Tech Tuesdays: iPads in the Classroom

Tuesday, I had the opportunity to present for my faculty in my first session of "Tech Tuesdays."  You know, it's funny, because I used to HATE presenting and speaking in front of people.  But, now...I actually enjoy it!  I feel like I have found a little niche for myself.  I have always known I wanted to work with curriculum, and presenting on different topics seems to be something that I really like!  Anyway, I promised everyone that I would put the resources I shared here...so here they are!  ;)  

My idea was to USE various presentation apps to share a variety of content area apps that we can all use in our classrooms.

I began the session with this video I made of the 21st Century Classrooms at our school.  I'm so proud to be a part of this!  ;)

Here are the handouts that I gave to the participants:

Agenda

Handout 1

Handout 2

Handout 3

(When I converted the Word files to a Google Doc, the format went funny...if you want the originals, just email me or comment, and I will be glad to send them to you!)

This is link for the Prezi I created for the training...I, of course, used the Prezi Viewer app to show the presentation.  :)  

For the slide titled "A Whole Class Set," I used the Nearpod Teacher app and asked my participants to download the Nearpod Student app on their iPads.  Love this app--check it out if you are not familiar with it! 

The next portion of the training was "30 apps in 30 minutes..."  Here is a link to some of the apps I shared, organized by content:

READING

ReadWriteThink Trading Cards

ReadNRespond

Toontastic

VOCABULARY

Word Collage

Chicktionary

Sparkle Fish

MIND MAPS

Tools4Students

Corkulous

Mind Meister

LANGUAGE

Bluster

Grammar Jammers

Grammar App

MATH

Arcademics Grand Prix Multiplication

Sushi Monster

Show Me

SOCIAL STUDIES

Google Earth

9/11 Memorial

Maps (Built-in)

SCIENCE

Lists of Science Apps

MORE

SmartOffice 2
Splashtop
EverNote
Edmodo

Skitch

Khan Academy

Dropbox

Quickoffice

CommonCore

iTunesU

Wonderopolis

TED

Pinterest

VoiceThread

Stick Picks

eClicker Host

I also shared some iPad tips and tricks.  Here are links to some of the ones I shared on the Prezi:
50 iPad Tricks
Ridiculously Awesome iPad Tricks

I'm already looking forward to next month's Tech Tuesday!!

Also, a little note...I haven't posted much lately, but I finally feel like I'm getting back into the swing of things.  Look for another post in the next couple of days!  'Til then!

Progress??

Well, it's taken me a lot longer than expected to get my room somewhat in order.  I decided to re-paint my shelves and cabinets and do some other "unplanned" projects, but I think it's coming together...FINALLY.

Here are a few things I've been working on:
Here are my bulletin boards...my version of a "Proud Wall" where students can display work they are proud of...notice those cute clothespins I dyed earlier with Rit Dye??  And my little owl lantern (that's turned around) I made by spray painting an old one I had, then adding the features using scrapbook paper and hot glue.  I will get a better pic of that one soon!

I will put anchor charts on this one...finally decided I love the scrunchy border.  You can find a "how-to" here.

This bulletin board is right beside the doorway, and I use exit slips as a closing strategy often in my room.  I liked the idea of having several different ways to use this strategy without having to take them down, put back up, etc...so this is my "Wonder Wall."  

This is my door (hallway view).  I was so happy with the way it turned out.  

Some before and after pictures:
My "new" bookcase (the left one)...I primed and painted, then added contact paper to the backing.  You can also see my computer table with the ugly red tablecloth...

Here is this whole area now...still working on this!

My small group chairs...I used Krylon plastic spray paint, then sprayed them with a gloss protectant.  I also sprayed the legs with a metallic spray paint.  Thanks, Tara Vincent, for the inspiration!  ;)

So...not quite finished, but definitely getting there...it's a work in progress...

I will post more this week!  I'm pooped after first day activities!  ;)

'Til then.