Since my my last post (My Personal Experience Fighting the Worship of Earth Hour) was so serious, I'm going to follow it up with a lighter post today, about stuff that I find funny.
First, take a look at the picture of the bear- according to the US Fish & Wildlife Service office in Kalispell, Montana, that little fella has taken to sitting every day at the picnic table apparently waiting to be fed and to have his winter den dug by government employees. Although he once was self-sufficient, he now begs for a handout every day from our generous government. Because of this, residents have taken to calling him Bearack Obama!
Next, according to the Detroit News, a new industry is starting up in Detroit, and I suspect that it actually is the fast-growing industry in the city (other than working for the government). The new industry is urban hunting and skinning. Yes, like a scene out of I Am Legend, the wilderness is retaking the city of Detroit, and the animal population is moving into areas that were once inhabited by productive men. Years of Democrat control in action!
The story in the Detroit News is the story of a young 69-year old entrepreneur, who has to supplement his Social Security checks by hunting raccoons in the city of Detroit. Apparently this guy kills coons with the help of his rifle and coon dog, butchers the meat, and sells it to local residents, and he also sells the skins- but doesn't pay taxes on these sales (must be a Democrat). The meat is not USDA approved (probably something to do with rabies), but the video about the story (go to the link for the article to watch it and howl with laughter) shows coon meat being served with liver and onions and Faygo red pop- just the way mom made it!
In other news, Obama recently was in England, and since he had to talk to people over there, he brought with him 5 speech-writers and 12 teleprompters for the weekend. I don't think that was enough- I heard some of his stammering and stuttering in a press conference- but still- 12 teleprompters? Can't you just bring one and move it from place to place? Or do they have to put a separate one up everywhere he goes and load it with his thoughts?
Sadly the teleprompter didn't let his wife know that you aren't supposed to touch the Queen of England- it's apparently a big no-no. Doesn't anyone on his staff do any research on this stuff? I guess not- Michelle put her arm around the Queen and gave her a noogie on national television- probably not a good idea, but at least her arms were fantastic!
Lastly, least we forget how low the bar was for Presidents (and yet Obama still gets under it), here is a hilarious clip from a George W. Bush press conference where he is talking about fighting the biggest threat to our lives- zombies. That's right- laugh if you want, but apparently zombies are a big threat, and I am glad our President did everything he could to wipe them out- click on the link if you don't believe me. Enjoy!
NOTE to NEW READERS: New readers, please feel free to also check out some of my recent good posts like Obama is a Caudillo, The Inside Deal: Obama's Economic Program, Employment-Population Ratio Drops to 58.5%, Earth Day: Is it just one big Communist Plot?, Gifted Programs in Schools Training Future Liberals, or Obama On Inner and Outer Circles of Leadership. Also feel free to link to blog-curhatanku.blogspot.com on your blog, and bookmark conservativeteacher.blogspot.com so you can become a regular reader of the battles of a conservative teacher's attempt to advance the principles of liberty and freedom.
Coon Hunting, A Bear Named Obama, Teleprompters, Queen Touching, and Bush Fighting Zombies
Bloomfield Hills Schools adopts Leftist Curriculum
From Frank Beckmann's column, edited somewhat by me "Sustainable curriculum teaches kids to envy success":
The latest school to start a curriculum called "Sustainability Education" will be Eastover Elementary School in Bloomfield Hills. This curriculum takes existing lessons and slants them with a union and environmental agenda, for example promoting boycots of corporations and workers rights movements. Suggested resources include Zero Population Growth materials to promote lower birth rates.
Of course, even though this curriculum was adopted in one of Detroit's wealthiest suburbs and home to numerous Big 3 auto executives through the years, not a single school board member suggested that the wealth of Bloomfield Hills was unfairly created and not one cited any inequities that they were immediately willing to correct by surrendering their own lofty status in one of America's most well-to-do communities
The Bloomfield Hills school board unanimously approved the change back in May. Eastover Principal Jami Wood told the board that Sustainability Education will "support our students' learning as well as our own." Huh?? Teachers learning along with the fifth-graders rather than giving instruction? Wood issued a handout which said the new curriculum "prepares students to create a healthy environment, a fair economy, and an equitable society," whatever such non-specific rhetoric is supposed to mean.
Not a word of protest was uttered during the proposal's presentation. We'll let China and India worry about producing more engineers and highly skilled workers to gobble up high-paying jobs in the future. We'll let Eastover and other schools train their students to protest that success and complain about the unfairness of it all.
