Update on Flipped Learning

We just had our first local benchmark assessment. My class did very well! I had 82 percent meet expectations with 23 percent commended. I had 3 students not pass - but they missed it by 1 point. The students who did not do well, were those students who come in for tutorials on a bi-weekly basis. I'm almost pretty sure that I read somewhere that in a Flipped Classroom, the students who struggle, would have struggled anyway with traditional instruction. So, I'm loving the fact that I have the lessons saved so that those students could re-watch them at home. It is also helpful for those students who seek tutoring outside of school so that the tutor can see how we are teaching them. I've had many compliments about having that right at their fingertips!

Complaints? Well, I have only had a few from parents.

•  One problem is how the kids are over committed and do not have the time to devote to homework. The other issue is that the parents are over committed with their other children and cannot seem to find the time to help them watch the movie because "so and so" has a football game, or soccer practice, etc. So, I reminded them that they could easily watch the movies in the car on the way using their cell phone. When I gave that idea, they were receptive. Another idea I gave at parent conferences was to have their child come early to school to watch them over our devices. 
•  Another issue that was brought up was that the parents had a hard time relearning something totally different than the way they learned. I agree - it is SO different - especially with manipulatives!

Personal Complaints:

•  It seems that it is very difficult to coordinate times to create videos with 3 other people. We all have a lot on our plates - school, children, sports, regular family stuff, etc... It just seems that I am getting stuck with the brunt of things and it's getting hard to juggle. Like one day last week - I had forgotten to attach a video (or actually we didn't have one to attach) and started receiving texts about it. So, I responded with a love and logic approach - "That was the movie that we were supposed to record last week but nobody had time to help me with!" Well, that sparked concerns! So then the texts started popping in with - what about a video on.... or on... Well, that is all nice and dandy and the suggestions are appreciated, but I'm not bringing technology home with me! I have made the decision that I need to power down in the evenings and spend time with my family. That is time I will never get back and work will always be there for me!

Modeled Drawing with 2nd Graders

This was a lesson that was done with my class on Friday.  I really appreciate Ricky Mikelman for volunteering her time to help my class learn!  She is SO talented in math and knows just what questions to ask!

2nd Grade TT from Theresa Trevino on Vimeo.

Increasing STARR Scores

I have to attribute the other happy moment that we (our entire team) had on Wednesday.  After school during our faculty meeting, we were joined with a "sister" campus who had some wonderful scores on the state assessment.  So, the 2nd Grade teachers from Wilchester, joined us as we talked about what our day was like focusing on what differences / likeness that we had.  It was phenomenal!  They are such a great group of teachers and I so badly want to get to know them better!  We learned a lot and I appreciate them sharing their expertise with us!

Perfect Day!

Bird's Eye View

Yesterday, we hit a milestone marker for being the most productive team ever!  We were very fortunate to be given the gift of time with our dear friend, expert, genius in mathematics - Ricky Mikelman.

Mini Lesson

 She came and helped up create 10 videos to use with our classroom.  It was such a great feeling because we had SO many questions on how to teach certain objectives - simply because the standards have raised and we are now doing more like 3rd grade math than 2nd grade math.  I think deep down inside, teachers are just naturally perfectionists.  We really want to do well at teaching a concept the first time.  I think I can probably speak on behalf of almost all teachers - there has been at least 1 lesson where we have failed miserably and had to  "retrain minds" after the fact.   Once this happens,  we just have this innate

knowledge on great first learnings.  So today, we did something that we usually do not know do - we took the time to "talk" out our lesson before we taped.  This was extremely helpful!
Another great "a-ha" that happened was to invite our administrators, iCoach and some wonderful student teachers to create a video.  It was a complete by-in!  I know our team really enjoyed it because it helped them understand what we have been doing.  I think that there is a lot of empathy for all the time being spent and they can now relate to us and how hard it is to stay after school when you are just flat-dab exhausted!

New Voices / Hands on Tape

Stay tuned for more exciting news that happened after school!

Jam Session # 2

Here are a few things we learned from launching the first full week of videos for homework:
 

First Week Debrief

My Co-Workers in My Classroom After-school!

We did it!  We had our first full week of a "Flipped" classroom.  I really wasn't sure what I was going to expect at first.  I had to put some sort of trust into the process - which looks and feels so differently than that of the traditional learning.
A few years ago - I changed the way I managed / ran my Language Arts block of time... So, knowing that placing all the trust into a process - was something I'd have to do knowing that research supports it!

