technology – Page 3 – Pernille Ripp

When I moved this blog to WordPress some posts did not survive, so in an effort to move some of my favorite posts with me, I will be republishing them here. This post first appeared June, 2011.

I have been given a new label this year, I am now the “techy teacher.” This label brings many odd and interesting conversations with it, most often involving how to integrate technology into a classroom. So for all of those just getting started, who perhaps are ready to move beyond use computers as research engines and typewriters, here is a little advice from someone who has been there:

Decide on time. Ask yourself, and be honest, how much time do you really want to spend on technology in your day? If the answer is as little as possible then perhaps this is not the year. If the answer is some, then do read on.
Figure out the “Why.” What are you aiming to do with the technology? What are the goals for integration? Is it to connet with others then Skype or blogging might be a great thing to learn about. Is it to give students different project options then perhaps Animoto or Prezi are your venues. Is it to give yourself more professional development then Twitter is a must.
Do your research. Reach out to others (through Twitter perhaps) and ask them what they use. Google your needs, look at reviews, and then decide whether it is a good fit for you or not. There are so many websites and blogs out there that do all the work for you, Rich Byrne’s Free Technology for Teachers is a great place to begin!
Chose a few. While there are so many things out there technologically speaking it is best to choose a few to focus on. I thought I was going to integrate many things the last year and it honestly just got too time consuming. So align the technology with your goal (see number 2) and get ready to mess with it, and…
Play. Technology needs to be pretty self-explanatory and I better be able to figure it out within a short amount of time. If it is something I am showing/using with my students then I better have it figured out within 5 minutes or so. If it is for my own personal use, I give it 30 minutes but after that, no thanks. Play with it, walk through it as your students will and learn a little about it. Often this gets me more excited to use it.
Again – how will you use it? Now that you have decided on what to use, ask again whether this will work for your educational goal. I love the idea of VoiceThread but found it too cumbersome for the presentation format so I went a different route. Just because it is technology does not mean it is helpful.
Stick with it. The first couple of times I introduced new technology to my students I was a little bit apprehensive, after all, these were 4th graders I was asking to do the work. And yet, they got it. The beauty of technology integration also is that if one students gets it then they can also help you teach it to others.
Embrace failure. Go into this adventure knowing that things will break, signals will fail, and computers will crash. Have a back up plan in mind that still accomplishes the same goal. We have had missed Skype opportunities, blocked websites and overall disasters on our hands, but always managed to laugh about it and move on. Don’t waste your time lamenting lost technology.
Be courageous. So what if you are the only one at your school trying this out; be the one who tries new things. No one at my school was blogging before I started and now all of the 5th grade tried it as well. You never know who will be inspired by you trying something out.
Make it worthwhile. I do not believe in tech for tech’s sake. I only use it to further our learning goals and to broaden my students’ horizon, so use it in the right sense. Students will respond and be engaged if they understand and see the genuine purpose, they will quickly lose interest if it does not further your purpose. Remember technology is not always the answer to every lesson, sometimes whipping out paper and pen can produce the same (and sometimes better) results. So make sure you use it when it fits, not because you feel you have to.

I am a passionate teacher in Wisconsin, USA, who has taught 4, 5th, and 7th grade. Proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classrooms Back to Our Students” can be purchased now from Powerful Learning Press. Second book“Empowered Schools, Empowered Students – Creating Connected and Invested Learners” can be pre-ordered from Corwin Press now. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

Student-centered, technology, tools

What Do Teachers Want From Tech Tools?

February 14, 2014February 16, 2014 Pernille Ripp

Too often when we discuss technology and what to use in our classrooms we get caught by the flashy gadgets, the promises of something new, or the latest tool to be sweeping the community We think we need the newest thing to keep us current and connected. We think we need more tools to have better tech integration. And yet, I often find that it is not so much about getting more tech, but rather using the things I have better. So what does this teacher really want from her tech tools?

