On Wisconsin!

The DEN is about bringing educators together to network by creating common experiences.  This past Saturday DEN members met in our state capitol, Madison to learn and share with each other.

Starting at the Capitol building, participants learned about the history of one of the most important buildings in our state.  The beautiful holiday tree was decorated and many photography experiences abounded.

Next we toured The Overture Center, Madison's community performance center.  Touring both theaters, behind the scenes, and dressing rooms, we were able to see the inner parts and learn the history of a beautiful building.  We even were able to listen to a performance of the historical organ playing holiday music from around the world.

Lastly sitting around the fireplace at Starbucks, we shared ways that we are using Discovery Education products in our classroom.

Here are links to prior posts of ways to integrate DE into classroom practice:
1.  Use a modified KWL chart and DE as one tool for research
http://khuttner.blogspot.com/2012/07/technology-and-differentiation.html

2.  Using resources from DE and green screening
http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/khuttner/2011/12/07/gone-green-screen/

3.  Music videos using songs and videos from DE
http://khuttner.blogspot.com/2012/11/green-screen-r-us.html

How do you use DE?  Please share your ideas.  The power of the DEN is sharing what you do with other educators.

Cross posted with Wisconsin Discovery Education State Blog.

Green Screen 'R Us

Green screens offer amazing opportunities for creating videos.  With the simple addition of a green screen, student work can be transported to places unknown.

Step 1 - Creating the footage with a storyboard, video camera, and tripod

Step 2 - What to do when a video doesn't upload....

Step 3 - Creating the project using iMovie

Step 4 - Fine tuning with a video background and green screen

Make Your Mark

Several years ago when DENSI was in Boston, I was able to meet Peter Reynolds when we visited Fablevision.  I did not realize how his wonderful book The Dot would impact my teaching.

The Dot is a wonderful book about how each person has something to offer if you believe in them.  The first year after meeting Peter, I returned to my school and decided that I was going to lead an all school activity during International Dot Day.  Our school, though quite beautiful, was very white.  So after reading the book, our students created their own dots that adorned the very white and empty stairwell for the entire year.  As the year progressed dots began to fall but the students realized that they were making their mark on our school.

The first year it was just a handful of classes but by the second year, we had two readings in the cafeteria and dot designing to accomodate so many children.  It was such a powerful community building activity and once again new dots adorned this time two very white stairwells for the entire year.  Each day as children exited the school bus, they could see their dot.

This year I am in a new school but I find that the magic of International Dot Day now International Dot Week still remains.  I posted this to facebook on Friday after a wonderful day of reading The Dot to various classes.

It isn't the day that matters as much as the message that each one of us is making a mark and making it matter.

Security 101 for iPad Classroom Use

Tip #1 for Security Set-up with a classroom iPad


 

Beginning of a New Chapter

Rock Our World 2011

This week marks the first week of a change in my journey as an educator.  For the last 14 years, I have been a teacher of children.  I started at the middle school level but fell in love with the elementary level. I was blessed with the ability to work in a bilingual setting where I could continue to foster my love of the Spanish language.  It was the bilingual setting and the challenges that faced my students that helped push me to use technology.  I was able to see how technology inspired my students to challenge themselves to create, learn, and communicate more.

I am now taking a slightly different path into technology integration and math resource.  As I watch the beginning of the year roll out around me, I can't hide the lost feeling inside.  Part of who I am is changing.... no more spending tons of money on classroom supplies.  Instead I am combing the internet for app deals, stylus bargains, and technology ideas.

Next week will be the first time in 14 years that I am not opening the doors to the wonder of "my kids" rather I am taking a much larger journey with both adults and children.  I already realize how dedicated the teachers of my new school are and what an adventure this will be.

iMath Course

This is a course that I have designed that includes an ebook with math apps.

 1. Download the course to your iPad. Follow these tutorial steps.
 

 2. Watch the course introduction.
 

 3. Enjoy!

Apps We Use

Here is the list of the apps that we are currently using in our school