Prototype - A Way to Boost Team Projects

For many projects in our Computer Science class, teams are tasked with designing and developing a prototype of their idea. This, in many cases, takes the project to a new level - they must imagine or brainstorm what their product will actually look like, what it will do, and how it could potentially be used by the public. Critical thinking and problem-solving play a big part in our prototyping.

Here's where we begin:

Prototype (noun) - defined as a first, typical, or preliminary model of something, especially a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied.

The team's prototype can be one of these forms: 

• Physical - your team can design and create a shell or a model. It can be made of any material. It does not have to 'work' exactly, but should be close to your overall plan.
• Drawn - similarly to a patent of a machine, or an architect's rendering - draw out what your product should look like, detailing every angle and every important aspect. Then label parts of the product.
• Coded - this is where your team can show the design and begin to demonstrate how it will work. Your team can use any platform to create this programmed representation of the product.
• Audio - this will allow your team to demonstrate your product using sounds. Your team can use any platform to create the sounds that best represent the product.
• Other - your team may have other ideas that can used to demonstrate the product ideas. Choose wisely. Make sure it will give the viewing audience a good look at the product and what the product will be able to do.

In all cases, teams should concentrate on the details and be very specific.

Read & Write Extension in Chrome

This support tool was recently shared with me: add the Read & Write Extension in Chrome to allow students a reading immersive experience on any website. It's great for reading text out loud, understanding unfamiliar words & more. Here's how to add it:

Computer Science -- why? Or, maybe, why not.

• Computer Science is so much more than learning to code. It's about blending computers and other brands of technology with computational and critical thinking. In Computer Science, we're teaching students to think about how to solve problems.

  This is done by decomposing a problem - or, breaking it down into small chunks. Recognizing patterns, similarities or trends. Adding in an amount of abstraction, where we weed out the information we need versus the unnecessary 'stuff' that we don't need. Then, putting it all together to determine the steps or rules - the algorithm.

  Just about every industry on the planet requires applicants to have some form of background in Computer Science.

  For example:

  In Agriculture - farmers look to Computer Science to make their farms more efficient with watering systems, robotic equipment that will harvest fruits and vegetables that take them from plant to table in short periods of time.

  In the shipping industry, Computer Science is seen in programmed robots that sort, scan, package, label and eventually move to ship out the item in record speeds. Think about just how fast it takes to order, then receive the purchased item. Some arrive the same day or overnight. Rarely does it take longer than that. 

  In Architecture, civil engineers are needed to construct computer programs to design bridges, buildings or other infrastructures.

  In businesses from every industry, Computer Science is used in the form of developing tools, designing webpages and software to make organizations more efficient and, in most cases, more profitable.

  In Medicine, Computer Science is used to design medical devices and surgical instruments, and, to even perform surgical procedures with pin-point accuracy that no human can replicate. 

  Biologists use drones and software to track and analyze the migration of animals, food and water supplies and the preservation of rainforests.

  This is all Computer Science. In education, it is intertwined into each and every one of our content areas. We are molding students to fill these jobs. 

  And....Computer Science is an integral part of that process. 

  So, why the study of Computer Science in our classrooms? It might be best to ask - why not.

The Power of Peer Review

Peer Review, point blank, just works. It’s a double check of things as simple as grammar, sentence structure, feedback on steps, and…you, name-its. In my middle school Computer Science class, we also have peers suggest ways to improve products, improved codes, and, in the end, suggest ways to make ‘it’ better.

I introduce the old concepts of T.A.G., but with a twist. TAG is simply: 

T - Tell your peer what you like. What has your peer done well. This is a time to bring out everything that is looking great in the project. Shower your peer with positive vibes here. 

A - Ask questions. When you look at your peer’s project, what are you curious about? What is tricky or unclear? Ask the question. Get more clarity or ask questions that may make your peer think of other aspects they may not have thought of. And….

G - Give suggestions. What can you suggest that would make the project better, more clear, or add that extra special elements to make the project pop? Brainstorm with your peer.

