Teacher reflection is, in my opinion, one of the most important pieces of our profession. It is how teachers grow and learn about their teaching practices. "We often fall into the habit of making assumptions about what's going on in the classroom. And visible learning gives us a chance to see our habits and our patterns and recognize maybe why they aren't effective all the time." This comes from a video on Edutopia about teachers who used a swivl device to track themselves or their students.
When the teachers were watching themselves, they were looking at habits they have or what they are noticing about student learning and engagement. In the video it states, "Be transparent about the process with your students, to model continuous learning." When practicum students come in to my classroom, I have used an IPad to record them in their teaching and expect that they will take time to watch and report back to me their reflection. I need to model this practice myself by using our swivl and letting the students see that I too value the importance of self reflection.
So what do I do with what I observe? First, I would look at habits that I have that are not best practice. Then I would observe child and student behaviors and consider the reasons for those behaviors. Finally, I would set at least two goals for myself to improve my teaching and student learning. How often should I reflect on my teaching practices? I think that can vary depending on goals and the behaviors in the classroom. How long should I record myself? In the video, one teacher reports recording for 30 minutes at a time.
Reference:
Kettle Moraine High School. (Oct. 22, 2018). Using video for professional development. Edutopia.
Retrieved Dec. 8, 2018, from https://www.edutopia.org/video/using-video-professional-development
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Technology as a Tool in Education
In all classrooms today, elementary through college, computers are a necessity. Computers and technology is more than just "the cool new thing", according to Ben McNeely, a senior at North Carolina State University. Ben talks about growing up with technology. He mentions the game "The Oregon Trail" which I vividly remember playing in school as well.
As a fourth grader and looking back, I had no idea where technology was heading and what it
would be in my future. While growing up with the new, big boxy computers, they were used as more of a fun past time in the classroom. Something we got to use when we got our other work done. In classrooms today, technology comes in many forms and is a necessity for students to master as we look to what the future has in store for them.
Growing up, I was different from Ben. We didn't have a computer in our house until I was at least in high school. And even now, my parents no longer have a computer in their house which is almost unheard of. I wonder how many homes with children in them, can say they don't have a computer? I would guess the answer is none. Computers and knowing how to use technology is a must. Our children and students of today are better at using the technology because it is just a part of their experience all around. "They learn by doing, not by reading the instruction manual or listening to lectures. These are the learners that faculty must reach." Even in my field of early childhood education, children are highly involved in using a large variety of materials as they learn by doing. Part of that learning by doing must involve technology.
"It has been said that we, the Net Generation, are closer to our grandparents—the Greatest Generation—in our work ethic and optimism about the future than to our parents' generation. But how we approach problems is totally different." Ben talks about his grandfather "tinkering" with things to learn how they work or what he can do with the objects. In the same way with technology, we must allow students time to "tinker" so they too can figure it out and have a solid foundation with a tool that could make or break their opportunity for finding a successful job.
Technology should not replace the foundation of education. "Using technology only enhances the hands-on experience; it does not—and cannot—replace human interaction. " Throughout Ben's article, he talks about interaction. Interaction is still a key piece of who we are and technology does not replace that. It needs to be a tool that accents the foundations of education and just makes connecting and interacting with others and the world more readily available.
Reference:
McNeely, Ben. (2018). Using technology as a learning tool, not just the cool new thing. Educause. Retrieved Dec. 8, 2018, from https://www.educause.edu/research-and-publications/books/educating-net-generation/using-technology-learning-tool-not-just-cool-new-thing
As a fourth grader and looking back, I had no idea where technology was heading and what it
would be in my future. While growing up with the new, big boxy computers, they were used as more of a fun past time in the classroom. Something we got to use when we got our other work done. In classrooms today, technology comes in many forms and is a necessity for students to master as we look to what the future has in store for them.
Growing up, I was different from Ben. We didn't have a computer in our house until I was at least in high school. And even now, my parents no longer have a computer in their house which is almost unheard of. I wonder how many homes with children in them, can say they don't have a computer? I would guess the answer is none. Computers and knowing how to use technology is a must. Our children and students of today are better at using the technology because it is just a part of their experience all around. "They learn by doing, not by reading the instruction manual or listening to lectures. These are the learners that faculty must reach." Even in my field of early childhood education, children are highly involved in using a large variety of materials as they learn by doing. Part of that learning by doing must involve technology.
"It has been said that we, the Net Generation, are closer to our grandparents—the Greatest Generation—in our work ethic and optimism about the future than to our parents' generation. But how we approach problems is totally different." Ben talks about his grandfather "tinkering" with things to learn how they work or what he can do with the objects. In the same way with technology, we must allow students time to "tinker" so they too can figure it out and have a solid foundation with a tool that could make or break their opportunity for finding a successful job.
