Patty Frier's 20% Project

I wanted to focus my 20% on leaning how to use my schools 60  iTouches to enhance learning for my classroom.  I first started using them to enhance their timed tests by having them use certain math apps that would quiz them on their basic facts.  This was a very motivating and engaging way to get students to practice their facts and get a lot of repetitions of the facts.  They were also then motivated to use these same apps at home on their iTouches or their parents'.  I would send emails to the parents giving them the names of the math apps that I recommend for basic fact practice.  I also used the "utilities" feature on the iTouch--the "Voice Memo" part to have the students work on their oral fluency. I would have them read a portion of the HM "little" books that went along with the story we were reading from the big HM book.  They would read it three different times--after each reading they would listen and reflect on a sheet of paper what they did well and what they need to work on--then they would read the same piece and repeat the same procedure.  It was fun for them to listen to themselves and evaluate their own reading and then they would email me their third reading for me to listen to and I would then hear their reading progress over time. 
I also led a "Theaters of Learning" class with first through fifth graders using iTouches.  I started out having them just explore any of the many apps on the iTouches.  Then over the course of the next classes we created projects on the apps, "Storykit" and "StoryRobe" and "Strip Design."  Each app had different features and capabilities for kids to retell stories or create their own original stories.  They learned many different technical skills when using these apps along with reading/comprehension skills.
I found many fun apps for practicing math facts and for creating content on the post "Free Technology for Teachers" at http://webmail.edina.k12.mn.us/exchange/patfrier/Inbox/Loop%20Scoops%20-%20Get%20Kids%20Thinking%20About%20%22Stuff%22%20They%20Buy%20and%20more.EML?cmd=open&unfiltered=1


I also spent part of my time exploring the "Web Tools" site.  It was so fun just taking time to check out some of these sites to use with my students.  I used "Dipity" to have the a small group create a timeline for our Community unit.  They were very motivated to use the computers to create something new and find pictures to go along with their fictitious events.  I would now like to use Diptiy with the whole class to have each student create a personal timeline of their life as a precursor to creating a timeline for a person they will be researching this spring for our Biography unit and completing a timeline for also.  I think having them create a personal timeline first will help some students really understand what information a timeline should have included.
develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress---I feel like a was able to provide a technology-enriched learning environment for my students with the iTouches because I was able to document their improvement in their basic math fact timed tests and in their reading fluency from when we first started using the iTouches to the present time.

model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning
I was able to model and facilitate digital tools with using my iPad to show new apps for the students to use. I also was modeling using new tools with Dipity and Moodle and creating Web pages and Google Docs with my students.

evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.

I am continually now reading and trying to find was to integrate technology into my curriculum in ways that don't add to my workload but changes the product that they kids walk away with in their experience.  It is not always easy to "let go" of the old ways but when I see the excitement in the kids when they are using technology it is hard not to get excited with them and to continue to try to find ways to integrate it into their day more and more.

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