IPads and Literacy

This year I have been on a mission to use technology in my classroom. I am making efforts to use technology, not as a seperate subject, but rather as a part of our daily teaching and learning. I am also trying to make an effort to not use the iPads as expensive pencils.
Throughout this journey I have discovered that the iPad is a tool that helps to engage the students in their own learning. I have seen their creativity, imagination, writing skills, problem solving skills, and oral language skills increase with the use of iPads.

Reading
My class does a lot of listening to stories and reading on the iPads.  They are often reading stories, TodaysMeet discussions, or blogs. We read stories together (projected on the SMARTBoard), in small groups, with partners and sometimes by themselves.  We have favourite stories on the iPads, such as The Monster at the End of the Book and Cinderella.  We also like reading TumbleBooks.

Blogging

My students can easily access their blogs through the KidBlog app. They are able to create stories and pictures and embed them on their blogs. They are able to comment on other students' blogs both from our classroom and from other classes. Many of my students are showing more and more interest in blogging. Some even blog from home.


Spelling
There are several apps to help them practise their spelling words. I like to use the ones that encourage the students to create rather than drill and practise. Some that are often used are Touch and Write, Word Wizard, Doodle Buddy, and Draw and Tell. My students create their own spelling word lists, practise them and save their word work to their blogs.

Story Making

Story Buddy 2

Felt Board

During writing times, I always give my students choice on whether they write on paper, journals, laptops, or iPads. A favourite tool for story telling is the iPad. There are many great apps for them to use, such as Book Creator, Story Buddy, Scribble Press, Felt Board (then import the picture into Draw and Tell or Explain Everything). They often upload their work onto their blog once they are finished. My students enjoy using their blogs as portfolios.

Writing
Technology has increased my students' ability and interest in writing.  Whether it is on their blog, commenting on other blogs, writing stories, or using TodaysMeet.  TodaysMeet is a web tool that allows people to share their ideas.  My students love using TodaysMeet during discussions.

TodaysMeet

Oral Language Skills
I believe that the iPads also encourage the development of oral language skills.  Draw and Tell is a great app for explaining learning.  The students often write, draw, plan etc.. and then explain their learning on the iPad.  They also communicate with each other while they are working.  My classroom is not a quiet place but rather it is a place full of active learning. Students are working together, sharing ideas, and helping each other.  Quiet students can record their ideas on the iPad and then upload it to their blog.

Google Hangouts and Skype are also ways to encourage the students to talk to each other.  This year we have hung out with other classrooms in Canada.  Some of them we even got to meet face to face.  My students were so excited when they met the students in person.  This year, we have also skyped with an author, Kate Messner.  We took turns asking her questions and listening to her answers.


Technology has become part of our classroom and I can't imagine not using it in our daily learning and teaching.

Teaching Math using iPads

A student using the app Draw and Tell to make an equation.

Using cuisenaire rods and the app Popplet to make equations for 12

This year I have been on a journey to include more technology in my teaching.  I have learned along the way that it is not about the iPad but rather it is about the learning.  It is not about using technology for the sake of using iPads but it is about making it a part of the daily learning.  Technology is another tool just like paper and pencils.  It is another way for students to consolidate and explain their learning.  Technology gives students choice in how they show their learning.  For this reason, we should focus less on fancy drill and practise apps and more on creation based apps.  I look for apps where students can show their creativity as well as explain their thinking.

This year, I have 5 iPads in my classroom.  I have been working on using the apps during math as a way to enhance my students' learning and to give them choice on how to explain their learning.  My favourite apps to use during math are Draw and Tell, Popplet, Explain Everything, iMovie, and Kidblog.  Next I would like to introduce the students to Educreations.  After we work on a math concept my students choose how to show their learning.  Some choose to create using manipulatives, some use paper and pencil, some use manipulatives and iPads, and some just use iPads.
My students often put their work on their individual blogs.  Here is one of the students using her blog to show her learning.


This is a student using cuisenaire rods and the app Draw and Tell to make an addition equation.  She then uploaded it onto her blog.

 Technology is a great tool for teaching but we have to remember that it is only one of the tools and that what is really important is the teaching and learning.  Technology gives students more choice on how they learn and gives them opportunities to explain their learning to a wider audience.  It also helps them to make more connections with their learning and with people.  At the end of the day it is not about the fancy apps but rather how the students can use the apps to help them with their learning.

