and add their work.  This Digital Binder can follow them through their Educational Career.  Students are then able to then show their growth.

Things You Can Add to Your Binder:

• PDF, Word, & Spreadsheet Files 
• Websites
• Images
• Videos 
• Basically anything you can make digital can be added.

Ways to Use Livebinders:

• Organize Class Resources
• Science Fair Projects
• Class Projects
• Research Projects
• Showcase Student Work
• An Assessment Tool

Example of a Digital Portfolio:

• Mrs. Wilson's Computer Apps

The Power of One ....

The Power of One ....

Say something you saw sparked an interest with you and you wanted to know more about it.  You look for people that may know more about the thing that inspired you. You join Twitter, look for a Facebook Page, attend a conference, and etc...   Find what works for you and use it.  After you find what works, build your own Personal Learning Environment.  

Once you learn more about what inspired you don't be afraid to go forward and try something new. Don't be afraid to create, explore, and really discover.  If you get stuck reach out and ask your PLE for help or ask Google, Bing, or YouTube.  Don't settle, find out more, explore, play in the sandbox, see what you can do with what inspired you.

Now share what you have learned.  

• Show Someone
• Demonstrate
• Explain
• Inspire Someone

Then reflect on what you have learned, who you have shared with, and who they have shared with. That one thing you wanted to learn more about has now became the inspiration for others.  You became the Power of One just because you shared.

That one thing that I wanted to learn more about was Augmented Reality and how to create a Green-Screen Effect.

Inspiration is everywhere don't be afraid to explore and then share.

App / Tool of the Week - Evernote

App / Tool of the Week - Evernote ....

The tool other than the Google Apps I use the most is Evernote.  Evernote is a tool that is web based and can be accessed with a computer, tablet, or smartphone.  The reason I love using this tool is I can access my stuff on any device.

I love that I can have Notebooks.  I think of the Notebooks like a filing cabinet drawer.  I can break down a notebook even more by adding more notebooks to the 1st one.  For example I have a notebook labeled Summer PD.  In that notebook I have created a notebook for each conference I have attended.  Within each conference notebook I have a note for each session, I have also tagged each session.  Say I attended a session on creating student blogs one of the tags I would assign it is blog.  This way I can do a search for blogs and everything I have tagged blog will show up in the search not matter what notebook I have assigned it to.

Evernote also has a Web Clipper.  You can capture parts of a website and import them onto a note within Evernote.  You can also add audio, images, websites, and other resources to your notes.

Here are some ideas you can use Evernote for:

• Note taking
• Recipes
• Collaboration Tool
• Saving Websites
• Sharing Resources
• Trip Planning
• Shopping Lists
• Reminders a.k.a Sticky Notes
• Store Documents
• Record Audio
• Capture and share images
• Manage a Paperless office or classroom
• Projects

Evernote has some really good video clips in YouTube.  They also have some other great tools that work with Evernote that I am still learning about.

My Global Project for 2013-14....

My Global Project for 2013-14....
There has been a change to the URL!!

After attending a "Follow Me" presentation at Podstock '13, a presentation for a "Global Read Aloud", and hearing the words from yet another presenter "Lets do something Great together", have inspired me to create a "Global Project".  I want to connect my students with other students from around the world. I want to knock down the walls of our school and let my students experience cultures from around the world.

Last year my Social Studies students sent out a plea for postcards. We did end up receiving several postcards from around the world, but most of them came from friends and family of my students.

I thought to myself what can this small Kansas town teacher do as a global project? Then it hit me, a Global Digital Scrapbook. My mind has gone crazy thinking how can I organize this project? I've decided to use Edmodo as the platform to collaborate and Weebly as the house to hold our Global Digital Scrapbook.

Now I need your help.  I need you to spread the word about our "Global Digital Scrapbook".  I would like to have as many people as possible involved in this project, the more the merrier.  I would love to see it grow.  I know with your help this project will be amazing and powerful.

To participate in this project please visit the home page of our "Global Digital Scrapbook" for 2013-14 and fill our the Sign Up form.

The NEW URL = http://gdsp2013.weebly.com