Every Friday, I share a website (or app) that I’ve heard about, checked into, been excited to use. This one is a math app. Since ‘math’ is by far the most popular search term of readers who seek out my blog, I know you’re going to enjoy this review.

Lessons worth sharing

Age:

5th Grade+

Topic:

Academic, curiosity

Address:

TED-Ed

Review:

In a nod toward the importance of video in today’s educational environment, TED--one of the leaders in spreading ideas and inspiration through conferences, media and research fellowships–has launched an educational game-changer in their new interactive website, TED-ed. This is a collection of three- to eight-minute K-12 animated educational video lessons. Educators can browse the videos by themes (like health, math, business) or curiosity (featured, series, subject). Every video is accompanied by a lesson plan, a quick multiple choice quiz (with feedback on answers), open-ended questions in a section called ‘think’, and more information to percolate curiosity in the ‘dig deeper’ section.

In a true open source mind-set, teachers can use, tweak, and/or entirely flip any lesson–redo it for their unique classroom needs–or create lessons from scratch based on any video from TED-ed’s YouTube channel. Flipped lessons can be tracked to measure student activity and their affect on classroom goals. Don’t know what I mean by a ‘flipped classroom‘? Click for the basics.

One of the most amazing features of TED Ed is a special tool that allows you to take any video on YouTube and flip it–customize it to classroom needs.

It won’t surprise anyone in education that one of advisers to this endeavor is Salman Khan, founder and faculty of the Khan Academy (click to read more about Khan Academy).

Overall, educators find the website intuitive, easy-to-use, and are excited about a free method of extending their lessons, making them more student-centric and individualized,.

Need more info? Here’s their YouTube video:

Have you flipped any of the lessons for your class? I’d love to hear your experiences.

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Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-fifth grade and author of two technology training books for middle school. She wrote Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is webmaster for five blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a tech columnist forExaminer.com, Editorial Review Board member for ISTE’s Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco blogger, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a techno-thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Any suggestions? Contact Jacqui at her writing office, WordDreams, or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

Common Core standards--adopted in 46 states

Common Core State Standards, proposed by the National Board of Governors and adopted by 46 states to date, provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn in the critical areas of math, science, language, reading, writing, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

They don’t specifically mention technology as a separate subject, but assume technology will support the teaching of math, science, reading, language, and writing. Last week, I discussed CCSS in general. This week–here are a few of the specific elements that technology can address and examples of projects (not in any particular grade-level order):

Anchor Standards

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing–Production and Distribution of Writing–6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others.

Language

4d Use glossaries or beginning dictionaries, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the precise meaning of key words and phrases.

4e Use glossaries and beginning dictionaries, both print and digital, to determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases.

Mathematics

• 1–Compose two-dimensional shapes (rectangles, squares, trapezoids, triangles, half-circles, and quarter-circles)

Example: Students learn how to divide a whole into parts and the names of the parts using KidPix and drawings they create.

• 2. Solve word problems that call for addition of three whole numbers whose sum is less than or equal to 20, e.g., by using objects, drawings, and equations with a symbol for the unknown number to represent the problem.

Example: Students will use art and audio to represent a math problem as a word problem, then ask classmates to solve the word problem using the information provided.

• 5–Use appropriate tools strategically; students can detect possible errors by strategically using estimation and other mathematical knowledge. When making mathematical models, they know that technology can enable them to visualize the results of varying assumptions, explore consequences, and compare predictions with data.

Example: Students explore school to find shapes they’re studying in class

Reading

• 1. Ask and answer questions like who, what, where, when, why, how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.

Example: Use Kerpoof to create a ‘storybook’ that answers the questions—who, what, when, where, why, how—with words and pictures.

Example: Students write these six essential elements of a story read during the school year into a QR code that is inserted into the cover of the book for other second graders to read before checking out the book

• 2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text

Example: Create a class virtual library as students review books read during class and upload the information to a class Shelfari account (or LibraryThing)

• 3. Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

Example: Students type several sentences in MS Word. Use the font color palette to label parts of speech, i.e., blue for subject, red for verb. Use sentences from a book they’re reading in class.

