Scenes from the Hour of Code

Spofford Pond School

Hour of Code

Dec. 7 - 11, 2015

Click on pictures below to watch scenes from our Hour of Code week. 23 classes (over 430 students and teachers) participated and discovered The Power of CODE!

Third graders proudly displaying their Technology Award

Here are a few games students created:

by C., Grade 4

by A., grade 3

Code Behind the Scenes, Snapshots:

Hour of Code Lesson Essential Question: How can we use software to create original, innovative works and ideas?
Also, check out my iPad Apps page.  I have added a few links and app suggestions for coding.

Hour of Code: What did you think?

Thank you for participating in the Hour of Code this week!

Hour of Code Lesson Essential Question:
How can we use software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Your Final Challenge:
Read my question below.
Post a response by following instructions on the yellow homework sheet.

Created with Padlet

Technology Essential Questions

Technology Essential Questions for 21st Century Learners

What is 21st Century Learning?  21st Century Learning is the development of certain skills in today's students across all grades and throughout the curriculum.  At its core, it involves mastery of the 4 C's:  creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication.

Each time a class uses technology within their curriculum, we always ask a few essential questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

For additional information see:

The 21st century classroom – where the 3 R’s meet the 4 C’s!

Creativity and Innovation

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Developing the 4 C's

Grade 4 and Google Slides

Grade 4 Google Slides and the Global Read Aloud

Students in Ms. Davis's classroom participated in the Global Read Aloud this fall.  The book they read together was Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.  Upon completion of the book, students worked together to create a Google Slides presentation of questions and answers about the story. Check out their work (in progress...)

Common Core Standards:  Grade 4 Language Arts RL.4.1; W.4.4; W.4.6; W.4.9; SL.4.5 MA Technology Literacy Standards: G3-5: 1.19; G3-5: 1.20; G3-5: 1.21; G3-5: 2.1; G3-5: 2.2; G3-5: 2.3

Grade 3 All About The Water Cycle Creations Made with Book Creator and Drawing Pad Last week Mrs. Estella's class learned to use two iPad Apps:  Book Creator and Drawing Pad. Once students knew how to use the App, they were then tasked with creating an eBook about the Water Cycle.  Enjoy a few samples of their efforts....

Earth & Space Science, Grades 3 - 5, Massachusetts Learning Standard 10 Massachusetts Technology Literacy Standards G3 - 5:1.19; 1.20; 1.21; 1.22; 3.9

Technology Essential Question:

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

AirPlay in the Classroom

This is Mr. Duffy's homeroom using AppleTV during a writing lesson.  Each student has composed a poem in their Google Docs account on their laptop.  One way they can share it to the entire class is by AirPlaying from their laptop to the AppleTV.  The AppleTV displays to the SmartBoard and "Voila!" the poem is shown for the class to see!  Students take turns AirPlaying their work. Terrific discussions can be started by viewing a classmate's work in a group setting! This is just ONE way we can collaborate on and share our digital work.  Google for Education also allows students and teachers to share with each other right through their Google accounts. The sky may be the limit, but with the cloud, the possibilities are limitless!
Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

iPad Carts Are Ready to Go! Spofford Pond students are fortunate to have access to iPads as a digital tool for creating innovative and original projects through a variety of core Apps. Please check out my iPad Apps Page for an "Apps Review".

Grade Three Teachers and Special Educators recently spent time participating in a Webinar learning the tools within the Learning A to Z and Kids A to Z web-based software suite.

Google for Education

Google for Education Comes to Spofford!

We are excited to announce the implementation of Google for Education beginning this year at Spofford Pond School.  Google for Education provides many digital tools to enhance the way we use technology and share information within and beyond our school community. Our main objective is to have a place where students can share work, communicate with teachers and save/retrieve projects using laptops, tablets and other devices. We piloted this over the past two school years with grade six students and that went very well!  

Google for Education, a suite of free, cloud-based productivity tools allows us to collaborate and communicate more effectively through the use of technology.  It also offers a range of new learning opportunities for both teachers and students.  Further information about Google for Education can be found at: www.google.com/edu/ and www.google.com/edu/trust/

Technology Essential Questions:

How does this digital tool help improve collaboration and/or communication?

How can technology be used to enhance a project and communicate knowledge?

How can we use this software to create original, innovative works and ideas?

Green Screen Technology Comes to Spofford!

Summer 2015 was a busy time at Spofford Pond School.  We were fortunate to have two Masconomet High School students volunteer their time and help Spofford build its very own Green Screen Studio.

The Green Screen studio is located in the library and in conjunction with iPads and the Green Screen app, students and teachers will be able to come to the studio and create in front of the green screen.

Watch for future productions!

Laptop Carts Ready for Students

Grade Level Classroom and Special Education laptop carts ready for students!

Technology for 2015-2016

Welcome Back!

My name is Samantha Kosakowski and I am the Digital Learning Specialist at Spofford Pond Elementary School.  I enjoy learning and teaching in the digital age.  Spofford Pond is fortunate to have access to several types of technology, including laptops and tablets.  In addition, this year we are very excited to begin using Google for Education within our school community.  My goal is to help students and staff integrate the use of technology as a tool for enhancing knowledge and understanding across the curriculum.