Today is the first day of the blogging challenge at work. Our goal is to show how blogging is a great way to connect with others, share resources and showcase your awesome work as an educator. For more information, please visit our OKCPS ETS blog. Each week we will have updates.
Monday, February 8, 2016
The OKCPS Blogging Challenge
Today is the first day of the blogging challenge at work. Our goal is to show how blogging is a great way to connect with others, share resources and showcase your awesome work as an educator. For more information, please visit our OKCPS ETS blog. Each week we will have updates.
Monday, January 25, 2016
Motivation Monday
Well, it's Monday again. Allow yourself to be great. Do what's right for the students. Today is the only day you have with your students!
Friday, January 22, 2016
Classroom Spotlight
I love to highlight classrooms as I visit. We have some great teachers doing great things in our district. We also have good teachers who want to do more and be better.
This week I visited a Special Education class where they are working on integrating technology. The iPads were originally purchased for intervention, but the teacher is interested in doing more with them!
I also visited a 6th grade classroom where I caught the students during intervention time, but they are prepping to start using Google Classroom...oh, the possibilities.
Finally, I visited an entire 5th grade. We worked on getting all of the students logged in to their district Google Drive so they can start using the new chromebooks.
I love being in the classroom and working with teachers!
This week I visited a Special Education class where they are working on integrating technology. The iPads were originally purchased for intervention, but the teacher is interested in doing more with them!
I also visited a 6th grade classroom where I caught the students during intervention time, but they are prepping to start using Google Classroom...oh, the possibilities.
Finally, I visited an entire 5th grade. We worked on getting all of the students logged in to their district Google Drive so they can start using the new chromebooks.
I love being in the classroom and working with teachers!
Friday, December 11, 2015
Hour of Code
This week is the Hour of Code. We had students all over the district participating. Below are a few pictures. #csedweek #hourofcode
What Happened This Week! 10/26/2015
This week started with our PD department tackling Twitter. They created a department Twitter account as well as professional accounts for each instructional coach.
I also visited Rancho Village where we learned all about Socrative. This school has been focused on tools for formative assessments this fall.
On Tuesday, I started at Coolidge. We were able to get all of the 6th graders logged in to their Google Drives on desktops as well as chromebooks! Success!!! Sadly, I don't have 1 picture from the morning event:(
Tuesday afternoon I met with teachers from Fillmore and we were able to learn 10 ways to use Google Docs. This event was awesome.
Wednesday was our regularly scheduled department meeting and then Part 4 of the Hour of Code series.
Thursday we were able to attend SMART Amp training. SMART Amp is COOL!
On Friday, I visited Wheeler to meet with a 4th grade teacher who is exploring gamification and has had wildly awesome improvements in test scores!
I also visited Rancho Village where we learned all about Socrative. This school has been focused on tools for formative assessments this fall.
On Tuesday, I started at Coolidge. We were able to get all of the 6th graders logged in to their Google Drives on desktops as well as chromebooks! Success!!! Sadly, I don't have 1 picture from the morning event:(
Tuesday afternoon I met with teachers from Fillmore and we were able to learn 10 ways to use Google Docs. This event was awesome.
Wednesday was our regularly scheduled department meeting and then Part 4 of the Hour of Code series.
Thursday we were able to attend SMART Amp training. SMART Amp is COOL!
On Friday, I visited Wheeler to meet with a 4th grade teacher who is exploring gamification and has had wildly awesome improvements in test scores!
Saturday, October 3, 2015
9.28.15 - What I'm Seeing this Week in Classrooms!
This post is about all of the random cool things I am seeing in classrooms around the district.
On Tuesday, I started my day at Pierce. I saw GoNoodle and quite a few brain breaks. Brain breaks are a great opportunity to get students moving and are a nice way to transition from one activity to another.
Also this week, my blog post about Part 2 of 5: Hour of Code Series was posted. This week consisted of learning to code with Code.org and then setting up your class in Code.org to have students start coding.
As I visited another school, 5th & 6th grade students were practicing their Google Search skills as they researched and learned about Jamestown.
Then I stopped by school to follow up with a few teachers and found more students using technology. My favorite room was the nonverbal special education class where students were using the SMART board and switches to take assessments.
Anything is possible! What a great week! I love my job!!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Unplugged Coding!
I've started a 5 part coding series to assist teachers learn more about coding as well as how to teach coding. Part 1 was recently held and we began with unplugged coding or coding without technology or devices.