Technology should not replace the foundation of education. "Using technology only enhances the hands-on experience; it does not—and cannot—replace human interaction. " Throughout Ben's article, he talks about interaction. Interaction is still a key piece of who we are and technology does not replace that. It needs to be a tool that accents the foundations of education and just makes connecting and interacting with others and the world more readily available.
Reference:
McNeely, Ben. (2018). Using technology as a learning tool, not just the cool new thing. Educause. Retrieved Dec. 8, 2018, from https://www.educause.edu/research-and-publications/books/educating-net-generation/using-technology-learning-tool-not-just-cool-new-thing
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Passion and inspiration for digitally transforming your classroom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6vVXmwYvgs
If you are looking for an active classroom teacher to help you get excited about transforming your classroom for the 21st century, this is it! Kayla Delzer, a third grade teacher from North Dakota, and newly named 2019 Teacher of the Year, delivers a powerful message about breaking down the walls to global learning.
"Embrace the students of today, to re-imagine tomorrow." This is one of her powerful opening statements that sets the stage for a dynamic presentation that will motivate you to rethink how you teach. It is time for teachers to take a step back and let our students become the leaders they will need to be in the future. "Teachers don't need to master every single app or every single tool before we hand it over to students." Kayla talks about letting her students figure out apps that she wants them to use. Then the students in turn, teacher their peers as well as her!
"Embrace their knowledge and they'll embrace their learning." If we trust students abilities and allow them to take control of their learning, then they will be more internally motivated in that learning. And in the end, all of the assessments will show growth. However, she also cautions not to overuse technology. Too much of a good thing, isn't always a good thing. "Using technology just for the sake of using technology, is wasteful. If it doesn't transform your classroom, or your teaching, or your learning, just skip it. Don't use it." If you are using technology to fill time or to brag that you have a classroom that uses technology, don't. "Boring things on paper, are still boring when you put them on the IPad." The purpose of learning must still be at the forefront of your teaching. "Always start with your purpose."
So many schools are limiting technology use. Even in early childhood education, students are limited to 7 minutes a day of computer time. Why are we limiting a tool that has so much power and knowledge? "Technology is the language today's students speak." Not to mention, the ability it has to keep us connected with family, friends, and the world. "Don't be the four walls that hold your kids back or limit their learning." There are many things that will change as we teach through the years. "But one thing remains constant through time. Relationships between students and passionate teachers will always be the foundation of successful classrooms."
Reference:
TED. (Oct. 13, 2015). Kayla Delzer: Reimagining classrooms: Teachers as learners and students as leaders [video file]. Retrieved on Dec. 5, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6vVXmwYvgs
If you are looking for an active classroom teacher to help you get excited about transforming your classroom for the 21st century, this is it! Kayla Delzer, a third grade teacher from North Dakota, and newly named 2019 Teacher of the Year, delivers a powerful message about breaking down the walls to global learning.
"Embrace the students of today, to re-imagine tomorrow." This is one of her powerful opening statements that sets the stage for a dynamic presentation that will motivate you to rethink how you teach. It is time for teachers to take a step back and let our students become the leaders they will need to be in the future. "Teachers don't need to master every single app or every single tool before we hand it over to students." Kayla talks about letting her students figure out apps that she wants them to use. Then the students in turn, teacher their peers as well as her!
"Embrace their knowledge and they'll embrace their learning." If we trust students abilities and allow them to take control of their learning, then they will be more internally motivated in that learning. And in the end, all of the assessments will show growth. However, she also cautions not to overuse technology. Too much of a good thing, isn't always a good thing. "Using technology just for the sake of using technology, is wasteful. If it doesn't transform your classroom, or your teaching, or your learning, just skip it. Don't use it." If you are using technology to fill time or to brag that you have a classroom that uses technology, don't. "Boring things on paper, are still boring when you put them on the IPad." The purpose of learning must still be at the forefront of your teaching. "Always start with your purpose."

Reference:
TED. (Oct. 13, 2015). Kayla Delzer: Reimagining classrooms: Teachers as learners and students as leaders [video file]. Retrieved on Dec. 5, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6vVXmwYvgs
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Dyslexia - Advocate for your child's technology use
As a Mom of a 2nd grader with dyslexia, we are just at the beginning stages of what is going to be his ability for the rest of his life. I say ability because while reading and writing are hard for my son, his creativity, math skills, and love for science is above others in his grade. I just got an email from his teacher the other day saying she couldn't slow him down from working on math. She was trying to keep him in pace with his classmates but his brain was 10 steps ahead. I don't know what our struggles will continue to look like with his reading, spelling, and writing as he continues to develop. But one thing I know for sure is that I will advocate for his use of technology to assist him in his learning. I found the following article about three technology have to's for students with dyslexia that I wanted to share.
