Visual Literacy Resources from ISTE 2015

I’ve created a poster to highlight the interactive images shared during my poster and playground sessions at ISTE. I hope this poster will be helpful for helping all of the amazing educators I spoke with to quickly access the resources.

Explore these interactive ISTE Resources

Click the thumbtack icons to view these interactive images and slideshow channels and explore the powerful possibilities for teaching and learning with interactive images.

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Webinar 1/14: Improve Writing Skills with Google Docs

Would you like to improve your students’ writing skills and help them bridge the gap between writing in school and writing in the real world? Learn how to leverage the power of Google Docs to help students write better and more frequently than with pencil and paper. 

Join me and Infinitec as we explore ways to thoughtfully incorporate digital writing into the curriculum by utilizing the latest Google Docs features and writing supports. 

Hot Topics to Explore 

  • Built-in research tool
  • Integrated writing tools
  • Opportunities to include digital citizenship
  • Differentiation through classroom management

Explore Interactive Graphic


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Tuesday, January 14, 2014 4:00 PM CST

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Class Badges to Promote Digital Literacy

Badge – I Teach Above the Line

Class Badges is a free online tool designed to help teachers use digital badges as rewards for accomplishing learning goals. The badges can be a useful tool for teachers to keep track of individual student accomplishments as they help learners focus on making progress.

I really like Class Badges because the badges serve as a useful reminder for teachers to work with students on an individual level to set goals and assess progress. If used appropriately, they can improve students’ self-esteem as they work towards attainable goals. I believe this tool that can help teachers get a little closer to a 1-1  learning environment.



Last year at this time I created a glog to promote digital literacy through the use of ClassBadges. Unfortunately there was not a lot of interest at the time, so I put the idea on hold for a while. Upon revisiting the ClassBadges website, I discovered a feature that allows users to easily create their own badge design so I decided to try it again, one year later. I designed the Teaching Above the Line Badge with some artwork created by my good friend, Janet Barnstable, and awarded it to a few teachers at my school who shared some great examples of Teaching Above the Line at a recent staff meeting. 

Here is the glog I created to promote Digital Literacy with Class Badges. I used MentorMob playlists to create step by step guides for earning the starter badges. My goal for 2014 is to introduce the idea of ClassBadges again and hopefully get some early adopters to join the campaign.

Click to View


A Playlist to Guide the Learning


http://www.mentormob.com//learn/widget/178564/580/99cc33/3-0

Create your own Playlist on MentorMob!

Uses in the Classroom:

  • Work with individual students and their parents to identify their own specific attainable goals and create a Google Doc for reflection and progress monitoring. Use comments to provide students with feedback.
  • Attach badges to your grading rubrics and hold regular mini-conferences with students at checkpoints as they work towards completion of the assignment to increase their motivation to take their learning to the next level.
  • Reinforce positive behavior and increase students’ self-awareness by focusing on badges designed to reward students for demonstrating specific behaviors that might be useful to increase instructional time. For example: Reward time on task or organizational skills.
  • Make sure the badges are designed to encourage self-improvement rather than competition among students in the class.

Get Started with ClassBadges

Teachers can request a free account to generate a class code for students. Just add your students and design your badges. Try it yourself at ClassBadges.com

10 Terrific Tools in My Toolkit

Flexible Learning Paths

The key to successful technology integration is the efficient use of digital tools tools that are appropriate for the task. Technology provides us all with the ability to develop our own toolkit of flexible resources for use when needed. Here is a toolkit I assembled that is filled with tools I frequently use for designing flexible student-driven learning experiences. Starting with a good toolkit is essential.



Explore this interactive image to take a closer look at my collection of resources for use with these 10 terrific tools. Try them yourself and remember to start with something simple.

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Computational Thinking: A Digital Age Skill



“Computer science is having a
 revolutionary impact on scientific research and discovery. Simply put, it is nearly impossible to do scholarly research in any scientific or engineering discipline without an ability to think computationally. The impact of computing extends far beyond science, however, affecting all aspects of our lives. To flourish in today’s world, everyone needs computational thinking.”





Please enjoy this video, shared by +Paula Naugle

Digital Literacy Badge #1 – Design Your Digital Self

Design Your Digital Self – Promoting Digital Literacy

An activity intended for all

My Digital Self – blogmaster



1.  Create Your Avatar. Save it as a .jpg for later use.



2. Sign up or log in to ThingLink

Log In or Sign Up



3. Upload your avatar to ThingLink.




4. Create links to Design your Digital Self.




  • your blog or website
  • your favorite video
  • your favorite app
  • your favorite place to go
  • something unique
  • something you created
  • a  good quote
  • anything that defines your digital self

5. Turn in Your Digital Self and Earn a Badge

Need help? Watch the Tutorial.

 

As you discover new tools, continue to create links to define your digital self.