A cheery reminder before Tag-time to all students is to be kind, be constructive, be a helper. I typically have students submit the feedback they gave and the feedback they got as part of all project deliverables in class. 

It just works!

Online Learning During A Pandemic - I Still Can't Believe My Luck!

I’m an Instructional Technology Teacher at an Elementary STEM Magnet School. The last several months, through this crisis, has been nothing short of extraordinary. The breathtaking speed that we left school, deployed all of our equipment, created videos and learning experiences for our students to help them login and access their classwork online, as well as assisting staff with training and support, has been phenomenal! Many of our staff had never used a learning management system or taught online before this time. And although our students used devices for much of their classwork, they were now thrust into this new world of using their equipment full time for everything from learning new math to communicating in a variety of ways with their teachers and classmates. This all became part of our journey, to get everyone in place, using the tools they needed, to continue the learning, like we’ve never experienced before.

I’m also a graduate student in Learning, Design & Technology at UNC Charlotte, in North Carolina, where I’ve been fortunate to be selected to help a cohort of STEM faculty transition from face-to-face instruction to an online format for both summer sessions. As a team, we’re working directly with faculty to build their mode of delivery that, for many of them, has also been a very new experience. Their challenges, although one would think would be somewhat different from an elementary school teacher’s challenge, surprisingly were very much the same – how do you build a course of study that is enriching, engaging and helps the student achieve their learning goals. This has become our big question mark, one that has required critical thinking to brainstorm solutions – some even while in the mix of things.

This past semester, taking the course Design, Development and Evaluation of Online Learning Systems, where we used QM extensively, had become a constant guide for each step and with many details to pay attention to. Ironically, I was getting real world experience in real time and was fortunate to have the tools and course working hand-in-hand to make this transition possible, with as few bumps along the way. I still can’t believe my luck.

Best Practice: Use Asynchronous & Synchronous Creatively

Best Practice: Use Asynchronous & Synchronous Creatively

As we transition from face-to-face meetings with our students to our new role in an online classroom, our focus shifts to being a coach, a mentor, and a guide for our students. This also means that by combining the proper blend of asynchronous to synchronous teaching and learning, we can best ensure student engagement and achievement. We want to make those interactions manageable and meaningful.

To help with this process, here’s something to consider - try this strategy:

Prior to the synchronous session, have students read and view all necessary content, give students several discussion prompts to consider while they review the material. Have some of the students be responsible for leading a section of the discussion (they can take turns each discussion). This before-hand preparation leads them to read, view, consider, research and prepare for the synchronous interaction happening once or twice a week, as necessary.

Students should prepare for the synchronous interaction by reviewing the module’s contents entirely before the live meeting. When the meeting begins, students are then presented with the problem and as a group begin to solve the problem or defend or refute the facts. They will have probing or targeted questions as their guides.

At the end of these engagements, have an open Q&A session for students to ask other questions and offer discussion prompts for the group. Repeat this process as needed.

**This also becomes another useful way to access student learning and participation.

We call this ‘chunking’…we 'chunk it' into smaller pieces for a more manageable and meaningful interaction with our class.

Here’s a synchronous meeting timeline, as an example:

·      Present problem solving - 10 mins

·      Discussion - targeted questions - 15 mins

·      Q/A - questions from students - 5-10 mins

·      Repeat, as necessary.

Crime Scene - a PBL for 4th & 5th Graders!

Students in 4th & 5th grade love when we pull out a good PBL! Today, it was all about a Crime Scene. Apparently, 'someone' destroyed a beloved laptop and it was up to our students to try and figure out who did it. Who could do such a thing? What could possibly be the motive? It is up to our students to try and figure it out.

The Crime Scene - Students were given visuals of pictures of the 'victim' from all angles, fingerprints, dirt and mulch left by shoes at the scene, a set of initial suspects from eye witnesses and other loose and haphazardly left items at the scene of the crime. All of these bits of evidence have our students talking.

