Technology Conference Summaries
60 In 60: 60 Instructional Technologies in 60 Minutes
FETC - Future of Education Technology Conference
Video Length: 45:22
Presenter: Mike Meechan
60 In 60: 60 Instructional Technologies in 60 Minutes
Mike Meechan is an assistant principal of instruction at a school district in Florida. His session focused on 60 different technologies that both teachers and students can utilize within the classroom to make learning more engaging, meaningful, or user friendly.
This session was very fast paced and went through ALOT of technologies that can be used within the classroom. The idea of the session was to just give a glimpse of information on a tool, not to necessarily see it in action or go in depth of what all functions the tools have.
There were a few tools that were new and stood out to me, that I want to look into more and see about implementing in my classroom.
#1: Twitterfall
This was the first really cool idea that Mike gave for implementing exit tickets utilizing Twitter fall. The teacher can create a hashtag that all students can use to make a tweet at the end of class to either ask questions about the lesson or even answer an exit ticket question. The teacher can either show the Twitter fall on the projector or just have it open as a running tab on their computer.
#2: Knovio
Knovio allows teachers to present a slide desk as well as a video of you talking about the content simultaneously. This tool would be really beneficial for remote learners or students who need to go back and visit notes later after a lesson. Knovio is also free for educators!
#3: You Can Book Me
You can Book me as a scheduling tool that links up with teachers Google Calendars. It allows students to book appointments with teachers, administrators, counselors, tutors, etc. Once the appointment has been confirmed they get a digital pass sent to them on their cell phone. I can see this being especially useful for my band and choir students who have to schedule weekly vocal and instrument lessons.
Tools You Can Use Tomorrow
FETC - Future of Education Technology Conference
Video Length: 40:22
Presenter: Leslie Fisher
Leslie is a technology specialist that focuses on educating teachers, administrators, and education professionals on technology tools and integration within the school system and K-12 classrooms. Leslie presents at conferences and district/school wise (online and on site) professional development sessions across the country. To learn out more about Leslie and her services you can check her out on her website.
During this session, Leslie discusses technology tools that teachers can implement in their classroom with minimal training and prep work. Below are a few of the tools that she discussed that stood out to me.
Screencast-o-matic is a tool that allows teachers to record specific sections of their screen while also recording their face/video as they discuss the content on the screen. Teachers can then share those screen recordings with students via email, youtube, vimeo, etc. I have heard of screencast-o-matic but honestly never tried it before. I have just been utilizing the Quicktime screen recording function on my MacBook when I have needed to record a lesson. But, screencast-o-matic takes it to the next level by highlighting mouse movements as well as adding your own face recording as you present information.
#2: Screenleap
Screenleap was a totally new tool to me. This website allows teachers to share their screen automatically with anyone who has the link. Students are able to type your classes URL into their web browser and automatically view your screen. I can see this tool being especially great for showing students how to navigate a new website or tool. It would also be great for sharing a presentation if you don’t have a projector in your classroom. Students' screens automatically change when you switch your screen.
#3: Canva
Canva was not a new tool to me but still a great one to share because I think it is so powerful! Canva is a free online application that allows both teachers and students to create visually appealing digital content. Students and teachers can create social media announcements/banners, posters, newsletters, invitations, etc. The options are endless. I especially love this tool for students because it gives them creative freedom and allows them to practice graphic design and marketing skills that are applicable post high school.
A PLN could help me implement these tools by providing me with specific tips, tricks, and feedback as to how each of these tools work within their schools and systems. Experience is our best teacher, so connecting with and learning from professionals with experience using these specific tools would be the most beneficial for me as I start out using them.
Comments
Post a Comment