I recently looked at a new way of doing an “old” thing. My Japanese 11 students typically read an article (in English) on Haiku and answer questions about this poetry form. Admittedly it is a pretty dry, and not necessarily engaging, activity. This year I changed it up and used a program called Wordle to make word clouds about poetry. Wordle (wordle.com) is a web-based program that is easily accessed from any computer in the school. It works in English (and even Japanese with a few tricks).
How does it work? Basically you enter English words directly in to the create ‘field’. The size of a word in the visualization is proportional to the number of times the word appears in the input text. So, for example, if you type “apple banana banana grape grape grape” into the create page’s text field, you’ll see that banana’s font size is twice apple’s, and grape’s font size is 3/2 that of banana’s. When a particular word doesn’t show up in Wordle it is probably because it thinks that the word is a “stop word” (a frequently-used, but unimportant word, such as “the”, “and”, or “but”) in some language. See the “Language” menu for a setting to turn off the removal of such common words.
To keep my students on track the criteria for the work included required
Alice Han - Japanese 11
elements such as a prominent title “Haiku”, demonstrated knowledge of topic via choice of words and at least 2 ‘prominent’ elements – words selected due to their relevance to the topic. Marking was done in a holistic way using a criteria referenced scale (‘word cloud rubrics’ are easy to find on the internet). If you are interested in using Wordle and have questions, I am happy to send you the assignment that I gave – or talk to you about it.
YouTube is great for videos of dogs crying for bacon and keyboard playing cats but if you dig a bit deeper, it can also serve as an amazing educational resource. There is now a specific new service called YouTube for Teachers that helps to sift through the clutter and help you, the educator, find meaningful content to augment your lessons. Here are my top 10 ways how:
1. Spark Lively Discussions. Engage students by showing a video relevant to their lives. Video clips can bring in different perspectives or force students to consider a new viewpoint, helping to spark a discussion. Check out this Science video as a great example.
2. Organize all the great video content you find Playlists are YouTube’s way of allowing you to organize videos on the site: a playlist is a series of videos you put together – they don’t have to be videos you uploaded, and you get to choose the order. When one video ends, the playlist plays the next video without offering ‘related videos’, thus creating a curated environment for your students. Therefore, by creating playlists of videos you can select which YouTube videos you want your students to view. Watch the Dynamic Earth Processes playlist for a good example.
3. Archive your work- Capture and save projects and discussions so you can refer back to them year after year. This will also help you save time as you can assign old videos to your new students. For example, this teacher created a video explaining a plot diagram that she drew. Because it is video, it is archived on YouTube and can easily be shared with other teachers.
4. Allow students to dig deeper into a subject. Give students the option to dig deeper into a subject by creating a playlist of videos related to that concept. By creating playlists of relevant videos you allow students to pursue their interests without wasting their time searching for information (or finding potentially objectionable content). Here is a sample playlist a teacher created for their students on Math Story Problems.
5. Get struggling students up to speed, and push strong students ahead Videos (or playlists) can help supplement in class teaching for struggling students. Students can review them at home time so you’re not forced to teach exclusively to the middle 50%. YouTube user piazzaalexis created videos aligned with the state standards so students who needed to review a particular standard could get the help they needed. Watch it now.
6. Review for upcoming exams. Turn test review and flashcards into easy-to-watch videos. This way students can hear your explanations as they study. Watch an example of a review for a Medieval Japan test. You can also create a “test review” video students can use to study the night before the big test.
7. Create a YouTube center in your classroom. When working in stations or centers, have students use your YouTube channel to complete an assignment, freeing you up to work with small groups of students. Divide your class into groups and have them rotate through different stations. At the YouTube station, introduce students to new information, allowing you to help students practice their new found skills.
8. Create quizzes to accompany videos for instant feedback. Create a Google Form that students complete after watching a video.You can use this quiz to get instant feedback on what they’re learning. Embed your quiz on a class blog or site so students can watch a video and complete the quiz at the same time. View an example of this in action.