Breaking News fills in some of the blanks and our SRO is around for further questioning - all of this builds imagination.

Logistics - Students can work alone or in teams of two to try and figure the details of the 'crime'. They may chose any Word or Presentation program of their liking to fill in the gaps. They will have a Peer Review session. Several will be selected to present their projects to the rest of the class. Some will use this as their final technology project for the end of the year Tech Showcase!

This...is a good idea!

Technology In Music - Bring in GarageBand!

Technology + Music =  A great opportunity to introduce more experiences with our students. This year, we'll explore sounds, beats, rhythms, vocals and more.

Bring in a great old standard: GarageBand




 
Here's my plan for GarageBand for Mac:

Here's my plan for GarageBand for iPad:

Life Savers and Digital Citizenship

Here are a few Life Saving tips for being a good Digital Citizen:

Red reminds us to logoff the computer and never share our password information. It's okay to share with our teacher or parent, but not others,  especially strangers.

Orange reminds us that clicking on pop-ups or downloading random things from the internet is probably not a good idea.

Yellow reminds us to stay only to those sites that are just right!

White reminds us to save our work before logging off.

Green reminds us to tell an adult if someone is being mean or saying unkind words online. Speak up!

Headphones - A Public Service Announcement!

Public Service Announcement: When buying headphones for our students, especially Elementary-aged, PLEASE buy on-ear headphones and not earbuds. I keep seeing kids grabbing cheap catchy colored buds in the school supply sections at stores just for their looks and not for their quality. Imagine, having that lousy tone quality, stoked up, inside the ear - it will have lasting, damaging effects. As well, set the device’s setting to limit volume adjustments at a mid-range decibel (middle-volume), as an added safety measure.

We’ve got to be better at protecting sweet ears! Trust me on this one, folks! 🎧

Reflective Piece - Digital Portfolios

Each project we complete in Tech has an important reflective piece - an additional element that is grade-appropriate! We ask ourselves questions about the project. These reflections are then added to our Digital Portfolios.

Here’s 5th’s! They are encouraged to think about all the steps and take-aways that come with each project. What did they do well? What could have been better? Would they have made the same or similar choices? Was it their best work?

At the end of the school year, the Digital Portfolio becomes a treasure trove of everything they have learned. We share them with each other.

I love phrases like "I remember that!" or "That was a fun project!" But my absolute favorite is when they ask if they can do 'that' project again! Why, yes....let's get to it!

Good Digital Citizens Cite Their Sources!

Being a good Digital Citizen means students cite their sources when using images and text. We work these requirements into most all of our activities, especially when we get into "Research Season". Below are the minimum requirements to proper source citation per grade. I use color coding when explaining it to students, to make it easier to understand each part of the citation

I like this video by easybib.com - "Citation for Beginners" - it goes step-by-step, discussing why, when, and how to properly cite sources. Easybib.com is also an excellent source to create the proper citation.

Safe Search for Young Ones Who Want to Search!

I get a little nervous when students tell me they have a YouTube account or they Google searched something. We talk about safe searching habits, but my stomach still rumbles for what they may see while 'out-there'.

These are some of my favorite safe search engines for kids - and most are powered by our friends at Google (thank you very much!)  Kiddle and KidRex are both safe search engines.

KidRex has a "Kids" and a "Parents" section. From the random searches for 'dogs', 'rainbows' and others, I've been happy with the top results of my searches.

I'm a bit happier with Kiddle as the results seem to be more 'kid-friendly' - with images, varying reading levels, a wiki section and more. When I surveyed students, they seemed to have been able to find what they were needing more in Kiddle.

Students want to be YouTubers, but you never know what they're going to view when they search for 'that' image. Enter YouTubeKids.  There is a YTKids app for Apple and Android devices and features kid profiles, watch history, blocking options, video reporting and my favorite, a timer option - so parents can set a limit on how much time is spent in the app - nice features.




My list will always include Wonderopolis - which offers so many interesting topics for everyone. I get a 'wonders' email everyday, which makes for a nice reading break during the day. These folks also offer online camps, wonder-jar challenges and more. Big Fan!