Tear Down that Poster- It has Christianity on It
Today Mr. Liberal Teacher came into my classroom again. He looked around and then said to me, "Something bothered me from talking to you yesterday, and I didn't want to go another day without talking about it."
My eyes brightened. Perhaps he had come in to apologize for his 'there is no debate and no games to play- it is my way or you shall be destroyed' position he took yesterday. But I was not that lucky.
"I noticed that you have a poster up at the back of your room," he said and waved to a poster that I had recently put up. I've taught World History for several years, but this year I decided to put up more material related to this class, and had hung up a long poster in the back of the room. It was about eye-height, 10 ft long, 2 feet high, and had on it a tree with various branches on it that represented the history of time from the beginning to today and was filled in with various details from the history of the world.
"You need to take that poster down," he said. "It has religious themes on it, and religion is not allowed in schools. Being a government teacher, you should know that the first amendment forbids anything religious from being in schools."
I was shocked, and looked at the poster in question. Along with branches and strands describing the history of technology, the rise and fall of empires, and the lives of important people, there was a small section at the top of the poster that traced the lives of early biblical persons. Many students were fascinated by looking at where in the history of the world the early biblical persons may have fallen. This portion of the poster was short- a foot or so in length- and small- 4 inches at the top- and was separated from the history portion by a thick line. I didn't understand how this could be offensive.
"It has Biblical history on it," Mr. Liberal Teacher he explained, "And the courts have been clear that the Bible has no place in the education of our youth today, and that Christianity and its ideas should not be found in schools."
Stunned, I thought about arguing with him- but in a way, he is correct- our government and courts are increasingly openly hostile to Christianity, preferring to favor the religion of the Green God or the worship of celebrities. Probably I could keep the poster up and win a lawsuit, but I'd have to pay for that lawsuit from my own pocket, deal with it, have to fend off the publicity, and may not be employed any more with the various government agencies I deal with. He might have been wrong, but he was right about Christianity being driven from our schools.
In the end, I took the poster down- in a society increasingly based on connections and vicious attacks, for now it was easier for me to back down and take the poster down rather than fight to keep it up. I'm going to make biblical history a handout instead, and put it in terms of exploring history, and instead of just seeing the poster, I will now teach what was on it directly to the students. I guess Mr. Liberal Teacher won this round, but I hope to still win the war.
DC's Teachers, Students & Parents Unite With 'Take Back DC' Movement
Mayor Adrian Fenty and most of the D.C. Council have pushed through changes that have alienated many labor and community groups, and have begun to bring them together in a fight-back movement centered on the working class—a movement that has manifested itself in a recent series of rallies and walkouts.
Mayor Fenty recently announced that 160 workers from city-run child care centers would be fired, and that all of the child care centers in recreation centers would be closed and privatized. Fenty claimed that this would be more efficient and save money. However, the city government had conducted no study on the impact of closing the centers. Additionally, these services are paid for by federal grant money and have no direct impact on the city budget. The handout to private interests could not be more overt.
The American Federal and Government Employees union has launched a lawsuit to stop Fenty, and initiated the “Take Back D.C.” movement, connecting labor and the community. Take Back D.C. brings together those who have been fighting against cutbacks and attacks on workers’ rights and those proactively fighting for public housing and lower utility rates.
While it brings together many constituent groups, Take Back D.C. is an umbrella organization fighting broadly for the rights of workers in the District, and for fully funded and expanded public services in the District, in opposition to attacks on workers’ rights and budget cuts. It seeks to wage a fight around common issues ....
Teachers and students join fight-back
Fenty has gained national prominence, along with Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools Michelle Rhee, for his school privatization plan. Fenty’s plan was centered on the closing of 21 schools and the significant weakening of union protections, including seniority, that protect teachers from termination. Throughout 2008, Fenty’s plan drew protests from parents, teachers and community members. And two days after the Sept. 22 Take Back D.C. rally, teachers and students continued to protest.
On Thursday, Sept. 24, a rank-and-file teachers’ movement gathered about 100 educators, students and supporters to protest the attacks launched by Fenty and Rhee. The movement was initiated by Candi Peterson—a teacher, blogger and union activist—and other union leaders. Peterson spoke to Liberation about the protest, saying in part:
“This administration has dismantled our public schools. … The changes have led to the illegal firing of thousands of DCPS employees, including central office staff, teachers [and other] school-based personnel, principals and vice principals, etc. … There has been an erosion of due process rights for DCPS employees. Standardized test scores have not increased to any significant degree, and fewer schools have made adequate yearly progress (AYP).”
