Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Send It! Text It! Will You Regret It? Understanding Cyberbullying

Send It! Text It! Will You Regret It? Understanding Cyberbullying is a poster session presented by students at Todd County Middle School who were participants in a 1:1 iPad environment. Across all grade levels technology was being successfully implemented, but after numerous technology violations it became evident that students were not aware of the consequences of their actions or responsibilities while online. Students at Todd County Middle developed the idea of creating a digital curriculum that focused on resources students and teachers could use to become responsible, respectful and safe digital citizens. The first steps of their program was the creation of an ePub to be used on the iPads and iPods, which included links, videos, lesson ideas, and information on cyberbullying. This is a resource available on iTunesU and loaded on all school iDevices for students and teachers grades K-12.

The link to their information is here: http://todd.kyschools.us/DigitalCitizenship/STLP/Welcome.html

A Broader Perspective on Data: Infographics and Visualization

A Broader Perspective on Data: Infographics and Visualization- David Warlick
  http://davidwarlick.com/colearners/?p=26

Outline
- History of visualization
- A convenient breakdown
- Infographics
- Data visualization
- Compelling examples
- Rich sources
- Examples of student-produced infographics
- Overview of production tools
david.warlick@gmail.com

 

Lesson Planet



http://www.lessonplanet.com/



Why Lesson Planet?

For over a decade, Lesson Planet has been providing a convenient way to discover and share innovative lesson plans. The Lesson Planet solution helps teachers find lesson resources, correlate them to standards, and organize their curriculum. Lesson Planet’s tools offer teachers a time-efficient way to inspire their teaching with fresh ideas.


Tuesday, June 26, 2012

7 New Things to Try with Video--From Hardware to Apps

Hall Davidson is the godfather of Discovery Education.

7 New Things to Try with Video--From Hardware to Apps
http://linkyy.com/halldavidsonhandouts

MEDIA FESTIVAL 101:
http://linkyy.com/mdla create a media festival! steal this featival - california student media festival. mediafestival.org click steal this festival. all should be submitted online. paperwork etc all online. find judges off site. get donations. get presenter ribbons. have a red carpet and a limo to drop kids off at door of auditorium, loop around and keep dropping off. make directors cut, outtakes, etc make video game movies!

1. Microscope available from Amazon.com (approximately $3-$4, plus attachment ($0.80).
2. Video from Jing, a free flashbased screen capture software whose settings can be modified for direct feed (of student in costume, for example) into Google Earth.
3. Use of Google Search Videos (free) as tool to assess student search strategies by a teacher in class or remotely.
4. Saving PowerPoints as jpg's then importing into PhotoStory (free), iMovie (free), MovieMaker (free) to be transformed into videos with students narrate---this assesses their understanding of the material previously presented by the teacher. This video assessment can be done in class or online.
5. By using the Air Sketch app (free - $1.99), "whiteboard" work on tablets (iPad will be used) can be displayed on projector, screen captured and used as tutorials, remediation, assignments.
6. Mobile chromakey app (Green Screen app) will be used to make location based quizzes where student insertion of teammate into correct video shows understanding.
7. With a simple connecting cord, often already at schools, an old camcorder--even broken- can serve as webcam or document camera.
8. Selection and "best choice" of video capture software CamStudio (free) for PC and QuickTime (free) for Mac and it's ethical use.



Presenter Background
Presenter Hall Davidson has been working with media for teaching and learning for thirty years at the classroom, district, regional consortium, and national level. Through leadership in the California student media festival, he has seen and evaluated hundreds of student and teacher media projects each year for more than a dozen years. He has produced videos and professional developments in media content creation for two decades, including a PBS-affiliate broadcast program that earned an Emmy. He has presented at local and national conferences since 1982, including a keynote at NECC (ISTE).

