Fresh Look Fridays - Panoramas

Today's Fresh Look Fridays website is one of my all time favourites!  I've know about this one for quite awhile now, I've just felt that I couldn't feature it until I could take the time to write a proper review and do this website justice.

Panoramas.dk is a website that does exactly as it sounds -- provides a wide array of 360 degree panoramic images.  These panoramas are fantastic -- they're all interactive in some way.  When used on a SMART Board, students can spin the image to explore previously unknown areas of the world.  Some panoramas also allow for varying degrees of zoom or an audio component.

The links to curriculum are as endless as the amount of panoramas.  I've included links to specific panoramas with a brief description of how they could be used in a variety of subject areas and grade levels:

 1. This specific panorama was taken during a peace demonstration in Trafalgar Square in 2004, shortly after Britain announced that they were joining the war in Iraq.  What an excellent example of using this site to promote discussions surrounding current events -- whether 'current' (see the panorama of Poland after the death of their president) or historical.  Use the SMART Board to have students explore, zoom in to see details and hear the message being delivered over the loudspeaker.  See if you can find the protester carrying the placard that relates then-Prime Minister Tony Blair to a well-known cartoon fibber.

2. One of the themes in many Science classes is the study of structures (obviously with varying degrees of depth and understanding depending on grade level).  Instead of looking at flat, grainy pictures or hand drawn replications in a textbook, why not have students search out panoramic images of structures around the world?  The Golden Gate Bridge and the Eiffel Tower are just a small sample of what's available for your kids to explore.

3. Obviously, the most powerful component of this website is its ability to give students the opportunity to actually see, in nearly-3D glory, any area of the world.  For example, Grade 2 students in Alberta explore Peru in their Social Studies class.  How exciting for little 7-year-olds to be able to experience an area such as Machu Picchu! What better way to get students to visualize a foreign location and make connections between this visual and the concepts they're learning in class?

4. While the panoramas available on this website are taken within the last decade or so, don't discount the impact they can have when exploring historical concepts.  Studying WWII? Why not take a virtual fieldtrip to the beaches of Normandy (pulling up a panorama of one of the D-Day landing sites on your SMART Board is cheaper than 28 plane tickets to Europe).







I've really only scratched the surface of the wide variety of ways panoramas.dk could be used in the classroom.  I strongly encourage teachers of all grades and subject areas to take time getting familiar with the website.  I guarantee that you won't be disappointed!

Have a great weekend everyone! =)

Vanessa

Changes Are Coming!

A very quick post today to inform all of my loyal blog readers (thanks Mom!) that my blog will be transferred over to Joomla tomorrow.  


How will this affect you?   

• If you currently subscribe via RSS, or use a link to the main page url (http://blog.sharpsav.com), you will not have any issues.

• If you have links posted to specific blog posts, you will NEED TO UPDATE YOUR LINKS over the coming weeks. The initial link will be broken until I can transfer that original post to the new site.  At that point, you will be able to search for the new expanded url for each post on the new site.
• FYI, my plan is to sloooowly transfer older posts to the new site over the course of the next 7 - 10 days.  

• If you previously commented on an older post, your comments will disappear from the comments section on the new site.  I'm planning on at least taking a quick snapshot of comments from the old site so that we don't lose any conversations, ideas or questions that might help newcomers to the blog.

Other changes? The aesthetics will change as well, but aside from that it will still be me updating the blog and hopefully continuing to provide you with useful, funny, interesting, tolerable information.


I thank everyone in advance for their support, patience and suggestions as I make this transition. (for those who have asked 'why' this is happening, it's simply a case of our company wanted to host all of our relevant pages ourselves rather than using a 3rd party site such as Blogger).

I'm super excited about this move now that I've had a chance to play with Joomla.  I think I'll actually be able to do more, with greater efficiency.


If you have any questions, concerns or idea please email me: vanessa.cassie@sharpsav.com.


Please also email me if you find broken links over the coming weeks! :)




Wish me luck!!
Vanessa

Where Do You Find The Time?

