The Amoeba that is Day 2 & 3

I am going to combine Day 2 and Day 3 training since they both feel like one big amoeba sloshing around in my brain.

First, let me say, that before Day 2 and 3 training, I began playing with the tablets and discovering some of these sights and such that I had heard mentioned and suggested.  I figured out the whole Google Drive thing and am now in the cloud.  The scan feature on Drive is super cool.  I then figured out how to upload documents and links to the playlist builder on the tablets from my Google Drive. Next, I created an Edmodo page for my students, got some apps, and began “tinkering” with that.  For those that are a bit reluctant with technology, you just have to start clicking and learning.  You really can’t mess up anything and, if you do, in most cases, there is usually a nice delete button to get rid of whatever you did.  For the most part, it’s a lot of common sense.  And never underestimate the “help” link; I have worn that one out.

So I was feeling pretty good going into Day 2 and 3; had some tools in my toolbox and such.

The buzzword Day 2 was personalized learning and student choice; using student learning styles to empower their understanding of their own mastery through guided choice/pace.  What a mouthful!!...... Buzzword… Accountable Independence. We used the day to explore Language Arts APPS, Playlist Builder, and Amplifying Lessons.  Our physical space in the classroom may need some adjusting and changing to more group type areas such as work areas, help stations, charging stations, etc; definitely something I had not thought about.  It was a pretty productive day overall.

Day 3 was AWESOME!!!

This day was spent in break out sessions of your choice;  Animoto, QR Codes, Flipboard, Podcasting/Vodcasting, Edmodo vs. Moodle., independent study, etc.

So here is my opinion on Edmodo vs. Moodle. 

What is best for the 6^th grade student?......Edmodo; kid-familiar interface, easy to use, more kid like display, great introduction to a professional learning community

What is best for the 8^th grade student?.....Moodle; more advanced for the more advanced student who is familiar with professional learning communities and maybe used in high school.  Let’s face it….they use this in college…….let’s not rush things here. 

During my last session of the day the media storm arrived. 

Did I say this was going to be HUGE???!!!!