This is an insightful article by Eric Sheninger.  Mr. Sheninger is the principal at New Milford High School in New Jersey and writes about how his attitude on the value of Web 2.0 tools in schools has dramatically shifted from one of wariness to one of promotion. He candidly admits once enforcing restrictions to technology that many districts implement today and explains how he came to move from that position.

Although school districts, within the past few years, have made great financial investments in technology, these purchases have come with restrictions that have made it very difficult for teachers and students to properly utilize the devices to their potential.  In fact, many districts proudly point to their purchases as evidence of their commitment to 21st century learning.  The question remains, is a purchase evidence of a commitment or is it merely an interest? 

Mr. Sheninger has moved beyond interest and truly committed his district to developing 21st century learning with his students.  He has also reached out to the district’s stakeholders with this same commitment and has engaged them through Twitter and Facebook.  His philosophy on the use of social media in schools is refreshing and perhaps can help other districts develop a greater level of comfort with their own technology uses.  Additionally, he has promoted the use of Poll Everywhere as a tool to engage and create enthusiasm in students.  As part of this article, Mr. Sheninger provides a link to an event where he speaks to this issue.  Not only is this article a must-read, this video is a must-see!

The people at The History 2.0 Classroom blog have provided an expansive look at Poll Everywhere.  They have even taken up the issue of cell phone restrictions in the classroom and provided possible remedies for getting access.

This is a virtual cornucopia of information including defining poll types, a few examples, tips, and best of all an accompanying video.  This video stands out because of the inside tips (groups, hiding results, etc.) that Greg Kulowiec, with Ed Tech Teacher, shares. 

Here’s another active user of Poll Everywhere spreading the word.  Don’t miss the part in the video where he demonstrates “groups” . . . look at all those polls!

As I was watching this video to write this post, a teacher came up behind me and was watching over my shoulder.  The conversation went something like this:

Creeper:    What’s that?

Me:             A video demo on Poll Everywhere.

Creeper:   What’s that?

Me:            An amazing tool that you should be using in your math                   class every day! 

Creeper:   How’s it work?

Me:            Watch!

Any teacher looking for a quick step-by-step demo on how to create a multiple-choice poll using Poll Everywhere must give this video, by Oliver Dreon of Millersville University, a look over.

Oliver will not only explain how to create a poll, but describe how results are shown, and how to download a poll to a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation.

Creeper:    That’s seems pretty easy.

Me:             Because it is!

Creeper walks away, shouting back at me:

“I’ll use it in my lesson at the university weekender class too, huh!“

It never ceases to amaze me how easy teachers get psyched about Poll Everywhere.  Like a hamster on a wheel, I could see the ideas spinning from her head.  Hmmmm, did she say, “Huh” like she just showed me up?  NICE!  Spin, spin, spin . . .  

Watch this short overview of Poll Everywhere by David J. Hinson of Hendrix College.  He points out the biggest advantage PE has over Turning Point software is you don’t need clickers just your cell phone. His “floating head” delivery makes it a must-see video!

There’s something about teachers teaching teachers that makes this video a must see.  Teachers are always thinking miles ahead and this instructor does just that.  She has wonderful ideas on how to integrate Poll Everywhere in lessons, and tells of her experiences with the site, she also…as all teachers can do ~prophesies~ before teachers incorporate anything into a lesson the one question we ask ourselves is…what could go wrong?  Well, in this video you get her experience speaking to that topic.  Check it out!