How do you use iPads in your classroom?

Assessment

Over the years I feel as if I have grown as a teacher and grown in my understanding of assessment for learning.  I do ongoing daily assessment as well as formal assessments in reading, writing and math.  I use my assessments to differentiate my instruction to meet the needs of all of my students.  I know which students need to be challenged and which need extra support and  encouragement.  Which students need more teacher time, visuals, different working environments, etc...  I take every child from where they are and encourage them to strive for their own personal best.  But this is all me.  I am doing the encouraging, reminding and they are doing the listening.  They are not actively participating in using their assessment to decide their learning pathway.  At the end of the day, I am still in charge of deciding their program.  I realized upon self reflection that all of this assessment was me in control.  Although I reminded the students of the criteria before writing and reminded them to edit their work before turning it in it was still me doing the reminding, being in control.  What we want is our students to be in control of their own learning.

I thought that by having student led conferences after every report card  and that by making the criteria known to the students that my students were taking ownership of their own learning but I was missing something.  My students were doing two stars and one wish but it wasn't effective.  Something was still missing.  It was still me reminding them of the criteria and organizing the student led conferences.

Last week I heard Anne Davies, Ph.D speak at the Kelowna Reading Summit When Vulnerable Readers Thrive and I realized what I was missing.  I was missing having the students self assess.  After hearing Anne Davies speak, I went back to school on the Monday and started teaching my students how to self assess.

First we brainstormed criteria for "what makes a good reader".  My students gave me the criteria in their own words which I wrote up on the SMART Board.  All of their ideas were included in the criteria.  As  I wrote we discussed the ideas and then I printed out copies for each of them.  Then before reading they looked at the criteria.  After reading, they again looked at the criteria and decided which things they did during reading and came up with a plan for the next reading time which they then wrote on their own sheet.  The next day, after reading I could hear them telling each other what they worked on and what they were going to work on next time.  I conferenced with a couple and could tell that they were very excited about using the criteria to assess their own reading.

So then I tried it with writing.  We brainstormed our writing criteria and then sat down to write.  For the first time, when they were finished I didn't have to remind them to use capitals correctly or periods.  They were editing their own work without me asking them to.  Next week, we are going to learn about creating a writing continuum.  I am excited to see how this writing continuum comes together.

I have only just started using self assessment and I am seeing how the students are taking more ownership of their learning.  I do believe that it is important to use teacher assessments as well as self assessment.

How do you use assessment in your classroom?

My Journey with Technology

Yesterday while at Ed Camp I was reminded that it was only a year ago that I attended my first Ed Camp, met Karen Lirenman, joined Twitter and jumped into using technology in my classroom.  It has been a whirlwind year, full of amazing learning.  I have learned so many things and in the process have grown as a teacher and as a learner.

I have learned that the iPad is just a tool.  Last June, when George Couros spoke and asked us if the iPad was a tool I didn't know the answer.  It was too new to me and I was not sure if an iPad was a tool or more than a tool.  I now know that it is just a tool.  The iPad can be used to demonstrate creativity, imagination, communication and innovation but it is only one of the tools.  It is how the teacher approaches teaching and learning that matters.  It is the opportunities that the teacher gives the students that matter.  It is listening, hearing and providing the students with the materials that they need to be engaged in their own learning.  It is about transforming their learning and the iPad is just one of the tools.  For this reason, you don't need a whole class set of ipads.  Not all students will choose the iPad to demonstrate their learning.  I have 5 in my classroom and it is working for me to have 5 that the students always have access to.

I have also learned that the apps should be creation based and not test and drill.  My students use the apps to create, demonstrate, expand on and communicate their learning.  Their favourite apps are Draw and Tell, Garage Band, Felt Board, Explain Everything, KidBlog, iMovies, Scribble Press, and Story Buddy 2.

I have learned that the technology can flatten walls and give the students opportunities that they would have never had, such as communicating their ideas on their own blog for others to see. When I first introduced blogging to my students last March I password protected their posts because I thought that I needed to.  I soon realized that by putting those restrictions on they could only share their blogs with their family and classmates.  I realized that the students needed to be able to have open blogs so that they could share their blogs freely.  This has been the best thing.  My students love seeing comments from other students in other provinces and countries.  They also enjoy commenting on others blogs.  My students have also participated in Google Hangouts with other classrooms.