https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/3-technology-must-dos-for-dyslexia-at-school/
At the start of this article, it quotes, "My teachers won't let me take a photo of the Whiteboard..." My first reaction was that I had gone to a conference about two months ago and I took at least 20 pictures of the slides that were presented so I didn't have to copy so much down, and I don't have dyslexia. This is such a simple tool for someone who has trouble writing. Is there something to be said of writing and the ability to remember what you wrote better? Yes I'm sure there is. But students with dyslexia won't have that same ability to remember what they wrote because they would be so focused on making sure they wrote the letters correctly so that when they go to study that information later, it will make sense. Their brain won't be focusing on what they are actually writing. So what is better??? This is just one simple way parents of children with dyslexia have to be ready to stand up for what is best for their child. And technology has immeasurable assistance in these types of tasks!
Part of the problem here is just lack of understanding and training of dyslexia for teachers. When you approach your child's teacher, there is no need to be confrontational. Rather, be prepared to share your research about the use of technology and how it can benefit your child. "Assistive technology is not a crutch. Assistive technology provides access to higher level information as well as having beneficial effects on remediation itself."
Eide, F. (2018). 3 Technology must-do's for dyslexia at school. Dyslexic Advantage. Retrieved on Dec. 4, 2018, from https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/3-technology-must-dos-for-dyslexia-at-school/
https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/3-technology-must-dos-for-dyslexia-at-school/
At the start of this article, it quotes, "My teachers won't let me take a photo of the Whiteboard..." My first reaction was that I had gone to a conference about two months ago and I took at least 20 pictures of the slides that were presented so I didn't have to copy so much down, and I don't have dyslexia. This is such a simple tool for someone who has trouble writing. Is there something to be said of writing and the ability to remember what you wrote better? Yes I'm sure there is. But students with dyslexia won't have that same ability to remember what they wrote because they would be so focused on making sure they wrote the letters correctly so that when they go to study that information later, it will make sense. Their brain won't be focusing on what they are actually writing. So what is better??? This is just one simple way parents of children with dyslexia have to be ready to stand up for what is best for their child. And technology has immeasurable assistance in these types of tasks!
Part of the problem here is just lack of understanding and training of dyslexia for teachers. When you approach your child's teacher, there is no need to be confrontational. Rather, be prepared to share your research about the use of technology and how it can benefit your child. "Assistive technology is not a crutch. Assistive technology provides access to higher level information as well as having beneficial effects on remediation itself."
Eide, F. (2018). 3 Technology must-do's for dyslexia at school. Dyslexic Advantage. Retrieved on Dec. 4, 2018, from https://www.dyslexicadvantage.org/3-technology-must-dos-for-dyslexia-at-school/
Sunday, November 25, 2018
The Role of Technology in Early Childhood Programs
http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=302
There is such a push for technology in classrooms today to meet the increasing demand of technology available in today's world. As we prepare children and students to use this technology, in my opinion, one of the first steps is allowing them to be exposed to the technology. Elementary, Middle, and High School students are using it daily. But, are early childhood classrooms keeping up with the demand and what is appropriate in these classrooms?
The attached article describes why the use of technology with young children has to be monitored and used with good intention. It is important to understand the development of young children. Young children are still in Piaget's preoperational stage and are still concrete learners. When considering Howard Gardner's knowledge of children, young children are very diverse in their learning styles. The concern with technology in early childhood classrooms is "that developmental needs not met through technology will be ignored or radically compromised: physical play, outdoor exploration of the community and of nature; art, music and dance; learning specific social skills and moral values, and experiencing diversity in a myriad of ways." The article starts by asking whether or not technology has a place in the early childhood classroom and says, "it depends on an early childhood program’s overall program goals and objectives, and the program’s goals and objectives for each student. And it depends on how computers are incorporated into the early childhood curriculum (Haugland, 2000)".
I work in a 2 and 3 year old classroom. "Most experts believe computers are not developmentally appropriate for children under the age of three (Elkind, 1998; Haugland, 1999; NAEYC, 1996)". While I agree that it is not developmentally appropriate for under the age of three in large amounts, I also feel that if used appropriately, with teacher guidance, and in small amounts, there is a lot of great technology that can be used with 2 and 3 year olds for learning. Project based learning is everywhere and can be done even with 2 year olds. At one point, I did a project on fish. We were able to study the fish in our fish tank and we were able to get a frozen fish from the DNR to touch and explore. We read books about fish, talked about what we knew about fish before, during, and after our study, and even put fish in our sensory table for observation. However, there are many fish in the ocean that being in Iowa, we had no way to study or even consider. When given the limitless amounts of videos on youtube and other websites, we were able to utilize that technology to help us learn about fish that would have otherwise been out of our realm of study. The key here was that I spent time researching for appropriate videos and web tools that fit the interests of the children without spending too much time with the technology. We maintained our focus with the hands on experiences, outdoor play, music, and other curricular play areas that are crucial for young learners. I feel that my use of technology with two year olds in my fish project was incorporated appropriately and with great learning goals achieved.
