Takeaway: In 2012 it is imperative students & staff have the benefit of dedicated professionals on both sides of the technology aisle, a computer teacher & a tech coordinator supporting staff with implementation. It's also important both positions work together & share duties, to best integrate technology througout the school community...
Most schools these days have a computer teacher. Or a technology coordinator. Sometimes both are the same person. Some schools have neither. It is imperative that all schools have both, not only in title, but two different people doing the two vastly different tasks. But they both need to teach...
Friday, November 2, 2012
The Teacher-Centered iPad Deployment
Takeaway: With a tendency to resist change and askew technology, sometimes it's wise it introduce it gradually, with direct benefit to teachers, before rolling out to students. Teacher excitement & buy-in goes a long way to a successful student program
The last few years have seen a boom in the idea, terminology, and philosophy of the “student centered” or “child centered” classroom - basically, taking the teacher and making them secondary to the learning environment, crafting the room and the instruction around the needs of the students, not those of the teacher. It is easy to argue one way or the other. When I rolled out the iPad program at my school, PS 10 in Brooklyn, I was 100% the ardent supporter of the “teacher centered” model. When it came to iPads, students took a back seat.
The last few years have seen a boom in the idea, terminology, and philosophy of the “student centered” or “child centered” classroom - basically, taking the teacher and making them secondary to the learning environment, crafting the room and the instruction around the needs of the students, not those of the teacher. It is easy to argue one way or the other. When I rolled out the iPad program at my school, PS 10 in Brooklyn, I was 100% the ardent supporter of the “teacher centered” model. When it came to iPads, students took a back seat.
No, I Don’t Teach Typing
Takeaway: After years of the same question, I felt it was high time I answered the question, and explained my rational. No, I don't teach typing...
Every year, at least a dozen times a year, I get asked if I “teach typing.” Why do I place that in quotation marks? Because in general, when people ask, they are referring to basic keyboarding skills. Home keys and such. And no, I don’t “teach typing.” But that doesn’t mean I don’t teach students how to type. But what is more important is that I teach far more than typing. I see students once a week and in my professional opinion, with over nine years’ experience as a computer teacher, “teaching typing” is a waste of time. Time is better spent on technical skills, core technology knowledge base, and creative productivity.
Every year, at least a dozen times a year, I get asked if I “teach typing.” Why do I place that in quotation marks? Because in general, when people ask, they are referring to basic keyboarding skills. Home keys and such. And no, I don’t “teach typing.” But that doesn’t mean I don’t teach students how to type. But what is more important is that I teach far more than typing. I see students once a week and in my professional opinion, with over nine years’ experience as a computer teacher, “teaching typing” is a waste of time. Time is better spent on technical skills, core technology knowledge base, and creative productivity.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Bookmarks via PS10iPads
The latest and greatest bookmarks from the PS10iPads shared Diigo group...
- Dropbox, the app we all (at least many of us) know and love, has a plethora of advanced uses to make life so much easier in managing data between multiple computers and online. We’ve posted several roundups of tips and tricks for Dropbox and now we present our ultimate toolkit and guide.
We’ve pulled all our tips and tricks together and added quite a few more. Additionally, share your Dropbox tips and tricks and we’ll update the list to share the fun with everyone. - This Google Site has been set up by Dr. Helen Barrett to focus on the use of Google Apps to create ePortfolios. On this site, there are instructions on how to use the different elements of Google Apps to maintain e-portfolios.
- A great list of tools & resources for effective internet searches with students
- Wikisapces: "Which is why we created our brand-new YouTube channel for all our video tours and instructional videos. Not only because it gives us a handy place to share tips and instructions that might be too confusing to describe in just words, but because it lets you, our users, share these videos with your members."
- A Media Specialist's Guide to the Internet
- Dropbox is a very useful tool to store online files, sync your computers and mobile devices and share files. With all those capabilities it makes it a natural tool for educators!
Friday, March 23, 2012
European Art HD - iPad app with 800 works of art
Takeaway: Another great app recommendation, currently free, from the art teacher, Joe Peterson, here at P. S. 10...
