App Smashing: Tellegami and iMovie

App Smashing:  The process of using multiple apps in conjunction with one another to complete a final task or project.

I have been excited to see enthusiasm for ipads explode across the district this year!  Teachers K - 12 are using them for instruction and projects and have been asking for new and different ways to incorporated them into their classrooms.  You asked for it?  You got it!

Anyone who has used an ipad with students for a given amount of time has quickly figured out that using one app to create something or complete a task doesn’t quite get the job done.  That’s where “App Smashing” comes in.   By using multiple apps, users can create an experience that is much more engaging and a project that filled with higher order thinking skills. 

Today's apps:  Tellagami and  iMovie ( Safari and Camera Roll )
Most of us are familiar with iMovie, so I won’t spend time here going through the particulars.  Tellagami, however, may be new to some of you.  It’s an app where students can create their own avatars, complete with hair, eyes and clothing choices.  In addition, they choose backgrounds that their avatars stand in front of(pictures from the internet or that they create themselves), which is key for this project.  Once those items are chosen, students can record themselves reading 30 second voice-overs or choose from a list of voices available and type in information they have gathered for whatever project or task they are completing.  After previewing and saving (Gamis are saved to the iPad camera roll) , students have a product called a Gami.  If you plan on using Tellagami as a stand alone, some quick ideas you might try: 

• Have your character tell a story.
• Pick a person in history and have them introduce themselves
• Use a plant cell as the background and have the avatar name and discuss the function of each part of the cell.
• Recite a famous poem or speech
• Read a poem they wrote
• Take a trip or go back in time and describe where the location/time period
• Speak in Spanish, French, Mandarin or any language (http://www.freetech4teachers.com)

Tellagami + iMovie = Wow
 Import multiple Gamis into iMovie and you have a larger project.   As you can see from the Youtube link at the beginning of this post, I created multiple Gamis on different subjects, inserted them all into iMovie and uploaded the whole thing.   Students can add video introductions (think common core speaking and listening skills) add music, text and a conclusion as well.  Groups could put together vocabulary reviews, make one big presentation over a particular topic - collaboration is an easy fit here.  

How does this apply to you?   These apps can be used for students K - 12.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:
ELA:

• Record vocabulary definitions. Create a separate Gami for each definition.  Put them together in an iMovie to use as a study tool.  
• Compare and contrast stories in the same genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on their approaches to similar themes and topics.
• Book Reports:  Your Gami acts as the narrator for your report on theme, plot, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution.
• Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
• Explain simple, compound and complex sentences.  

Social Studies:

• Students could create Tellagami videos explaining important events, inventions, and accomplishments in historical figures’ lives.
• Explain how a bill becomes law.
• Explain how interest rates are raised or lowered.  

Geography:

• One clip could describe the landforms of point A.  The next could do the same for point B.  Students could write directions from point A to point B with a map in the background.  

Science:

• Students could act as news reporters at a volcano (picture of volcano as their background) in their first clip.  In the second clip, they could interview a classmate about what they saw…(think formative assessment……) etc.
• Students could  explain a multi-step procedure or experiment.
• Explain the outcome of a lab and the steps they took to get that outcome.

Math:

• Student could explain what PEMDAS is in the first clip.  In the second clip, student could walk us through a specific problem using PEMDAS.  It could also be used to show the thought process behind how students solved any math problem. 
• Explain why addition and subtraction strategies work, using place value and the properties of operations.
• Describe the effect of dilations, translations, rotations, and reflections on two-dimensional figures using coordinates.
• Identify arithmetic patterns (including patterns in the addition table or multiplication table), and explain them using properties of operations. 

There are so many possibilities when using Tellagami and iMovie together!  What are some ideas you have for your classroom?

iOS7 Is Here!

Ok, I know not all of you have an iPhone or an iPad, but my love of all things nerdy has me excited about the new iOS7 update for Apple devices.  If you have a Droid, continue as you were and catch the blog the next time.  For those of you who have an Apple device this is for you.  
On September 18, the update became available.  I spoke with a teacher friend of mine last night and she had already updated her system and deemed it "pretty slick".  So, I tried to update mine.  It was a no-go because the update was not yet available on my phone.  But no worries.  When I woke up this  morning there it was!  It took my phone about an hour to update to the new system.  That was from my home internet which has medium speed levels.  I felt like it was a reasonable amount of time.  How do you update your system?
1.  Go to settings.
2.  Click on General.
3.  Click on SYSTEM UPDATE.
4.  Download and Install OS7.  **Because it is a big update, you need to be on WiFi to download it.  In addition, it is smart to plug into a power source, as updating it can drain your battery.
5.  These same steps apply when updating your iPad!
       There seemed to be quite a few "policy" screens.  I hate to say it, but I click agree and continue without reading a word.  C'mon, you know you do it, too.  I'm trusting that I haven't promised anything too outlandish by doing so.
       The next part is the fun part because it's time to play.  Seriously, just like a kid does with a new toy, you have to allow yourself time to investigate all the new functions and the new look of your device.  A few sites that I have found to help you are here:
Apple  This is Apple's website.  They have a short video that will show you the new features of the iPhone and iPad with the update.
iOS7 Tips and Tricks  This is a blog created by an Apple employee.  She and her husband got the download early and have had a chance to check things out.  Read further to hear their opinions.  
Troubleshooting Tips  This site offers help with downloading the update and information about auto-updating apps and how to turn certain functions off.
       There are a plethora of sites out there that will help you.  Simply Google "iOS7 tips and tricks" and you'll see quite a few.  
       My verdict:  While I love all things nerdy, I'm not completely sold yet.  The look is a little too bright and shiny for my tastes.  I know I'll get used to it eventually, but right now I'm not loving it.  My battery seemed to drain at rapid speed today.  Not sure if that can be attributed to the update or the fact that I kept playing with it. I would recommend that to save battery you swipe UP to show the control center and tap on AirDrop.  Turning this function off will save your phone from searching for other phones or iPads nearby.  There are several other new features one can turn off to improve battery life, but until I try them I don't want to recommend them.  I do love the swipe feature for the control center.  That is pretty cool.  In addition, by double tapping the home key and swipping up on the pages you see, you can close your apps.  For some reason that seems to entertain me more than waiting for the wiggly x to show up.  Have fun with the update.  If you stumble upon a great tip that could help others navigate the update, please comment here!