"Appropriate use of technology in the classroom is to expand, enrich, implement, individualize, differentiate, and extend the overall curriculum. And, obviously, curricula goals change with age, and differ from program to program." To ensure you are using technology appropriately in your early childhood classroom, reference this article for steps and guidelines. Rest assured, if you follow this advice, technology will be a great tool to incorporate and enhance the learning in your classroom.
Reference:
Wardle, F. (2008). The role of technology in early childhood programs. Early Childhood News. Retrieved Nov. 25, 2018, from http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=302
There is such a push for technology in classrooms today to meet the increasing demand of technology available in today's world. As we prepare children and students to use this technology, in my opinion, one of the first steps is allowing them to be exposed to the technology. Elementary, Middle, and High School students are using it daily. But, are early childhood classrooms keeping up with the demand and what is appropriate in these classrooms?
The attached article describes why the use of technology with young children has to be monitored and used with good intention. It is important to understand the development of young children. Young children are still in Piaget's preoperational stage and are still concrete learners. When considering Howard Gardner's knowledge of children, young children are very diverse in their learning styles. The concern with technology in early childhood classrooms is "that developmental needs not met through technology will be ignored or radically compromised: physical play, outdoor exploration of the community and of nature; art, music and dance; learning specific social skills and moral values, and experiencing diversity in a myriad of ways." The article starts by asking whether or not technology has a place in the early childhood classroom and says, "it depends on an early childhood program’s overall program goals and objectives, and the program’s goals and objectives for each student. And it depends on how computers are incorporated into the early childhood curriculum (Haugland, 2000)".

"Appropriate use of technology in the classroom is to expand, enrich, implement, individualize, differentiate, and extend the overall curriculum. And, obviously, curricula goals change with age, and differ from program to program." To ensure you are using technology appropriately in your early childhood classroom, reference this article for steps and guidelines. Rest assured, if you follow this advice, technology will be a great tool to incorporate and enhance the learning in your classroom.
Reference:
Wardle, F. (2008). The role of technology in early childhood programs. Early Childhood News. Retrieved Nov. 25, 2018, from http://www.earlychildhoodnews.com/earlychildhood/article_view.aspx?ArticleID=302
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Instructional Coaching
Instructional Coaching: Seeding District-Wide Innovation

First you hear from a 2nd grade teacher, Katie, who is working first hand with her instructional coach, Trish. Katie mentions that her coach helps her with lesson planning but more importantly helps her know why she is going to teach a lesson in a certain way. Administration speaks to the coaches being "the linchpin in the work" that happens throughout the district. They help connect teachers from one school to another which allows for innovative teaching across schools. They do this by having instructional coaches go to different schools sharing lessons and technology ideas with others. "Every building has at least three coaches. Every coach has at least 3 schools."
Trish, the instructional coach in the video says , "It always comes back to the teacher getting to tell you what they need. So, that's where I always begin." You can hear the genuine excitement and appreciation from Katie as well. Then what really works is the fact that Trish is able to go to the other teachers and share what worked and then can tweak the things that didn't go so well.
When thinking about the five phases of coaching (Alaniz & Wilson, 2015, p. 39), Albemarle County Schools have clearly established the need for instructional coaching, partnerships have been created and are linked throughout the district, project based learning is at the forefront, there was time to assess progress as the teacher and coach worked together, as well as time for them to reflect on the integration. Throughout the video, you can tell that all members of this district clearly believe in the system of instructional coaching. They have invested time and resources to ensure teachers in the district are getting what they want and need in order to make their classrooms work for the best of the students. In the end, the statistics show that their graduation rate has increased, the drop out rate has decreased, and they are outperforming their state in reading, math, and science for the past 10 years. They are indeed doing things right and are a model for others to learn from.
Edutopia. (2015, Sept. 18). Instructional coaching: Seeding district-wide innovation. Retrieved Nov. 18, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0IrZ5jrvCo

Instructional coaching can be an amazing asset when implemented in a way that considers all those that will be involved and affected, as well as using the five phases of coaching. In the attached video, you will watch how a school in Virginia has effectively implemented instructional coaching throughout Albemarle County. The teachers, coaches, and administration share why they feel the coaching has been so beneficial in their district.
