Podcasting…Again????

This post originally appeared on my non-educational blog here.

I am once again attempting to revive my podcasting habit, this time not just for my classes…but also general topics about the state of existence…but probably not as deep as it may sound.  My educational podcasts will still be hosted on Podbean, while my non-educational podcast will be hosted on Anchor.fm

The interest in podcasting has been there for many years, it has just been practiced in sporadic fashion, after several starts and stops, it is being attempted once again.  As with any effort that is hoped to catch on, a pattern must be practiced until it becomes a habit and part of a routine.  That is what I am hoping for…the journey will be updated both here and on my educational blog Mrsal.edublogs.org.

You can catch my Season 2: Episode 2 of Mr. Sal’s Podcast n’nhat here.

edcamp PGH, April 5, 2014

edcamp PGH, April 5, 2014

Notes from Saturday’s edcamp Pittsburgh.

  1. Amazing how different #edcamppgh from #edcampcbus. Same approach, both totally compelling, surprisingly distinct takeaways. #ohedchat
  2. To all my educator friends, here is a great write up about today’s #edcamppgh  http://www.mrharrold.com/ebl.html  By far the best PD experience yet!
  3. “Just because they are compliant doesn’t mean they are learning.” – @mr_harrold #edcamppgh
  4. Eating a left over sticky bun from #edcamppgh – wow Zeke’s Coffee is amazing!
  5. Thanks to all the attendees & especially to the organizers of #edcamppgh I just got back to Philadelphia, I had a wonderful day
  6. We all need to become advocates to incorporate technology into education – 9th grade former @ECSInnovator student #edcamppgh
  7. Look at this handsome group of math teachers lucky enough to go to #edcamppgh together: @lmhenry9 @JustinAion @JamiDanielle @reilly1041
  8. @Flipslegitz inspires #edcamppgh to create more engaging and connecting learning opportunities in order to get to thriving communities
  9. You can FEEL real learning. How much we forget as we grow up. How much we can learn from students like Phillipa. @LrningInstigatr #edcampPGH
  10. Being a Connected Educator at 11:00 with @lmhenry9 and yours truly! #edcamppgh
  11. We all need to become advocates to incorporate technology into education – 9th grade former @ECSInnovator student #edcamppgh
  12. CAPA Student now addressing #edcamppgh, what learning is and should be from student perspective. #edcamppgh
  13. “I know what learning feels like, its exciting. So when Im in an academic space & I dont feel it, its kinda weird.”#studentwisdom #edcamppgh
  14. “We are spending our time preparing for tests that test what we’re being taught. Is that learning?” 8th grader Phillipa Zeng #edcamppgh
  15. “We are spending our time preparing for tests that test what we’re being taught. Is that learning?” 8th grader Phillipa Zeng #edcamppgh
  16. “I know what learning feels like, its exciting. So when Im in an academic space & I dont feel it, its kinda weird.”#studentwisdom #edcamppgh
  17. We all need to become advocates to incorporate technology into education – 9th grade former @ECSInnovator student #edcamppgh
  18. 6-word memoir about my gift as a teacher. “I am a learner as well.” #edcamppgh
  19. Let’s harness the creative power of our youth to solve some of our greatest problems #edcamppgh @LrningInstigatr
  20. 6-word memoir: write a summary of your gift as a teacher. Go… @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  21. We should use abundance thinking not scarcity thinking #edcamppgh
  22. Students need to be a part of the conversation about justice. #edcamppgh
  23. Teachers should be collaborators – have best interest of the student in mind. via @LrningInstigatr #edcampPGH #edchat #gtchat
  24. The network is more powerful than the node. -From a slide from @LrningInstigatr #EdCampPGH
  25. Are we not a commonwealth? Love it! We should work towards the well being for all in the state, amen! #edcamppgh
  26. @LrningInstigatr “we are all connected, children need to do well no matter what school they go to.” #edcamppgh
  27. We need to have a healthy discourse about learning and education. @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  28. We need to shift back from debate – where there are winners & losers – to discourse – where we hear one another. @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  29. Via @ LrningInstigatr we need more intelligent discourse. #edcamppgh
  30. “Everything around us is created! Someone thought up everything around you, why can’t it be you?” – @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  31. We need to shift back from debate – where there are winners & losers – to discourse – where we hear one another. @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  32. “Everything around us is created! Someone thought up everything around you, why can’t it be you?” – @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  33. We need to have a healthy discourse about learning and education. @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  34. “I’m not here to raise consumers. I’m here to raise responsible citizens.” – @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  35. Learning as an ecosystem! Powerful thought! #edcamppgh
  36. Learning Institutions are rapidly becoming part of a larger ecosystem via @LrningInstigatr #edcampPGH #gtchat
  37. Create conditions in which people can fully evolve into themselves – @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  38. Good Morning from Los Angeles everyone. I’m following virtually and wish I were there with you #edcamppgh
