TMST: Deck the Portfolios with Bulbs of Awesome

-
Usually at this time in December, the only bulbs I am thinking about are the ones I am putting on my Christmas tree.  This year, however, it is year 1 of our digital portfolio initiative through the tool called Bulb and visions of digital reflections have replaced the sugar plums dancing in my head.

As we have gotten started with our portfolios,  my team and I have learned a couple of things worth sharing.  Think of these tips as the trim on your portfolio “tree” aka simple tips for you and your class to help make your portfolios “sparkle”!


1. Cook up some creative images for your Bulb 



As our learners personalize their portfolios, consider letting them get creative with the images they create.  Why not have them create an avatar of themself using the drawing and shape tools in Keynote? Exported as an image, drawings can easily be added to their profile picture, providing an extra layer of safety and uniqueness.



Creating an avatar in Keynote is easy when you follow these steps:
Step 1: Use the + in Keynote to add a drawing and/or shapes
Step 2: Tap the ⋯ and select Export

 Step 3: Choose Images

 Step 4: Add to Bulb


2. Light up your Bulb Cover Images with Keynote




We have ALL been there - you find the perfect image to use as a cover image in Bulb, you upload it and then see this:


Most of the time, we tap “use anyway” and move on.  But what do you do when all the images you choose get distorted and blurry??
My teammate, Kasey, had an amazing idea to help with finding and customizing images that meet the size requirements for cover images in Bulb.  Take a minute to watch the screencast she shared here and then download the Keynote Template files to share with your classes.








3. Gift yourself with some basic tips from Bulb

Lastly, are you thinking...whoa...let’s just pump the brakes a minute?  Give yourself the “gift” of a Bulb basics refresher with this resource found by my teammate, Sam!



How are you feeling about your digital portfolios?  Jolly? Grinchy? Let me know in the comments!




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

TMST: Welcome Back to your Mac!

-
Image
It's exciting times here in Texas!  Our Technology Department has been working hard t o refresh our devices by providing educators with new Macbooks. We are beyond lucky to be in a district where digital learning is not just valued, but also supported.  Having reliable educator devices allows us to design and implement deeper learning experiences.  We can learn alongside our children and be more mobile throughout the classroom. Anytime there is change, even if it is a good change, there is a learning curve. I am such a creature of habit that I spent several days trying to get my new Mac to be set up the way my old one was. (#dontjudge) That is why I am so glad to share some curated resources my team gathered to help guide you as you get acquainted with your new MacBook.  Many of these are from the Technology ZenDesk, but all can help you become a Jedi Master of your Mac! Click here to visit the drawing above and access the links!   Each blu...
Read more

TMST: An Apple A Day

-
Image
I was once told that it is important for us as educators to remember what learning feels like .  To do this, we must actively involve ourselves in learning new things.   Last week, Apple released its Apple Teacher program , which is a professional learning challenge to help educators learn more about using iPads and Macs in an educational setting.   This self-paced challenge provides educators several modes  (Multi-touch book, help site, or from the Apple store)   in which to learn about using Mac and iPad in education.  Upon successful completion of a quick 5 question assessment for different skills, educators earn electronic badges.   To me, this was a perfect way for me to remember what learning feels like.   I immediately went into NERD mode and began the program.  On a Friday night.   Yep, I'm super cool.  But the neat part was that a few of my awesome CISD friends were also doing it too.  Back and forth we went...
Read more

Gearing up for 17-18

-
Image
Hello, blog readers! No, I didn't fall off the face of the planet.  Life events forced me to truly disconnect this summer, which I rarely do.  It was needed and it was worth it.  Since my One Word for the year is BREATHE, I knew this summer must be one of rest. But...a new school year is upon us.  As I move from dreading the alarm clock to the inevitable excitement a new year brings, I am reminded of a quote from the movie, You've Got Mail .   We met our new hires today during Digital Learning Day.  I wanted to tell them all the things - how our district promotes risk, how we believe in learning beyond the tools, how little kids can and will when we have growth mindsets. I wanted to tell them that is is less about technology and more about relationships, that if they are willing to let go, the sky is the limit for our kids. I wanted to tell them that they have as much to teach me as I have to offer them. It's a lot for a "first day", but I kn...
Read more