Fire Up with Google Sketch Up

http://sketchup.google.com
Google SketchUp is a 3-dimensional modeling software that is free to anyone. http://iste2012.org/profile/rebeccastacey
  http://sketchup.google.com.

streaming notes---  free version or pro version for real graphic designers support and resources: lynda.com 3dvinci.net support.google.com/sketchup you tube teaching applications- make setting of a story make animation of a scene in literature use model from 3d Warehouse quick notes from the how- to session: When sketch up opens, you will choose a template in metric or standard. person who appears initially is named Susan. She stands at the origin, marking this important spot. She also gives us perspective. she is about 5'6". she is standing in the middle of nothing make a platform for her. lower left of screen gives you tips as you select tools and draw. hover over green axis to draw initial rectangle platform, select opposite corner and lower right corner of screen tells you how big the rectangle will be. type in measurements dimensions 15', 15' enter. push pull tool- to make room. bring tool over platform, make room 10' grab orbit tool, (blue arrows) and turn object. hand tool is pan tool. scroll inward to get inside room. select pencil and draw rectangle onto outside wall to draw window. right click it and. lick erase. or, click paint fill bucket and choose translucent. or choose glass. move tool (red arrow plus) takes a face and moves it and all connected faces. copy side wall, click option and plus sign appears to move a copy of the face. type in a specific feet to move it out. the color of protractor determines axis- copy, rotate and spin roof to connect to garage wall. steps: select roof, get rotate tool, pull down on blue axis, click far corner, click corner closest to me, click option on mac, plus sign appears,drag copy. red arrow move tool, click and hold on roof on blue axis drag up for roof. orbit- make door to garage. go to camera- standard views choose iso and it helps show what you've done also- magnifying glass w arrows - zoom extense view- toolbars- large tool set text flag "extruded" means three dimensional animating your creation: window menu- scenes to create animation click plus, enter text, close. tab appears at top and continue entering tabs. view- animation- play. file- export- animation. or desktop capture is better quality. make sound in movie program. Using SketchUp, students can bring their dream designs to life, from their dream home to a deep-space probe. Not only can students directly apply Geometry, Physics, spatial sense, Algebra, art and design principles, and more, but they can see and share their results with an audience. SketchUp is a high-interest, high task-commitment tool that works for male and female learners!

Participants in this session will view student-created products related to Math, Science, English, Art, and Social Studies. They will learn how SketchUp can be used across the curriculum to boost student interest in the subject matter. We will then discuss some of the toolboxes and plugins that extend SketchUp toward specific purposes (Sketchy Physics, the Sandbox, etc.)

Participants in this presentation will learn and have the opportunity to practice the basics of SketchUp, including creating 3-dimensional shapes, connect 2-dimensional planes/faces, importing components from the 3-D Warehouse. Those who are experienced in SketchUp will be encouraged to produce a simulation with Sketchy Physics.

People will be encouraged to share their models via the 3-D Warehouse to see how students can get feedback on their work.

ISTE Discussion here: http://iste2012.org/forum/topics/fire-up-with-sketchup


ipad implementation project

From the presenter, Anne Wall, Austin Peay State University

This presentation represents a compilation of the results of the WebQuest assignment. I have collected the suggested applications and placed them on a Web site (http://www.apsu.edu/education/ipads) where they are categorized by grade level/discipline and NETS-S. Additionally, the Web site includes a rationale for the selection of each application as well as its iTunes review. This Web site will be modified and expanded as more apps are recommended by students and faculty in the future. The presentation will also include sample management plans and tips for using the VPP chosen from the WebQuest submissions as well as an overview of the implementation plan we are now using in the APSU College of Education.

101 Free Tech Tools for Teachers- by SImple K12

I cannot tell a lie- I love my membership to Simple K12.   It was fun to see some of the Simple K12 folks in person.  http://simplek12.com/ISTE12
Click here to get your free e-mailed copy of the e-book: http://simplek12.com/tlc/free/

Purpose & Objectives of this session:
After attending this session, participants will walk away with:
- An understanding of how FREE online resources enhance curriculum and improve the learning experience for students
- The confidence to try new things and integrate 21st century applications in their classroom
- Cures for the technophobic and ideas of how to spread the importance of teaching technology in all subject areas
- An awareness of the latest and greatest free tools available on the Internet for teachers
- New, effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding
- The know-how necessary to continue to learn about new free tools after the session is over
- Their very own free “101 Free Tech Tools for Teachers” eBook filled with additional resources and materials covered in the presentation

Marc Aaronson, Doug Johnson, and Joyce Valenza, oh my!


