Diary of a Techie Chick: freebies

Showing posts with label freebies. Show all posts

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.

Update on eBook ....

I created an interactive eBook via iBook Author for my 8th grade Computer Apps class. It has some video clips I made or found very helpful along with interactive review questions and helpful screenshots. I used the eBook this past semester with my students. The feedback from my students was very positive. They liked being able to watch, pause, rewind, and even fast forward the video clips I made. I also received high marks from my students because I had hyperlinked the videos to my classroom YouTube channel.

Now that I had a chance to use it with students I went back through my eBook and made some minor adjustments suggested by my students and added student created examples.

If you would like to view my little eBook Mrs. Wilson's Computer Apps - Let's Take Flight please click here. If you had previously downloaded my eBook via the iTunes store you should see in iBooks that is has an update. As I continue to use this book with my students I will be updating it as well as adding more resources.

I am also known as the Queen of Typos. If you see a mistake please let me know.

Tools to Try in 2014 ....

Technology is constantly changing and I try to learn as much as I can without overwhelming myself. I think it is important to be a life long learning and not get yourself stuck in a rut so to speak. The following list are tools I am going to try to learn more about and find ways to use them in my classroom. This is a small list of tools I would like to try. I think it is wise to keep your list short and simple once you learned what you set out to learn you can always add to your list.

New Tools to Try:

Tellagami - A mobile app that allows you to create animated video clips.
LucidPress - Lets you create Publisher Items and Sync them to your Google Account.
LiveSlide - Presentation / Learning Platform Tool
SubText - Allows Groups to exchange ideas in the pages of a Digital Text.
ThingLink - Makes your images Interactive.

Example of a ThingLink Image

AR Flashcards Capturing Young Learners ...

My Favorite Flashcard!

Even though this app is for young learners I had a blast playing around with the flashcards. The AR Flashcards are an interactive way to learn the alphabet and dinosaurs with the use of Augmented Reality. You will need print the flashcards and download the app before you can begin. Once you have the flashcards it is suggested not to laminate them do to the glare making it hard for the app to pick up the trigger to make it interactive.

The creators of AR Flashcards are busy making finishing up the AR Flashcards - Space. I can't wait to see these flashcards in action.

Some Tips:

Print the flashcards from www.arflashcards.com.
Flashcards cam be displayed on a monitor or mobile device or even through a projector.
Avoid dark areas and bad lighting when using the app.
Touch the animals to hear the letter and animal name.
Make sure the camera is focused. If not try double tapping your screen to focus.
Try using a stand with your iPad, Tablet, or Smartphone.

Introducing the App or Tool of the Week .....

I have learned a lot in the past year or so about different apps for my iPad and web tools I can use for my personal, professional, and classroom. My toolbox is over flowing with these tools so I thought it was time to start sharing my favorites. At least once a week I am going to try to share an app or tool I have found very useful. To launch the App or Tool of the Week I wanted to start off with a tool I use daily which is Symbaloo.

Symbaloo is a pin type of board a.k.a a webmix or social bookmarking tool. It can be private just for you or you can share it. I love it because I can organize my resources, student examples, and tools on a webmix and share it. One of the features I love the most is the ability to embed a webmix on to my classroom website. This helps me guide my students to where I want them to go. There is no more of me hearing "Where do I do to go Mrs. Wilson.", "What was that address again.", or my favorite one "I can't find it, I think you told me wrong".

Another feature I really like is that you can copy and add links to other webmix without losing the original link. For example if I want 4 groups to have the same resource all I have to do is add it to one webmix and then copy it over to the other 3.

To Get Started Making a Webmix:

First you will need to create an account.
There are many ways of doing things what I find easy in making a webmix is to click on the "Plus Sign" that is located under my name at the top right hand side of the screen.
Name your webmix.
Click the "ADD" button.
Next it is time to add a website or URL. Click on a Square.
Click Create Title.
Add your web address where it says http:// - The easiest way is to copy and paste directly from the website to avoid typos.
You can modify your square by telling it to show the a Title, changing the color, adding a graphic, and etc...
Click the "SAVE" button when you are finished.
If you don't like where the square ended up you can drag and drop it to the location on the webmix you desire.

Tips:

Copy and Paste the URL instead of typing it in.
When you add a new square update your webmix.
Stay organized. If you have resources on a topic I would group them together.
You can color code your squares.
Check to see if your link you just added takes you where you want it to go.