9. Create Interactive Video Quests. Use YouTube annotations to create “Choose your own adventure” style video quests. View an example now. You can also create a video guide.
10. Flip your classroom. If your students watch a video of the basic concepts at home you can focus in class on applying those concepts, working collaboratively with their classmates rather than simply listening to you lecture. View an example now.
Working with some students, I was reminded once again that not everyone has access to power point at home. A good alternative is the free online program called “Prezi”, which essentially functions like a power point on steroids. With its zoom in-and-out features, and the ability to easily embed images and videos, Prezi presentations
are more dynamic than regular power point presentations. Another useful feature is the ability for users to work collaboratively at the same time (or at different times) on their presentation projects.
If you choose to try the program, sign up for “Prezi Edu”, which entitles you to more privileges without cost. If you want greater control of student work, you can ask students to log in with your teacher password so that you can see what they are working on at any given time.
As with all new programs, there is a learning curve when using the program initially; however, once users start, many prefer Prezi’s over powerpoint.
Like me you probably have lists of websites that you bookmarked but you can’t remember why or what they relate to. They end up in a long list in your browser with little to suggest why you bookmarked them or what they might be useful for. I have discovered Pearltrees – www.pearltrees.com – that allows you to visually organize your websites into useful (and memorable) clusters. In the software’s terminology a “pearl” is a site that you mark and a ‘tree’ is a collection of sites that are organized based upon common theme or use.
You may create more than one ‘tree’ – perhaps for an overall subject and then individualcourses. I have mine divided into major categories – eg. web resources – as well as courses.
In a more ‘social’ angle Pearltrees also allows you to search other Pearltree users who have marked the same sites as you to find sites that you might find useful. It also let’s you know who has sampled your ‘pearls’ as well but ,no, it doesn’t bother you with suggestions!
If you use Firefox or Chrome you can also add a plugin that allows you to quickly save a new site (or pearl) and add to your collection to be organized later. When you land on a site that you would like to save – click on the pearl (circle) icon to the left of the site’s address (url) and it is automatically added to your Pearltree site.
Pearltree may not be for everyone but as a visual learner, and thinker, I found it a quick and easy way to organize my sites – and remember why they were considered important in the first place. If you are interested in using Pearltree, or want any further information just drop me an email (or tweet!) !
Keyboard shortcuts are the essence of PC productivity. Teaching time is limited and valuable. These simple tricks will save you time during your day and give you more time to focus on the daily tasks that actually matter. Work smart, not hard.
1. Windows Logo + L
Walking away from the screen for a while? Keep prying eyes out of your stuff with this quick shortcut that locks the PC instantly.
2. Shift + Delete
The lazy way to delete stuff in Windows is to drag it to the Recycle Bin. An even lazier way is to highlight the file and press Delete. And if you’re ultra-lazy (and smarter than the average user), you can bypass the Recycle Bin entirely by pressing Shift + Delete. The downside is that you won’t get the opportunity to easily restore the file from the Recycle Bin if you later decide you want it back, but you also won’t have to bother emptying the Recycle Bin if you use this method to ditch unwanted files.
3. Alt + F6
If you’ve got multiple windows open within a given app, this handy shortcut will let you quickly switch between them, so you don’t have to waste time clicking around in search of the right window.
4. Shift + CTRL + N
Windows 7 made it a little easier to create new folders in Windows Explorer. Now you can just hit Shift + Ctrl + N in any folder to create a new untitled folder right where you are. The new folder will appear with the name ‘New folder’ already highlighted so you can type in your own name for it and hit Enter to move on to the next task.
5. Windows + M
Got a bazillion windows cluttering your screen? Press Windows + M to instantly minimize all current windows to the Taskbar. It’s a great way to restore your sanity, and an even better way to hide what you’re working on from unexpected interlopers. When you want all the windows back again, press Windows + Shift + M and every currently running window will pop open again.