Mr. Joe, as I mentioned previously, is not only an art app connoisseur but he uses his iPad constantly, fully integrating in within his instructional framework. So, when Mr. Joe forwards an app suggestion I listen and download...
SketchBook Pro for iPad - on sale!
Takeaway: A great app recommendation, currently discounted, from the art teacher, Joe Peterson, here at P. S. 10...
Mr. Joe, as he is known, has already maxed out a 16 GB iPad and is on his way to maxing out his 64 GB (not sure what we'll give him when that happens...). He is not only an art app connoisseur but he uses his iPad throughout the day for demonstrations, tactile interaction, as an overall added resource to a traditional art classroom. He usually ends the day with about 27% of battery life left...
Mr. Joe, as he is known, has already maxed out a 16 GB iPad and is on his way to maxing out his 64 GB (not sure what we'll give him when that happens...). He is not only an art app connoisseur but he uses his iPad throughout the day for demonstrations, tactile interaction, as an overall added resource to a traditional art classroom. He usually ends the day with about 27% of battery life left...
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Bookmarks via PS10iPads
- Wikisapces: "Which is why we created our brand-new YouTube channel for all our video tours and instructional videos. Not only because it gives us a handy place to share tips and instructions that might be too confusing to describe in just words, but because it lets you, our users, share these videos with your members."
- Dropbox, the app we all (at least many of us) know and love, has a plethora of advanced uses to make life so much easier in managing data between multiple computers and online. We’ve posted several roundups of tips and tricks for Dropbox and now we present our ultimate toolkit and guide.
We’ve pulled all our tips and tricks together and added quite a few more. Additionally, share your Dropbox tips and tricks and we’ll update the list to share the fun with everyone. - This Google Site has been set up by Dr. Helen Barrett to focus on the use of Google Apps to create ePortfolios. On this site, there are instructions on how to use the different elements of Google Apps to maintain e-portfolios.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Oh, my iPhone woes...
Last week I wrote about my dead iPhone and how I was happy to be phoneless.
I was happy. Technically, I still am happy. Although today it's more annoyed.
In the immortal words of Paul Harvery, and now, the rest of the story...
I went in to Verizon Wireless at 7pm last Wednesday. They confirmed my phone was dead and put in for a replacement to be shipped to me. They were honest that since it was late in the day so I probably wouldn't get it until FRiday. No worries. Thursday around noon my replacement shows up. Way to go Verizon!
Fire up the replacement and I get:
I figure it can't connect because I'm at work and we are behind a proxy server. No worries, I'll do it at home.
At home, on my Verizon DSL I fire up the replacement and get:
I was happy. Technically, I still am happy. Although today it's more annoyed.
In the immortal words of Paul Harvery, and now, the rest of the story...
I went in to Verizon Wireless at 7pm last Wednesday. They confirmed my phone was dead and put in for a replacement to be shipped to me. They were honest that since it was late in the day so I probably wouldn't get it until FRiday. No worries. Thursday around noon my replacement shows up. Way to go Verizon!
Fire up the replacement and I get:
(photo credit: mashable.com)
I figure it can't connect because I'm at work and we are behind a proxy server. No worries, I'll do it at home.
At home, on my Verizon DSL I fire up the replacement and get:
(photo credit: mashable.com)
Ugh...
No worries, still undaunted. I shut down the phone and I open my MacBook Pro, which my previous phone was synced to and plug in this new one. It fires up and I get:
(photo credit: mashable.com)
Notice a trend...?
Long story short (too late?), Verizon is sending me another new one. Should be here tomorrow. Almost a week without a phone. Aside from the annoyance of spending hours on the phone trying to resolve this, not having a phone is still not that bad. My life is pretty well synced and backed up across my devices and the only thing I haven't done since my phone died is check Facebook... so it isn't bad at all...
Long story short (too late?), Verizon is sending me another new one. Should be here tomorrow. Almost a week without a phone. Aside from the annoyance of spending hours on the phone trying to resolve this, not having a phone is still not that bad. My life is pretty well synced and backed up across my devices and the only thing I haven't done since my phone died is check Facebook... so it isn't bad at all...
