I love the week after spring break because everything seems so refreshing for the students to be back at it with bright smiles and ready to finish out strong.
This week, my 2nd and 3rd Graders have launched a new project around service. We are integrating our music composition skills to build eBooks as "retells" for others using soundscapes. Not only are students working within the music realm, but they are also working on recognizing main ideas of books and summarizing!
Perhaps the coolest take away is that kids are serving others. Kids get it, they want to help - they want to be involved in things to better the world. Providing these opportunities, connecting through digital methods is a great avenue to spring into action for a cause. Take a look at this Kids Consortium link on Technology Service Learning Projects.
How can we help our students stand for something and use technology or just innovation through low tech means? Is it makerspaces to allow for creating and exploring? Is it filming an iMovie as a public service announcement? Is their passion recycling and keeping our streets clean where they want to make a poster for advocacy? Think about integrating thematic messages into literacy and math to allow for this exploration and give to our students to allow them to be proud and support something they care about.
We stand for our kids because we're in this profession. It's their turn to stand for something too, and it starts with you. #MakeEmBelieve.
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Inspiration. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: ONE Singular Sensation
"We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams." ~Arthur Shaughnessy
My first memory of hearing the "One singular sensation" song comes from, like many people, Sesame Street. Counting, that was the way to go, learning what each number was and a little rhyme to go after it. My second memory of "One" is hearing it in a dance recital as a kid and standing in awe as the kids older than me danced in a kick-line and just wowed the audience.
As we come away from the inaugural ONE Conference this past Friday, can't help but think of this song, and define for myself what "One singular sensation" truly was throughout the conference. I loved Molly Schroeder's speech about living in beta and making connections with my learners. I enjoyed passing by the Rock Star Stage and was motivated by those speakers to try something new.
Even more, I was inspired by my students that came with me - the kids that gave up a day off to come help me out with a presentation. Through their eyes, their words, the magic of using technology and learning with it came alive. This truly helped ground me and see that it matters, it makes a difference. Those moments of on-the-spot learning where they had the courage to talk with an educator in Waukesha that they didn't know, or their initiative to fight through nerves to say why Notability "works for them best" or that Explain Everything is the "way to go." That's what it's all about - when our learners can articulate how the technology is helping to learn and understand better, and make instruction and assessment and more, more meaningful.
Yesterday, we had some professional development about strategies to impact behaviors and keep the flow of our classroom going, and the term "grit" was brought up - what is it, how would we define it? Not only do I believe each of my students' has grit, the power to overcome obstacles that are in our path, but especially each one of us as educators. It's that passion to work one-on-one with a student who needs that additional support; it's a perseverance to keep going when something tough happens in our personal lives and put a smile on for our students; it's the presence of mind to take a risk with technology even after all devices have seemed to shut down and not work on the same day when you had the coolest lesson planned!
All of the presentations were excellent - from learning about QR Codes, to Thoughtful Logs, to Aurasma, to our Core Apps - so many good resources to find and look at and try in the classroom. Each of these strategies and tools and more can be our ONE Commitment, our ONE singular sensation, to take a risk and try something new!
Yet remember ultimately, for us, as teachers, grit is coming into work and knowing, we are going to give some kid a safe place to be, to make some kid's day, some kid smile. That's grit. That's passion. That is who we are. We are educators and teachers.
My first memory of hearing the "One singular sensation" song comes from, like many people, Sesame Street. Counting, that was the way to go, learning what each number was and a little rhyme to go after it. My second memory of "One" is hearing it in a dance recital as a kid and standing in awe as the kids older than me danced in a kick-line and just wowed the audience.
As we come away from the inaugural ONE Conference this past Friday, can't help but think of this song, and define for myself what "One singular sensation" truly was throughout the conference. I loved Molly Schroeder's speech about living in beta and making connections with my learners. I enjoyed passing by the Rock Star Stage and was motivated by those speakers to try something new.
Even more, I was inspired by my students that came with me - the kids that gave up a day off to come help me out with a presentation. Through their eyes, their words, the magic of using technology and learning with it came alive. This truly helped ground me and see that it matters, it makes a difference. Those moments of on-the-spot learning where they had the courage to talk with an educator in Waukesha that they didn't know, or their initiative to fight through nerves to say why Notability "works for them best" or that Explain Everything is the "way to go." That's what it's all about - when our learners can articulate how the technology is helping to learn and understand better, and make instruction and assessment and more, more meaningful.
