Virtual Reality

Spofford Students Travel the World with Google Expeditions

 Thanks to a grant fulfilled by the PTO's Teacher Wishes program, several classrooms had a unique technological experience with virtual reality goggles. 

Using our new Google Expeditions kits, students are able to break through the four walls of the classroom and visit places like the San Diego Zoo in California and Moscow, Russia.  Sixth grade students got to tour the home of a Syrian refugee family as they adjust to their life in Lebanon.  And that is just the beginning.  Currently there are over 600 expeditions available for viewing, complete with guided scripts.  Several expeditions come with lesson plans as well.

Through the use of the virtual reality goggles and the read-aloud guided tour from Google Expeditions, teachers are able to supplement what is being taught in the classroom.  Virtual reality goggles immerse students in an interactive, three dimensional learning environment that makes you feel like you're really there.

I guarantee this kit will be well used by classrooms all around Spofford Pond!

Technology Essential Questions:

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

Why is exploration an important part of learning?
How can a virtual reality experience motivate students and inspire active participation?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
6-8.CAS.c.1; 6-8.DTC.a.1-2; 6-8.DTC.b.2; 6-8.CT.e.3

Grade 3 Winter Poems

Mrs. Cronin's Class Chills in Front of the Green Screen with Winter Poems

Mrs. Cronin's third grade class used the space to perform their Winter poems.  Actors arrived in costume with their lines perfectly prepared, their set design chosen and

snowflakes flying.

Check out a few of their frosty poetry readings!

Technology Essential Questions:

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

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

Why are exploration and creation an important part of learning?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b.1

Google Drawing

Six-Word Memoirs

(as written by book characters)

Recently, students in Mrs. Valzania's 6th grade classroom put their Google Drawing skills to work to create six-word memoir titles.  In just six words, students were asked to come up with a title for a memoir that might be written by one of the characters from the novels their literature circles just read.  Additionally, students had to include a image symbolic to the story or character.

Using Google Drawing, students inserted and modified word art and clipart, changed backgrounds, arranged objects on the page and grouped items appropriately.

Check out their finished projects:

By A.H.

By C.D.

By L.C.

By R.O.

Technology Essential Questions:

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?

How can this digital tool help us create a project that sparks curiosity?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
6-8.DTC.a.1-3; 6-8.DTC.b.1

Trying New Technologies

This week teachers and students throughout the building have been trying Kahoot!.  It was great seeing teachers attempt something new, find success and then brainstorm different ways the technology can be integrated into the classroom and the curriculum.

Staff were introduced to Kahoot!, an online game-based learning platform, during a staff meeting.

We used Kahoot for a Spofford Pond staff technology challenge, testing everyone's knowledge of tech trivia and top technology practices.

Grade 4, in it to win it!

Then, throughout the week Kahoot! could be seen in action in classrooms.

Ms. Davis took Kahoot! to her classroom, challenging students to some brainteasers just before lunch.  The next step for this technology tool will be integration into the curriculum.  Kahoot is great for discovering what students already know or reviewing and retrieving information they have learned.

Grade 4 Kahooting

Technology Essential Questions:

How can this digital tool supplement what is being taught?

How can this digital tool help students use the retrieval practice learning strategy?

Celebrating Computer Science Education Week

Hour of Code 2017

In celebration of Computer Science Education Week (December 4-10, 2017) all classes at Spofford Pond Elementary School participated in an Hour of Code.  Hour of Code is a worldwide phenomenon that reaches tens of millions of students in almost 200 countries. Spofford Pond’s school wide coding event is just one of thousands that takes place during this week around the globe.

Spofford Pond teachers and students spent one hour trying various coding activities from the Hour of Code website and with iPad apps like Lightbot and Lightbot, Jr.  Teachers and students learned computer science skills, math skills, problem-solving and perseverance in each coding activity. They worked collaboratively and creatively to solve the puzzles and move through the programming lessons.

It was an exciting week of amazing discoveries, fun creations and confidence building exercises.

SPS Padlet of student feedback about the event:

See media coverage:  Tri Town Transcript - Boxford Wicked Local

Technology Essential Questions:
What are the fundamentals of computer programming?
How are algorithms used in coding?
How can you use computer programming to complete a task?
How is computer programming useful in real life?
How might you use computer programming in your future career?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CT.b; 3-5.CT.d; 6-8.CT.b; 6-8.CT.d

Teacher Workshop

Hyperdocs Tech Talk with Boxford Teachers

One of the many perks of my job is getting to work with classroom teachers on new ways to integrate technology into their classroom and their curriculum.  At a recent after school Tech Talk, I introduced Hyperdocs to classroom teachers.

We discussed how hyperdocs can transform lessons with a zap of technology, creativity and new ideas.  (For additional information regarding hyperdocs, read this article.).  We learned about hyperdocs and how to design, create, adapt and share them.

