A goody box to share, App #25--Goalbook, Convert.Files, acmi, classconnect

Goalbook: https://goalbookapp.com/
Convert.Files: http://www.convertfiles.com/
acmi: http://generator.acmi.net.au/storyboard
classconnect: http://classconnect.com/app/

(All four of these applications vary in their purposes, but they all serve as a great toolkit for educators.)

Synopsis: Goalbook is a free app that allows teachers, parents, students, and special services teachers/directors a space to collaborate over IEPs and other student learning plans. Convert.Files is a site similar to Zamzar, but it can process even larger files (200MB). Since it is just a conversion site, this post will not contain directions for it.

Acmi is a storyboard generator. It gives users the option to use existing scripts or to create their own.

Classconnect is a collaboration space for teachers. They can look at lesson plans, meet other teachers, store documents (even Google Docs), Websites, and other files.

Integration: Goalbook is a great space for holding IEP meetings and follow-ups. It can be held anytime, anywhere. And, it can be managed within your school or district. This also encourages educators to keep better records of student progress, especially students with special learning needs. It even has a celebration tab for educators to share "celebration" with students an parents. Though this app can be used for all types of educators, it is definitely great for teachers and students with special needs. Acmi has an education section where educators can find great resources on storytelling and the power of stories. As a lover of oral histories, I found the videos fantastic. Classconnect allows users to create courses so other teachers can download or share content. This is a great way for teachers in all locales to connect and collaborate. Plus, you can incorporate existing apps like Google Docs into it. 

e-Portfolios with a "Googlio" twist, App #24--Googlio and Digication

Googlios: https://sites.google.com/site/googlioproject/home
Digication:  http://www.digication.com/ (This is actually accessed through your Google Apps for Education account, however)

(Googlios is a site created by another Google Certified Teacher and Google Apps for Education Certified Trainer. It is a play-on-words with ePortfolio and Google. It is based on the idea of a new Renaissance. Digication is an e-Portfolio creator that is accessible through Google Apps for Education accounts.)

Synopsis: Googlios is not necessarily an application, but a tutorial on how to create an e-Portfolio using Google Apps for Education. On the other hand, Digication is an app that is available for those with Google Apps for Education accounts. Googlio provides all of the resources/research necessary for undergoing e-Portfolios in the classroom with Google materials.



This is a video composed by Alex Ambrose, the creator of Googlio. Again, this is more of a resource to visit BEFORE creating e-Portfolios. Upon visiting it and finding the most appropriate Google tools, you can begin to use Digication (provided your school has enabled it for Google Apps for Education).




Per their Website, this is a Quick Start guide for building an e-Portfolio. In a Google Apps for Education domain, all users have access to their Digication account from their Google Docs homepage. Upon accessing it, they are directed to a Digication home screen with a listing of your ten previously created portfolios. Or, you can select to see all portfolios you have created, a directory of portfolios, or browse by course.

To create a portfolio, simply click create. You will be asked to give a title of your portfolio, select a Web address, choose a theme from a template or make one from scratch (and save it as a template for other users to use), select permissions and set tag rights. Click Create New e-Portfolio and the template is ready to go! As you edit, you will notice three tabs: Edit, Preview, Published. Those are the three stages of development. Do not publish until you are completely sure you are done. When selecting to make a template from scratch, it is beneficial to save it so the entire school can see it. This will allow others to use the template. A domain admin may do this to set up a teacher page template.

Integration: When I taught high school English and Creative Writing, an e-Portfolio was one of the required formative assessments for my students. And, as a graduate student at the University of Missouri, the e-Portfolio was required for completion of my Educational Specialist degree.With Digication, the templates are in place. Students are directed to add in content as prompted. Additionally, these can be private within your school. You can allow students to comment on others' portfolios as well. As a teacher, I like knowing that they are managed by my school. Therefore, content can be private. And, students are not the only ones who can create portfolios, teachers can too. Teachers can use these portfolios as their course pages. As many modules as are needed can be added to the portfolio. Modules are the activities/media on each page. You can also add additional pages to any template made from scratch. I wish I had found this app when I taught. It is a great model for e-Portfolios!

For the artistis, App #23--MuseScore

MuseScore: http://musescore.org/

(This app allows you to create sheet music for free and rivals programs like Capella, Sibelius, and Finale that cost money.)

Synopsis: Though I have absolutely no musical knowledge (other than having an ear for fine music), this caught my attention. Some of the highlights (according to their site) include:

• WYSIWYG, notes are entered on a "virtual note sheet"
• Unlimited number of staves
• Up to four voices per staff
• Easy and fast note entry with your keyboard, mouse, or MIDI keyboard
• Integrated sequencer and FluidSynth software synthesizer
• Import and export of MusicXML and Standard MIDI Files
• Available for Windows, Mac and Linux
• Translated in 47 languages
• GNU GPL licensed

First, you must create an account and then, download the software. However, if you go to MuseScore.com (http://musescore.com/), you can create a separate account. This allows you to share your sheet music with other users. This is also a separate site.