User friendliness. I am not afraid of technology, meaning I will gladly play around with something until I make it work, but sometimes even I throw in the towel. If a new tool is not something I can figure out a little within a half an hour then I doubt it will find a permanent home in my classroom.
Global Collaboration. I love integrating things that can connect my students to the world. So whether it is a Kidblog account, a Chromebook, or a digital camera, the tech I use needs to serve a higher purpose of creating global citizens.
Ease of Integration. I like to bring in a new tool or site and then see how easily my students gravitate towards it. How easily do they find ways to integrate it into our every day learning. That is not to say that it all has to be easy, but if my students never use it (like our Livescribe pen) then I know it is not the best fit for us.
Multi-people-functionality. I have many gripes about SmartBoards, but a huge one is that only one child can use it at one time. I have 26 students, they need to be engaged in their learning at all times. Watching one kid (or one teacher) write on a fancy board does not equal engagement.
Reliability. For a tool to truly find a permanent home in my classroom it has prove itself over and over. It needs to work when we need it to work, and although we will excuse the occasional glitches, if a tool proves to be unreliable then I am not wasting my time on it anymore.
Security. I am entrusted with 10 and 11 year old’s as they venture online and get connected so whatever we use in our classroom has to provide me with a level of safety for these kids. That doesn’t mean filters to block out the world, but ways to keep these kids’ information and work safe while exploring the world.
Accessibility. The best tools live in the cloud or are portable, most of the time.
Purpose. The tools we use need to have a deeper purpose of enhancing our curriculum, not just be a flashy tool to get my students’ attention. So if we are investing our time using something, then there needs to be a deeper purpose behind it.
Fun. Who can forget fun? Tech tools should also be fun to use (most of the time) otherwise they just become one more thing to do. We don’t need more things we have to do.

What things do you look for when picking a tool for your classroom?

I am a passionate (female) 5th grade teacher in Wisconsin, USA, proud techy geek, and mass consumer of incredible books. Creator of the Global Read Aloud Project, Co-founder of EdCamp MadWI, and believer in all children. I have no awards or accolades except for the lightbulbs that go off in my students’ heads every day. First book “Passionate Learners – Giving Our Classroom Back to Our Students” will be released this March from Powerful Learning Press. Follow me on Twitter @PernilleRipp.

being a teacher, reflection, Student-centered, technology, Uncategorized

It Is Not About the Gadgets – Why Every Teacher Should Have to Integrate Tech Into Their Classroom

January 7, 2014 Pernille Ripp

When I moved my blog from Blogger to WordPress last summer I mistakenly assumed that all posts would seamlessly transfer. I have since found the error in my thinking and have decided to re-post some of my more discussed posts. This post first appeared in February of 2012 but still rings true to me.

I once sat on an interview committee in which the candidate proudly proclaimed that to integrate technology her students would use word processors and publish their work in a monthly book. My toes instantly curled. It wasn’t so much that she had used the words “word processor” but rather that she thought tech integration meant to have students type on a computer and then publish their work, that that would make them ready for this century of jobs. So a couple of things come to mind whenever we discuss tech integration in schools.

Students have often more seamlessly integrated technology into their lives than their teachers and didn’t even need to take a class on it. We chalk this up to them being digital natives or because they have an interest in it. Yet not all children are digital natives and most of them have had role models that show how to use the technology. They also know that tech is valuable and can add to their lives rather than detract from something else. And then there is the fearlessness, many students are simply not afraid to mess around with tech, but many adults are. It is time for us to be role models in our own fearlessness.

Some teachers assume that clicking on a SmartBoard or having students type their papers mean that they are “integrating” tech. This is one very limited usage of tech, in fact, it doesn’t really count as integration. Better integration is when a student decides to film a video to show off learning rather than create a poster. True integration is when students have ideas and fearlessness to use technology to show their learning as a natural extension of the classroom. Not to type a paper.

There seems to be no urgency when it comes to actual technology integration into the classroom, but more of an urgency on how to buy the flashiest gadgets and then offer limited training or support. How often do we hear about a district that has spent too much money on 30 SmartBoards, 100 iPads and how they will be placed in the hands of the students to enhance their learning? How often do we then hear about the support they will offer their teachers or how those products will actually be used to enhance learning? There seems to be an assumption that if you give it to teachers they will use it effectively, which we all know is not true. Some teachers might, but most will use it superficially and after a while the product will languish, unused, outdated, and just another relic of someone’s hastily thought out idea.

