Thursday, November 21, 2013

Popplet – take concept maps to the next level.



Popplet


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: 

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!


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!


Friday, November 15, 2013

Poll Everywhere – a web-based student response system.


Poll Everywhere

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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    Saturday, November 9, 2013

    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

    Online Screencasting

    Online Whiteboard

    iPad Apps

    Hosting Video

    Off the Shelf

    Organizing Content
    Websites:

    Free Learning Mangement Systems

    Blog or Wiki

    Other Tools

    Communication & Assessment Tools

    Learning More & Staying Current
     Founding Fathers

    A few sites…

    #FlipClass Chat
    @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


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    Thursday, November 7, 2013

    TED Ed – Turn YouTube videos into lessons worth sharing.


    TED Ed

    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.    

    Wednesday, November 6, 2013

    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!