Trish, the instructional coach in the video says , "It always comes back to the teacher getting to tell you what they need. So, that's where I always begin." You can hear the genuine excitement and appreciation from Katie as well. Then what really works is the fact that Trish is able to go to the other teachers and share what worked and then can tweak the things that didn't go so well.
When thinking about the five phases of coaching (Alaniz & Wilson, 2015, p. 39), Albemarle County Schools have clearly established the need for instructional coaching, partnerships have been created and are linked throughout the district, project based learning is at the forefront, there was time to assess progress as the teacher and coach worked together, as well as time for them to reflect on the integration. Throughout the video, you can tell that all members of this district clearly believe in the system of instructional coaching. They have invested time and resources to ensure teachers in the district are getting what they want and need in order to make their classrooms work for the best of the students. In the end, the statistics show that their graduation rate has increased, the drop out rate has decreased, and they are outperforming their state in reading, math, and science for the past 10 years. They are indeed doing things right and are a model for others to learn from.
Resources:
Alaniz, K., & Wilson, D. (2015). Naturalizing digital immigrants: The power of collegial coaching for technology integration. Lanham, Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield.
Saturday, November 3, 2018
SAMR and TPACK
- Summary of SAMR Model and TPACK Model


- Which of the two models do you feel would be more accepted in your school district and why?
- What strategies would you use to educate your staff on the philosophy you selected?
I would start by having a discussion of what current technologies are being used. Then ask how they see those tools enhancing children's learning. I would show the youtube video titled, TPACK in 2 Minutes, which does a fantastic job of showing how the three areas work together to create the "Sweet Spot" for students. We would then continue to discuss other technology tools we know are available as well as spend some time researching other technologies that we could fit into our lessons. As we do this, making sure we are matching up the content, pedagogy, and then adding the technology in to get the sweet spot of learning.
M., C. (2013, April 26). TPACK in 2 Minutes. Retrieved Nov. 3, 2018, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FagVSQlZELY&list=UUyiLyAMZj_Y8QWdlpZHAgDQ
Saturday, October 27, 2018
About Me
Hello education community,
I am an educator in Early Childhood Education. I have over 20 years of working with children birth through preschool. When I first began my career, I started with only a two year degree in Child Care. My first job was in my hometown's elementary school where I was an associate for a child with severe-profound disabilities. After only a month and a half, I quickly learned that I was not up for that task without a lot more learning. I found a part-time job at our local Head Start. Two years into that position, I was told that I would need to complete my four year degree in order to stay in the lead teacher position. I was able to do that and then switched to Early Head Start after completing my degree. In total, I taught for those two programs a total of 8 years. I am currently a Head Teacher at the Child Development Laboratory School at Iowa State University. I have been with this job for the past 13 years teaching the youngest of children, birth - 3 years of age.
The focus for my blog is starting with educational technology through a course I am currently taking. Educational technology and young children do not go hand in hand real well unless you are looking at upper preschool. What you can use educational technology for is a variety of ways to connect with parents of the young children you teach and care for. Parent involvement is such a big part to any child's success. So it is partially up to us to create those pathways in which parents can have an active part in their child's early education.
The other focus for my blog will be tips and experiences from the field of early childhood. I look forward to sharing with you and learning from others as we enhance the world of all the little ones out there.
I am an educator in Early Childhood Education. I have over 20 years of working with children birth through preschool. When I first began my career, I started with only a two year degree in Child Care. My first job was in my hometown's elementary school where I was an associate for a child with severe-profound disabilities. After only a month and a half, I quickly learned that I was not up for that task without a lot more learning. I found a part-time job at our local Head Start. Two years into that position, I was told that I would need to complete my four year degree in order to stay in the lead teacher position. I was able to do that and then switched to Early Head Start after completing my degree. In total, I taught for those two programs a total of 8 years. I am currently a Head Teacher at the Child Development Laboratory School at Iowa State University. I have been with this job for the past 13 years teaching the youngest of children, birth - 3 years of age.
The focus for my blog is starting with educational technology through a course I am currently taking. Educational technology and young children do not go hand in hand real well unless you are looking at upper preschool. What you can use educational technology for is a variety of ways to connect with parents of the young children you teach and care for. Parent involvement is such a big part to any child's success. So it is partially up to us to create those pathways in which parents can have an active part in their child's early education.
The other focus for my blog will be tips and experiences from the field of early childhood. I look forward to sharing with you and learning from others as we enhance the world of all the little ones out there.
Thursday, October 25, 2018
2.2 Conference Time
Title: If You Give a Kindergartner an IPad
Presenters: Karen Brady, Amy Kennedy
Length of video: 41:18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPpsIw0OiGI&t=0s&list=PLIgAnl6l23ewfWL_oHYRFSBqwZ9ITfQqf&index=26
Summary and Analysis:
These presenters shared tips and ideas as well as the kindergarten teachers first hand experience with beginning to use IPads in her classroom with her Kindergartners.