So, Monday night's homework was to watch a video.  It wasn't that long - under  10 minutes for sure!  Some of my kids did not watch it.  When it came to math time, they went into the hallway and were given time to watch it before joining the class.  That helped me to take the kids that had watched it, through a practice session while I worked with the rest trying to get them caught up to speed.

I find it interesting to know that their excuses for not doing homework where:

• I had soccer practice tonight!
• I had football practice tonight!
• I didn't know what you wanted me to do!
• I couldn't watch the video on my computer!

Then, my answer to that was: "Oh!  I hear that you really enjoy playing _____!  Well, I want you to know that professional soccer / football players are educated.  So, maybe you need to prioritize your time better, knowing that you are going to have to work hard to play sports..." and then, "Let me help you with that computer situation... You are always welcome to come to class early to watch a video. Just let me know!"
The next night went better - at least with my class.  I had 2 kids that came in early for help - but that was from the week prior.  (This next week, I'll have them take a working lunch in order to help them get caught up.)
Everyday, kids are excused from the cafeteria at 7:45 and head towards our rooms.
In addition to all this, I've given my students some morning work (from the prior day) to help create a "snapshot" of who understands and who doesn't.  From a quick glance - I can really tell!  That is where I think about small groups.  I jot down antidotal records and input them into their Pensieve.  This process is AWESOME!  (The kids are really understanding  a lot - considering that there are SO many learning gaps.)  That will be used later on in parent / teacher conferences.
So, if anyone missed at least three of the practice problems, then they are to meet me at my table.  They are having to be honest with themselves - and with me!  That is the self-determined learning in action!
On some days - I do model again what it is that I'm asking the kids to do.  At least they are able to decipher if they are "on target" or not.
I then have them try a few with a partner!

Tomorrow, I am going to have a "Jam Session" with a colleague.  I plan / hope to post more about the other encounters that happened, such as:  loading the wrong video, video taping issues, upset teachers who are being asked to attend more training, upset parents, etc...
Stay tuned.... it is only going to get better!
Major thanks though - to my team!  They are all contributing and "going along" with this - maybe it is to humor me, or maybe its's a challenge - but I love them!  So glad we have taken the "Road Less Traveled!" We have bonded more this year, than any other!

Underdogs Take Over!

Ok - so today was one of those days where everything happened that wasn't supposed to!  If the fact that I am still up at 8:45 PM doesn't strike a concern - it SHOULD!  I have been so upset at all the obstacles that came our way - that I'm ready to possibly throw in a towel. Not really - but I do feel better after saying that!
We had first tried using one of our classrooms to do the video tapings.  However, the people around me were not quiet and since I had to "redo" many of those tapings because you could hear them talking to their "loved ones" and whomever else on speaker phone,  we decided to pick a room that wasn't being used.
Oh - but wait - it gets worse!  Apparently, the extra room that is not being used, gets farmed out to Brownies, Girl Scouts, After School Tutorials, Reading Readiness and much more. No one ever told us that that was going to happen - otherwise, we would not have left our materials out - only to get moved and misplaced!
ARGH!
So, I'm really upset - only because we were not notified!  You see, our school is going to be demolished in June.  We will move to temporary buildings.  (AKA T-Shacks - please pray for us!) We have several empty classrooms right now - but not many.  The ones we do have are for "surplus" or "storage" that will have district people in and out moving and removing  items.  We would never want our stuff (video camera, tripod, manipulatives, etc.) housed in a room that might be "cleaned". 
We dealt with it.  Went back to recording in my room - which turns out better in the long run because I know where things are... and I have CONTROL!  I can keep a better eye on things and know that they are in my possession during the day.  That matters when a lot of time, energy and sweat goes into it!
But wait - there were other things that happened - it was like we were being tested the entire time.  First, one of my co-workers (not on my grade level) was being paged over the intercom.  Never responded...because shocker... she wasn't there!   So then, they decided to call my room and ask me if I knew where she was... REALLY people?  So CUT! (Our 3rd time to record one video)  Can't have that in the background of our videos... That wasn't the last... Then, our boss was continually being paged (with giggles in the background - not from us) and then the you know what hit the fan... We are exhausted!  The A/C had turned off at 4.  It was going on 5pm on a Monday afternoon!  Scorcher!  What should have taken us about 45 minutes, took 1 1/2 hours.  All because of people NOT making great choices.
I don't have an answer to this - but I'm going to propose NOT using an intercom to broadcast that you are searching for someone.  I'm also taking my phone off the hook so they cannot call me during filming.  I'm going to also suggest that we (staff) are notified if they are going to use/share the room with someone else... that really was upsetting!
Tomorrow will be better!  My team will create videos without me and I can't wait to see how they do!  I know they will be AWESOME!
Thank God I have such COOL people to work with - because of them, we made it through - even with a few "bleeps and bloopers" to save for later!

