May 31, 2014

Using Twitter as an Educator

Many educators today use Twitter professionally and/or personally. Professional use usually includes two categories: (1) enhancing teaching and learning in the classroom and (2) professional development.

The Four Stages of Getting on Twitter Infographic / Roba Al-Assi / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
I am selecting resources to add to a Twitter (and other social media) unit for an upcoming summer workshop (see the last four weeks' posts and here and here and here) to help the workshop participants understand the value and benefits of using Twitter for professional development and in the classroom. I searched for appropriate resources for this unit... and found some guides and tips to add to my current materials. Because I taught a similar unit in a course this spring I want to add just a few outstanding resources to what I already use.

The workshop materials for Twitter that I chose fit these categories:

  • guides for teachers,
  • classroom uses,
  • tips, and
  • suggestions about students.
WTJ-Doodle over THE INSTRUCTIONS page / Arthur T. Bens / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Guides for Teachers and Classroom Uses





I'll Give YOU a Tip / Rachael Voorhees / CC BY 2.0
Tips





Student iPad 014 / Brad Flickinger / CC BY 2.0
Suggestions about Students
_______________

Will I use ALL these resources in the workshop? Most likely not. However resources that do not become part of the workshop activities may find themselves in a list provided for the participants to access on their own during the workshop or later.

These sites should help facilitate some interesting and useful discussions. How do you help other educators discover the benefits of using Twitter?

May 26, 2014

Learning about Augmented Reality for the Classroom

Augmented reality is finding its way into more and more classrooms today. Mobile devices and the augmented reality apps that are available are a major reason for this. Educators are discovering that students find the use of augmented reality to be engaging... whether they are the consumers or the creators of the AR (augmented reality) activities.
Insect Exhibit in the Barrett Discovery Lab / Laurie Sullivan / CC BY 2.0
Today's tools--Aurasma, Layar, and others--make it relatively easy for teachers and students to create augmented reality experiences with computers and/or mobile devices.

I am selecting resources to create an augmented reality unit for an upcoming summer workshop (see the last three weeks' posts and here and here) to help the workshop participants understand the value and benefits of using augmented reality in the classroom. I searched (How Do You Search for Information on a Topic?) for appropriate resources for this unit... and found teachers who shared their classroom experiences and the engaging apps they used.

The workshop materials for augmented reality that I chose fit these categories:
  • introduction,
  • apps,
  • classroom uses, and
  • collections of materials to follow as the field of augmented reality in education continues to grow.
DIY Augmented Reality, MoMA NY / sndrv / CC BY 2.0
Introduction to Augmented Reality

Videos…

Augmented Reality 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7YyjDOZL9s 
introduction to AR (augmented reality), with a bit of humor

Augmented Reality in Plain English 
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/05/augmented-reality-in-plain-english.html 
link to CommonCraft introduction to AR

The Future of Augmented Reality 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnRJaHZH9lo 
designed for business and marketing, good examples

General Overview…

7 Ways Augmented Reality Will Improve Your Life 
http://mashable.com/2012/12/19/augmented-reality-city/ 
(non-education) examples of AR

Educators’ Introduction…

Teachers’ Guide to Augmented Reality 
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/06/teachers-guide-to-augmented-reality.html


AR Apps / Jo Schiffbauer / CC BY 2.0

Apps

Lists… 
See *Chart (at the end of this post) for combined list of individual apps in these articles…

8 Excellent Augmented Reality Apps for iPad 
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/01/8-excellent-augmented-reality-apps-for.html

10 Best Augmented Reality Apps 
http://www.techapna.com/augmented-reality-apps/887/

Top 20 Augmented Reality Apps for Android and iPhone/iPad Users 
http://deepknowhow.com/2013/04/04/top-20-augmented-reality-apps-for-android-and-iphoneipad-users/

5 Uses of Augmented Reality In Education 
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/07/best-of-2013-so-far-5-uses-of-augmented.html

Best Augmented Reality Apps 
http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/best-augmented-reality-apps/#!OQGcf

Aurasma… 
All worth viewing…

Image Recognition That Triggers Augmented Reality 
http://www.ted.com/talks/matt_mills_image_recognition_that_triggers_augmented_reality

Tons of Classroom Examples Using Augmented Reality with @Aurasma - A Complete How-To Guide! 
http://www.kleinspiration.com/2013/05/using-augmented-reality-via-aurasma-in.html

Use Aurasma to Create Augmented Reality Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Activities
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2014/01/use-aurasma-to-create-augmented-reality.html#.U4LKbvbUWuE

ColAR Mix… 
Both have good features…

App of the Week that teaches augmented reality 
http://www.coolcatteacher.com/colar-mix/

The Coloring Book of the Future Uses Augmented Reality 
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2013/07/the-coloring-book-of-future-uses.html#.U4LO9fbUWuE

Elements4D…

Elements4D - Exploring Chemistry with Augmented Reality 
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2014/02/elements4d-exploring-chemistry-with.html

Fetch! Lunch Rush!...

