Friday, January 29, 2016

Snapdrop - share files across computer systems

On the Mac, Airdrop is a fast and simple way of sharing files. The only problem is you can only share between Mac devices.
With Snapdrop you are able to have the features of AirDrop but on a range of devices (Mac, Windows, Google and Linux. This is possible because the feature is web based.

When you first go into Snapdrop you will be given a short link as an option. Give this to the person you want to share the file with for them to type into their browser. This will make the connection.

To find out more, go to:

http://www.idownloadblog.com/2015/12/29/snapdrop/




Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Voice Thread February Workshops

 
 No Images? Click here
Are you looking to add to your professional development portfolio? Join us for our free February workshops!
 
Beat the Next Snow Day with VoiceThread
February 3, 2016 at 7:00 pm ET - Register here
There are more snow days to come, but you don’t have to lose a full day of instruction. Learn how VoiceThread keeps students learning even when classes are canceled.
 
Teaching Languages with VoiceThread
February 10, 2016 at 7:00 pm ET - Register here
Whether students are learning English or any other language, practicing vocabulary, grammar and speaking are fundamental elements of any course.

VoiceThread and STEM Classes
February 17, 2016 at 7:00 pm ET - Register here
Jobs in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are growing, and today’s students need a deeper understanding of STEM subjects to perform in a global economy.
 
Using the VoiceThread Manager Tools
February 24, 2016 at 7:00 pm ET - Register here
In this session, you will learn how to add members, use analytics, reset student passwords, and more.
 

About the Workshops

These workshops are completely free.  Each session is led by George Haines, an instructional designer and former educator.  George will share his expertise to help you get the most from VoiceThread.
 
 

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

What's The Story With Cyberbullying? Pt 1 - Different Digital Worlds

Cyberbullying garners a lot of media attention. Often we hear the horror stories and we worry for our children in this digital world that they so love to inhabit.  A large body of research shows that students who are cyberbullied are less likely to tell their parents or teachers if it is happening.  What is the story with Cyberbullying?  How prevalent is it?  What can we as parents do to help our children?

In order to understand cyberbullying, we need to understand our children and the differences between them and us in terms of digital use.



Digital Immigrants vs Digital Natives 




Prensky (2001) posits that we fall into one of two groups:  digital natives, or digital immigrants. Each group has characteristics worth noting:

Digital Immigrants

  • latecomer to the tech revolution - have adapted to technology but have their feet in the past
  • have a tech “accent”  eg. call and ask if someone got their email?  Type out text messaging in full words
  • try and work around or second guess technology (natives know no other way)
  • grew up linear - one topic at a time, everything in order
  • phones, email and internet are separate to who they are -  tools to reach someone or set up face to face meetings

Digital Natives

  • are today’s adolescents - more comfortable and aware of cyber issues than adults (who tend to be digital immigrants).
  • grow up immersed in technology
  • always had internet, laptops, cell phones, social media and other digital tech where they can instantly capture and communicate with their world
  • use digital tools as extensions of body and mind - fluidly incorporating them into daily routines
  • adapt quickly to tech change and look for ways to integrate it into their world
  • texting is primary form of e-communication
  • are burst thinkers - jump from idea to idea
  • are fluid at communicating through a variety of media eg. text, instagram, facebook

It is important for us to realize that digital communication is as important to natives as face to face meetings are to immigrants. In part two of this series we will discuss digital socializing.

Part 2 (next week): What's The Story With Cyber Bullying? Pt 2. Digital Socializing

References:
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. Retrieved from http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/Prensky%20-%20Digital%20Natives,%20Digital%20Immigrants%20-%20Part1.pdf

Monday, January 25, 2016

Air Scanner: Wirless connection from your iOS device to your computer

Air Scanner: Wireless Remote HD Document Camera and Overhead Projector Replacement

This app is free as of January 26.




Link to the iTunes Store









3D Printed Letterpress

Taking an old technology and reworking it with a new one. Find out how a 3D printer can be used to create typeface to be used in a traditional press.

More suited to High School students ( 11:06 minutes)

Thursday, January 21, 2016

21stCL Online courses available: The Digital revolution, Your classroom and You

Course Updates

The new courses continue to roll in and this week we are thrilled to release “The Digital Revolution, Your Classroom and You.”
This course is available for Continuing Education Units (CEU’s), SUNY Buffalo (3 sem. credits) and The Heritage Institute (6 qtr. credits)
Course Description: Come along as we explore this digital revolution and its impact on political evolution, social identity and the world of education. We explore how massive social media companies like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Snapchat (and more) enable an expanded sense of identity and communication, and are altering old social structures, norms and practices.
As usual, we are offering 50% off to the first five people who sign up within the first two weeks. To take advantage, head to the course, click the enroll button, select your credit preference and use the coupon code: earlyaccess02.  Be quick before others get there ahead of you.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Become a 21st Century Educator;

Teach With Us!

We love working with innovative and engaging instructors who identify with our mission of "Building Communities of Learners.” We are looking for course content in all areas including art, mindfulness, sustainability, leadership, technology, design, inclusion and more. 
If you have an idea, movement or topic you think others will enjoy learning, let us know.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

10 Chrome Extensions Every Student Should Install



Here are 10 Chrome browser extensions that are useful for students. Remember that the Chrome browser is an operating system which allows developers to create apps that plug into it making it extremely useful.
The list at the following link have been suggested specifically with students in mind. Check it out.

http://edurolearning.com/blog/extensions-student-install/

Apps listed:

Diigo Web Collector
Sidenotes
Note Anywhere
Goo.gl url shortener
Google Tone
Speak It
Stay Focused
Panel View for Google Keep
Google Dictionary
Calculator

Someone also suggested:
Snagit

#TechTuesday iPad Sessions: Tips and Tricks

System tips on the iPad
nathan.walker@seoulforeign.org

From any screen on the iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the settings bar. From here you can; lock the rotation of your screen, activate AirPlay, adjust volume to name just a few.



