Category Archives: Technology

Making Noise with QR Codes and Chrome

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Image result for monkey with a tool belt and the noisy problem

After reading, Monkey with a Tool belt and the Noisy Problem by Chris Monroe, students were engaged in a learning activity that focused on sounds. In the book, Chico can not figure out what is making the “Arooga Boom Boom Clang Clang” sound in his tree house. He sets out to find the sound and ends up finding an elephant stuck in his laundry shoot. Students loved the problem solving and the introduction of a new character. Clark the elephant got lost and landed in Chico’s tree house instead of Elsa’s.

The STEAM learning extension included content in making, music, art, technology and engineering. Third and fourth grade students used their Chromebooks to complete their projects. These classes created a sound using materials in the Maker Studio and recorded them on the app Mic Note. The process of going to the web store and adding an app to the drive was all part of the instruction. Students then learned how to export the sound and make the copied link shareable. This link was then placed in the QR code generator that they had downloaded. Once the QR code was generated, students copied the image and placed their finished product on the google doc located in the STEAM google classroom.

Once QR codes were printed and cut out, they were placed on Chico’s tree house. Understanding the purpose of listening and how sounds are all around us encouraged students to place the QR code according to what room in Chico’s house he might hear their particular sound.

Problem solving, learning new technology, creating and producing a product to share with the school at large was an exciting learning experience.

Mini Maker Workshop

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Maker CampCome join us for an AWESOME day of Professional Development at Samford University on February 7th from 8am – 3pm.  Event information can be found  at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/create-make-play-mini-maker-faire-tickets-14179696855

Attendees will participate and collaborate in hands-on activities as they construct, MAKE, and build using some of the following below:

1.  Green Screens – Create movies using apps to produce movies that can take place anywhere in the world.

2.  Robotics – Learn about Sphero, Ollie, NXT, WeDo, and Meet Einstein.

3.  Legos/Boxes/Tinker Toys – Activities that will engage students all day with building and engineering.

4.  Little Bits – Create and build projects with electrical/magnetic pieces.

5.  All About Coding – Get the most current websites and apps for coding.

6.  Google Apps and Extensions

7.  MAKE and TECH – learn about Touchboards, MakeyMakey, Conductive Ink etc…

8.  Music

Space is limited due to materials needed for all to MAKE and CREATE.  All activities are hands-on, limited to 50 attendees.

Edmodo

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For those not familiar with Edmodo,  it is a microblogging system designed specifically for teachers and students. Using Edmodo, teachers can create a microblogging network for their classes. Edmodo allows teachers to create a group specifically for their students and exclude those not invited to the group. Edmodo provides teachers with a place to post assignment reminders, build an event calendar, and post messages to the group. Users can share links, videos, and images.

Below is a list of things teachers and students can do with Edmodo…

 1. Post assignments for students. Edmodo allows teachers to attach files to assignment announcements. If there is a file your students need in order to complete an assignment, they can access it at the same place they view the announcement. Less clicking is good.

2. Create digital libraries. Students and teachers can create digital libraries for housing their important files. No need to keep track of USB drives because you can access your files from any Internet-connected computer.

3. Post messages on the “wall.” This allows students to ask questions of each other and their teacher. Teachers, of course, can post messages for all students to read.

 4. Create learning groups. Teachers can create groups of their students according to the courses they teach or create groups of students who are supposed to be working together.

 5. Post polls for students. Use the polls to gather informal feedback.

6. Post a quiz for students to take. You can attach links and files to each question and answer choice. This allows you to post a document and ask students to read and respond to it. Quizzes can be in multiple choice, true/ false, fill in the blank, or short answer form. You can allow students to see their scores immediately or you can disable that option.

 7. Connect with other teachers. Join discussion groups to share ideas about lesson plans, teaching strategies, and project development. 

 8. Create a calendar of events and assignments.

9. Access Edmodo through the free Android and iPhone apps.

10. Turn in assignments. Students can upload assignments for their teachers to view and grade. Teachers can annotate the assignments directly in Edmodo.

11. Create parent accounts. Teachers can create parent accounts. Parent accounts allow parents to see their children’s assignments and grades. Teachers can also send alerts to parents about school events, missed assignments, and other important messages through Edmodo.

12. Generate printable class rosters. If you’re going to have a substitute teacher in your classroom who needs a printed roster, you can print one from your Edmodo account.  You can also export grades to an excel spreadsheet.

13. Embed Wallwisher into your Edmodo wall to host a brainstorming session.

14. Embed a variety of videos, images, and audio clips into your wall to spark a class discussion online.

15. Use the Google Chrome extension or browser bookmarklet to quickly add content to your Edmodo library. Anytime you find something on the web, click the Edmodo extension or bookmarklet to save it in your Edmodo library.  Helps save time and keeps you organized.

16.  Add and create badges for your students.

17.  Join Edmodo Pulished Communities…great discussions and learning take place in these communities.

18.  Create a book study group.

19.  Create small subgroups from your class groups for hand-on/building assignments.  (JIGSAW LEARNING)

20.  Great place to have digital citizenship discussions.  THINK before you POST!