Guest Livescribe Post
Livescribe February 16, 2012Hello fellow teachers,
First of all, I would like to thank you all for allowing me the use of the Livescribe pen. It did sit for a few weeks on my to do list and in part, because I did not know how to use it. I found quickly that the pen is very user friendly. The only glitch I had was that when the battery got low it would not stop recording when hitting the button. Also, I have not used it with the notebook software yet. I have used the recording device for a few things with my Learning Assistance students which I will elaborate on slightly.
· The Livescribe pen as a spelling tool
o I originally tried it as a spelling test tool, with the student sounding out the sounds as they spelled the word. This was partially successful. Then I used it as a “pre spelling” device. Students would listen to the spelling words spelled out and then copy the words. The following week they would then do the actual test, reviewing the spelling words from the week before if they spelled them wrong. This was very successful for a student that gets the same three words wrong week after week. Also, since it is a cool gadget, the students seem to be motivated to do the activity.
· The Livescribe pen as a K/1 problem solving helper
o For one of the K/1 centers I had a pre-recorded word problem on the page. Students were to listen to the problem and then on another page solve the problem. Grade Ones wrote their “problem sentence” with the Livescribe pen so that I could review it later. My only regret was making the problem too complex. I had to go back and review the steps and make the problems simpler. I really love the pen for this task and the students did too! I think you could also add a feature with the solution so that it could be self checking.
I see on your site multiple other ways to use this device and I am enjoying seeing how other teachers are using the pen. I have thought of trying it in French class (to pre record the pronunciation of words for students to practice) and have also used it as a testing device for the vowel sounds (a sort of spelling test where I say the sound and the student writes the letter). I love the fact that students are getting the motor combined with the oral and the visual while working with this device. Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity!
Serena
LA/RT
K/1 Classroom Teacher
Intermediate French
February 17th, 2012 at 7:14 am
Hi Serena,
Thanks for sharing your use of the livescribe pen! I have not yet tried recording something and having kids listen to the directions- what a great idea, especially for Math. And a great way to work on those “listening skills”! You have motivated me to try this in my 1/2 classroom!
Way to go:)
Christina
February 19th, 2012 at 10:20 am
Thank you Serena – we hope you continue to be a regular contributor! You have used the pen in a way that none of us had tried. New eyes, new ideas & new learning for everyone, that is what this project is all about! I love the idea of teachers being given tools to experiment with and their share their learning with other teachers! It might be a cool district/resource center idea?
I haven’t tried directions either and would be keen to. You also made the point about motivation, we can’t underestimate that point for learning. We want students to want to learn! Do you need notebooks too? These sticky notes http://www.smartpencentral.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=ANA-00043 look like fun too – kind of expensive but they look neat! Also if you need more ink we have a bunch! Thank you Serena for taking the time for posting this!
Keep them coming!
Sarah
February 19th, 2012 at 10:22 am
Serena,
I have been curious to know how you have been doing with the Livescribe pen. I have had conversations with our French and Kwakwala teachers at PHSS and we think the pen would be a great tool in language classes. Pre-recording the words is a great function; the Livescribe pen also allows a student to independently and individually submit an oral test to their teacher. I find that my reluctant speakers love the pen–they are confident, articulate and clear when using it.
Thanks for posting your learning!
Jillian W
February 19th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Hi Serena,
Thanks again for trying the pen out and for writing a post for our blog. Like the others, I love the idea of using the pen to record directions. I can think of more than one student in my class who would really benefit from this.
I can’t wait to see what you will come up with next!
Melody