Yesterday, we had some professional development about strategies to impact behaviors and keep the flow of our classroom going, and the term "grit" was brought up - what is it, how would we define it? Not only do I believe each of my students' has grit, the power to overcome obstacles that are in our path, but especially each one of us as educators. It's that passion to work one-on-one with a student who needs that additional support; it's a perseverance to keep going when something tough happens in our personal lives and put a smile on for our students; it's the presence of mind to take a risk with technology even after all devices have seemed to shut down and not work on the same day when you had the coolest lesson planned!
All of the presentations were excellent - from learning about QR Codes, to Thoughtful Logs, to Aurasma, to our Core Apps - so many good resources to find and look at and try in the classroom. Each of these strategies and tools and more can be our ONE Commitment, our ONE singular sensation, to take a risk and try something new!
Yet remember ultimately, for us, as teachers, grit is coming into work and knowing, we are going to give some kid a safe place to be, to make some kid's day, some kid smile. That's grit. That's passion. That is who we are. We are educators and teachers.
Check Out our Waukesha BB9 Instructional Strategies Course for handouts on sessions!
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Renewed and Rejuvenated
I always love the start to the New Year - a fresh look at something new, reinvigorated for the second half of the year with my students! Definitely a fun time look at new things to do in the classroom, getting back to or refreshing routines for learning, and taking a risk for something you perfected over winter break.
Yet, in the start to the New Year sometimes comes that point of "where do I start," "what do I do," "what comes next," or, just a thought of "I need something fresh."
In a time of new beginnings, I wanted to share a listing of some GREAT resources where other educators and professionals have put together to share out ideas that are organized and just what you might be looking for:
Class Tech Tips is filled to the brim with ideas! Through a thorough summary explaining the tech specs and uses of apps or web tools, Monica Burns collaboratively shares her thought on the latest and greatest and best tech specs.
Corkboard Connections is a great resource from Laura Candler about ideas and structures to implement in the classroom.
Free Tech 4 Teachers has some awesome information on it and great tutorials to learn from. Richard Byrne offers many guides for web tools and more within his website and is a great starting point as you are breaking into the #edtech world.
Smart Exchange is build for SMART Notebook files that are created from teachers, for teachers! View and download something that works for you and upload something that you think can work for someone else!
We Are Teachers is filled with anything from classroom management to lesson plans to grants and blogs and more! It's a great resource for ANYTHING Education you're wondering about.
As we start a new year, take a look to take a risk and make a commitment to trying something new with your learners. I often find when I'm trying out something and a little unsure and am upfront with my students, they end up teaching me many lessons along the way!
Looking for more ideas or to collaborate and share what you're doing! Comment and share out with us - we'd love to learn together!
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Being Thankful
In an time of change - warm weather to cold, legacy to personalized learning and so many more, it's often hard to remember the little things in life that make everything worth it.
This Thanksgiving, after a busy and somewhat hectic year, I'm thankful for many things. My family and friends are very near and dear to my heart, but also, my students each and every day. This tech tip isn't about the latest new way to use our iPads or Macbooks, it's just simply this:
Thank you for reading. Thank you for teaching. Thank you for being a part of these kids' lives who are the next generation. Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for your collaboration. And thank you for your inspiration.
#HappyThanksgiving
This Thanksgiving, after a busy and somewhat hectic year, I'm thankful for many things. My family and friends are very near and dear to my heart, but also, my students each and every day. This tech tip isn't about the latest new way to use our iPads or Macbooks, it's just simply this:
Thank you for reading. Thank you for teaching. Thank you for being a part of these kids' lives who are the next generation. Thank you for sharing your ideas. Thank you for your collaboration. And thank you for your inspiration.
#HappyThanksgiving
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Share Your Story
I just finished with a Skype with a military friend that I connect with every so often. We did many a fun things together - between playing sports, having sing-outs together (you know, those songfests in the car rides where other drivers look at you as you're pretty much making a fool of yourself at a stoplight...yep, I still do those), or just sitting at the lake and watching the waves crash, there's nothing like it, especially experiencing it with someone you love in that friendship. Tonight, we got a bit philosophical and deep...noting how different the world is now, how different we are...how much things are evolving and renewing into something new each day.
She shared how things are different now, after active duty overseas, missions that are pretty intense, or simply missing friends and family. Yet how she described it, all of it, I was right there with her. In her story, our friendship hadn't changed. It was the same it always had been, with her as my friend, a pop-music-loving, practical joker, that remains close no matter how far we are apart.
While Skype was a key technological feature and remains an awesome tool to connect, even more power is something more simple: her words. Her story. With technology, any scholar can share their story in his/her own way, using what works for them.