• 5. Describe the overall structure of a story, including how the beginning introduces the story and the ending concludes the action.

Example: Use an online comic creator like Lego or ZimmerTwins to write a hero story where each scene is one of the critical parts required to construct a good story.

• 5 for Informational Text Use text features and search tools (e.g., key words, sidebars, hyperlinks) to locate information relevant to a given topic efficiently.

• 6 Informational Text–Distinguish between information provided by pictures or illustrations and information provided by the words in a text.

  • Example: Students explore world symbols (or similar class-related theme) in Google Earth, using both the images, the 3D, the Street View and the embedded text/pictures from world citizens

• 7 for Informational Text Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears
• 7 for Literature–Use information gained from the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.

Speaking and Listening

• 2 Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood.

Example: Arrange to read native versions of Cinderella (or any other story that differs across nations) via Skype with another kindergarten class across the world. Have students compare and contrast the characters, plot, setting and moral.

• 2 Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Example: As a summative project, have 4^th graders mindmap the characteristics of the different types of writing covered in class during the year.

• 4. Report on a topic or text, tell a story, or recount an experience in an organized manner, using appropriate facts and relevant, descriptive details to support main ideas or themes; speak clearly at an understandable pace

Example: Have students recount an event using text, visual, audio elements to develop the ideas and themes

• 5 Create audio recordings of stories or poems; add drawings or other visual displays to stories or recounts of experiences when appropriate to clarify ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

Example: Create a Voki with a partner to share understanding of a story read during class.

Writing

• 2 Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
• 2a Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension
• 3. Write narratives to recount a well-elaborated event or sequence of events. Include details to describe actions, thoughts, feelings, temporal words to signal event order and provide a sense of closure.

Example: Use Kerpoof to create a ‘storybook’ that answers the questions—who, what, when, where, why, how—with words and pictures.

• 4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience

Example: Have students work in groups of five to write a collaborative story that is published on the class blog

• 6 With guidance and support from adults, explore a variety of digital tools to produce and publish writing, including in collaboration with peers.

Example: Students share a story written in class via an online publication tool like Storybird, Photostory or Blabberize.

Example: Students will illustrate and communicate original ideas and stories using the digital tool, Storybird, and share it on the class website or wiki. Storybird is well suited to 1^st graders because of the art it offers to inspire creativity.

• 7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., explore a number of books by a favorite author and express opinions about them).

Example: Students share information collected from books, videos, websites with each other in a brainstorming session, map it in Bubbl.us or iMindMap (if old enough), then write a short summary of what they were most interested in.

Example: Students write a group report by collaborating through Google Docs. They Students will be introduced to all available resources, including the use of online databases to locate and cite relevant information. Students will cite relevant resources

• 7 Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.

Example: Students write a group report by collaborating through Google Docs. They Students will be introduced to all available resources, including the use of online databases to locate and cite relevant information. Students will cite relevant resources

• 8 Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources.

Example: Students take a ‘geometry walk’ around school to discover shapes they have discussed in class in their physical world.

Can you fill in any of my blanks?

For 30 K-5 TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS ALIGNED WITH CCSS by grade level, please click the image below and sign up to be otified when available.

Projected publication date: Mid-summer, 2012

Click to be notified when book is available

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Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-sixth grade, creator of two technology training books for middle school and three ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco blogger, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

Do your students Skype?

I first met Betsy Weigle over at Classroom Teacher Resources when I ran across a great how-to post she put together on Skyping in the classroom. The more I ran around her blog, the more impressed I became with her expertise and asked if she would do a guest post for my readers.