We also spent time brainstorming and creating the beginning stage of our very own hyperdocs.  Needless to say we got a lot done in a short amount of time.

So happy to work with a terrific group of lifelong learners and innovative teachers!

Technology Essential Questions:

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

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

How can a hyperdoc encourage student-centered learning?

Why are exploration and creation an important part of learning?

Thanksgiving Fun

Students at Spofford have had opportunities to use our technology for some fun Thanksgiving activities this week.

Students received a Google Slides assignment through Google Classroom where they watched a video reading of Turkey Trouble by Wendi Slivano.  Next, they used Google Slides to disguise a turkey and write their own story.

Here they are in action:

Click here to watch and hear the story.

Here is a sample from a student's slide presentation:

Students in Mrs. Cronin's class collaborated on illustrating and recording the poem "The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven" by Jack Prelutsky.  They combined their Explain Everything projects into iMovie to create the following:

Technology Essential Questions:

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

How can we use this software to address the different needs, learning styles,

interests and abilities of students?

Are there technological solutions or enhancements to supplement what is being taught?

Why are exploration and creation an important part of learning?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b

Technology Integration

Hyperdocs and Grade 4:  The Beginning of a Beautiful Friendship

This week students in Ms. Davis' 4th grade class had their first lesson in using a Hyperdoc to complete various activities for their monthly reading selection.  Ms. Davis was excited to transform her lesson with technology and the students were excited and engaged when completing the tasks.  I can tell there will be more Hyperdocs in their future!

What is a Hyperdoc?

 A hyperdoc is a Google Doc or Slides with interactive links that connect to classroom content, expand material, and inspire students to create, collaborate and communicate.  They are engaging multimedia lessons that allow students to build background knowledge, explore subjects, flip their learning, use collaborative online tools or create independent digital projects.

(resource:  Hyperdocs)

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?

How can we use this software to address the different needs, learning styles, interests and abilities of students?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.CAS.b.1-3; 3-5.DTC.a; 3-5.DTC.b

Third Grade Movie Makers

Fun in the Green Screen Studio

The Spofford Pond School Green Screen studio has seen a lot of action recently.

First, Mrs. Cronin's third grade class used the space to perform their Halloween poems.  Actors arrived in costume with their lines perfectly prepared, their set design chosen and

their masks decorated.

Check out a few of their spooky poetry readings!

Then, Mrs. Holt's third grade class used the space to demonstrate their yoga skills.  Yogis took the stage to create a wonderful video of the mindful exercises they practice in their classroom.

Check out a few of their peaceful stretches!

Technology Essential Questions:

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

Why is creation an important part of learning?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework

3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b.1

DIY Den In Action

Grade 3:  Making Science Models in the DIY Den

Students in Mrs. Holt's grade three class put their model building skills to work last week in the Spofford Pond DIY Den.

Students were challenged to build two models using items found in the DIY Den that each represented a type of motion.  Models demonstrated back and forth, zig zag, straight and circular motion.

Motion Models in Action:

Essential Questions:

Why are exploration and creation an important part of learning?

How can a makerspace change our learning experience?

Differentiation with Technology

Fluency Tutor for Google

In two after school workshops, Spofford Pond teachers learned how to use the app and extension, Fluency Tutor for Google.

"Fluency Tutor helps students of all ages and ability levels become avid, engaged and confident readers.  What's more, it gives educators a clear picture of every child's reading attainment and progress over time." (Texthelp, Fluency Tutor).

Participants took their new skills to the classroom, introducing Fluency Tutor to students, assigning reading passages and even assigning FT work through Google Classroom.  Apps and extensions such as these can help teachers differentiate as needed and can help students build confidence

across subject matter.

Technology Essential Questions:

How can we use this software to address the different learning styles, needs,

interests and abilities of students?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CS.d

Digital Citizenship Week

Common Sense Media
and
Spofford Pond Students
Celebrate
Digital Citizenship Week
October 16 - 20, 2017


Students in several classes spent some time celebrating good digital citizenship this week.  We looked at several resources from the Common Sense Media website and learned some best practices for being safe online.  Students even signed a pledge to behave responsibly and safely online!

Technology Essential Question:

What can students do to keep themselves safe when working online?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.CAS.a.5; 3-5.CAS.b.2; 3-5.CAS.b.3; 3-5.CAS.b.5

Grade 6 Gone Global

Flat Connections

Students in Mrs. Valzania's grade 6 homeroom are participating in Flat Connections.  Flat Connections is a collaborative project for students.  Mrs. Valzania's students have joined the "A Week in the Life Project".  This project is available for students grade 3 - 6 around the world.  The objective of the project is for students to "connect, communicate, explore global topics and issues and share ideas and solutions through co-created digital artifacts." (flatconnections.com).