  39. What if we create conditions where kids are sad that we have a snow day? @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  40. “What if we could create the conditions in which students are sad when school was closed?” –@LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  41. Think about learning as an ecosystem – where are we connected throughout our communities – @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  42. Let’s harness the creative power of our youth to solve some of our greatest problems #edcamppgh @LrningInstigatr
  43. So far 2 new confirmed @PAECT members joined this AM, many showing interest @swpaect #edcamppgh
  44. Nwpaect is represented too here at #edcampPGH we are talking collaboration for some summer social events and tech meetups @swpaect @PAECT
  45. How we learn is through movement and yet there is more and more seat time – @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  46. How can we create the cndtns to awaken a childs spirit to the point that they are bummed when a snow day comes? @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  47. Let’s harness the creative power of our youth to solve some of our greatest problems #edcamppgh @LrningInstigatr
  48. What if we create conditions where kids are sad that we have a snow day? @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  49. The keynote just said that Minecraft is awesome! My 8 year old is hooked with it! Fun! #edcamppgh
  50. Via @LrningInstigatr need new metaphors for learning. What is the overall purpose?Creating conditions where we can fully evolve #edcamppgh
  51. “What is the purpose of education? Eudaimonia…human flourishing” @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  52. Create conditions in which people can fully evolve into themselves – @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  53. “A lot of the tools that we’re supposed to access to, not allowed in spaces for learning.” @LrningInstigatr re: Youtube #edcamppgh
  54. “How many of you have the freedom to change your curriculum year to year.” 1/4 hands go up #edcamppgh
  55. Grades 1 -12 account for only 18.5% of our learning cycle in life. via @LrningInstigatr #edcampPGH #gtchat
  56. If you haven’t heard @LrningInstigatr speak about her views on learning vs. education, you are missing out. #edcamppgh
  57. “I love learning but over time, I’ve become anti-education.” @LrningInstigatr #edcamppgh
  58. “I love learning, but over time, I’ve become anti-education because it robs kids of the love of learning”. #edcamppgh
  59. @LrningInstigatr taking the floor to be disruptive for the sake of learning. Love her! Lets hear it for the troublemakers! #EdCampPGH
  60. Nwpaect is represented too here at #edcampPGH we are talking collaboration for some summer social events and tech meetups @swpaect @PAECT
  61. @edcampPGH please post some great pictures/comments today so I can what I am missing…#edcamppgh
  62. Can’t believe I am missing the day with my fellow @edcampPGH committee members…have a great one…save me a M shirt!!! #edcamppgh
  63. @edcampPGH I’m on my way, ready for an awesome day of learning and sharing #edcamppgh
  64. @TheEllisSchool is filling up quickly with eager educators excited to learn from each other at #edcamppgh
  65. RT @TeachToDream: Love my Twitter PLN. A MUST have! great way to grow your pedagogy & connect w others wanting2 grow! #edcamppgh #edcamppkb
  66. @Mr_Oldfield My PLN has made it so I’m not stuck with the same old ideas within my 4 walls but have the insight of Ts everywhere #edcamppgh
  67. It’s a beautiful day for some meaningful professional development!! #edcamppgh starts in 67 minutes!!
  68. @Mr_Oldfield Love my Twitter PLN. A MUST have! A great way to grow your pedagogy and connect with others wanting to grow! #edcamppgh
  69. Can u guys help me share w/ #edcamppkb the power of building a PLN through Twitter?! Share ur thots please. Use our hashtag. #edcamppgh
  70. @mpelochino tomorrow at #edcamppgh I’m going to get feedback on which #2minPD to create next! Hope to make 1 per week.
  71. @ksivick I’m from the Philly Suburbs! We should bond tomorrow at #edCampPGH! Thank you so much for coming out for it!!
  72. Come to #edcampPGH and taste the fabulousness of @MetzCulinary for lunch, awesome chats w Ts & screening of @IfYouBuildItDoc movie!
  73. Classroom flexibility needed with gamification, student must work on something in room, but they pick what to do. #edcamppgh
  74. @Learn21Tech Thank you! Ellis School is fantastic, had a great day at #edcamppgh sorry we had to leave early.
  75. @EduCait_Tech @Dsalvucci Thank you for sharing. Learning a lot here virtually from Cali!
  76. Classroom flexibility needed with gamification, student must work on something in room, but they pick what to do. #edcamppgh
  77. Classroom flexibility needed with gamification, student must work on something in room, but they pick what to do. #edcamppgh
  78. @Dsalvucci This is why I love SBG! Rewards kids for what they’ve shown, no punishment for failure. encouragment to try again. #edcamppgh
  79. CAPA Student now addressing #edcamppgh, what learning is and should be from student perspective. #edcamppgh
  80. @LrningInstigatr my summary is: learning, collaborating, facilitating, modeling, motivating, connecting, #edcamppgh
  81. Heading to @edcampPGH tomorrow at the Ellis School, stop by the @swpaect table if you are there.