Betsy holds a Masters in Elementary Education & Teacher Certification from Eastern Washington University and earned her National Board Certification. She attended the Mickelson ExxonMobil Teaching Academy for Science and Math, been a national finalist at the Microsoft Innovative Education Forum and been awarded an Enhancing Education through Technology Grant. Her professional experience includes teaching grades 3 through 5 and substitute teaching from Kindergarten through 6th grade

I think you’ll enjoy this post:

Using Skype to Connect Classrooms

Fourth graders in elementary schools all across America study state history, often illustrating their research with projects such as posters and brochures. With technology integration in the classroom, however, students can move beyond static displays of knowledge and bring their state’s history to life by directly comparing it with the research done by students from other regions of the country.

With Skype, this can be accomplished face-to-face.

Technical check before beginning

Here’re the steps I took to set this up in my own classroom.

Finding a Partner and Coordinating Activities

The greatest impact occurs when you can connect with a classroom from a completely different geographic region. Willing classrooms can be found by visiting nearly any teaching forum and posting your request.

The first item to agree upon with your Skyping partner is a narrow focus; “state history” is far too broad. I like focusing on Native American culture since all regions of the country have a history of different tribal structures and traditions that they can research and present. Native culture is also fascinating to children.

Narrow the topic even further by having students decide exactly what portions of tribal culture they want to know about. Examples may include ceremonial dress, typical food, or types of lodging.

Research Tips for Interesting Presentations

When students are researching their topics using books, articles or websites, they should focus on unique ways of communicating ideas.

Rehearsal before beginning

My students in the past have created PowerPoints for screen sharing, life-sized cutouts of salmon and, in one case, a 30-foot construction-paper canoe.

Practice, Practice, Practice

It’s best to do all of your rehearsals on camera. This helps the presenters self-critique and helps the rest of the class practice being good audience members who can sit quietly and ask insightful questions.

Of course, Skyping between computers in your own classroom is an important step in working the bugs out of your system. Speaking of working the bugs out, it’s also very important to have one technical check with your cross-country Skyping partner to be certain there are no issues that will stop the show on the day of your big event.

Successful and Timely Assessment

Plan your assessment so that it can be completed on camera as well. A Venn diagram on similarities and differences between the tribal groups is a very effective and understandable method for students to use.

The Presentation

It’s also a good idea to push for higher-level thinking so the students from both states can collaborate spontaneously to come up with an answer. For example, my teaching partner and I posed this surprise question during our Skype session: “How come the tribes were different?”

After thinking it through, students in both classrooms decided correctly that local climates and landforms caused differences in the tribes.

Getting Started

If this idea intrigues you, there is no need to start from scratch. See two explanatory videos and get your free preparation checklist on the Skype in the classroom page of my website.

Good luck and happy Skyping!

Betsy Weigle is a National Board Certified Teacher with over 14 years of elementary school experience. She shares her ideas on www.classroom-teacher-resources.com, a website with detailed elementary teaching resources for both new and experienced educators.

Please, feel free to leave a question for Betsy, or share how you use Skype in the classroom.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-sixth grade, creator of two technology training books for middle school and three ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for six blogs, anAmazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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As a working technology teacher, I get hundreds of questions from parents about their home computers, how to do stuff, how to solve problems. Each Tuesday, I’ll share one of those with you. They’re always brief and always focused. Enjoy!

Q: I want my home/business/classroom to be as paperless as possible. What’s a good first step?

A: Do you make fliers or announcements in Publisher, then print them? Don’t do that. Use the email tool on the toolbar:

• Create your flier. Make sure its perfect
• Click on the email tool on the toolbar
• Fill in To, Subject, as you normally would on an email

• The flier appears as the body of the email.

This can also be done in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Questions you want answered? Leave a comment here and I’ll answer it within the next thirty days.

