3D Biological ModelsHow can you really understand how an antibody works if you've never seen one? I use 3D printed and laser-cut models to allow my students to visualize and inquire about biological phenomena that are too small or too rare to see. This technology is also useful for filling gaps in lab equipment.
My original designs can be found on my Thingiverse profile. From top left: Primate skull fossils as evidence for evolution, Magnetic antibody-antigen interactions, Centromeres for chromosome pop-bead simulation, Pillbug choice chamber, Coelacanth transitional fossil morphology, Gel electrophoresis trays and combs, and Geometry shapes. |
Stop-Motion AnimationMy students use an app called Stop Motion Studio (iOS and Android) to create animations of biological processes using manipulatives that I provide. It takes a pair of students about 30 minutes of thoughtful work to produce a 30-second animation. With this type of product, my students develop and use models to make predictions about a system. Then they evaluate and refine the model.
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InfographicsAll citizens face scientific choices on a daily basis—Will a certain diet help me reach my goal weight? Do the benefits of a nuclear energy initiative outweigh the risks? To address these public interest science issues, my students design digital infographics. Due to their visual appeal and concise messages, infographics are a popular choice for businesses and organizations to communicate with the public. I like how this project requires students to distill their detailed scientific knowledge into simple message that help a general audience understand the big picture. Numerous web tools allow users with no prior technical skills to create beautiful, customized messages in one or two hours. LucidPress, which allows collaborative editing, is ideal for group projects.
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Screencasts and PodcastsScreen-recording apps such as Screencastify (Chrome extension) give students the opportunity to verbally show their knowledge in sync with an on-screen video or slideshow. By developing a script and recording their screencast, my students practice writing, speaking, and computer skills.
A podcast is another great option for pairs of small groups of students to present researched information and discuss an issue through a conversation-like audio clip. |
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Screencast LessonsScreencast or video lessons are a flexible tool that I use to supplement my classroom instruction with step-by-step help that students can access at any time. Students can refer back to the video playlist to catch up after an absence or to review for assessments.
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Simulations and Virtual Labs
I use computer simulations to help my students explore concepts in science and math. Simulations allow the student to manipulate the system being studied and observe the consequences. A well-designed guided exploration fosters curiosity a deep understanding of the subject.
When needed, I have designed my own simulations. For my Biology students I created several activities on Microsoft Excel to simulate the concept of trade-offs in evolutionary change. For my Math students I created a GeoGebra applet through which they could explore the distinction between the three centre points of a triangle: centroid, circumcentre, and orthocentre. . |
The following collections of simulations can be accessed from any computer including a Chromebook. GeoGebra (for geometry) and Desmos (for algebra) are highly flexible programs for visualizing mathematical concepts. PhET produces standalone simulations for topics in the sciences and math. Manylabs produces virtual labs which are highly structured simulations with clear goals, much like a lab experiment. Explorelearning Gizmos (paid subscription) has an extensive library of science and math simulations catalogued by grade level and standard.
Wireless TabletsThe wireless tablet offers the unique utility of freedom of movement for the teacher. In my classroom, I project the computer screen onto the whiteboard, and my tablet allows me to control the cursor or write notes from anywhere in the room. While I deliver the lesson, I am able to get close to each of my students and observe what they are doing. This simplifies classroom management a great deal.
At Marc Garneau Collegiate, I led a professional development workshop for the Science and Math department teachers on Starboard tablet use. (Click for PDF of workshop handout) |
Wiimote Whiteboard
Many schools lack the funds to maintain the newest hardware such as the SMART Board. This is what got me interested in low-cost, high-value technologies.
As a student teacher in the Toronto District School Board, I implemented the Wiimote Whiteboard system in my classrooms. This system uses a Wiimote game controller ($20), infrared lights, and open-source software to mimic the function of a SMART Board at a small fraction of the cost. Wiimote Whiteboard has functions even beyond what the SMART Board can do. By reversing the signal and receiver, I have turned the Wiimote into a portable controller that I can operate while walking freely through my classroom. I use Boon Jin's Smoothboard software, which is based on the original Wiimote Whiteboard concept by Johnny Lee. |
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Reviving Computers with Linux
Technology moves quickly, leaving many schools with piles of computers that are 5+ years old and seemingly no longer functional. Enter Linux, a free, open-source operating system which is lightweight enough to run even on very old computers. Using Linux, I am able to:
At Marc Garneau Collegiate, I took a class set of 16 older laptops, no longer in use, and revived them using Linux. The school now has an additional set of fast and capable laptops for classroom use. |
I use and recommend Linux Mint and LXLE as the distributions with the best compatibility for education. These distributions have out-of-the-box support for Java, Flash, HTML5, and most wireless cards.