We had a lovely dinner last night sponsored by Scholastic filled with lively conversation about Common Core, Libraries, Technology, and life in general.  
At our dinner table-  The talented Joyce Valenza, the witty Doug Johnson, and the event’s knowledgeable lecturer Marc Aaronson.  Mr. Aaronson highlighted the role of non-fiction in the common core standards for students, and we discussed topics such as Common Core's “Appendix B” is a “suggested” list of texts- not a dictated list. 
Here’s another great article from School Library Journal related to media specialists and their role in common core implementation. 
The digital non-fiction content from Scholastic is fantastic- we will preview it in depth in the coming weeks.


AASL's TOP 25 for 2012


http://www.ala.org/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/bestlist/bestwebsitestop25

The "Top 25" Websites foster the qualities of innovation, creativity, active participation, and collaboration. They are free, Web-based sites that are user friendly and encourage a community of learners to explore and discover.


Monday, June 25, 2012

There's an App for That! Finding Real Solutions with Today's Apps (Version 2.0)

There's an App for That! Finding Real Solutions with Today's Apps (Version 2.0) is presented by some heavy hitters-- Gail Lovely, LovelyLearning.com with Chris Betcher, Hall Davidson, Steve Dembo, Carol Teitelman and David Warlick

Here are some highlights-- 


Session description and presenter bios:
Having a variety of points of view, areas of expertise, and experience, this panel of experts will share applications and tools for meeting typical classroom challenges.
A real world challenge e.g. a class of 5th graders struggling with math facts will be addressed by multiple panelists. This will provide more than a list of applications. Context, purpose, and strategic use for applications or resources shared will be embedded in the responses by the panelists.
While likely to be a lively, fun session, this is not merely fluff. There will be content in context and a website to support the use of information from this session after the session ends - the web link for the session with all the information will be updated by the presenters. Here's the link! http://anappforthat.yolasite.com/ .
Outline
The moderator will share a real-world educational challenge with the panel. The panelists will share an application or technology-rich strategy for tackling the challenge.
Challenges will include topics such as encouraging collaboration in the middle and high school years, digital storytelling for the reluctant writers, vocabulary development for ELL students, developing fluency in reading, and more.
In addition the moderator will solicit additional scenarios from the participants as well as additional apps which could help to meet the challenges posed.
Supporting Research
Material which is presented with context and meaning to the learners is much more likely to be learned. (Functional Context - http://tip.psychology.org/sticht.html)
Presenter Background
The moderator, Gail Lovely, has been involved in educational technologies since the beginning of time (1980). She has worked with learners from age 2 to age 72 and in schools from Head Start to Graduate School, with computers from TRS-80s to iPads. Gail has developed and presented unique professional learning experiences to help teachers meet the needs of their learners using technologies in powerful ways.
The panel is made up of esteemed educators who have more than 100 years of experience combined.
Hall Davidson began his career as a math teacher. He has vast experience in video production and in video as a tool for teaching and learning.
Carol Teitelman began her educational career in special education. She is an expert in distance learning and video conferencing.
Steve Dembo was a kindergarten teacher before becoming a leading expert in technology integration.
David Warlick worked for nearly ten years as a middle school social studies, math, and science teacher. David is an expert programmer well-known for his prolific blogging and his expertise at describing the implication of emerging technologies in the classroom.
Wes Fryer teaches at University of Central Oklahoma and is a digital storytelling expert.
Chris Betcher was originally trained as an art teacher. He currently provides ICT Integration support at an R-12 school in Sydney, Australia.
 