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#edtechchat March 24, 2014

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My PETE & C Story

My PETE & C Story

My Notes from PETE & C 2014

  1. @LexieKon Thank you for the resources! Will use  http://storify.com  to collect the notes from today’s #pete2014
  2. Sweet! You can build and display badges in a WordPress plugin! Nice deal! #pete2014
  3. Decisions is a GREAT FREE app to get kids to learn how to make decisions. Check it out. #Pete2014
  4.  http://Collaborizeclassroom.com  can make a discussion board for your class if you can’t use Google+. Create after class conversations #pete2014
  5. Home from #pete2014, great to see my long time PLN face to face again, meet new friends, and finally meet some long time PLN for first time.
  6. @shareski it was my pleasure, keep spreading the word and reminding us we we chose this profession. #pete2014
  7. It was great seeing many of my PLN face to face again at #pete2014
  8. “I am not anti-assessment, I am anti-simple.” Discuss and do more. @shareski #pete2014
  9. “Why School” by Will Richardson is a must read, ebook format @shareski #pete2014
  10. The purpose of school is not to graduate kids, it is to get them to love learning for life. @shareski #pete2014
  11. Start class w/”This is what I learned yesterday, or today.” @shareski #pete2014
  12. Students self assess work before they submit it, they own it. #pete2014
  13. 2 critical ?’s for students: What did you learn from others? What did you contribute to others? @shareski #pete2014
  14. We need to bring back the concept of community to the classroom. @shareski #pete2014
  15. Exit ticket for class, students must ask a question before they leave. @shareski #pete2014
  16. Excellent read “The Book of Learning and Forgetting” @shareski #pete2014
  17. Introduce kids to new concepts they would not normally think about. @shareski #pete2014
  18. Photo a day blog, forces you to look for things you haven’t seen before, break the routine. @shareski #pete2014
  19. @shareski Great Keynote, thank you for pushing for USEFUL change and positive energy. #pete2014
  20. Showing gratitude is key, we need to get better at this. @shareski #pete2014
  21. We need to share the joyful moments that occur in your classroom or school. @shareski #pete2014
  22. Instead of sending a weekly newsletter how about doing weekly updates with students and videotape it! #Pete2014
  23. “…learning should be visible” thanks @shareski Inspiring keynote this morning.
    #pete2014
  24. There are tons of great resources out there, but nothing beats personalization for your students. @shareski #pete2014
  25. Not Sage on the Stage or Guide on the Side, but Meddler in the Middle. @shareski #pete2014
  26. Show how you learn, even if it isn’t about your class or curriculum, learning is important . #pete2014
  27. Students should be able to answer, “How does your teacher learn?” If not, you have a problem. @shareski #pete2014
  28. Will your students like or hate that you missed three days to attend #pete2014 do they think you’re unique?
  29. What do you do to make kids WANT to come to your school? @shareski #pete2014
  30. One of the best things you can do for your students is to be an interesting person. @shareski #pete2014
  31. “You don’t get to be bored, because of all the awesomeness around you.” #pete2014
  32. Half of your happiness comes from genetics 10% from circumstance so we control 40% #pete2014
  33. When I grow up I want to be happy @shareski #PETE2014 How to inspire life long learning and make it joyful.
  34. We feed kids in school b/c they weren’t getting food elsewhere, why can’t we provide them joy too?’ @shareski #pete2014
  35. @shareski “we need to have students reach a high level of engagement. Don’t settle for kids just paying attention for a grade.” #pete2014
  36. @shareski, the def. of positive school environment is good, but how do we achieve that? Do we achieve that? #pete2014
  37. School needs to be fun again, do joyful things just for the sake of fun. Kids will appreciate school again. #pete2014
  38. #pete2014 @shareski Stop the old mindset……if it doesn’t raise the test scores then we can’t do it. Shift to increasing JOY and learning!
  39. Enjoying #pete2014 and the keynote going on right now by Dean Shareski! The question of joy!
  40. “Rigor- condition that makes life difficult. A tremor that causes a chill. Why is this used to describe education?” #pete2014
  41. “We need math to build cool stuff.” better way to explain to kids why we need these skills. @shareski #pete2014
  42. “We need to explain why learning is important, in a better way to the kids.” @shareski #pete2014
  43. @shareski “Why do we take the joy out of learning for the kids?” #pete2014
  44. @shareski “when you think back about your students you do not remember them by their test scores.” #pete2014
  45. RT @rjbaxter: Dean Shareski “it’s always awesome to rank and put numbers on kids… Probably not.”#Pete2014
  46. Archived Virtual PETE & C video session are now up on site #pete2014