Some teachers feel that integrating technology is optional. Integrating technology is no more optional than teaching how to use a pencil. And while many may find that extreme, we cannot equip our students with the skills they need to be successful learners and teachers without teaching them to use technology properly. Many schools see typing as a necessity but then cannot bring that view into how to stay safe on the internet, how to search properly on a computer, and myriads of other things that technology can offer us. How to use computers effectively is now a life-skill and as teachers it is our job to equip students with these.

Teachers who have been labeled “techie” teachers are sometimes viewed as a one-trick pony, that is all they are passionate about and therefore they cannot possibly have an effective classroom. I certainly am one of the techie-teachers in my district but many are surprised at how little we use tech on a day to day basis. That is not to say we don’t use it, because we do, but we also do many other things. In fact, using a tech tool is just one option my students have to show their learning. What I do practice is fearlessness in tech usage and that I pass on to my students. Not that they always need to use some sort of tool, we use our pencils more than a computer, but that they can effectively use whatever whenever they need to.

Teachers think they have a choice in their classroom. I am sorry but the choice should not be teachers’ anymore; every school should have an effective technology integration curriculum to offer students the skills they need. We do not have a choice in teaching literacy or math and should not be given one when it comes to technology. This is not about what WE want the kids to know but what the KIDS need to know.

And I am sure I could continue the list, however, these are my main concerns. We cannot afford to not focus on proper technology integration in our schools. It is not about the gadgets, it is not about the typing, it is how to use technology tools fearlessly, respectfully, and effectively. All things every teachers should be teaching, no excuses.

students, technology

13 New to Me Free Tech Tools I Can’t Wait to Use

December 12, 2013 Pernille Ripp

I had the pleasure of being at SLATE (technology conference here in Wisconsin) the last two days, and beside the wonderful people I got to connect and re-connect with, there was also one session that made me terribly excited. And while I am not usually one to share tech tools, these are all pretty easy, free and fantastic. All of this come courtesy of Mickey Chavannes @mchavannes.

Doceri – This is an iPad app that students can use to take pictures and then annotate it through their voice or drawing. You can then upload it to YoutTube for later viewing.

Way I would use it: What a great way to assess students in anything! Particularly when you have a lot of students that you need to speak to.

Peanutgallery – I had forgotten about this Chrome extension one but it is a way for students to narrate over already made black and white films.

Way I would use it: Besides just being fun I think this would be great to check for student inference and comprehension. can they create an accurate narration to fit the movie by picking up on the clues?

Tripline – This tool creates a moveable map using Google Maps where you can plot points with text or pictures along the way for the students to read.

Way I would use it: Book trips! Westward Expansion! Explorer routes! How awesome would this be to plot the voyages of Christopher Columbus by students?

Clipular – Another Chrome store extension, basically a screenshot creator, however it also creates a URL citation for you.

Way I would use it: I hate not having a easy way to do screenshots on my school PC, problem solved!

Awesome screenshot – Another screenshot capturer tool but this one is a bit more fancy. You can snap and annotate, embed image, any document and then annotate on top of it, through an easy drag and drop. And it can also be saved into your Google Drive for later viewing.

Way I would use it: I would have students use this for assessment of their understanding as well as in their projects.

Little Birdtales – Great digital storytelling tool that can be used K-12 (just have students get past the cutesy look). Students can draw a picture, write on a picture, narrate a picture – and can then share their creation with others.

Way I would use it: For storytelling of course, but also to listen to student fluency and expression as they narrate their own work. Or expand it outside of literacy and have them use it for a science project or social studies exploration.

Videonot.es – Allows you to put video on one side and notes on other side of screen – great way to explain what is happening or post questions right in a video.

Way I would use it: For when I am out of the building to get students through more detailed information, or even for sick students. If you flip your classroom or lesson this may be a very usueful tool as well.

Audioboo – A way to do a jazzed up podcast, you can put an image on it and then narrate that image.