The parallels between the struggle over public education and broader issues of workers’ rights and public services are clear, and teachers recognize that. Peterson told Liberation that this rank-and-file groundswell aims to “organize a caucus of teachers, related school personnel, students, [and] parents to address the problem on many fronts. We want to bring light to the egregious acts of the Fenty and Rhee mismanagement by joining forces with others in this struggle.”
The teachers’ rally inspired their students, and on Friday, Sept. 25, more than 100 students from four public high schools walked out to protest the firing of teachers set to be announced on Sept. 30. Students voiced worries about increasing class sizes and other difficulties they expected with mass firings of teachers. A second protest for was planned by the students for Oct. 1, with the support of teachers and other community allies.
The broader attacks on workers’ rights and access to services has not only sparked outrage in Washington, D.C., but is bringing together a number of unions, community organizations and rank-and-file workers fighting back. By fighting back, not separately but in solidarity with one another, workers have not let themselves be isolated. This brings to mind the old slogan, “An injury to one is an injury to all”— an example for working people around the country.
Posted by The W ashington Teacher featuring Candi Peterson, blogger in residence
The ‘Make Africa Wealthy’ campaign
CherryFlava proposes a 'Make Africa Wealthy Campaign' they ask
"How long has the world been feeling sorry for Africa?"
This continent's primary aim must be wealth. Its amazing how all the other problems would disappear if we created enough of our own.
Forget poverty, AIDS, TB, malaria and corruption and lets focus on making Africa stinking rich.
Keep you charity money, we don't need a handout. But we do need your time and creative business ideas.
You want to help Africa - get personally involved.
Advise on our business plans, open your markets, make it easier for us to contribute. Don't give us money because you feel sorry for us. Help us find things that we can sell to you and so make loads of our own money.
Handouts and charity are keeping the problems alive. Why would we stop begging if you keep on giving?
Lets keep our eye on the prize which is really going to make a lasting difference. Make Africa Wealthy - promote education, investment, cheap access to telecommunications and turn your charity money into African venture capital.
If you really do care - you'll stop thinking of Africa as a poor continent and rather as a rising competitor.
via RafiqNet
Daily Education & Technology News for Schools 06/28/2011
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Create a Facebook Page | Custom Fan Page Design - Pagemodo
If you are a school and need help with your facebook page, this may be the option. Every school should have a facebook page in addition to your website.
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Twitter for Newsrooms – Twitter Media
Twitter for newsrooms is out. This is a guide to help journalists. It is fascinating to watch journalists have to grapple with some of the most significant changes in their profession since Gutenberg's press.
Citation: RT @web20classroom - New guide called Twitter for Newsrooms launches today #edtech20 #edchat #iste11 #edchat #ukedchat #socialmedia #engchat http://t.co/mmYNXYP -
You Can't Just Google It! | Xtranormal
Students need to learn to go deeper than just Googling. Here is a short 2 minute video on that topic.
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McGraw Hill Launches First Digital-Only Textbook for K-12 at Iste
McGraw-Hill launched its first all-digital, cloud-based textbook for the K-12 market on Monday at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) conference.
This is called CINCH and is a "cloud based curriculum" for K-12 math and 7-12 science. It makes everything available through a browser.
Citation: RT @TradRobinson - Publishers Launch First Digital-Only Textbook for K-12 http://t.co/C1Ny9ck via @mashabletech @mashable #ISTE11 -
I wasn’t there, but I was CONNECTED | Connected Principals
As more people connect via Skype, the demand for live streaming is there. I think conferences can either acknowledge this and make it possible or they will continue to see us do it ourselves, taking bandwidth. The tough thing is that sometimes licenses are tricky and presenters may not want it recorded - this information is not usually shared publicly as it should be.
Great read for administrators -
WPClipart is a collection of high-quality artwork and photos optimized for use with word processors and inkjet printers.
Citation: @wfryer: WP Clip Art is great site of openly licensed clip art http://www.wpclipart.com via @kfasimpaur #iste11 -
Google Advanced search now lets you filter by reading level! (Hat tip to Tammy Worchester)
Remember, however, that google searches are becoming personalized which makes it more important than ever to use deep web resources. -
Tammy’s Top 20 Favorite Web Tools!
