Infographics

     I'm currently trying to plan a science project for my kids about the states of matter. I wanted it to be something that could be completely their own and represent each of their understandings. I decided that having them create an infographic would be a great way to show their understanding of solids, liquids, and gases.
      My idea is to have them brainstorm examples of the three states of matter (at least three of each), and use pictures of those examples on their infographics. Their infographic would have a title, like Solids, Liquids, and Gases, and pictures that are labeled with the state of matter they are. They would have complete control over the pictures, font, and layout they use. To accomplish this I needed to find a tech tool that would be easy for my students to use. I looked up some tools that can be used to create infographics and they are below:

1. Canva- This tool has a specific tab for infographics. You can choose your template, font, and pictures. There is a search tab that allows you to search images on Canva and you can drag and drop the pictures where you want them. I love that you don't have to leave Canva to search for other pictures, save, and then download them. It can all be done on one webpage. Also, this tool is free.
2. BeFunky- The choices for templates are limited on the free version, but you can still change the font, and choose pictures. You search for a picture, click on it, and it moves it into the image manager tab. From there you can drag the picture onto your infographic. This tool is free.
3. Visme- This tool does the same things as Canva and BeFunky, but it has an additional feature. Visme allows you to add audio to your infographic. This tool is free.
4. Piktochart- This tool has the same features as Canva and BeFunky. It has quite a few options for free templates. You are able to search for pictures within Piktochart. Once you find one, you click on it and it places it on your infographic, then you can adjust it. This tool is free.
5. Animaker- This tool can be used if you want to shake up infographics. Animaker allows you to create video infographics that move and have audio. The only downside is that it is not free.

     I'm think of using Canva because I'm familiar with it already, and this is the first time that my kids are making an infographic. If you have used one of the other tools on the list let me know how it went!

Khan Academy Mastery System (Cult of Pedagogy)

     I recently posted about Khan Academy and how I have been playing the videos for my students, to supplement math instruction. While reading the article, "How Khan Academy is Bringing Mastery Learning to the Masses" by Jennifer Gonzalez, I learned about a feature called Mastery System. Mastery System isn't brand new, but there are new features.

     Mastery System is a new system that allows students to go beyond just watching videos and working on practice problems. Now students can take full courses online. They are able to measure their progress as they go, earn mastery points, reach new skills levels, and complete challenges. Students will be able to take courses and learn at their own pace. There is not pressure to go through a unit, take an assessment, and move on whether you mastered it or not. Students work to master a topic and then they move on. Students are given as many chances as it takes for them to pass a skill. Teachers and students are able to see which skills have been mastered and which are still being practiced.

Mastery System Challenge

     It is important to stress, that this is not a replacement for the traditional classroom experiences. It is recommended to use as a supplement to instruction. Where it is beneficial for teachers, is that is can help correct confusions that a student has about a skill with a short video. This can leave teachers more time to do deeper interventions or higher order tasks, such as Project Based Learning, simulations, etc.
     According to Gonzalez, "In a study where students consistently did 30 to 60 minutes of mastery learning practice every week, student growth in math was 33% or higher than those who did less than 15 minutes per week." The available Mastery System Courses are: 

• All math courses from kindergarten through college
• Physics and Biology
• AP U.S. Government and Politics
• Microecomomics
• Macroeconomics

     This all sounds great, but I think would have trouble deciding how to structure my schedule in order to have time for students to use the Mastery System. If you have any suggestions, let me know. Also, if you would like to watch an information video regarding the Mastery System click below.

