Ms. Coltrane's 2nd graders learned to use padlet. She'll use this tool to have the kids respond to a question, post photos, videos and other information that suits the task at hand. Padlet is a great tool for students to use since it doesn't require them to log in at all. And, the teacher can set preferences for privacy which protects students from contact with the rest of the internet world. Padlets can also be shared with other classrooms, parents and others in the community as the teacher chooses. Padlet is also a great way to create a Digital Citizenship teachable moment since everything student's type is viewed by the entire class. Ms. Coltrane projected the padlet on her white board so kids could stop by and read what others had written when they had time throughout the day.
We have also secured a skype visit with a Park ranger from Yellowstone National Park. Mystery Skype hasn't worked for us yet but this is a fantastic substitute, especially since the kids are anxiously awaiting mail from Flat Stanley visits all over the country. The ranger will present the kids with a general introduction to Yellowstone and take their questions about what they have seen. This is such a great use of technology to stretch the classroom! Ms. Pittman's 3rd graders have a few new tools under their belt. They have learned to use padlet and Seesaw over the past few weeks. And... we are beginning to build a tech toolbox for students so they can start implementing more choice in how they present what they have learned. By the time the first PBL rolls around these kids will have a lot of tools to choose from which will make their research and presentations more engaging for both the learner and the audience. Coming soon is a unit on Democracy and Ms. Pittman will be using polls to show the kids how democracy works. We're looking for some great projects to come out of this activity so keep a close eye on third grade. Ms. Millwood's 4th graders are also using padlet. They'll be focusing more on critical thinking skills and building inquiry skills. Everyone seems to be using padlet in different ways and this is great! Versatile technology tools are very important because we don't want the learning to be about technology, we want technology to support and transform the learning. Next week we are working on Seesaw to build a digital portfolio for Ms. Millwood's students. We're looking at tech integration in pbl units as well as doing some quick and easy assessments using plickers. Today I talked to Ms. Dickinson about her thoughts on introducing office 365 to Abbotts students. There is always something new and exciting coming out of the Abbotts Hill Media Center.
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Technology tools can be powerful. They can help build communication, critical thinking, collaboration and creativity in the classroom. Technology doesn’t have to create solitary citizens, it can help create global citizens who learn to work together for global solutions. Archives |