6. Windows + Spacebar
If you just want to take a quick peek at your desktop (for instance, to locate a file you’ve dropped there), there’s no need to completely minimize all your windows with the Windows + M shortcut. Instead, press Windows + Spacebar, and all of your open windows will turn transparent so you can see right through them. This even works with maximized windows and full-screen views. To return your view to normal, simply let go of the keys.
7. Windows + Shift + Left or Right Arrow
If you use a dual-monitor setup to maximize your screen real estate, you might like to use one monitor as your primary working screen and the other as a holding pen for active windows. Or maybe you just need to move a window from one side to the other for some reason. In either case, hitting Windows + Shift + Left Arrow will move a current window to from the right display to the left, and using Right Arrow will move it from the left display to the right. If you only have one monitor, these commands will dock your window to the designated side of the screen.
8. Windows + 1, 2, 3, etc.
Windows 7 introduced a new feature that lets you pin apps to your Taskbar for quick access. An even quicker way to access those apps is with this slick keyboard shortcut. Press Windows + 1 to launch the first pinned app in your Taskbar (from left to right). Windows + 2 launches the second one, Windows + 3 launches the third one, and so on.
9. Windows + T
Windows + number launches pinned apps in your Taskbar, but if your apps are already open, there’s a quick way to scroll through them. Press Windows + T and you’ll highlight the first open app in your Taskbar. Press it again and you’ll move to the second open app. As you scroll through them, you’ll get a preview box just as you would if you were hovering over the icon with your mouse. When you get to the app you want, hit Enter to bring it to the foreground. This shortcut only works with open apps, and ignores unopened apps that you’ve pinned to your Taskbar.
10. Windows + (+/-)
Want a closer look at whatever’s on your screen? Hit Windows and + to zoom in for a magnified view. While you’re magnified, moving the mouse around the screen will move you to the far corners and bring them into view. Windows and – zooms you back out again.
This Friday, I will be presenting a workshop for the CTASD43 professional day entitled 1 Hour Websites.
The goal for my workshop will be to assist every teacher in attendance to setup their own personal teaching site within that 90 minute time window. I have received numerous e-mails in advance from registered participants inquiring for further details on the nature of my workshop. The platform of focus will be on using Google Sites as the base of operations.
Now, undoubtedly there are innumerable website services out there that could provide similar user experiences. Wix and Sharepoint immediately come to mind, iWeb (for Mac users) is also another option. Even Edublogs, which are based on WordPress (which this blog is using) are also viable options.
The reason I have chosen to focus on Google Sites is because I find it to be the easiest interface to use. It may not be as glamourous or flashy as some other alternatives and it also may present certain drawbacks in terms of customization but what it lacks in these areas, it makes up for in simplicity. As a teacher, we are constantly challenged to adopt new technologies, many of which often seem to complicate our lives even further. In my view, technology that does not serve the purpose of simplifying our lives is not worth adopting. As a result of it’s integration with Google Docs and it’s simple, easy to use layout, I feel Google Sites is the best option for a teacher site.
I have always been a sucker for gadgets and technology but I can honestly say, never before has a single type of
gadgetry had such profound impact on my life. I wake up in the morning to the strains of my phone alarm nestled snugly in my bedside cradle. I wake up and grab the phone, check my e-mail, check the weather, check the news headlines and do all of that within the 7 minute time window that my snooze button would have previously afforded me. I throw on some tunes, plug it back into the cradle and start getting ready for the day.
On my way 30 minute drive to work, I usually play a podcast, some great content can be found on the How Stuff Works Iphone app. These are usually fascinating and lubricate the mental gears to get me in motion by the time I arrive at school.
At work, I have second Iphone dock on my desk. I usually play some music from that while I am prepping my lessons before class.
During school I use the phone as a timer during Keyboarding classes. I have also used it to tether my class computer and receive internet access during a district network outage.
I have a French-English translator installed and encourage my French students that have similar portable devices to do the same. Having access to a wealth of information in the palm of your hand was something we could only have dreamed about years ago and now it’s reality.
When teaching Work Experience last semester, I was doing daily visits to various workplaces around the Lower Mainland. My Google Maps application proved invaluable when locating businesses that I had previously not been to.
