Go Animate

I have started skipping around in the Summer Tech Challenge.  I was pretty sure that I was done because I didn't see the rest of the challenges working in my classroom.  So I decided that the Google Presentation would be my last one.  As I started working on it I thought oh didn't I see something in the #npsstc that I could use.  That thing was Go Animate.

I started by using the full video maker.  I wanted to make instructional videos on how to do jobs in the classroom.  This didn't work as I can't control the characters enough to really show what needs to be done.  I stopped using Go Animate and went to work on another challenge.  I made a new video using the quick video maker.  To preset this video, students in my room will be starting a classroom economy.  Since it is new it requires us to do some training.  Stay tuned for more about it as it's also part of my google presentation.  Here is the Go Animate video I made to go along with my presentation.

Classroom Economy by Rebecca Topp on GoAnimate


I really like the ease of this program.  I can see students using it for creating book reports and presentations. This program is especially great for those students who have trouble speaking.  If they can type or use pictures to put together sentences the words can be transferred to the program and then the student has full control over the rest of the options.  Great find Mickie!!

Pinterest Addiction

So I was one of those people who went I don't need another thing to keep up and worry about when Pinterest came out. Then my staff said you need to check out Pinterest for this or that.  So I set up an account and started pinning some different recipes to use at school. 

I have really been just pinning things for home and then slowly started pinning things for school. I am now a pinaholic.  I check Pinterest every night before going to bed.  I even heard myself say I wished this app let me pin this.  I like having a place that has several things all in one place and if I need something more than likely I will find it will a little looking. 

I have really enjoyed being a Panther Pinner (pinning for the school district).  I get to see all the things that my colleagues pin and add to the collection.  We have a great group of educators that really care and love their jobs. 

My Adventures with Twitter

I have been on Twitter for a while now.  I don't do much but follow on Twitter.  I tried to participate in the #spedchat but with a new child has made it hard to find time.  I get some great ideas and links to good websites that I ScoopIt.   I have also made a list of Norfolk Public School teachers.  I have TweetDeck on my laptop and cell phone and use Flipbook on my ipad to continue to follow Twitter. 

Tonight I participated in #spedchat again.  It was on curriculum for special education.  I have found a couple of new people to follow and realized that I am not the only one trying to figure it all out.  I am going to make a new list for my sped PLN so that I can send out questions for help when needed. 

10 Skills of a Modern Teacher

I am working on the Summer Tech Challenge and part of the assignment is to blog on this article The 10 Skills Modern Teachers Must Have.  

The skills are in no particular order:

• Establish Real Relationships
• Build Your PLN
• Make Social Media Work For You
• Manage Your Online Reputation
• Know How to Correctly Blog
• Don't Be Afraid of Failing
• Know When to Disconnect
• Know How to Find Useful Resources
• Slow Down
• Understand Where Technology Fits in Education

I have been working with technology for awhile in my classroom. I love how it helps even the playing field for students. I am struggling to keep up with the apps on the ipads and all the different technology for me to use in the classroom.  I have tried and started lots of things but just struggle to keep up with it all. 

I need to work on managing my online reputation. I have lots of things that I have looked at or signed up for but don't use.  I am working on building my PLN through conferences.  I use Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Google Reader to help stay up to date with ideas.  

I am always trying something new and it doesn't always work.  The best part is that I have students and staff in my room that are willing to try with me and give me feedback when it doesn't work.