Using the document camera in the Art Room

The document camera has become an essential tool I use on a daily basis. Students in first grade are able to watch in “real time” as I demonstrate an art technique. Here I am teaching students how to attach clay with the score and slip techniques. Without the use of the document camera, students would crowd around a table to watch a demonstration. With the "ELMO" all students are able to see the enlarged 3-dimensional image. Often I leave the camera on while students are working for later reference. Or, if I see a common mistake, I will stop the class and have a student re-teach the technique from the document camera. With the aid of the “ELMO” I have noticed students are more attentive and are able to recall and model the techniques with confidence and independence.

Jackie Meier
Lakeview Elementary, Solon
Art
jmeier@solon.k12.ia.us

Programming

From SHS Science/Math teacher, Shawn Cornally

Rabbits vs. Wolves:

I created a population dynamics simulator that runs over the web. It takes into account all sorts of variables like migration, starvation, birth rate, death rate, and habitat type. The program would be useful in many math courses, and for any science teacher looking to teach about healthy habitats and ecology.

Here's the link:
http://www.solon.k12.ia.us/~shawn_cornally/calc/rabwolf1.php

I would love to program any other simulations that a teacher might want to use. Please feel free to drop me a line.

Computer Programming: Internet Scripting

The computer programming course at the high school covers the basic technologies that make up the Internet. Students learn basic HTML document layout. They learn advanced CSS styling to make their sites looks great, and they learn PHP and Javascript to make give their sites a brain. Without the Solon file server this would not be possible. Here are a few entirely student-generated programs:

Bowman-Battleship:
http://www.solon.k12.ia.us/~shawn_cornally/phys/bowman_final.html


Javascript Tic-Tac-Toe:
http://www.solon.k12.ia.us/~ryan_cole/tictactoe2.php

Choose-Your-Own Adventure:
http://www.solon.k12.ia.us/~brett_pemble/Computer%20Programming/adventure2.php

Connect Four:
http://www.solon.k12.ia.us/~sam_vance/c4/connectfour.php

Wallwisher

Wallwisher is a free web-based service that lets you create a virtual wall where others can post "stickie" notes. It is a quick way to collaborate, especially when you have a projected image of the Wallwisher web page and an audience (or classroom). I have used it in Media Services several times: 1) to create spaces for student feedback (for Iowa Children's Choice Award nominees) 2) to allow teams to discuss a book without having to physically meet and to 3) gather feedback about a topic before a class activity.
When you set up the page, you can opt to leave it open to the public or you can moderate/approve all of the postings.
This service could be used for many applications, including planning, brainstorming and listing (how about using it for your classroom wishlist?)

Mimio action

From our elementary school music teacher, Michelle Lyons:

In music class, 1st-4th grade students are studying piano and playing on a set of traveling keyboards. To enhance instruction this year, I have been able to utilize the mimio and its software. With the multimedia tools already in place within the software, I have accessed the "playable" keyboard to show students patterns, songs, notes, the staff, and so much more. Before students use the real keyboard, I am able to assess their abilities by having them play on the mimio keyboard and answer questions by drawing on the keyboard or highlighting certain keys.

All grades have been more than excited to use this new technology! I feel as if all the students are quite engaged in our lessons and eager to try their newly learned skills and concepts on the actual keyboard. They are more prepared and learn songs faster because I can simply point/play something quickly. The students' understanding of our goals and ability to play during this unit are without a doubt better than previous years.