Flipped Learning - Debriefing Session w/ Co Workers!

Flipping Out

We have survived the first 3 weeks of school!  It has been a definite whirl-wind with the Flip Learning concept!

Kids Re-watching a Video for Clarification

As a team, we decided that it would be best if we video-taped every lesson for our mathematics instruction.  We did this because our kids are 7 and 8 years old.  To tell them that they need to go home and watch a video and take notes would be unreasonable.  Point is - kids need things modeled - over and over again! So here was our schema:

• We taught them how they could use a QR Code to take them to the videos.  
• We taught them that they could pause the video and rewind to hear the lesson again.
• We taught them that they could have manipulatives at home to help them visualize Place Value.
• We taught them how to take notes in their journal - drawing things out and making sure they get down the important vocabulary.

Manipulative Bag

So, by the time that back to school night came along, kids would be better able to show their parents what our expectations were.  In fact, our very first video that we had them do for homework was "How to Make Beansticks".  This would become an essential tool that they will use for the rest of the year.  I got pencil - zipper bags from a grant through Donor's Choose.   In there, I placed a laminated QR Code (which I had to redo because of Copyright Laws - I suggest using just a regular one without a cute graphic...), 15 Tongue Depressors,  4 oz. Bag of  large Kidney Beans, and 2 die. The parents took them home - where they will remain for the rest of the year.  We also passed out a wonderful explanation that Crystal Kirch had placed on her blog.  (We had permission to use some of it, of course!)

Next week - the world of mathematics instruction will look very different.  I'm nervous, but also excited!  I'm hoping that all goes well!

Happy Secrets to Better Work

I really enjoyed what Shawn Anchor had to say in his "TED" Talk session.  It makes a lot of sense.  I can tell you that from my personal life, adding exercise DID change the way I work!  Over a year ago, I joined a local gym. I started working out with 2 co-workers every morning - hardly being able to complete 1 sit-up. I had never ran either...  That summer, I accomplished my goal.  I was able to survive the treadmill for 15 enduring minutes as I ran my first mile EVER!  For the past year, I have been participating in a 5:00 am boot camp class that meets 3 times a week.   I've ran 10 5K Races, 2 10K Races, and am scheduled to run the Houston Half Marathon in January.  I believe that all the "endorphins" that come from exercise have made me a happier person!

Prezi - Flipping the Classroom

Flip - Take 2!

Before I go any further, I need to recognize and say "Thank You" SDE for all their help, ideas, manipulative ideas!  Because of their expertise, we are able to receive training to become better educators in the world of Singapore Math!  Being introduced to it several years ago - it has changed the way I like to look at solving problems.

Today we had a much better day at making video tapes.  It was obvious by how many lessons we really were able to record.  I think on the first day, we recorded 3 videos.  That, obviously was not a lot - but more so a time to use "trial and error" while we stumbled through lessons & videotaping.

Today, we created 15 videos that students will have the opportunity to watch, re-watch and possibly gain great on ideas for future recording.

"Behind the Scenes"

I know this might be on your mind... but what in the world did our workspace look like? Well, fortunately, I am able to crop that out of my movies so I don't have a "background" to contend with.  Also, we have not officially returned back to class.  On Tuesday, I set up my computer, document camera, a few chairs, a tripod & video recorder.  That is it... nothing else!  I have not even begun to unload from summer!  In fact, if my principal entered my room, she would totally be disgusted at how thinks are literally falling out of my closet...  I should take a picture to post next time.  :)

Today, we tried to:

• Remind kids that they can pause and re-watch
• Teach kids & parents how to make Bean Sticks for counting
• Give them challenges
• Create a video on our own - without help from an expert mathematician - a.k.a. Ricky Mikelman  (she doesn't know yet - I am going to surprise her)
• Remember to turn off the AC unit during taping and we needed a break - turn it back on and talk about what we were going to do next.  

