MrSlusher

__**November 20th**__

Wow November went by really fast! With Hurricane Sandy and Thanksgiving break mixed in there it didn't seem like we got a chance to see each other much!

Anyway, we moved into the Middle Ages and the class created "Feudalism Video Diaries" in which they had to chronicle five days in the life of any role in the feudal system. These projects turned out good in general! Students are really starting to get a handle on iMovie and other apps as well.

At the end of the marking period I can honestly say that I have seen some good progress in this class. We still have a long way to go, but I really think that the iPads are speeding up the development of critical thinking skills needs in the digital age. Students are constantly multitasking, they're starting to get used to the freedom given to them, and they're starting to develop the necessary time-management skills for the 21st century. I think now that many of the technical and systematical issues are ironed out, we will be able to zoom through the next few marking periods and have a lot of fun!!

This is the explanation of the project: //Feudalism Video Diaries //

//Each of you are to pick a role in the Feudal System and research it in depth. After you feel like you’re an expert at your role, you are to create five video diaries of 30 seconds in length in the role that you are playing. Each video should use historically accurate descriptions about what you did that day. The goal is to try and show what daily life would’ve been like in your role! Feel free to dress up, use beards, costumes, etc. to be creative in this! Have fun! //

//Any questions, always feel free to ask me on iMessage, here, or email! //

//Due Monday 11/5! //

Here is the link for the rubric used for this project http://rubistar.4teachers.org/index.php?screen=PrintRubric&rubric_id=2248136&

__**October 30th**__

Recently gave the first quiz on Edmodo and the class did okay with it. Students also finished up with their Roman News Report Projects, which they had two weeks to do outside of class, and they turned out great! They had to give a news report of a major event in Roman history and some groups got very creative with it. After discussing with the students, they would like to choose their groups rather than have them assigned, which is understandable. All in all, I was really impressed with the creativity of the majority of students, but there were a few students that could have put more effort into the project.

Here is the link to the project expectations: https://www.dropbox.com/s/4ti6k2twrseuq9o/WHiPad_Roman%20News%20Report%20Project.docx

__**October 4th**__

Finished assessing the City-State project and the results were as expected, we need to work out some kinks. All groups decided to do a Keynote presentation, because that seems to be what they are comfortable with, and that is fine. We have had a few minor connection issues and a homework (and responsibility) issue that needed to be addressed. Students are coming along in troubleshooting their own problems with the iPads, but it seemed like some tried to use "technology" to try and skirt responsibility. Hopefully this doesn't happen again and we can get back to learning and using these devices to their fullest! The next project is coming up soon and I"m excited for it!

__**September 19**__

Today the class was introduced to their first iPad project for this class on the Greek City-States. Students were assigned city-states and have a choice to how they will present the information they learn to their classmates. The idea is to try and get the class familiar with multiple apps on the iPad that they will be using throughout the year.

We have been using Edmodo a lot in this class. All powerpoints and hw assignments have been posted on this Facebooklike app for education. The kids like it and I find it very user-friendly as well. I am going to have all of my classes start using Edmodo.



[|Edmodo]

September 3, 2012 Hey all! I can't tell you how excited (and honored) I am to be part of this iPad pilot in PMHS. I've always had an interest in technology and have made it a personal goal of mine to try and incorporate it into the classroom as much as possible. This is a great opportunity to do that. I've been bragging to all my teacher buddies from other districts that we get to use iPads here at PMHS. The opportunities with these are limitless and I can't wait to see where it takes us this year!!