Sharing can be as easy as a Google Doc or Slide, an iMovie, a Book Creator, a Notability poster, or just a "shout-out" commercial via Garage Band. Allow your learners to share with you who and what they are - what makes them tick, what they're thankful for, and their goals for the future. If we are reflective and thoughtful in instructional design, a "Share Your Story" project can become goal-setting, community building, and a writing assessment using technological literacy all at once.
Both this friend and I have overcome a number of events in our adolescence and adult lives - both small and big, all meaningful in their own ways. Who are we today? Well, it changes...each and every morning, each and every challenge or triumph, we change as well. Yet the biggest takeaway for my friendship, is to share my story - both with her, and also in ways to motivate my scholars. How we can overcome many obstacles, as our servicemen and women do each day, and how we can be stronger and serve so many through our actions.
She shared how things are different now, after active duty overseas, missions that are pretty intense, or simply missing friends and family. Yet how she described it, all of it, I was right there with her. In her story, our friendship hadn't changed. It was the same it always had been, with her as my friend, a pop-music-loving, practical joker, that remains close no matter how far we are apart.
While Skype was a key technological feature and remains an awesome tool to connect, even more power is something more simple: her words. Her story. With technology, any scholar can share their story in his/her own way, using what works for them.
Sharing can be as easy as a Google Doc or Slide, an iMovie, a Book Creator, a Notability poster, or just a "shout-out" commercial via Garage Band. Allow your learners to share with you who and what they are - what makes them tick, what they're thankful for, and their goals for the future. If we are reflective and thoughtful in instructional design, a "Share Your Story" project can become goal-setting, community building, and a writing assessment using technological literacy all at once.
Both this friend and I have overcome a number of events in our adolescence and adult lives - both small and big, all meaningful in their own ways. Who are we today? Well, it changes...each and every morning, each and every challenge or triumph, we change as well. Yet the biggest takeaway for my friendship, is to share my story - both with her, and also in ways to motivate my scholars. How we can overcome many obstacles, as our servicemen and women do each day, and how we can be stronger and serve so many through our actions.
#HappyVeteransDay
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Being a Play-Caller
When you live in Wisconsin, Packer Nation is everywhere. You hear LALALALAMBEAU about every-other-commercial break on various TV Stations, people bring out the cheeseheads on Sundays, and the bumper stickers are posted proudly on Ford Pickups and other vehicles in Packer Country.
Regardless of your fan support of the green and gold or another team, one cannot deny the importance of the quarterback, the play-caller of the game. He's the one who makes the decisions, sees the intangibles, and is responsible for key communication to all members on the field.
In many ways, teachers are play-callers - they are the ones who have their eyes scanning all corners of the room (for more than checking in on behavior). But they also scan assessments to regroup students, the expressions of learners' of confusion or understanding during a mini-lesson, and also the first to cheer on a new touchdown of a student "getting it" after a lot of hard work.
Quarterbacks collaborate with their teammates - they get other perspectives of coaches, wide receivers, running backs and more to truly enhance their craft of route reading and learning the intangibles. Those intangibles to us are the teachable moments - where something went on a path we didn't expect, but allow us to build connections with our team of learners.
Ever-important in this process is building our community of learners - our learning team - together. Creating a PLN as was discussed in SDW Tech Integration Now can bring new learnings and perspectives to the classroom just as an offensive coordinator does with the quarterback. Viewing teaching and learning in a different light allows us to reflectively tweak and modify for the benefit of our learners.
Regardless of your fan support of the green and gold or another team, one cannot deny the importance of the quarterback, the play-caller of the game. He's the one who makes the decisions, sees the intangibles, and is responsible for key communication to all members on the field.
In many ways, teachers are play-callers - they are the ones who have their eyes scanning all corners of the room (for more than checking in on behavior). But they also scan assessments to regroup students, the expressions of learners' of confusion or understanding during a mini-lesson, and also the first to cheer on a new touchdown of a student "getting it" after a lot of hard work.
Quarterbacks collaborate with their teammates - they get other perspectives of coaches, wide receivers, running backs and more to truly enhance their craft of route reading and learning the intangibles. Those intangibles to us are the teachable moments - where something went on a path we didn't expect, but allow us to build connections with our team of learners.
Ever-important in this process is building our community of learners - our learning team - together. Creating a PLN as was discussed in SDW Tech Integration Now can bring new learnings and perspectives to the classroom just as an offensive coordinator does with the quarterback. Viewing teaching and learning in a different light allows us to reflectively tweak and modify for the benefit of our learners.