Here is their demo (also found on their site):

Integration: With the access to MuseScore.com, students and teachers can create groups where they can share their sheet music. They also have access to loads of other sheet music created by users like themselves. This is a great lesson on the power of authorship. Plus, it opens up musical "creation" to anyone. Just as blogs gave all the power to become instant authors, MuseScore gives "sheet-writers" the power to be instant authors. And, at no cost all students now have this power at their fingertips. Though it is specific to band and choir rooms, other teachers can collaborate to aide in the content that goes into the sheet music. Check it out!

Talking and emailing simultaneously, App #22--Google Voice

Google Voice: https://www.google.com/voice/

(You  need to have a gmail account in order to enable Google Voice AND, you need to install the voice/video plug-in in. Once these are installed and configured, you are ready to go.)

Synopsis: Google Voice puts all of the best phone system features into one application at one price: FREE! With Google Voice, you have the following services at your fingertips:

• Voicemail transcription
• One number
• Personalized greetings
• International calling
• SMS to email
• Share voicemails with others (via email)
• Screen callers
• Mobile app
• Conference calls
• Number porting (you can have a number ring on any phone you want)

The possibilities with Google Voice continue to increase. In a Google Apps for Education school that already uses Gmail and has groups set up, Voice is even more beneficial. And, with the one number feature, teachers can give students the Google Voice number without having to give away private numbers. When that number is called, it will ring on whichever phone the user has selected.

More is available on the features on the Website: http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html. Unfortunately, there is not enough space or time on this blog to delve into all of the great features available for...FREE! 


Here is the home screen:

Here's a good blog referencing Google Voice and all of it's important updates: http://googlevoice.com/
Per Google, here is there Google Voice information central: http://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html


Integration: Our district is looking in to using Google Voice as our phone system. In many ways, it compares to Microsoft's Lync Server. However, this is free! The only cost is the headsets for the computers. And, if numbers are set up for the teachers, teachers can select which phones ring when those numbers are dialed. So, conceivably, if a Google Voice number was dialed, it would not even have to ring on a headset in the classroom; it could ring on whichever phone the teacher requested--including his/her own cell phone. And, users can set up groups so that each group of users' calls are treated differently. For instance, you can have a parents' group, teachers' group, and coaches' group. The parents group can include all parents' emails and phone numbers. And, you can request that any calls from the parents' group not be put through during class hours. You can apply that same setting on any group. All voicemails left are shown in your Gmail account. Therefore, when you receive a voicemail, you can both hear it and read it. You can reply via email or phone. And since Google Voice uses Gmail as a platform, it encompasses all of Gmail's features.

Homemade whiteboards and more, App #20--Johhny Lee's Wii Remote hacks

Wii Remote for interactive whiteboard: http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/johnny_lee_demos_wii_remote_hacks.html . Software is available here: http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/

(This is a $50 solution to interactive whiteboards. All you need is are infrared light pens and a Wii Remote and Johnny Lee's free software.)



Synopsis: I discovered this about a year and a half ago and failed to act on this information. Such a shame. I can barely contain my excitement about how ingenious this is. All you need are the following:

• a Wii remote
• infrared light pens (it can read up to four at once)
• a flat surface
• a projector
• Johnny Lee's free software

 Once you have those five items, you can begin the set up. To set up, simply install Johnny Lee's software. then, build your pen with an LED that runs at around 100mA (mini keychain lights work for this too). And, Johnny Lee is currently looking into selling his infrared pens. His software site (http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/) contains the instructions for setting up the pen.

Next, you need to set up the Wii remote. Johnny Lee has built a stand that anyone can build and shines it from a nearby table onto the screen where the projector projects. If you will be standing in front of your screen, you want to do this. However, if you are aiming your projector onto a surface below, you can attach the remote to the side of the projector.

Finally, you will see the touch point configuration markers (that you see on any interactive whiteboard). Touch each of the dots.

Now, you are set up! You can project onto any surface. And, you can use up to four infrared pens at once.

Though its tracking is not good as a Promethean or SmartBoard, it is pretty good. And, it's nearly free. It does not come with all of the software of the Promethean and SmartBoards; however, Johnny Lee has some nice software on his Website that is available for download. And, you can always use ActivInspire for personal use and it is free! 






Integration: I believe this simple technique has the power to transform schools. For instance, at my district 95% of the classrooms have projectors; however, less than half have interactive whiteboards. With this resolution, all of the rooms could have interactive whiteboards for the cost of one brand name board. And, since it works with four pens at a time, four students could be interacting on the surface. It can also interact with your iPad/tablet so that can become interactive as well. Maps and other flat surface materials are now interactive with this tiny resolution. Yes, I will be implementing these at my district. Take some time to check out Johnny Lee's revolution!