I have also learned that Twitter is an excellent way to find out about Professional Development, teaching ideas and to connect with wonderful, innovative teachers.  The world is getting smaller because of Twitter.  Through Twitter I was able to participate in the Global Read Aloud, Quad Blogging and Primary Blogging.  I learned about Edmodo through the Twitter feed.  I also learned about Google Hangout and Adobe Connect through Twitter.

Through the Surrey Dinner Series I have been inspired from the wonderful speakers Dean Shareski, Shelley Wright, and Bill Ferriter.  I have learned to make 60 second videos and to develop a sense of wonder in my students.  I have learned about the power of choice.  I give my students choice every day in where they sit or stand, where they learn, how they show their learning, what they read, where they read, what they write, where they write, and where they eat.

 I have learned that it is okay to not have all the answers, that learning is messy and noisy and that it is important to include your students in decisions.  I have learned to listen to what the students want and that what I think is fun and engaging might not be what they want to do and that is okay.  Beautiful art projects might look nice on the walls but if they have no meaning for them then they are pointless.  I have learned to let things go and to try different things in their place.  I have learned to not be afraid of technology and to try new things (baking bread, putting on Pro-D for teachers etc..).  I have learned to not sweat the small stuff and to not stress out if the technology isn't working or the wifi is acting up.  For example. failed Google Hangouts are not a waste of time but rather a learning experience.

I am excited to see where this journey is going to take me.  I don't know if I would have gone on this journey if it had not had the support and encouragement from Lora Sarchet, Shelley Brett and Karen Lirenman.

Why I love my SMART Board

I have heard many people lately say that the interactive whiteboard is on its way out and it frustrates me because I love my interactive whiteboard.  I have been using my SMART Board for two years now and I don't see how I could teach without it.  It really helps teach and reinforce concepts.  It is constantly in use throughout the school day.  I have heard all of the arguments against it and I can see their point of view.  Yes it is an expensive piece of technology and yes an iPad hooked up to a projector and Apple T.V. can do the same projecting as a SMART Board.  If you are only using the SMART Board as a projector then yes an iPad can do the same projecting at less of a cost.  In fact, you could purchase at least six ipads for the cost of one installed SMART Board.  However, an interactive whiteboard is so much more than a projector and I see it as having a different use than an iPad.  IPads are useful tools for students to share, create and demonstrate their learning whereas an interactive whiteboard is a good tool for teaching and reinforcing concepts.

The first rule is that the SMART Board needs to be installed.  A moveable SMART Board ends up frustrating people because it constantly needs to be reoriented.

The second rule is that if at first you don't succeed (the screen is purple, the board won't orient, the pens are not working) don't give up but instead try again.  Often in the beginning I would get a purple screen and have to take all the cords out and put them back in again.  It may be frustrating at first but quickly those frustrations are forgotten as you get used to using the SMART Board.

The interactive whiteboard is so much more than a projector.  Yes I use it as a projector some times.  I use my SMART board to :

Google Hangout

• show my students DVD's or video clips from Discovery Education Video Streaming and Learn 360
• for Google Hangouts 
• show Tumblebooks 
• show You Tube clips or class blogs
• with the document camera
• art samples
• maps
• show work on the iPads

I also use my SMART Board to teach my students concepts both as a whole class and in small groups.  Yes during these times not all of my students are interacting with the board but they are engaged in the lessons.  I have created many lessons on the SMART Board.  Here are some of the ways that I use it as an interactive whiteboard:

• Word Wall Bingo- the students choose 6 words off of the word wall and write them on their chalkboards.  Then we use the Random Word Chooser on the SMART board to pick the word. While one student is touching the board and reading out the word the other students are seeing if the word called out is on their chalkboard.
• Make and Break Words- the students use their letter tiles on their desks to build the words while one student builds the word on the SmartBoard.  The students take turns coming up to the board.
• Graphing - and then we print out the graph to take home.
• Morning Message- the students take turns filling in the message.  We can then print the message out so that they can take it home.
• Brainstorming of words for writing activities.  We can then print the words out so that students who need the words can have them on their desk.
• Dice games- roll dice on the SMART Board and then the students write equations on their chalkboards.
• Demonstrate math lessons using interactive cubes, dice, dominoes, cards, pictures, ten frames and then have the students build using real manipulatives. 
• Use the document camera and then write directly onto the SMART Board.
• Calendar

These are only a few of the ways that I use the interactive whiteboard for teaching.  Yes an iPad could be used instead but it would not be the same.  I used the iPad one day when my laptop was being serviced and although it worked it did not have the same effect.  For example, yes I could do chalkboard spelling but the words just appeared.  The students couldn't see the words being printed in front of them.  I could do ten frames with an iPad app but the students couldn't come up to the SMART board and manipulate the objects.  My students love interacting with the SMARTboard.