Tammy Worcester's top 20 Favorite web tools include: avatar editor, jam studio, odosketch, several things from igoogle, and more. This is her handout given out at iste2011.
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Some lovely video resources. For US educators, they have the resources aligned with US standards. You can register on the site and organize the resources into your own folders (like for your classes.)
"Teachers' Domain is a free digital media service for educational use from public broadcasting and its partners. You’ll find thousands of media resources, support materials, and tools for classroom lessons, individualized learning programs, and teacher professional learning communities." -
The Kids Open Dictionary Builder
Collaborative writing and editing continues to move into the classroom. If the pundits didn't like wikipedia, what about a dictionary that students build for themselves?
"The purpose of this project is to create a free, open simple dictionary for students to use. This dictionary will ultimately be published in a variety of formats and for multiple platforms.
To add to this project, find a word you'd like to write a definition for or click "Instant Karma" for a random word. Please consult the style guidelines for editorial information." -
Mike Fisher's Livebinder on Ipads in schools. If you're using iPads, this is an excellent resource.
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KB Connected's livebinder with some great animal webcams. If you study animals, this is a great place to go for resources. Why not let your students build these resources for you?
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Student Digital "Textbooks" using LiveBinders
Here are Michael Thornton's student livebinders. These are textbooks written by the students. Except for the typo on Ancient Greece review, this is a marvelous example of having students build meaningful textbooks.Interestingly, Michael's livebinder puts together livebinders themselves. I'm going to be learning more about this tool and have my students use these this year.
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Top 10 EdTech Livebinders of 2011
This was named at ISTE 2011 on Monday.There are some great livebinders here.
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Kleinspiration: Hi, I'm a Textbook and I'm a Tablet
@web20classroom Was hoping you could share this video with the #iste11 audience: http://t.co/xjF8E9s Thanks, Steven!!
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All Things ISTE 2011 http://t.co/yCwm1a3 Conference Resources. Thanks PLN! #iste11 #edtech #edchat I <3 EduTech!
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Amazon.com: WWW: Wake (WWW Trilogy) eBook: Robert Sawyer: Kindle Store
A rich trilogy written for geeks like us #iste11: http://t.co/3sgjS8l
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360 view of the Blogger Cafe at #ISTE11 http://360.io/PRwNCc
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My 5 Take-Aways from Edubloggercon | School Technology Ideas
RT @cfanch: RT @bradflickinger: My 5 Take-Aways from Edubloggercon: #ebc11 http://bit.ly/kWKLu0 {Good Post} #iste11 #edchat
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Children’s wisdom and innocence « Children’s Land
Story Medina just told about the empathetic child found here -> http://bit.ly/lzdilx Medina #ISTE11
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RT : New Post: The "Bring Your Own Device" Debate
RT @isteconnects: New Post: The "Bring Your Own Device" Debate http://t.co/Nr3612q #ISTE11 #ISTE
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Day 1: ISTE Liveblog from EdReach | EdReach
Check out the ISTE Liveblog from EdReach! http://t.co/2N1I4bx #iste11 #EdReach
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Seriously. If you've not shared http://t.co/DGw2xnX with other folks, or played with it yourself, you're missing out. #nwphackjam #iste11
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RT @jessievaz12: RT @dianadell: Here's what I learned at #ISTE11 and #EBC11 sitting in my recliner :-) http://t.co/SMKso1Z Watch it grow.
Best Posts of A Conservative Teacher 2011
This year I'm getting off to kind of a slow start- for example, just yesterday I got my new Franklin planner pages and figured out what is going on for this month and this year. This post is another example- my obligatory 'best of' post. 2011 was a good year for my blog- readership is way up and lots of radio and newspaper interviews were set up- and there were a lot of great posts from which to choose from, so I basically just went with the numbers. Some of you are new regular readers and might have missed these, and my usual readers will also enjoy reading some of these posts again. So here you go, the Best Posts of A Conservative Teacher 2011:
How I Helped Mary Beth Hicks Write her Book 'Don't Let the Kids Drink the Kool-Aid'
Many of you know that I have been interviewed by newspapers (Detroit News) and by major radio shows (Larry Eldar Show) and some of you have even tuned in to hear me occasionally co-host a radio program (Total Education Hour), but it may surprise you all to know that I have also been a part of a major best-selling book- Don't Let the Kids Drink the Kool-Aid: Confronting the Left's Assault on Our Families, Faith, and Freedom by Mary Beth Hicks...The rest of the post is about how I helped out Mary Beth Hicks- although again, I did very little other than nudge her in a direction. You really all should pick up her book- it's great.
