Random Thoughts On 1:1 - Clicking Buttons

by Adam Britton

In thinking about 1:1, I just wanted to talk about a couple of things that will be important in our transition. First off, get to know Google! Secondly, don’t be afraid to click buttons!

Apparently, this Google thing is a pretty big deal. We will be using their services and they offer a wide variety of useful apps. We are only scratching the surface right now. Google has a lot of help menus, but these apps don’t really come with an instruction manual. My advice then is to sign into Google and click something that looks interesting. Take some time to explore. There is no doubt that it will take some time. But there are lots of apps that can do so many things that can enhance what you want to do in the classroom. I think you are going to feel left behind if you are waiting for training for Google features. There are basics that will be addressed and some folks are masters of other Google apps, but you have got to explore for yourself to see what will fit your classroom!

This segues into my next point...don’t be afraid to click buttons. Sometimes I feel like people are afraid that they are going to collapse the Google infrastructure with the single click of a button! Google isn’t stupid enough to give us that kind of power! It is also important to note that the Google products change as they are continually improving and adding new features to what they offer. Be flexible and adaptable!

I think one of the things that separates the “tech experts” in the building is that willingness to try out some new piece of software and click buttons. I don’t think of myself as a “tech expert.” If a student went back in the room in the library and changed on of the network cables and caused us to lose Internet access...I’d be clueless. However, I am definitely not afraid to click buttons. I think that comes from a lack of patience in dealing with my Father. My Father was not afraid to bring in new technology and try new devices or software in our home. However, his approach was to always consult an instruction manual. This was always too slow for me. I’d just think about what the device/software could do and then click on the button that made the most sense. That usually works about 75% of the time.

But please understand, clicking buttons is a frustrating process. It leads to a lot of dead ends and frustration. But eventually you work through the obstacles. All of a sudden, you have become a “tech expert”! This is how I’ve learned to use student response systems, screencasting, and now Google products.

In my latest venture, I am looking to create an app. I was inspired by the potential grant money in the “Straight A” fund that Mr. Hile has referenced in our numerous e-mails. Although I won’t bore you with the details, the short story is that I need to create an app. I’ve never done this before. I don’t have a degree in computer science or programming. Right now, ... it looks like a foreign language to me. But I’m going to be patient, I’m going to explore, I’m going to go click some buttons...

Take a peek inside Adam's classroom and hear how he has really become a "tech genius" ... also, discover what he really thinks of Debbie Fehrman, find out about the "Scott Beery" app and hear why Justin's the guy to go to (at least sometimes)!  ****************************************

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Some screencasting resources from Adam:

Here's Adam's document with some screencasting tools ... give them a try!

Below is one of Adam's "Math Casts" he's working on for a potential "flipped classroom"environment next year:

Four Bright, Shining Faces

In the last blog, I mentioned bright smiling faces… I can’t resist writing one more post about a Waiver Day because there were 3 particularly bright faces – and one particularly hairy one -- who shared some of their expertise on the second Waiver Day.  Here's a shout out -- and some resources for when you're ready to try out any of their ideas.

Who wouldn't love these faces?!

Kristen Dennis:  I couldn’t resist posting a picture of some of the extensive wiring in her classroom.   But if you've been in her classroom, you know the abundance of electricity in her room doesn't just come from her use of technology.  

 Kristin shared with everyone a classroom website she utilized at the elementary school (she’s currently building the MS version).  She uses a free website builder called WIX. Her website can be found HERE.  And – if she didn’t show you on Waiver Day, there’s a video of Kristin on stilts and juggling as she talks to her students about the “art” of life.  It’s on the TEACHERS tab on the website (scroll down to the video and she’s about 20 seconds in).  If you’re interested in viewing some other teacher Wix sites for inspiration and ideas for your own website (whether it’s a google site, Wix, Weebly, or other), you really have to check out this web site with sample teacher Wix sites and tutorial videos… a great resource.

Justin Fickes   I emailed Justin to see if he minded my poking a little fun at his beard.  He was ok with it, of course, because he's cool that way. He also has a cool-looking Weebly website which features another great thinker with well-known hair. Weebly has an easy to use drag and drop menu for adding elements.  

Justin also shared some info about the use of green screens.  A couple of sources for you:  Jason Ohler, an expert on digital storytelling (I have his book on digital storytelling in my room if you want to have a look) has posted a nicely detailed project description using the technology.

Jeff Wills:  When I popped into Jeff Wills’ room to ask if I could take a quick picture of him working, he just smiled and replied, “I work?!” 

I think Jeff is a real 1:1 teacher’s teacher – generous, patient, and always optimistic.  He shared with us his use of Socrative student response system that also creates quizzes and games.  Here’s an in-the-classroom video of a teacher using Socrative.

Adam Britton knows what he wants to accomplish with his students and shared with us that he is already planning for next year’s 1:1 by recording some video tutorials for his students (who won't need to wait until next year to utilize them): one of them is embedded below.  

       
Some time this year we’ll have a session on screencasting; for now, here's another look at Adam's really useful, detailed review of screencasting resources.  Adam is a committed 21st century teacher ready to talk tech.

Thanks again to all these teachers who shared!  Remember... this blog is meant to serve as an archive for resources. When a teacher wants to try something out, it can be on that teacher's time -- so resources (both human and technological) will be identifiable whenever the teacher needs them.  These teachers and others (and I) are eager to help anyone who needs it.  Just let us know!