Extreme Web 2.0 Makeover: Education Edition by Steve Dembo

Everybody loves Steve Dembo.  He's a firecracker and a great presenter.  His formal job is at Discovery Education- but he is an all-around-great-guy who can help you with any technology question. 
His session is called Extreme Web 2.0 Makeover: Education Edition.
Here are a few highlights: http://tinyurl.com/iste12makeover Class Dojo - is has been shared numerous times here at Iste- definitely great and definitely user friendly behavior management software. Students can enter themselves using a secret code and they also have an ipad app coming soon. Posterous- email post@posterous.com subject line will be post title instant blogging no computer necessary blogging in general gives you a great sense of audience, teaches basic skills for what we do and do not post, etc QR codes-- take seconds to make, give you super cool status points! Put QR code on newsletter. delivr.com Students can make QR codes. infogr.am Scoop.it- infographics kickstarter.com

ISTE 2012 Exhibit Hall Trip #1

All I can say about the exhibit hall is- overwhelming.   SO MUCH MORE THAN FREE PENS AND STICKY NOTES!

Some cool things I learned-
 Saw COOL ipad stands/ holders for student desks with supply holders built in- clear lids to see what's inside.  This is the company- the new stand should be on the site soon:
http://www.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Section_Id=208864

 Won a site license for is great software to use with our students- woo hoo! NewsMaker http://www.aboutnewsmaker.com/ 
 Super cool printer die cut machine thingy from "silhouette" company. http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/education/.
 http://www.silhouetteamerica.com/training/default.aspx 
 Smarty Ants K-2. http://www.smartyants.com/ 
Teacher social network- www.sharemylesson.com wowzers math games - grades 3-5. www.wowzers.com 
 Simple k12 (I love my subscription to this site). http://simplek12.com/ ...off to another session now!

Teach Your Students Game Design in One Week

Teach Your Students Game Design in One Week is a one-hour class I attended Monday at ISTE in San Diego.  The course description reads: How can you introduce game design in your classroom if you have no programming background and only one week between keyboarding and PowerPoint lessons?
Well- let's find out!  This will be my first attempt at programming, ever.  I downloaded a free trial of AgentSheets software and I am ready to get started.... It seems to be a logic based process for this newbie- mostly if>then relationships. For example, if you are a pice of dirt and nothing is below you, then you will fall.

The purpose of the highly successful Scalable Game Design initiative (http://scalablegamedesign.cs.colorado.edu/gamewiki/images/b/b2/Scalable_Game_Design_summary.pdf) is to get computer science into public schools by motivating and educating students to learn about computer science and STEM topics through game design starting at the middle school level. Typically, middle school students are not exposed to computer programming. Computer courses are focused on keyboarding, multimedia and programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The result is that few students become interested in computer programming (if it is offered) at the high school level. As a nation we have a growing need for IT personnel and a declining enrollment in computer science programs.

The handout for the course is located here: http://scalablegamedesign.cs.colorado.edu


Sunday, June 24, 2012

60 IN 60

Today's ISTE hands-on workshop is called "60 in 60: 60 Web Tools in 60 minutes".  However, the class is three hours long.  Is that 180?  ....I digress...  It's still a great compilation of ideas and resources from Philadelphia's Brandon Lutz.