Yulia Tymoshenko, former PM of Ukraine, is Now in Prison for Political Differences
For some reason, my blog has been getting very popular in Ukraine recently- after the US, the second largest source of readers of my blog is coming from Ukraine over the past month, and all-time, Ukraine is the 5th biggest nation of readers of my blog. Why Ukraine? Perhaps it stems from a post I wrote in January 15, 2010 supporting Yulia Tymoshenko for President of Ukraine...The rest of the post is about Mrs. Tymoshenko, who is a pro-democracy former businesswomen who rejected the communist approach of keeping the masses poor while the elites proposer, so the elites manipulated the voting processes and the masses to defeat her, and then they turned around and imprisoned her and likely will kill her while she is in prison.
Evaluating the Leadership of Obama and Romney Using Howard Putnam's Principles of Leadership
...Yesterday I heard some more about leadership from Howard Putnam at the Get Motivated Business Seminar that was held in Auburn Hills (see my post Get Motivated Business Seminar Review: Powell, Giuliani, Cosby, Putnam, Walsh, and More! for my full review). Mr. Putnam rose through the ranks at Southwest Airlines to become CEO of the company, where he led it to great profitability and success. According to Putnam, there are several principles of leadership. Let's look at each one, and then evaluate whether Obama, Romney, or I follow these rules on how to be an effective leader:...The rest of the post looks at Obama and Romney and evaluates their leadership in light of the principles that Putnam laid out.
America will Realign Towards the Tea Party in 2012; Write it Down in Stone
...In my post NYT's Douthat is Wrong: Realigning Elections Exist and One is Coming I countered an argument that was advanced by the New York Times Ross Douthat where he claimed that Harvard Professor V.O. Key's theory on realigning elections was wrong. Douthat thought that 2008 was supposed to the be realigning election, and now that we can all see that it was not, he has become disillusioned with the theory that Key advanced in his iconic essay “A Theory of Critical Elections” and now thinks that elections that change America's direction are no longer possible. But he is wrong. In my post Why 2008 Was Not a Historic or Realigning Election (written in 2009) I addressed Key's theory of realigning elections and looked back on the election of 2008 and looked forward to 2012....This post is one of my more educated posts- I pull from political science and pundits and election data to project 2012 as a re-aligning election that will be dominated by the Tea Party (in Congress).
USA Today Is Wrong- 58.5% of Americans Have Jobs, not 45.4% as Reported
...But I have some issues with this data. According to my own analysis of the information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showing the employment-population ratio from 1988 to 2011 (seasonally adjusted), the number of people employed in our nation is holding steady at a new-normal post-Obama post-recovery number of 58.5%...This post has been updated from time to time- and in spite of the supposed 'recoveries', the number of employed in our nation has actually gone down. Go to the post and you can link to the numbers yourself and see just what the 'new normal' of employed is under Obama and the Democrats.
Increase the Number of Representatives in the House? An Argument in Favor.
...In my post 1930's Are Root of All That is Wrong I wrote that "At one time, I thought the 1930's were at the root of all that is wrong about America, and compiled a list of all of the laws and taxes and liberal decisions passed during that time." That post contained a list of all of those bad laws that came out of that time of fascism and communism and war and depression and collapsing social values. But one law that I left off that list was the Reapportionment Act of 1929, which established a permanent method for apportioning a now constant 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives according to each census, essentially capping the number of Representatives at 435...This post goes on to argue in favor of increasing the number of Representatives in the US House. Yeah, if I were in charge we'd move past the cartoonish arguments that Republicans and Democrats are currently having in the political world and really start getting to the root of bringing our nation back towards conservative principles. Check out this post and get educated.
The Story of a Bear named 'Bearack Obama' and How Liberal Policies Are Affecting His Brother Bears Too
...According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, there are even reports of a black bear that has recently taken to sitting every day at the picnic table, apparently waiting to be fed. He also has refused to dig out his own winter den, forcing government employees to do so. Although the bear once was self-sufficient, he now begs for a handout every day from our generous government, who provides him with food and a home because those rich fat cats who make a profit deserve to suffer or something or other. Because the bear was once a healthy and prosperous bear but now is just a lazy welfare case of a bear, the local residents have taken to calling him Bearack Obama...This post is amusing, but it was based on a true story.
Abolish the Department of Education- What Does the Data Suggest?
