My Beauty Best Teacher

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!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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."
4. 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.
5. 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. ;)
6. 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!)
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. 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!
11. 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. :) 
12. 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!
13. 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.
14. 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. :)
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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!
19. 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!
20. 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.
21. 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!
22. 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!
23. 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.
24. 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!
25. 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. :)
26. 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!
27. 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.
28. 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!
29. 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!
30. 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!
31. Twitter user @duckinwales suggested attaching audio files to QR codes and giving them to ELL students so they could listen to the correct pronunciation.
32. 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.
33. 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!
34. 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!
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. 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.
38. Place QR codes in yearbooks that link to audio and video of students!
39. 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!
40. 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.
41. 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!
42. 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!

Ideas #35, 39, 40, 41, and 42 were found on @TomBarrett's Google docs presentation on ways to use QR codes in the classroom.

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. :)
Happy QR-ing!



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!

I've done posts about using Facebook in the classroom, but I know that it is still a bit of a hot topic. Because of all the scandals that arise on Facebook from those few unprofessional co-workers, lots of schools are being forced to crack down on social networking tools in the classroom. Because of the strict social networking rules in lots of districts, many teachers are wary to use even a Facebook fan page in their classrooms, for fear of violating a policy.

The bad news is, if you abandon social networking in your classroom, you will miss out on lots of teaching and discussion opportunities. The good news is now, though, is that there are alternative social networking websites besides just Facebook. For one thing, there's Twitter (which has a multitude of uses in the classroom; read more about my thoughts on that here). But Twitter doesn't exactly have the user interface or multiple capabilities that Facebook has.

Even more good news: there's a new social networking site out there that was created specifically for schools.

My Big Campus is a social networking site that is only available for students, school staff members, and parents. Just like Facebook, My Big Campus features notifications and comment sharing via "walls." Also like Facebook, My Big Campus allows for instant messages and posts on discussion boards, which enables students to collaborate online. Unlike Facebook, however, My Big Campus gives teachers the ability to group her students by class and/or period. The teacher can also upload documents (homework, notes, pictures, videos, etc.) and assign quizzes. One nice feature is that My Big Campus will grade the quizzes you post and gives you the option to export those grades to your computer and/or other online gradebook system. Another nice feature about My Big Campus is that students can submit homework online through this application. Some of you may remember a post I did about creating your own classroom website. In that post, I mentioned Class Jump (which reminded me of Blackboard), a no-frills way to post classroom documents and allow students to submit work. The ability to submit assignments through My Big Campus reminds me of Class Jump, but Class Jump doesn't have all the discussion features, so I think My Big Campus is definitely the way to go!

In addition to the ability to submit assignments online, My Big Campus allows teachers and students to easily see which assignments are past due and which are upcoming. The teacher has the ability to easily see which students still need to turn in work, which sounds like a real time-saver to me!

Another feature of My Big Campus is that the teacher can actually post comments and give grades to an assignment -- all online. The more I look at My Big Campus, the more I'm convinced that it will help schools transition to a paperless system!

Finally, there is an app for this. Connect your smartphone to My Big Campus and take a piece of the classroom with you wherever you go.  The My Big Campus app is free, too, which is an added bonus in my book!

Administrators, if any of you are feeling uncomfortable with this description of My Big Campus, rest assured that you have a lot more control with this online tool than you do with Facebook. As an admin member of your school, you can join My Big Campus and link up to your teachers' pages. You can manage their content and decide what everyone is allowed to post in each class. Perhaps you dislike the idea of an instant messaging feature for whatever reason; you can disable this feature on one class or all of the classes in your school -- it is completely customizable.

My Big Campus requires school staff members to submit the name of their school upon sign-up. I suppose this is so parents and students can more easily find their teachers' webpage. This feature probably also prevents the general public from overtaking My Big Campus and using it as the next Facebook, which also keeps this website a bit safer than a run-of-the-mill social networking opportunity!

When signing up, the teacher has the option for the basic, standalone (and free) version, or he/she can sign up for the integrated version. The paid version (which does not list a price...there is only a link to request a quote) allows teachers to post content from regularly-blocked sites to My Big Campus and has a few other nice perks. Once one teacher in the school has created a profile using My Big Campus, he/she can hand out the invitation code so that other teachers, students, and parents can easily find and connect with that school's sites.

I'm anxious to know how your experience with My Big Campus goes! Leave me a comment and let me know!