A cool feature in the new iOS is the ability to view two apps at the same time with Split Screen.

Airplay allows you to connect to an Apple TV (ATV) to play whatever is on your screen or to stream music through your ATV to a sound system. Watch this Youtube clip to see the different ways you can connect your iPad to a larger screen.



Google Slides on the iPad
sarah.carpenter@seoulforeign.org

Google slides work beautifully on both your phone and the ipad.  I am really enjoying presenting off my phone as I like working with the smaller device.

Download the google slides app from the app store (it's free).

Letterboxing (my ipad is not filling up the screen when I project)
If you are having this issue, it is probably because you are on an old iPad or running old software.  If updating your software does not fix the problem, then try using your phone, which is more likely to have the latest software.




Features of Notes on the iPad
jj.akin@seoulforeign.org



The Notes app has always been great for jotting down your thoughts. With the upgrades in iOS 9, you can use it for so much more! With the addition of Checklist tabs, the capability of adding a photo, the awesome ruler in draw, and the ability to drop in a website link or map info, the simple application is now very robust.

Even more powerful for use in the classroom is the note can be saved to a Google Drive or emailed as a PDF.

More information recapping the 5 features can be seen here.



Sharing Files from the iPad
alan.hoskin@seoulforeign.org




AirDrop is the built in file transfer feature on iOS and Mac devices. On the iPad swipe up from the bottom of the screen to reveal the settings bar. Airdrop is one of the options.
Check that it reads "everyone."  Within iOS applications you can select share and choose AirDrop as an option. Choose the device you want to send the file to.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204144

An alternative to Airdrop that is web based and able to share files across different operating systems (Mac, Windows, Android and Linux) is Snapdrop.
http://www.idownloadblog.com/2015/12/29/snapdrop/

Another way of sharing files with your device is by buying an SD Card reader for iOS. (approx $30 at an Apple Store). There are some limitations and you can only read from the SD card, not the other way.
http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJYT2AM/A/lightning-to-sd-card-camera-reader
iPad tip: How to store movies to an SD card

The ultimate storage device to extend the capacity of your device, is a SeaGate Wireless + drive. This allows you to transfer files to and from your iOS device. You are also able to stream three media files to three different devices at the same time.
Seagate Wireless Plus specs



Using your iPad as a remote mouse
jeff.kersting@seoulforeign.org


Jump Desktop - Remote control your computer with your iPad.
Jump Desktop unleashes the full power of your iOS device when connecting to your computer. With support for multi-tasking, full bluetooth keyboard (including modifiers, arrow keys), HDMI/VGA out, copy/paste, auto-correction, AirPrint and audio streaming.  Jump will help utilize your iOS device to the max. Continually updated to support the latest iOS devices.
jeff.kersting@seoulforeign.org

Splashtop - Remote control your computer with your iPad
Use Splashtop Personal for free* on the local network to access your home computer from the comfort of your couch or bedroom.
Use Splashtop from anywhere across the Internet by subscribing to Anywhere Access Pack for $16.99 per year (via in-app purchase).



Thursday, January 14, 2016

PYP and MYP Brochures for your weekend reading.





The IB Primary Years Program






The IB Middle Years Program

How to Book a Facility

Hello everyone!  I know many of you are anxious to book various rooms around campus.  Here is a video to help you with that process.

One quick note: the video was made last year when we were still on our .com accounts so please keep in mind that we are now on .org.  The information is all still correct, but make sure you are logged into your .org account to book a facility.


Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Exciting news from Apple and it's iOS 9.3!  It is in beta form now, although once released the hope is that our iPads will become even more valuable for enhancing our classroom learning experiences.



Read more about it here!

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

What's The Story With Cyberbullying? Pt 4: What Can We Do As Parents?

As mentioned in Pt 1 of these articles, if cyberbullying occurs, students are more likely to speak to a peer, rather than an adult about it.  A core reason for this is likely to be the fear of losing access to their technology.  As parents how can we support our children in their cyber life.  Here are some strategies to consider.


Engage With Your Child

  • Your relationship is important. Keeping an open, interested attitude to your child's use of technology is one of the best things you can do.


  • Ask your child to show you how they use social media.  Engage with them on it.  Who are their buddies?  How do they know them?


  • Discuss cyberbullying with your children and ask if they have ever experienced it or seen it happen to someone.


  • Emphasize your love and desire to protect your child.  Emphasize that you won't take away their computer privileges if something happens (remembering that this is the main reason kids don't tell adults when they are cyberbullied)



Model Technology Boundaries



What messages do your children get from you about technology?  Are you always on your phone? They will be too!  Try out some of the following ideas for establishing technology boundaries:
  • family no tech time?  eg.  Phones/devices in a basket for the night
  • think about where technology is physically placed.  In bedroom at night not a great idea.
  • engage parent controls for time boundaries (but set the time boundaries WITH your child)
Build Your Digital Skills

Tech-Services.jpg



Get interested and informed about the apps your child is using. Take a step into their world and engage there with them. Get your child to teach you, try googling for things you want to know.
  • Take classes or have your child teach you
  • Read - use google to search specific topics
  • Learn how to identify secretive behaviours (minimizing windows, switching screens etc)
If you need help or support on any of this, the Digital Learning Coaches would love to chat with you. Stop by the DLC office anytime.