Other issues to deal with:

• We noticed that it was hard to see our numbers that we were writing because our hand was in the way.
• Write down the name of the lesson before you tape it.. Makes it easier (and saves a lot of time) to remember without having to watch the lessons over.  
• Ask the district for a space on the server to house the videos so that other schools can have access to them too. 
• Suggested that I look into SkyDrive / VBrick for storing videos.
• PLN - You will need one!   I joined Flipped Learning Network.  There they have groups formed for your specific need.  You do have to ask to join, but after you do, you will be prompted to select groups to follow...  We also decided to collaborate in Pinterest.  I learned at the ISTE 2013 conference that you can easily dialog with others on a board.  So, I created on called Flipped!  Thank you Theresa Cullen for that idea!
• Remember to silence your cell phone and turn off any "instant notifications" so it wouldn't pop up on the monitor during recording.  
• Discovered that the document camera showed a huge delay from the sound to the motion.... might be better record over the shoulder rather than a monitor.  

Flip

Flip!

What does that word actually mean? This year, I am going to learn what a Flipped Classroom looks, sounds and feels like.  I'm a little nervous / scared only because I'm self - contentious when it comes to recording... I literally HATE the way I sound!!!  I know it's silly, but I'm sure there are a lot of other people that feel the same.  

So... join in on the journey if you'd like...  It's going to be like a roller-coaster!!!

At the ISTE 2013 Conference, I learned from many people the wonderful impact that a Flipped Classrooms offers.  The idea that captured me on this strategy was the way it allowed for some kids to continue to the next lesson,  and for others to grab extra help in small groups as needed for finer tuning. So, I elected to read the book:  Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day, by Jonathan Bergmann & Aaron Sams.  Some of my teammates have also agreed to read and discuss the chapters.

So, today, I met up with some people and we began our journey and created 3 videos that we are going to use the first week / two of school.  If you should think about doing this... consider a few things:

• Unpacking early from the summer;
• Have a back-up plan;
• Have access to a FLIP / Video Camera / Tripod;
• 32 GB Scan Disk (If your equipment needs it!);
• Document Camera - "Hooked Up" and ready to go;
• High Speed Internet Connection (makes uploading much more pleasant!)

62 Ways to Use an iPad

62 interesting ways_to_use_an_i_pad_in_the_cla from deang33

Hashtags - How Do They Work?

Here is something I found off of Pinterest. I want to learn more about #Hashtags too!!! Can someone please tell me how they work?

Source: edtechmagazine.com via Kristin on Pinterest

Pinterest in Education

I admit, I have really not been much of a fan of Pinterest.  I have some friends, however, that seem to be addicted to it!  I guess whenever I don't know a lot about a particular platform of social media, I tend to shy away from it until I can't stand it any longer!!!  It's the curiosity that kills the cat!  My goal over the next few months is to try Pinterest out and collaborate with others about all the cool things that teachers (all over the world) are doing!  I've decided that I'd follow:
Kathy Schrock
Vicki Davis
Ted Ed News
ISTE
Kristin Rynteson

There are a whole lot of other people that you can follow at: The 20 Best Pinterest Boards About Education Technology!  Be sure and check them out!!!

QR Codes

Mrs. Trevino's 2nd Grade Blog

After reading, 7 Fun Ways to Use QR Codes In Education, I learned that there is so much more interaction I could do in my classroom using our iTouches and iPad devices. Here are some of the ideas that the article provided

1. Worksheets ~ Create a 3 – In – A Row worksheets for students to play with another student. 

2. Scavenger Hunts ~ Post codes around the school have student solve problems and find the correct answers. 

3. Pass It ~ You can create several problems on one worksheet, cut them and play Pass It. Each student/group solves a problem and them pass it to the next student/group. 

4. Contact Information for Parents and Students ~ Post in classroom for students and parents to obtain phone number, email address, class website, etc. 

5. Notes ~ Such an easy way to post notes and great for students to always have access to them at all times. 

6. Assignments ~ Post Homework assignments in codes for students to scan before leaving class. 

7. Hints/Tutorials to assist on problems ~ Use when students are solving problems. They can scan the code when they are having trouble or need help.

The article also suggested this QR Generator.  It was easy and I liked how I could place images on it... Made things look a interesting!Who would have ever thought that QR Codes stood for "Quick Response Codes?"  It makes total sense!!!  I am thinking that this next year, I'll create several that easily connect the kids with different "databases" that our district supplies so that they can easily complete their research on birds...  

I can also see myself using this for other things that help me "Flip My Classroom."

Why Use Twitter?