As I publish this blog post, I'm getting ready to start Day 2 of professional development SMART Board workshops with various educators in Lethbridge School District 51.  I want to take this time to thank those who attended the 2 sessions yesterday! I love getting to work with energetic teachers who are making a conscious effort to continually integrate new technology into their classrooms.  I look forward to a 2nd day of fun and creativity! =)

Having led a number of technology-focused pd workshops with well over 1000 teachers these past few months, I've been thinking more and more about the time crunch that teachers face.  Personally, the teachig lifestyle of constantly being in "teacher mode" 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is one of the main reasons that I chose to leave the classroom.  I can cite a million different examples of the constant time crunch that I experienced: prepping in my classroom until 8:00 pm (in the semesters where I didn't have a work-day embedded prep), sending email newsletters to parents at 2:00 am, learning to hold my bladder for 8 hours on end because lunch 'hours' don't really exist, entering report card comments at my parents' house during a twice-yearly visit, never watching an SNL/Rick Mercer?Royal Canadian Air Farce skit with wondering "how could I integrate this into our Current Events discussion?", marking essays on the beach in Mexico...the list could go on and on.

I know, I'm preaching to the choir.

So now that I'm on the other side of education, and experiencing what apparently constitutes a 'normal' lifestyle for 95% of the world (who knew how much housework you could get done on a Saturday when you don't have a volleyball tournament?!?!), I continue to marvel at the staying power of teachers.  The educactors that I get to hang out with everyday not only manage to 'get through' the nromal items on their inevitable to-do list, but they actually seek out workshops to improve their understanding of technology.  And believe me, this is no easy task in itself.

For those with limited knowledge of the classroom teacher lifestyle truly can't appreciate the time it takes to:

• write sub plans with extra notes (is my guest teacher going to have a solid understanding of the economic system in Sweden/ideology behind the Marshall Plan/correlation between ultranationalism and genocide?)
• plan a fun, engaging lesson that has a Plan B incase:
• the sub gets through the material too quickly
• my precious angelic students decide to light fires at the back of the room
• provide copies of material to hand out to students who may reappear on that exact day after a 10-day absence (murphy's law)
• give the sub some clue as to the 'normal' structure of events/expectations/discipline in my class
• leave a cheat sheet for use of any technology (computer/projector/SMART Board/DVD player, doc cam,videconference suite) because as a 21st century teacher, I'ver wholeheartedly embraced a wealth of technologies (which as now come back to bite me when I have to write out manuals for each device)
• clean my desk so that I won't be potentially judged as a disorganized, cluttered teacher!

No wonder teachers choose to go in to school when they're sick! Sometimes, it's just easier to do things yourself...

The preparation that goes into handing over the reins of your classroom to someone else is astounding and just goes to show how much teachers really value pd to submit themselves to this extra work.

So I pose this question to you (if you're still reading this drawn-out post): Where do YOU find the time to professional development? Leave your ideas in the comments section to help support other members of your PLN solve this age-old problem.

And once again to those from Lethbridge School District 51, thanks for not judging me with my recently invented fashion statement.  A shout out to Rik Jesse who demonstrated his handyman skills with duct tape!


Vanessa

Not Education Related, But Still Funny!

 As anyone who follows NHL hockey is aware, the Calgary Flames didn't make playoffs this year. :(  There are a number of things that suck about this fact:

1. I don't have an excuse to eat, drink and be merry with friends at a local pub every 2 nights or so

2. My awesome Calgary Flames t-shirts have been demoted to pajama wear for another year

3. We (as Calgarians) don't get to excessively make fun of Edmonton Oilers fans -- who finished dead last, for the record

 But as with all less-than-ideal scenarios, there's always a silver lining (or two):

1. My wallet will thank me later for not dropping $40 every 2nd night

2. I might actually be productive in other areas of my life for April - June

and most importantly:

3. The radio station X92.9 gets fresh material to make fun of

 Last year, the very funny folks from the morning show on X92.9 in Calgary made a parody song of all the really lame playoff parody songs produced by other radio stations.  This year they made a song that parodies their own parody from last year, focusing on the Flames not making playoffs.

Confused? Listen here

At least we can laugh about our tenth place finish!

