Tips+and+Tricks+for+Technology

Tips and Tricks for Technology Applications in the Classroom Doorenbos / Hunt June 20-21, 8:30-11:30 This workshop provides hands-on opportunities to learn some easy ways to incorporate technology in your teaching seamlessly. These easy-to-apply ideas will help you manage, understand, create and implement internet tools readily available to all teachers, regardless of level or subject area.

__Day One__:
Teachers will learn how to create a simple presentation graphics show (PowerPoint, Keynote) and how to set up and use cloud storage (e.g., Dropbox, Google Drive). Teachers will learn shortcuts and how to create more effective, hassle-free presentations, as well as easy ways to store, manage, and share documents from students. Other topics will be determined by interest of attendees. Possibilities may include how to use Edmodo for class management, how to create wikis and blogs that will be ready for the upcoming school years, and other Web 2.0 and 3.0 applications.

Session 1 - Dropbox: 15-20 minute hands-on session
The real beauty of Dropbox is in its ability to synchronize files you have in one computer with another -- such as your teacher computer and your home computer. In involves installing an application on each computer you want to sync, and then putting files you wanted synced in a specific folder on those computers. When you boot your computer, Dropbox runs in the background and updates any files that were changed on the other computer. You don't need a flash drive or to email stuff to yourself, and you don't have to worry about which file is the "right version." If you don't already have a Dropbox account, you will set one up now. media type="custom" key="19127938"
 * Let's take a Dropbox Tour or watch the Common Craft Video:
 * Go to dropbox.com
 * If you are on your own computer, you can click on the link to DOWNLOAD, but we'd prefer you do this part later.
 * In the upper right corner of the window, click on the "Sign In" link and then click on "Create an account."
 * Fill in your name, email address, and choose a password.
 * Don't forget to check the "I Agree to Terms" box.
 * If you're prompted to download the application and you're using a computer that you might share with someone else who uses Dropbox, skip/ignore all the downloading parts.
 * Feel free to create a document with notes and links from this workshop and then upload it to Dropbox at the end of the day. :)

Session 2 - Edmodo: **60-90 minute hands-on session**
Edmodo is a free and secure social learning network for teachers, students and schools. It provides classrooms a safe and easy way to connect and collaborate, offering a real-time platform to exchange ideas, share content, and access homework, quizzes, assignments, grades and announcements. Edmodo takes very little effort for busy teachers and resource-strapped schools to set it up and use, especially since it's remotely hosted and free of charge. The user interface is friendly and quick to learn.

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 * Join Edmodo Group: Tech Tools For Teachers:
 * Go to Edmodo.com
 * Sign up as a Teacher and then log in
 * Join group vmofrx
 * Scroll to the bottom of the feed and reply to the question ("Within the four walls of your classroom, what is the most challenging part of your job?
 * Respond to the poll about how many papers you collect each week
 * Respond to the poll about how often you quiz/test
 * Check out calendar
 * Take Practice Quiz
 * Discuss / Explore
 * "Sandbox" Time with Edmodo
 * create a group
 * share group code with others / join each others' groups
 * practice posting notes, creating polls, quizzes, etc.
 * Debrief

Session 3 - PowerPoints Done Well: 15-20 minute demonstration

 * [[file:death-by-powerpoint4344.pdf]]
 * Life After Death by PowerPoint
 * Things to Make PowerPoints Easy:
 * Use Included (or downloadable) Themes / Slide Designs
 * Use Installed Slide Layouts
 * Use ONE kind of SUBTLE slide transition (if at all)
 * Use ONE kind of SUBTLE entrance or exit animation (only if you don't want to reveal everything on your slide at once)
 * Use the notes section for text; minimize text on the slide (Does your audience REALLY need to see these words??)

__Day Two__:
Teachers will be able to try out other Web 2.0 applications such as VoiceThreads, Google Sites, Jing, Animoto, SlideRocket, Quia, Quizlet and others, depending on attendees' interests.

Opening Session - Re-Cap; Polleverywhere Survey
Detailed instructions to set up a wikispace for educational purposes
 * Session 1 - Creating Your Own Wiki with Wikispaces: 60-90 minute hands-on session **

**Session 2 - Using Quia for Quizzes, Tests, and Practice Activities: 20-30 minute demonstration** Jenni

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** Session 3 - Using VoiceThread for Digital Storytelling or Book Talks: 20-30 minute demonstration ** VoiceThread

===Session 4 - Animoto: demonstration === Animoto

Session 5 (time permitting) - Slide Rocket: demonstration
Jennifer

Possible Session - Teacher Blogs The Ultimate Guide to The Use of Blogs in Teaching

Possible Session - Create Mini Demonstration Videos with Jing: 10-15 minute demonstration Project from Jenni's laptop Jing

Possible Session - Beyond Plagiarism Checking with Turnitin: 20-30 minute demonstration Jenni