I received my first virtual reality view today, otherwise known as Google Cardboard! I must say, the entire office has been ecstatic over this piece of cardboard all day! 

If you didn't know, Google Cardboard is an app that works along with the virtual reality viewer you see above. This experience lets the user feel that they are in the picture or video themselves. The pictures and/or videos have a 360 degree turn radius, giving the user an all-around amazing experience (no pun intended). It is truly incredible. 

How do you get started?
Easy - order the Google Cardboard viewer. This can be found on Amazon for around $11. Then download the Google Cardboard app on your phone (ios or Android.) You are up and going in no time at all.

I soon realized that there are other apps out there for use with this viewer.  Here is a quick break down of what I have found so far:


 Google Cardboard: Has a few different options. You can view exhibits such as the Endeavor space shuttle, a dinosaur museum, etc. You can view places such as Paris, Venice, Jerusalem, etc. It also has a kaleidoscope feature that is pretty sweet.

Discovery VR: Provides real life videos in a 360 degree view. The viewer can see elephants, lions, etc. I found this much more interesting than the regular Google Cardboard app. The sounds with the video provided an experience that was as close to real life as possible. 

Air Racer VR: Nice app, not much to it. You fly around in an airplane. I don't like that the user doesn't control the airplane. The user must turn their head in order to align with the plane. It would be fun for kids.

Jurassic Dinosaur VR: Interesting app. You are able to walk around in a valley around dinosaurs. This would be amazing for younger kids. Again, not much to it.

Google Street View: You can look at any street view that is available within Google Earth in a split screen with the 360 view. Think of all the places you can visit in the world! 


It's cool and all... but how would I use it for instruction?

Here are a few ideas....

Our district is implementing a new learning management system called Canvas. The last month or so of my time has been spent on implementing Canvas. Instructure, the company that owns the Canvas product, recommends a 60 day initial implementation of the product. We didn't have 60 days, in fact, we didn't have 6 days! Our set-up process was about a day. We went the next week or so creating master courses for all of our high school courses.  We uploaded syllabi, common assessments, etc. We created week by week layouts for each course - we are talking around 250 courses.  Fast forward a couple weeks, we are still adjusting to the hang of things within the software. Check out the video below - this is were we are currently!

In terms of Google, I received confirmation that I was accepted as a Google Certified Trainer. This is an awesome accomplishment that I have worked towards since June. I even received a badge :) 

I recently presented at the Upstate Technology Conference at Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, South Carolina. I was able to share 50'ish ways to use google to really engage students in their learning. 

I always leave these conferences with a couple amazing points | 

• Although we have come a LONG way in implementing EDTECH into our classrooms, a lot of our colleagues continue to struggle with this implementation
• PD is important! As an industry we have to be better at providing meaningful PD sessions for our teachers.
• PLN, PLN, PLN - Twitter has changed the dynamic of personal learning networks. I enjoy being able to meet and collaborate with people, in person, whom I have shared ideas and networked with online. Game changer!
• Why isn't MINECRAFT being used at every school in America?
• I know that educational (or instructional) technology is where I need to be!

I had so much fun sharing a little and learning a little! I can't wait to share my new and updated information with my colleagues in August (or prior to that if they are engaged on Twitter.) 

If you are interested in my presentation - I am attached the link to the PDF at the bottom. Feel free to ask me any questions that you may have.

Have Fun Learning - and remember to follow me on Twitter @Joshua_Shepard

I have tried many different applications, management systems, and sharing services in the classroom. Each one has it's on long list of pro's and con's... and they really boil down to user preference. One application that seems to hit it out of the park, in my opinion, is Google Classroom. Google Classroom ties Google Apps For Education with a learning management system that makes it easy on the classroom teacher. Google Classroom allows a person with basic limited technology skills to share, collaborate, and manage a digital classroom. I can't imagine my classroom without this amazing tool. 

The one overhaul this really provided my class was the ability to share and edit documents easily. I use Google Classroom to assign my writing assignments. The documents are renamed and shared with the appropriate students/teacher instantly - no background work! Before implementing Google Classroom, this was a tedious task that took way too much time! 

If you are interested in setting up Google Classroom - I am attaching a step by step guide for setting it up. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to ask me! Download it

One of my main pet peeves as a teacher is when my students don't know how to "do something" and they do not attempt to solve the problem. They commonly respond with statements like "I can't do it" or "I don't know how to do it." I tell them - keep trying and see if you can problem solve and figure it out. I do this because I want my students to be innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and to never give up. I want my students to develop skills of exploration and understanding. Our answer doesn't always have to be right, but we must always attempt to solve them. I think many teachers are like this - in fact I would almost bet at any given time that teachers across the world are encouraging the same types of behaviors in their classrooms. 

My question arises from this: If we expect our students to problem solve and attempt a solution, shouldn't we hold ourselves accountable to the same standard? 

Teachers come to me for their technology problems, needs, and questions daily. I commonly ask if they tried step a, b, or c? A majority of the time the response is no! A problem arose and the teacher has taken no steps to correct it. They simply quit using the device and decided they would ask someone else. What kind of modeling is this for our students? Should teachers give up so quickly? Absolutely not! With all the technology in our schools I believe that teachers should "tinker" and "mess" with their devices, programs, etc. when somethings doesn't quite work the way they intended.