Some of My Webmixes:

Removing a Green-Screen as Easy as 1, 2, 3 with Gimp

I've been playing around with different photo editing tools. I have always loved Gimp. It is like Photoshop but the cost is way better, if you like free. It is a program you have to download and they do have a version for Windows and Mac.

Steps to remove the Green:

Always make a copy of the original photo, just in case you really mess up you still have the original.
Open your photo in Gimp.
Go to Layers and Add an Alpha Channel.
In your Tools choose the Color Pick Tool.
Click on the Green background. It should outline your main subject.
Go to "Edit" and choose "Clear". You make have to repeat a few times.
Create a New Layer and make sure it is Transparent.
Open the photo that will become your background in Gimp.
Using the "Select" tool, select what you want to copy.
Go to "Edit" choose "Copy".
Go back to your 1st photo, the one you removed the green from.
Click on your new layer. Go to "Edit" and choose "Paste".
You will need to click on the "Anchor" icon in the Layer window and "Anchor" it to the new background layer.

I did find a YouTube video clip that shows the steps.

Tech Tips:

Always make a copy of your photo before you begin to edit it.
You can always undo something if you mess up or you don't like what the program did.
Be patient.

Tech Training with Katie Ann

Part of my job allows me to teach others how to use different technology tools in the classroom. This past summer I was able to receive professional development via several webinars on a variety of web tools. I walked away with lots of information and some really great ideas on how to use some of these wonderful web tools in the classroom. I decided I would pick 3 tools; Quizlet, WallWisher, & Weebly to start at with and implement them in my classroom.

I started using Weebly as my classroom website. Even though I know how to build websites, read, and write in HTML I really loved the user friendly of Weebly. I was able to make a dynamic classroom website with ease.

Quizlet was a tool I picked because I wanted to teach my students how they could help themselves learn difficult vocabulary. I also wanted to use online flashcards with my Social Studies classes to help them study for my quizzes. I really like how I can embed the flashcards in my classroom website. This helps keep me organized and make it easier for my students to find.

When I saw WallWisher several ideas on how to use this tool jumped in to my head. I am currently using this tool as a way for my students to collaborate as well as an assessment tool. I like that I can post a question and have all of their responses in one place. I am also able to give my students feedback.

My suggestion is to pick 1 tool and play with it. Have your students play around with it as well. Brainstorm ideas with your students on how to use the tool in your classroom, you can even use WallWisher.

To visit my presentation click the link below:

Tech Training with Katie Ann

Oliver Dreams Big

Oliver Dreams Big .....

My daughter gets to be a helper in school in which she will be helping to introduce the letter "O". Me being the Techie Teacher thought how cool would it be if the two of us wrote and illustrated a book for her class. Using the Digital Storytelling web tool Little Bird Tales we created the story "Oliver Dreams Big". I wanted Oliver to be orange octopus and she wanted him to be an octagon. Together with collaboration we created Oliver the Orange Octagon Octopus who lives in a big blue ocean. We used Google Draw to create our under water world that Oliver lives in.

Teacher Resources:

Tech Tip:

If you use Google Draw you will need to download your picture as a jpeg so you can upload it into Little Bird Tales.
You can also draw within Little Bird Tales.
You can even record your child reading the story you create together.

Exit Slips in 160 Characters or Less...

For the past week my 6th grade students have been learning about culture. We brainstormed what culture was and create a collage of items that best represents culture. Students then had to do an impromptu persuasive speech on why their collage best represented culture. After the speeches were finished we then voted on which collages best represented culture. Now it was time to assess if my students understood culture before we head onto the Ancient Civilizations. I racked my brain trying to figure out how I was going to assess their opinion on what culture means to them. Then it hit me. I just used WallWisher which is a free online collaborating tool with my computer apps class to build a technology terminology wall, why can't I use that same tool as an exit slip.

I posted the question and gave instructions to my students to write what culture means to them. In one glance I can see which students got the concept of culture and which ones did not. I also can see which students that need more practice in typing compete and proper sentences.

Who would have thought that online sticky notes could be used as an assessment tool?

Tech Tip:

Set up the wall before class.
If you have a class website or blog embed the wall so it is easier for students to find.
When setting up the wall check mark that you want to approve all posts.
Have students erase Anonymous and type in their 1st name.

Online Word Walls

Online Word Walls ...

I attended a webinar over using Wall Wisher which is a free online collaboration tool. A lightbulb went on and I thought what a great way to get my students thinking and talking about technology terms. I don't know about you but when someone tells me that thingy or whatchamacallit is not working really is not proper vocabulary or terminology for technology. I even have adults use that type of terminology when talking anything tech related to me. It only took me two minutes to set up my Technology Word Wall in Wall Wisher and then embed it into my classroom website. I do have it set up that I must approve each posts.