This week, Spofford students joined their Edmodo study groups and create digital handshakes using Flipgrid to introduce themselves and to meet their global classmates.  Students also learned about being good digital citizens, digital footprints and their digital legacy.

Participating schools, including Spofford Pond, are:  Yeh Wah School, China; Singapore American School, Singapore and Parkland District School, Pennsylvania, USA.  That's a total of over

150 students!  I am fortunate to be a co-teacher with Mrs. Valzania on this project as well.

Here are a few pictures of our sixth graders working on their Digital Handshakes:

Using Flipgrid to create a digital handshake with students around the world

Technology Essential Questions:

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

What is your digital legacy?

What does it mean to be a global citizen?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework
6-8.CAS.a.4; 6-8.DTC.a.2; 6-8.DTC.b.2; 6-8.DTC.b.3

Going Google

Going Google in Grade 3 Grade 3 students at Spofford Pond School are beginning to learn how to login and use their school Google accounts.  In conjunction with the classroom teacher, the library media specialist and myself we have begun to teach the basics of Google, cloud computing, and keyboarding/track pad skills.  Students are also being introduced to the concepts of good digital citizenship.

Grade 3 Exploring Google Cloud Computing

Super Digital Citizen Video from Common Sense Media

Technology Essential Question:

What can students do to keep themselves safe when working online?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework 3-5.CAS.a.1, 3-5.CAS.a.3, 3-5.CAS.a.4, 3-5.CAS.b.1

Thank You!

Dear Spofford Pond School Community,

I received the most thoughtful notes from Ms. Malo's class thanking me for helping with technology during the school year.  After reading each note, it occurred to me that perhaps students do not realize how I much I enjoy collaborating with them and their teachers.
Thank you all for another successful and fulfilling year! It is my pleasure to work with you all.
Enjoy your summer!

Polar VorTechs

DIY Den Investigation Recently, the Polar VorTechs video crew caught up with students at lunch and recess to ask about Spofford's D.I.Y. Den (makerspace).  Specifically, they asked students what they thought could be done to soundproof the room and make it easier for groups to converse and work in the space. Some students submitted work plans:

Others agreed to discuss their ideas in a live interview:

Additional Pictures:

Technology Essential Questions:

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

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

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:
6-8.CAS.b.1; 6-8.CAS.c.4; 6-8.DTC.a.1 - 4; 6-8.DTC.b.1

Grade 4 Green Screen Digital Postcards

Grade 4 State Fair Students in grade 4 held a class-wide State Fair on Friday, June 2.  Each student researched and presented information on one of the fifty U.S. States (and Puerto Rico!). Students also created and sent a digital postcard from their virtual visit to their state. Check it out!

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?

2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework:

3-5.DTC.a.3; 3-5.DTC.b

Specialists' Night 2017

Specialists' Night 2017
Thank you to all members of the Spofford Pond Community who came out to Specialists' Night last Tuesday, May 23rd.  We had a great turnout!  It is wonderful to be able to share student projects with you and show off their hard work!
In the DIY Den attendees saw projects created with Explain Everything, Book Creator and Drawing Pad.  They also got to see how the Green Screen studio and app works.

Middle East Peace Summit Simulation

Ms. Valzania's Grade 6 Social Studies Classes Middle East Studies As a culminating project at the end of their studies of the Middle East, students in Ms. Valzania's social studies sections participated in a Middle East Peace Summit simulation. Students broke into four groups, each representing an Israeli or Palestinian party, and were tasked with coming up with a plan to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine. Students presented their plans, complete with Google Slides presentations, to the other parties.  Groups then voted on which proposal they believed would bring lasting peace to the Middle East.
These simulations took place in our green screen studio.  We videoed (in one take!) the event and edited the tape to create the "televised" portion of the summit.

Final Productions: Ms. Valzania's Class:

The final productions for other sections can be seen by following these links: Ms. Magee's Class Ms. Sierpina's Class

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?
2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework 6-8.DTC.b.1; 6-8.DTC.a.4; 6-8.DTC.c.4; 6-8.CT.e

Congratulations!

Congratulations to members of the Polar VorTechs Student Help Desk.
Certificates of Completion were distributed on Monday, May 15, 2017.

Great job!

Hanging Out & Hi-Def Tutorials

Ms. Boyle's Grade 6 & Ms. Estella's Grade 2 present... Hanging Out & Hi-Def Tutorials

Google Hangout with Grades 2 & 6, Explain Everything

6th Graders used the app Explain Everything to create video tutorials of the life cycle of a chick.  Tutorials were shared with their 2nd grade buddies. Enjoy these samples!

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?
2016 Massachusetts Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Curriculum Framework: 6-8.DTC.a.3; 6-8.DTC.a.4; 6-8.DTC.b.1; 6-8.DTC.b.2