...the massive spending in education at the federal level was largely a waste of money and did nothing to improve our test scores.... this group would argue that all of the spending done at the federal level is having little to no effect on test scores for students because the money is being gobbled up by bureaucrats in Washington who are far removed from the real educating of students at the local level. They would suggest spending less amounts on education at the federal level and seeing what might happen- perhaps test scores would remain flat as they have done for over 30 years, but if this happens than our nation could save that $77 billion dollars/year and use it in other areas where it might be needed or not use it at all and have our government run a balanced budget....This post considers two arguments in favor of the Department of Education- you'll have to read the full post to find out what the data suggests regarding this federal agency.
Using QR Codes in the Classroom
I recently posed a question on my Teacher Garden Facebook fan page, asking for ideas of how to use QR codes in the classroom. While I was unable to obtain any more ideas, Lori over at Conversations in Literacy asked for some of my ideas, so I was propelled to do some more research over QR codes in the classroom. I was surprised by what I found!
I originally posted that I was still unsure of their uses, and I could only find a few ways to use them in the classroom. Well, gone are those days! :) After using Pinterest and Google to help, I have collected a fairly wide variety of ways to use QR codes in the classroom. Here is a list of ways I've found so far. If I found the idea elsewhere, I've linked up to it, so just click the idea to be taken to the original source!
- Connect QR codes to a Google doc. Print QR codes on stickers and attach them to all of your library materials (could be books, iPods, etc.) available for student checkout. Ask students to scan the QR code to check out/in materials. The Technology Tips blog used QR codes to check out equipment, and the author there gives more details as to how to set up the Google doc to make it all possible.
- Scott Sibberson blogged about connecting a QR code to the "picture of the week" and using it as sort-of an anticipatory set to get students thinking about upcoming information.
- Along the same lines as number three, you could connect a QR code to a writing prompt (text or picture...I've heard of people using National Geographic's picture of the day as a daily bellringer writing prompt!) and ask students to scan it upon entering the room. They could then use the text/picture they receive as "writing fuel."
- Scott Sibberson also blogged about connecting QR codes to quiz websites (like QuizStar) and asking students to take the quizzes either inside or outside of class.
- Finally, Mr. Sibberson also suggested linking QR codes to the assessment/assignment of the day and posting each individual QR code on a large class calendar. Absent students could scan the QR code to have immediate access to information they missed. Since you can link a QR code to pretty much anything, you could show kids the Prezi presentation you made, a YouTube clip that enhanced learning, a PDF-version of the assignment, a picture slideshow of their classmates completing physical/social activity...whatever! I really like this idea, but I'm just not sure how well I would be able to keep up with it. ;)
- I really love this idea, captured on livinglocurto's Instagram: use a QR code to connect to a Bully-reporting website or hotline! I'm not sure how practical it is -- I know a lot of kids wouldn't want to be caught scanning that code, but maybe the QR code would make it so "cool" that everyone would be scanning it, just to have something to scan. (Remember, part of the fun of QR codes is the novelty of it at this point!)
- Along the same lines as number six, counselors (or teachers) could generate QR codes to suicide hotlines, informational websites about ADD or ADHD, etc. and post them around the school or in their office. Although I understand that not all school counselors are certified to diagnose mental disorders or learning disabilities, I think the ones who are could generate a QR code to a questionnaire about cetain disorders. For instance, if a student wanted to get a quick-read about whether or not she was depressed (to know if it was something she needed to worry about and talk to an adult about), this student could scan a QR code to a quick checklist of attributes that depressed persons usually have. If she checked positive for x number of the attributes, she would know to talk to an adult about what could potentially be clinical depression. This might be great for junior high and high school students, where a quick scan of a QR code is all you need to get the information. A lot of times, those students are too embarrassed to stand and study information on a poster like that, so the ability to scan and read on the go would be invaluable.
- Attach a QR code to a Mapquest or Google Maps link and put it on fliers for Open Houses or seminars, particularly if you have a large school district. People could scan the code and be given directions as to how to get to an event.
- Spinning off of idea number eight, maybe you could also attach addresses/contact information to QR codes and put them on things like basketball schedules or StuCo meeting signs!
- When giving a presentation in class, instead of handing out paper copies of your presentation to everyone, maybe you just hand them a QR code to scan and view while you present. You're still handing out paper, but you're probably saving a ton of it, since QR codes can be pretty tiny and still work!