As a mother of 3 and full time teacher - getting regular work done, on top of being a "mom" can be tricky. After reading, The Beginner’s Guide To Twitter, I feel more motivated now to explore using Twitter this summer! It seems that during the school year, it gets to be hard to juggle time for professional growth. Here are just a few reasons in a nut shell...

Because the social media tool will let you grow your personal learning network into a worldwide force able to mold your lessons and classroom projects into efficient uses of time that enhance learning for your students. Simply put, you’ll get more ideas on how to teach XYZ subject, how to deliver exit slips, how to meet other teachers with similar interests, how to get the most out of your next professional development, and much more.

This I have already been doing on a novice level. I interact with just a few educators that help me tear down my walls and speak to experts around the world. By using Twitter, we can set up meetings and share neat content!

Twitter has blossomed into a social media tool that lets parents keep tabs on just about anyone and anything. That means it’s pretty easy for parents to see what their children are tweeting from school, who they’re having conversations with, and what they’re thinking about. In this age of over-sharing online, the openness of Twitter is a good thing for parents.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to explore this with my personal children, but I have noticed a huge trend in the number of adolescent aged children - young adults using this platform more than Facebook. I do follow my nieces and some of cousins - who all happened to be up North. So, I am wondering if this is more of a Northern trend...

But where Twitter really shines is connecting students with the outside world. They’re given a chance to collaborate and learn online from the comfort of their own smartphone.

"Visual" from Pinterest

For younger students, there are better, more controlled tools out there that connect students in a safer manner. (Edmodo, Pinterest, and other sites that don’t have as much direct communication between people who may not have the best intentions toward younger students – to put it nicely).

Edmodo seems to be working within our set school district. I found it a little more challenging to break down the walls and create groups to the "outside." However, with a quick email, the IT department helped get my class to join a collaborative study on the Bald Eagle. That was very cool! I haven't explored Pinterest expect to communicate with a select few - as I'm overwhelmed with the "pins". A few times I was also surprised to learn how I personally could use Pinterest to lead my classroom discussion on inferencing!

ZooBurst

Sweet Class!

Social Media & Education

After reading, #SXSWedu: Bill Gates calls for more connected educators by Melissa Greenwood, I have to agree with a few things that were stated by Bill Gates:

“The fact that these platforms let you categorize and talk about what your challenges are and sort of reach out to experts anywhere in the country who will be able to give you examples of what works with that type of student, it’s really breaking down that isolation in a really strong way,” Gates told attendees.
“What’s born out in the data is that there is a set of teachers who are absolutely phenomenal, and it’s interesting to me how little study has been done of videotaping and talking with them — understanding what they do well,” he said.
“Obviously as we learn more about that, and we do need to learn more about that, either we need to have them as the lecturer or capturing those ideas and having teachers watch those and learn from them and be evaluated on those characteristics. That will raise the quality of the profession as a whole.”

A few years ago, I was named Technology Teacher of the Year for Region IV.    One of the prerequisites of "winning" was that I agreed to have a lesson of mine video taped for future trainings.   I don't know if they ever used it - it would be interesting to watch now that I have "grown" so much more with technology.  Anyway, the lesson incorporated the use of technology with a video platform called Vidyo, with some ornithologists from Arizona State University.  Vidyo allowed us to connect with several different locations - much like that of the way Google Hangouts & Skype.  I think the quality was a lot better and back then - the capabilities of multiple "hookups" were expensive.  During our lesson, we back channeled our questions with the use of Today's Meet.  The learning was authentic and powerful and I am so fortunate to have randomly called a number of off a Google search and have them return our call with a vested interested in making a difference in this world. With so much technology out there - it is crazy to know what to use and when.  To be able to communicate live, is so much more powerful than tweeting or posting to Facebook - especially at the elementary level...   

I still speak to my friends at ASU and will be "hooking up" with them again soon with the use of Vidyo with my class.

and... The winner is....

District Service Awards and Teacher of the Year!

I am SO proud of Luke for getting up on stage and saying such sweet words about me! And, I wish I was just as calm and relaxed as Luke was for my speech...

Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced ~ The School Zone

Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced ~ The School Zone

STAAR Song

This goes out to every teacher teaching a STAAR grade level!!!
 

Surprise!

My sweet class just surprised me with a Cookie Cake to celebrate TOY!!!

