Looking for Lab Lessons?

With the installation of VDI computers in NEISD labs and libraries,  a few changes have been made on the software load. Kid Pix, Kid Keys, and Leap into Phonics are no longer available due to the fact that we are now running Windows 7 as our operating system. The rest of the software load remains the same. Below you will find a list of programs you can use with your students. Hover over each image to view a link containing tutorials and integration ideas. Contact your campus ITS for more lesson ideas.

Music iStations @ Bulverde Creek

Amanda Mooris and Chelsea Short from Bulverde Creek Elementary have incorporated iPads in their music stations in an authentic and seamless way. Each station has a focused task that includes a QR code linked to a video tutorial of how to use that particular app. They have a total of 25 minutes with each class, which does not allow for time to demonstrate each station. The students are able to rotate through more stations and have more hands on time with the instruments because of this efficient use of technology. In fact, it inspired me to rethink how I create my task cards that I share with teachers. Instead of a page full of screenshots on how to use the apps, I now include a small QR code in the upper right hand corner that takes them to a video tutorial. You can see an example for Videolicious here. I have a feeling this will not be my last post about these 2 amazing teachers.

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Free StoryBots Access for Teachers

This fantastic find comes to you via Carmen Sepulveda from El Dorado Elementary, San Antonio, TX. The StoryBots Educator Network is offering free access to their entire collection of learning tools, which include over 175 videos, books, songs and activity sheets covering a wide variety of early education concepts. All you have to do is request access through the link below, provide a link to your teacher web page that proves you are an educator, and wait for the code to be emailed to you. 

Hello Teachers!

Click below to request FREE access to our collection
of learning tools through the StoryBots Educator Network.

Request Access »
Learn more about the StoryBots Educator Network. 
Offer valid for accredited educators only.

Once you have your code, enter it through the link in your email and confirm your account information. Their books can be viewed on a computer or on an iPad using the following apps:  Books, ABC Videos, Learning Videos,  Starring You Videos, and Tap & Sing. They also have 104 activity sheets that can be printed and used in a learning center. What makes these apps different from other e-storybooks is students take pictures of themselves using the iPad camera, upload them into the story of their choice, and they become the star of the show as the book makes them the main character. Normally this service is $4.99 per month so sign up now! View the video below to learn more:

What is StoryBots? from StoryBots on Vimeo. If viewing within the NEISD Network, go to www.amazon.com to override LightSpeed.