You can checkout my original post, titled Unplugged Coding...No Devices Required, on the OKCPS ETS blog.
We had the opportunity to experience one activity about programming and debugging and a second activity about deadlocks. All of the teachers were excellent and engaged participants.
We all had a blast and will continue with teaching with Code.org soon!
Sunday, August 16, 2015
iPads & PBL
I am working with an elementary school who currently has iPads, but they use them for testing and skill & drill. I had the opportunity to meet with each grade level to discuss project based learning (PBL) and how to incorporate the iPads.
We started off by discussing creation type apps such as ShowMe, Educration, Explain Everything. We used the app ShowMe. Then we moved on to and quick example of PBL...The Marshmallow Tower challenge. I had to shorten the activity so we had 6 spaghetti sticks and 1 large marshmallow. Then each team had 4 minutes to construct the tallest tower they could. During the building process they had to take pictures. After 4 minutes, we took 5 minutes to create a narrated slide show about the process of building the tallest tower.Here is an example of their final project.
We also had a few minutes to debrief about the process. The response was positive and they reported having a better understanding of PBL. We laughed all day and enjoy creating projects on the iPads rather than skill & drill!
We started off by discussing creation type apps such as ShowMe, Educration, Explain Everything. We used the app ShowMe. Then we moved on to and quick example of PBL...The Marshmallow Tower challenge. I had to shorten the activity so we had 6 spaghetti sticks and 1 large marshmallow. Then each team had 4 minutes to construct the tallest tower they could. During the building process they had to take pictures. After 4 minutes, we took 5 minutes to create a narrated slide show about the process of building the tallest tower.Here is an example of their final project.
We also had a few minutes to debrief about the process. The response was positive and they reported having a better understanding of PBL. We laughed all day and enjoy creating projects on the iPads rather than skill & drill!
Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Web 2.0 Tools Part 2
Here are some additional Web 2.0 Tools I have seen teachers using or wanting to use as we are back to school.
6. QR Codes
7. Symbaloo
Access your bookmarks and online favorites by creating tabs and shortcuts. This is a free bookmarking services which also provides and education service. This is great to have on student computers for fast and easy access to their favorite websites.
8. Thinglink
Transform an image into a rich and interactive experience by adding music, video, text, images. Thinglink also provides and education service where teachers can set up a class.
9. Skype
Have your class connect across the world, go on a field trip, or have an author read to your class. Also try Mystery Skype with another class, if you are adventurous!
10. Plickers
This is a low tech response system. No clickers needed… just one teacher mobile device and printed Plicker cards!
Have you used any of these tools in your classroom?
6. QR Codes
Quick Response (QR) code is a bar-code-like image which you scan and it takes you to a specific, digital destination. Create a QR code using a free generator. Then use an QR code reader app to scan the code. My favorite QR code reader is I-nigma.
7. Symbaloo
Access your bookmarks and online favorites by creating tabs and shortcuts. This is a free bookmarking services which also provides and education service. This is great to have on student computers for fast and easy access to their favorite websites.
8. Thinglink
Transform an image into a rich and interactive experience by adding music, video, text, images. Thinglink also provides and education service where teachers can set up a class.
9. Skype
Have your class connect across the world, go on a field trip, or have an author read to your class. Also try Mystery Skype with another class, if you are adventurous!
10. Plickers
This is a low tech response system. No clickers needed… just one teacher mobile device and printed Plicker cards!
Have you used any of these tools in your classroom?
Monday, July 27, 2015
What are your Hot Topics?
As I've been planning for the 2015-2016 school year with administrators, I've noticed a few trends. Here is a list of trends and resources to go along with those trends.
1. Google Apps for Education - GAFE
Our district has been a GAFE district for a few years but there was never an official launch. As more people have been made aware of GAFE, they want to learn more. Then once they learn more, that want their staff to use the Google productivity suite of tools.
2. Chromebooks
Many principals have discovered Chromebooks are cheaper than iPads. Then once they realize Chromebooks and GAFE go together like peanut butter and jelly, they are sold! I also like the fact Chromebooks can have a personalized login for each student.
3. Web 2.0 Tools
The popular web 2.0 tools seem to be Socrative, Kahoot and Today's Meet. You can read more about these in the blog post listed above.
4. Online Learning
Faculty and staff want more online learning for that anytime, any place access.
These are a few trends, I have noticed in 2 weeks of working with administrators and teachers as they prepare for school to start. What other trends have you noticed?