Knowing that technology terminology is such a broad topic and having about 80 eighth grade students I decided that we needed to collaborate and everyone needs a hand in creating our "Technology Word Wall".

The following were the instructions I gave my students.

Part I:

You need to research words you think relates to technology.
You need to add your word and its definition written in your own words to the wall.
You are only allowed 160 characters.

Part II:

If another student has copied your idea you will need to comunicate and decide which definition needs to be removed and email me your decision.
Find more words.

Part III: Which they have not done yet.

They will be creating a quiz in Google Forms using 10-15 of the technology terms that has been posted to the wall.
I will have active links to all of the quizzes created posted on my classroom website for students to access.
My students will then have to pick 5 different quizzes. If they don't receive at least 80% on each quiz then they will have a chance to pick a different quiz and do a retake.

Last year I spent weeks coming up with activities to teach only a handful of technology terms to my kids and most of it went in one ear and out the other. After just a week of launching this word wall my students are talking and having some meaningful discussions among themselves circling around technology terminology.

Math Fun the Sumdog Way...

Last school year I introduced my students to Sumdog. Sumdog is a free math site that using fun interactive games to deliver Common Core State Standards. The games are aimed for students grades 1st through 8th grade. What makes Sumdog so great is that it is self-paced learning that covers number operations through to simple algebra. As students answer the math problems Sumdog's learning engine adapts its questions to each student's ability which in turns helps teachers deliver those CCSS and move students to the mastery level.

The games are not tied to specific topics, which I think helps keep kids engaged. Sumdog holds different contests throughout the year from National Wide contest to State Wide contest. I did learn that the kids really like to see themselves on the leader board which sparked in house contests. When school started this year I had several students asked when do we start Sumdog. They had heard that Sumdog was AWESOME and I was the teacher to see to get connected.

For more information about Sumdog please visit their website.

StudyJams

StudyJams...

After the tenth student that came and asked me for help with their math homework I realized that I needed to brush up on my math skills. I also realized that when I see a math problem my mind starts to solve the problem, its like an automatic response. What I am having trouble with is explaining to the kids the steps my mind went through to solve the problem. This triggered me to find a resource that the kids can use and will explain the steps. I searched and discovered StudyJams.

I have to say from a teacher view StudyJams is AWESOME! StudyJams is by Scholastic and they not only has math topics but also they have science topics. At this moment I am interested in the math topics. With each topic they demonstrated step-by-step instructions on how they worked the problem. The students then get to try it for themselves. What I love is that they get instant feedback after working the problem. After they have tried it for themselves they can test themselves. When they are done testing themselves they can see the problems they missed. Again they get instant feedback. If they didn't understand the process on how they solved the problem they can go back and see those steps again. It's like having a math teacher on demand.

Tech Tip:

Save the StudyJams link to your school or classroom webpage.
Walk students through the website the 1st time.
Demonstrate how the step-by-step instructions work.

SimpleK12 Ambassador

SimpleK12 Ambassador .....

I was doing a happy dance this week after I learned that I was picked to be a SimpleK12 Ambassador. Now I bet you are asking yourself what is SimpleK12 and why would she be so happy being picked to become an Ambassador. SimpleK12 is a great way to continue your education by professional development in the education world within an online Teacher Learning Community. This past summer I have connected to educators around the world through this community that have the same interest I have. Which is to become a Life Long Learner.

Attending a semester long course to receive professional development or that college credit at this point in my life just doesn't sit well with me. I don't know about you but I am busy planning my lessons, attending meetings, going to sporting events, cooking dinner for five people, being taxi mom, and tutor mom. I also live in a small town and if I want to attend a college to get that college credit I would have to drive over an hour away. Due to my busy life I needed away I could continue to learn but be able to fit it into my life. SimpleK12 or you may know them as the ladies with the Blue Bunny Slippers was the answer for me. Thanks to all of their sponsors they are able to offer free Webinars. Simplek12 also goes beyond just webinars. They have built a Teacher Learning Community where teachers can share resources, download e-books, watch on demand sessions, forums, and my favorite making connections.

Below is more information about the Teacher Learning Community. Click here for a print friendly handout.

Click Here to Join the Community!!

Find me in the community and connect with me.

Back to School Giveaway #2 The Socks Rhyming Game

Gumball Math Winners...

The Winners of the Back to School Giveaway #1 Gumball Math are:

#1. loriferrante
#2. nicolehuddleston

Please login to the Teachers Notebook to claim your prize.

