There Is An App For That... Seriously There Is An App For Almost Everything

    I love apps (applications)!!  Being the Apple, Inc. enthusiast I am, I love anything that has to do with apps.  I have an iPhone loaded with apps, as well as an iPad full of them.  I even went onto the App Store, to buy an app, that tells me about apps, and when apps become free (yup... I'm that guy).  There are apps for information such as weather, movie times, banking, news, etc.  There are apps that are games, such as Angry Birds, Ghostbusters, Rat on a Snowboard, Plants vs. Zombies, etc.  There are also apps for social media such as Twitter and Facebook.  If you want something, there is an app for that.  What about education?  Are there apps for education?  If companies want to make it anywhere these days they have to incorporate education somehow.  Due to my overuse of Apple products, here is one of my favorite apps to use, and I plan to use it in the classroom soon!

ShowMe Interactive Whiteboard

I have had the ShowMe Interactive Whiteboard app for awhile now, and it has been awesome!  Essentially it is a whiteboard for your iPad!  This can also be downloaded through android devices as well, but I will explain from an IOS stand point.  You start it up and you are given a blank white screen, with a pen option (with multiple color options... oooooo), as well as a clear all, an eraser, and a couple other options.  There is also a record button.  Once you are ready, hit record and start your lesson.  While you are writing (I suggest getting a stylus pen for convenience) your voice can also be recorded.  A great use for this app is to do lessons, whether it be math, science, english, or whatever!  Just write and record.  You can then share it via Twitter, Facebook, email, or embed it in a website or blog (like I did below).  You could then hook it up to your projector, so the whole class can see it.  My favorite feature is that you can share it.  This is a great function, especially if a child was sick that day.  If a student was sick and missed a long division lesson, one could easily do a quick ShowMe lesson and then email it to the parents or put it on the classroom website so the student could watch it.  Another awesome feature is that you can even search lessons other people have made.  There are thousands of lesson covering all subjects and topics.  If you are looking for a really good lesson on science just search it up and it will most likely be there!  Lessons can also be viewed over their website.  All you have to do is create an account (which booyah is free), select what subjects you like, and it's all learning from there.  If you have a tablet this is a must get, and if you don't, the website with all of its recorded lessons is a must see!!  Below the video is a link to the app store!  Until next time... CHEERS!!

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https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/showme-interactive-whiteboard/id445066279?mt=8

Following "Stump The Teacher"

  In our Internet for Educators class, we were given a list of popular Edu-bloggers, and were asked to give a few of them a read as to expand our network.  I came across a few, read the blogs, liked what I read, and then added them to my reader.  Then I came across a blog name that just stood out, and that was "Stump The Teacher."  I added this to my reader before even reading anything, because the name was just so unique.  I saw it almost as a challenge: as in "try and get me on something," or "stump me... if you dare!"  So I finally went into the blog.  What I found out was this.... his name is Josh Stumpenhorst.  So, a very good play on words, and that more than got my attention.  He is a grade 6 teacher from Chicago, Illinois, as well as a techie, basketball coach, and a very big Star Wars fan (got to love the Star Wars).  Follow his blog at http://stumpteacher.blogspot.ca/.




  I began to read his posts, and I immediately became intrigued.  The first one I read was called "A New Hope," which obviously grabbed my attention (it's the first Star Wars movie title: first movie made, 4th in the series if you want to get technical).  His post was on the topic of empathy and compassion in the classroom, and how it seems that there is a growing concern for how it looks like it is disappearing.  He then mentioned how he still sees evidence of its existence, and that he as a "New Hope," for it.  I believe that there is still compassion in the classroom, but we just only hear the bad stuff.  So often we see the good things in a classroom, but no one talks about it because it is the expected norm.  Everyone always hears about the bad stuff because (in a sense) its a conversation starter.  People would rather talk about a bad thing a student did over a good thing a student did.  There is more intrigue in that right?  There is a problem with that.  If we miss talking about the good stuff, then the notion that there is no compassion in the class is just going to grow.  We need to make an effort to acknowledge the good.  I'm not saying that every time a student says thank you or is nice to someone they get a cookie or a hall pass, but we should let them know that we appreciated the kind behaviour.  This will only spread the word around and make it known that students do actually care for one another.

