9.28.2012

Creative Use of Technology for Open House

Mrs. Sarsfield, a spanish teacher, came in with a dilema regarding open house this year.  Due to the fact that the date was changed and that she now had an away game to attend, she was caught in a bind.  She did not want to be one of those teachers who just puts up a piece of paper on her door saying, 'I am sorry that I am not here.' and leave her email address for parents to contact her.

Instead, she wanted to some how 'tape herself' for the parents to view what she had to say.  Long story short, we decided that a web 2.0 tool would work great...Voki that is.  For those of you who do not know what Voki is, it is a website where you are able to create an avatar that speaks to the viewer.  Basically, you create the avatar, as well as the background.  Then, you can either type the text or speak the words that you want the avatar to say.  (We had some slight issues with the speaking component so Mrs. Sarsfield ended up typing all of the text).  The best part about it is when you move the mouse around, the eyes follow it!

There are some limitations to the free version but it was still worth the time and energy it took to making a Voki.  For instance, Mrs. Sarsfield could not use the original avatar that she made look like her, unless she wanted to pay for a teacher license.

Mrs. Sarsfield plans on providing strips of paper outside of her classroom encouraging her parents to visit her website to listen to the Voki that she created for each of her classes.  She provided a direct link as well as a QR code for parents.  (Mrs. Sarsfield took the embed code of each of the Vokis to place them on her website.)  Click HERE to view from her website

I think that this a GREAT way of using technology.  It shows the parents that Mrs. Sarsfield still does care and, in my mind, shows her creative and thoughtful side.  If you would like some thoughts on how you can use a bit of technology during open house, whether you will be there in person or not, just let me know! 

9.24.2012

Have you tired a 'smore' lately?


This summer I was exposed to a new web 2.0 tool called Smore when I attended the ISTE conference in San Diego.  This tool reminds me of blogs in that information can be placed in a linear format.  This tool can be used to announce an activity or event, promote a product, or to just share information through a flyer format.  Sure there are tools out there already that can do the same thing Smore can, but it is a great option for students and teachers who tend to view things linearly and enjoy an easy template.  Smore has the ability to easily embed YouTube video, upload pictures and include text.  It is very easy to change the background and layout as well.  I also like how Smore lets you know how many times someone has viewed your Smore flyer.

I decided to try this tool out in two different ways.  One was for a class that I co-taught with Mary Marotta @mmarotta on Mobile learning pertaining to apps for the iPad.  This Smore can be viewed HERE.  The second was for a beginning of the school year presentation to the staff about our network in the building and their responsibility regarding using the internet.  This Smore can be viewed HERE.  I also worked with Mrs. Cooney @BHSCooney, our Leadership teacher, with providing Smore as a possible web 2.0 tool option for a project on leadership traits.  To view one students' example, click here.

I do recommend at least looking at this tool to see if I might work for you!  As always, let me know if you have any questions regarding this tool!