When using technology, collaboration is key. All of the following can be collaborators in the success of your implementation and use of technology; technology specialist, instructional specialist, other teachers that have tried different apps as those are more likely to be a great choice b/c you know those apps have been tested out by other professionals, parents, and students can offer feedback too. Collaboration doesn't have to be a 30 minute meeting. It can be a quick 3-5 minute conversation, it can be an email conversation, or it can be a google doc conversation. All of these could be quick, easy ways to share about technology that's been happening in their classroom or home.
Once you're ready to get started and you've spent some time getting comfortable with the technology, remember to put your hands in your pockets when teaching the students. As adults, we are so quick to push the buttons for them. But, it is important that the students know how to do it.
In addition, when problems do arise and the technology isn't working, it's good to allow the students to work through problems. This teaches problem solving and perseverance in the moment.
The following apps and website were suggested; First, you can simply start by just using the camera app. Let the children take photos and videos of their work and then they can share what they were doing and the teacher is able to see their thinking and learning. They also shared apps called Animoto, Tellagami, Totomath, Book Creator, Wet Dry Try, and www.commonsense.org.
Title: Digital Village: Using Technology to Increase Parent Involvement
Presenters: Nancy Blair Black
Length of video: 41:08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFkrZeb8c8E&t=0s&list=PLIgAnl6l23ewfWL_oHYRFSBqwZ9ITfQqf&index=19
Summary and Analysis:
What happens when we involve and communicate with parents? It strongly impacts student achievement. Graduation rates increase. Student behavior is better. It has to be a goal of every school to find ways to connect with parents for the best of every student. Nancy says in her presentation that there are three major factors of parent involvement:
What steps would need to be taken in your classroom or school in order to implement such a strategy or idea? Where I work, we have weekly meetings as well as staff development days that we are always looking for topics to be presented on. Many times, we have our topics in mind, but we don't have the presenter. So, we end up either researching it ourselves or just putting on the "to be done later" page. I simply need to share this idea with my administrator to get it implemented as I really think she would be on board with trying it.
A PLN would be helpful as it would connect you to a variety of conferences that any member of the teaching team are either interested in or going to and can share worthwhile links to conferences they felt are worthwhile for others to see. I could see using these during staff development days when a live presenter isn't available for topics of interest.
Presenters: Karen Brady, Amy Kennedy
Length of video: 41:18
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPpsIw0OiGI&t=0s&list=PLIgAnl6l23ewfWL_oHYRFSBqwZ9ITfQqf&index=26
Summary and Analysis:
These presenters shared tips and ideas as well as the kindergarten teachers first hand experience with beginning to use IPads in her classroom with her Kindergartners.
- One of the first tips was to just jump right in and get the technology in their hands. While it is important to take some time to get comfortable with the technology before you implement it, the message was clear that we have to get going with the technology. It is what children and students are using in our world today and it will instantly engage them.
- Set up expectations right away for the students. How will the IPads be used and what are the rules surrounding that use. Setting these expectations sets the stage to make the use of technology in the classroom look more seamless.
- Be purposeful in your planning of how you're going to use the IPad just as you are purposeful in planning all other parts of your day.
When using technology, collaboration is key. All of the following can be collaborators in the success of your implementation and use of technology; technology specialist, instructional specialist, other teachers that have tried different apps as those are more likely to be a great choice b/c you know those apps have been tested out by other professionals, parents, and students can offer feedback too. Collaboration doesn't have to be a 30 minute meeting. It can be a quick 3-5 minute conversation, it can be an email conversation, or it can be a google doc conversation. All of these could be quick, easy ways to share about technology that's been happening in their classroom or home.
Once you're ready to get started and you've spent some time getting comfortable with the technology, remember to put your hands in your pockets when teaching the students. As adults, we are so quick to push the buttons for them. But, it is important that the students know how to do it.
In addition, when problems do arise and the technology isn't working, it's good to allow the students to work through problems. This teaches problem solving and perseverance in the moment.
The following apps and website were suggested; First, you can simply start by just using the camera app. Let the children take photos and videos of their work and then they can share what they were doing and the teacher is able to see their thinking and learning. They also shared apps called Animoto, Tellagami, Totomath, Book Creator, Wet Dry Try, and www.commonsense.org.
