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EdTech Tools? What are they & where can you find them?

30/8/2012

I have to thank Elena Verlee from OnLineDegrees.org for bringing the following information to my attention. The blog, 50 Indispensable EdTech Tools for 2012, lists some great sites and resources that I've not seen before. In this blog I'm covering Grockit, LiveBinders and Animoto tech tools. Click the link above for the full list.

GROCKIT is a social learning media which gives all students the opportunity to undertake tutoring and practice sessions online. They can also join study groups to support their learning and learning style. From what I experienced when I accessed Grockit, there are more positives than negatives about using this site.
>    Join using Facebook - I found this a simple method and was able to access the lessons etc within a minute. The downside of this is Grockit auto posts results or an activity you've completed onto your Facebook Timeline. Don't think this is something everyone would like to see on their timeline.
>    Initially you receive a three day FREE trial.
>    Hmm? At $29.99 per month I wonder if parents or students would be able to afford this learning tool in the current economic climate.
>    They do offer study material and different admission test practices (US) that would assist many learners.
The best way to gauge if this site will help you, your students or your children is to access the three day free trial. I'm sure you'll know by the end of that time if you want to pay the monthly fee.

Grockit study plan - click to enlarge

LiveBinders

Considering the years I've spent trawling the internet for useful teaching resources, I have never come across this site. I Signed Up for FREE and am in the throes of creating my first binder. The video tutorials are straightforward and offer information on every aspect of using the tools. The videos give you an overview of the site and tools available - worth- while resources.

The binders you create can be for public or private viewing. You can ensure only people you invite or your students access the binder by using an access key. I'm currently developing a binder that covers aspects of numeration that my adult students require. Developing the binder is "a piece of cake" and I applaud the developers. At one point, when I wanted to include a specific web page, there did seem to be a glitch. However, the program informed me the creator of the webpage doesn't permit it being viewed on any other site. No problem! LiveBinder created a link in the nominated tab that takes you directly to the page.

ANIMOTO

I have just created my first photo video (click this link to view My Ride To Conquer Cancer) using this site.  I used the LITE version to develop the video, but I'll be upgrading to the PLUS version when I'm finsihed this blog. Why? From both a teaching and personal point of view, for $30 per year you can create an unlimited number of videos. You can also download the video to your computer and/or DVD.  These two factors alone are a big draw card for me. There are also the PRO and RESELLER versions available if you like what you see. These are $249 and $499 per year respectively.

FEATURES Lite Version
-    select from a number of templates for your background
-    background music from over 600 songs in the Animoto library
-    option to upload a video and embed in the Animoto video
-    add captions
-    edit caption slides
-    share on social media or email link
-    sequence scenes by clicking and dragging

Using this TechTool from a teaching point of view -
>    Students can create a graphical procedure using their own photos.
>    Record a visual account of science experiments.
>    Writing notes to develop script.
>    Completing script in consultation with teacher.
>    Working in a group or pairs to develop interpersonal and employability skills.
>    Students select appropriate music from Animoto's library to support video. They can also upload music for the 30sec video.
>    You can add text to the video, but characters are limited in the LITE version. I'll check the PLUS version to see if the number of characters are more generous.
>    Self evaluation
>    An historical walk record
>    Steps to completing an equation
>    Recount of an experience
>    Demonstrate an exercise e.g. crunches on a fitball
This is a limited list of activities, but I'm sure you will have many more to add to this list.

Screen shots of ANIMOTO web page (above)

Using "Crtical Problem Solving" In The Classroom

1/5/2012

Problem solving is critical, even life saving. In this blog I'm suggesting an approach that reviews problem solving strategies and involves learners exploring the world of critical thinking. There are elements of the following activities that fall within the critical thinking premise, and it is these aspects I'm suggesting you incorporate when using the listed learning tools. To get underway let's use some readily available tools to get learners thinking about what they are doing when they are solving spatial problems. I decided to investigate and share this information when I was reading Top Teacher Resources blog. The blog suggested using three numeracy games from Cool-Math Games that involve spatial awareness to develop critical thinking. Unfortunately the blog doesn't suggest how to use these games to develop skills and strategies that support critical thinking, but that's why I'm taking you on this tour of critical problem solving.

What Is Critical Problem Solving?
Basically it is a matrix (no Keanu Reeves here) which incorporates problem solving strategies and the elements of critical thinking. The crucial factor in all this is application. Learners are presented with a task which requires them to apply these elements and strategies. (Not a definitive list.)

Critical Thinking Elements
Conceptualising
Applying
Analysing
Synthesising
Evaluating

Problem Solving Strategies
Drawing a diagram
Work Backwards
Make a list
Draw a table
Guess & check
Solve a simpler problem
Look for a pattern
Find key words

Click to enlarge

B-Cubed Level 1 www.coolmath-games.com

B-Cubed Level 2

B-Cubed Level 3

B-Cubed Level 4

Bloxorz Stage 1

Use arrows to move block.

Bloxorz Stage 2

Orange tiles break if block stands on end when on them.

Phit Level 1

Phit Level 2

Phit Level 3

Playing Phit

Playing Games - B-Cubed, Bloxorz & Phit
Using games has always been a great strategy to engage students in the learning process and bring in the FUN factor.   Each of the games mentioned, incorporates problem solving within a spatial environment. The aim of
B-Cubed is to move the gold cube to the red cube.  To get the grey matter working you must move the gold cube across all the white cubes to reach the goal. Level 1 of the game is very straight forward. However, as you can see other levels become a more challenging.
Bloxorz is definitely a challenge. You move the block using the arrow keys on the keyboard. The block will roll if moving left to right and stand on end if using the up and down keys. The aim is to have the block fall through the hole in the tiles. There are also a few other tricky parts along the way.
To play Phit you must move the tiles so they fill the yellow tray. Sounds easy!   This is a great game for using the problem solving strategy of guess and check. Games found at: www.coolmath-games.com

Suggested integration for  critical problem solving strategies.
-    Students read and analyse the rules. After playing the game they dicuss and/or rewrite the rules to assist with interpretation.
-    Students discuss if they have played a similar game and record the similarities in a table.
-    Do a screen dump of each level (which means you have to also complete the games) and have students draw their proposed moves to complete that level. They also record the reason/s for completing the task this way.
-    Once students have achieved a level, they then consider alternative ways to complete the task. A print out would be great for this activity.
-    Learners record the moves they made and write a brief explanation as to why they executed those moves. Discussing any changes they would make if playing the level again.
-    Learners evaluate the methods they have implemented and discuss the effectiveness of the different strategies. Consider such questions as - Why did this work? How did I progress through that level? Which was the most successful strategy? Did I consider using other strategies to complete the level? What instructions would I give another person playing the game/s? When did I realise this strategy was the most effective?
-    Group discussion considering the strategies and methods to complete levels is essential. Students have the opportunity to decide if their strategies will always be effective and to consider other strategies that have been implemented effectively. This is a perfect opportunity to discuss other situatins where these strategies can be used.
-    It is also important for learners to discuss their mistakes as this is a great learning strategy. They can analyse where they made errors and make changes when next playing. Use a flowchart to develop this structure.
-    When playing another game review the notes made and discuss how those strategies etc can be transferred to playing the new game.
-    Drawing a flowchart to demonstrate how they played the game will reinforce strategies and have them analysing what they have learnt, achieved and how they conquered the game.
-    When moving onto other games, students will have the opportunity to synthesis and apply their experiences from playing previous games. Initially they will need to read the instructions and compare and contrast similar areas of the games.

Enjoy playing the games.

EdTech Tools? What are they & where can you find them?

Using "Crtical Problem Solving" In The Classroom

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