Fetch! Lunch Rush! - An Augmented Reality Math Game 
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2012/09/fetch-lunch-rush-augmented-reality-math.html

Smash Cards…

Smash Cards - Augmented Reality Flashcards 
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/05/smash-cards-augmented-reality.html#.U4LQBvbUWuE

ZooBurst…

ZooBurst - 3D Augmented Reality Books 
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2010/05/zooburst-3d-augmented-reality-books.html

Insect Exhibit in the Barrett Discovery Lab / Laurie Sullivan / CC BY 2.0
Classroom Uses 
Examples of how teachers are using augmented reality in the classroom…

Augmented Reality Brings New Dimensions to Learning 
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/augmented-reality-new-dimensions-learning-drew-minock

Augmented Reality in Education 
http://augmentedrealityeducation.blogspot.com/

How Augmented Reality Can Change Teaching 
http://gettingsmart.com/2012/12/how-augmented-reality-can-change-teaching/

Five Apps for Getting Started with Augmented Reality in Education 
https://www.appolearning.com/advisor/articles/008-five-apps-for-getting-started-with-augmented-reality-in-education

Good Ideas for Using Augmented Reality in Elementary School Math and Reading
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2014/05/good-ideas-for-using-augmented-reality.html#.U4LR0_bUWuE

How Augmented Reality (AR) Can Be Great for Math Class: Learning Goals
http://tapintoteenminds.com/2013/11/17/how-augmented-reality-ar-can-be-great-for-math/

Putting augmented reality into practice | eSchool News 
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2013/11/18/augmented-reality-practice-131/

A Door Knocker Collection from GPCastel / Pierre Metivier / CC BY-NC 2.0

Collections

Wiki by Karen E. Hamilton… Augmented Reality in Education 
http://augmented-reality-in-education.wikispaces.com/

Two Guys and Some iPads… blog with multiple pages (i.e., categories)
http://www.twoguysandsomeipads.com/

Pinterest pins… Augmented Reality in Education 
http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=augmented%20reality%20in%20education

Cybrary Man’s Educational Web Sites…Augmented Reality 
http://cybraryman.com/augmentedreality.html

Flipboard Magazine by Terri Eichholz… Augmented Reality in Education 
https://flipboard.com/section/augmented-reality-in-education-brgZbu

Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything... Augmented Reality in the Classroom
http://www.schrockguide.net/augmented-reality.html

Blog by Nedim and Wanju… Augmented Reality in Education 
http://www.arined.org/

iTunes… [download iTunes if you do not already have it] search in the iTunes Store for augmented reality and augmented reality in education to find apps, books, courses, materials, and podcasts
https://www.apple.com/itunes/
__________

If I find that these resources are not sufficient in some areas, I will look for additional appropriate materials as follows.

TWITTER
Search for augmented reality 
Search for #AR

SCOOP.IT! 
Examine Augmented Reality in Education curated by James Kapptie

LIVEBINDERS 
Search for augmented reality

YOUTUBE 
Search for augmented reality 
Search for augmented reality in education
__________

*CHART OF INDIVIDUAL APPS FOUND IN APPS / Lists

3D Compass+ 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.a0soft.gphone.aCompassPlus

AcrossAir 
http://www.acrossair.com/

Anatomy 4D 
http://4danatomy.com/

AR Invaders 
http://invaders.soulbit7.com/

ARBasketball 
http://augmentedpixels.com/project/ar-basketball/

Augment 
http://augmentedev.com/

Augmented Car Finder 
http://www.augmentedworks.com/app/find-your-car-with-ar-augmented-car-finder/

Augmented Colors 
http://www.windowsphone.com/en-us/store/app/augmented-colors/f785cf96-eb18-4860-9980-f9b922f4282d