Cool videos? The Kid Should See This is the place to go! Videos about science, tech, music, art, dominos, robots - you name it...they have a cool video about it. This is a fun way to give a break during the day and see something cool....very cool!




When you need a word, a rhyme, antonyms or definitions, WordHippo works brilliantly. This site is a fun favorite!

Thanks to these sites for keeping the advertisement kid-friendly as well. Young students need places online that they can turn to for good kid-friendly information and good kid-friendly images, making being a good digital citizen a little easier.

Technical Readers + Technical Writers = A Perfect Combination

By trade, I'm a Technical Writer. I write user documents, update social media and create successful branding. There is more to it, but this is the basic gist of what I do. I chose this line of writing because I love technology - it's trends and uses in our daily life and I enjoy sharing all of this with others and making it easier for others to understand.

Elementary-aged students are the perfect age to start encouraging this craft.

Here's a few ways I get started:

BOARD GAMES: Depending on the age (I prefer 2nd through 5th Grades), will start by playing various board games. Before they can begin, they must first read the instructions out loud, talk about how the game is played, then play the game as instructed. After a time or two, they then agree on a few changes that would make the game better and play the game with those editions. The group will write the new instructions and share them with others in class. This is an incredibly easy way to introduce what a Technical Reader and Technical Writer actually do - but the best part is that it doesn't feel like work...we're playing!

LEGOS is always a winner in my book. We'll create shapes, houses, and more based on 'Challenge Card' instructions. Some of the cards are easy to follow, others might be riddled with issues. Students are to build these objects based on the exact detail of the instructions. They'll reflect on the final product and the ease of creating, then re-work and re-write the instructions to make it easier for anyone to pick up and create. Their words must include exact color, size and dimension of brick for clarity.

SCHOOL-WIDE EXPECTATIONS: We have expectations in our school for walking in the hallways, playing at recess, being in the cafeteria and more. Students will pick any of the areas they want to concentrate on and write proper procedures for being in that area. Those instructions are then shared on our morning broadcast of the news with the rest of the school.

ROBOTIC CHALLENGES: Teams of students will design their own robotic challenges by mapping out a plan, gathering details, materials, etc. They will test the game they created and write step-by-step instructions as to how the challenge is played. In 5th grade, the rest of the class will play the challenge and give constructive comments for making the challenge better or more engaging.

These are just a few ways to support reading and writing in the early grades. As well, these ideas encourage focus on what is becoming a well sought after skill in all industries. Technical Writers are those that communicate with the rest of the world the main focus of any business...a 'Superpower' of it's own!

As I look at our students, it's safe to say, we have a few strong Technical Writers coming up in the ranks!

Creating Tech Connections with our Younger Tech-Friends!

On any given day, when you walk into the Lab, our younger tech friends are tinkering in a few fun apps! They are adding backgrounds, manipulating images, adding text and more. They are perfecting mousing skills and keyboarding skills. We 'play' while becoming proficient with our technology. It's not always easy, but this is #MyWorld in #SmallSteps

I think it's important to support reading and math learning and I love doing this by making connections. Some of my favorite books helps here:

"I Like Myself", by Karen Beaumont (illustrations by David Catrow) - This is a wonderful self-esteme book about liking ourself...no matter what. The illustrations are fun and funny and my young friends giggle with each passing page. The connection we'll make is to create an avatar. I like using ABCYa! Make A Face, for this activity! They can create an avatar with funny eyes, nose, mustache, glasses and more. When printed, makes a great display!

"Where the Wild Things Are", by Maurice Sendak - let the 'wild rumpus' begin! A classic! No matter how many times we read this book, reading it again, always brings out our imagination and creativity! Afterwards, we create our own 'Wild Thing' by tinkering in "Build Your Wild Self", by the folks at New York Zoo and Aquarium - choose male or female character, add body, facial expressions, tails, animal legs and arms - too much fun! I like this website as well, as with a click, view the New York Aquarium and Zoo, and get great views of animals, enjoy digital experiences and learn more about animals. This is a win-win for our young friends!

