ThingLink

Anne W-S shared a tool that could be great for you and your students.  ThingLink lets you upload (or link to) an image, then place different kinds of links that provide information about the picture.  Here's an example.  Try clicking on the different icons to see the types of links that are available.

Trying to decide which tool to use to comment on images?
VoiceThread works great if you want to be able to record your voice and/or work with multiple images.  It is collaborative-- the idea is to get many people talking about/commenting on the images.

ThingLink also allows for collaboration.  Rather than including spoken commentary, it is more about creating links. Like VoiceThread, images can be shared with the wider community.

Photostory (installed on all CVU computers) is more like VoiceThread, in that it involves recording a narration.  It is not collaborative, however-- typically, it's one person's story.  Sharing a PhotoStory requires some more steps, as it is not web-based.

Thoughts on Technology Integration/ SAMR

Are you familiar with the SAMR model for technology integration?

If you have a few minutes, here is an excellent video released recently.  In the video, Ruben Puentedura discusses three models for thinking about student use of technology.
I've created an index, so you can watch in parts, if desired.




Starting at 2:33 SAMR (Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition)

Starting at 6:48 TPCK (Technology, Pedagogy, Content Knowledge.

Starting at 7:49 Categories of tech tools: 1)Social, 2) Mobile, 3) Visualization, 4) Digital Storytelling, 5)Educational Gaming

If you can only watch one segment, I recommend highly the part on SAMR.  When you think of tasks for students to do with technology, where do they fit in the graphic below?  There is nothing wrong with S, but R is what really makes a difference in learning.

Teachers-- I'd love to help you design  tasks that integrate technology with SAMR in mind.

Prezi adds audio!

Prezi is a popular presentation tool for students and teachers alike.  One of the drawbacks has been the lack of sound.  Prezi just announced that they have now added the ability to incorporate sound.  Here's a video about it:

Teachers using Technology

Here are two ways that CVU teachers have used technology for instruction in their classes recently:

When Peter Booth was absent from his math class, he used EduCreations on his iPad to prepare his lesson for his students.  EduCreations allows you to narrate while you write, draw and manipulate images on your iPad.  Peter's substitute than played back the recorded lesson the classroom computer.  Students said afterwards that they found it enjoyable and helpful to have the lesson taught by Peter, even when he was out.  Here's the lesson:
http://www.educreations.com/lesson/view/geometry-sub-plans-arc-length/5542446/?ref=link

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During her science class, Sarah Strack needed to check for understanding from students.  She used PollEverywhere, which allows students to use cell phones, laptops, tablets--basically, any device-- to provide answers to a question or poll.  She used AirServer (wirelessly sends your iPad or Mac screen to the projector) to project the poll from her iPad.  Compare this to asking students, "Does everyone get it?"  Here are the students' responses to one question.:

Dynamic Landscapes, May 16-17, 2013

Dynamic Landscapes is a conference co-sponsored by the state organizations for technology integrationists (VITA-Learn) and librarians (VSLA).  It's a great opportunity to get ideas for integrating technology and information literacy in your classes. It is also conveniently located at Champlain College (where the lunch is excellent!).  Workshops are led by teachers, tech integrators, librarians, and more.  There are also opening and closing keynote speakers each day.  

CVU teachers who have attended Dynamic Landscapes in the past have found it to be informative and inspiring. Please consider attending this year!  More information may be found at https://sites.google.com/a/vita-learn.org/dynamiclandscapes2013/