Thursday, March 15, 2012
My iPhone Died and I Couldn't Be Happier
Takeaway: My iPhone is dead and disconnected but I am not. I am now a man of 1990s telephony with late 'aughts connectivity. Pleasantly ironic in a digital age.
About 2 weeks ago my iPhone starting losing its ability to keep a charge. The battery would charge just fine, but within an hour it would be 50% drained. Epic battery drainage.
This rapid charge/rapid drain wasn't a big deal since I have iOS device chargers coming out of my ears. I have my iPhone, my primary iPad, my back-up iPad (used for testing settings, apps, etc), the iPod Nano I wear on my wrist, not to mention the 4 standard iPods my wife and I share (oh, yeah, she has an iPhone too). Having chargers handy isn't a concern...
About 2 weeks ago my iPhone starting losing its ability to keep a charge. The battery would charge just fine, but within an hour it would be 50% drained. Epic battery drainage.
This rapid charge/rapid drain wasn't a big deal since I have iOS device chargers coming out of my ears. I have my iPhone, my primary iPad, my back-up iPad (used for testing settings, apps, etc), the iPod Nano I wear on my wrist, not to mention the 4 standard iPods my wife and I share (oh, yeah, she has an iPhone too). Having chargers handy isn't a concern...
Monday, March 12, 2012
Bookmarks via PS10 iPads
Bookmarks from the PS10 iPads Diigo group:
These are the links we find valuable for furthering our effective use of iPads within the PS 10 community.
- This virtual binder contains links useful in locating the best way to incorporate iPads and iPods into your daily curriculum.
Apps, videos, lessons, grant resources, and articles that would assist you with including these devices within your classrooms. - List & descriptions of free and paid apps "for science lovers" - great list of educational apps involving science...
- How do you find an App?
Article lists 6 apps handy for helping to navigate the vast array of apps available. Autism specific apps, free apps, etc... - Google Gooru is an information resource where you can learn everything you need to know about using Google Apps. Whether you are new to Google Apps or an experienced user looking to keep up with the latest updates, Google Gooru can help.
If we haven't covered the topic you are researching, let us know by submitting the form to your right. We love ideas for new videos! - Reader
Creator
Student Response System
Classroom Manager
Study Tool
Organizer
Differentiator
Friday, March 2, 2012
Digital Record Keeping & Portfolio Building - Rubrics
Takeaway: Using the iPad & GoodReader can easily digitize a teacher's assessment process as well as give parents quick & easy access to the results.
As teachers we are always creating rubrics. Rubrics for assignments, rubrics for projects, rubrics for units. With upwards of 30 students in a class keeping the weight of the rubric paper to a minimum is key. In addition, how do you ensure the parents are seeing the results and staying informed & connected to their child's learning?
As teachers we are always creating rubrics. Rubrics for assignments, rubrics for projects, rubrics for units. With upwards of 30 students in a class keeping the weight of the rubric paper to a minimum is key. In addition, how do you ensure the parents are seeing the results and staying informed & connected to their child's learning?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
OnLive Desktop - Run Office 10/Windows 7 on an iPad...
Takeaway - If you absolutely, positively need to access a Windows 7 environment on your iPad, OnLive Desktop is a decent free option..
Two of the biggest questions/complaints I get is "why can't I use Microsoft Office on the iPad?" and "I like Windows, why can't it be like Windows?"
(yes, I do get both questions, repeatedly, I have yet to convert all the masses)
As a devout Mac guy my answer is "why would you want too?"
(yes, I hate it when people answer a question with a question but in this case I feel it's warranted).
The biggest issue I see with iPad adoption is users wanting to replicate their traditional computing environment ion the iPad. As any seasoned iPad user will tell you, that is not possible. But that same iPad guru will tell you it's better that way.
Word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, all the Microsoft Office platforms can be used within the native iPad environment with specific iPad app, but for those users who are insistant on mimicking the Windows environment there is OnLive Desktop...
Two of the biggest questions/complaints I get is "why can't I use Microsoft Office on the iPad?" and "I like Windows, why can't it be like Windows?"
