Device Introduction and Lesson Organization

I have a large classroom with lab tables in the back, so I have enough room for my devices and enough outlets to plug them in without any issues.  However, To leave them plugged in while I am not in the room poses some security issues as I have 3 entries into my room.  I can lock the 2 main entries.  When the tablets are not in use, I place each of the cords in a zip-loc bag so they don't tangle, and place the tablets in 5 stacks of 3 in a locked cabinet.  When it is time for students to use the devices, I place the 5 stacks on my main desk and have students come get one.

The Tablets do not have an AISD inventory tag, so I put a DYMO label on each device (1-15) to help keep track of them.  One issue that I am trying to find a way to resolve is Tablet security.  The students do not have a unique log-in ID.  I have tried a system where I write down who has which device, but that is time consuming.  I am concerned about students taking pictures with the device, then posting them on the internet with no way to track who is responsible.  I also have concerns about the websites they may go to.  Even if I can track who had the device each day in each period, misuse may not be discovered right away and I don't have the time to look at each device at the end of each period.

I put all of my assignments on my website (jistre.weebly.com).  If there is a site that I want students to go to, I have them go to my website and work from there.

Ideas on Activities for Classroom

Having the RTs can bring some much more depth to teaching and learning.  Learning science often involves manipulating materials and variables.  Doing experiments in a classroom often drains resources, such as time and materials.  There are several websites that simulate experiments and can offer s better control of constants than a classroom  experiment would.

In 8th grade, we also teach Earth and Space.  There are several websites that can bring students on a virtual field trip through the Universe.  Today in class, I'm having students review the star life cycle and HR diagrams on an interactive site (http://aspire.cosmic-ray.org/Labs/StarLife/hr_interactive.html)

Our class received the Tablets as we were beginning our STAAR review.  Students have been using StudyStack, an online flashcard site, to help reinforce concepts.

Google Drive

Today I used my surface Pro in the classroom for the first time.  I had my students in the computer lab creating PowerPoints on science misconceptions using Google drive.  I had each group share their PowerPoints with me and I was able to make comments and view all 9 PowerPoints while the students were working.  I'm getting really excited about the possibilities that these Tablets will bring the my classroom.

FLIPing a Classroom

I love the idea of FLIPing the classroom. However, only 25% to 30% of my students turn in homework on time when I give them 2 days to complete it, so I am a little concerned about how it will work.  I also have several students who don't have internet access outside of school.  I've thought that if I assigned a video, it could be reviewed in class the next day, but then what is the point of assigning it for homework?

AUPs and Classroom Procedures

I had a little bit of difficulty setting these up.  I thought it would be easy, but the more thought I put into it (especially all the "what ifs") the more difficult it became.  I ended up using another teacher's (Thank you Mrs. Allen) AUP and changing it to better fit the needs of my students and I.  One of the most difficult parts is not knowing what I don't know.  I will have the Surface RT Tablets, and I am finding very little classroom use information on them because they are so new.  I tried thinking of all the parts (cord, cover, keyboard, stylus and device) and including them in my AUP and procedures.

My classroom procedures and AUP can be found by clicking here: http://jistre.weebly.com/science-folder-documents.html

They are the last 2 documents on the page.

Somewhere to Start...

I am excited about being part of this pilot program at AISD.  My students are excited as well.  Technology will be such an integral part of their future, and as educators it is important that we include it in their lessons as much as possible.  I am also a little nervous about the unknown, especially about not knowing what I don't know.  My main goals for this week are to find a good AUP and stress the importance of responsibility with my students.