I was on Twitter earlier today, following along on one of the #edchats, trying to find a way to reply to someone or put in my two cents (heh heh), when someone called attention to a new website for educators: Socrative. I'd never heard of it before, so I immediately typed the address into my web browser. I am so glad I was in the right place at the right time; Socrative looks absolutely amazing, and I can't wait to use it in my classroom!

What is Socrative?

Socrative is a website that connects students and teachers. Kids can access the student portion via a computer or a smart phone's app. Teachers can go in and create quizzes (multiple choice, true/false, short answer) and exit tickets to administer to students. Students can log in and take the quizzes, answer the exit ticket questions, or play an educational game. After the activities are completed, Socrative sends an automated e-mail with a report of all the scores to the teacher's e-mail address. As long as your students have access to smart phones and/or computers, there's no reason you couldn't use this in your class! It works for every single subject.

This can be a quick and innovative way to assess your students' knowledge using a free technology tool. ...Man, I love every thing about that sentence. :)

I'm on board; how do I sign up?

Socrative is still in its beta stage, so to really get started on it, you have to sign up to get invited. You provide your e-mail address and a few things about what you do and why you'd like to use Socrative, and they send you an e-mail immediately that tells you how to register. One thing that worried me, though, is that, in the welcome e-mail, Socrative stated, "We're currently in beta mode, which means you get our software for free. We just ask for your feedback on how we can improve our product." I may be over-analyzing this, but the wording of this worries me. To me, it sounds like Socrative will start charging customers once it leaves the beta stage. :( If this is as cool as I think it's going to be, that makes me really sad. If you're a teacher, too, you understand how tight our budget is!

Once you register, it walks you through the process of using Socrative, step-by-step. I was so excited and wanted to share it with you, so I took screen shots of every step. :) [If you want to see the picture in a bigger size, just right click and open it in a new tab or window!]

Step 1:


When you first register, it takes you through a series of 5 steps that introduce you to the program and how to use it. FYI, if you're going to try to use this after registering, you'll need to access the site through two separate devices. One is supposed to be you, the teacher, and the other is supposed to simulate the student. The welcome e-mail states that there is an Android app, but that iPhone, Blackberry, etc. apps are coming soon. Looks like I won't get to access the mobile version for awhile, since my cell phone is of the iPhone variety.

Step 2:

Step 3:


Step 4:


Step 5:


From this screen, you can choose each leveled arrow to change the settings.

Although I couldn't truly test it (because I don't have two devices),  I did look into all the separate sections. When I clicked the "exit ticket" at the top of the page and then exited it out when I discovered no "students" were completing the activity, Socrative automatically sent me an e-mail that told me the statistics over the exit ticket participants. The results are sent in a convenient Excel document.

If you want to help me try this system by coming into my "Socrative Room," go to m.socrative.com, enter room number "1028" (you'll notice that number is different than the picture; you have the option of changing the number to something that is memorable for you!), and click "join room." You can take my "mock quiz." Also, see how much you can browse the room...can you see all the options, or only the "quiz" I made?

I'd like to not only use this for quizzes and exit tickets, but I'd like to think of some unconventional ways to use it. For instance, why couldn't I use the "exit tickets" as a way to take attendance? Even though they're called exit tickets, why not treat them as bellwork or entrance tickets? As soon as students enter the room, they could log into the room and answer a short question that gets them thinking about the day's activities and/or asks them to recall what we talked about the day before. Teachers could use this as a way to quickly take attendance, since Socrative immediately sends the results to your e-mail in the form of an Excel document.

In any case, I just wrote an e-mail to the Socrative support team and told them that I think this is the neatest thing I've seen in a long time, and that it will change the way I assess my students. I believe wholeheartedly in that, and I am SO excited to try it on my kids!

When I was in middle school, chatrooms were all the rage for the kids. For the parents and teachers, however, they evoked feelings of dread and doom. These feelings were mostly brought on because of fear of cyber-bullying and/or other illegal, adult activities. Because of this, I have to admit that I was a little bit wary about recommending a chatroom to teachers and students. But I've found two really great (and free!) ways to to have a chatroom discussion, and I think they're worth sharing!