"The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf (Illustrations by Robert Lawson) - easily, my favorite book. My grandmother used to read this book to me. I just couldn't get enough of Ferdinand. When he's under the cork tree smelling the beautiful flowers, we all take in a deep breath ourself. This wonderful tale is now in theaters, making an additional connection for our young friends. Ferdinand's adventures spark a story in all of us. Digital Storytelling takes on new playtime in the Lab. We'll use KidPix, Pixie, and so many more wonderful applications to create our own stories. This then gives us a chance to share our stories.Yet another win-win for everyone!

This is a great way to connect young friends with wonderful stories and technology!

"I Like Myself", by Karen Beaumont (illustrations by David Catrow)

"Where the Wild Things Are", by Maurice Sendak

"The Story of Ferdinand" by Munro Leaf (Illustrations by Robert Lawson)

Digital Citizenship - It's Not Just For Kids!

I'm going to have to unload here. These are two topics that students have heard me talk about over and over again, and yet I look at the adults in our community; those that the students are watching and I roll my eyes and shake my head that these basic digital citizenship rules are violated every time.

#1 - Posting Comments Online
Our school system calling for a snow day and the adults in our community just don't get along, where I am from. No matter how careful they are about reaching out to all the experts in weather conditions, county roads and more when making the decision, adults get so angry - regardless that the decision comes with the safety and well being of staff and the student being their topmost concern. Social media and the county's webpage are updated with the decision and within seconds, adults will post such angry comments about the message, the timing of the message, questioning the mental capacity of who made the decision or who posted the message. Adults will go on vicious rants and it's not just about the message, they will even go on these rants with each other, responding to comments of comments. They will call each other names and say such awful things to one another. I can't hardly believe what I'm reading! What has gotten into people?

Folks: the school is closed! Your child's well being was a top concern when making the decision. The roads are iced over or snow is falling in record amounts. Buses in our county cannot travel safely in these conditions. High school students driving in these conditions is even more concerning. Heating in some older school buildings is not adequate to keep your child warm throughout the day. School staff cannot travel safely to get to school to teach and tend to your child. Electricity is out or trees and other hazards pose an issue. Stop complaining! Be grateful that all of this is taken into account for the safety of your child. And, please, stop posting such horrible and angry things online!

As we try every day to ensure your child is safe online and creating a rock-solid digital footprint - reading your comments only undermines everything we have done to create a safe and sound digital environment for your child going forward.

Bottom line: Clean it up, adults - your kids are watching!

#2 - News Outlets Posting Pictures Without Permission Or Without Giving Credit
What a beautiful snow day! Parents and neighbors of the school sent in pictures for us to post on the school's social media and webpage. These are adorable pictures of kids sledding, throwing snowballs and just having a grand time. Of course, any photo used is given complete credit to the person who took the picture - parent, a school's neighbor, staff member. That's only the right thing to do.

But today (and many times in the past), the local paper went online and used those images to capture what was happening around the county. Sadly, one huge item was missing - not giving credit to the picture's creator. It begged the question: are they above this rule? Shouldn't a news agency know better than this?

Parents curiously asked if they should complain or if we would be complaining? Here's the sad and dreadful answer: "We are truly sorry you were not given credit for such a beautiful picture. Your kids are delightful and we really appreciate you sharing your image." On the flip side of that is the notion that if we complain, that news agency will stop posting our wonderful activities for the rest of the community to see. You see, it's a double-edged sword. Their posts of our school is a big part of our branding. Does this answer make it right?  NO!!! It upsets me as much as it upsets the parent or neighbor. It's irresponsible and terribly unfair.

Bottom line: if you are using someone else's picture - a picture you did not personally take - you must give that person full credit for that image. Period!

These are such basic digital citizenship rules that we cover with students everyday. If adults don't do these things, mindfully, the student can easily opt-out, claiming adults don't comply, why should they?

