Flipgrid is Flippin Great!

I think you may flip over flipgrid.   I have seen a lot of technology tools throughout my time as an educator and I really think this flipgrid thing is the real deal.  Rarely can you just pitch an idea or activity to a teacher and they "actually" like it right away.  Flipgrid is the one!  You know how kids like videos?  You know how they like themselves?  You know how they like to film themselves doing this or that?  You know how they like to share stuff with friends virtually?  You know how they like to have originality?  You know how they like to You know how they like to make new friends?  Well they can do that and more in flipgrid.  I also love how flipgrid shares great ideas with everyone.  Here is a great link to ways to use flipgrid.

In a nut shell, a teacher makes a post and then students make a video reply using their:  chromebook, smart phone, laptop, computer, etc.  Virtually any device.  The teacher can moderate it and monitor for appropriateness.  You can really have a lot of fun with this and if you are open and creative you can do some pretty amazing things.... like doing a flipgrid with a class across town or across THE WORLD.  It is limitless.

Now if you are a BGISD teacher, and you are the first to hit me up on twitter:  @allenraymartin and say I want the free flipgrid account for a year.... I will hook you up.  

Google Cast For Education

As we purchase more and more chromebooks, it only opens up more and more great opportunities to do amazing things in our classrooms.  It seems like everyday I learn new ideas from teachers and colleagues.  One tool I have really been excited about is Google Cast for Education.  Many of you have personal Chromecast devices which you use in your homes.  In the past, due to network security issues we have not been able to make that technology work in our classrooms.  However, the Google Cast for Education app can now make it possible for a student using a chromebook to share their work onto the large projector or digital panel so all can see.  I have been using it a little for a year now and I believe most of the "kinks" have been fixed.  In a nutshell, here is how it works:
1.  Install Google Cast For Education using this link onto the device you want to "host" For Example:  Mr. Martin Teacher Computer  (the device you want the student to share TO)
2.  Go to the share settings and add those people you want to share TO you.  (Note:  you can add an entire Google Classroom class in one click if you are using Google Classroom)
3.  Go to the settings of the device that will share and click cast:  The Host computer should show up.  For Example:  Mr. Martin Teacher Computer.
4.  You have two choices:  1.  Cast your tab only (Only the information in that tab will be shared)  2.  Cast your desktop (Everything on the device will be displayed)
Here is a short video explaining it as well.  Give it a try and let me know what you think...

Working Smarter Not Harder - BG What?

For years I have been training the district on using the Google Tools and sharing how we can all work with more transparency and collaboration to make us all stronger.  Just like Huey Lewis... "I had some rocky roads, I had some ups and downs".   BUT NOW... you guys are really rockin it and realizing that we as a group can truly work Smarter Not Harder.  I just spent the morning with Mr. Wix at Dishman McGinnis.  He is using an add - on called AutoCrat.  He can now get a discipline referral submitted via Google Form and he can have an automatic notice to parent sent to his google drive in order to be mailed to the parent.  He had to think outside of the box.  He saved the district three pieces of paper on each transaction and he was able to streamline the process and eliminate the cost of a third party.

The truly wonderful thing is I am seeing all of you talking to each other thinking and working on how to solve problems together.  This is how the "real world" business people are doing things.  Keep it up and let me know if there are ways I can assist.

Summertime Access using Google Drive and VMWare View - Get to your files from home!

Google Drive:  Access Everywhere and Anytime!

Every BGISD teacher and administrator has a BGISD Google Account!  AND  Students Grades 3-12 have BGISD Google Accounts!!!  #GameChanger

AND

VMWare View - Allows access to your Windows 7 Desktop so you always have your files available at home!  Click the image below for access to your BGISD Windows 7 desktop.



                                              

Click here for more information on how to install VM Ware View iPad app, Windows Program or Macintosh Program

Two Quick Non Painful "Things"

Check out this Kid Safe Search Engine that a BGISD 3rd Grade teacher has been using called:

  
KIDREX

AND...

Great Article on how to flip classrooms using video that you may have not considered.

