Summary of Conference

How do I summarize such a massive learning experience. I do not think I can summarize all I learned in one blog, or one short session. It will be summarized over a sessions of short entries. Starting with this one today. This summary is collaborative with Mr. Savage, my partner in learning. We would like share our knowledge with anyone who cares to learn about technology with us.

A technology conference. Yes, we learned about technology some old technology we had seen before, but used in new ways, and some new technology we have not experienced before. But the biggest concept we learned is that we are teaching in the digital age and we need to utilize technology to engage students. Utilizing technology does not mean creating our worksheets on a Word document and printing it off. Utilizing technology is about using the tools, Web 2.0 tools, to give students a creative outlet to demonstrate learning. This does not mean teaching students to use powerpoint and nothing else like we did ten years ago, but for an assignment to be for students to present their knowledge of a concept. Students can then demonstrate their knowledge in any form, whether that be powerpoint, video, paper, prezi, or other tools, the goal is that students can show in some form mastery of the concept. The goal is to create life long learners in our students. We want students to become excited about learning and about demonstrating their knowledge. We want students to become creative and innovative thinkers.

Different Google Tools:
Google file type: This allows the searcher to search for specific types of documents: examples of file types include powerpoint(ppt), pdf, and word documents(doc)
I want to find a powerpoint about frogs. I would input frog filetype:ppt
Google Voice Search: This allows the searcher to search by speaking to the search engine and the search engine input the voice as text.
Google image search: This allows the searcher to search by dragging an image into the search engine and the search engine will look for anything related to that image.
Google converter: This allows the searcher to convert measurements inside the search engine with an instant answer.

Alternative Search Engines:
Wolfram Alpha: (http://www.wolframalpha.com/) This search engine allows you search the world's facts and data and calculates answers across a range of topics. It is great for science, history, and mathematical searches.
Qwiki: (www.qwiki.com/ ) This search engine creates interactive, on-the-fly, multimedia presentations of information. 


Classroom Improvement Tools
Classroom Counters:(http://www.online-stopwatch.com/ ) This tool allows the user to select different forms of interesting time keeping and use it as a visual in the classroom. Great choice for stopwatch or a countdown.

Random Name Generator: (http://classtools.net/education-games-php/fruit_machine ) This tool allows you to random pick students in your class for activities.