 My students also love using the SMART Board during free time.  They often are writing on it and then recognizing their words.  They enjoy writing math equations and word problems on it.  Sometimes, they take turns playing teacher and students.  They also enjoying using Kids Pix on the SMART Board.   My students know how to orient it when needed and how to wake it up when it goes to sleep.  

A couple of months ago one of my students wanted to show his classmates how to make a paper airplane.  You can see his demonstration here.  He said that he needed the document camera, paper and the SMART board.

I know that an installed interactive whiteboard is expensive but I can't imagine teaching without it.  It is a useful tool for teaching students concepts both from me and also from each other.   The SMART Board is so much more than a projector and it is more than a fancy whiteboard.  It is a tool to enhance learning and to make it easier to model, teach and reinforce concepts.  

Learning From Each Other

This week, preparing for student led conferences and the Christmas concert has been very busy.  During this busy time one of my students asked if he could show the class how to make a paper airplane.  His father had showed him and now he wanted to share it with his classmates.  There was so much to finish and so much to do and I was about to say not today when I stopped myself.  This was important to him so we could make the time.  I asked him what supplies he needed and he said just paper and the document camera.  He had seen me use the document camera many times to teach math and wanted to use it to teach his peers how to make a paper airplane.  The students were engaged watching and learning from him.  It was a great moment and it reminded me to take the time and to listen to my students.

Teaching is a great adventure in learning!

Last night I listened to Shelley Wright speak to a room full of educators and I was inspired.  Her journey from traditional teacher to project based passion teacher made me think of my own teaching practices.  My teaching style has always been hands on, active, play based, co-operative group learning but it has still been controlled by me.  In the past, I have put the students into literacy groups and have chosen the activities that they do.  I have done math centres where they rotate through the stations in an organized manner.  I have chosen the themes that we learn based on the learning outcomes.  This year I have been making small changes since September.  These are:

*giving  my students choice on where they want to work during seat work times, such as sitting on rocking chairs, pillows, comfy chairs, bouncy chairs, on the floor or standing.

*letting them choose whether to sit on the floor or at their desk during story time (letting them decide where the best spot for their active listening will be).

*moving my desk to face a wall and letting my students sit at my desk and on my chair during read to self times.

*encouraging my students to try different activities on the ipads and to teach me and the others how to use the various apps.

*letting my students during centres put up their own decorations (their own idea) and posters in the classroom such as Halloween decorations, birthday decorations and signs.

*this week I let my students choose their literacy centres.  They were very excited to put their name beside the literacy centre that they wanted to do.  The first day most students chose the computers, ipads and whiteboard but they were all engaged in the various activities.

*today with the encouragement of my wonderful teaching partner Lora Sarchet I asked my students to write down what they want to learn this year.  They were very excited and got right down to work.  They all had very different ideas about what they want to learn about, such as learning about sunsets, teeth, bats, animals, trees and leaves, how to bake a pie, make pancakes, how lego is made, science experiments, how people move, space, flowers and plants, how dolls are made, and fish.  Now to make their wonders become a reality.  Originally I had planned that I would choose one of their ideas each month and have all of the students learn about it but once I saw all of the different ideas I realized that they all need to learn their own topic and then share it.  It is hard to give up control of the classroom and to take a passenger seat.  I now know what my students really want to learn so I have to make sure that I make this happen.  How to go about it though has been on my mind most of today.  I have been thinking about trying monthly wonder afternoons where the students choose their topic and take control of their learning (let me know what supplies they need so that I can help).  Then they can blog about their learning but is that enough?  Does anyone else have suggestions on how I can fit into my day/year time for each child to learn about their own passions?

I want to learn how to make pie.  I want to learn about how lego is made.

I want to learn about bats.  I want to learn about making science experiments.

I want to learn about teeth (how to care for them, keep them clean, how they grow).  I want to learn about sunsets how they go down.

I want to learn about animals.  I want to know more about math and plants and flowers.