  His other posts have included thoughts on many things: public education having to make it's first change at the university level; does asking questions make someone a troublemaker?; and a very heartfelt and meaningful post about the horrible shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  His thoughts are amazing, and his style is classy and sometimes humorous.  Please, please give him a read.  You won't regret it.  At least follow him on Twitter at @stumpteacher.  Until next time...  CHEERS!!

Move Over Facebook.... The Sequel to "The Social Network" is Going to Be About Twitter.

Alright, so way back in the day I joined Facebook, mainly because all of my friends were on it and I didn't want to be the odd man out.  I used it to see what people were up to these days, and to also remember birthdays (which people get mad at me for forgetting, but seriously its hard to remember that stuff).  I would post photos, videos, and status updates, and just thought that this was the best thing in the world.  Time went on: seasons changed; classes came and went; more movies kept getting released but none got better than "Scarface"; and my receding hairline receded even more.  After this time passed, I started to get bored with this Facebook thing.  I found myself checking it religiously, especially when I had other important stuff to do.  So I sort of went away from it.  Then a movie came out called "The Social Network," which was about the creation of Facebook.  So, being the movie addict I am I bought and watched it, and thought it was quite good.  So then for some reason I liked Facebook again.  I still don't know why a movie did that to me, but I guess I sort of went back to McDonalds after I saw "Super Size Me" (before you say anything... yeah, that movie made me want McDonalds more, and I have no rationale for it).  Around this time, I started noticing that a lot of the TV shows or hockey games I was watching would have this number sign followed by words at the bottom of the screen.  I soon found out that it was something to do with Twitter, and just though "Oh pfft."  So I paid no attention to it.  Then, while watching Sportscenter, I started noticing that when the broadcasters name would come up, it would be followed by an @, followed by their name.  Alright, so it was then and there when I decided that this was getting ridiculous.  Why do I care what this person's @ thing is?  So I tried to pay no attention to it.  Then, after more seasons changed, my buddy told me that this one broadcaster would tweet all of the underground information on the "NHL Trade Deadline" (yeah, it is that important that it gets treated like a proper noun).  So... I signed up to this twitter thing for that reason.  And so it began....

  Since starting to use Twitter, I have barely used Facebook.  I realized how easy it was to use, and I found many other benefits as well.  First benefit (I found) was that now I didn't have to read all of these drama filled posts anymore (you know EXACTLY what I mean by this, so no need to explain), because there is a character limitation!! Best...... idea..... ever!  Plus, someone could follow you, and you didn't have to follow them!  I also really enjoyed the hashtag (it is the legal name change from number sign).  The hashtag makes it so easy to find information.  Just use a certain hashtag in a post, then see what others have been saying, or search a certain hashtag to find information!  It cannot get anymore perfect than that!  I started to follow educators and classmates, and we could share a lot!  I have tweeted a fair amount since joining (not as much as other people, but I try).  I have tweeted educational tweets, and funny tweets.  The one thing that I am always torn between is how to tweet.  I say this because I started using Twitter as a personal account, and then it slowly evolved into a personal/educational profile.  When I am in the process of writing a tweet, I usually stop and question whether or not the educational followers would appreciate it or not.  I never tweet inappropriately, but i just don't know how the educational followers feel about non-educational tweets.  The educators have followed me for the sole reason that I am also an educator.  If they kept getting their home page filled with tweets about losing awfully in NHL '13, or my play-by-play of the 2013 Superbowl (which I really did do, so I apologize to all, but that blackout was ridiculous), would they get frustrated that I am not tweeting what they are expecting me to?  I always wonder about that: to tweet serious, or tweet funny when appropriate?  I don't want to offend the followers who followed me by not always tweeting educational information, but I also don't want abandon my original purpose of joining the network.  I have considered getting separate accounts, but then I always come to the conclusion that I am me, and that I have nothing to hide, so why separate them?  As long as I am not tweeting inappropriately then what is the problem right?  Some might say to tweet only educational, and may chose to not follow me if I don't do that.  The same could be said from the other side.  Some of my friends may not want to see educational resources and links posted all the time.  Tough call, but my final decision on it is... "If you don't agree, then don't follow."  I'm going to tweet both.  It would be nice for both sides of the network to see both sides of me: those being my personal side and my professional side.