Back to School Giveway #2 The Socks Rhyming Game

Here is the next Back to School Giveaway. To enter you will need to visit the Teachers Notebook. There will be 2 lucky winners of the Socks Rhyming SMART Board Game.

Drawing will be 8-30-2012

Link to the description of the Socks Rhyming Game. TPT Store or Teachers Notebook

Back to School Giveaway #1 Gumball Math

Tis the season, the back to school season, and I am throwing a Back to School Giveaway!! I plan on having a handful of Back to School Giveaways so check back often to see how you can enter and win!

Bonus: I align all of my activities to Common Core Standards.

To enter the Back to School Giveaway #1 Gumball Math simple visit the Teachers Notebook store and enter.

The drawing will be 08-26-2012 and there will be 2 lucky winners.

Link to the description of Gumball Math. TPT Store or Teachers Notebook Store

Back to School Sale

Back to School Sale ..... Aug. 13th - Aug. 16th

Since its the season, back to school season that is. I am having a Back to School Sale. Everything is on SALE. Save 20% on some really fun SMART Board activities. I've tried to connect all activities to the Common Core Standards.

Visit my TPT store or my TeachersNotebook store to get in on the savings.

I am also taking requests. If there is a topic, activity, or a lesson you would like to see in my store just let me know.

Also keep an eye out I will be having another Giveaway very soon a Back to School Giveaway!

Give with Target

Want to help our kids? It’s easy. Our school can receive up to $10,000 in Target GiftCards^® for books or any supplies we need. Wouldn’t that be great? All we need to do is vote for our school each week until September 8. It’s part of Give With Target^®. For every 25 votes our school receives, Target will send a $25 gift card. Find out more and vote at Facebook.com/Target.

Click Here to Vote for Liberty Middle School.

Quizlet .... Making it Simple

Quizlet Making it Simple

I recently learned about an online web tool called Quizlet thanks to a webinar. As soon as the webinar was over I made my 1st online flashcards for my technology class.

Study these flash cards

Quizlet lets you quickly make your own digital flashcards, quizzes, the speller, and other games tied to your vocabulary words. What I really love about this is that I can embed the flashcards into my classroom website. You can also share these digital flashcards on your classroom twitter, blog, or even Faceboook.

Since I just learned about this free web tool I haven't had a chance to use it in the classroom. Though my son who will be in Honors English in the fall had a summer assignment and we both sat down and created digital flashcards for his assignment.

Study these flash cards

Tech Tip:

Embed your flashcards to your classroom website, blog, or wiki.
If you use the quiz feature have your students show you their score before they close the page.

ClassDojo

ClassDojo....Classroom Management Application

Since I teach in a computer lab setting I like to reward my students with a little free time on the computers. I was racking my brain trying to come up with ways to better keep track of my students behavior, so that I can reward them. I thought about having a marble jar for each class, since I am going to have 4 keyboarding classes, 2 computer apps classes, and 2 social studies classes I decided that was way too many marbles. I might even lose my marbles if I tried that approach.

This summer I attended a webinar that introduced a classroom management application called ClassDojo. I think this application will be the answer to my dilemma. I can set up all of my classes via my computer which only took a few minutes. I will then be able to reward positive points to my students or add negative points for behavior issues.

You may be wondering "What is ClassDojo?"
ClassDojo is a tool that helps teachers boost classroom engagement and improve student behavior quickly and easily, with just one click! It also lets teachers communicate behavior data with parents and students. Best of all, it’s completely free!

Behavior management finally made positive
• Award feedback points for specific behaviors,
learning habits, and accomplishments in class
• Everything is logged in realtime - with just one click

I will be able to use this application via my phono, iPad, or computer. When little Jonny just will not stay on task I can record it easily, instantly, and have a report for his parents.

Screen Shot of My Classes

I am looking forward to tying this application in my classroom this fall.

Magic Carpet Ride

Magic Carpet Ride ...

As I start planning for the next school year I am kicking around the idea of using a Magic Carpet Ride in my 6th Grade Social Study classes. This will be the 1st year I am teaching this subject. Social Studies in general for me is like a Magic Carpet Ride, you get to go back in time and look at history, culture, events, ruins, and etc...

As I plan my lessons I thought I might share a few resources I have created for this journey I plan on taking my students on.

Magic Carpet Ride - TPT or Teachers Notebook *Freebie
Magic Carpet Ride Poem ~ Inference - TPT or Teachers Notebook

The resources I have created do not necessary have to be used for 6th grade Social Studies.