Tools I Recommend That Help You Work Smarter Not Harder

Learning is such a wonderful part of our lives.  Even though I am nearing the half of a century mark, I love to be a learner more each day.  One of the best parts of being an educator is that we are surrounded by learning, whether we facilitate the learning, or we are the learners.  Unfortunately, times have been very difficult for many of you and I sense much frustration.  As new standards and new initiatives weigh heavily on teachers, it saddens me to see less opportunities for new and innovative strategies to be implemented.  Part of my job is to research new strategies as it relates to technology and I am trying diligently not to "bombard" teachers with... "try this and try that" mentality.  I will continue to look at new engaging tools for you, but for now I am focusing on tools that help you "Work Smarter - Not Harder".  Below are a few examples:

1. Google Apps For Education - All of the tools below are Collaborative, Easy and available to students grade 3-12.  This is a no-brainer!  If you have not embraced these Google tools, you will quickly find yourself behind.  If you know how to use Microsoft Office tools, then this has a minuscule learning curve.  Don't delay on this one.  It makes student work and your work, much simpler.  Trust Me!
1. Google Docs
2. Google Sheets
3. Google Slides
4. Google Forms
5. Google Drive
2. AirPlay/Air Server - this tool allows a district owned ipad to send it's display to another computer connected to the projector so all students can see what is on the ipad.  Great success.  Requires a program downloaded on a host computer for a cost of less than $10.
3. Doceri - This tool has multiple benefits.  1. It allows a teacher to use a district owned or personally owned ipad or ipad mini to connect to their teacher workstation and control that computer.  It allows for teacher and student mobility.  Several teachers are using this to record lessons they teach on the interactive board and once completed simply stop recording and then send the video to youtube (which we all have a youtube account with our school Google Account).  Teachers can share the videos with students, parents other collaborative teachers to modify and/or reinforce student work.  

Summer Time Technology Access - Access your files and Windows 7 Desktop from Home

Google Drive:  Access Everywhere and Anytime!

Every BGISD teacher and administrator has a BGISD Google Account!  AND  Students Grades 3-12 have BGISD Google Accounts!!!  #GameChanger

AND

VMWare View - Allows access to your Windows 7 Desktop so you always have your files available at home!  Click the image below for access to your BGISD Windows 7 desktop.



                                              

Click here for more information on how to install VM Ware View iPad app, Windows Program or Macintosh Program

Google Tips You Will Like! - Creating Folders and Inserting Copyright Free Images

Here is a couple of great videos you may like that show you how to create folders and insert images with automatic bibliography posts.







If you are trying to view one of these at school during the testing window when youtube is blocked.  FEAR NOT... Just click on the link below and you can have access to my google folder with how to videos

Allen's How To Google Videos

Times Are A Changin

How exciting it was to miss school for snow days last week.  For me, March 3 was my 24th wedding anniversary and I was fortunate to spend it with my lovely wife.  However, missing does create issues and many schools in our area have missed over 10 school days because of snow.  It is all fine and dandy until you start thinking about all the instruction our students will miss prior to testing events such as:  THE ACT.  Now that I have a son who needs a really good score to get a scholarship (which saves me money), it means even more.  Many teachers around the country are using video conferencing tools to stay up with their students who miss school.  Several options are at your fingertips:

1. You can make a video of instruction and put on Edmodo (which many of you already use)
2. You could use Microsoft Lync and work with up to 250 students at one time.  YES 250!
3. You could have a Google Hangout with your students
4. You could ustream
5. You could upload a video to Youtube, your Google Drive or Schoolpointe

It seems increasingly more probable that the near future will require teachers to utilize video tools like I just mentioned.  Perhaps an AP group could get a lecture or review from home while the teacher is at home or school or Panara or Starbucks or Public Library or "you get the point".  I know some of you would disagree with this approach and feel like it is just another thing for you to do.  I hope those in that camp begin to realize it isn't just something else you have to do, but it is an opportunity to work "smarter" and provide convenience and inspiration to others.  As I see what happens across our state, our country and the world, I realize we have much to do.  But it is exciting work!  Really? We have the ability to look at a computer and then send that discussion to over 250 people...Anywhere...In the WORLD.  Should you feel this is exciting news and/or you have comments or suggestions, please let me know.