  47. Come to Cocoa Suite 5 at 9:30 to hear about our district technology standards, iPad pilot and library redesign! #Pete2014
  48. Looking around room awaiting @shareski ‘s Keynote for Day 2 of #pete2014, my PLN is everywhere!
  49. @jgates513 I am sure your preso will still rock. You are tops at what you do!
  50. We HUGELY under-estimate: 1.The capabilities our young people. 2.The capabilities of our technology. 3.What an education could & should be.
  51. Bubble Pop Multiplication – An Exercise in Multiplication Practice  http://wp.me/p2XL8j-uU 
  52. Still looking for the session rescheduled from yesterday – Poetry and Peer Teaching with FaceTime. Anyone know? #Pete2014
  53. Most creativity dies quietly but some rebels. We send these kids to detention.
  54. Three Powerful Google Drive tools for Teachers. Kaizena voice comments are amazing, feedback students need.  http://zite.to/1ltkvio 
  55. Day one of #pete2014 down, looking forward to @PAECT dinner this evening.
  56. @bslope has students creating extra apps just for fun, not for a grade. #pete2014
  57. @bslope draws kids in to class w/concept of gaming, students learn to focus on problem solving & creation #pete2014
  58. @jbrinson21 Your students rocked their preso, so glad they were chosen. Students need platform to voice their successes. #pete2014
  59. One more set of 10 more app creation tools:  http://tinyurl.com/q3op9wt 
    #pete2014 @SrtaLisa glad to return the educational favor; web 2.0 dues
  60. 21st Century Skill tie in. Collaboration and teamwork to CREATE something new. Can be across curriculum if you choose. #pete2014
  61. Corona SDK, code once and deploy to multiple devices, run simulator #pete2014
  62. @theboobot + QR codes = library book review challenge. @amackley, for book speed dating activity? #pete2014 #edtechchat
  63. Free until you go to market, Unity 3D app maker, more intense creator  http://unity3d.com/  #pete2014
  64. Stencyl has many starter packs built in. Kids take basic info and build on it. #pete2014
  65. Students now creating apps for mobile devices, many outside of school systems. We need to change this. #pete2014
  66. Why programming matters, views from those who do and make a difference. #pete2014
  67. @jbrinson21 Give kids topic idea, they blog and comment on at least 2 other posts. Students enjoy exercise, lose stress. #pete2014
  68. @jbrinson21 have kids blog about one thing awesome every week, no rubric, just let them write and reflect. #pete2014
  69. Sometimes you do not reach all of your goals, but you grow from your failures, not everyone is perfect. CBL lesson #pete2014 @jbrinson21
  70. CBL allows students to put skills learned earlier in school to use in real world situations. Ties it all together. #pete2014 @jbrinson21
  71. Tweet & RT for a chance to win a FREE seat in online course Collaboration in Digital Classroom  http://cliu.org/Page/631  #iu21intel #pete2014
  72. CBL allows students to self-reflect and realize learning is “more than a grade.” #pete2014 @jbrinson21
  73. We should never be afraid to let the kids questions guide where we go next as teachers @peteandc #pete2014
  74. CBL has students work with professionals in the community, they learn what is needed to be successful in real world, #pete2014 @jbrinson21
  75. Students learn to adapt learning while working through CBL, sounds a lot like learning life in a real world setting. #pete2014 @jbrinson21
  76. CBL creates a “collaborative support system” between students. #pete2014 @jbrinson21
  77. CBL helps make students aware of their community and its needs. Pushes positivity. #pete2014 @jbrinson21
  78. CBL, students must make sure goals are achievable, it is part of the learning process. @jbrinson21 #pete2014
  79. CBL students explaining their projects and WHY they chose them in Empire A, #pete2014 @jbrinson21
  80. @kditzler currently presenting on the use of IPADs in the classroom. Watch online or view from the overflow room in Tower. #pete2014
  81. Challenge Based Learning: Overarching concept:
    “How do you move your world forward?” #pete2014 @jbrinson21
  82. Challenge Based Learning Essential Questions are student driven, solution is student planned. #pete2014
  83. Challenge Based Learning about changing your world and moving it forward. #pete2014
  84. @anderson28: @alytapp Select all text (in any program) – Go to services – Add to itunes as a spoken track.” Useful! #pete2014
  85. Design flyers to spread the word online | Smore  http://bit.ly/15NZg0a  Another great resource to Make It Stick! #pete2014
  86. Empire A, Challenge Based Learning, @jbrinson21 students presenting this session. #pete2014
  87. FAP, fixed action patterns, embedded learning codes in us. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  88. Ion Allstar iPad Guitar $35 on Amazon. The resources keep flowing @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  89. Voiceband, app to turn voice into an instrument. Available on iOS and Android platform. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  90. Effective Tech Ideas? Come & Get ‘Em!
