Using Technology to Enhance Learning
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The boards cover a variety of educational technology topics.  

Featured Presentation

Words with Friends EDU

Abstract: Words with Friends EDU is an educational game that can be used in the classroom to build academic vocabulary in students. Words with Friends has features such as Power Words and a built-in dictionary that encourages further comprehension of new words. This program is free and easily accessible by phone, tablet, or computer. The program allows 4th-8th graders to build their creativity and allows teachers to track progress as students play.
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Nazia Shaikh & Ruben Castillo, Preservice Teacher at Tarleton State University
Twitter: @nazias48941 and @TexanRuben

Using Technology to Enhance Learning Presentations

Google Slides & Students

Abstract:  The presentation you are about to watch is on how Google Slides can enhance your lesson in the classroom. Google Slides is a learning tool that students can use to do some cooperative learning. It also gives them a break from a traditional paper and pencil assignment.  Students can use Google slides when working together on presentations. It is easy to share along friends and gives others an opportunity to collaborate. With Google Slides, teachers have the option to look who has been contributing and by how much. Google Slides is a major benefit when students are working on any group related project or when any intensive revision is required by group members.
Gery Moreno and Kim Escobedo, Preservice Teachers at Tarleton State University
​Twitter: @MoreGery and @bae_kimmy

Virtual Globetrotting

Abstract:  The purpose of this lesson is to show educators how they can use Skype in their classrooms to connect them with other students around the world. This great, free, and simple tool allows you and your students to go beyond the four walls of you classroom and see the world, live. Skype can be used for any grade level, and for any subject. Gone are the days when the closest your students could get to Rome was looking at Google Earth and eating pizza. Going on virtual field trips, the playing the Mystery Skype game, and digitally bringing guest speakers to your class are all features of Skype in the Classroom, and all of these help your students become a part of the global community, and allow them to experience different cultures and different perspectives firsthand.
Matthew Bentley, Preservice Teacher at Spring Hill College
Twitter: @m_j_bentley

Geoboard: An App for Math

Madison Oates, a preservice teacher at Spring Hill College
Twitter: @madisonoates8

Abstract:  This presentation is an overview and explanation of how the app Geoboard works and how it can be used to assist and enhance teaching as well as learning. Geoboard is a great interactive resource to use, especially when teaching students in elementary and middle school. Teachers can assign problems for students to work out involving polygons and the students can use the app to serve as a visual to assist in figuring out their answers. Geoboard can be used for finding the perimeter or area of a polygon, the unit circle, congruency of polygons and much more!

Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead with Digital Interactive Science

Abstract: Click on image to left to explore a digital science journal or follow this link. Go full S.T.E.A.M ahead into the 21st Century with digital interactive science notebooks and leave the paper behind. Over the past two years, our district primary focus is on moving to a worksheet free environment where our students are actively engaged in hands-on learn. The vast amount of brain-based research demonstrates that interactive notebooks provide many benefits for both teachers and students, we will share how digital interactive notebooks go beyond simple two-dimensional paper journal by adding rich multimedia, digital, and primary source documents.  Student generated digital learning experiences can easily be attached to their digital ISN allowing for easy review and reflection from lab experiences.

Pat Goodwin, 6th Grade Science Teacher, I. W. Evans Intermediate, Bonham Independent School District, Bonham, Texas
Twitter: @goodwinpatPat

Using GoPros in the Classroom

Using Ed Puzzle as a Classroom Tool
Alexander Vaporciyan, a preservice teacher at Spring Hill College
Twitter: @vaporteacher

Abstract:  Public speaking is an often overlooked skill set in high school, so I wanted to find a piece of technology that aided in public speaking instruction. GoPro video camcorders are a great way to show a first-person perspective of the speaker instead of the standard third-person recording usually taken from the back of the class. GoPros make it easier to hear the student, show where his or her eyes are going throughout the audience and his or her notes, and shows the audience's reactions which are critically to knowing if a presentation was captivating and engaging or not. The GoPro video recorder will aid in public speech instruction by using a very simple technologic device.
Abstract:  Edpuzzle is a website where users register for an account and then create classes. Teachers can upload videos from YouTube, TED-Ed, and etc. The teacher selects a video and then imbeds questions into it. With EDPuzzle you can differentiate instruction for your students. You can create videos that meet the learning levels of the students inside your classroom. EDPuzzle is fun and interactive. It can also be used as a formative assessment tool. It makes literacy fun! I showed how you can use EDPuzzle to show the genres of children's literature! 

Alicia Anderson, Preservice Teacher at Tarleton State University
​Twitter: @aliciateacher17 

Using the GIST Comprehension Strategy Tool
Abstract:  The GIST comprehension strategy is a tool that is used for guiding student summary writing. The skill addresses higher levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy by asking students to summarize and synthesize information in no more than 15 to 20 words. Incorporating Twitter into the curriculum is an effective way to practice student summary writing. The 140 character limit of a tweet will allow students to think critically by choosing only the most important ideas for their summary. The following video describes how to use Twitter to practice the GIST comprehension strategy.

Delia Hernandez & Daniel Tejada, Preservice Teacher at Tarleton State University
Twitter: @DeliaHe27217547 and @Daniel357T

Blogs in the Classroom

Cynthia Walton, Preservice Teacher at Tarleton State University
Twitter: @cynthiadwalton

Abstract:  In today’s day in age, it is vital to maintain a technological advantage within the classroom. Blogging has proven to help students with their reading and writing skills, while also providing a way for students to connect from across the world. It creates a community within the classroom and can open up incredible opportunities.  Programs like Edublogs.org make it easy to manage a blog that the whole class can enjoy!

Explain Everything with an iPad

Using Technology to Curate an Exceptional Writing Experience
Emrah Unal, Science Teacher
Harmony School of Ingenuity, Houston, Texas
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​Abstract:  Explain Everything is an easy-to-use design, screencasting, and interactive whiteboard tool with real-time collaboration that allow you to animate, record, annotate, collaborate, and explore ideas, knowledge and understanding. Explain Everything provides teachers and students an opportunity to share thinking, reflect upon knowledge building, and assess both products and processes of learning. Available for iPad, Chromebook, Android, and Windows Devices. It is a perfect app for everyone, especially teachers.
Luisa Frias, Ed.D.
EdTech Consultant/VP of Strategic Partnerships for luluSYNC 


Abstract:  In this presentation, various elements of available technological writing tools will be discussed in an effort to enhance the writing experience for reluctant writers to access  the impossible task of becoming masterful storytellers. 

Twitter:  @lulusync