Dec 9: DIY Edtech-Edupunk-Why and How

(Assisting Aaron Fowles) This presentation will address the why and how of DIY educational technology, sometimes called edupunk. Rather than list a number of resources and how teachers can use them, we aim to identify the requirements of a modern education and the technologies that can help fulfill those requirements. Furthermore, we want to show teachers how many resources are available to them at no cost because we feel that many providers exploit teachers’ lack of knowledge in this area.

Dec 10: Creative Writing with Kerpoof

Learn the basics of the online creative application for kids and see how this powerful tool can be used to enhance creative writing. Get tips on how to best use the “Make a Story” and “Make a Movie” features, while also exploring management strategies for online student accounts.

Dec 10: Great Open Source and Free Resources for Your Classroom

Presenting 25+ open source software and web application resources for students and teachers that you can download or use completely free of charge. High quality, user friendly, time-saving programs that teachers and students will get a lot of use from. From classroom management to creative tools, from skill-building to file conversion–whether small or big, resources may be useful to teachers and students in grades K-12.

Ah, new book smell. I just unwrapped my gift from ISTE, which I got for winning “Best Character Voices” in the Six Sounds Podcast contest. I’m very excited to crack this book open. It’s no easy task trying to be innovative when you’ve got 8-10 year old technology. We’re hoping to present ideas on how to work with clunker computers at our workshop at December’s Midsouth Technology Conference, so I’m looking forward to picking up some ideas from this book. I’ll have a review up soon!

Read more information here.

Here is a link to his blog entry, where you can view a Youtube video in which he demonstrates his interactive whiteboard made with a Wii remote and an infrared pen.

Wiimote Whiteboard

We’ve got an edupunk-centered presentation coming up at the Midsouth Technology Conference, where Aaron will demonstrate the Wii remote whiteboard.  Be sure to come and see it!

North East Region of Sunderholm Detailed Map from RPGMapshare

Trying to get your students more involved in creative writing?  Understanding map concepts in social studies?  How about just looking for something creative that involves collaboration and critical thinking?

As a classroom teacher, I did an activity that involved map creation at least a couple times a year.  Whether it was a scenario for creating geographical and social structures for an imaginary community or giving students a nudge to start coming up with fictional story ideas–even making grid map reading challenges for classmates.  Most students seem to enjoy working with maps when you’re not asking them to color explorer routes of the 1500’s or find the latitude and longitude of Buenos Aires.

First, some map making/fantasy map gallery digital resources.  Although it seems like a lot of these are used for role-playing games (never did really get into those), they could have good application for the classroom.

Gozzy’s Cartographic Emporium

RPGMapMaker

Tavern Maker

Dungeons Unlimited: Maps and Mini-Grids

RPG Mapshare Gallery

University of Texas Historical Maps Library

Theban Mapping Project

Dungeonforge

Map Maker

Some possible activities:

1.  Starting with a map, create your own country.  Divide political boundaries, assign and name cities, rivers, mountain ranges, and lakes.  Note how the climate is different in some regions, and how that affects the people living there.  Write a historical timeline for the country.  Create and draw the currency used.  Describe current leaders and popular customs.  Design the most important national holiday and some traditions associated with it.  The list goes on for possibilities with this activity.

2.  (Great group activity) You and the people in your group have been stranded on an island.  You’ve explored and now know enough to design a map of the island.  Decide where the best area to build your shelter would be.  Specialize your group and decide which tasks of survival will be assigned to which group members.  Decide how you will protect your shelter from storms and wild animals.  Note on the map where resources like food, fresh water, and trees are located.  Create rules for the members of your group.  Using the map and creativity, work out a plan to keep some sort of signal visible in hopes of being seen by a passing boat or airplane, and get rescued.

3.  Design a map of an area.  It could be a forest, a space station, a city or town, a house, or even a cave.  As you begin to add details and name places or objects on your map, think about how a story could be placed in this setting.  Create a story that takes place in the setting you have created.

These are just a few ideas, but maps can be a starting point for some really meaningful and fun projects in class.  Of course, consider using digital mapping tools!