Smithsonian Channel

If you have ever been to the Smithsonian Museum, you know it is a magical place.  I never really wanted to go to a museum, until I went.  I could have just wandered through the museum for days and learn and imagine so many wonderful adventures.  Now, if you can't take students to this marvelous place, you can enjoy the adventures through the internet.  Check out how this honey badger deflects the needles of the porcupine.

Honey Badger VS The Porcupine

Blogger Recommendation

I was honored that Ross Lebrun mentioned me in the blogger list.  I didn't think anyone reads my blog, except my mom.  Ross and I met in New Jersey at Teachmeet New Jersey.  I had the privilege of presenting there 2 years in a row.  My colleague, Will King and I started Teachmeet KY and we really enjoy how events like Teachmeets allow us to meet folks like Ross.  We discussed how portfolios should be real tools to assist students in the scholarship and job search debate.

I will now share 11 facts - some personal and some professional - about me that readers of my blog probably don't know...

1.  I am a Christian

2.  I grew up the son of a Plumber and the son of a Preacher.  Both were sometimes messy, but both have helped mold me into who I am today.  Crawling under dirty houses, makes me appreciate my coosh desk job when days seem rough and I am nothing without my Christian lifestyle.

3.  Neither of my parents graduated from high school.  My dad could not read until he was 35 years old.  He weighed 1lb and 3/4 ounces at birth.  He is 79 and about 200lbs today.  I have so many college degrees, I can't count them.  I am that because of my parents.

4.  My son is an actor singer with IMDB credits and an album on iTunes:  check it out: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/away-with-the-wind-single/id778229590 (shameless plug)

5.  I wanted to be a broadcaster, but met my wife and we decided to both be educators.  It has been a good life.  I am now the voice of the Bowling Green High School State Champion (3 times) Football team.  I like it.

6.  I have a really smart and beautiful wife who pushes me to be better everyday.  If she wasn't around, I would play Madden Football and eat pizza all day.

7.  I once rapped on the Jay Leno Stage.

8.  I was a worship pastor for many years.  No one thinks I can sing, but I can...

9.  I spent a lot of time in Los Angeles California helping my son pursue his acting dream.  We met lots of people and saw a lot of "interesting" things.  I am most proud of meeting a Jewish Warmup Guy for the Disney Channel.  We became friends and he even came and taught improv to teachers in KY.  Lots of Fun!

10.  I was an Assistant Principal and I want to write a book about my experiences.

11.  I like to make people feel comfortable and good about themselves.  

Task 2: Answer Ross's 11 questions:

1. What would you do with a lottery win of $50,000?

Apply it to the principal on my house

2. What was the first thing you read that you remember loving?

Curious George

3. Diving - Sky or Scuba?

scuba

4. What is your favorite season?

Spring

5. Would you move for a job?

yes

6. Have you monetized your blog? Do you plan to?

no - I can't even get many readers...

7. Are you a cat or a dog person? There can be only one!

DOG

8. Pick one musical instrument to learn now that you're an adult. Why that one?

guitar - it's portable and the chicks love guys with guitars

9. To where did you fly on your first flight? Does anything about the experience stand out as significant?

Miami -  It was the first time I was on a big boat, took a taxi, went out of the country and flew.  

10. Do you play video games? If not, WHY? If yes, which system/games?

I like the sports games

11. What was the first CD you ever bought? Do you still have it?

Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill

Third task is to write questions for other bloggers to answer:

1.  What is your typical workflow using technology?  (what tech tools do you use the most)

2.  What professional athlete would you be and why?

3.  What movie would you most want to emulate in life?

4.  What profession would you choose other than your current?

5.  What would you do if you inherited $500,000?

6.  What is your favorite movie line?

7.  What song gets you out of a bad mood?

8.  Describe your perfect day.

9.  Play a sport or read?

10.  Which car would you drive if money was not significant?

11.  Beach or Snow Skiing?

My last task is to nominate 11 bloggers that I want to see join the More Homework Meme: (in no order)