I run with a group several times a week and lately I have been amazed at the RunKeeper app. This versatile program keeps track of your distances and your pace. It shows your run on a Google Map when you’ve completed and allows to review your route afterwards. You can also program a pre-determined pace and it will give you audio indicators if you are falling below your planned time.
Never before has one single gadget been so many things to me, but I guess that is the whole point of it now isn’t it? Apple set out to create a product that revolutionized our lives in innumerable ways and I am comfortable confirming, at least in my instance, they have succeeded.
I spent about 3 weeks in Egypt in the Spring of 2008. I found it to be an
incredible experience on numerous levels. The vibrancy of the people and the tumultuous and chaotic street life were both confusing and enthralling. The history that is known to all and the legacy of the their ancient peoples’ left a lasting impression on me. Another aspect of that country I found interesting was the level of connectedness they had with technology. Every village, no matter how small, had an internet cafe or hut of some sort. A large percentage of the population also had mobile telephones and enjoyed widespread coverage for these. The people, although often very poor, had relatively easy access to these types of technologies. As a result, they all maintained a good understanding of the rest of the world, global affairs, and current events.
I met countless people who knew the name of Canada’s Prime Minister, our capitals, and even regional attractions. A man in a temple who looked like he walked straight out of an Indiana Jones movie asked me if I ever skied at Whistler, a place he could only ever read about online.
I began to wonder how this would affect me in my daily life, if something like this were to occur here in Vancouver. As I paid my bills online last night and registered for an upcoming course at Emily Carr, it became apparent just how many aspects of my life would become paralyzed if this were to happen.
I begin my day by checking my e-mails and the latest news headlines on my iphone. These actions, although totally unnecessary a few years ago, have become integral aspects of my daily life. What would I do without my internet or mobile phone access?
I challenged my students today to answer the same question and post their responses in the comments section below.
How would losing internet and mobile phone access impact your life? List as many ways as you can think of. What would be affected immediately? What would be affected over a longer term?
* update - Weds 9:30am – Reports indicate blocks have been removed and full internet access is back to Egypt
Busy day today – we are moving into exam week at Pinetree and I am prepping materials for my new classes. I am teaching French 11 for the first time in a couple years and couldn’t be more excited. I have some very, very exciting surprises up my sleeve for those students.
My next blog post is going to be about how much owning an Iphone has changed my life on a daily basis. I know it seems absurd to think that one small piece of gadgetry is capable of that but in this case, it truly is.
Anyways – I am looking forward to starting a new semester on January 31st and meeting 120 brand new students. The excitement and social dynamics of the first week is always something to look forward to.
Here’s a song from one of my favourite bands, well it’s actually one of my favourite bands doing a cover of another one of my favourite bands, so how can you get much better than that.
poetry form. Admittedly it is a pretty dry, and not necessarily engaging, activity. This year I changed it up and used a program called Wordle to make word clouds about poetry. Wordle (wordle.com) is a web-based program that is easily accessed from any computer in the school. It works in English (and even Japanese with a few tricks).
gadgetry had such profound impact on my life. I wake up in the morning to the strains of my phone alarm nestled snugly in my bedside cradle. I wake up and grab the phone, check my e-mail, check the weather, check the news headlines and do all of that within the 7 minute time window that my snooze button would have previously afforded me. I throw on some tunes, plug it back into the cradle and start getting ready for the day.
incredible experience on numerous levels. The vibrancy of the people and the tumultuous and chaotic street life were both confusing and enthralling. The history that is known to all and the legacy of the their ancient peoples’ left a lasting impression on me. Another aspect of that country I found interesting was the level of connectedness they had with technology. Every village, no matter how small, had an internet cafe or hut of some sort. A large percentage of the population also had mobile telephones and enjoyed widespread coverage for these. The people, although often very poor, had relatively easy access to these types of technologies. As a result, they all maintained a good understanding of the rest of the world, global affairs, and current events.