Vanessa

Fresh Look Fridays - Magnetic Poetry

Are your students having poetry writing blocks? Today's Fresh Look Fridays post features the fun online Magnetic Poetry site.

Students drag the virtual fridge magnets to form sentences, poems, short stories, etc.   Using the website on a SMART Board as a center gets kids up out of their desks and adds a bit of a starting point for those writers who are struggling with putting words to paper. 

Bonus tip: use the new transparency layer in SMART Notebook 10.6 (Windows only right now) to add digital ink for words that aren't on magnets, then take an area capture of the overall work and save to a Notebook page.


As a once-in-awhile formal English teacher (I could write an essay as a Social Studies teacher, ergo I could apparently teach Language Arts too), I know that poetry wasn't always the most highly anticipated unit for students.  Anything that gets students a bit more engaged with writing is great in my books.


Vanessa

I Couldn't Resist - a RTTT Editorial Cartoon

I think the following cartoon is politically charged enough for me to keep this blog post to about 4 sentences.  The "Race to the Top" initiative going on in the States right now has been the topic of numerous twitter conversations and #edreform chats.  I'll leave you to form your own opinions.

Discuss.

Thanks again to Huck/Konopacki Labor Cartoons for letting me use their wonderful work!

www.solidarity.com/hkcartoons

Vanessa

SMART Response VE - Can't Wait!

Just a quick post today featuring an awesome new product coming down the pipes from SMART Technologies.

SMART Response VE is being released in beta version in the near future.  Essentially, it allows teachers to use their Response assessments with any Internet-enabled devices!  Could this be the push that some schools need to open up cell-phone use in the class?

As always, having a Response system in your classroom is great for ease-of-use with summative assessments, but its value really comes in purposeful, consistent formative assessment. But that’s a blog post for another day…


If you’re interested in finding out more  click here.  SMART Technologies is also looking for schools to pilot the beta version of Response VE!



Can’t wait to see how this impacts the use of technology in the classroom :)

Vanessa

Fresh Look Fridays - Virtual Keyboard

Good morning!

Time for another edition of Fresh Look Fridays.  This one contains a review of 2 excellent music websites:

1. Virtual Keyboard



The Virtual Keyboard website is exactly what it sounds like -- an online, virtual keyboard that works really well on a SMART Board.  There are a number of things that I like about this website:


- It has a variety of instruments to choose from.

- In piano mode, it actually sounds like a real piano!

- Chord Mode: press the 'chord mode' button, then select a number of keys and hit 'play chord'

- The keys are large with the notes listed on each one

I think this works well with a small group of students interacting with it on an IWB.  Depending on the age/musical knowledge of the kids there are numerous ways to use this in the classroom -- for example, have students compose music on it, play a "mimic me" game where students challenge each other to repeat a short tune that they make up or use it as a large surface for a group composition then have the students write down their composition for another group to play.

2. Boomwhackers

Another great music site, but designed for little ones.  This website works essentially the same way as the virtual keyboard one above, but is simplified and provides a colourful visual reference for each note.









Curricular Links:

I could, in theory, go through the entire Program of Studies for Music in Alberta to find correlating curricular outcomes, but since these are such open-ended sites, I think I'll let the music teachers decide how these websites fit into their units.

Have an awesome weekend!

Vanessa

SMART Notebook Freebie #1 - Magic Hat

One of the most important aspects of introducing new technology, such as SMART Boards, into the classroom is the willingness of teachers to share their knowledge and ideas.  As such, I thought it was time that I shared a file or two that I often use during workshops with teachers.

Enter my SMART Notebook Freebie #1 - Magic Hat:
(since blogger won't let me upload files, please go to http://drop.io/magic_hat to access and download this SMART Notebook file.)

April 8th *Update* I just added it to the SMART Exchange - click here to redirect to its location

The intent behind this file is to develop pages of review activities (for a small group of students to test each other with), or to investigate the correct answer to knowledge based concepts. Obviously, this idea can be used with any grade level/subject area -- I've included 3 examples from Junior High Math, Kindergarten Language Arts and High School Chemistry to demonstrate this. Please feel free to modify the content on these pages to fit your own content.