  Twitter, in my opinion, is THE social network nowadays.  More and more things on television are displaying usernames and hashtags for Twitter, and less and less are showing Facebook page links.  If another movie was ever made about the creation of social media, it would most likely be about Twitter, because of how it connects people.  Don't get me wrong, Facebook connects people too, but just in a different way.  Twitter is simple in a big way.  It has an easy to use interface, but so much can be done through it.  It doesn't change its layout every 2 months, and I have not read one tweet that was filled with drama.  Those two points are enough reason to join Twitter.  Overall, if you do not have Twitter, then try it out.  You may actually find yourself tweeting more than 'liking' things, which is great because it is your voice.  Until next time.... CHEERS!!

Think, Think...... What Else Should I Use?

This, is my interpretation of my very own educational sharing world:

As you can see, I do not have all that much on it yet in comparison to some.  However, I am somewhat new to the massive educational sharing network, but I do know that one day this will be a lot bigger.  The first one that I ever used, and probably almost everyone first started using, was the web browser (except for family and friends; but lets just talk technology for now).  In sense, it almost had to have been the web browser, because to get the majority of the others you had to use the web browser (except for the iPhone and iPad, but you probably did research on it before buying one through a browser; and again the family and friends of course).  The web browser allowed me to reach all of the other portions of my network, even though I did not show using arrows because that would just look too busy.

Out of all the portions of my PLN, I would have to say that Twitter is the one I use the most.  I joined twitter last year (to follow the NHL trade deadline), and have used it constantly since.  I used it for more personal stuff for awhile, but then I learned through ICT that it had a countless supply of educational benefits.  Sharing, following, and chatting about all kinds of educational opportunity, ideas, lessons, sessions, and the list goes on.  The best part is, that all it takes is a quick follow or a hashtag search and it is at your fingertips.

I cannot count how many times Google Docs has come in handy for me.  Collaborative projects, study notes, slideshows, etc.  The ability to take multiple people's experiences and ideas and collectively add it to an online database is just astonishing.  Google Docs would have been one of the most handy tools I could have used in my undergrad degree, but sadly I never heard of its existence until I was in my first year in the Faculty of Education.

I just started using Diigo... so I'll get back to you on that one.

MAPLE is going to be DA BOMB (yeah, I just said that).  I have just been added to this amazing online resource thanks to John Evans, and once it becomes more widespread, it will be the go to online resource for Manitoba teachers.  Just think, an online social website created by teachers, and exclusively for teachers!  It is essentially Facebook without the veil.  I say this because if you are on MAPLE, then it is you, not a fake version of you.  You have to be a Manitoban teacher to use it.  No invite groups, or special 1 month trials, only real teachers.  You have to love that, because then you know you are getting the best possible resources available.

I would start talking about the iPad, but if you just look at how many connection arrows I've made with it, I think it sums up my thoughts on it well enough (it is literally the best piece of equipment I have ever owned).

I am still learning and always will be.  So, in ten years from now if I am asked to create another mind map of my network, and then compared the two, I would probably be astonished to see how much it has expanded.  I am going to keep thinking, searching, and trying, to see how many I can possibly use effectively.  I am also very open to suggestions of really good one!  So... wish me luck!!  Until next time... CHEERS!!

