Using Technology in Middle School

This week's tech task was to share our favorite idea from each of the three speakers in class on March 20th. As you can see, it is March 26th. I've been listening to the recording in bits and pieces, as I make supper, wash dishes, fold laundry, etc! That's the beauty of the flipped classroom- multitasking at its best!

Top Tip: Radio Programming- Heather Durnin
Heather was able to link her class with a free radio station called 105 The Hive. Her students produced shows featuring reader's theatre, speeches, and holiday programming. People from all over the world, including friends and relatives, were able to tune in. Radio is especially good for students whose oral expression is stronger than written expression.

I am not sure how to go about looking for free radio time/stations. A quick google search shows radio stations that you can listen to for free, but not produce for free. Anyone know of any?

Top Tip: Standing Stations- Royan Lee
Partly as a joke, Royan brought bar-height counters into his classroom to use as gathering places. To his surprise, students worked far more efficiently when they were standing as opposed to sitting.

I know that schools can order adjustable desks so that students can stand instead of sit. I believe that the more movement there is throughout the day, the better the students will learn. I am going to keep my eyes open on kijiji and at garage sales for furniture I can buy for my classroom!

Top Tip: Stalking in English- Clarence Fisher
Clarence chose three well-known educators and challenged his students to "stalk" them to try to find out as much as possible about these individuals (he asked permission beforehand). Students had two 90-minute periods to try to dig up as much information as possible. This exercise resulted in valuable observations about what kind of information responsible adults post online.

I am definitely going to try this if I have middle years or high school students. There can be a lot of anxiety around posting student information online. This activity shows students that it is possible to have a significant digital presence and still be safe.