Frozen

We had a meeting today discussing how software and technology can accentuate pedagogy. I had a brainstorm. I had a thought for a concept that I wanted to remember to blog this evening. I wrote it in my ipad. But it is too cold today. I don't want to go get my ipad and look up what I wanted to blog. My apologies for being a slacker. But if you care enough to visit, I hope to have another blog post up soon. Now off to curl up under a blankie and try to stay warm. Have a great night!

Sharing More Sweetness

While researching resources and activities to share for next month's Digital Learning Day, I came across this:
http://www.hersheystory.org/education/lesson-plans/. These are lesson plans provided by The Hershey Story.  There are lessons for grades K-3, 3-6, 6-8, 9-10, 9-12. Sounds like a little something for everyone. What fun! And I'm sure some could be adjusted. Hershey and Advertising maybe labeled 11-12. But couldn't this same topic be adjusted to work with younger students.

How Sweet It Is!

As part of the Self-Initiated Blog Challenge, started by Kelly Hines, we were challenged to share a favorite book for reading or teaching. I don't really have a favorite. There are several that I love. But I wanted to share a new tool that I found. Are you aware of the ingeniousness behind these books by Jerry Pallotta and Rob Bolster? They have found a way to make math instruction both engaging and tangible. I so wish I had this in school. For Digital Learning Day on February 5, 2014, I will be celebrating with my teachers. I have chosen a Chocolate theme - “Digital Learning – How Sweet It Is!” In my research looking for ideas both decorative and instructional, I came across this book. The title is The Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bar Fractions Book. What a great idea! I always struggled with understanding math concepts in school. But this creates such a wonderful visual to work with for teachers and students alike. There is also an additional and a subtraction book. I am so happy that I discovered these in advance. Come pay day, these are definitely on my list. My goal this year is to share more "valuable content". I think this definitely falls under that category. Hope you think so as well.

2014 Goal: "Share more valuable content"

My Goal this year: “Share more valuable content.”

Daily, I live digitally. Wake up. Turn on either the computer or the cell phone (or both) and see what's going on with friends, family, and members of my PLN. I absorb so much from so many. Having all of this new knowledge is wonderful. Having someone else gain something positive from my having this new knowledge – oh wouldn't that be more powerful!?

Last night and this morning it snowed. The view out my window is beautiful since I don't have to go shovel it. So, today I can enjoy it. Now had this been Monday when I return to work... Oh I'd have told the snow where they can shovel it! But does anyone care about all that? I am realizing how much more value there would be in sharing quality, valuable resources with my PLN. This will be my goal this year. I know every day I will not accomplish this. I am so impressed with my friends that curate and collaborate daily. But I do plan to attempt to periodically “Share more valuable content.”

I know “Share more valuable content” is rather subjective. What I find valuable others might not. But as they say, “You can't please everyone all of the time.” So I won't try. I will however share that recipe (http://FeteAvecMoi.com), that party/celebration idea (http://FeteAvecMoi.com), that educational resources (http://twitter.com/neene) or educational insight/reflection/professional development (http://JeannineShields.com). Hope you will care enough to take a look and that you will deem the content shared valuable.

update: Decided to create a visualization as part of the Blog Challenge (http://kellyhines.wordpress.com/2013/12/22/self-initiated-blogging-challenge/)

This photo slideshow made with Smilebox

Tech Challenge #4

Today's Techmas Challenge:
"On the fourth day of Techmas the Techformers challenged me to create a progressive story using TodaysMeet! We have started our own channel! https://todaysmeet.com/techformersu The story is.. This is going to best Christmas ever!"

I never thought of using Today's Meet to do a collaborative creative activity. I seem to think "inside the box" and would have only used it for backchanneling a meeting. Here's to opening the lid and thinking "outside the box". Glad I opened this Techmas gift box. Here is my Today's Meet progressive story if you'd like to participate:
https://todaysmeet.com/CookieExchange

Tech Challenge #3

"On the third day of Techmas the Techformers challenged me to create a Padlet of what the holidays mean to me. Check out Jan Huckabay Wells sample http://padlet.com/wall/holidaytime4. Post your links in the comments below and post them on twitter with #techformersu"

As I have used padlet before, I decided to create mine this evening. That way possibly others might want to comment to add to the fun. So here is my entry for Tech Challenge #3.
http://padlet.com/wall/wj1r6lcdjl

Tech Challenge #2

On the Second Day of Christmas...

"On the second day of Techmas the Techformers Challenged me to create a Smore about celebrating Christmas in another country. Check outJennifer Kraft's https://www.smore.com/g7rr6-christmas-around-the-world Share your Smore in the comments below and post to twitter using#techformersu also follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/TekformersUnite"

I accepted today's challenge with my father in mind. My father was Canadian French and embraced his French roots with an American twist. We always had a Friendly's Jubilee Roll (http://www.friendlys.com/media/uploads/products/27_jpg_270x255_q85.jpg) Which was a nod to his upbringing with a Bûche de Noël. We always left milk and cookies for Santa. And my father would say for Father Christmas. Probably because he grew up with visions of Père Noël while I was growing up with visions of Santa Claus.

When presented with this second Tech Challenge immediately, I thought of making a Smore (https://www.smore.com/app) on the Christmas traditions of France. So here is my submission to the 12 Days of Techmas.

https://www.smore.com/19cx

Have you made a digital smore lately?