Now...that is sad!

Google Keep

One of my all time favorite apps is Google Keep  It is an app that works on computers, smartphones, tablets and seamlessly syncs instantaneously in between them all. This is a great app that offers great ways to keep organized and manage all the "things" in your life - and what a nice addition to the Google Apps family! Google Keep is easy to access, super easy to add reminders, lists and pictures. Added features include setting reminders, adding collaborators, color coding events and items to make them distinguishable, and complete access to a variety of lists that can be created.


I have several Google Accounts and in Google Keep, I'm able to switch in between accounts for my organized list of 'to-dos' for each. This is incredibly helpful.

I'm excited to introduce this to our 4th & 5th Graders - Google Keep will come in handy for them to keep up with assignments, due dates, lists of materials or activities, and so much more.


This is a great idea...and a great app!

Hi-5 to Digital Literacy!

One of the biggest challenges we face, day in and day out, is making certain Students can think through any tech issues and try to solve these issues on their own. Ask: "What would happen if an adult were not in the room...what would you do then?" We come up with five possible solutions for each tech issue they might face. If the issue comes up, they first must do the Hi-5 before asking for more help!

Here are some typical solutions...some Hi-5's!


Hi-5 to Login Issues:

1. Are their any extra spaces?
2. Is your username spelled correctly?
3. Are the numbers on your username correct?
4. Is your password correct?
5. If all else fails, clear both boxes and begin again.

Hi-5 to Printer Issues:

1. Which printer did you print to?
2. Is the printer turned on?
3. Is there paper in the printer?
4. Are the ink levels good?
5. Is there a paper jam?

Hi-5 to Programs/App functioning:

1. Is the server up and running properly?
2. Do you have too many windows open?
3. Have you refreshed your screen recently?
4. How about quitting and retrying?
5. Have you tried a different browser?

April is National Poetry Month!

Got to hand it to Read Write Think....these Poetry apps are perfect, especially in April, when we celebrate National Poetry Month! The step-by-step directions to create the various types of poems make it so incredibly easy for students to get their creative juices flowing...and quickly!  

Theme Poems - Select an image from a variety of shapes. Brainstorm words about the image. Create your poem. Easily upload and print...and away you go! Perfect for K-friends & up!

Acrostic Poems - I like how this site explains the dynamics and mechanics of the poem and gives examples before getting the user started creating. The Acrostic Poem app is fun for 2nd Graders and up! Students like to create poems with the letters of their name, favorite sport topic, hobbies and more. It's a win-win!

Diamante Poems - These little gems are a bit trickier to create. Luckily, RWT helps students frame up the diamond shaped poem - nice that it gives confidence and helps them feel success when their masterpiece is complete!

Word Cloud programs are great for those students that enjoy creating with words or have brain freezes getting started. ABCYa!'s Word Cloud is not only simple, but the end product, no matter what template, color, font and more...it always comes out looking brilliant! A great program hands-down!

Kids Magnetic Poetry Kit - Magnets on refrigerators always remind me of my own home where we like to leave magnetic messages for each other - love messages, funny stories, jokes and more - it's fun...and so is this program! This is so incredibly easy and contains loads of words...all kid friendly! (Thank you very much!)

Enjoy April! Enjoy Spring! Enjoy Poetry! Enjoy Everything! (Insert smiley face here!)

Caring & Sharing...Tech Style

A great way to introduce Technology to Kinder-Friends is by what I like to call our "Care & Share" time in the Lab. Not only do they learn about all the devices available, the mechanics and care, but they also learn and practice sharing in a play sort of way.

First up is "Shapes Week". They learn about the iPad and all of its features, along with the Tangram pieces and OSMO devices, as well as the shape pieces & Tiggly applications.  

We'll discover "Letter Week" and "Number Week" with the same programs and devices, as well as K-friendly robotics and coding fun. 

Not only are they learning and exploring techy activities, they're also learning to collaborate as they play. It's a win-win-win all the way around. 

This is a good idea.