Souce

 Today's Meet
Today's Meet is a virtual chatroom that is free to open and operate. You're automatically directed to start a chatroom when you log in, and it's SUPER SIMPLE to get one up and running. You don't even have to register with the website before you open and operate your chatroom. On this one, everyone can dictate how long their chat room stays open, up to one year's time. (This could be useful if you wanted to keep the same chatroom open all year long!) The layout is very, very simple. You can check it out for yourself by visiting the test chatroom I created. Feel free to join in on the chat! :)

I don't even see an option for a "paid" subscription. This has pros and cons, of course, but that means that what you see is what you get with Today's Meet. It's so simple to use, even a caveman can do it! (OK, forgive the corny Geico joke. lol.) In order to share your Today's Meet chatroom with your students (or parents!), you can copy/paste the URL at the top of your browser, OR you can go to the bottom left-hand corner and tweet/post the short link that's displayed. Please note that you must have the ability to see/play Java-related programs through your internet browser in order to participate in Today's Meet.

Seriously. Look how simple this is!

Chatzy
Chatzy is another virtual chatroom that is free to open and operate. Like most other free websites, there are options to pay a little bit per month in exchange for fancier customization, but I'll get to that in a second.

Chatzy allows you to create a chat room without even registering your e-mail address. You can limit who comes into the room by only giving the chatroom link to certain people (i.e. your students). For free users, you're allowed a limited number of people in your room at a time, which stinks, but you could always open up several free rooms if you're trying to avoid that fee! Here's the link to the test Chatzy chatroom I created.

You can see that my name appears in orange; I chose that. You can have users appear in different colors to try to keep some organization in the room (which I love). The free room is limited to 10 users at a time, so I wanted to use the free rooms with my students, I would just create three rooms per class of students and make my input always appear orange so that there is some type of consistency and I am easy to find. Besides changing the color of each user in the room, there are several other customization options that I find nice! One thing I don't like is that users who want to contribute to the chatroom must be taken to a different screen every time they want to add their comments. In a chatroom with quick typists, the conversation will probably lag quite a bit, as people aren't able to see the comments AS they're writing their own. It would be annoying, but I think for this low price (FREE) I could deal with it! Please note that you must have the ability to see/play Java-related programs through your internet browser in order to participate in Chatzy.

Of course, you're always encouraged to register your e-mail address with the website. Once you register, you have some other options....namely premium options. You can read more about the Chatzy premium features and prices on this page. 

How to Use Chatrooms in the Classroom

If your students have laptops with them at all times during school, they could have the chatroom open on their computers while they're doing independent work. Although it would probably feel a little silly to me to have students communicate via computer rather than just voicing it when you're in the same room, this would definitely keep the noise level down!

The best way, I think, to use a chatroom in conjunction with your classroom is to ask that the students log on at home.

I would probably use this as a before-the-test Q&A session. The day before the test (or maybe even starting a week before...who knows!), I would create the chatroom and start posting the link in class and on our class Twitter. Anyone who thought of a question once they left my classroom would be welcome to log on and ask it.

You might also be able to use this as a component to "open house" night. In my hometown, my school has an "open house" night during the first week of school for all the parents to come to. The parents aren't necessarily coming to look at all the work their kid has done in the past week; they're coming to hear about expectations and upcoming projects their kid will be asked to do in each class. This is more popular at the elementary level, but could work at the secondary level, as well. In any case, if a parent was unable to come to the open house night, you might open the chatroom so he/she could chat from home or work and not miss any of the materials. You could even designate a parent to transcribe everything you're saying during open house onto the chat room, so that there's a live feed of the contents of open house night on the internet!

Similarly, if you had a parent that kept volunteering, but you couldn't think of anything for him/her to do, you could have her/him transcribe what's happening in class in a chatroom. That way, stay-at-home parents or grandparents could have a look into your classroom via live feed.

One more way to incorporate this would be to transcribe a guest speaker's presentation or the speech at an assembly. Parents/grandparents could see what is being said and would know what kind of questions to ask their student when the kid gets home! You could later log into the chatroom and discuss what you transcribed earlier that day!

Advantages of Using a Class Chatroom
1) Everyone sees everyone else's answers.
2) You won't have to answer the same question over and over again because everyone [who cares] will be watching when you type the answer the first time.
3) Kids who are shy in class may not be so shy once they have a keyboard and a screen to "protect" them.
4) You have written proof as to your conversation, and it's fairly easy to save it. You could put it into a Word doc and post it on your classroom website. You could even print it and post it in your classroom! This might save you from saying the same things over and over.
5) It's another communication option. (I don't think you can ever build enough bridges between the class and home!)