- For textbooks or novels, create a QR code that links to a Wallwisher or specific Twitter hashtag. Give copies of the code to all students and ask them to participate in a discussion on that text. Mr. Mitchell's blog is where I originally found the ideas for Wallwisher and making text interactive; I added the thoughts about a Twitter hashtag myself. :)
- The Primary Bits and Bytes blog wrote a post about QR codes and a new thing called StickyBits. Basically, the author describes QR codes as a one-way information system, and StickyBits is the more advanced older brother: it actually allows anyone to add information to the link. (I foresee a blog post on StickyBits coming up soon!) Although the author of Primary Bits and Bytes really intended for these ideas to be used with StickyBits, there are some that can be used with QR codes. ...One of my favorites is the idea for students to review books in the classroom library on some type of website (Shelfari?). Afterwards, generate a QR code, print it onto a sticker, and stick it to the back of the library book. I love that students can get instant access to classmates' reviews -- those reviews are so powerful!
- Also from Primary Bits and Bytes, you could create a treasure hunt for students using QR codes. Each QR code would have to take students to a clue -- text, graphic, video, podcast of you speaking a riddle...whatever! -- that they would use to find the next clue in the hunt.
- Along the same lines as number thirteen, I like the idea of going on a textbook or novel hunt. My instructor during a Great Expectations course for secondary students detailed how to do a textbook hunt (basically asking students to get "the big picture" by way of a competitive worksheet activity), but I know there's got to be a way to incorporate QR codes! I'm still working on developing this one... when I figure it out, I'll let ya know. :)
- Primary Bits and Bytes suggests asking students to make YouTube videos to explain how they reached the end of math problems. Instead of just writing the answer, students make the videos and attach them to the book or answer sheet for you to watch/grade.
- Along the same lines as number fifteen, you could generate a QR code to a homework help website, a helpful YouTube explanation video, etc. on the top of homework. If students struggle at home with the assignment, they could review extra explanations instantly.
- Primary Bits and Bytes suggests sticking a code on the front of a student's binder/folder/journal and using it as a way to add feedback. The author also suggests doing this for homework.
- Along the same lines as number seventeen, what if we made a personal webpage or blog for each student in the class? We could generate QR codes and give them to each student and parent. Throughout the year, that could be used as an on-going feedback to evaluate not only assignments, but behavior and social growth, as well. I suppose it could also be used as sort of an instant messager system to relay information like absences or transportation changes! I would say this would be a great opportunity to use Wallwisher, but I like the idea of all feedback being obviously chronological; this way, everyone could see the student's progress as the year goes on!
- Spinning off of number eighteen, what about using QR codes as access to a student's online portfolio? Students could link up to their Dropbox or LiveBinder accounts, and teachers could use the codes to quickly access progress or give final grades!
- Primary Bits and Bytes suggests using QR codes to enhance hallway decorations. I like to use a "virtual 'fridge" to display wonderful work on my classroom website. I could definitely see myself generating a QR code to go directly to that virtual 'fridge to let everyone in the school know who, in my classroom, has recently done outstanding work.
- Along the same lines as number twenty, we could also use QR codes in our hallway decor for Open House or conference nights. You could display students' pictures (or self-portraits) on the bulletin board, and attach a QR code to their latest and greatest achievement right next to each student. Parents could get a "quick response" on what positive things have been happening for that kid lately!
- This Pinterest picture was uploaded by a user, so there's no way for me to link to any blog about it, but it suggests using QR codes as a way to spice up test reviews. I assume each of those QR codes on their test review page will show some sort of math review on the screen. It does seem like a lot of extra hoops to jump through, but it would be good to use every once in a while, just to get the kids something different!
- As mentioned in my original post about QR codes, you could always put your contact information in the form of a QR code on a class syllabus or even at the bottom of your class newsletter! Parents/students could scan the code and automatically have their phones call or text you for help/information.
- Maybe using Google docs, Survey Monkey, or some form of online quiz, you could use QR codes to take attendance. Post the code at the front of the room with a new "warm-up question" each morning. Students scan and input their responses as soon as they come in the door. You can take attendance by seeing who responded to the warm-up. ...Elementary students could also take a "quiz" over what kind of lunch they'd like for the day, so you'd get attendance and a lunch count, all in one!
