Engaging Education

Many of you know that I directed the pilot for the world’s first 3D document camera at our elementary school a couple of years ago.  The 3D Ladibug document camera is a fantastic learning tool; I saw great results with attention, learning, and behavior when using it at my school with teachers and students.

Right now, Lumens Integration, Inc. – the creator of the 3D Ladibug – is hosting a video contest for educators.  This contest gives educators the chance to showcase their best practices and innovative ideas with document cameras in four categories…. and possibly win some great prizes:

Those who would like to compete in the contest need to complete a 1-5 minute video featuring a Ladibug document camera by May 1, 2013.  What’s interesting is that on the contest website they offer to loan a doc cam to any educator for 30 days, so that all teachers have a chance to compete.  Even though it has to eventually be returned, it’s a great opportunity for teachers without a digital camera, video camera or doc cam to use a powerful tool for demonstrations and media creation with their students for that month, too.

I know that, as educators, you are already putting so many hours into planning impactful learning experiences that will make a difference with your students.  So, if you are interested in 3D or document cameras, this looks like a great way to get some recognition for all of that hard work… and bring cutting edge technology into your classrooms in the process!

The robust and diverse features of Google Docs (and now Drive) have been increasingly entering our K-12 classrooms.  By working in the cloud, students have lost less homework, used less paper and been more engaged in learning.  Yet, the greatest benefits of Google Docs may not  be so much in what can be done in to construct knowledge independently by our students, but in what can be done to construct knowledge collaboratively.

In particular, collaborative use of the Google Spreadsheet has great potential for creating impactful and thought-provoking learning experiences with our students.  These types of activities go a long way to meet the requirements set by the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S).  Through collaborative work and discussion, students work on several of the standards and goals pertaining to problem solving, speaking and listening, presenting ideas, recognizing patterns and developing communication skills.  Plus, they develop creative and critical thinking through technology by using “models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues” (NETS 1c), “identify trends and forecast possibilities” (1d), “identify authentic problems for investigation” (4a), and to “collect and analyze data to identify solutions and/or make informed decisions” (4c).

Here’s an example of how this can work:

- The teacher creates a Google Spreadsheet, formats and labels a table/chart, and shares it to the students in the class.  (As students become more comfortable with this tool, having them decide how to organize their information or data themselves can be a great part of the thinking/learning process!)

- The students research and collect data on a topic independently or in small groups and enter it into the spreadsheet.  For example, in PE, students could record the rate at which they can perform jumping jacks in order to set a goal for an upcoming fundraiser.  In science, the students might record weather data over time, comparing and observing weather patterns.  In social studies, students might collect population data, the cost of various goods, or information about elections.  In math, students can survey students about their favorite video games and tally results.  The possibilities are endless… and can easily be used in all grade levels and curriculum areas!

- Next, students use the spreadsheet tools to work with the data.  In the Google Spreadsheet, students can create graphs to model and compare the shared data, use formulas to find averages, and make predictions based on patterns recognized in the collected data.  Students can even sort and categorize lists and information as well.  As the teacher, you can monitor the students’ progress in real time by viewing the document and use your observations as formative assessment.  This catalyzes an opportunity to provide just-in-time support for struggling learners and enrichment for those achieving mastery.

- Finally… well, there is no final instruction. Why?  The collection and modeling of data is a great jumping off point for further learning, research and inquiry on any topic!  Use this collaborative knowledge base in your students’ spreadsheet to prompt class discussions, presentations, group work or even digital media creation.  In my third grade classes, students used the data they collected to inform persuasive data-driven writing and animated commercials like the one featured on this page.  In fact, cross-curricular integration possibilities abound when working with visual representations of data and information.

Best of all?  The kids love it!  The interaction between students, the camaraderie of building a knowledge base together (even in younger grades!), promotes a desire to learn and a love of the inquiry process.  It’s time to bring some excitement to the use of data in the classroom… and Google Spreadsheets are a great way to do it!

Bright, independent, critical thinkers.  Of course, that’s what every teacher wants  to have filling their classrooms.  As it turns out, there are strategic ways that we can use technologies to encourage the development of these thoughtful learners.