Show Me

This is another cool FREE app that is available for the Apple iPad.  I know that there is one similar called "Whiteboard" for the Kindle Fire - but I'm not sure where it posts.  I'm still trying see and will post if I ever figure it out.  Anyway, I was thinking that this would be a cool tool to use while building a repository for next year's goal - on "Flipped Learning".  In the meantime, I'll use the videos that are posted and see how that works for my kiddos.
 

An Eaglet has HATCHED!

A huge thank you to Aaron Maurer for his dedication to the Alcoa Bald Eagle project.  As of Saturday evening, Liberty and Justice are the proud parents of the cutest Eaglet ever!!!
This picture was taken from the Alcoa Live Camera.

Podcasting

This was such a great way to "show and tell" bits and pieces of information that we have learned from our research on the Bald Eagle.  Kids recorded their "script" into Garage Band and then shared the file into my iTunes account.  We then pulled the audio file into iMovie and attached a royalty free photograph to it and exported it as a .mp4 file.  Now, kids from all over can learn cool facts that my second graders discovered!

I'm really excited that I participated in the Alcoa Bald Eagle Project - simply because it has taken my way of teaching to more of one that is "outside of the box".  Special thanks to Aaron Maurer for all his intelligent ways to use to technology!!!  This has been phenomenal.

Bald Eagle 'No Brainer' - Live Feed Sparks Student Interest ~ The School Zone

Bald Eagle 'No Brainer' - Live Feed Sparks Student Interest ~ The School Zone

Google Hangout

Are you looking for another way to connect with classrooms all over the world?  Google Hangouts is an easy way to connect!  It took me all of 15 minutes to figure it out... but you must have a web camera and a Google + Account.  With the use of Edmodo and Google Hangout, my class was able to connect with 2 other school (at the same time) around the United States!  This was a great experience   All were on task and working diligently to share information that they had learned in their Bald Eagle research group!

Capzles

This was so easy to make!  I am going to use it this year for our American Hero timelines!  I can't wait to test this lesson and have my 6 GT kids test it at home for me before I introduce it to the class!

Capzels is easy and fun and best of all, FREE!

Personal Learning Network

What defines ones PLN?  

Having a "Personal Learning Network" is essential to those great first teachings!  It is also beneficial when students begin to collaborate with other children in the world.  A PLN is basically those connections that people make either by in passing, or by suggestion, or by locating them using the world wide web.  I have met many people that I converse with about my teaching.  I also have met people that help me to determine which platforms to use for productivity, or how to challenge students further in certain areas.  I seek to them for advice on what works or how to achieve certain tasks.

One of the greatest encounters of my profession, has been with Arizona State University.  They helped bring in some of the top ornithologist to my class without having to leave the campus.  Our walls were torn down and the children were able to travel outside to learn more in - depth into the world of birds.  ASU created so many sparks that fired off questions and answers - bringing those rigor and relevance lessons into real life situations.  It helped my students see that the sky is the limit!  All one really needs to do is reach outside for more answers!!!

This is a movie that was part of the 11.5 tools that the district posted.  It really helped me understand that it takes a network of people to create success.  It is those connections that are brought to the table to  help students achieve their goals!

The Networked Student - The Movie

Margaret Powers' PLN

easel.ly

Conducting an Ed Tech Audit

I'm using several technologies in my classroom.  On any day, it is not uncommon for my students to be using a desktop, laptop, iPad, iTouch, digital camera and a FLIP video camera.  Each device serves a different purpose.  Along those lines, the capacity of one's project / product will determine what he / she uses. In the past, I have had students publishing on Storybird, Xtranormal, Animoto, Glogster, and Edmodo.  I've tried Stupeflix for the first time this year but ran into some issues of the website having inappropriate content, so I've pretty much ditched that. It has been cleaned up so maybe this spring we will try it again.  I like it because the kids have access to it whenever they want.   I've also dabbled into GoAnimate but it was all too soon that my group of 14 boys realized how to make their character do inappropriate things (ie. pass gas  belch, etc...) and so I haven't promoted much of it since.  We need some sort more maturity to occur before we can try it again.  

(Eagle live cam!) 

Something new that I am doing is a collaborative, online study with Alcoa on the Bald Eagles.  
There is a live Eagle webcam available for the kids to watch.  It is of Liberty and Justice (bald eagles).  They live in Iowa and have 2 eggs in their nest.  It is so incredible to watch – I encourage you to take a peep!  
Study groups have been made using Edmodo that will help us collaborate with the people in their research group.  

I am in hopes that with the help of our librarian, Karen Harrell, we will be producing our very own podcasts to share with the rest of second grade.