60 web Tools in 60 Minutes ISTE Workshop Cheat Sheet

1.     Videolicious   http://videolicious.com/
three steps to edit a video clip taken with mobile device

2.     Prezi    http://prezi.com/
presentations - engaging

3.     Poll Everywhere   http://www.polleverywhere.com/
free text polls

4.     Edmodo    http://www.edmodo.com/
parent and student learning portal

5.     Present Me    http://present.me/
slides + video - simple sharing

6.     Flubaroo   http://www.flubaroo.com/
Google docs automatic assignment grading add-on

7.     Gooru Learning    http://www.goorulearning.org/
search engine for learning- beta

8.     Spelling City   http://www.spellingcity.com/
add spelling lists, play games with words 

9.     Kid Zui    http://www.kidzui.com/
filtered for kids

10.  Little Bird Tales   http://littlebirdtales.com
draw or scan images, create a story with audio

11.  Star Fall    http://www.starfall.com/
great primary phonics/reading

12.  Hippo Campus    http://www.hippocampus.org/
learning tutorial videos pulled from variety of sources

13.   Course Hero   http://www.coursehero.com/
mostly free college courses and other courses with learning paths

14.  Math Train    http://mathtrain.tv/ 
math tutorials

15.  Side Vibe    http://www.sidevibe.com/
web quest with video on left and instructions on right- same page


16.  Jog the Web   http://www.jogtheweb.com
social bookmarking site that allows website to launch in a frame 

17.  Hackasaurus   http://hackasaurus.org/
html code source remixer  

18.  Simple Meet    http://www.simplemeet.me/
quick chat room with no user names

19.  BlockSite (Addon) Firefox    https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/blocksite/
Firefox add-on allows blocking of certain sites locally

20.  Class Dojo    http://www.classdojo.com/
classroom management- iphone and ipad compatible with reports and parent access

21.  Mail Chimp   http://mailchimp.com/
 easy email newsletters template site

22.  Drop Box    https://www.dropbox.com/
online file sharing

23.  dushare   http://dushare.com/#
send items in zip format using a hyperlink

24.  iBooks Author    http://www.apple.com/ibooks-author/
Apple Lion ipad books only- create virtual textbooks

25.  Remind 101    http://remind`101.com/
text message your class using a computer where people sign up on their own & opt in

26.   Duolingo   http://duolingo.com/
spanish skill tree- foreign lang education  

27.  Boom Writer    http://boomwriter.com/
writing grades 4 up, free educator account, writing prompts and class books

28.  Scrible    http://www.scrible.com/
take an article from web and annotate it, add notes, get unique url to share it

29.  Paper Rater    http://www.paperrater.com
writing is scored, given word count info, suggestions,  and checked for plagairism

30.  NBC Learn    http://www.nbclearn.com/portal/site/learn/k-12
archives from NBC is paid, free has great teaching support clips

31.  SpeakPipe   https://www.speakpipe.com/ 
add voicemail link to your blog or site (see right side of my blog and send a message to me!)

32.  Capzles    http://www.capzles.com/
images organized and shared on social, web, email and a comment component to collaborate

33.  Docs Teach    http://docsteach.org/
high res images from national archives- use to create  lessons and activities, email component

34.  Useful Charts    http://usefulcharts.com/
 anything charts

35.  Desktop QR Code Reader    http://www.dansl.net/blog/?p=256
scan qr codes with computer webcam

36.  QR Stuff    http://www.qrstuff.com/
laundry list of items you can embed in a qr code

37. QR Voice    http://qrvoice.net/
 embed your voice or computerized voice message in a qr code

38.  ptable    http://ptable.com/
interactive periodic table with wikipedia/podcasts/etc. embedded

39.  screenr    http://www.screenr.com/
instant screencasts

40.  anymeeting   http://anymeeting.com/
 web conference hosting- up to 200 members free

41.  Jeopardy Labs    http://jeopardylabs.com/
set up quick jeopardy game

42.  Study Blue    http://www.studyblue.com/
interactive flash cards and app or web based

43.  Pearltrees    http://www.pearltrees.com
 visual bookmarking sites- check out the 60 in 60 section

44.  Spaaze    http://www.spaaze.com/
virtual cork board

45.  Free Sound    http://www.freesound.org/
free sounds to use in podcasting video editing, etc.- BUT anyone can add a sound- beware

46.  Vocaroo    http://vocaroo.com/
 voice recording

47.  ifttt    http://ifttt.com/
if > then -social sites connect together-- post to posterous and it will tweet this for you

