All posts in Technology

Posted on:August 20, 2013 Comments: No Comments Categories: Technology

Changing Product Key in Windows 7

Before I get into changing the product key on Windows 7 using the command prompt, I wanted to share an excellent method for technology departments on small budgets to save time and money when it comes to the dreaded process of imaging.

We recently purchased (18) Dell 2120 netbooks, running Windows 7, for our third and fourth grade cart. The Dell 2120 is a sturdy, easy to use netbook, that is perfect for running the basics in an educational environment. When I order a batch of Dell’s, whether is be 18 or 100, I love to use a free and wonderful product called CloneZilla. Read more…

Power of Constructivism in Project-Based Learning

What is the appeal of project-based learning? Buried inside, this approach is deeply rooted in how we learn. Working in groups to tackle real-world problems and to think at a higher level is apart of the human experience. It’s natural. Each day I come across tremendous lessons from my professional learning network on twitter that incorporates a “new way” of going about learning at school. Projects that made you wish you were young again. At the core of project based learning (and constructivism) is the power and responsibility that students are the center of their own learning, through primary, first-hand accounts.

Project-based learning is deeply tied to this theory and is an approach the education system should begin to look at to engage students at a deeper level. Read more…

Posted on:June 12, 2013 Comments: No Comments Categories: iPads M.Ed. Program Technology

Classify, Graph Collected Data with Google, iPads

First graders have taken a strong liking to our iPad’s at school and are strong creators and bloggers with an iPad as a tool. Typically, iPad’s are consuming devices at this age, however I wanted to share a basic math lesson over the course of three days, that touches on the Massachusetts Math Frameworks, incorporating both iPads and Google Docs. The Google Docs side of this lesson is exciting because of the ease of which a teacher is able to create and share. The teacher will need either a personal Gmail account or Google Apps for Education account to create a Form, Document and a Presentation. Read more…

Posted on:May 16, 2013 Comments: 1 Comment Categories: Google Apps iPads M.Ed. Program Technology

Sight Word Safari with iPads

After ten years of working with teachers, of varying levels of “tech savvy”, I’ve come to an important conclusion…a technology infused lesson requiring the fewest moving parts, typically works best. The lesson below, Sight Word Safari, has a flavor of old school methods and new, that blurs the line for those on the cusp of taking the next steps with technology. I wanted to share something basic enough for those who might be overwhelmed by new technology. As you will see, there are no external apps or links to follow, no need to set up an account or enter user names for students.

There might be some that say the lesson includes to many dated methods, but I feel this type of lesson will bridge the “technology infused lesson gap” affecting many districts. It only takes a spark, to get a fire going… Read more…

Posted on:April 18, 2013 Comments: No Comments Categories: M.Ed. Program Project Based Learning Technology

Project Based Lesson on Immigration

For this project based lesson, fourth grade students will have access to their Google Apps for Education accounts and will use Google Chromebooks to access and research lesson materials. The estimated time for this Immigration Project is two weeks with with tasks to be completed in and out of the classroom.

Initially provide a brief reintroduction on immigration using Google Earth to visually highlight scope of mass immigration using interactive white board. Showcasing routes people from Germany, Ireland, France, Britain and China used to immigrate to the United States over the course of nearly 100-years through the 1920’s. Read more…