Day Four - NECC in DC

This was the day to explore and learn the new and exciting gadgets available.  I spent the most of my time exploring the exhibit hall and finding out the new gadgets and re-familarizing myself with some old aquaintances. 

I attended one session that delt with implementing IPOD touches into the everyday curriculum; how informative.  Here are a few pointers..

1. Have students practice or give a crash  on using the IPODs

2. Use the free applications on  the  touch for assessment and review before you begin your instruction ( See: Match; Math Tables and KidsMathFun (4th grade) - Fraction Math - really cool app for multiplication) 

3. Disablng internet acces with the ipods made need to be addressed before they are introduced.  

4. Make sure that you have the KWL chart as assessment before you introduce new material.  

5. Use flipcharts (powerpoints and keynote)  to introduce your lesson. You can also upload pdfs to IMovie and add voice overs to introduce lessons.  (Teachers can convert Promethean flip charts and covert them to pdfs )

6. Create a log for students to use when they are on the ipods for something other than instruction (i.e.. Free Education Apps).. FUN Meter or music).  PLEASE NOTE: We want students to explore..

7. Have students play the loaded educational games until you are done checking the roll or handling classroom business. 

8. IPOD Fraction Log ( so that you can see the investment). Log in everytime  a student is on the ipod and what they are doing on the ipods,  This can be used as data for any additional grants in the future.

9. Videos on  You Tube, I tunes U and CSPAN can be used as instructional aides

(Example of a KWL chart)

What we know	Ways to learn	Learn

10. Create a user ipod for ITUNES. Create a ipod user for that account .  Only 5 computers can be a synced to an IPOD account.

These are just a few things that you can use  to help a IPOD lab run smoothly. 

In addition to the IPOD seminar, I attended a quick Web 2.0 tool introduction @ the CDWG Booth.  I realized that once you think you are aware of all the cool Web 2.0 tools there is always another one waiting in the wings.   

Voice Thread (http://voicethread.com/) is awesome.  It is actually a voice blog.  As the administrator of the voice thread you can make the initial comment.  Your students can choose a character and make replies to your comments.

Note: When dealing with the class is may be best to create a class user names and password and the class can access the site without having to remember password and user names.  Check it out...

Day Three - NECC 2009

Yes, I got up at 6 am (5 am normally) and chased down a bus to make it to my 8:30 Adobe Indesign Class.

I was totally amazed at the simplicity of the software; I guess when you have formal training on how to use the useful tools is helps rather than being throw into a burning fire and navigating your way through the flames.   I have better understanding on organizing the newspaper staff as well as the year book. 

We will use 'books' in Adobe Indesign to set up the multiple pages.   I will create with the student's help during the July workshop the master pages.  The biggest thing that needs to happen is  determining how we are going to store our product. It was recommended that we place the books on the server and pull the books off the server during class to work on them.  Oh my, will this work? Only the wonderous people of technology really knows.

" Candid Photography" was even more informative.  When capturing a photo never be afraid to tell a story with your pictures.  Pictures in the classroom can be that selling point when you are applying for that grant or bringing that adminstrator into your classroom through your picture.

When taking a picture think of the picture in thirds.  Move the horizon and the subject from the center of the composition into one (or more) of the thirds.  Ideally, the main subject or focal point will land in one of the intersection of the four lines.  .  Give your subject move to room in your picture; don't always focus your subject in the dead center of your photo. 

For indoor pictures refrain from using the flash and use more natural light (i.e.. windows).  Car shades preferably the foil brand are excellent sources of light to help illuminate the subject.

See  the pictures above that depict the rule of thirds with the pen photo and lighting with the other photos.  Can you figure out which picture I used the car shades on?

Day Two - NECC in DC

I guess I lost my last post however, I need to just re-enter it.

Day two came about in a peaceful way after a GOOD nights rest.  Of course I capitalize on the day being a Sunday and actually rest and took in a bit of sight seeing before my NECC journey begins on Monday.

What I realized is that is doesn't matter if you up chuck during a session, get stuck in the METRO, run to catch a tour bus or duck from pigeons flying in Union Station; you cannot hide the fact that you are in a city what an abundant amount of history at a convention that will help you bring that history to your students 21s style.

I can only hold on to my britches because I am really heading through a tunnel of knowledge.  

Day One - NECC in DC

Yes, we all made it safe and sound and even had a little time for site seeing.  Excitement is brewing and I see so many things that I can take back to the classroom before I even enter the conference hall.

I guess you can say I am with the right people.

Aboard NECC 2009

Yes, Rachel has ordered us to blog our most intimate details during NECC this year (ha ha ha).  I will give you a little hidden drama, out of the box thinking and fun in the sun in our nation's capitol.

Remember, what happens in DC stays in DC except... collaborating with the 21st century technology.