iPads in CPS

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Incorporating QR codes in a "centers" activity

I got to spend some time in Mr. Harker's 6th grade social studies class last week (you can follow him at @smsharker). I could tell from the noise about 25 feet from the classroom that the students were really enjoying themselves!

Mr. Harker had a great activity set up for students to do self guided learning through a "centers" format. Students were learning about archaeology. There were several stations set up for students to rotate through. Once at a station, they scanned a QR code using their iPad to access content they needed to complete that activity. Check out the pictures below to see how it looked.

For the activity pictured below, students were challenged to analyze pictures on some Google Slides presentations. After their analysis, they answered questions on a worksheet.

I love this station shown below! Mr. Harker gathered "artifacts" from his fellow 6th grade teachers. Students had to use their knowledge of the teachers to determine which tub contained their items. They obviously know their teachers well because this station was by far the least challenging!

I hope this snapshot gives you some ideas about how to use QR codes in your classroom. It was great to see how QR codes can enhance well planned activity, linking students to content only accessible through the technology. Looking forward to seeing more examples from Smithton teachers!

Monday, August 29, 2016

Accessing and Signing into OverDrive

Looking for access to a wealth of electronic texts for your students? Then let's take a look at OverDrive.

Access and download the OverDrive app from Self Service.

Once it's downloaded, choose "Continue" at the bottom of the screen because we are using OverDrive through our school.

Next, choose "Add a library".

Now search for "Columbia Public Schools" in the search field.

Choose the "Columbia Public Schools" option, not your own school!

Now sign in with your Columbia Public Schools computer username and password. Just your username, not your entire email address.

You are in! Now you can browse and checkout electronic books and audio books. Find the one you want, tap on the cover, then tap "borrow"

Once it's checked out, press "Go to Checkouts".

Now you'll see a list of checked out materials. You'll see in this instance, I have 14 days to finish the books. Choose the option for "Read (in your browser)".