An App for that...

By -
Are all technologies in the classroom created equal?
Well no.  There are many models to discuss what is a better use of technology in the classroom.
Revised Blooms and SAMR discusses the difference between the types of technology that can be used, and the levels of achievement in these areas.

SAMR

Both look to simplify how we approach technology in the classroom.  Giving us a prescribed App vs Higher order thinking method to the madness of the use of technology in the classroom.
When we look at use of technology, be it iPads, computer labs, smart board, laptops... We need to look towards the lesson plan and the unit plan, rather than that of the tool. Higher order thinking can be shown in almost any application or with any tool, as well as low level thinking can be shown with poor planning and lots of resources thrown at the problem.  The simple pencil with planning and educational creativity can be far better than expensive technology and little planning.

The idea that there is an “App for that” is wrong when it comes to education.

Technology doesn't replace good instruction, but supplements good instruction to show a student's grasp of concepts.  Technology should be there to enhance and contribute to ways the student can demonstrate their creativity and understanding.

There are millions of applications for iPads, smart boards, MacBooks, pc's, chrome books...but are they all good for the classroom?  Will they work well in every situation?  Probably not.

The best learning comes when the learning outcome is thought about first, and the technology second.  I believe that when you have a good lesson idea, the technology will come.  I consult with my teachers, and discuss curriculum first.  We discuss what the student should be able to understand, the time that is available for the learning, and what the high order processes we can incorporate into the unit.

In my job, I manage 250 iPads, and assist teachers in planning and implementing technology in the classroom.  When I look at the SAMR and Modified Blooms, I believe in a suite of apps to improve functionality for iPads that tend to meet the day to day needs of students and teachers.  With this, they can add lots of functionality, without adding Drilling and Fact absorption apps.  What the goal is to make a device that assists in Creativity for the students and teacher, so higher order thinking can be shown. So, here is my current list of Apps I believe add great functions for Creativity.
If you have a tip or app you think should be here,
add it to a Comment, or send me a tweet at New-twitter-bird-icon-64px@art_schultz

This has been cross blogged from my COETAIL blog.   

Popular posts from this blog

My Mac won't load the Users & Groups preference pane: Fix

By -
Image
I had recently had a Mac on Lion unable to load the Users & Groups Preference Pane.   Like this: My IT support had suggested reimaging the computer.  Reinstalling the Operating System, reloading the applications, and transferring back the User information from Time Machine Backup. Well, after doing all of that, the problem reappeared immediately.  I scoured through Apple Support Communities and found this fix.  For some reason, some transparent users are showing up in your system.  They need to be deleted.  But since you cannot load Users & Groups... it becomes a problem. Here is the solution / procedure. Quit System Preferences.   Launch Terminal.  (Applications/Utilities/Terminal)   Copy & Paste these commands. sudo dscl . delete /Users/Guest press enter Terminal may ask for your Administrator Password, enter that. sudo dscl . delete /Users/Guest1 press enter Terminal may ask for your Administrator Password, enter that. Rel
Read more

Spike Prime Printable Blocks

By -
Image
As I prepare for coaching Middle Schoolers here in Waupaca for FIRST Lego League, I am trying to teach kids to code the SPIKE Prime Lego robots. This has its challenges. Some kids take to coding well, and some need more visuals to guide them. Teams may also want to whiteboard out their coding concepts.  I created this set of printable Word Blocks as a resource for printing, laminating, and maybe adding some magnets to the back. This allows me to put up code in a demonstration, or my teams to talk about how to achieve things after they have done some pseudo-coding of their projects. Having manipulative items are always nice for hands-on coding practice.  Whiteboard Word blocks for Proportional Line follow. Here is my collection of laminated word blocks Below are the files I created for creating these blocks. Feel free to use, but maybe send me a note & follow on twitter. @artschultz13 Direct link to folder shown below.
Read more

Adobe Spark for Chromebooks

By -
Image
Adobe Spark is a great way to create video with a Chromebook.  It is simple, scaffolded, and works. 8th grade students at my school are currently using it for Social Studies, but it could be used for many applications. Here are my tips for getting started with Adobe Spark Video on a Chromebook.  Full video above, but my tips are linked below by topic. Finding and Inserting Pictures: Start 2 minutes in . Creating Map images with Google Maps to insert: Start 5 minutes in . Starting to record your voice overs : Start 6 1/2 minutes in . Downloading and Sharing: Start about 7 minutes in . Hope this helps!
Read more