    Presenter: Traci Blazosky website:  http://ktitraci.weebly.com  #pete&c #pete2014
  91. My 4th graders wrote, published, and sold a Lulu book & donated over $600 to Haiti relief @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014 The power of an idea.
  92.  https://www.ponoko.com/  allows you to create and outsource 3D printing, don’t rely on single printer. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  93. Create an afterschool club to get things started, it does not need to be called curriculum. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  94. @kevinhoneycutt giving verbal list of must read books for educational ideas. Need to find list on website. #pete2014
  95. @kevinhoneycutt connect with him via FB, he will Skype in to talk w/staff and admin. #pete2014
  96. #pete2014 the problem with a hashtag trending is all the bloody spam. Ugh.
  97. Keynote at #pete2014 was excellent! Kevin Honeycutt was truly great, what a tremendous message for all of us!
  98. Don’t just use Sketchup in art. Have students create a scene from a poem or history or your own house #pete2014
  99. Stop teaching technology and teach with technology. #pete2014
  100. @mrmartella Google Sketch up has 3D models for science already made up.
  101. Teaching 3 dimensional concepts on a 2 dimensional surface is counter-intuitive. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  102. @tlandrydtsd: I don’t have to know how to use it to allow it. Become a tradigital teacher. @kevinhoneycutt #PETE2014#twtduq
  103. Stop teaching technology and start teaching with technology. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  104. How thick is the Photoshop manual? How can God get his word to his people in fewer words than Adobe? @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  105. Start a revolution with me. Break into every classroom and burn every file cabinet. #pete2014
  106. “We are dying of humble, we need to tell our stories” @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  107. Accept all kids…. You may make a difference in someone’s life! @kevinhoneycutt #PETE2014
  108. Don’t buy the veneer. Scary kids are hiding something. #pete2014
  109. “Don’t wait until you’re good, just do it. Do it now, or you’ll never start.” #pete2014
  110. Flip your classroom….archive the lecture and do something meaningful in class! #pete2014
  111. I didn’t know “No Child Left Behind” meant “No Child Left Untested.” @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  112. He ran into a passionate history teacher and is becoming a history teacher. I hope I can emulate that. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  113. Dragon dictation is free, let kids use it to “type” work. #pete2014
  114. I sat in empty front seat they weren’t smart they were following the code, next right answer is next dark black word in book LOL #pete2014
  115. Use Skype and Google Hangouts to bring in FREE experts to talk w/students. Use IWB as a window,not a posterboard. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  116. every kid deserves a front row seat…every where I’m standing is the front row #pete2014 @kevinhoneycutt
  117. Invite parents to view student Google Docs when they research. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  118. Kids want to change the world, we need to let them. #pete2014
  119. Invite kids to help us, makes kids learn without realizing it. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  120. Having a secret online life breeds sociopaths and politicians. #pete2014
  121. Your digital legacy is everything everyone can google about you forever @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  122. “Digital Legacy” tweets and likes are forever, think before you click. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  123. Never drop to others’ level, stay above the fray and meanness. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  124. You have to meet kids where they are. KevinHoneycutt #pete2014
  125. Kids are connected, so we need to connect and constantly learn too. @kevinhoneycutt #pete2014
  126. It’s a big day for the 60in60® franchise: App Attack, session B01; Top 100 web & app tools, session C01. Both in Trinidad. #pete2014 #60in60
  127. The @PAECT booth is across from the registration desk. Check to make sure your membership is up to date. Receive a gift, too! #pete2014
  128. Hybrid learning key component of Sec of Ed opening remarks at #pete2014 To learn more consider attending a Hybrid Learning session today
  129. @meichel: My techie friends, I need a ride to Days Inn after Tuesday dinner. Can anyone help out? #pete14 #pete2014
  130. Challenge Based Learning — get the students’ perspective! Mon. 2:30 Empire A. How do you move your world forward? #pete2014 #pete14
  131. How many former CFF Coaches are in the house? Keep on representing!! #pete2014
  132. #pete2014 Gamification and Flipped Instruction moved to Tuesday 10:45 Cocoa. Come Play!  http://youtu.be/LrAWby8Ecyc 
  133. Just checked in and heading to lodge soon. Looking forward to #petec2014