(yes, I do get both questions, repeatedly, I have yet to convert all the masses)
As a devout Mac guy my answer is "why would you want too?"
(yes, I hate it when people answer a question with a question but in this case I feel it's warranted).
The biggest issue I see with iPad adoption is users wanting to replicate their traditional computing environment ion the iPad. As any seasoned iPad user will tell you, that is not possible. But that same iPad guru will tell you it's better that way.
Word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, all the Microsoft Office platforms can be used within the native iPad environment with specific iPad app, but for those users who are insistant on mimicking the Windows environment there is OnLive Desktop...
Monday, February 6, 2012
Bookmarks via PS10 iPads
The latest bookmarks from the PS 10 iPads Diigo Group...
- This is a collection of lists of sites that provide recommended lists/reviews of educational apps
- Some little-known tricks and tips that will get you even more excited about using your iPad
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Everything Butt Art - Learn to draw iOS app
I came across this interesting app, Everything Butt Art (iTunes link) thanks to Mashable.
It's a very cool little how-to drawing app that teaches the basics of drawing on the premise that everything starts out looking like a butt.
The app comes with 3 free tutorials and in-app purchase ability for up to 24 more (each $0.99).
Below is a quick video of the opening page and my first attempt at the Gorrilla.
The app has spoken instructions and a guidebok of how to draw, which also features a voice-over option (very nice for students who may struggle with reading).
A very nicely done app with basic free functions. Buying all the drawing tutorials would cost a pretty penny but the freebies & ability to free-draw are enough to make it a worthy download, especially for those working with lower-grade students.
Click here for the iTunes page to download...
It's a very cool little how-to drawing app that teaches the basics of drawing on the premise that everything starts out looking like a butt.
The app comes with 3 free tutorials and in-app purchase ability for up to 24 more (each $0.99).
Below is a quick video of the opening page and my first attempt at the Gorrilla.
The app has spoken instructions and a guidebok of how to draw, which also features a voice-over option (very nice for students who may struggle with reading).
A very nicely done app with basic free functions. Buying all the drawing tutorials would cost a pretty penny but the freebies & ability to free-draw are enough to make it a worthy download, especially for those working with lower-grade students.
Click here for the iTunes page to download...
NASA's new app - Sector 33
I love the original NASA app so I was excited to read about NASA's new offering...
... Sector 33 (iTunes link) is NASA's new flight simulator inspired app on the iOS platform.
It reminds me a lot of the game FlightControl except a lot more realistic and far more mathematically accurate. This has great potential for engaging a wide range of students as it appeals to multiple interests. (math, gaming, simulations, aviation)
As with the original NASA app, Sector 33 if free!
... Sector 33 (iTunes link) is NASA's new flight simulator inspired app on the iOS platform.
It reminds me a lot of the game FlightControl except a lot more realistic and far more mathematically accurate. This has great potential for engaging a wide range of students as it appeals to multiple interests. (math, gaming, simulations, aviation)
As with the original NASA app, Sector 33 if free!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Bookmarks via PS10 iPads
- 10 Great sites for finding apps specifically related to education and the use of iPads in schools.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Extremely Amateur Economist - Re: teacher pay
I hope the title stresses the point that I am in no way claiming to be any sort of economist.
I had a thought while waiting for my car to get serviced this weekend. Nothing like the smell of gasoline & motor oil to get the thought juices flowing....
iOS Photos to Dropbox
Takeaway - seemless uploading of iPad photos to Dropbox, just another reason to love Dropbox...
Dropbox is an amazing service/utility/app that allows you to store things in the cloud and sync all your files to local systems with Dropbox installed. For me it's the best of both worlds; cloud computing with access anywhere but with synced local files allowing me to work without an Internet connection.
But how to sync photos & videos I take with my iPad or iPhone...
Dropbox is an amazing service/utility/app that allows you to store things in the cloud and sync all your files to local systems with Dropbox installed. For me it's the best of both worlds; cloud computing with access anywhere but with synced local files allowing me to work without an Internet connection.
But how to sync photos & videos I take with my iPad or iPhone...
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