1. Alice Keeler

2.  Gina Crabtree

3.  William King

4.  Terri Stice

5.  Adam Taylor
6.  Kyle Schutt
7.  Dianna Wolfe
8.  Kyle Calderwood
9.  Donnie Piercey
10. Trey Huntsman
11.  Natalie Croney

Here's how it works:

1. Acknowledge the nominating blogger.

2. Share 11 random facts about yourself.

3. Answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.

4. List 11 bloggers after you write this.  

5. Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer and let all the bloggers know they have been nominated.  Don’t nominate a blogger who has nominated you.

Go on, you have homework to do.

All the best.

Despite the Tough Times in Education: You Make A Difference

We have an amazing school district!  I get the fantastic opportunity to go to your classrooms and watch you work.   In my opinion, it is a difficult time to in education:  no pay raises, more standards, less parent support, not enough devices, and some idiot technology guy running around saying "try this, try that".  However, I see a lot of great things happening in the classrooms.  You guys are doing great, keep building relationships with students... You make a difference.

Many of you know, I was an assistant principal in another district and many of my days were filled with great challenges.  I had one student who assisted in two of my worst days in education.  One day occurred when an "incident" happened, and it was all MY fault (this is sarcasm).  The mother...correction, The Irate mother and her irate "friend" tag teamed on me in my 6'x 8' office and "blessed" me like I've never been blessed before.  The second worst day of my educational career included the same young lady purchasing illegal pharmaceuticals from another student and overdosing; watching her being wheeled out on a gurney by the paramedics was a very scary day.  HOWEVER, the girl, the mother and I developed a much better relationship over the next year and we finished her middle school experience in a much more positive way.  It had been seven years ago last week since I talked with the girl...  I went to lunch at one of my favorite local fast food restaurants, and there she was working the cash register.  Being an old assistant principal, I get a bit nervous ordering from old students.  With a big smile on her face, she said, "Hey Mr. Martin, I am really glad to see you!"  She said, "I was bad back in the day, but you were just trying to help me."  "Yep, you were a challenge!" I responded.   I told her how proud I was she was working and she told me she was starting college in January!  This sappy story only let's us know as teachers...You Make A Difference.

And.... Here are some cool technology tools you can check out :)

Set up a PREZI EDU Account

• Here is a new resource from the Newseum in Washington DC that has video lessons, newspaper headlines and more.

• Check out this cool guide to help you with safe Christmas shopping.

Common Sense Holiday Gift Guide for Kids

Social Media for Administrators

What is Social Media?
Definition of SOCIAL MEDIA : forms of electronic communication (as Web sites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (as videos)

An Explanation of Social Media Understanding How Social Media Can Improve Your Idea

King and Martin's Social Media Workflow

• Twitter
• Instagram
• Blogger
• Google +

Tools We Use To Make Social Media More Engaging

• Hootsuite
• Zite
• Twitterfall
• Visible Tweets

Back in the Saddle Again

It has been a very long time since I last blogged.  But I'm "Back in the Saddle Again".    My apologies to the two readers I have...
I want to share a few of the things that have been very exciting in the Bowling Green City Schools this year.

• If you are not on the integration of technology bandwagon, you are way behind.  Many of the teachers at BGHS, BGJrHS and the Elementary Schools have worked hard and have begun to integrate new ideas which allow technology integration.

• Google Apps For Education:  If you have not set up an account... Do it today.  Check your email from Jay Morgan and get ready for a great experience.

• Edmodo has swept the district.  Many teachers have implemented this collaborative tool into their teaching work flow and the majority of students and parents have been very receptive.

• Chromebooks are trickling into the district and the reviews thus far are "really good".

• Thin Client and VM Ware View has breathed new life in old workstations and netbooks.  If you haven't tried a netbook lately... TRY IT!