I had a professor in grad school who liked to use chat rooms before exams, and I think her class is what inspired me to say that I would primarily use it as a Q&A session before an exam. She had a chatroom that was open all the time, but she would send out messages saying when she, personally, would be there to answer questions. We were welcome to enter the chatroom and discuss group projects and/or study guides at any time, but she was only there a set number of hours (kind-of like office hours).  This was an online class and our only opportunity to speak with her in somewhat of a class scenario, but it worked well for her and us.

Try it and tell me how it works for you!

While perusing some Live Binders, I noticed this link for Voxopop. I've never heard of it before, so I clicked on it. What I'm reading sounds cool, but I haven't set up an account (yet).

Hmm. I'm having trouble figuring out how to describe this site because it seems to incorporate a lot of different things. To me, Voxopop seems like a mixture between a chat room and a podcast...

 The way I understand it, you sign in and create a discussion called a "talkgroup." Your students could be your contributors, and you can make your "talkgroup" public to all, private to all, or open to only a select group of people. Everyone contributes something to the conversation with their voice. Obviously, students would need to have access to computers that have microphones in order to do this!



I'm also thinking of the voicemail feature on my cell phone. Would Voxopop be like using internet-based voicemail, where you could leave messages in the talkgroup, even when no one is there, and it would record the messages for later playback? OR is it like an internet calling system (like Skype), where others would only hear your message if they were logged in and listening to the system when you speak it? I'm confused. I'm going to have to learn more about this Voxopop and report back.

But there could be some cool uses for this tool. For one thing, if you're out of school because of weather, students who had internet access could still have school, and you wouldn't lose that glorious April snow day! :) On a similar note, you could also use this to begin pushing for "eSchool Days." With the budget for education as tight as it is right now, schools are doing everything in their power to cut down on expenses. Some schools have been changing schedules in an effort to conserve money. For instance, some schools are only going to school 4 days a week, and they're doing so between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:00 or 4:30 pm. Part of the rationalization on this is that the buses don't have to run on that extra day. Well, if gas is that big of a deal, then why not have "eSchool Days" and maybe use this Voxopop tool to help with that? Kids could stay home and log into a computer at a specified time. Maybe they could use Voxopop or some other education-friendly service to conduct live discussions over materials from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. You know, I read about this Mountain Brook school that did just that (minus the Voxopop). You can read about the story in more detail here, but the point is, they saved some moo-lah by conducing class from home.  What if Voxopop would help schools like mine copy Mountain Brook's idea? Just food for thought.

...On a side note, I now am a member of 259209523059 different educational websites. I actually have to keep a folder in my teaching e-mail system that's labeled "Website Registrations," just so I don't forget everything I've signed up for and what my usernames are! It's a little sad! But I try to explore everything I discuss on this blog in as great of detail as possible. I want to know if it's something I can use in my class! ....On another side note, please know that I don't use ALL of these technological tools in my classroom. That would definitely be overkill. I don't want anyone to think that technology will do the teaching for you. Technology is just a tool with which to reach and/or communicate with our students. We still have to be teachers and do work! Besides, technology might lose its appeal with both my students AND me if I used it with every single thing in my classroom. Anyway. Just wanted to clear that up. :) I'll try Voxopop and hopefully remember to get back to you with more details....

Wallwisher is basically a virtual message/cork/dry-erase board. You create a "board" (OK, a page with a colorful background) through your free account. You can post whatever you'd like to the wall, and others can post on it, as well (so, I guess it's like Facebook in this respect). You can delete any comments you have on your board that you don't like, and no one but you can edit comments on your own wall. You can basically post whatever you want on the board (media included), so it's nice in that respect.

 I heard about Wallwisher on Twitter and tried it out a few months ago. I created a test wall and posted one item to it, but lost interest quickly. I just couldn't see the need for it, especially since I have a classroom blog, as well. My principal e-mailed me a link a couple weeks ago that, upon closer inspection, looked suspiciously like Wallwisher to me. I was motivated to re-try Wallwisher, and to brainstorm some ways in which to use it in the classroom. I edited my wall once, but still haven't gotten into the swing of things.

So I did some research.

