Last Friday I was thrilled and honored to present a session on the Maker Movement to District 64 teachers. The groups were small but enthusiastic! In the morning I met with teachers in grades K-2, and in the afternoon I worked with intermediate and middle school teachers. The attendees created Osmo accounts to make custom word lists, learned how to drive--and in some cases, program--Sphero robots, created electronic circuit projects with a variety of tools, and built their own LED “Throwies”. We discussed methods for teaching students to ask “fascinating questions” that can become projects and experiments. We learned about free online tools, and how to create small Makerspaces with materials you probably have at home in the recycling. Here is a link to the presentation if you’d like to learn more. | |
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Last month we were lucky enough to have a visit from Google Expeditions Pioneer program. Google’s in-house virtual field trips are for students age 7 and up (and adults), and they allow the user to “travel” all over the world--and off-world in some cases--without leaving the classroom.
All students in grades 2-5 got to experience the program, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many students have asked me when Google will be coming back to our school. (Fingers crossed for next year!) I don’t know when/if the Expeditions app and program will made available for schools to purchase, and I suppose that with time it’s possible that the novelty could wear off. But I participated in several Expeditions throughout the day (as well as a few at Emerson Middle School) and I never once felt bored. It wouldn’t surprise me if Google stepped up their game and incorporated 3D video into some Expeditions in the future. The current program consists entirely of 3-dimensional photographs, which are still plenty cool. Given the opportunity I would jump at the chance to have them return. I think most of the students and staff at Carpenter would agree. The Google Expeditions Pioneer Program will be visiting Carpenter School this Friday, November 13, from 8:55am-3:00pm. Google Expeditions are virtual reality field trips using Google Cardboard and Android mobile phones. Students look into the Cardboard viewers and are transported to locations around the world (or around the solar system--students can visit the Moon and Mars)!
All 2nd-5th grade classes at Carpenter will be participating in this exciting learning program. They will experience 3D, panoramic views of their Expedition stops, and ask and answer questions as they explore. We at Carpenter are very excited that our students have this opportunity. If you have any questions about the program, please feel free to contact me. Whether you're a technology coach, classroom teacher, administrator, or resource teacher, there are excellent opportunities in the Chicagoland area for accessible (and cheap) professional development in educational technology and 21st century teaching strategies.
One conference that's right around the corner is the ICE Cold Fall Mini-Conference on Saturday, October 17, at Clarendon Hills Middle School. You can register and find the details here. Registration is only $5 at the door. District 70 will be hosting their own fall conference at Highland Middle School on Saturday, November 14. Registration is $10 plus a service fee (credit card only). More info can be found here. Many teachers, especially those of us with families, find it difficult to attend Saturday workshops. However, I've found that not having to worry about sub plans and being able to focus my energy on my own professional development makes for a more relaxing and beneficial learning experience. |
Mr. MichaelInstructional Technology Coach and Google Certified Educator at Carpenter Elementary School, Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 Archives
December 2017
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