Check out this Beastie Boys + Teacher Librarian video... Funny!
Don't put that phone away! No really don't put it away, you need it for learning! If you have a Smart phone or any digital device, it can serve as an extra computer in the classroom. That device can act as a dictionary, thesaurus, calculator, translator, calendar, agenda... not to mention all the access it can provide to accessing classroom blogs, polling device, Google docs, Skype... Basically anything a computer can do... but with a smaller screen. So provided you're not near sighted (like me), then keep that device out. HOWEVER, although I'm a huge advocate of devices as tools for learning, I'm also a big believer that with privilege comes responsibility.... So use common sense. If you are using the device to social network, when you have been given the opportunity to advance and propel learning... that's just a shame, as it makes it challenging for everyone else. One of my favourite tools for learning is Twitter. If you are new to Twitter, check some of "lingo" here, with this Twitter Lingo or glossary button. The applications from Twitter are endless. Note the relevant and engaging use of Twitter to propel learning further. It's not just about using a cool "bell or whistle" or the digital tool. It's about using effective teaching strategies to further student learning. The following infographic demonstrates good ways to use Twitter. For closed conversations or "Walled Gardens" use Today's Meet. With Primary grades, consider setting up PLN's with Twitter, selecting a specific hashtag # to share resources. Read the followign article... "25 Effective Teaching Strategies for Using Twitter" http://www.edudemic.com/25-ways-to-use-twitter-in-the-classroom-by-degree-of-difficulty/ Here's an awesome wiki which offers tons of tools to engage and inspire. Want to know the best part?? They are all free! Create activities such as a character "fake book" or character "tweets"... I also like the QR code Generator Game. A couple years ago, I integrated a lesson with "Fakebook" with my unit on Dystopian Worlds... Here's a link to that project. Teachers, feel free to adapt to your own lessons.
Teachers and students... check out this link from Google that explores how we can use Google for more than just searching for sites and resources. There are so many other options - from collaborating or working together on documents without having to meet or get together "face to face", to "hanging out in cyber space" (similar to Skype) to sharing documents without having to email. Check out this lesson via "Modern Lessons"..
Digital Learning is more than just "Googling it"... |
AuthorPart of Literacy is Digital Literacy, therefore the role of the Library is changing... It's not just a "place for the books"! Archives
February 2014
Categories |