This link is a Wallwisher wall with ideas of how to use it in the classroom. The way I gather, educators from all over have contributed to this message board, much like the Tom Barrett "Interesting Ways" posts I was talking about earlier. Still, though, I keep thinking these ideas could be utilized with a simple classroom blog, without the need to incorporate yet another website into our classrooms. (Because, let's face it: technology is a beautiful thing and can help in the classroom, but there IS such a thing as overkill!) The only I see that this differs from a blog post is that Wallwisher posters are only allowed 160 characters/post that they make (is this bringing back memories of my Twitter post?).

This link gives 5 ways to use Wallwisher in the classroom...all of which I think simple classroom blogging and Twitter usage pretty much cove, but Wallwisher does offer an innovative way to do something when classroom routines get a little ho-hum. 

I do like some of the ideas in this link's list, particularly the one about using Wallwisher as an exit ticket activity. (I love exit tickets!) This, of course, means that all students must have access to Wallwisher during class (individual laptops?), but it's something to think about.

This post has an informative video over Wallwisher and what all it entails.

And here's Tom Barrett's take,

All in all, I wish I could give Wallwisher a chance. I really do. I think it could be a useful component for those that are not using classroom blogs, Twitter, or other survey-taking components. But for those of us that ARE using all those things....this site may not be that helpful.

Here's a very small snippet of a Wallwisher wall:

Source

Looking for a way for everyone in the class to give ideas or opinions on a certain topic? Looking for a way to do this that's a little more fun than just an in-class discussion? Also looking for some technology to spice up the "cool" factor? Look no further. Wiffiti might be the answer for you.

Wiffiti users can project a "message screen" onto the wall via projectors, and students can use their cell phones to text information to the message screen. All answers are displayed on the screen so everyone has a chance to contribute. Kids who normally are too shy to allow their voice to be heard can contribute ideas without speaking up and/or being overpowered by the louder students. All it takes is a cell phone with text-messaging capabilities. (Standard text messaging rates do apply, but since most students have unlimited text messaging packages, this shouldn't present too big of a problem.)


A teacher can register and make his/her own "message screens." You can customize the backgrounds and make one for each section of your classes if you like. Once your message screen is posted, the you'll receive a text code (a 6 digit code that works like a phone number) connected to that screen.

Once in class, the teacher can pull up the Wiffiti "message screen" and pose an open-ended question. This may be as simple as "what would be a good discussion question over ___ material?" or something more specific to your subject/topic. Students will use the text code and the text messaging feature in their cell phones to send their answers to the message screen!

After texting to the message screen once, students are assigned a random screen name (usually an animal/color/number combo). Users have the option to change his/her username (so you, the teacher, can identify them), or they can give the teacher the random screen name that was selected by Wiffiti (for grading/accountability purposes).

Let's rewind for a second. As soon as the teacher poses the question, all the students will text an answer to the text code connected to the message screen. As soon as the text is received by Wiffiti, the message appears on the message screen being projected on the wall. These messages appear to "float" around on the screen, and are continually replaced by newer messages. The messages that appear on the screen are limited to the people who have access to your text code. The username is also connected to the "floating message," so there is some level of accountability in what students text to the Wiffiti screen. This accountability could be great (peer pressure could work to encourage a non-participating student to participate, or for the class clown to write something serious and of value). On the flip side, this could also be negative (the class clown could benefit by texting his clever jokes to the message screen because he knows that everyone in the room will see it).

Of course, there is a risk of students texting for the wrong reasons or misusing the screen and making vulgar language appear in huge letters... *sigh* But again, we're back to the paper-and-pen example I gave a few posts ago: students can do "bad deeds" with pens and paper, but teachers don't take those away! We simply teach the students the proper etiquette for using it, and then move on. Technology may be the same way at first. (Of course, if students start using technology in the classroom at a young age, then less "netiquette" needs to be taught in the higher grades, which saves time...)

Anywho, I'm very intrigued by Wiffiti. It has been used at concerts, bars, and conferences in the past. Only recently has Wiffiti been an option for the classroom, but I'm liking what I see so far.

Perhaps if we allow students to use their cell phones for a set amount of time in class (for educational purposes only, of course) for certain activities, maybe the students wouldn't be so anxious to access their phones for non-educational things during class. I mean, as a teenager, if someone told you not to do something, what did you automatically want to do? Right. And if your teacher or parent suddenly encouraged you to do something, that thing magically lost almost all it's "cool appeal." Maybe if we band together and encourage texting in the classroom for educational purposes, maybe the appeal of social texting during class wouldn't be as high...

Hmm. Just food for thought. Tell me what you think!