MassCUE - October 2015

The MassCUE conference in Foxboro Massachusetts offered an opportunity to see many of the technology that we have been learning about in action. Innovative startups, master teachers, and worldwide tech companies shared the same space, highlighting their products, practice, or interesting takes on the use of existing products.

There were several takeaways from the conference as a whole; the vast majority were enlightening and inspiring, but some left me with a measure of frustration.

Before I launch into the most interesting programs and innovations I had the opportunity to learn about, I think it is important to share that through conversations with other teachers, I learned that many burgeoning blended learning communities, regardless of the test scores and median income of the district, are experiencing the same level of growing pains as I see in my "going blended" experience. It was nice to know that other (seemingly well to do) schools and districts are also struggling with infrastructure as well; it seemed to be a common thread uniting teachers from vastly different demographics.

Now on to the tech.
Everyday Stuff
Coupled with the different programs each session featured, there was an undercurrent of common tech, used subtly, almost behind the scenes.

• Google Slides: Each speaker used Google Slides to present their ideas. It was simple, familiar, and behaved a great deal like PowerPoint. It may not be as flashy as Prezi or Keynote, but it is quick and easy, and the greater benefit is in its ability to be shared.
• QR Codes/Bit.ly: Which brings us to how they shared it. Each presenter started their slide show with a QR code and a URL shortened by bit.ly. These made it so that everyone with a device could either type in the simplified address, or be linked to the show by the QR code. 
• Padlet: Many discussions or formative assessments of new ideas were accompanied by a padlet where the participants could share ideas, air frustrations, or ask questions. 
• Google Forms: Finally, most sessions ended with feedback on Google Forms. The presenters would share a bit.ly or a QR that directs participants to a simple form that compiles all information and sends it to a dedicated Google Sheet for real, quick analysis

Apps and Extensions

Personally, the idea of blended learning has been daunting, but the simple tech above allows for easy implementation that is not scary, but helpful. The second element that I thought was remarkable was the add-ons within the applications that we already use. This aspect of the conference was both the most inspiring and the most frustrating, because the download restrictions on our school chromebooks prevented me from downloading any, and it would undoubtedly be the same for our students. Nevertheless, there were some apps and extensions that I thought to be game changers.

• Grammarly: Checks documents for plagiarism and grammar errors in writing.
• Clearly: Clears advertisements and extra obstructions from view, so that the web page simply displays the text and essential images.
• Ginger: A predictive keyboard for mobile devices that checks writing in real time, offering corrections based on a database of commonly made errors
• WOT: (Web of Trust) This extension judges the credibility and reliability of sources as students search on Google. Green sites are trusted, red are not, and the extension gives reasoning as to why they are safe or otherwise.

Useful Programs to Look Into

No matter your subject area, there are programs available that allow for deeper and more meaningful understanding of material. Both of the programs featured below are available for free, but you also have the option of subscribing for a more in-depth experience.

• Animoto: Animoto is a program that allows students to create unbelievable short videos without filming anything. Using a simple template, students input publicly shared images and their own text, with music in the background to display their knowledge on a subject. In the session I attended, we were instructed how to create a book trailer to show overall knowledge of a novel
• Piktochart: This program allows students to make bright vibrant infographics that show information as a supplement to writing, and/or a presentation. The ability to experiment with professional levels of visualization allows students the freedom to display their knowledge, as well as educate peers.

Overall, there were some very inspiring sessions in which teachers showed how THEY use the programs, which showed their true practicality through implementation.

Good luck, and happy tech-ing!!!