Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Tellagami App

Use the Tellagami app on your iPads or Android device to record and share messages with your students via Twitter, Email, Text message, or through a link on your preferred website.  For my school district, I would suggest making the Gami and sharing it through Edmodo, Moodle, or Blog post.  For the teachers with iPads, I would suggest using a QR code or the Chirp app.

As you can see my Gami below, I used it to provide my students with an writing prompt.  It's a completely generic after-break prompt, but you get the idea of how to use it in the classroom.  Classroom activities for using this tool:
  • Greetings
  • Class assignments
  • Writing prompts
  • Short stories
  • Reflections
  • Exit slips
  • Messages to class when out for the day

Sample Message to Students



Sample Message to Teachers

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Basic EdTech Tips

Before, During, and After Starting to Use

Of course, I am talking about using Instructional Technologies in the classroom.  This is truly a basic list of tips to be aware of before, during, and after integrating various technologies within the classroom.  Over the summer, I created the following slideshow for EdTech neophytes and I have been adding to these tips randomly.  If you have any additional tips that should be mentioned, leave them within the comments section.  These are just basic tips, but I believe they are worth mentioning.

The 12 Slides for EdTech Users



Created with Haiku Deck, the free presentation app for iPad

The Basic List of Tips

  1. Set Specific Learning Goals
  2. Teach the Rules & Build Routine
  3. Be Present 
  4. Allow for exploration
  5. Make Students Login 
  6. Check Caps Lock
  7. Start Small
  8. Don't Stop Learning
  9. Have a Backup Plan
  10. Keep Calm and Carry On
  11. Hang in There