Title: Digital Village: Using Technology to Increase Parent Involvement
Presenters: Nancy Blair Black
Length of video: 41:08
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFkrZeb8c8E&t=0s&list=PLIgAnl6l23ewfWL_oHYRFSBqwZ9ITfQqf&index=19
Summary and Analysis:
What happens when we involve and communicate with parents? It strongly impacts student achievement. Graduation rates increase. Student behavior is better. It has to be a goal of every school to find ways to connect with parents for the best of every student. Nancy says in her presentation that there are three major factors of parent involvement:
- Parents belief about what is important, necessary, and permissible.
- Parents believe they can have a positive influence.
- And parents perceptions that their children and their school want them involved.
- Teacher or school website to share resources, homework, announcements, feature student work with parent permission.
- School or class blog. Students could blog if age appropriate.
- Audio and video chatting, conferencing. This could be having a parent video conference where they work as part of a project learning opportunity or the parent could read to the class.
- Collaborative Google Docs. A great way to learn from and gain ideas from many others. It could be used as a way to sign up for projects or events.
- Other sites to utilize and connect with parents suggested were, Voicethread.com, flockdraw.com, volunteerspot.com, remind.com, and storybird.com.
What steps would need to be taken in your classroom or school in order to implement such a strategy or idea? Where I work, we have weekly meetings as well as staff development days that we are always looking for topics to be presented on. Many times, we have our topics in mind, but we don't have the presenter. So, we end up either researching it ourselves or just putting on the "to be done later" page. I simply need to share this idea with my administrator to get it implemented as I really think she would be on board with trying it.
A PLN would be helpful as it would connect you to a variety of conferences that any member of the teaching team are either interested in or going to and can share worthwhile links to conferences they felt are worthwhile for others to see. I could see using these during staff development days when a live presenter isn't available for topics of interest.
Sunday, October 21, 2018
ISTE Standards
Explain and provide examples for ways in which schools can best address the following seven International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards through programs and activities.
1. Empowered Learner - An empowered learner is one who has a classroom with a variety of technology choices and can choose which one fits his needs best. The student is comfortable in using these tools independently. In the process of working with a variety of devices and tools, students are empowered to create some of his own learning goals. I was reading about Mindset Works developed by SchoolKit, "an app designed to strengthen academic and social and emotional success. Through animations, assessments, and classroom activities, students learn a growth mindset—the understanding that ability develops with effort." (Office of Educational Technology, 2018). This would be an example of a technology tool that would allow students to take an active role in their learning and goal setting.
2. Digital Citizen - As teachers and parents, it is our role to help students understand that just like a lot of other things in our world, if technology and the internet are not used safely, there is much danger in it. Examples such as riding a bike without a helmet, playing with fire, jumping off a platform that is too high are all examples of things students could relate to being dangerous if not respected. Technology and the internet are the same. It can be a great resource and tool, but it can also be a dangerous avenue to find real trouble. An example I can think of for this is when you see on facebook, teachers that have posted a photo and then wants to see how far that photo can go as far as likes and sharing around the world. This helps students see the potential of what they share or seek out from the internet can get into the wrong hands and can be dangerous.
3. Knowledge Constructor - As a knowledge constructor, students must be able to utilize technology tools that make learning meaningful for themselves and others. An example of a tool used here could be using a story map app. Students would be able to use the tool to build knowledge and make connections to books and stories they have read or perhaps they are making up stories to solve classroom, school, community, or world problems.
4. Innovative Designer - Speaking of real world problems, for this standard, I came across an online book while searching that gave an example of "Bringing Real-World Problems to Classrooms". (Committee on Developments in the Science of Learning, 2000, p. 208). It talks about an architect team that was working to build a new play space for the community. The challenge to the students was to use design technology to build and create their ideal play space. This fits in perfectly to standard number 4 of students using a variety of technologies to solve problems using imaginative solutions. This would work perfectly in teams of students also enhancing their cooperative skills.
5. Computational Thinker - "The Pack, funded through a STEM+C grant from the National Science Foundation and the JPB Foundation, is an open world app being produced by NYSCI. This app aims to engage middle school-aged children in utilizing computational thinking skills and immerses the player in a fantastical world in which their choices and decisions may have long-ranging environmental impacts." (Thompson, 2018). This is a perfect example of helping students develop computational thinking skills. And when you continue to look into the program, there is a number to contact to find out more information if one was interested in applying it to their school.
6. Creative Communicator - As a teacher, a great way to assess a students understanding of materials is through presentations. Allowing students to use technology to create a presentation meets standard 6. Using technology for student presentations gives them the tools to create original works while building their skills in the use of technology. Not to mention this is a skill that students will need long past their school days. They may have jobs that they have to present at or maybe they are very involved in their community and need to present in that capacity. When googling effective presentation tools for students, a few that came up were; Nearpod, Shadow Puppet Edu, and Sprial.