One way that has worked in bridging key learning concepts and strategies with technology is with a student tech team. Each of our tech team members completed both an application and training modules to get the job as an iTechU Team Member. This practice allows for these students to become the play-callers and lead small groups through infusing technology practices.
Students have their own way of teaching. Often, when they've demonstrated true mastery of the skills, there is so much rich fulfillment in watching them take the lead. As much as I love web-browsing, chatting online or exploring new ideas, they are just as much of a valid part of my PLN as anyone, as they have taught me many new ideas and strategies for teaching when they've had the opportunity as play-caller.
Try out a student tech team today! Who knows, they just might throw a touchdown...
Monday, October 27, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Mission POSSIBLE
So we have successfully made it through the first two months of school. WHEW! I don't know about you, but I'm tired. Lately, my students have been very savvy to my persona as to whether I have indulged in coffee or not lately. Somehow, they are just able to tell if I've had a morning cup of joe, or if I've lacked and am staving it off. Must be that time of year...
Coffee always reminds me of the SAMR, as I seemed to best understand technology practices in modification and redefinition through coffee. Take a look below to the image that Kathy Schrock uses to explain technology integration.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway, is that we do not have to always "live" in modifying and redefining uses with technology. Substitution, Augmentation is okay. Technology ebbs and flows - the intention and true meaning comes with instructional design. Consider what makes the learning come alive, the true target of the lesson and the reason for why the technology enhances the learning.
And remember, it doesn't need to be the 'next big thing.' Maybe, you can just shoot a rocket to the moon, measure how far it goes or the angles. Record it and integrate a writing piece on any of the mathematical components as well.
(Thanks Sarah Sierszyn for the usage of your video)...
Start small, shoot for the stars, and trust yourself as a pilot and your co-pilots in your co-teachers and colleagues. Together, we can make each day Mission: POSSIBLE.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see." Henry David Thoreau
Selfies. They're all over the media - Facebook, Twitter, even award shows, the news, and more. They've become a part of our pop culture of the 2010s and will probably continue as our digital age evolves. But what makes the selfie so popular? What makes it so prevalent to "be" in a selfie?
Well, what makes someone not? Provided, many selfies are "just for fun," with comical smiles or actions accompanying them. All remembering good times - moments that are irreplaceable with memories that last a lifetime. A step further, and other pictures, maybe not selfies, but just pictures, become a deeper meaning. These pictures, in fact, end up meaning everything. Think about those little kids who get to meet their idol and get that all important picture. How about those family pictures - moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas that we cherish so deeply, along with cousins, aunts and uncles as well. Or even more, what about those pictures of friendship - caught candidly...those people that mean so much and essentially become a part of our families with smiles, tears, and laughter.
Let's take a risk, maybe something new or an expansion of an idea you've already done, and give our students the objective to take pictures of the world around them. Can they see the angles of your classroom furniture and connect them to math? Perhaps our youngest learners can describe the colors of the playground and the shapes of different equipment? Maybe some students can take a picture for each direction they take in the car ride or walk to school. The possibilities are endless, and are a simple way for students to tell their story - to document what they see, hear, feel, and experience in the world around them. Then, we can build on the learning to take those pictures to the next level - a project on iMovie or Explain Everything or Book Creator, describing their learning as a speaker or tour guide, and sharing the story of their life with deeper connections. Empower your students to take the lead, to make their pictures be worth a thousand words through their eyes, what they see and what those photos mean to them.
Me, I've never been a selfie fan. Sure, I love to photobomb all kinds of selfies being taken, but I tend to run away if someone wants me to take a selfie with them. Yet, I think of the best reason for a selfie is pride. Satisfaction to be proud, strong in your convictions in being who you are as a person. We are those people. We are teachers, changing the world of our youth, empowering them with care and compassion to become everything they will be in the future. So today, take a selfie for you - be proud of who and what you are as an educator, together with and for your students. Then, allow them to take pictures of their story, and a selfie along the way, to share and be proud of who they are as well.
"As we look ahead to the next century, our leaders will be those who empower others." ~Bill Gates.
Selfies. They're all over the media - Facebook, Twitter, even award shows, the news, and more. They've become a part of our pop culture of the 2010s and will probably continue as our digital age evolves. But what makes the selfie so popular? What makes it so prevalent to "be" in a selfie?
