Using Padlet to Collect Student Products

Posted on April 26, 2014 by lmoore4

Mrs. Seddighzadeh’s, 1st grade teacher at Canyon Ridge Elementary in San Antonio, recently had her students complete a descriptive writing project using a combination of tools. After reading Where the Wild Things are by Maurice Sendak, she had her students design their own “wild things” using buildyourwildself.com. This is a free website from the New York Zoo Aquarium group. Students can create models of themselves in a very artistic storybook style and add cool monster features such as claws, fangs, or dragon wings. Once their artistic masterpieces were complete, students were tasked with writing their own descriptive paragraph using long and short sentences. Mrs. Seddighzadeh then used Padlet as a way for them to submit their work. You can view the full size wall by clicking here.

Here are some additional examples of how to use Padlet to support classroom instruction. The video at the end of the post will demonstrate how to create your own wall. If you have a great example of using Padlet, I’d love to see it. Please leave a link in the comment section below.

Digital Storytelling on the iPad

Posted on April 24, 2014 by lmoore4

There are many apps out there (paid and free) that are great for digital storytelling. I’ve written about several before, but I wanted to share a new one with you called Storehouse. Storehouse is a free, easy to use app that allows students to visually tell a story through video, images and text. They just recently added the ability to share on social media, embed a preview on a website, and add comments or ask the author questions. As with other storytelling apps I have showcased before, Storehouse can be cross-curricular for non-fiction projects such as explaining scientific concepts or retelling historical events. Below is a stunning collection of images and videos capturing the beginning of spring.

Interested in learning about hedgehogs? Check out this one:

For more ideas on digital storytelling using the iPad, visit my Book Creator Apps for the iPad page that includes examples of use and video tutorials.

App Flows Template via Graphite

Posted on April 9, 2014 by lmoore4

I have been obsessed over the past few months with the concept of app-smashing, the process of using, or “smashing”, different apps together to complete tasks and create rich student products. Organizing the way in which I present an app smash to teachers is something I have been struggling with, so I was thrilled when I stumbled upon Graphite’s App Flow Template and lesson bank. Kelly Mendoza does an excellent job of comparing app flows and app smashing in her post on Graphite,

If you’re already using App Flows, our interactive lesson-planning template on Graphite, you might be curious how app smashing and App Flows compare. Both approaches move away from being singularly app- or tool-centric. Instead, both highlight how apps can be used in conjunction with one another to reach an objective or complete a task. However, it seems that app smashing centers on transforming student projects to be rich media creations, whereas an App Flow is a broader framework for instructional planning. App Flows include pedagogical insight, allowing you to focus on incorporating a variety of digital media tools, including subject-specific ones, throughout lesson. Both of these concepts truly encourage the seamless use of technology to meet chosen learning objectives. The possibilities are endless!

The image below shows how this framework is organized. The tool used in each part of the framework can be an app, web based tool, or just a simple discussion to clarify concepts. It truly demonstrates seamless integration and is a nice way for teachers that are uncomfortable using technology to experiment with a few tools at a time. Check out the flows that are already in the database and try creating one of your own.

Tool of the Month: Kidspiration 3

Posted on April 2, 2014 by lmoore4

All NEISD computer labs have been replaced and are now running Kidspiration 3. This is an excellent cross-curricular program that allows for differentiation and does not require a large amount of prep time. Kidspiration 3 differs from version 2 in that it now provides a math component that includes virtual manipulatives. I’ve created some resources to help get you started. Hover over each tool to view an Atomic Learning video tutorial. Log in using your full NEISD email as your username and your 6 digit employee number as your password. For hundreds of already created lessons, visit Kidspiration Online Teacher Resources. Looking for more in-depth Kidspiration Support? Check out these pre-recorded free webinars on a variety of topics: