Technology and Learning

  When I first saw what an Osmo could do - I was a little apprehensive.  I wasn't sure what benefit, if any, it would provide for myself or students.  However, after ordering one, I  WAS  WRONG!!!  This is SO SO cool and I can think of SO SO many ways to use it - unbelievable!  Maybe not the apps connected with it, BUT the power to create stacks to LOAD onto the app - WOW!   Here is picture of it if you have NO idea what I am talking about: So the Osmo comes with three little boxes in one.  One box is the base that you set the iPad on and attach a mirror to your camera.  The second one is a set of tangrams, and the third has letter tiles included in it.  I will explain and show each one a little more detailed below...... Tangrams - here is a picture: Once the app is opened, you simple create the picture with your tangrams that is shows.  However, here is the magic - as you put the tangrams together, is snaps them to...

  Today, Casey and I attended a Tierney Brothers "browse" and "see" new technologies that are out there!  Oh My Gosh!!  There are so FUN FUN things out there:)!!! 1. SMART Interactive Flat Panel - YES - this IS as amazing as it looks!  This is basically a Smartboard that is a little SMALLER, but MUCH MUCH clearer than the current ones we have.  It works perfectly with Smart Notebook, and does all the great things that a SMARTboard does.  You have two touch points for two users at a time and it is UBER neat as you don't need a projector!  The clarity is profound!  At merely $3500 each - it's a GREAT thing!  AND they offer a 44% discount if you do a trad in - so if you currently have SMARTboards and want to upgrade - this is the DEAL for you:)! 2. SMART Document Camera - Now, I know there are other cameras out there - but this one is SO perfect for schools and teachers that use SMART Notebook and SMARTboards.  When you either screen ...

  Teachers just KEEP amazing me and continue to come up with SUPER GREAT ways to use the Pic Collage app!  Take a look at some of these: 1. Mrs. Askegaard, a fifth grade teacher,  had her kiddos write about the adjective "Thankful," and then created a pic collage about it LOVE:)!! 2. Mrs. Parker, a third grade teacher, had her kids make a pic collage on what third grade looks like.  I LOVE these - SO creative:)!! 3. Mrs. Tonsfeldt, another third grade teacher, had her kids create Selfie Similes - another SO fun idea:)! Some more FINE FINE examples of using Pic Collage - again - creative, meaningful, and fun for the kiddos! Take care all - snowing here - UGH!!  Guess it's that time, huh:)! Happy Wednesday Mrs. I:)

    About a month ago, we received our SMART Table , and I must say it was COOL:)!!!  We immediately put it together and stuck it in a closet!  Casey and I took some time to figure it out and how all things work, so it is now IN THE CLASSROOMS and the kiddos are LOVING it:)!!  Look:    Teachers can make things within SMART Notebook, which they would use normally on their  SMART boards , but now they can ALSO put these files onto the SMART Table for MANY users to manipulate and learn!  SO SO SO SO COOL!  Now, these buggers are NOT CHEAP - at roughly $4900 you can own one yourself! So far it's been utilized and the kiddos are enjoying it - NO idea what the next step is for us with these - but it's pretty amazing to see the kiddos working collaboratively on ONE table:!) Happy Tuesday, Mrs. I:)