- Prior a field trip with younger students, you could link contact information for the school to a QR code, and print the codes onto square stickers. Each student could be required to wear the sticker all day long! It's more subtle than student name tags (which can be dangerous) and less expensive than matching t-shirts! ...If you planned on doing this often, you could always print your QR code onto something more heavy-duty, like a bracelet or necklace, and hand those out to the kids prior to the trip. Their ticket off the bus and to their home is to give you back the QR coded accessory. :)
- As per Classroom in the Cloud: For daily homework or a study guide, link a QR code to the answers, and place the code at the bottom or on the backside of the handout. Allow students to check answers this way to make sure they're studying correctly!
- As per Classroom in the Cloud: Have each teacher create a picture slideshow or video that tells about themselves, and post the QR codes to those shows on each teacher's door. Classroom in the Cloud suggests allowing parents/students to scan the codes and "meet" teachers during Open House night this way.
- Spinning off of number twenty-seven: why not attach these "Meet Your Teacher" QR codes to every kid's schedule when it is mailed/given out prior to the beginning of the school year? Every kid could "meet" their teacher, even if he/she couldn't be there for the actual open house night!
- Also spinning off of number twenty-seven, if you had to leave during conference night or Open House night, perhaps you could post an introductory/explanatory video (in the form of a QR code) on your door so that everyone could still "talk" to you, even though you couldn't be there!
- Also via Classroom in the Cloud: create a series of graphic/video QR codes prior to a field trip. Pass out the codes and tell kids when to scan them. It's like a personal tour without you having to yell it over the roar of the bus!
- Twitter user @duckinwales suggested attaching audio files to QR codes and giving them to ELL students so they could listen to the correct pronunciation.
- Spinning off of idea number thirty-one, teachers of early readers could attach audio files of themselves reading a book or giving center instructions and have students scan the code when they need help.
- I've already mentioned placing a QR code at the top of a syllabus or classroom newsletter in order to give your contact information. But Michael Bromby also suggests linking an Amazon search for your class's needed reading material for the semester/year onto a QR code. Pretty clever! Students will have instant access to the title/author/ISBN of each book needed and can even order it directly from their smartphone!
- Spinning off of idea number thirty-three, what if teachers created an Amazon wish list filled with the necessary school supplies for the year? Generate a QR code to that wish list and allow students to reference it on their smartphone when they're in the store or even purchase it from their smartphone and have it delivered directly to their home!
- Twitter user @LRDow suggested generating QR codes for specific web pages on your class website and placing those codes directly on the page it links to. To share this information with their friends, students only have to pass on the QR codes -- not the entire link.
- For art teachers who display students' artwork in your galleries: post a QR code with the child's name and mugshot right next to it so that students are credited with the work without defacing their art with unecessary writing.
- Tired of turning in lesson plans every week, but still need to find a way for admin and parents to immediately see what your class is doing and what objectives you're covering? Upload your lesson plans to your class website and then post a QR code outside your classroom with a link to the lesson plans. Admin only has to scan your code to figure out what your students are learning at that very moment.
- Place QR codes in yearbooks that link to audio and video of students!
- I use a homework buddy system with my older students: at the beginning of the semester, I ask them to find 4 classmates they think they can trust and to exhange contact information with them. When someone is absent, students don't come to me to find out what they missed; instead, they ask a homework buddy (or check our class website). Twitter user @raganmd suggests asking students to fill out contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, personal website URLS) on a website called Jump Scan, and then generating the QR code for each Jump Scan profile. I could easily see this working with my homework buddies program; the information auomatically ends up in your phone!
- Twitter user @mrrobbo suggests attaching QR codes to physical models. For instance, on a classroom skeleton, attach QR codes with informational videos/links about each part of the body.
- Twitter user @mrrobbo also suggests creating a "choose your own adventure" story experience for reading students. (I'm thinking of those RL Stine books I used to read in elementary school; some of them were "choose your own adventure" stories.) Create an exciting sentence for a story, and then ask readers to make a decision. If they choose option 1, scan code #1. If they choose option #2, scan code #2. Brilliant!
- Twitter user @NigelKirkham said he an audio file in his public Dropbox folder and created a QR code for the public folder's link. Scanning the code enabled users to listen to the file!
These are all the ideas I've been able to find so far, but I think it's an excellent starting point! If you have any other ideas for using QR codes in the classroom, I would love it if you left them in a comment! You could also scan this QR code and leave a comment on The Teacher Garden Facebook fan page. :)
P.S. There's a great website I just found out about (courtesy of commenter #1, Matt) that is centered around using QR codes in the classroom! Here's the link in case you'd like to check it out!