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?