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To sign up for our upcoming ebook, 102 Tech Problems From the Classroom And How to Teach Students to Solve Them, click the image below:

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Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-sixth grade, creator of two technology training books for middle school and three ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco blogger, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Kindergarten Technology: 32 Lessons Every Kindergartner Can Accomplish on a Computer

by Structured Learning IT Teaching Team

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m often asked what books I’d recommend for teaching technology in the classroom. Each year about this time, I do a series of reviews on my favorite tech ed books. If you’re already looking ahead to next year’s technology curriculum and want to fix some of this year’s problems, I suggest you consider the seven-volume K-6 technology curriculum series that’s used in hundreds of school districts across the country (and a few internationally). It’s skills-based, project-based, aligned with NETS national standards and fully integratable into state core classroom standards.

The first in the series, the 58-page Kindergarten Technology: 32 Lesson Any Kindergartner Can Do, is the Fourth Edition (Structured Learning 2011), updated to MS Office 2007/10, available in print or digital, and perfect for Smartscreens, iPads, laptops. It includes many age-appropriate samples, reproducibles, Web 2.0 connections, thematic websites, and how-to’s. Because I edited this book, I made sure it includes pieces that I as a teacher knew to be critical to teachers:

• PDF version is in full color
• PDF version has active links so you can click through to enrichments when required for student-centered learning
• each lesson summarizes a 45-minute class period–usually 2-3 activities, arranged temporally throughout the year for ease of understanding by students. For example, a lesson is likely to include 2-3 activities from among typing practice, student presentations, project that ties into core class activity, problem-solving that assists with 1:1 initiatives
• each lesson is aligned with NETS standards
• each lesson includes required vocabulary
• each lesson provides integrations to core classroom units and topics
• each lesson includes trouble-shooting solutions to the problems most likely to come up in the classroom
• each lesson includes enrichments for those precocious students who finish the lesson and want more
• includes a list of websites (PDF has active links, print version goes to Ask a Tech Teacher Great Websites). Both print and PDF can access a webpage on Ask a Tech Teacher that is updated yearly with new websites by grade level and category
• there’s a help link (to this blog) to a teacher using the curriculum will help you through the prickly parts of a lesson plan. This is FREE–no charge.
• Where lessons center around purchased software, the authors made an effort to offer free alternatives. For example, instead of KidPix, teachers can use TuxPaint. Instead of Type to Learn, teachers can use a list of online keyboarding websites like Dance Mat Typing and Typing Web
• If you buy the print book, the PDF is discounted
• includes pedagogy articles to help think through critical issues like keyboarding, use of the internet, how to use wikis in classrooms, and more

Here’s the Amazon blurb:

The choice of hundreds of school districts, private schools and homeschoolers around the world, this seven-volume suite is the all-in-one solution to running an effective, efficient, and fun technology program for kindergarten-sixth grade (each grade level textbook sold separately) whether you are the lab specialist, IT coordinator, or classroom teacher. Each volume includes step-by-step directions for a full year of projects, samples, grading rubrics, reproducibles, wall posters, teaching ideas from a working technology lab. Aligned with ISTE national technology standards, the curriculum follows a tested timeline of which skill to introduce when, starting with mouse skills, keyboarding, computer basics, and internet/Web 2.0 tools in Kindergarten-First; MS Word, Publisher, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Earth, internet research, email, Web 2.0 communication tools, and Photoshop in Second-Sixth. Each activity is integrated with classroom units in history, science, math, literature, reading, writing, critical thinking and more. Extras include wall posters to explain tech concepts, keyboarding standards, discussion on integrating Web 2.0 tools into the classroom curriculum, and an Appendix of hundreds of online websites to support classroom subjects (accessed through provided internet address or embedded links in pdf version of book). Whether you are an experienced tech teacher or new to the job, you’ll appreciate the ability to get help from active technology teachers who are using the program through the online blogs and wikis.

Here are comments from users of the K-6 series:

Finally, I discovered a sequential technology lesson plan that rips through a diverse selection of applications. As an elementary school teacher and homeschool parent, I appreciate this single curriculum covering K-6th grades. While creating outrageously fun projects, students unknowingly learn MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, Google Earth, Photoshop, keyboarding, and problem-solving among many others plus acquire the ability to combine the applications for report and research projects. My students are highly motivated to finish other assignments so that they can get to the computers. The lessons are fun, age-appropriate and content-appropriate. The lessons are fun and are self-directed to the extent that the child can read and is self-motivated. I am thankful for such a simple yet a gem of a product. Highly recommended!

