Dipity – Create innovative timelines.

Dipity
www.dipity.com

A few months ago, I came across Dipity as a way for my students to create online timelines of significant events in the history of Environmental Science.  While my students found it easy to manually add descriptions, pictures, and links, I discovered that Dipity has much more to offer.  

Steve Job's Life and Career on Dipity.

In addition to manual timeline creation, Dipity allows users to enter the URL or RSS feed of a site or blog and turn it into a timeline.

Nick's Picks for Educational Technology on Dipity.

Users can also connect numerous social media feeds (Twitter, FaceBook, Flickr) to create aesthetically pleasing timelines that will continue to update as new content is added to the feed.  Dipity allows you to display events as a traditional timeline (above), a flipbook (below), a list, or a map.  Embed codes are provided in addition to options for comments on timelines or individual posts.  

Nick's Picks for Educational Technology on Dipity.

If you’re looking for a simple way to create engaging timelines or want advanced timeline functionality, give Dipity a try.

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TED – Five TED Talks that have changed my classroom.

TED
www.ted.com 

I’ve long been a big fan of TED talks, and stumbled on a blog post with the idea to “Give TED” for the holidays (#GiveTED).  I previously posted about TED Ed, but this post is focused on the TED Talks as both an inspiration and teaching tool.  TED Talks started out as a distraction to me while on the treadmill, but have since spurred some of the most creative projects and fundamental changes to my classroom.  I even use some as content in my flipped classroom approach.  So this holiday season, I’m sharing five TED Talks that have made positive impacts in my classroom.

Image Source: TED Blog

Candy Chang: Before I die I want to... 
This talk led to the building of a “Before I Die…” wall in my classroom.

From TED: “In her New Orleans neighborhood, artist and TED Fellow Candy Chang turned an abandoned house into a giant chalkboard asking a fill-in-the-blank question: “Before I die I want to ___.” Her neighbors' answers -- surprising, poignant, funny -- became an unexpected mirror for the community. (What's your answer?)”

Cesar Kuriyama: One second every day

I’ve been doing this personally since last spring, and I’m planning a classroom one-second project for the spring.

From TED: “There are so many tiny, beautiful, funny, tragic moments in your life -- how are you going to remember them all? Director Cesar Kuriyama shoots one second of video every day as part of an ongoing project to collect all the special bits of his life.”

Ken Robinson: How schools kill creativity

A must-watch for any educator.

From TED: “Sir Ken Robinson makes an entertaining and profoundly moving case for creating an education system that nurtures (rather than undermines) creativity.”

Sugata Mitra: The child-driven education

Ed Tech food for thought!

 From TED: “Education scientist Sugata Mitra tackles one of the greatest problems of education -- the best teachers and schools don't exist where they're needed most. In a series of real-life experiments from New Delhi to South Africa to Italy, he gave kids self-supervised access to the web and saw results that could revolutionize how we think about teaching.”

Ron Finley: A guerilla gardener in South Central LA

Inspiration for my Environmental Science students’ upcoming sustainable agriculture service project.

From TED: “Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South Central LA -- in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. Why? For fun, for defiance, for beauty and to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where ‘the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys.’ ”

Happy Holidays!

Image Source: blog.tedx.com

Piktochart - Create Professional Looking Inforgraphics.

Piktochart

www.piktochart.com

Infographics seem to be increasing in popularity at an accelerating rate.  This succinct way of conveying ideas in a visually appealing way has limitless uses in the classroom.  Piktochart makes it really easy to convey ideas in a visually appealing way.  Whether you see infographics as a creative way for students to visualize data, or a new twist on project posters, infographics have virtually limitless uses in the classroom that your students will love.

Made by one of my AP Environmental Science Students

After choosing from one of 7 Free Templates (120 available with account upgrades) you will work in one of three sections of a well-organized editor: 

1. Add – icons, graphics, text, charts (works with Google spreadsheets), video (YouTube or Vimeo), and maps. 
2. Style – to change the look of your template. 
3. Publish – save as a jpeg, png, or pdf in a variety of resolutions.  A “Publish Online Now” option for saving as HTML and obtaining an embed code for your blog or website.  Post directly to Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Piktochart requires no design experience, but if you do need help they have you covered with a series of one-minute video tutorials.

Scratch - Create your own video game and learn to code.

Scratch
http://scratch.mit.edu/
http://scratched.media.mit.edu/

Looking for a way to celebrate Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 9-15)?  Why not check out the "Hour of Code."  It's an effort to encourage teachers and students to spend an hour learning computer science. 

Intro to Scratch 2.0 from ScratchEd on Vimeo.

My Food Web Game (in progress)

My students and I took part in Hour of Code by trying out Scratch.  Scratch allows you to snap blocks of code together to create games, animations, simulations, etc. It was easy to learn, and a lot of fun.  We also quickly learned that coding takes a lot of planning, and quality products definitely take longer than an hour. This introduction did however generate some interest and resulted in the creation of an extra-credit assignment.