1. Google Apps for Education - GAFE
Our district has been a GAFE district for a few years but there was never an official launch. As more people have been made aware of GAFE, they want to learn more. Then once they learn more, that want their staff to use the Google productivity suite of tools.
2. Chromebooks
Many principals have discovered Chromebooks are cheaper than iPads. Then once they realize Chromebooks and GAFE go together like peanut butter and jelly, they are sold! I also like the fact Chromebooks can have a personalized login for each student.
3. Web 2.0 Tools
The popular web 2.0 tools seem to be Socrative, Kahoot and Today's Meet. You can read more about these in the blog post listed above.
4. Online Learning
Faculty and staff want more online learning for that anytime, any place access.
These are a few trends, I have noticed in 2 weeks of working with administrators and teachers as they prepare for school to start. What other trends have you noticed?
Friday, July 24, 2015
Popular Web 2.0 Tools
Favorite web 2.0 tools...
1. Socrative
Socrative is one way to not only engage students but also assess them with educational activities on multiple devices. Some of the key highlights include real-time questioning and instant data.
2. Kahoot
Are you competitive? Then Kahoot is for you! You can create a Kahoot in minutes or choose from ones already made. You can also connect and play with other students from over almost 200 countries in real time.
3. Today's Meet
TodaysMeet is a perfect chat or back channel platform for classroom teachers and learners. The conversations through Today's Meet can transform your classroom. Set it up for a specified time period, then all can join without signing up.
4. Edmodo
Edmodo is another platform to create a blended online learning classroom. Edmodo simplifies the process of creating, distributing, collaborating, and grading.
5. Twitter
Twitter is a great place to find ideas and inspiration. Follow other educators, build your PLN and engage your students!
This is a VERY short list. What are some of your favorite web 2.0 tools?
1. Socrative
Socrative is one way to not only engage students but also assess them with educational activities on multiple devices. Some of the key highlights include real-time questioning and instant data.
2. Kahoot
Are you competitive? Then Kahoot is for you! You can create a Kahoot in minutes or choose from ones already made. You can also connect and play with other students from over almost 200 countries in real time.
3. Today's Meet
TodaysMeet is a perfect chat or back channel platform for classroom teachers and learners. The conversations through Today's Meet can transform your classroom. Set it up for a specified time period, then all can join without signing up.
4. Edmodo
Edmodo is another platform to create a blended online learning classroom. Edmodo simplifies the process of creating, distributing, collaborating, and grading.
5. Twitter
Twitter is a great place to find ideas and inspiration. Follow other educators, build your PLN and engage your students!
This is a VERY short list. What are some of your favorite web 2.0 tools?
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Summer Ed Tech Learning Challenge
I had the idea of an ed tech learning challenge after participating in Todd Nesloney's Summer Learning Series in 2014. Our district has low participation in professional development because it is not required and there are no or low expectations for it. I wanted to create a personal learning opportunity which would not be too time consuming, would be engaging and provide resources to use today! Selfishly, I love Twitter and get SO many resources and ideas from my PLN. Naturally, I wanted to involve Twitter in this learning challenge as well.
I decided to create 4 challenges for participants to complete over 4 weeks. We presented 1 challenge per week. We started with Twitter so we could utilize it in each of the following challenges. We also created a hashtag #etlc2015 to track participation and encourage communication and collaboration. Since we are a GAFE district we used Google Classroom to relay each challenge, encourage comments and post announcements.
I was pleasantly surprised to have 100 participants sign up in May. We had 65 active participants and will have 40 participants complete all challenges by July 31st. For a district with no professional development expectations, I consider this a success!
I decided to create 4 challenges for participants to complete over 4 weeks. We presented 1 challenge per week. We started with Twitter so we could utilize it in each of the following challenges. We also created a hashtag #etlc2015 to track participation and encourage communication and collaboration. Since we are a GAFE district we used Google Classroom to relay each challenge, encourage comments and post announcements.
I was pleasantly surprised to have 100 participants sign up in May. We had 65 active participants and will have 40 participants complete all challenges by July 31st. For a district with no professional development expectations, I consider this a success!
June PD Blitz
Last week was the last week for students in OKCPS. That means...this week is PD for teachers. The curriculum department scheduled this MASSIVE PD event for all elementary teachers. ETS was given a campus to hold Teaching with Technology. My one caveat is, technology is another tool used as we integrate curriculum and should not be a separate entity. All in all, the PD sessions were successful and hopefully we planted some seeds for the 2015-2016 school year.
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