Four Takeaways from AcceleratED and IntegratED #IPDX16
The following ideas and tools are worth exploring for future instruction when time allows.
1. ENTRY EVENTS WITH DIGITAL TOOLS
If you are looking for a way to capture your students' attention in the beginning of a unit of study, consider Goose Chase. This app allows you to create a scavenger hunt. Students use a mobile device, such as an iPad, to complete a set of tasks related to your learning goals. Goose Chase keeps track of points and rankings for teams. All attendees at my conference were invited to take part in one of these activities.
2. CURIOSITY-BASED LEARNING & RESEARCH
I sat in on presentations regarding teachers and students designing learning experiences around what they wonder and are curious about. Jennie Magiera explained curiosity-based learning. We generated questions around provided images, sorted our questions based on levels of thinking, and selected one inquiry to explore further. Click here to view what I developed. Educators can also collaborate with colleagues from around the world on important questions - visit The Teacher's Guild for more information. They recommended Story Corps for conducting and recording interviews with mobile devices.
3. MAKING AND CREATING
There was a big emphasis on giving students time and resources to make and create in the classroom. Tools suggested:
ElectronInk - Draw circuits using this ink, which contains silver flakes to make it conductive
TinkerCad - Render 3D images using this web-based, computer-aided design tool
Adobe Voice - Quick and easy iPad app to develop multimedia presentations
Google Photos - Search your saved photos by keyword, and Google "reads" your images (see image below for an example)
4. FIND AN AUTHENTIC AUDIENCE
With digital tools, students can delve into meaningful projects for an authentic audience. One idea suggested was to use My Maps from Google to provide a resource for your school community. For example, you could tag all of the Little Free Libraries in the area, adding pictures and other information to these locations. Once ready, share it online.
Image source: www.oetc.org
A big thanks to Darren and everyone at OETC for facilitating an excellent educational event. Consider this experience for your future PD.