Why teach coding?   I learned about Scratch from a TED Talk by MIT's Mitch Resnick who describes today's students as "it's almost as if they can read but not write with new technologies."  He points to the importance of becoming fluent in new technologies. 

Try it out with a step-by-step intro here, or try the Hour of Code holiday card tutorial here.
Here is a lesson page, complete with a tutorial handout.

Skitch - Take screenshots and make tutorials.

Skitch
http://evernote.com/skitch/

Skitch is much more than a way to capture screenshots, but it has become my go-to program for just that purpose (much like Jing has become my go-to for screencasting).  It allows you to take a picture of your whole screen, part of your screen, or a screenshot after 5 seconds (just enough time to select a drop-down menu for the pic.).  What sets Skitch apart is the quick, easy editing features.  You can turn a simple screenshot into a professional looking tutorial in seconds.

A screenshot illustrating the many ways to follow this blog (hint, hint).

You don't need an account to use Skitch, but an Evernote account improves functionality and allows you to save each screenshot to your Evernote notebooks.  Skitch is now owned by Evernote, so the two work together seamlessly.  Check out Evernote's blog post about using skitch as a teaching tool.

The many annotation features of Skitch.

I took a screenshot of the results of a recent Google form and used the many stamps (?, !, X, etc.) to show the many ways you can annotate a picture.  While the arrows and free-hand marker and highlighting are cool, the ability to pixilate (blur out) images is rarely found in comparable programs and has many uses.  In the image above I used pixilate to blur out student names for privacy.

Skitch is available for Windows, Mac, Windows 8 (Touch), iOS, and Android. 

Popplet – take concept maps to the next level.

Popplet

www.popplet.com

Thinking Maps, Concept Maps, Mind Maps, Brainstorming Clouds, Graphic Organizers… whatever you call them, Popplet makes creating them online fun!

A free account allows you to make and store 5 free concept maps or "Popplets."  You can make more if you delete previous Popplets; you just can't have anymore than 5 saved at a time with a free account.

It's pretty simple:

• Double click on the screen to add a bubble or “Popple.”
• Type in the Popple to add text.
• Change the Popple color or font size with a mouse click.
• You can draw in a Popple with your mouse or add an image from your computer, YouTube, Facebook, or Flickr.
• Drag your mouse to resize or move Popples.

Clicking on the question mark at the top of the screen pulls up a quick, 9-step tutorial.

You can share your Popplets on Facebook, Twitter, via email, copying a link, or an embed code.

You can even allow those you share with to edit, allowing for collaboration in real-time (although I have experienced a fair amount of lag, but nothing to really complain about).

My students picked up Popplet quickly.  I’ve used it to create timelines for instruction and to brainstorm my last presentation - perfect for visual learners.

iPad users should check out the app: 

Paid Version

Free Version  

CSF Call for Entries & New SciStreet Van!

The deadline for submitting entries for next April's 

Cambridge Science Festival is December 6th!! 

Submit a proposal to run a program or host an event to be included in the festival, which will run days, nights & weekends from April 18 through April 27, 2014. We are looking for ideas that celebrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math in ways that combine spirit, interactivity and audience appeal. The festival will be held during public school vacation week and everyone is welcome!

Click here to submit!!!

New Van!

Science on the Street just got a new van to aid our efforts taking engaging science activities and demonstrations state-wide throughout the year! Look for the van at a community event or after school program near you! 

If you are interested in having Science on the Street visit you, email cambridgescifest@gmail.com

If your organization is interested in joining Science on the Street click here!

Poll Everywhere – a web-based student response system.

Poll Everywhere

www.polleverywhere.com

Poll Everywhere is an excellent alternative to expensive student response systems.  The site allows you to poll students or ask them questions that they respond to via web browser, text message, or Twitter.  Results are displayed in real time. 

Additional Features:

• Integrates with PowerPoint and Keynote
• Set up multiple-choice questions that are automatically graded.
• Create multiple choice or open-ended questions.   
• Clickable image questions allow students to click on images you upload to respond.
• Students do NOT need an account to respond to questions.
• Poll responses are updated in real time.
• Publish polls as a PowerPoint or Keynote slide.
• Paid plans are available that allow for greater participant tracking and response reporting.

 

You can even publish polls on your website or blog.  Go ahead, try it... 

It's incredibly easy to use!

 

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Don't Flip Out About Flipping Your Classroom – Presentation Resources

Resources from my Flipped Classroom session at NSTA Charlotte 2013

Here are most of the resources I shared during my presentation.  I did not include everything (Keynote, PowerPoint, paid LMS, etc.).  I love presenting with Prezi but find the visual nature of my presentations and Prezi’s method of linking to content still don’t mesh well for sharing resources.  