• Teachmeet KY 2013 is happening on Oct. 3, 2013.  All the cool people will attend!!!  There are more from other districts signed up, which greatly disappoints me that more of BGISD peeps are not on the list.  Sign up at:  www.tmky.wikispaces.com

Engage Me: Don't Lay On The Tracks

Clearly my job is to encourage teachers and students to use technology in education.  It is a task I believe is very important and one that I am very confident helps teachers and students.  Not all educators want to promote the use of technology in education.  In my opinion, our world is changing.  Whether we like the changes or not, there is a locomotive of technology coming at us.  When can lay on the tracks and get run over or we can work on the train and help design lessons, strategies and projects that will teach our kids what will help them be successful in the world of work.  Realizing the emphasis placed on ACT and GPA's in our high schools, we still must not be so far removed as not to help them be more competitive in the work environment.  Everyone from firemen to Neurosurgeons rely on types of technology to be successful in their tasks at work.  Learners are changing the way they do things and we must adapt.  I yearn for better ways to solve problems, to think critically, to better collaborate and improve in communication in my current job.  I never wish I could memorize or regurgitate facts...

It has been a fabulous year in the Bowling Green City Schools; scores of teachers have embraced technology and without a doubt, we are leaders in our region and state as we implement technology.  Thank you for all your efforts.    I appreciate that ALL of you listen to ideas and tools that I share with you, not all implement...but the majority of you realize the direction we need to move.  Thank you.  As always, I am glad to work with you in whatever way that will help you and your students.

Appetizer Party

I spent a great day at Bowling Green Jr High last Monday.  We dusted off some of the response cards and talked about how we could use Turning Point Anywhere (an easy low maintenance tool) that we used to look at formative assessment within a classroom.  Thank you Mrs. West and the Junior High for using these tools in the classroom.

We also had a big appetizer party.  Mrs. West bought breadsticks, brownies and cinnamon sticks for those who stayed after school and attended the App-etizer Party.  We looked at all kinds of apps for use in the classroom and use at your own home.  I was very Appy to be there.  The ipad is revolutionizing how we do things.  Below is a site of 20 Apps in 20 Mins that Will King and I presented at the "hugely successful" Teachmeet KY.

Someone please plan another appetizer party at your school, and invite me!!!!!!!!!

Holes

Holes

I’ve been blessed beyond measure with the best job in the world; when you enjoy what you do it is not even like working.  I love the school environment (mostly because I had a great high school career), I enjoy working with and helping colleagues who have the same shared vision and desire to reach technological mountaintop accomplishments.  After twenty years of being an educator… I truly love the kids.   I do enjoy working with teachers, but it is sometimes a roller coaster ride; most of my professional development trainings are successful.  Teaching teachers can be tricky.  The group you present to often “know all the answers” or “ know little nor care about the topic” and rarely like to “not talk” while you talk.  Some want a step-by-step guide and some just want the direction in which to go.  At any rate, I still like it a lot!  Really, almost all of my pd’s have been good. 

            What happened last year and this year will be forever be an enduring part of my career.  I worked extensively with two of our elementary schools and helped teachers and students implement educational technology into the classroom.   2^nd graders, 4^th graders and 5^th graders worked on :  Edmodo, iPad apps, PhotoStory 3, Glogster, Discovery Education, Storybird, Animoto and lots more.  It all went great using the tools; the younger kids are very intuitive as it relates to embedding educational technology.  I was very pleased with the efforts of the teachers to allow me to work with them, but I did not expect what would happen next.  After working with the kids a few times, they started to like me and became excited to see me when I came back.  One of the students didn’t really know my name and called me Missssttter??? and then said Sir.  From that it stuck and all the students started calling me Mr. Sir in a kind and caring manner.  I would walk into the class a few days later and as soon as I walked into the room, sounds of Mr. Sir, Mr. Sir echoed.  I shared with them about the movie Holes and that Mr. Sir was in the movie and the book and he was one tough dude.  I felt like a real “Rock Star” every time I saw them.  School ended and I assumed the 5^th graders would have a fun summer, start the junior high and forget all about me.  Hmmmm  not the case.

Watch Mr. Sir - Skip to 25 seconds for the best story ever.

