RT @hkelleytech: Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at home! @digitalhornets https://t.co/MqAhpIanKZ

Minecraft @hourofcode They can't wait to continue coding at home! @digitalhornets http://pic.twitter.com/MqAhpIanKZ

— Helen Kelley (@hkelleytech) December 7, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:04PM
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RT @DigiLearnSA: Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @digitalhornets #nrhourofcode https://t.co/D2DoGGcA9U

Future Coders. Pre-K @E Ethel Little School. @DigiLearnSA @digitalhornets #nrhourofcode http://pic.twitter.com/D2DoGGcA9U

— Sam Anthony (@DigiLearnSA) December 7, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:04PM
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RT @hkelleytech: Grade 1 using paper to practice for #hourofcode and moving on to the Cargobots app @digitalhornets https://t.co/kRrDOopiEI

Grade 1 using paper to practice for #hourofcode and moving on to the Cargobots app @digitalhornets http://pic.twitter.com/kRrDOopiEI

— Helen Kelley (@hkelleytech) December 8, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:04PM
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RT @gmagley: Blended learning: Don’t get fooled. Get schooled. What does 'personalized learning' mean?: https://t.co/ob8eyy7Kq5

Blended learning: Don’t get fooled. Get schooled. What does 'personalized learning' mean?: https://t.co/ob8eyy7Kq5

— Grace Magley (@gmagley) December 8, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:03PM
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RT @DigiLearnSA: Day 2 of #HourOfCode #nrhourofcode @dianne_maguire @EELittleSchool @digitalhornets https://t.co/65A6c9iXd5

Day 2 of #HourOfCode  #nrhourofcode @dianne_maguire @EELittleSchool @digitalhornets http://pic.twitter.com/65A6c9iXd5

— Sam Anthony (@DigiLearnSA) December 8, 2015

from Twitter https://twitter.com/danieldowns

December 08, 2015 at 08:03PM
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Why Aren't You Using Google Keep ?

Google Keep is an amazing little web based note taker!

 I can understand now at this point that inviting a new app into your live to keep lists and reminders is a crowded space. But I really want to open your minds to this one. Google Keep has some tremendous benefits for the super busy person who wants labeling in one place.

• Syncs across Google Accounts, Allows Sharing and Exporting to Google Docs
• Provides Notifications and Reminders
• Allows for labeling, labeling
• creating checkboxes and crossing items off of your list without losing the item.
• Allows for archiving, changing of list color and email sharing.
• Has nice smooth web and desktop interface linked with your Google Account.
• It can also be added as a shortcut to your Google Apps(The same place you find Drive and Docs).

I was slow to start using Google Keep as it was very similar to Evernote in its features but as a dedicated Google Docs user the creation of Docs from my lists was the biggest selling point. Additionally, the ability to have a cross platform application that syncs with my Google Desktop as an option makes efficiency when moving from location to location amazingly simple.

Google Keep Desktop View

I have used this app to share lists which are constantly evolving and changing in real time. I have also used this list maker to more easily enable blogging on the run and turning into a Google Doc in a click of a button.

So go ahead download the "Keep" app from Google Play or find the 3rd party "Go Keep" app from the App Store and test out the sharing of lists,notes,photos and whatever your heart desires across email accounts.

Also be sure to view your synced desktop version when logged into your Google Account.

https://keep.google.com/

I think may find yourself returning to it before you know it as your go to list maker/ creative space.

What is the New "Hacker Culture" In High Schools

In September of 2013 I initiated work at Andover High School in Andover, Massachusetts with a program called the Andover Innovation Lab & Student Help Desk. Students who participate in the Andover Innovation Lab & Student Run Help desk have an opportunity to explore the programming languages, software, business project or technology driven project of their choice. We also encourage the entrepreneurial spirit with students and seek to engage their desire to start something new and exciting.




In this environment we nurture the "hacker culture" of students who want to learn new programming languages and platforms. We also support their interest in becoming more fluent with the use of technology which will hopefully inspire them to  look more closely at careers related to technology. We also use this students participation as an opportunity for them to share their skills with the greater community by having them assist students and teachers with the use of their technology tools and instructional technology needs.

Many students now have a range of new options for courses related to technology in their schools. In addition to the Andover Innovation Lab & Help Desk at Andover High School in the Digital Learning Department we have focused our energies on developing a meaning full track for students to enter courses such as Web Design and Development,Web & Native Applications and in the near future explore technology driven learning within a "Makerspace" culture. Course development and updating is changing at a rapid pace as is student skill development. It is not uncommon for students to explore "Hackathons" on the weekends and engage in a variety of web based code repositories such as Git Hub or learn to trouble shoot on StackOverflow online to support their independent projects.

What has inspired me as I work with these students is their engagement with the ever changing world of technology which often frustrates their older teachers and in some cases their parents as well. Students have also described to me the connections they make in this course as an opportunity to discuss with their parents the role of technology in their lives.  In some cases these parents have connected in meaningful ways with their sons and daughters about technology advancements and their roles in fields related to programming or entrepreneurial endeavors.

The term "Hacker" does not have the negative connotation it once had. Many more high school, middle school and even elementary level students are exposed to programming, technology skill development and the experience of creating, learning and decoding their world with technology. We are currently crossing a bridge of understanding and communication about how technology enables us to create, build, problem solve and "hack" a future.