Also, speaking of changing the face of education, look at Singapore schools (perhaps a model the U.S. should follow?): http://www.edutopia.org/education-everywhere-international-singapore-video

Discussion boards revamped, App #20--Google Moderator

Google Moderator: http://www.google.com/moderator/#0

(Google Moderator is part of the Google Apps for Education suite. Therefore, the link is actually private to my school district. Every Moderator page can only be accessed through direct links--that can be embedded--so you need a Google Apps for Education account to get started. More the reason to get started with Google Apps for Edu!)

Synopsis: This app is available as an additional service for Google Apps for Education users. Since it is an additional service, the domain admin must add the app (be sure your settings are for the "next generation" and not the "current" version). Once the service has been added, Moderator will receive its own direct URL. This is the only way of accessing it (users cannot find it from their menu). To save confusion, it is best to embed this link or put a direct link on the school Webpage. The domain admin sets the privacy settings. However, all users can create a "Series" (the discussion platform) and "topics" (the topics of discussion) and "questions" (the questions/suggestions/events for each topic/meeting).

To begin, the discussion creator must access the direct link to the Moderator page. From there, you can see the steps in this training video:

When you create a series, you have the option of setting it for meetings or for topics. I chose the topic option in the video. However, you may choose the meeting option too. Again, flags can be created by anyone, but only the creator can choose to remove a question that has been flagged. Using presentation view, the instructor can present questions in more of a presentation format as opposed to a discussion board format. The questions appear randomly in presentation view. Be sure to adjust the additional settings when you first create a series (decide who can submit questions, if they can post anonymously, submit videos, etc.) And, that's it!


Integration: The ways to integrate Moderator continue to increase. Recently, I held an eLearning training via Moderator. I created a series for the training. Then, I created topics (and pasted links to the training documents) for each of the training categories. Finally, attendees were able to access the series, review the training material in each topic, and create questions for each topic. Other learners could rank the questions so I knew which were of most concern. From those, I was able to answer the questions and leave my answers visible for others to see. If I chose to, I could have allowed other attendees to post answers to the questions as well. And, all attendees were able to create questions anonymously if they wanted. When the training concluded, I exported the series to a CSV file to review it before further trainings. With the CSV file, I was able to open it in Excel and begin to filter results. From there, the possibilities grew. However, there are other uses. During my district's technology committee meeting, I used moderator as a discussion board to continue the discussion beyond the one hour meeting slot. I posted topics that we had touched upon and allowed the members to continue submitting questions (within a question, you can also insert a link to any URL). Some pasted URLs of articles within their questions. And, members ranked the questions so I was able to decide which topics were of the most importance. This is great to use before an exam as a form of review. It also can be used as an anticipatory guide before a unit. The options are nearly endless. So, give it a try and put Google Apps for Education into use!

Language Learners brought up to speed, App #19--vozMe and Visuwords

vozMe: http://vozme.com/index.php?lang=en
Visuwords: http://www.visuwords.com/

(Both of these applications are simple language resources that can go a long way in the classroom. vozMe is a text-to-speech translator and Visuwords is a graphic dictionary that shows concepts and connections between words.)

Synopsis: These applications are both free Web 2.0 tools that can be used to improve language apprehension. Visuwords is an online dictionary with an important twist. Rather than giving a list of definitions, it creates a graphic organizer with the word in the center and similar word clusters connected to it. In the left-hand column, there is a listing of what the different lines and clusters mean. Additionally, it is a dynamic representation of the word. You can choose to see "random" words or "enter" a word of your own. When you enter the word or choose a random word, a cluster map of the word generates. The main words is connected to other concepts via lines and bubbles. And, each bubble/line has a different meaning. The key code in the left-hand column illustrates what each bubble/line means. You can even drag the bubbles/lines in different directions to create new connections between the words. It shows more than just the definition of the word--it shows all connections to the words in a graphic representation.

vozMe is a simple text-to-speech converter. It can be installed on your browser so that when you highlight a portion of text, a voice translates it to you. You can choose to have a male or female voice deliver the text. You can also leave it as is and just type in your text into the box provided and have it convert it to speech for you. When you are done, you can elect to have an MP3 created for you. When you click on the "Create MP3" button, a new window opens with the speech translation. At the bottom of that window, you can "download" the MP3 and save it to your selected space. You have the option to add speech to your browser or Website. vozMe gives many different HTML codes and formats for adding a text-to-speech option for your Website or Blog. You can access the codes here. Or, you can download the browser plug-in. If you choose this option, you can hear any text on any Webpage you view.

Integration: Growing up in Texas and being a former English teacher, I am always on the lookout for great ESL/ELL and English resources. Both of these applications can benefit English Language Learners, special needs students, young students, and students needing a different learning approach. With vozMe, students are able to hear the words on the Webpage. Similarly, they can type in any words and hear them. This is great for students with speech impairments and students who are learning the language.

Likewise, Visuwords gives words a visual representation for students to build connections. Try out both applications! They can definitely expand language in the classroom and broaden student vocabulary. Students may even use Inspiration software to create a similar word map like what is shown in Visuwords.