Poll Everywhere
My students are in 2nd grade and do not have cell phones. Therefore, I created a poll and sent it to several of my friends who are teachers around the country. I asked teachers, "What technology do you use most often in the classroom?" I did not want to send it to the teachers at my school, because we all have just about the same technology. Out of the 7 responses that I got, the majority of teachers use an interactive whiteboard in their classrooms.
The poll image is embedded above and can also be found at: http://www.polleverywhere.com/multiple_choice_polls/MTQ4NzA5MDE5Nw
Classroom 2.0
I replied to a discussion about the implementation of using cell phones in instruction. My post can be found at: Classroom 2.0 Post
Through my mobile learning explorations, I explored the flip video camera and the Poll Everywhere tools.
I plan to use flip video cameras in my classroom to create students movies. Right now, I use a camera to record videos, but it would be much easier for me and more worthwhile for the students if I had student flip video cameras for them to use to record and upload the videos themselves. I could also use the flip video cameras to help with assessments. I could record a student's actions or thoughts and later refer back to it for my records. I like the Poll Everywhere tool, but my students do not have cell phones. I think that a great way of implementing this tool would be for me to send a poll to parents about different activities or questions pertaining to the classroom. Then, since most parents have a cell phone, I could easily get parent response without having to call or wait for a note back from each parent.
Mobile learning in an elementary classroom is challenge, especially in my district where technology is not the highest priority. I do not see our district purchasing flip video cameras, ipods, or cell phones for student use. However, I am now more inspired to learn how to write a grant in hopes to get some of these resources. I am also inspired to try the Poll Everywhere feature with my parents. I would be interested to see the response that I get and how it would catch on!
Abbie, That was a neat idea to send the poll to friends across the country. That's a great idea to send them out to parents so they could provide quick and easy feedback on questions, even if it was to indicate they had read or were aware of some event at school and indicate they are able to attend or such. You should write a grant to get the flip cameras for your students, PTA organizations and all sorts of local ones, including Target, Kmart etc. give classroom grants. One of the good ways to learn about writing grants is to read some that got funded. Another way is to volunteer to be a grant reader.
ReplyDeleteOur school has had a lot of success with grants when it comes to these mobile devices. Serveral teachers have gotten 2-3 itouches or iPads by writing grants. Parents also see the value and pitch in. Our district is not buying these things for us. Do you have a parent fund like PTA that might support a pilot in your class.
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