Directions on how to modify: (the short version is on the pull tab on the Notebook page)

1. Select the text/picture answers

2. A drop down menu appears

3. Select "grouping" and "ungroup"

4. You will now have 2 text items -- the answer is in black ink, while the identifier of "correct" or "incorrect" is in white ink

5. Once you've changed your answers and identifiers, group the 2 items back together (select "grouping" and "group") from the drop down menu and VOILA!

This is a fun small group activity that kids of all ages enjoy. I hope you do too! :)

Vanessa

P.S. Just added by blog to Technorati, so I'm dutifully adding my claim number 5TW7KKBSBQY8 in order to prove to the powers of be that I have control over this blog :)

Students Are Different, Why Can't Teachers Be Too?

Before I officially begin writing this post, I need to take a minute:


Poke...poke...


There, I've officially agitated those that will inevitably react with strong opinions when I'm done with this blog post! :)

A little background before I get into this discussion/rant/sharing of my two cents. I have been on twitter with a professional account for approx. 6 months now. In that time, I have developed what I consider to be a valuable PLN. I love that I've connected with colleagues, clients, fellow teachers and fellow SMART Board users -- they've all contributed resources, ideas, opinions and generally just made my online experience wonderful.

One of the most discussed topics amongst those that I follow is that of education reform.  This is a hot topic in today's education world, and the focus of countless #edchats, keynote speakers, best selling books and professional development in schools.  I've engaged in numerous online discussions, and I really value that I get to see a diverse range of opinions on the subject -- inevitably, this makes me refine and shift my own thinking from time to time.

However, one common thread that I have witnessed throughout all of this online babble -- both the conversations that I've partaken in as well as those that I've simply 'eavesdropped' on -- is that many people seem to have the belief that there is only one 'correct' way to reform teaching.

This concept of "my way is the best way" isn't new, nor exclusive to edreform discussions.  But what bothers me about this absolute viewpoint is that there are folks that believe that one approach to teaching is the only way to save education, and that this one way is going to improve learning for every single student.

Enter my opinion:

I believe that a "one size fits all" approach to anything in education is not likely to result in increased understanding by all of our students.  Much like those who preach that the current education system isn't meeting the needs of all students because of their various talents, strengths and weaknesses, I believe that teachers shouldn't be forced into a standardized mold.  This goes for those who have opinions that span the spectrum from constructivism to the traditional 'stand and deliver' method.

What I want to scream from the rooftops is that I honestly believe that the actual teaching method itself is not the issue.  I have read numerous articles praising the benefits of a variety of methods including student centered learning, teachers using storytelling, inquiry based learning and teachers lecturing with visual aids.  Why are we still engaged in this battle focusing on what the best teaching method is?

I should probably back up a bit here and state for the record that I do believe that many elements of the education system need to change (starting with the emphasis on standardized tests).  I also believe that there are some teachers who probably need some 'pushing' outside their comfort zone. But there are a million more teachers that are doing wonderful things in their classrooms, and instead of pushing those teachers into the 'one right way' we should be helping them refine their skills.

What I really believe could transform the education world is helping teachers discover their talents, subsequently supporting and developing these talents in their classroom, then coaching them in identifying the context when each style should be used.  Let's face it -- a teacher who is a strong storyteller may actually be able to get students to 'experience' an event better than trying to fumble to piece together a poorly constructed student inquiry project.  Conversely, there are those that are masters at being a facilitator in their classrooms and guiding students' learning through thoughtful questions -- these types might 'lose' their students interest if attempting to provide a 20 minute lecture. 

Before I get a zillion comments regarding the fact I might actually be making a case for 'sage on the stage' I want to backtrack and emphasize that a variety of teaching methods should always be used within every classroom.  I'm simply arguing that the amount of time spent with each style should not only vary from teacher to teacher depending on the students in each class, but also on each teachers' strengths.

Thanks to @joe_bower @graingered and @xmath2007 for engaging in a recent Twitter conversation on this exact topic recently! Much appreciated :)

Thoughts? Ideas? Opinions? I welcome them in the comments section. I"m especially looking forward to today's #edchat -- as of this posting, the poll shows this topic in the lead!