According to David Jonassen (2006), Mindtools allow students to create models of their cognitive connections. In Meaningful Learning with Technology, Jonassen and others elaborate on the Mindtool concept, stating, “When using computers as Mindtools to model phenomena, students are teaching the computer, rather than the computer teaching the student… learning with Mindtools requires learners to think harder about the subject-matter” (p. 193).  As a Mindtool, concept maps specifically provoke, and then aid in modeling, the cognitive connections that students are making.  Used effectively, concept maps provide an adaptive framework for students to use to identify and model connections and relationships between knowledge and ideas.

Jeff Hawkins

In the interesting TED Talk, How Brain Science Will Change Computing, Jeff Hawkins (starting around minute 10) talks about intelligence as the ability to recognize patterns and connections, then using that recognition to make predictions about novel situations.  In my experience, I have seen that concept maps help develop such intelligence by giving our students frameworks for developing and organizing their thought patterns.

Want an easy way to give this a try?  Bubbl.us allows students to have a free account where they can create and save up to 3 concept maps at any given time.  The application is incredibly easy and intuitive to use.

Plus, it gets better! Bubbl allows students to work collaboratively on the same concept map (sheet).  Students can “share” their concept maps with the other students to cooperatively work on brainstorming and research activities, provoking the type of reflective and deliberative thinking perfect for meeting Common Core standards!

Here are a few ideas for getting started!

• Collect research with source links on a social studies topic.
• Brainstorm ideas for writing a narrative story.
• Analyze a text and organize observations.
• Model the relationships between key concepts/vocabulary in a science unit.
• Identify the cause and effect relationships of various variables on a public policy.
• Compare and contrast the styles of a set of artists or authors.

And if you are a current Bubbl user or you decide to give it a try, I would love for you to share your ideas, success stories, or an example in the comments below! Happy mapping!

Howland, J., Jonassen, D.H. & Marra, R.M. (2011). Meaningful learning with technology (4th Ed.). Columbus, OH: Merrill/Prentice-Hall.
Jonassen, D. H. (2006). Modeling with technology: Mindtools for conceptual change. Columbus, OH: Merrill/Prentice Hall.

This year I have the distinct honor and privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for the Florida Society for Technology in Education (FSTE). This passionate group is committed to creating a rewarding community of educators and educational stakeholders, providing high quality professional development and advancing the field of educational technology in Florida. Educators, schools and corporations can join FSTE to gain access to this incredible network and other ongoing resources.

This week, FSTE will have a presence at the FETC National Annual Conference in Orlando, FL. Several of the Board members and I will be presenting and speaking on topics from technology centers to iPads to global collaboration and more. Plus, FSTE will hold its annual membership meeting and reception on Thursday at noon. Click here to find out the full details or RSVP for this fun and informative event.

To learn out more about FSTE, you can also visit our newly relaunched website at FSTE.org or stop by the FSTE booth in the second floor concourse near S230 in the Orange County Convention Center during FETC. We would love to share with you about this great organization… and get to know you better, too!

The 2013 FETC Conference is quickly approaching!  Here are three great reasons to sign up for a workshop at the conference…

1.  You deserve to treat yourself this holiday season! You’ve been putting in long hours grading papers and making hands-on lessons for months… and its time to reward yourself for all your hard work.

2.  It’s the perfect way to get a boost of creative energy to start the New Year!  Don’t just hear about new tools and ideas at FETC.  By attending a workshop, you will dive firsthand into the world of education innovation.  Hands-on and BYOD workshops let you try out tools and projects with expert support on deck!  Dig deeper into cutting-edge applications and inspiring topics… and see how they relate to your students, classroom and school.

3.  There are over 125 workshops to choose from, ranging from Web 2.0 to mobile learning and everything in between.  

I will be presenting the following 4 workshops… and would love to see you there!
– Powerful Technology Centers for Elementary Students: Monday, 8-11am, WMA011
– Create the Ultimate Technology Project – Today!: Monday, 4-7pm, WME044
– Transforming Technology Integration for the New Learner: Tuesday, 8-11am, WTA069
– Doc Cam Magic: Cutting Edge Visual Tricks: Wednesday, 8-10am, WW1098

Click here to see the full list and details for all of this year’s amazing workshops.  Consider starting off 2013 by registering for a professional development experience that will leave you wanting more!