48.  Blabberize    http://blabberize.com/
make a picture talk like jib jab

49.  PhotoSynth   http://photosynth.net/default.aspx
 shoot wraparound panorama photos

50.  Jelly Cam    http://www.jellycam.co.uk/
stop  motion photography site - download to desktop

51.  ToonTastic   http://launchpadtoys.com/toontastic/
cartoon maker 

52.  Producteev    http://www.producteev.com/
all mobile devices and computer- keep track of tasks and priorities - integrate Google cal

53.  Reflection   http://www.reflectionapp.com/
reflect ipad or iphone to desktop.  trial is 10 minutes free 

54.  Tweet Chat    http://tweetchat.com/
 concept of twitter but not real twitter- hash tags, etc. for groups

55.  pen.io    http://pen.io/
web page creation for students using info and pics they collect

56.  Sumdog   http://www.sumdog.com/
math games with competitions, kids have secure accounts and compete 

57.  Smore   http://www.smore.com/
new- newsletter site just out of beta-  

58.  Pinterest    http://pinterest.com/
post links to images - social sharing or presentation planning

59.  Mentimeter    http://mentimeter.com/
 free easy audience response system

60.  Incredibox    http://www.incredibox.com
create a cool beat  - can also save sound for podcast or video using screenflow

REFLECTION:
61.  SURVEY Please click this link and share your thoughts!  http://tinyurl.com/60in6012

Note: Screen Flow http://www.telestream.net/screen-flow/ lets you record audio internally in computer, not externally through speakers.  99.00 cost
Try this with GPB Georgia History videos that can't be downloaded.
 

ISTE 2012- Participate Remotely

I'm beginning my ISTE 2012 sessions today! If you can't make it to San Diego in the next couple of hours- here's how you can participate and learn from wherever you are.... for a small fee.
http://www.isteconference.org/2012/program/participate_remotely.php

Participate in a full day of ISTE 2012 in real time. Choose from three specially-selected topics during each timeslot. Interact with presenters, onsite participants, and other remote participants via moderated chat. Receive EXCLUSIVE on-demand access to archived recordings of ALL Remote ISTE sessions.
Program format includes a keynote and four one-hour concurrent session timeslots featuring a selection of eight lecture or panel sessions and four hands-on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) sessions, all streamed live over the course of one day. Space is limited, so reserve your spot now.
Cost: $199 US (includes access to recorded archive of all Remote ISTE sessions for six months)

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Great Web Tricks and Classroom Tips- Lance Rougeux

Great Tips and Tricks from Lance Rougeux from Discovery Education.  Lance is 101% engaging and fun - a DO NOT MISS if you ever have the opportunity to see him present.  He represents Discovery Education well!
: -
Instead of just showing a video segment- try the AEIOU strategy - Tell students before watching the video they will need to AEIOU.

 Adjective- find an adjective in the clip and be ready to share Emotion- how does it make you feel Interest- what is interesting Oh!- what makes you say oh Ummm? - what question do you have -

MadPad- Remix Your Life Record sounds on the ipad and make music with text bytes -http://tinyurl.com/DENbrain -

WWW.e.ggtimer.com - timer-tab.com. timer that allows you to hve an alarm, stopwatch, or timer that will pull a youtube video agoogleaday.com yasiv.com classdojo.com symbaloo tinyurl.com/cbdends

Tagxedo word clouds in shapes

  http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com great blog to sign up and read- great word cloud generators 

http://www.fakeiphonetext.com or fake facebook and fake tweets animoto.com tinyurl.com/ thincanimoto photopeach.com

