SAMR - Teaching Above the Line

Image created by
the amazing Janet Barnstable

For as long as I can remember I have been an advocate for helping teachers understand the stages of technology integration in order to effectively use tech as a tool for learning.

I've adopted a few different tech integration models over the years, discussed the ideas with administrators for use as a starting point for tech integration, and kept the ideas front of mind as I invent and discover new ways for using technology as a tool for learning.  

Wagon Wheel Through the Lens of the Common Core

The wheels are turning slowly, but that's okay. Let's start with vocabulary and the big picture. Here are the lyrics, wordled and connected to the  Common Core Shift #6 - Vocabulary.  It's a good way to dig deeper into words.

Collaborative Learning with ThingLink - Wagon Wheel

Yesterday I created an interactive image to demonstrate how easy it is to engage in collaborative leaving with ThingLink. If you explore the live image, you will discover the Padlet online board that is being used to assemble collaborator's thoughts. I've pulled some of the ideas together and have been adding them to the ThingLink to define the song through multimedia. Now I am digging deeper to connect standards and design a student driven learning experience. 

Explore, Learn, Contribute & Share

Just having a bit of summer fun today sharing and collaborating about music.  Join us!

Learning Through Music & Collaboration

Time for a bit of summer fun. Please click on the link to contribute ideas to kickoff a project with Padlet. 

Mastery Connect - An Essential Tool for the CCSS

Without a doubt, the most useful reference tool I use when planning CCSS aligned technology powered learning experiences is Common Core, by Mastery Connect.

Apps to Create and Connect to the Common Core on GettingSmart.com

View on GettingSmart.com

Pixntell - Create Narrated Photo Slideshows in a Snap

Pixntell is free app that allows users to quickly create and share a narrated slideshow of pictures. Just add photos, record narration and share newly created videos via DropBox, FaceBook, YouTube or email. You can even apply special effects to photos if desired. The app couldn't be simpler to use!

Google Docs Research Template - A Stepping Stone

Google Docs Presentation is well-suited for use as a tool for short student driven research projects because of the availability of efficient integrated research tools right on the page. Earlier this year I designed a template to introduce teachers to the usefulness of the tool.

The purpose of the template is for use as a starting point to help teachers plan and implement technology driven learning experiences that are fueled by Essential Questions and aligned to Common Core Standards. The template includes built in screencast tutorials to help students learn to use the technology. This allows teachers to focus on the content instead of being consumed by student questions about using the tech. After all, technology is a tool for learning, not a subject area. It is meant to be integrated, not isolated.

Unpacking the Common Core: Tech Powered Projects

Earlier today I presented a webinar for Simple K12. I packed a lot of content and resources into the 30 minute presentation so I am publishing the interactive slideshow here. The slideshow has plenty of links to explore. These resources can be viewed at your own pace. 

Webinar: Unpacking the Common Core -Technology Powered Projects

Thursday, June 13, 2013
10:00 AM EDT

Technology can be a powerful tool to help us meet the Common Core Standards and prepare our students for success in school and beyond, and a great way to use that technology is with student projects. 

Join us for a look at how to use free and user friendly digital tools to design and facilitate Common Core aligned, student-driven learning experiences that provide students with flexible learning paths and extend the walls of the classroom.

Sign up at Simple K12

Open School ePortfolio for Authentic Assessment

An ePortfolio is a collection of student work that is used to document effort, progress, and achievement over time. Students become actively involved in their own learning as they engage in goal setting, decision making and self-reflection. ePortfolios are powerful tools for authentic assessment because they require teachers and students to dig deeper than a multiple choice test. As we scramble to fully implement the Common Core Standards, ePortfolios can be an extremely useful tool to help students develop skills necessary for success in school and beyond.

On Getting Smart Today...

Read more on GettingSmart.com

Digital Differentiation Webinar Series in July

Technology is a tool that can be used to help teachers facilitate learning experiences to address the diverse needs of all students. At the most basic level, digital tools can be used to help students find, understand, and use information. When combined with student-driven learning experiences that are fueled by essential questions and offer flexible learning paths, use of digital tools can break the learning barriers that exist in our classrooms. 

ThingLink Mobile App - Capture and Share Teachable Moments

Now you can create and share multimedia rich interactive images on the go with the free ThingLink Mobile App for iPad and iPhone.  Just take a photo, tag the image with video or text, and instantly share it through email, Twitter or FaceBook. The new ThingLink App provides mobile users with the ability to quickly embed video and text into any photo for a quick snippet of life as it is happening.