My Thoughts on Bloomz Communication App

     Bloomz is a communication app that I talked about a little earlier in my blog. I've just now started using Bloomz. Just to recap, Bloomz allows you to send reminders, create calendar events that will send a reminder, organize volunteer and item sign ups, organize parent/teacher conferences, send private messages to parents, create photo albums, and create individual student albums to showcase great work. I previously used Remind, but I have to say, so far, I prefer Bloomz.
     Remind is great for sending class or individual announcements, but Bloomz is a way to create a classroom community and make parents feel like they are a part of it. It think it is wonderful that you are able to create picture albums of your students. For example, I created a Field Trip and 100th Day of School album. It great because many parents were not able to come, but they can still see all the fun that happened that day. Also, I love that you can place pictures of student work into individual student albums. I think this is going to be a great motivator for students to work hard to produce completed, neat, and correct work. I plan on introducing this feature by taking a picture of the students that pass their spelling test each week. I've been having a little trouble getting some students to study their words at home and complete their spelling homework, so hopefully this will excite them and make them want to do those things.
    Another feature that I wasn't aware of at first, is the notification feature. Even if parents/guardians don't sign up directly on the app, if you invite them through email, it will automatically send them reminders. If it is an event, sign up, or message that you want everyone to see (no matter whose signed up on the app) you can click "notify everyone" and it will send the message through the app or and email.
     The only downside is, to have access to all features you have to pay $7.99 a month. For example, to be able to view the calendar monthly or weekly you have to pay the fee. Right now, myself and parents only view it in basic view. Which lists the events in the order that I put them in. It's not as convenient, but I can live with it. Also, to have access to the reports tab you have to pay. The reports tab shows you how many parents/guardians have signed up/volunteered and viewed the albums and messages. This feature isn't one that I desperately need, so the free version of Bloomz is still great for me.
     Overall, I'm excited to continue to use Bloomz and create a positive and welcoming classroom environment.!
   

Microsoft Teams (Cult of Pedagogy)

     While searching through the Cult of Pedagogy Blog by Jennifer Gonzalez, I was introduced to a tech tool that I had never heard of.

At first, I compared it to Google Docs, where students can collaborate on the same document by sharing it through email addresses, but it has many other features. Microsoft Teams allows for communication and collaboration between teachers and students, assignments to be shared and given feedback on, and for students to use apps that are outside of the Microsoft world. Below is the break down of features:

Communication and Collaboration

• Teachers can send reminders or announcements to individual students or the whole class.
• Individual users can chat privately with other users.
• Users can have video chats, using the built in Skype feature and participate in class discussions using Flipgrid. 
• Teachers can use One Note Class Notebooks to share notes and files, as well as, give feedback to students. 

Giving Feedback

Assignments

• Teachers can create, assign, and give feedback on assignments. 
• Attach relevant files (e.x. word, powerpoint, excel, etc.) that you are wanting students to use.
• Create, save, and use rubrics to assess student work. There is a built in rubric generator.

Creating a rubric

App Integrations

• You can use some of the most popular apps within Microsoft Teams.
• You can use Kahoot!, Nearpod, Quizlet, and Flipgrid.
• If an app is regularly used you can add a designated tab just for that app. 

     This app makes collaboration and communication seamless because you will not have to go back and forth between pages on your browser. Everything you need would be available within Microsoft Teams. I can see myself using this tool with my colleagues. It would be a great way to collaborate on lesson plans, PLC documents, student assessments, etc. If you want to learn more about Microsoft Teams, check out the video below:

Canva

     Canva is a digital graphic design tool that allows you to make posters, flyers, worksheets, brochures, etc. You can choose the layout and features of your design, as well as, upload or search for pictures. I have used Canva to create wedding and baby shower invitations for my family and friends, but have just recently used it to make activities for my students. They are technically "worksheets", which is a no-no now, but I create planning sheets for Project Based Learning (PBL) activities.