Way I would use it: Book reviews for future readers! Just put in the cover image and have students leave their recommendation for others to hear.

Clearly – A great Chrome extension that cleans up a webpage so it is just the actual content you want students to see, even better – you can print a nice clean copy right from it.

Way I would use it: Whenever I need to print articles from the web, no more adds, comments, or any other unnecessary items on a page.

Thinglink – Take a picture, add pinpoints to it and then it explains what the different spots are. You can even add in picture or video.

Way I would use it: For students to explain the significance of a picture of a person or an event.

Safeshare.tv – Paste a Youtube link and it cleans it up for you – no ads or other videos.

Ways I would use it: Any time I show a video in the classroom, no more inappropriate ads or suggested videos.

Movenote – Create an interactive Powerpoint with video and notes, you can add chapters to it so students can view the part they need and links to quizzes in a Google form.

Ways I would use it: Again, this would be great if I am out of the building, or when students create their projects where I ask them to have an assessment component ingrained. This way they could quiz the other students right then.

TLDR – (Stands for Too Long Didn’t Read) – Another Chrome extension that creates a summary for you of whatever you highlight on a page – yes really! I even checked it in Danish and it works for foreign langues as well.

Ways I would use it: For my beginning readers or ELL students that need a shorter version of the same text as everyone else, this will be a must use.

And finally the coolest idea shared that I want to do: Tech Ninjas! Creating your very own geek squad comprised of techy students that can troubleshoot many problems that may arise with tech in your school. So instead of creating a tech help ticket, teachers search for a Tech Ninja instead. I think this is just sheer brilliance, and although it was meant for middle school and up, I wonder if some of my 5th graders wouldn’t be able to do this too.

global read aloud, Reading, students, technology

Get Connected! How One Project Can Set You Up for The Year #GRA13

June 14, 2013July 24, 2013 Pernille Ripp

I am sure it will come as no surprise but I am passionate about bringing the world into my classroom. I think global collaboration and interconnectedness is vital in any child’s education. I also happen to be passionate about reading and reading aloud. All of this led to the creation of the Global Read Aloud 4 years ago and what started as a simple idea has grown into a massive world wide connection and collaboration event. And you should be a part of it!

Who is this for? Any educator who teaches K-12, homeschoolers, librarians or whomever wants to read and share one of our amazing three books with the world.

So what is it? The premise is simple; we pick a book to read aloud to our students during a set 6-week period and during that time we try to make as many global connections as possible. Each teacher decides how much time they would like to dedicate and how involved they would like to be. Some people choose to connect with just one class, while others go for as many as possible.

Why should you care? Because it promotes reading and global connections. Because your kids will love the idea that kids around the globe are listening to the same story as they are. Because the 3 authors, Sharon Draper, Geoff Herbach, and Kate Messner cannot wait to interact with the kids.

So how does it help me connect? Since the whole project is about connecting there is a network of teachers eager to connect and work with you in whichever fashion you feel comfortable with. Don’t believe me? Check out our Edmodo groups! The project doesn’t start until September 30th and they are already busy reaching out. (Here is a post on how to get to our Edmodo groups).

But what about the technology? Every year I use the GRA to introduce my students to various technological tools we will use throughout the year; Skype, Kidblog, Twitter, Edmodo and Google docs. Other people use other things as well – it is up to you. Because you decide how invested you want to be, you also decide which tools you would like to use. And the best part? You don’t have to know how to use the tools, we can help you!

What about after it ends? This is the brilliance of it, many people continue to use their same connections to collaborate and interact throughout the year. We have people set up smaller book clubs, some choose to do units together, and others become blogging buddies. Because the network is already set up it is easy to keep using it and you can use it for whatever you wish, it doesn’t even have to be reading related.

What are the book choices? 3 books this year for the first time: Marty McGuire by Kate Messner, Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, and Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach. All meant to be a great read aloud that will make the kids think.

Where do I sign up? Right here!

What are the dates? The read aloud starts September 30th and ends November 11th. It is 6 weeks for the first time to give people more time to enjoy the text.

I am still not sure…go here, poke around, Google the project, and ask me questions. I would love to help you get connected for the year.

technology