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Voki and Wix

Today a learning opportunity arose with a student who was working towards completing a project for my Honors Civics class. The student had embedded a Voki into his Wix website. The Voki was showing on the page, but no audio would play.

Several quick tests eliminated browser compatibility issues, java and/or flash issues, and web filter issues. Other students who were in my room from their study hall soon joined in. We experimented a bit, re-recording another Voki, checking the audio in the original, we even looked at the html code, though neither of us know code. None of the experiments turned up a solution, although I noticed that the Voki was being cut off at the bottom on the webpage. Wix does state that html is in beta and not fully supported, but I did not believe that was an issue.

One last trial turned out to be the solution and it was so easy, even an old teacher like myself could do it. We simply clicked on the html widget box,on the edit view of the Wix page, and dragged a corner of the box to resize the widget. We republished the site and found that Voki now had the “Play” button partially showing on the webpage. The student repeated the process and realigned the widget on the page. There were several more alterations needed on the site, but the lesson worked across the pages.

It was nice to see an easy fix to a unique situation. All students involved learned more than just a quick fix to a simple issue. They learned to not stress when things go wrong and sometimes it takes more than one try to fix a problem; even for someone who seems to usually know what he doing with classroom technology.

 

What I Learned Today: iPod Restrictions

Okay, I finally played around with restrictions on my class set of iPods.  I am not a big fan of censorship, and banning things, I prefer to have things open and teach appropriate behavior/use of tools.  Afterall, the world outside of school does not have filters, students need to learn how to self regulate.

Anyway, as I updated the iPod cart I began looking into the restrictions on the devices.  You can limit content and what can be adjusted on the iPods and lock in those restrictions with a four digit code.  I set two iPods up with restrictions to see what would happen.  You can restrict the following items; Safari, YouTube, iTunes, Installing Apps, Deleting Apps, Locations, Accounts, In-App Purchases, ratings for multimedia and apps, and game center settings.

I locked down the two iPods restricting everything but Safari and YouTube, since we have a firewall and filtering system here in school which would control what can be accessed from those apps.  The restrictions were not worth the effort, they not only blocked others from working with the iPods, but they blocked me.  I could no longer use the cart to update apps and information, I had to go into the iPods individually and unlock the passcodes to make adjustments.  The process was going to be too cumbersome.  I need to be able to make adjustments to apps and such from the cart.

By limiting the “accounts” my students would not be able to log into school email using the email app on the device.  I also have the students using Evernote and Google Apps, they would be locked out of adjusting those accounts with the restrictions on.  I took the restrictions off for those items also.

It was a nice, short experiment that proved to me to keep restrictions to a minimum.  I did lock down the Game Center, and restricted media to PG-14.  This was mostly for superficial reasons, the students cannot access the Game Center because they do not have my iTunes password.  The students are also limited to what they can actually download to the devices and I have made a habit of not putting explicit material on them either.

Overall, for the time it takes to adjust the iPods it does not make much sense to put the restrictions in place for a high school setting.  Unless you have a lot of free time with nothing better to do…