ColAR Mix 
http://colarapp.com/

Fetch! Lunch Rush! 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fetch!-lunch-rush/id469089331?mt=8

GeoGoggle 
http://appcrawlr.com/android/geogoggle

Google Goggles 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.unveil

Google Ingress 
http://www.ingress.com/

Google Sky Map 
http://www.google.com/mobile/skymap/

iOnRoad 
http://www.ionroad.com/

Junaio 
http://www.junaio.com/

Layar 
https://www.layar.com/

Lookator 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.loft.lookator2

Satellite AR 
http://satellite-ar.soft112.com/

Science AR 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/science-ar/id587192926?mt=8

SnapShop 
http://www.snapshopinc.com/

Spacecraft 3D 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spacecraft-3d/id541089908?mt=8

SpecTrek 
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.spectrekking.full

Spyglass 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spyglass/id332639548?mt=8

Star & Planet Finder 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-planet-finder/id361753588?mt=8

Star Chart 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/star-chart/id345542655?mt=8

Star Walk 
http://vitotechnology.com/star-walk.html

Sun Seeker
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sun-seeker-3d-augmented-reality/id330247123?mt=8

TagWhat 
http://www.tagwhat.com/

The Getty 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-getty/id538459960?mt=8

Theodolite 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/theodolite/id339393884?mt=8

Wikitude 
http://www.wikitude.com/

Yelp 
http://www.yelp.com/yelpmobile

ZooBurst 
http://www.zooburst.com/
__________

Will I use ALL these resources in the workshop? Most likely not. However resources that do not become part of the workshop activities may find themselves in a list provided for the participants to access on their own during the workshop or later.

These sites should help facilitate some interesting and useful discussions. How do you help other educators discover the benefits of using augmented reality?

May 19, 2014

Using Podcasts as Learning Tools for Students and Teachers

Podcasts are powerful tools that are useful for teaching and learning in the classroom, professionally, and personally. I am selecting resources to add to my current materials in an upcoming summer workshop (see the last two weeks' posts and here) to help the workshop participants understand the value and benefits of podcasting.
Podcasts Anywhere Anytime / Francois / CC BY 2.0
I have created and used podcasts made with Garageband, Audacity, iPadio, and VoiceThread. The tools available today--these four and many more--make it easy for teachers and students to create podcasts with computers and/or mobile devices.

I searched for additional appropriate resources in my Delicious account, my educational sandbox (a customized search engine for a select set of blogs... see How Do You Search for Information on a Topic?), LiveBinders, Pinterest, Scoop.it!, Twitter, YouTube, and on the web.

These new workshop materials fit mainly in these categories:
  • creating podcasts,
  • mobile apps,
  • listening to podcasts, and
  • ways to use podcasts in the classroom.
I will also suggest that the workshop participants follow @iTunesPodcasting on Twitter and that they search Pinterest for podcasting ideas. And, of course, I will continue to recommend iPadio (a free site to create audio podcasts by telephone) and Odiogo (a site that automatically converts text to audio files but not currently accepting new users) for podcasting.

Creating Podcasts
Students Creating Podcasts / Susan Hersh / CC BY-ND 2.0

Teacher’s Guide on the Use of Podcasting in Education… http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/12/teachers-guide-on-use-of-podcasting-in.html 
overview with links for creating and using podcasts in education… includes list of podcasts to listen to

Create a Multi-Track Radio Show (Podcast) with Audacityhttp://www.speedofcreativity.org/2013/04/16/create-a-multi-track-radio-show-podcast-with-audacity/ 
use Audacity, iTunes, The Levellator, AudioBoo, and DropBox via Wesley Fryer… 
links to instructions for podcasting with an iPad

Can’t Afford Podcast Hosting? Try These Free Alternatives… 
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/cant-afford-podcast-hosting-try-free-solutions/ 
how to host podcasts for free

How to Start a Podcast – Pat’s Complete Step-By-Step Podcasting Tutorial…
http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/how-to-start-a-podcast-podcasting-tutorial/ 
video tutorials

Making of a Video Podcast on #iPad… 
http://www.mguhlin.org/2012/11/making-of-video-podcast-on-ipad.html 
how to make an enhanced or video podcast on an iPad… apps used are listed… not free

Simplify Enhanced Podcasting on #iPad - Sonic Pics via @allanahk @wfryer… 
http://www.mguhlin.org/2012/11/simplify-enhanced-podcasting-on-ipad.html 
introduction (simple, well-explained) to how to create a podcast on an iPad