Some examples of steps that teachers could take:

My Smartboard isn't working: (also known as: The red light is on statement)

• Unplug the smartboard
• Restart the computer
• Check your connections

My iPad isn't working:

• Is the Wi-Fi connected? Is it on the correct network?
• Restart it (complete a hard reset if necessary)
• Is it charged? (You would be amazed at how many times this is the problem...)

The website isn't working:

• Have you tried it in a different browser? (some websites only work with certain browsers)
• Again, is your internet/wi-fi connected?
• Try a different device to see if you can isolate the problem

95% of the time the most common tech issues could be solved without help if our teachers would hold themselves accountable to troubleshooting. Teach our students what good troubleshooting looks like by modeling some of these steps the next time your technology fails!  Don't be afraid of "breaking" it or "messing it up." You will never full 100% comfortable implementing the device, software, or technique until you are sure that you can support problems that may arise. 

All I am saying is: Get in there and get your hands dirty! Don't be afraid to try (or google) a solution!

At the end of November I presented with Jennifer Padgett and Fredda Shaw on our top 10 take aways from Edtech. I was not able to attend as many sessions as these two due to the fact that I was a presenter. The Conference was amazing and I really enjoyed being able to share my expertise with those around our state. I have had several teachers asking me about "that thing from edtech you presented on" here lately. In order to refresh all of our memories I am posting the presentation (without the extras we gave you) right here on my blog. Have fun, try new things, and engage your students!

Several people have been asking how to access the student account information for our district. I have made this simple and easy. You will find a presentation below that walks you step by step to finding this information. 

The hour of code is coming up in the month of December. I like to think of hour of code as a stress free intro into the world of coding. This is a chance for schools nationwide to come together to introduce students AND teachers to the world of coding. It is important for students to be exposed to coding (actually computer science in general) in order to get them excited and peek an interest in this field. Coding is a growing assets that is valuable at ALL levels. Basic coding skills are becoming important for entry level jobs. Because we are training our students for jobs that do not exist yet, this is an experience to open their eyes in a way that promotes life long learning. Statistics show that over 50% of coding jobs will go unfilled due to a lack of trained candidates! If we can peek an interest now - these students will be able to change the world through technology!

Don't let excuses get in the way of preparing your students! When you want to do something - you will always find a way to make it happen. Coding can be completed in stations, in computer labs, on iPads, or on paper with no technology at all! All you need is a device (or paper), a plan, and an urgency to ensure that your students are prepared for the "real world" - the rest is magic! Just JUMP IN! It's a learning process that is not suppose to be perfect the first time. Build on your experience and have fun with your students! 

Coding sounds daunting, but being open to adventure helps to overcome this "unknown."  The first step is for you, the teacher, to try it. Go to code.org and code the angry bird session. You will see just how easy and fun coding is!


My Angry Bird - Santa edition. The key to my game is that you get a point every time you pass through the objects AND every time you hit the ground. You are suppose to try to hit the ground in between objects for more points. 


Your students will grow in: directions, problem solving, computer science, writing, logic, the list goes on....



                   FAQ's (from code.org)
What is the Hour of Code?
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. Check out the tutorials, and look out for new ones coming for the Hour of Code 2014.

When is the Hour of Code?
December 8-14, 2014, in celebration of Computer Science Education Week. 

Is it one specific hour? 
No. You can do the Hour of Code anytime during this week. (And if you can't do it during that week, do it the week before or after).

Why computer science?
Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path. 
See more stats on Code.org.

How do I participate in the Hour of Code?
Sign up to host an Hour of Code event here and start planning. You can organize an Hour of Code event at your school or in your community — like in an extracurricular club, non-profit or at work. Or, just try it yourself when Dec. 8 arrives.

Who is behind the Hour of Code?
The Hour of Code is organized by Code.org, a public 501c3 non-profit dedicated to expanding participation in computer science by making it available in more schools, and increasing participation by women and underrepresented students of color. An unprecedented coalition of partners have come together to support the Hour of Code, too — including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the College Board.

I don't know anything about coding. Can I still host an event?
Of course. Hour of Code activities are self-guided. All you have to do is try our current tutorials, pick the tutorial you want, and pick an hour — we take care of the rest. We also have options for every age and experience-level, from kindergarten and up. Start planning your event by reading our how to guide.

Do I need computers for every participant?
No. We have Hour of Code tutorials that work on PCs, smartphones, tablets, and some that require no computer at all! You can join wherever you are, with whatever you have.Here are a few options: 

• Work in pairs. Research shows students learn best with pair programming, sharing a computer and working together. Encourage your students to double up.
• Use a projected screen. If you have a projector and screen for a Web-connected computer, your entire group can do an Hour of Code together. Watch video portions together and take turns solving puzzles or answering questions.
• Go unplugged. We offer tutorials that require no computer at all.

Resources:
code.org
hourofcode.com/us
#SCED on Twitter
csedweek.com
http://www.cs-first.com

When I think about all of the time teachers spend preparing, teaching, and assessing work - I truly stand amazed! How can one individual accomplish all of these task? How can a teacher use data quickly and effectively when there are not enough hours in the day to analyze every assessment? That is where Flubaroo comes in! Flubaroo is an "add-on" in Google spreadsheets that allows teachers to quickly and efficiently analyze and grade assessments. With a few clicks - the teacher receives the students' grade, an item analysis, and an overall class performance snapshot. 

To get started with this you first need to create a Google Form. Make sure that your first question on the form is for the students name - this ensures that you know who the grades belong to :).