–Tracy, teacher

This workbook is a great tool for helping your primary school student learn hands on skills for the computer. Typing exercises, key hardware terms and other activities are included and can be used pretty independently by the student. It’s been a great tool for our 3rd grader and supplements the activities given in class. Would definitely recommend!

–B Johnson, parent

My daughter is using this as a text in her computer class at school. The lessons are easy to follow and informative. She has learned a lot so far this year.

–Lori

Any questions? Post them to comments. I’ll answer them!

Where to purchase:

• Amazon.com (print books)
• Teachers Pay Teachers (ebooks)
• Scribd.com (ebooks)
• Publisher’s website (print, ebooks, specials, sets)

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Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-sixth grade, creator of two technology training books for middle school and three ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco blogger, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Every Friday, I share a website (or app) that I’ve heard about, checked into, been excited to use. This one is a math app. Since ‘math’ is by far the most popular search term of readers who seek out my blog, I know you’re going to enjoy this review.

Age:

1st grade+

Topic:

Math

Address:

Timed Test Arcade

Review:

In my classroom, I offer a variety of sponge websites that students can play during the 5-10 minutes left between projects, before breaks, or when they finish early. I usually provide a box of links themed around whatever academic endeavor I’d like to tie into that day. Often, that’s math. Small doses, repetition–perfect for math skills.

Lately, I notice more and more of the serious students choose math facts websites rather than the aliens-and-asteroids variety. If that sounds like your class, you’re going to love Timed Test. Just out by FSG Ltd., it’s a purist’s approach to practicing math.

Timed Test is a full-featured addition math facts timed test simulator. Create completely customizable timed tests.

There are three versions: 1) Timed Test Free is limited to addition. 2) Timed Test includes all math functions–addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, and 3) Timed Test Arcade includes all math functions as well as an arcade option for those who want the bell-ringing sound of success. #1 is free and #2 and 3 are available for a small price.

In the fully-featured Timed Test Arcade, each student creates their own account so the app can track individual progress. Tests can be customized for difficulty, math function, time, low/high numbers, number of problems and amount of time. The problem presentation screen is big, bold, and easy to use. It tests not only student skill, but his/her mental math speed. When the student completes a test, s/he wins tokens to use in the arcade. Right now, there’s one arcade game (Fish Drop), but there are plans for more. The tests are easy to set up and self-directed, and provide students the ability to review past tests and track their achievements. Test results can be printed and/or emailed to parents/teachers.

I like that students can’t use the arcade unless they have won enough tokens through the math tests. No distraction there

I set a few of my students lose on the app and it was a rousing success. They loved testing speed on math problems and worked all the harder to get tokens for the Arcade.

The backstory on this app is fascinating. Chris Popson, a recent college grad collaborated with his dad who runs Formsoft Group–developer of solutions that improve business productivity–to use Formsoft’s core competencies to create an app that streamlined math skills. Chris tested the app in an elementary school classroom and entertained the students with stories of how he went from college grad to inventor. In my school, Invention Convention is a big part of the 4th grade curriculum so I can imagine the excitement that greeted Chris’ stories.

Overall, this is one of the better apps I’ve seen on the subject of math, with a little bit of everything to satisfy students, teachers, and parents.

To sign up for Weekend Websites delivered to your email, click Weekend Websites here and leave your email.

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Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-sixth grade, creator of two technology training books for middle school and three ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco blogger, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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This past month, I have had a rash of requests from school districts to assist them in aligning their technology program with Common Core State standards. This takes me back to the days when everyone wanted to match their lesson plans with ISTE NETS standards. We all had to review our activities, rethink connections and rework details.

