Time Lapse Fun!

During the last school holidays I edited and posted a movie on our class and school blogs. I wanted to showcase the 'business' of our days for the parents of my class - a push back against the 'nothing much' response to that age old question from our parents, 'What did you do at school today?'

The video was posted on the Core Education blog here, a few weeks later.  It was great to see the comments coming in and a few questions asked and the gawker software I used to create the timelapse video is something I'm keen to use again.

Easy Infographics

Yesterday I found an easy (easier) way to make some cool infographics online! Infographics are information, stats and images mashed together in some cool posters. Makes maths super cool! You can see some amazing infographics examples here at coolinfographics or even better, on their pinterest page. There's nothing like seeing info and stats in a visual way - for us 'visual' learners and people who like things that look cool!

A few months ago we had a go at making an infographic in our class, with varying degrees of success, using popplet and uploading images.  They didn't really like look like the genuine article which is ok. Sometimes things don't always go to plan but I was happy with the process of collecting data and displaying it in a static image.  It meant the learning intention which was the goal.

So here's the online tool that lets you use easy templates and input the data you want, where you want. It's called Piktochart. It was super easy to use, lets you add your own graphics if needed but gives you that all important structure that can be hard to make on your own.
And here's my first attempt. It's using some data I collected from a parent survey in Term 1 from my class. I'm looking for another chance to create something else.

Now... where can I get my hands on some stats. Never thought I'd ever write that in my lifetime!

Who needs a Star Wars break?

So.. how can I justify having this little vid on my blog?  Like this!

I'm a big believer in teachers having a life outside of their classrooms.  Who you are out there is what you are able to bring for your students - in there.  Especially when we want to make the learning authentic and real life.  We actually need to show our students that we have one.

So, I'm often talking with my class about the little things like my 13 climbs up Mt Ngaruahoe ,  my love for Holden stationwagons (was my first car, a green one; inside and out) and how I like Star Wars movies.  

There, I did it.  Justified.  Phew.  Here's the vid.  Pretty cool!

Wallace and Grommet Maker

Here's another avatar maker - Wallace and Grommet style.  Thanks to Mark Warner for the link (and twitter, of course)  Tip - wait for a while for it to load, it took a while for me...