5 Great Video Tutorials on How to Create Podcasts Using Audacity
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/05/5-great-video-tutorials-on-how-to.html 
how to use Audacity

10 Creative Uses for Audacity That You Probably Haven’t Thought of… 
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-creative-audacity-havent-thought/ 
ways to use Audacity

5 Ways to Use AudioBoo in Your Classroom… 
https://blog.edmodo.com/2013/08/13/5-ways-to-use-audioboo-in-your-classroom/ 
ways to use AudioBoo

Learn Podcast Editing Basics with Garageband [Mac]… 
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/learn-podcast-editing-basics-garageband-mac/ 
how to use Garageband for podcasting (2012)

How to Video: Create Classroom Podcasts with Voki… 
http://learnitin5.com/how-to-create-classroom-podcasts-with-voki 
how to use Voki for podcasts

How to Turn YouTube Channels into Subscribable Podcasts… 
http://lifehacker.com/how-to-turn-youtube-channels-into-subscribable-podcasts-496976976 
just what the title says… gets a bit geeky

The 27 Steps to Get Your Podcast into iTunes… 
http://schoolofpodcasting.com/the-27-steps-to-get-your-podcast-into-itunes/ 
how to workflow from beginning to end

Copyright Friendly Music & Sounds… 
http://www.livebinders.com/play/play?id=431466 
audio resources for digital media projects in schools

Mobile Apps
Home Screen / David Herrold / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0


Best Podcast Apps for iPhone and iPad: Podcasts, Instacast, Downcast, and more!... 
http://www.imore.com/best-podcast-apps-iphone-podcasts-pocket-casts-instacast-downcast-stitcher

4 App Showdown: Which is the Best Android Podcast App?... 
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/4-app-showdown-which-is-the-best-android-podcast-app/

Listening to Podcasts
Listening / Tom Carmony / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

What is the Best Way to Find New Podcasts… 
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/what-is-the-best-way-to-find-new-podcasts/ 
iTunes, of course, and many more are listed

5 Essential Technology Podcasts that Geeks Should Listen to… 
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-essential-technology-podcasts-geeks-listen/ 
list of techie podcasts

10 Educational History Podcasts to Subscribe & Listen to… 
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/10-educational-history-podcasts-subscribe-listen/ 
list of history podcasts

Educational Podcasts and Videos… 
http://www.cencoos.org/sections/classroom/edu_links.shtml 
ocean podcasts

The Wild Classroom: Education for the Next Generation… 
http://www.thewildclassroom.com/ 
science podcasts

+ plus magazine… living mathematics… 
http://plus.maths.org/content/Podcast 
mathematics podcasts

The Internet Radio Show for Every Teacher: Every Classroom Matters… 
http://www.coolcatteacher.com/teacher-podcast/podcast series (Internet radio show) 
hosted by Vicki Davis

Personalized Learning Resources for Mobile Educators… 
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/personalized-learning-resources-mobile-educators-joe-mazza 
list of podcasts for educators

Ways to Use Podcasts in the Classroom
Classroom Podcasting / Cole Camplese / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

10 Podcasting Projects Every Teacher Should Try… 
http://www.weareteachers.com/community/blogs/weareteachersblog/blog-wat/2013/05/22/10-podcasting-projects-every-teacher-should-try 
ways to use podcasts with students

Field Trip to the Art Institute of Chicago… 
http://drydenart.weebly.com/fugleblog/field-trip-to-the-art-institute-of-chicago 
art field trip podcasts

In the Classroom: Live Oak Elementary School Students Produce Audio Podcasts… 
http://blogs.kqed.org/education/2012/08/17/in-the-classroom-live-oak-elementary-school-students-produce-audio-podcasts/ 
students create podcasts

Listening to Themselves: Podcasting Takes Lessons Beyond the Classroom… 
http://www.edutopia.org/podcasting-student-broadcasts 
students create podcasts

Podcasts… 
http://www.schrockguide.net/uploads/3/9/2/2/392267/evalpodcast.pdf 
checklist for evaluating a podcast


Will I use ALL these resources in the workshop? Most likely not. However resources that do not become part of the workshop activities may find themselves in a list provided for the participants to access on their own during the workshop or later.

These sites should help facilitate some interesting and useful discussions. How do you help other educators discover the benefits of using podcasts?