Oh, and because I'm very much like Chandler in that I usually try to make jokes to ease the tension during a potentially uncomfortable situation, I'm ending with a funny editorial cartoon:

See Cartoons by Cartoon by John Cole - Courtesy of Politicalcartoons.com - Email this Cartoon

Haha - thanks for taking the time to read my opinion!

Vanessa

Math Tools Part IV - Formula Handwriting Recognition

In today's tutorial on Math Tools for SMART Notebook, I've featured what I believe is the best element of the new toolbar -- formula handwriting recognition.  While SMART Notebook has always allowed for handwriting to be converted into actual text, most Math formulas went "wonky" when teachers tried to apply this element. 

Luckily, SMART recognized the need and demand for this feature when they released their Math toolbar! Check out my quick 'how-to' video below for a demo of what this new option can do for the Math teachers you know. (Where was this when I was a kid?):





For those keeping track, this is my 4th venture into the world of 'how to' video making. I gotta say, it doesn't get any easier to hear your own voice played back! lol :)

Happy Monday!

Vanessa

Fresh Look Fridays -- Mix and Match Feelings

As I looked back through recent Fresh Look Fridays posts, I realized that I've spent an awful lot of time reviewing interactive websites for Grades 4 and up.  As such, I've purposefully selected a website for use in the primary classroom today:

Mix and Match Feelings is a fun website that helps Kindergarten students understand an abstract concept -- emotions.




Students drag a combination of eyes and a mouth onto the face to discover what emotion this portrays.  I think this becomes particularly effective when students pair the same set of eyes with different types of mouths.

For example, this:

 

is a very different emotion than this:

 

As always, this could be a great small group exploration activity on a SMART Board.  Students could experiment with the various combinations then challenge each other to create an emotion that is stated to them.

Looking for a curriculum link? Here it is:

Alberta Program of Studies: Kindergarten Health: Relationship Choices -- R-K.1

Have a fantastic weekend and a Happy Easter!

Vanessa

If You Ever Needed Proof...

There's a big debate in education right now regarding how effective SMART Boards (or other interactive whiteboards) are in the classroom.  I've seen numerous conversations on Twitter, nings and various blogs hashing out whether or not the cost of purchasing this technology actually translates into "better" teaching and learning.  Embedded in these debates is the question: are students authentically engaged with the material, or are iwbs simply a magical novelty that will wear off over time?

My response? Technology is simply a tool and will not magically transform your classroom! It's been said before and I'll say it again, "It's the teAch, not the tech."

My role as an Education Consultant is to lead educators through professional development workshops modeling effective use of their SMART Boards.  I purposefully demonstrate how teachers can change the structure of their classroom and have this new technology become a student centered tool instead of a primarily teacher centered tool.

How? One of the easiest ways is to set up the class into 'centers' -- yes, even high school classrooms can function this way.  As such, the SMART Board becomes one center where 4-6 students collaborate to work through a problem, explore a new concept, challenge each other to a review, etc.  This concept is the main reason for my Fresh Look Fridays posts -- using effective interactive websites can instantly increase the amount of student interaction with your new technology when combined with an adjusted layout of your room.

Recently, I attended Catalyst 2010 in Kelowna, BC. At our booth, we obviously had a SMART Board displayed, and I was playing around with some of my favourite interactive websites, when a group of high school students that were volunteering at the conference came over.  Essentially what happened was that they unknowingly modeled what I've been preaching this whole time -- small group collaboration to solve a problem.

Enter Exhibit A:

If you ever needed proof as to whether or not proper use of a SMART Board can be engaging, authentic and improve student collaboration and learning, here it is.

They spent the better part of two days at our booth, determined to solve all 10 geometry problems from the 3D Interactive Geometry site that I reviewed here. 

We couldn't keep them away!

Of course, being teenagers, once they realized that I was taking pictures they posed for a few more:

Haha - I miss the antics of teenagers sometimes. It was fun to have them hang around for the two days :)

Next time someone questions you on whether or not SMART Boards can be student-centered and engaging, point them to these pictures.

There, now I'm off my soapbox.

Vanessa