Category: Tech Tools

Virtual Classroom Connections

9 August 2021 / Katrina.BC / 0 Comments

If the pandemic of COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that our ability to digitally connect with others is far greater than previously imagined. As schools scrambled to go online and everyone began wishing they had purchased stocks in Zoom, we also realized that innovative ways to explore the world were right at our fingertips.

Even though borders are opening and in-person field trips will most likely be supported once again, there is still merit in having some virtual field trips up your sleeve. Why have just 3 annual field trips when you can have 20?

From famous museums to the industry locations of STEM professions, ecological reserves and aquariums, even meetings with authors and knowledge-keepers – there are a growing number of options to digitally connect with people and locations around the world.

I’ve got a few recommendations that I’ve used before and loved.

#1: Race Rocks Ecological Reserve

Located right in my hometown of Victoria, BC, on the territories of the Lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking Peoples (currently known as Esquimalt and Songhees Nations), the Race Rocks Ecological Reserve is home to a plethora of flora and fauna. While it’s great fun to take a boat trip out to the actual location, that’s also a big chunk of $$ that may not be accessible to all schools. Instead, load up their two live cams in the classroom, and see if you’re lucky enough to spot a whale! Archived footage also shows underwater scenes, including SCUBA divers, sea lions, and more.

Link: https://racerocks.ca/video-cameras/

#2: National Gallery of Canada

Explore timeless works of art, articles, and downloadable resources. Walk through the gallery, watch videos about specific works, see collection highlights and zoom in on features not usually seen by the naked eye. All from the comfort of your classroom.

Link: https://www.gallery.ca/virtual-ngc#tour-explore.

#3: BC Museum of Anthropology

Explore over 48,000 objects and use an interactive map to locate the items around the globe. Use their search feature to quickly locate an item, period, or people that you are curious about.

Link: http://collection-online.moa.ubc.ca

Hope you have fun exploring!

Over to you: What are your favourite virtual field trips links and locations?

Learning Commons Apps

8 August 2021 / Katrina.BC / 0 Comments

There are so many apps on the market today, it’s tricky to know which one to use. As educators, we must be aware of the FIPPA guidelines to protect student privacy, SAMR model to ensure the tech is enhancing or transforming learning in a meaningful way, and the TPACK model to ensure the tech is being integrated into the pedagogy and content of a lesson as a relevant educational tool.

So much to think of!

Not sure what all you have to consider? Kathy Schrock to the rescue! Kathy has created an app evaluation tool for iPad apps that are content-based and intended for creation.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that some apps come and go as quickly as rain on an April evening. Thankfully, Annette Lamb, Ph.D, a Senior Lecturer in the department of Library and Information Science at IUPUI, has compiled a list of time-tested apps here (see also the PDF link below).

And, just in case you’re in a real pinch, I’ve done some evaluation and have pre-approved 4 apps for your LLC:

Comparison Chart of 4 apps for grades K-5: Kidspiration Maps, Pixton, Green Screen by Do Ink, and Write About This. Looks at Function, SAMR, Location, and Min. Age.

Whats_in_Your_Pocket_A_Decad Download

References:

Lamb, A. (2017, 06). What’s in your pocket? A decade of interactive online tools for school libraries. Teacher Librarian, 44, 56-60,63. Retrieved from https://www-proquest-com.proxy.queensu.ca/magazines/whats-your-pocket-decade-interactive-online-tools/docview/1925376490/se-2?accountid=6180

Schrock, K. (2011-2015). CRITICAL EVALUATION OF A CONTENT-BASED IPAD/IPOD APP. Accessed 8 Aug, 2021 from: http://www.schrockguide.net/uploads/3/9/2/2/392267/evalipad_content.pdf

Schrock, K. (2011-2015). CRITICAL EVALUATION OF A CREATION IPAD/IPOD APP. Accessed 8 Aug, 2021 from: http://www.schrockguide.net/uploads/3/9/2/2/392267/evalipad_creation.pdf

TPACK for Gr. 3 Math

2 July 2021 / Katrina.BC / 2 Comments

TECHNOLOGICAL, PEDAGOGICAL , AND CONTENT KNOWLEDGE (TPACK) FOR GRADE 3 MATH.

Learning Outcome: Students will use comparative language to discuss the likelihood of simulated events.

Using the TPACK Model, I have developed connections to the BC Grade 3 Mathematics Curriculum. By focussing on Content and Pedagogical Knowledge first, I prioritized student learning and curricular goals. Once I knew what I wanted to teach, and how I wanted to teach it, I then moved on to figuring out which technologies would best support the learning objectives. I used the SAMR questions from my previous blog post to help vet my tech options and ensure they were adding value to the learning experience.