Category: STEM

FLIPPING OVER FLIPGRID QR CODES

6/27/2019

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One day after school in my library as I was cleaning up and getting ready to leave, I discovered that the pen that had been left at the circulation counter for students to sign in with had been misplaced again. Pens were a commodity since they had a habit of rolling off the counter, or being indefinitely "borrowed." I remembered seeing pens with feathers attached to the top of them in my colleague's classroom to prevent pens from being misplaced. I had the solution! I quickly ran to my computer and printed out a few copies of the QR code for our library book recommendations Flipgrid, laminated them, and attached them to the tops of some pens. I didn't need to replace the pens until the ink ran out, and the QR code was a reminder to share their favorite books with one another.

And I snuck a few reminders into new books when I processed them too...

So excited to speak about QR codes at the Flipgrid booth in the ISTE 2019 Expo hall...

With the new Flipgrid AR (augmented reality) your videos will come alive!

Create a MixTape for each of your students, combining their responses from various topics during the school year.

Kick it Old School with MixTapes □
□You pick what goes on your MixTape (any video Response from any of your Grids).□You set the order you want Responses to play.□MixTapes are view-only and can be shared anywhere.□Your community can Follow your MixTapes and receive an email when new videos are added. Ready to get rocking?

MixTape CoPilots are coming! This will make it even easier for teachers to create digital portfolios for their students.

Password protect those MixTapes so only friends and family can view them.

Create student ID badges.

Scan Student ID Badges with QR Codes for Easy Access
If your students don't have Microsoft or Google accounts, Flipgrid makes it easy to secure your Grid using Student IDs! Educators can add or edit their Student ID List at anytime and print out the...

Save time, and download multiple QR response codes at once.

From □ QA Jeff to □ QR Jeff to □ QUIT JEFF!@jeffgmpls was excited to share his latest release...

□ BULK QR Response Codes □

...his enthusiasm didn’t stop there but @mg0stisha □ swooped in before Jeff revealed the BIG #FlipgridLIVE □ QR update...□#FlipgridFever □ pic.twitter.com/Hk76ggeJVW
— Flipgrid (@Flipgrid) May 22, 2019

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Are libraries for makerspaces?

5/27/2019

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I believe that libraries are worlds of possibilities for our children. They should be places of "yes, and" not "no, but." We really need balance, as do all aspects of education.

What's "new" can be just flashy gadgets and toys unless there is sound pedagogy and skilled educators. Sometimes "old school" techniques can transform classrooms and libraries. But making is nothing new. Our public librarians have run hands-on programs for decades and, before the age of testing and data-driven decisions, we used to have fun reading and making with crayons, glue, scissors, paper, and clay.

We need balance. We need something so EVERYONE has a reason to visit the library. We need a place where ALL students can explore and experiment. Libraries are places of equity and opportunity. It may be only place where our students will have access to materials that they can't afford at home. It can be the place where English language learners and special education students interact through collaboration, rather than being hindered by language and abilities.

Making isn't new.

Making is what makes us human.

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MICROSOFT MAKER SPACE PROJECT

9/3/2016

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It seems that every company is getting in on the makerspace craze. Some are offering resources, materials, and programs that have little to do with inquiry and ingenuity by slapping the word "makerspace" on the package and hoping it sticks. Believe it or not, Microsoft is a company that has done it right! Here's why:

Microsoft doesn't make any money from their Maker Space Project. The notebook is free to access, download, and print. Materials and tools can be purchased at hobby, electrical, and home improvement stores. Some resources can be found in the house, at the grocery store, or at the dollar store.
Educators can easily integrate activities into their classroom lessons with the included Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and International Society for Technology in Education Standards (ISTE).
Microsoft's makerspace projects help students to become college and career ready, as real world applications are included for mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, software engineering, and data scientists.
Until we can find ways to clone ourselves, educators will always have the problem of finding ways to assist all of their students, while differentiating instruction. Educators will find the embedded videos, diagrams, and sway presentations invaluable to helping their students develop into both independent and collaborative thinkers.
Assessments abound in this interactive notebook through rubrics, reflective journals, and challenge activities. Whether your school is a Microsoft school or not, you will find this Maker Space Project to be a addition to your curriculum!

MICROSOFT MAKER SPACE PROJECT AT ISTE 2016 IN DENVER