*Thinking of what to try next, or about what to eat?  You decide!*

Tech Overload!! (But In A Good Way)

Before every post, I go back and read the previous entry, to see if I can link them. So first off, I would like to apologize for my spelling and grammar in the previous post. While reading it, I became aware that I was making error after error. Whoops. I would like to say that I have good grammar, and I can honestly say that I was pretty good at spelling as a youngster, so I blame everything on autocorrect (at least 90% of it anyways). Apple has been so helpful to me over the past 6 years, but autocorrect is one thing that has bothered me and caused me nothing but a headache. How typing 'some' turns into 'Naomi' is beyond me, especially when I have no contact in any devices with that name. I realize that it can be turned off, but who has the time to do that right?

I will now get on topic before I lose you. Our Internet for Educators class was lucky enough to have Dr. Alec Couros join us via........... wait for it.......... THE INTERNET!! There were a few audio difficulties, but the overall experience and knowledge totally trumped that problem. The main focus of the presentation was how technology and the Internet are becoming an increasing force in the classroom. More and more students are being introduced to technology, and sometimes it is the students who are the most advanced with technology in comparison to the teacher. Alec pointed out that there are actually more smartphones around now than the older style phones, because of how they can access information anywhere. For example, my Dad's 15 year old bagged car phone sure can't tell me how many calories I consumed while demolishing a Spicy Chicken Combo from Wendy's (I don't actually calorie count; that would take more time than turning off autocorrect). More and more devices are being seen everywhere (I did a quick study on the matter, see picture below; it'll be a major research paper one day).

Weather, movie times, stocks, sports stats, and so much more recreational information is available through such devices. They can also access video games, social media, video streaming, and play movies! For these reasons, some teachers do not allow devices such as smartphones in the classroom. Are these teachers forgetting something though? Are they missing the educational opportunities that are available through these devices? Yup. There is a vast amount of educational information that can be accessed as well through smartphone, and smartphone like devices. Wikipedia (though sometimes not always the most accurate), google searches, textbooks, journal articles, books, PDFs, websites such as national geographic and other crazy educational sites. All of these can be accessed quickly, easily, and at anytime, without having to sign up for the netbook cart that still may not be there when it is your turn for it (don't you hate that?). I understand why some teachers don't like it, because of the texting and checking of Facebook factor. However, I do think that the positive outweigh the negative. Even allowing for such devices to be taken out for special times is a step in the right direction. For my university classes, I use my iPad to take notes, because then they will be available on my phone too. Sometimes I get the eye from a professor because, or so I assume, they believe that I'm on Facebook, checking tweets or email, or playing games such as Fairway Solitaire
(https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/fairway-solitaire-hd-by-big/id428393840?mt=), or Bad Piggies (https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/bad-piggies-hd/id545229893?mt=8). Both of which are awesome games for iPhone or iPad, but I know when and when not to play them. I understand why I'm getting the eye, it makes sense. However, I'm using it for an educational and productive purpose. Most professors trust their students that they are doing so, and I think we as teachers need to trust our grade school students the same.

Dr. Couros touched on a subject that Dean Shareski did as well, and that was the topic of sharing. He stated that sharing is a process of learning and that we should not just consume. Instead, we should also add to the massive market of knowledge. I see it like the stock market in a sense. You see something that you think will do well and only keep getting better, so you put more and more in so that you can receive a better pay off. The more information you add and share with others, the more you will probably receive back because of the effort and information you have provided (don't use this advice with just any stock though, if you want to invest, talk to an investor).

One of my favourite comments of the presentation was, to paraphrase, how "hash tags are becoming a new form of literacy." That is so true. Twitter's hash tag is one of the easiest ways to access information and common ideas. Like reading, it takes awhile to get it down nice and smooth, but once you do your eyes are opened to a vast world of knowledge and ideas.