Now, for the 46 states that have adopted Common Core State Standards, that’s happening again, with a different tilt.

Let me back up. What are Common Core State Standards? According to the Mission Statement posted on their website:

The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

Their bi-line speaks volumes…

Preparing America’s Students for College and Career

Common Core Standards address math, reading, writing, speaking and listening, and language, and are designed “to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young audience needs in order to be successful.”

For us in technology, it reinforces what has already been a focus: Technology is no longer a stand-alone subject; rather it is expected to support core subjects. Yes, skills must be taught, but as an integration into classroom inquiry.

That doesn’t mean skills are out, just that examples used to teach skills connect to a classroom unit.

Which is something many of us do anyway.

There is one other challenge–beyond reworking lesson plans so those connections are clear. Technology skills are taught in a sequence. Students are ready for each new skill based on the foundation laid by prior skills. You don’t want to do a trifold in Publisher (published to the website with Embedit.in) or a movie in Animoto no matter how nicely it supports a literary unit until students understand concepts like tools, toolbars, software, inputting text and pictures, digital citizenship, images, and internet research.

The other focus with Common Core standards that is a change from traditional technology teaching is the emphasis on publishing and sharing. That no longer means posting work on the classroom walls. It requires use of tools available on the internet to share work with all students and parents, tools like blogs, wikis, Embedit.in, Slideshare, Scribd, and more.

OK. That’s enough. Next week, I’ll give suggestions for K-5 projects that align with specific standards. Stay tuned!

For 30 K-5 TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS ALIGNED WITH CCSS, please click the image below and sign up to be otified when available.

Projected publication date: Mid-summer, 2012

_____________________________________________________________

Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-sixth grade, creator of two technology training books for middle school and three ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Please drop by Betsy Weigle’s Classroom Teacher Resources blog where she interviews me on technology in education.

I met Betsy online when I found a great Skype lesson over at her blog. I’ve since asked her to expand on that here on Ask a Tech Teacher–you’ll see that post later this week. Betsy shares lots of teacher resources, from becoming a teacher to classroom management to effective teaching. She holds a Masters in Elementary Education & Teacher Certification from Eastern Washington University and has earned her National Board Certification.

Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-sixth grade, creator of two technology training books for middle school and three ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, Cisco blogger, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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As a working technology teacher, I get hundreds of questions from parents about their home computers, how to do stuff, how to solve problems. Each Tuesday, I’ll share one of those with you. They’re always brief and always focused. Enjoy!

Q: My youngers constantly save a blank document over their file. How? Instead of ‘open’, they use the menu command ‘save-as’ and lose all their work. Is there any way to retrieve the file?

A: Absolutely. I just found out about this recently. Bring the file up in Windows Explorer. Right click on the file name and select ‘Restore previous version’. Select the latest version that’s not today.

Every time I do this, I’m a hero for ten minutes.

Questions you want answered? Leave a comment here and I’ll answer it within the next thirty days.

To sign up for Tech Tips delivered to your email, click here.

Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-sixth grade, creator of two technology training books for middle school and three ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for six blogs, an Amazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a Cisco blogger, columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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Apps for school

We’ve collected input from classroom teachers, readers, and kids who know what they like and published a comprehensive list of Great Apps to use on your school or homeschool iPads. We invite you to take a look, add your thoughts, link to your list of summer entertainment.

Thank you to all of you who contributed.
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Jacqui Murray is the editor of a technology curriculum for K-sixth grade, creator of two technology training books for middle school and three ebooks on technology in education. She is the author of Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy midshipman. She is webmaster for six blogs, anAmazon Vine Voice book reviewer, a columnist for Examiner.com, Editorial Review Board member for Journal for Computing Teachers, IMS tech expert, and a weekly contributor to Write Anything. Currently, she’s editing a thriller for her agent that should be out to publishers this summer. Contact Jacqui at her writing office or her tech lab, Ask a Tech Teacher.

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