7. Global Collaborator - What better way to learn about our world than through real life connections with other students and schools. Skype is an easy way to build a relationship with another classroom of students in the same grade or same subject. Another way to connect with the other students throughout the world is through PenPal Schools. Both of these technologies encourage students to "use digital tools to broaden their perspectives" and learning globally.
References:
Committee on Developments in the Science of Learning. (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. Washington, D.C., National Academy Press. Retrieved Oct. 21, 2018, from https://www.nap.edu/read/9853/chapter/13
Common Sense. (2018). Retrieved Oct. 21, 2018, from https://www.commonsense.org
Office of Educational Technology. (2018, Oct. 21). Assessment. Retrieved Oct. 21, 2018, from https://tech.ed.gov/netp/assessment
Thompson, Wren. (2018, April 20). Using an app to engage kids in computational thinking. Retrieved Oct. 21, 2018, from https://nysci.org/using-an-app-to-engage-kids-in-computational-thinking
1. Empowered Learner - An empowered learner is one who has a classroom with a variety of technology choices and can choose which one fits his needs best. The student is comfortable in using these tools independently. In the process of working with a variety of devices and tools, students are empowered to create some of his own learning goals. I was reading about Mindset Works developed by SchoolKit, "an app designed to strengthen academic and social and emotional success. Through animations, assessments, and classroom activities, students learn a growth mindset—the understanding that ability develops with effort." (Office of Educational Technology, 2018). This would be an example of a technology tool that would allow students to take an active role in their learning and goal setting.
2. Digital Citizen - As teachers and parents, it is our role to help students understand that just like a lot of other things in our world, if technology and the internet are not used safely, there is much danger in it. Examples such as riding a bike without a helmet, playing with fire, jumping off a platform that is too high are all examples of things students could relate to being dangerous if not respected. Technology and the internet are the same. It can be a great resource and tool, but it can also be a dangerous avenue to find real trouble. An example I can think of for this is when you see on facebook, teachers that have posted a photo and then wants to see how far that photo can go as far as likes and sharing around the world. This helps students see the potential of what they share or seek out from the internet can get into the wrong hands and can be dangerous.
3. Knowledge Constructor - As a knowledge constructor, students must be able to utilize technology tools that make learning meaningful for themselves and others. An example of a tool used here could be using a story map app. Students would be able to use the tool to build knowledge and make connections to books and stories they have read or perhaps they are making up stories to solve classroom, school, community, or world problems.
4. Innovative Designer - Speaking of real world problems, for this standard, I came across an online book while searching that gave an example of "Bringing Real-World Problems to Classrooms". (Committee on Developments in the Science of Learning, 2000, p. 208). It talks about an architect team that was working to build a new play space for the community. The challenge to the students was to use design technology to build and create their ideal play space. This fits in perfectly to standard number 4 of students using a variety of technologies to solve problems using imaginative solutions. This would work perfectly in teams of students also enhancing their cooperative skills.
5. Computational Thinker - "The Pack, funded through a STEM+C grant from the National Science Foundation and the JPB Foundation, is an open world app being produced by NYSCI. This app aims to engage middle school-aged children in utilizing computational thinking skills and immerses the player in a fantastical world in which their choices and decisions may have long-ranging environmental impacts." (Thompson, 2018). This is a perfect example of helping students develop computational thinking skills. And when you continue to look into the program, there is a number to contact to find out more information if one was interested in applying it to their school.
6. Creative Communicator - As a teacher, a great way to assess a students understanding of materials is through presentations. Allowing students to use technology to create a presentation meets standard 6. Using technology for student presentations gives them the tools to create original works while building their skills in the use of technology. Not to mention this is a skill that students will need long past their school days. They may have jobs that they have to present at or maybe they are very involved in their community and need to present in that capacity. When googling effective presentation tools for students, a few that came up were; Nearpod, Shadow Puppet Edu, and Sprial.
7. Global Collaborator - What better way to learn about our world than through real life connections with other students and schools. Skype is an easy way to build a relationship with another classroom of students in the same grade or same subject. Another way to connect with the other students throughout the world is through PenPal Schools. Both of these technologies encourage students to "use digital tools to broaden their perspectives" and learning globally.
References:
Committee on Developments in the Science of Learning. (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. Washington, D.C., National Academy Press. Retrieved Oct. 21, 2018, from https://www.nap.edu/read/9853/chapter/13
Common Sense. (2018). Retrieved Oct. 21, 2018, from https://www.commonsense.org
Office of Educational Technology. (2018, Oct. 21). Assessment. Retrieved Oct. 21, 2018, from https://tech.ed.gov/netp/assessment
Thompson, Wren. (2018, April 20). Using an app to engage kids in computational thinking. Retrieved Oct. 21, 2018, from https://nysci.org/using-an-app-to-engage-kids-in-computational-thinking
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