Discovery Education Sneak Peek- What's New in 2012

There are many new potential features for Discovery Education coming up-- disclaimer: some of these items could change, but here are some cool new features planned by the developers: - webinars- www.youtube.com/discoveryeducation Site Enhancements last year 2011-2012 Improved Administrative functionality Updated classroom manager Updated student center / customizable Sneak Peek- coming at the end of the summer... 1-Streaming- Looks more like student page now. organized by grade level, will remember selections you previously made. Core subject areas show up first. 2-Main My DE Page- Changes will have your profile up front, preferences, activities, twitter and facebook feed, more social media, personalization. Nothing is gone, just cleaned up and organized. Blogs, webinars, items most accessed, my content, etc. 3-Search Results- When you search by subject (like multiplication) you will now get a mixture of resources... writing prompts, sounds, images, etc. Formerly you saw full videos and had to scroll through to see other media types. Limit resource types on the left side of the screen. 4-Player- This area had the most refinements, new player, easier, faster. Nothing has been deleted, only a different look and feel. Mac users no longer have to select Quicktime. Mobile devices are automatically detected now. "Like" button. Comments can be made about resources and instruction. (adults not students). Easier to share on social media-- Edmodo, Pinterest, Facebook, etc. People have to be subscribers to view. pops up as a new window. Scroll over pop up window is now gone. My content-Quick Link -- a small plus is available to mark itms into a "quicklist" to come back to later. Quicklist appears at bottom of the screen. Closed Captioning- still available By July 30 changes should be out. August and September will have several webinars online to help users.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

You are Your Words

Super cool way to edit a photo of yourself using your own words. Check it out! http://www.youareyourwords.com/ The American Heritage® Dictionary invites you to create a self-portrait using your words. The words that tell the world who you are. That make you, you. It's easy to do, whether you decide to link to places like Facebook for words you've already written or write something new specifically for your portrait. Either way, you'll create a unique image that can be shared and saved and will remind everyone that You Are Your Words.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Summertime is GEOCACHING TIME!


Summertime is TREASURE HUNTING Time!

The Georgia State Historic Sites History Trail geocaching game is underway-  you can ‘Get Out.  Get Dirty. And Get Fit.’ in a Georgia Historic Site this summer! It’s time to grab your cell phone, comfortable shoes, and a buddy – let’s go Geocaching!

A few weeks ago the Georgia Discovery Educator Network sponsored a day of Geocaching on the square in Decatur.  It was great fun for all of the teachers and family members who attended.  Almost everyone was brand new to the activity, and everyone had fun and learned the basics. Have you heard people talking about Geocaching but you’re still unsure how to get started?  All you need is a cell phone, a willingness to go outdoors and walk or hike (you can decide how much energy you’d like to exert), and a love of treasure hunting.  Here are some tips for beginners (otherwise known as Muggles) who want to start Geocaching. 
·      Go to this article to see a tutorial video and a few websites with basic information.
·      Go to www.geocaching.com and read as much as you can.
·      Learn the “Leave no Trace” guidelines for hiking and exploring.
·      Do a little homework: know that a cache can be one of many different types- Traditional, Multi, Trackable, Offset, Night, Moving, Challenge, etc.--  read about all the types on Wikipedia.  
·      Learn some of the creative ways people hide caches- such as this “fake magnetic bolt”.
·      Download the Geocaching Intro app by Groundspeak.  It is a FREE condensed version of the $9.99 full version, and it will help you get a feel for things before spending money.
·      Learn about the symbols on the app and explore the app before you leave home! It is difficult to read your screen and figure things out in the bright sunlight if you are a beginner.  After you find your first cache it will make more sense.
·      Pack a backpack with a few basic supplies- water, a flashlight, a compass, a pencil, etc. and charge your smart phone. 
·      Recruit a friend to go with you and use the buddy system.  It is much more fun to treasure hunt with a buddy.
·      Open your Geocaching app and find your current location, then find the closest cache- check out the distance from your location, the terrain difficulty, and the cache difficulty level.  You’ll need to choose a low difficulty level for your first cache.  (I suggest the “One Foot in the Grave” cache at the Decatur Cemetery for a first-time cache if you’re in the area- it is great!)
·      Join a Geocaching group or club.
·      Create and place your own cache!
Enjoy your time outdoors and good luck finding treasures.

Sandi Dennis is the Media and Instructional Technology Specialist at The 4/5 Academy at Fifth Avenue in The City Schools of Decatur.