SMART Notebook Music Lesson

In preparation for year two with 1:1 iPads and a SMARTBoard, improving the workflow is uppermost in my mind. Integrating technology seamlessly is my goal. Today, I had an ah-ha moment and discovered a way to save about 7-8 minutes delivering content to my students for this listening activity: SMARTBoard + iPads. It makes perfect sense. I should have known it already. But in my little, lonely island office, when the light bulb comes on, it’s worth celebrating. See what you think about this workflow: I created a very simple high/ low interactive activity for the SMARTBoard. I wanted students to touch a button, listen to the sounds, and notate the correct pattern on the SMARTBoard. I also wanted students in my 1:1 iPad class to have the same image on their iPads so they could individually respond during this activity. The only way I knew to do that last year was to create a QR code linked to the image. Plus, I  wanted the students to have multiple pages of the image for the activity and extension assignment. AND, I wanted this experience to be the supporting activity, taking only half of the lesson time. Sounds simple!… but delivering the content ended up taking way too long…. turning the 15 minute assessment into a 30 minute mess adventure. I mean, it was okay for the first year, but there had to be a better way! Since we didn’t and still don’t have the SMARTNotebook app,  🙁  I needed a SMARTBoard + iPad workflow solution. Here is what the first year 1:1 iPad workflow looked like for this activity:    Here is my new and improved workflow plan for year 2:   “Explain Everything” is such an incredible app for my students to use to demonstrate understanding. If, in my 30 minute class time, I can pull off seamlessly integrating technology into this activity, it’s definitely a win-win for all. When the workflow is seamless, the focus is on the learning – not on the technology. Workflow steps: First, I created the image in SMARTNotebook and exported the images [File>Export>image files]. There are many ways to create cool images in Notebook… but that’s another post! In “Explain Everything,” I imported the image, made it the background for the page, and duplicated the pages. Once I finished creating all the pages, I saved and exported the project, saving it as .xpl.  – an “Explain Everything” file. Here is what the exporting screen looks like in” Explain Everything.” Slingshot Listening Activity: SMARTBoard + iPad If you’ve been so kind to read through the above explanation, and you would like to use this high/low listening activity, you may download it below.  The QR code with the link to the “Explain Everything” file for the children is included as one of the pages. Do you want to see it in the classroom? Listening Activity: SMARTBoard + iPad Workflow I think this solution will allow my classes to experience the best of both the SMARTBoard and the iPads. I LOVE being able to use both seamlessly!   What new workflow ideas have you discovered recently? As James Hollis says, “Sharing is caring!!”