Lunch and Learn" Feb 20

Whatttt? Apps on a Laptop?

This is exactly how I felt when my mentor attended a Google academy class last month. So I had to set out to explore this fact. You may know exactly what an app is..one of those things on a iPad or your phone. But today you can also find apps on your regular ole' computer screen too!
                                         
Google Chrome allows you to "download" apps right to your chrome screen. Okay so download is not the right word, a better word is Bookmark. Which means these little babies don't take up any of your space and if they are being bad you just reload the tab/screen. 
An App is defined by a program that is run completely inside a web browser. Some of the most loved Chrome Apps that are loved from teachers in my school and myself are the password saving ones. 

Do you recommend any? is what I'm currently using and it works great! Plus you can use it on different kinds of devices and computers systems.
Here is an example of what the chrome web store looks like. I'm currently researching different apps for a Photoshop and photo editing loving post.                 

Google Summit 20

I'm still trying to take in everything I learned today at the Region 20 Google Summit today in San Antonio. I had a great time catching up with tech leaders in my district and making new friends.

Keynote speaker Todd Nesloney is a 4th grade teacher from Texas. He's won a crazy amount of awards, even ones from the president of the United States! You can learn more about him from his website http://www.toddnesloney.com/ and  http://twitter.com/TechNinjaTodd

He was a great speaker and I could spend hours learning from him, in fact he popped up in several of my workshops later in the day! 

I asked him about posting his students work and photos online. He reminded me that all schools have some sort of release but double check to see where it is okay to post photos. On personal websites be sure not to get students faces, last name or anything distinguishable . He also gave me a suggestion, use code names! Students love them, and they are soo much cooler! I don't know about you, but I have 170 students..that's alot of code names!! But I'm sure I can work something out! 

Another Topic was twitter! Todd suggested checking out http://blogforprofit.com/30-days-of-twitter-tips-and-hints/if your new to twitter!  Todd spoke about how many of the ideas he has used in this classroom he has gotten from other teachers he has met on twitter! Be a connected Teacher! 

Follow me at @edtechartist and Direct Message me on and I'll follow you back! 

I can't wait to share more with you! Be on the lookout soon! I'm so excited!

hAPPy Friday!

One of the most beloved ipad Apps in the Art room by teacher and students alike is the ipottery app.

I introduced this app last year to students for a Greek history lesson. We watched a Greek artist throw pottery on a wheel . Then I gave student to chance to digitally create their own pottery. It walks students threw the whole pottery process, with out the mess! This app has some magic power that instantly soothes students by the classroom! I think its the soothing bird sounds that softly play in the background. 

You can get the app for free and it has an available upgrade. I currently have a the free app. 

Its also available for most phone and tablet devices. 

http://www.idreams.pl/en/our-products/show/product/21-Lets-Create-Pottery 

http://www.idreams.pl/en/our-products/show/product/21-Lets-Create-Pottery