Finally, digital citizenship. What does it mean to be a good digital citizen? I personally believe it means that it is someone who adds to the digital community in an appropriate and respectful manner. Yes, people are going to argue, and people are going have disagreements about certain things, but they can all be carried out in respectful ways. Too much these days we read racist, prejudice, and literally awful comments on the Internet. People are being harsh on twitter and Facebook, but the worst of them all are the comments on YouTube. I literally cannot get through about 2 pages of comments without some sort of racist or derogatory comment these days. This is a link to a video made by Macklemore, (Oh yeah the "Thrift Shop" guy!! However, this song is about civil rights, and at 2 minutes and 17 seconds into the song he talks exactly about this subject - http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVBg7_08n0 ). Leaving such comments, in my opinion, is not being a good digital citizen, and it is our duty as teachers to teach children how to be a good digital citizen, because we know they are going to be 'linked in' anyways.

Overall, it was an awesome presentation, and the first 3 presentations all complimented each other very well. I would also like to say thank you to Sarah and Stephanie for the donuts!!! Also, a special thanks to Allison Isaak for proofreading this post before it was published, as to prevent last week's problem. Oh, and we watched another Kid Snippet video, which was awesome! I would love to try a project like that someday, especially as a class. So, until next time.... CHEERS!!

Learn by Sharing - Two Way Street

Today in my Internet for Educators class, we were lucky enough to have Dean Shareski Skype in with our class to give a presentation. First off, this was the first time I have been involved in a Skype presentation and it was awesome. It worked so well, and it was amazing because he was many miles away (many being an understatement). I would also like to say thank you to Jen for bringing that ice cream dessert, because it was delicious. I also spilt coffee everywhere up at the front when I was pouring, so thanks everyone, for overlooking my awful eye hand coordination. Oh, and we watched a hilarious video by the guys who do the Kid Snippets on YouTube. I just heard about these guys from an educational gal pal a couple days prior and have watched them all. Everyone should check all of them out!

The main theme of the day seemed to be based around the notion of sharing over the Internet, or more specifically, Educational Online Sharing. I personally used to (early last year) not like the idea of sharing my work online, because I figured that what mine was mine. I'm not insinuating that I'm not a sharing person, I'd gladly split my chocolate bar or let you use my Lego, I mean more so on a global level such as the Internet. Then a bit after being in my first year of education, I realized that if others never shared their great ideas then my lesson planning would have taken me way longer than it did. If someone was willing to tell me heir great ideas, don't i owe it to them and to others to share mine? So why not share? Is it really going to bother you that much if someone likes your idea enough to use it in a professional setting such as teaching? As teachers we should want other teachers to improve as well, so that we can benefit all children everywhere. I guess in a way I was hesitant before because I was worried that my ideas wouldn't be as good as all the other million ideas out there. However, as Dean said today, to paraphrase, "something obvious to us, may seem amazing to someone else." I was sort of thinking that way before, but to hear him mention it today completely pushed my in that direction. If everyone hates my idea, and wants nothing to do with it or will never use it in a classroom, that's fine. But if it could possibly help even one person... then mission accomplished.

I really enjoyed what Dean said about what is considered educational online sharing. Educational online sharing just doesn't have to be the sharing of resources, lessons, or ideas, but it can include much, much more. Educational online sharing can include 'how to' videos, step by step instruction on a forum, some good advice, or even just a positive video or poem that's uplifting and motivational. Below are some examples:

Previously Unconsidered Educational Online Sharing (first 4 are from the unpublished experiences of me):
1 - If you're professor asks the class if you read the required readings for the day, and you haven't, but tell her you did, make sure your textbook on the table has the wrapping off of it.
2 - Leaving sushi in the fridge for two full days after you have opened or brought it home from a restaurant and then eating it is not a good idea (pretty sure the word food poisoning applies here).
3 - Some old childhood memories of TV shows, should remain childhood memories (except for the 90's Ninja Turtles one, that stuff was just awesome, and still is awesome. There are also some other minor exceptions, so if you want, please post another childhood TV show that didn't get less interesting after growing up).
4 - Don't forget your clothes in the washing machine for a couple of days. It just creates extra work.
5 - A short smart notebook tutorial made by a couple classmates and myself in my ICT class. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XbZFEldPR3U
6 - Another video made by the same crew, which will hopefully put a smile on your face. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=O6-cb9GDAy0

