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Could this not be a classroom as well?

Category: Tech Tools

Alternative assessment methods

October 30, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Today in class we learned about two unique apps that help improve the method of assessment with in classrooms.  The first being ZipGrade an application that removes the expense and speeds up the process of scantrons.  The function of the app is very similar to the classic testing method.  Create a multiple choice quiz and have students answer using a bubble sheet.  The interesting part about this app is that every test c

an be graded instantly.  The app uses locating squares and a cellphone camera to scan all the sheets instantly.  Students are able to receive instant feedback on a quiz or test that they write.  The app also analyses the results and can give you percentage break down by question giving the teacher a better instant feedback on what areas of the course content they may need to focus on in the future.

The second app we used was plicker, this app is similar to Zipgrade in that it instantly records students answers but it can be done without the test.

However the amazing part of this app is that there is no test involved.  Students are given QR code like sheets of paper.  These  QR codes are student specific and can register a different answer based on the orientation the student

holds the code up.  This app can also be used from a phone and the teacher doesn’t have to do more then stand at the front of the room and point a camera at all the students cards.  The app registers all the QR codes and the answers taken from them.  It is anonymous and instantaneous.  The app also analyses the work similar to Zip grade and produces an analysis of the classrooms understanding.

 

Both of these apps work great as check in methods or tools for assessment.  Allowing teachers to check in more often and with minimal effort can help them shape lesson plans in the future to focus on materials that would be more relevant and more necessary for the class to learn.  While the user interface on both seems bland and unruly it doesn’t take long to figure out how to run a test and i’m sure with more practice could be used as a integral part of the classroom.

3D Printing Fidget

October 30, 2019 / / 0 Comments

As teaching becomes more of an individualized practice teachers have to find ways to adapt lessons to accommodate all their students.  As someone who has difficulty paying attention in class and constantly fidgeting I have found a need to constantly have something in my hands.  I have heard about toys and fidget cubes that are supposed to help with this issue but have never had the opportunity to buy one.  This was something I thought I might be able to solve using a 3d printer.  I spent the weekend working on a design based on images I had seen online and my own typical movements when I fidget.  Using the program Sketch up I designed a rectangular box with a number of different coping methods.  I have since taken this design separated the pieces and began printing.  The printer has proven to be more temperamental then expected but I hope by the end of the week to have a functioning prototype of the the fidget device.  Though seeing the printing in the real world I have already started planning a second edition to this device.  One that is more streamlined and able to fit into a pocket.

I have been using myself as an example here but this is a similar process that a student could go through.  The project itself has help promote self learning and research as I developed a design and looked at many different styles of fidget devices.  It also has long term effects, if proven successful it will provide me with a device that will help me focus in other classes in the future.  It is also a project that can be done by virtually any age group.  CBC recently wrote and article on a teacher that used 3D printing technology with a grade six class to study the physics of flight.  This is another example of how 3D printing is making it’s way into schools and programs are being developed with the new technology in mind.  Again showing an example of how 3D printing is being used by classrooms to push learning to the limits and design new curriculum around the tools and materials that are at the leading edge of today’s society.  Helping to better prepare our students for the future.  Not to mention it is pretty cool!

Beginning the design process

October 21, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I recently started working with a program called Sketch Up.  This is a 3D design software used frequently for 3D printing and industrial design. It is the perfect tool for designing my tiny house and potentially in the future printing the tiny house in miniature form to have a real world model to work from.  The surprisingly intuitive platform allows for quick and accurate designs help visualize the project and in a way make it more realistic.  That being said the program does have some quirks and requires some practice to truly master.  Using this program I hope to teach myself to print 3d models and be able to take apart the house for printing.

To get to this point I have had started to do some research into layout design and regulations towards tiny houses.  Using these references to help get a better idea the dimensions and layouts.  Sketch Up like other 3D modeling tools has a steep learning curve however it is one that can be learned through a series of google searches and simply playing with the program.  By the end of next week I am hoping to have this model finished completely along with a rough layout as to cost of materials and potentially have begun printing the model on my 3d printer.  But for now I am happy to see the tiny house beginning to take shape.  If not in the real world but digitally. The Bohemian mobile tiny house floor plan for building your dream home without spending a fortune. Your tiny house doesn't have to be ugly or weird - just look at these architectural masterpieces! Chose from traditional plans to mobile tiny house plans that will allow you to change your lifestyle and travel!

Technologies in Education

October 19, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Technology Is Here To Stay

During this past year I was able to work at a private school as an educational assistant.  From day one something that struck me as odd was the fact that every student had an ipad or a computer.  What I quickly learned was that this piece of technology was leant to them by the school and all of their work and date was kept on these devices.  These devices remain with the students throughout their educational career.  Students use them for everything.  Course work was pushed out to students through google classroom.   Homework was shared with parents and messages could be written to student parent or teacher.  Students take pictures with them and waist time with them.  This school even taught classes on technologies giving students a chance to explore exactly what their ipad’s could do.  I found these classes particularly interesting as it allowed me to learn exactly what the student was capable of and how the ipad could be used to help in an educational setting.  person holding turned-on black iPad

One of the major benefits I saw from this was the interconnectivity between all the departments at the school.  Every teacher had access to the students work allowing them to grade and assess work communally.  This was a huge benefit to me as it allowed me to see the students I worked with in other classes.  I was able to find areas of strengths for my students and focus on those.  Using similar style assignments in order to help students with course work that they may be struggling with.   As part of their course requirements students were also asked to share work with their parents.  This was a perfect way to keep parents involved with their students learning.

Teaching students to use ipads is essential in todays society.  While the last great battle may be technology free zones there is no denying that it is here to stay.  It is how we use this technology and develop it that will be crucial in the future.  So rather then banning it from our classrooms we should introduce it in this manner.  Show students how Ipads and other technology can be used to benefit society and their own learning.  Students may find a passion for coding in elementary years and pursue that to make the next big technological breakthrough. man holding tablet computer

As we have all been talking about in our discussions apps and technology that help to further our education this is the gateway into that learning.  While there is no need for it to be apple brand ipads specifically a uniform use of technology across schools can help with connectivity and interconnection between faculty.  Having that technology carry with the student as he or she moves up the grades will help reinforce earlier lessons and give students an opportunity to look back on how far they have come.

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