Technology PLC

Today we had our first meeting of the Technology Professional Learning Committee. We discussed where we want to head with the group.  After setting goals, we started looking at certain programs/apps that could be used either on the iPad or computers or preferably both.   We looked at Schoology as two of us are already using that, Edmodo which also offers a use with the subtext app and Exit ticket.  I downloaded a 4 week lesson plan so the group of us can learn to use the program and evaluate its use.  I showed the information to the head of the best practices group and the facilitator is rather interested in it.
The two who are currently using Schoology are quite happy with it but both are still learning to use it.  Each program is going to take a while to fully understand and figure out the best way to use so we are using best practices.  I think we are going to explore a new program each time we visit so we can evaluate its potential.  So far, it looks like these three are going to work well in my Math classroom.

Last post till Dec 2nd

With the thanksgiving weekend starting tomorrow, I am not going to post till December 2.  I showed the kindergarten how to create a QR code so she could create a QR code with the url for www.ixl.com which has some great math material for pre-k and kindergarten.  She said the kids loved playing with the QR scan program but after a few times of doing this, they will start doing more of the math work.  She likes the site because the answers have sound since her kids cannot read the written material and the sound provides a verbal.
I also spoke with another teacher on ways she can have kids annotate a pdf file and be able to save the work in a safe location as we can neither use dropbox nor google docs.  I know she uses Edmodo so I worked out ways she can use that. 
On the other hand, I am working out ways to have my students take quizzes in a way so they can fill in a blank with the actual answer so I can do something other than multiple choice on the computer.  Since our state is going to be giving computer based tests starting in the spring, I need to get students used to taking tests that way, otherwise they may not do as well as they could.

Nearpod, Schoology, Edmodo and Subtext

I am working with the tech dept to get these four programs up and running and integrated as we think these together will give us all we need.  Currently, we are still working on getting Nearpod working in the classroom so that I can use it more often.  The next project is Edmodo because I can set up groups for my students, assign work, have then turn it back in and I can assign work using Subtext.  I worked with Subtext some this summer.  I discovered I can take material off the web or send myself a PDF, add activities, notes, etc so reading materials becomes more interactive.  This is important as many of my students are classified as ELL (ESL) and they do not like reading.  I can link the reading to a video, a picture, or a quiz that I can administer to find out how well they understand the material.
I've never actually used Schoology but I'm told it can help me manage my classroom iPads better.  It was recommended by the tech dept based on one of the teachers in the elementary school who is using it.  The tech guy already downloaded it onto the sink station so now I have to figure out how to use it.  Update:  I found a couple of places online that are comparing Schoology to Edmodo and this will help me determine if they offer the same things or if I need both.
 My timeline is get Nearpod working, edmodo  and subtext, and check out schoology in there to see how to implement it.
On the other hand, if this all helps me have a more paperless classroom, I am all for it.  While writing this, I realized I could stick a T/F quiz in before students read a new section as an anticipation set and then have them find the information to prove or disprove statements which are projected on the Smartboard.  If anyone has experience with Schoology, please post a comment so I can hear from people who are using it.