1/14/2019 0 Comments Explain Everything App LAUNCHLearning about the Explain Everything app and how to integrate it into our Synergy Indigenous Plant Project has taken some time and a lot of perseverance. It has been at times frustrating and time consuming yet at the same time exciting. I am launching into using it with my class tomorrow with the intent of learning along with my students. I feel comfortable with the basics but know there are many more applications. I have a sinking feeling that the students will be less anxious than I and may in fact teach me more than I can learn on my own. Parents/Guardians will hopefully receive the first video journal entry this week updating them on their child's progress. Wish us luck!
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12/9/2018 0 Comments Green Screen and Do InkMy students really enjoyed creating these green screen photos. It was also a fun first project for me to learn how to use the SET BC Padcaster filming equipment. It provided a perfect launch for discussions about digital citizenship (i.e., creative credit & copyright).
12/9/2018 1 Comment Synergy Project UpdateOur class SET-BC Synergy project is moving forward slowly. We are still learning how to use the Padcaster equipment in a loud classroom setting. Our biggest challenge is being able to hear the audio clearly. Some of the difficulties involve getting to know the settings on the various microphones - including having it turned to the on position. I did purchase a better set of headphones which will allow the film crew to listen as they are filming and adjust how close the mic needs to be to the speaker. We are also finding that everyone in the classroom needs to be extremely quiet during filming for the audio to be picked up especially for students who speak very quietly. Our next step, now that most of the students have completed their Field Guides, is to film our first digital diary reflection using the Explain Everything app.
11/30/2018 0 Comments Communicating Student LearningThis week students have been learning how to use the app Seesaw to communicate their learning. Some students were able to successfully upload videos about their Math-terpieces - an Art-Infused project. Although the students doing the video recording found the app easy to use with the Padcaster equipment, many videos did not have sound because the microphone was in the OFF position. Unfortunately those videos had to be discarded. We tried to fix the problem by attaching headphones to the split audio jack and this seemed to help but it was still difficult for the students doing the filming to tell if the audio was coming through the Padcaster iPad or if they were just hearing the student speaking. Sound-reducing headphones would likely fix this problem. We are hoping to redo the videos next week and upload them to Seesaw for all parents to view.
11/9/2018 0 Comments Some Successes and MistakesIt was a very busy two weeks with the FSAs but many of the students had a chance to receive some extra learning with our new technology. The grade 3 students in both Mrs. Gilchrist's and my class created books while our grade 4 students completed the FSAs. It is amazing to see how quickly they pick up technology. They were completely engaged when learning how to use the app Book Creator. Although there is a lot of diversity academically in our two classes most were able to produce finished products once they were shown all the steps.
We were also able to use the Padcaster studio to film some of our Remembrance Day assembly. Again, the two students were able to easily use the technology once it was set up on the tripod. It was especially nice to have wheels on the tripod as they were able to move it easily into position for the filming. I did struggle to get the iPad into the Padcaster case but think I have figured it out for next time. If I pushed on the back of the flexible case it made it easier to slide the iPad into place. Unfortunately, I forgot to put batteries in the "shotgun" microphone but the iPad did pick up some of the sound. As with any technology, there is a learning curve for us all. 10/16/2018 1 Comment The Padcaster Studio Arrived!!It was very exciting in my class when the large boxes with our new equipment arrived. The students couldn't wait to use it. However, their enthusiasm was short lived when I explained that I needed to learn a little bit about it first. And so OUR learning journey begins. My professional slogan this year is "keep it simple" and this has been challenging of late as I strive to learn about the Padcaster studio equipment and its apps. I am so glad to have the support of my school district tech department and the SET BC team. Debbie and I learned a lot last week from our day with Beth Smith who received the Padcaster a few years ago. She walked us through the set-up of the equipment and its use. She will be an invaluable resource this year and we were so grateful to have her guidance and expertise. I was a bit apprehensive about using Explain Everything with my students as it is such a robust program. Yet again wanting to keep things simple but hearing from others that it requires one-on-one support from the teacher in order to use with grade 3 and 4 students. When I received the email from SET BC about an upcoming session about this app, I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about it. I am cautiously optimistic that I can train my students to use it by the end of the school year. 10/16/2018 0 Comments Exciting BeginningMrs. Debbie Gilchrist and I started our professional learning journey on October 4th. We had our first on-line introductory session with our provincial partners from SET BC After the session we discussed the 6 other team projects that were presented. We were surprised to learn that there were only 7 Podcaster communication participants but were excited about the diversity of grades and subject areas. It was also nice to hear that some of the teams are on Twitter. During the session, we ran into our first technology glitch when we were unable to access the presentation slides. We have a strong TECH support team so we didn't panic. They have reassured us it will be resolved before our next session.
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I am passionate about inquiry-based learning and Maker Education. I strive to actively engage students through authentic, hands-on, collaborative experiences. We look forward to sharing our exciting learning journey with you so check back regularly to view our progress.
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