          

  I was asked to help one of the junior high teachers work on a dropbox  project just a weeks ago in her classroom.  I quietly walked into the rather large class and you guessed it, there were shouts of “Mr. Sir” echoing throughout the rather large classroom.  The teacher was a bit bewildered and astonished with my “Rock Star” entrance.  Most of you know me and know my head swelled two hat sizes on that day.  I felt pretty special.  Those of you who know me know that I am really not all that special; my mom and sisters think I am but to most of the world I am just another guy.  So what is the point to all of this jibberish?  I BELIEVE the opportunities the teachers provided last year helped the students to become more engaged.  They were allowed to work in an environment where “rigorous and fun” learning ensued.  The teachers I worked with were a bit apprehensive in the beginning last year, but I don’t believe any of them would change their instruction this year.  The only real problem is that the teachers I worked with are so confident in their abilities; they really no longer need me.  Remember you may not have to do a lot of technology, but you gotta do something. 

"Forget About It"

Landing at the Philadelphia, Penn. airport wasn't such a big deal, but when I crossed the Delaware River I realized that I was really in New Jersey.  Riding down the highway toward Atlantic City was not at all what I had imagined.   I had visions of black Cadillac sedans and graves lining the forests and some big brute saying "forget about it"; that's what I saw in the movies.  Actually, it looked a lot like KY, except there were tall pine trees and a lot of sandy soil.  I arrived at beautiful Stockton College and had an amazing time with some great educators from all around New Jersey and Pennsylvania. William King and  I presented several sessions and we were overwhelmed by the favorable reception we received.  So...why am I telling you all this stuff?  Bowling Green City Schools has some of the most innovative and talented group of teachers whose experience and talent are second to no one.  As I travel around the country to various conferences, it is clear we are doing some exceptional work in our district.  We are leaders in tools such as:  schoolpointe, turning point, edmodo, dropbox, animoto, intelligent classrooms, ipads, flipped classroom concepts and more.  We have a number of teachers who are truly "Rock Stars" when it comes to technology.   We also have a number of teachers who still need to consider using technology more effectively as a means to engage students.  Please contact me or your school integration specialist to assist in any of your projects.

Here are some upcoming events available for you:
Google in the Classroom                 9-4-2012           3:30-6:30      The Academy
Microsoft Innovative Educator        9-25-2012         3:30-6:30       The Academy
Teachmeet KY                              10-05-2012        8:30-3:30       WKU

Follow me on twitter:  @allenraymartin

Teachmeet New Jersey 8-23-2012

Less Time Grading, More Time Teaching.

¡Turning Point Anywhere

¡Turning Point 2008

¡Question Point

¡BrainPop

¡ResponseWare

¡Video of Skype and Turning Point

Tips for BGISD Educators - "A Must Read"

Welcome Back to School.  I would like to share some links and thoughts with you I believe will be of interest to you this year.

• Follow Me on Twitter @allenraymartin - if you have not signed up for twitter, I highly recommend you sign up and get your PLN (Professional Learning Network) On.  Many of our schools have accounts and are sharing great resources with each other.  Remember you do not have to get all of the tweets, think of it like a waterfall and grab a drink when you need it or have the time.  I recommend Hootsuite.  Hootsuite allows you to categorize your tweet feeds and follow specific hashtags.

• Edmodo has been a great success for our students and teachers.  I believe all of our schools have at least one teacher using this tool.  Veteran teachers who are slow adopters of technology are already raving about how they appreciate the tool.  Sign up using the shortcut on your desktop or by going to my edmodo page.  You will also find how to's for you and your students.

• BG Schools participates in E-Rate discounts from the federal government, as a result we save 70% on our communication costs (approximately $80,000 a year).  Part of the requirement is to teach Internet Safety to our students.  We have a couple of recommendations:
• Common Sense Media Lesson Plans
• Atomic Learning Tutorials and Workshops for Teachers and Students.

Below are a couple of websites that your STIS can help set up and account for you.  Should you need any assistance, let me know:

1. www.atomiclearning.com  (username: "your email")  ask your STIS  for the password
2. SchoolPointe Website (All teachers should have an active website)

Come To Teachmeet KY on Oct. 5 at WKU Randsdell Building