Update 11/12/13: It was a pleasure to present and learn so much from so many people!  I’m still smiling about the number of teachers who attended a Saturday morning session.  I’m including resources shared and our backchannel transcript at the bottom of this post.

Content

Screencasting Software

Jing
My Jing Review

Online Screencasting

Screencast-o-Matic

Screenr

Apowersoft Screen Recorder

Online Whiteboard

Scriblink

A Web Whiteboard

iPad Apps

ShowMe

Doceri

Educrations

Explain Everything

Hosting Video

Vimeo

YouTube EDU

SchoolTube

TeacherTube

Google Drive

Dropbox

Off the Shelf

Kahn Academy

Learn Zillion

OER Commons

TED

iTunesU

Brightstorm

WatchKnowLearn

Organizing Content

Websites:

Weebly

Wix

Google Sites

Webnode

Free Learning Mangement Systems

Edmodo
My Edmodo Workshop Resources

Haiku Learning

Brain Honey

Lectrio

Lore

Collaborize Classroom

Blog or Wiki

Blogger

Edublogs

WordPress

Wikispaces

PBworks

Other Tools

MentorMob Now Lesson Paths

TubeChop
My TubeChop Review

TED Ed
My Ted Ed Review

Communication & Assessment Tools

Poll Everywhere

TodaysMeet
My TodaysMeet Review

Google Forms

QuizStar

Blubbr

ClassMarker

Learning More & Staying Current

 Founding Fathers

@jonbergmann

johnbergmann.com

@chemicalsams

chemicalsams.blogspot.com

A few sites…

Flippedclassroom.org

Morrisflipsenglish.com

Knewton.com/flipped-classroom

#FlipClass Chat

#FlipClass Twitter Chat – Every Monday 8-9 PM

@thomasson_engl

@guster4lovers

Resources suggested by session participants:

• Flubaroo - script for automating grading in Google Forms
• Live Web - insert and view web pages in PowerPoint in real-time. 
• bContext – interactive whiteboard app (iOS)
• Digital Wish – source of free and inexpensive instructional technology tools. 
• IPEVO Wish Pool- Gives away instructional technology tools to teachers.
• Pocket – save online content for offline viewing 
• Tagxedo – word cloud generator
• Voki – create speaking avatars

Here is the transcript from our TodaysMeet backchannel at NSTA Charlotte 2013.

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TED Ed – Turn YouTube videos into lessons worth sharing.

TED Ed

ed.ted.com

I’ve been using TED Talks in the classroom for a long time, but I just recently discovered the power of TED Ed.  TED Ed allows you to turn any YouTube Video into a “lesson worth sharing.”  Check out a sample lesson that explains how to use TED Ed here.  If you’re not familiar with TED Talks they are free online videos from a set of conferences that really do offer “free knowledge and inspiration from the world's most inspired thinkers.”  “Before I die I want to…” is a favorite of my students. 

 

TED Ed allows teachers to create online lessons using any TED video or any YouTube video.  Lessons are divided into up to four sections:

1. Watch (no explanation needed)
2. Think – add multiple choice or open answer questions
3. Dig Deeper – a place to add additional resources like links
4. Discuss – a place for online discussion

You can browse TED Original lessons or user-generated lessons sorted by subject.  Each lesson gives you a “Flip This Lesson” button allowing you to customize and share. 

Creating your own lesson is surprisingly easy.  Just provide a link to a YouTube video, type a few questions, add some links and resources, and provide a discussion topic.  Any of the four sections can be excluded from lessons as you see fit. 

Students must create an account in order to complete lessons.  Simply share your link with them and you will have access to their quiz results.  My favorite piece is the “Discuss” section that has really pushed my students to think critically in expressing their viewpoints.    

Island Life, Art & Nature!

A great local organization called the ART+BIO Collaborative is offering an amazing opportunity to escape winter and explore art and nature in Puerto Rico!

Information about the program can be found here. The dates for the escape are January 10th-17th, 2014, with a registration deadline of December 1st.  Check it out!!

Puerto Rico!

Fake iPhone Text - Fun and easy to use.

Fake iPhone Text

Lewis and Clark discover Google Maps

http://www.fakeiphonetext.com/

A while back I wrote about Fake Tweet Builder as a a fun and creative way for students to create fake Twitter conversations by historical figures, book characters, politicians, authors, etc.  

Fake iPhone Text is a similar application, and equally easy to use.  Simply type in a conversation between any two individuals and click “create.”  The names you enter don’t matter because they don’t show up in the text message. 

One down-side is that the generated image can’t be saved.  You have to capture it as a screenshot.  I’m a fan of Jing for screenshots.  Here are some screenshot directions for Windows and Mac users.  I’d love to hear some ideas on using this in the classroom.  Please share yours in the comments below.