     While it is time consuming to create your own activities from scratch, I have found that sometimes it's necessary. Many times I go on Teachers Pay Teachers looking for something to teach a specific skill, and find resources that teach that skill in combination with another. For example, I may only want resources on the "oa" vowel team, but find ones that have "oa" and "ow". This is when creating my own activities becomes a better option.
     More recently, I was looking for PBL about subtraction. I found an intriguing one on Teachers Pay Teachers, where the students have to buy and pet and everything they need to take care of it. Unfortunately, it included subtracting two digit numbers, which my students have not been exposed to yet in Kindergarten. Canva is a great option for my to create a PBL like the one I found on Teachers Pay Teachers, but adjust it to meet the needs of my students. I, also, think this would be a great way for students to create presentations because you can add text and pictures.
     Like I said, this is a time consuming way to create your own activities, but sometimes it is necessary. Also, it is free to create and print on Canva, once you make an account. You have access to template, fonts, pictures, and you can upload your own pictures and fonts. If you want access to more features and templates you have to pay. Every design you make it saved and kept in your profile, so you won't lose them. Personally, I really like Canva. It is very easy to navigate and my designs have always turned out well.

When Your School is Short on Tech (Cult of Pedagogy)

     Jennifer Gonzalez gives suggestions of the approach to take when your school is short on technology, in the Cult of Pedagogy blog post. She talks about how access to technology is no problem for well-funded schools, but is a huge issue for underfunded schools. This is exactly what I have noticed as well. My school is trying to transition into integrating technology as much as we can, but there are limited resources. Third through fifth grade has chromebooks, but the rest of the school is left to work with 3-4 classroom desktop computers, and a shared iPad cart. It is difficult to make technology an integral part of education, when there are limited tools. Gonzalez talks about 11 ways to combat being short on technology.

Work Arounds

1. Create centers or stations: Students take turn using the technology by rotating through activities. Gonzalez suggests reading the blog post "Spruce up your centers with technology" by Tony Vincent. It talks about how to set them up, create videos, provide instructions, and give students the chance to be creative.
2. Bring Your Own Device Program: Students can being their own tech tools from home to school. This is an option that should be carefully considered and make sure that their is a buy-in with parents and students.
3. Use Minimum Tech Tools: This only requires the teacher to have a device, but the students can still participate. Some options are: Plickers, GradeCam, and Skype.
4. Create a Tech Hub at your school: All the technology is available in one place that students can go to.

Fundraising Ideas

1. Partner with local businesses
2. Apply for Grants: Education World offers a great guide to applying for grants

Off Campus Solutions

1. Portable Wifi Hot Spots: They can be checked out by students, and it gives them internet access at home. Kajeet offers the SmartSpot, which only allows students to access educational material.
2. Wifi enabled school buses: Kajeet offers this, as well. Many school districts in California have their buses parked in front of neighborhoods, so students can use their wifi at home. 
3. Summer Device Check out Program: Students without devices can check out school owned devices for the summer months.
4. Build Community Connectivity: Districts can work hard to create WiFi kiosks within neighborhoods.

     These are great ideas to consider when dealing with tech scarcity in your school. If you have tried any of these options, let me know how it went!

Khan Academy

     I've recently been introduced to Khan Academy, through EDUG 647 and through other teachers at my school. I was unaware that Khan Academy has free online courses, practice activities, and assessments for math, science and engineering, economics, arts and humanities, and computing. You can search by content area or grade and it will show the standards for that grade. Once you click on the standard it will show videos, practice problems, assessments. It can all be completed on the computer. That means that you can assign different activities to individual students, which is an effective way to differentiate. I like that you can assign activities to students based on the skills they still need to practice.

     Currently, I am just beginning to incorporate Khan Academy into my math lessons. I teach Kindergarten, and we just finished our addition unit and are starting subtraction. My school uses the Envisions curriculum, but I started to supplement with Khan Academy videos. I really liked how the videos from Khan Academy show how to solve a problem step-by-step, like how to draw a picture to solve. I like how the Envision videos pause and allow for conversation, but I don't feel that they do a completely thorough job of showing how to solve a problem step-by-step.

     I am hoping to, eventually, use Khan Academy even more in instruction. I would like to be able to have my students work on Khan Academy individually and practice the skills that they need. I have heard that you can input your students MAP scores and it will give options for videos and practicing skills. If you know any other useful features about Khan Academy, please let me know! I'm new to this, but exciting to try using it more.