Now for an example that was always considered Educational Online Sharing:
- a link to my classroom website, that contains a couple lesson pans on it created by me and two other people who allowed me to make them public (more will be added soon, I just haven't organized them on my computer yet). http://mrtaylorsclassroom.weebly.com/lessons.html

Overall, I loved the presentation. There were more topics discussed, but I wanted to focus on the sharing aspect because it is so important. If anyone has a digital footprint at all, then he/she has been on the receiving end of sharing at least once. Everyone should at least contribute to the giving side of the online share at least a few times to help contribute to the online learning community. As momma said, it's always better to give than receive. Now time for some TMNT. So once again, until next time... CHEERS!!

Professional Learning Networks (PLN)

This past Thursday we had John Evans visit our Internet for Educators classroom, and he presented on professional learning networks (PLNs). Professional learning networks can include such networks as Twitter, NING, Scoop It, diigo, and MAPLE. PLNs are essentially networks that teachers can use to continue learning. As teachers, we have the responsibility to continuously learn, or we will be doing a disservice to our students. Through PLNs, teachers are able to share resources, ideas, and advice without having to meet face to face, or by having to negotiate a phone call. PLNs allow for these things to be posted, or linked, and then can be viewed at any time to according to convenience.

My personal favourite PLN is Twitter. To be 100% honest, I did not originally get Twitter for educational purposes. I do not have cable, therefore, I was unable to follow the NHL trade deadline a couple years ago. So, I got Twitter so I could follow some hockey analysts so I could know what was going on (trade deadline is addictive OK, not my fault). Then, I started to realize the educational value of it, once I realized that educators used it continuously. Resources, upon resources are posted on it everyday, and to be honest there are so many posted that I don't have enough time to look at them all. I'm lucky if I view 10% of the ones on my feed. However, that just shows the vast quantity of resources, and the major benefit of it. I also use my Twitter account for personal use as well, but I do so in an appropriate way. I realize that a lot of people prefer to keep theirs professional, or have a separate account for personal use, but that would just be another password to remember probably and I have too many of those already. Plus, how else am I going to keep updated on Game of Thrones, Dexter, and Breaking Bad news? And I have to stay in touch with my celebrity future wife Kate Beckinsale somehow (she doesn't know it yet, but its inevitable). I haven't done too much sharing educationally speaking much yet, except for good YouTube clips that could be used in the classroom, but I plan on making a strong effort to tweet some. I have used many that others have tweeted, such as from John Evans and his tweets linked to his iPads in Education column, and they have all been beneficial.

I really want to use NING more. I have only really used NING as part of class assignments, but it is ridiculously useful when you think about it. Everyone on it is an educator, everyone on it has a link to Brandon University, and the quality of discussion is unparalleled. I will be making an honest effort to use it in the future for non-assignment related tasks.

John introduced us to a site called MAPLE, which I now believe is going to be the go to online tool for educators in Manitoba. A website that will literally link all Manitoba educators to one place is just the best thing since sliced bread (or burritos). I have looked around on the library, and it contains everything necessary for teacher, especially the curricular documents. Having John sign all of us up was just amazing, and I cannot thank him enough for doing that for us.

Overall, the presentation was amazing, and the topic too. John is a thorough speaker, and is extremely passionate about education, and continuous learning. PLNs are very beneficial to teachers, because it allows us to organize our resources and ideas in a way that avoids bedrooms turning into extreme fire hazards (see picture below). PLNs are something that every teacher will need to be apart of, because as time goes on, technology is just going to evolve, and we can't afford to be too many steps behind it. Why? As much as the theory of natural selection is true, we don't want to see it come into play with careers.

Until next time fellow educators... CHEERS!