I tried my best (to not get nauseous) when using the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset. My son — visiting the office for the day — was most pleased with my efforts.
Oculus Rift
27 Jun 2017 Leave a comment
in virtual reality Tags: Occulus Rift
Superhero! Workshop
27 Jun 2017 Leave a comment
I gave a superhero workshop and it was just swell!
Agenda
Introduction to the Super Hero
Entry Points for Struggling Learners:
- American Zeitgeist, or welcome to the United States of Superhero media: movies, comics, cosplay, breakfast cereal, television, etc.
- Greek (and Roman, and Norse) Mythology: Hercules, Thor, need I say more? (P.S. We love the Olympian books by George O’Connor)
- American Folk Tales. ‘Member Paul Bunyan?
Personal Connections to Super Heroes
- SuperYou Videos
- Pre-Planning Sheets and British Council Content
Create a Super Hero using Special Software
1) Style-a-Hero software 
2) Hero Machine software 
3) Other hero machines
Follow Up Activities
- Trading Cards
- Puppet Shows
- iPad Movies
I gave everyone a copy of Puppet Pals Director’s Cut iPad App, as well as a cd of handoputs, software, examples, etc., some of which are below:
Beardy Face
20 Jun 2017 Leave a comment
in art Tags: District 26, MS216
I was a “computer art” teacher for a couple of years, back in the day, back in district 26.
I used some of these lessons.
Poem, by DDD
19 Jun 2017 Leave a comment
Dear darling daughter Isabelle wrote this poem (whether for a class or no, I don’t know). What grade do you think she is in?
Smart Board Refresher
13 Jun 2017 Leave a comment
in Smart Board, Workshops Tags: notebook software, Smart Board
A Tall Glass of Smart Board Refresher
Many teachers have interactive white boards in their classrooms. I gave a workshop in May 2017 called Smart Board Referesher. We covered how to add pdf files so you can use “digital ink” on them; how to use infiinte cloner for spelling games; how to make words appear and disappear using animation properties; and how to add different kinds of sounds, including activity timers and invisible sounds.
Download a copy of the agenda if you want.
As a treat, I gave away a folder of fun, end-of-year Notebook files. Download that here.
Protect the Queen
08 Jun 2017 Leave a comment
On my way to a Middle School After School (MSAS) publishing party last week I saw a van being swarmed by bees. Someone said the queen bee was inside. Wonder what happened to the driver?
Occasional Observations of Traveling Technology Coach 