Well, what makes someone not? Provided, many selfies are "just for fun," with comical smiles or actions accompanying them. All remembering good times - moments that are irreplaceable with memories that last a lifetime. A step further, and other pictures, maybe not selfies, but just pictures, become a deeper meaning. These pictures, in fact, end up meaning everything. Think about those little kids who get to meet their idol and get that all important picture. How about those family pictures - moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas that we cherish so deeply, along with cousins, aunts and uncles as well. Or even more, what about those pictures of friendship - caught candidly...those people that mean so much and essentially become a part of our families with smiles, tears, and laughter.
Let's take a risk, maybe something new or an expansion of an idea you've already done, and give our students the objective to take pictures of the world around them. Can they see the angles of your classroom furniture and connect them to math? Perhaps our youngest learners can describe the colors of the playground and the shapes of different equipment? Maybe some students can take a picture for each direction they take in the car ride or walk to school. The possibilities are endless, and are a simple way for students to tell their story - to document what they see, hear, feel, and experience in the world around them. Then, we can build on the learning to take those pictures to the next level - a project on iMovie or Explain Everything or Book Creator, describing their learning as a speaker or tour guide, and sharing the story of their life with deeper connections. Empower your students to take the lead, to make their pictures be worth a thousand words through their eyes, what they see and what those photos mean to them.
Me, I've never been a selfie fan. Sure, I love to photobomb all kinds of selfies being taken, but I tend to run away if someone wants me to take a selfie with them. Yet, I think of the best reason for a selfie is pride. Satisfaction to be proud, strong in your convictions in being who you are as a person. We are those people. We are teachers, changing the world of our youth, empowering them with care and compassion to become everything they will be in the future. So today, take a selfie for you - be proud of who and what you are as an educator, together with and for your students. Then, allow them to take pictures of their story, and a selfie along the way, to share and be proud of who they are as well.
"As we look ahead to the next century, our leaders will be those who empower others." ~Bill Gates.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Welcome Back!
As the sun set for it's final time of a teacher's summer, can't help but remember the good times - fishing on the lake, climbing, kayaking, campfires, softball games, traveling, and more. Coupled in with all of it are those irreplaceable moments of laughter, smiles, tears, joys and the care and love for one another.
Sometimes, the year is long. Other times, just the day is long. But for each kid we get to see walk out our door after class a little brighter and a little more hopeful, that's what it's about, that's the impact and the difference we make. Remember those in the middle of the polar vortex, or another long night of meetings or when the coffee machine, copier and laminator all break on the same day. Think back to summer and those emotions you shared with one another and those same emotions you have the honor and privilege of sharing with your students.
So we start fresh, once again - many with new faces and smiles, others with students and families we've known for many years. Together, through each day, week, month and finally our school year come June, we are able to reflect and see the growth of our students, how far they've come and what they can accomplish.
I have the privilege of knowing singer-songwriter Tony Memmel and his wife, Lesleigh who were contestants on VH1's Making a Band Famous. Together, they wrote a beautiful song, "I Know We'll Get There" in just a few hours, describing the hope and promise for the future. This song can give hope to anyone for anything - starting up the school year, exploring new technology, new challenges and obstacles and so much more. The central message of coming together and reaching your final destination is one shared belief of all teachers and educators at the core of our profession, and gives inspirations for anyone listening to apply to their own lives.
Welcome to a new school year of 2014-2015! If you're just getting into the tech side of things, start small - maybe naming some Google Folders with your students, making a website, having a discussion board or blog, or even delving into videoing goal setting sessions with your students. More tips coming in the future weeks!
Best wishes as you begin - I know we'll get there!
For a listen to "I Know We'll Get There," checkout Tony's Bandcamp Website: http://tonymemmel.bandcamp.com/track/i-know-well-get-there
Sometimes, the year is long. Other times, just the day is long. But for each kid we get to see walk out our door after class a little brighter and a little more hopeful, that's what it's about, that's the impact and the difference we make. Remember those in the middle of the polar vortex, or another long night of meetings or when the coffee machine, copier and laminator all break on the same day. Think back to summer and those emotions you shared with one another and those same emotions you have the honor and privilege of sharing with your students.
So we start fresh, once again - many with new faces and smiles, others with students and families we've known for many years. Together, through each day, week, month and finally our school year come June, we are able to reflect and see the growth of our students, how far they've come and what they can accomplish.
I have the privilege of knowing singer-songwriter Tony Memmel and his wife, Lesleigh who were contestants on VH1's Making a Band Famous. Together, they wrote a beautiful song, "I Know We'll Get There" in just a few hours, describing the hope and promise for the future. This song can give hope to anyone for anything - starting up the school year, exploring new technology, new challenges and obstacles and so much more. The central message of coming together and reaching your final destination is one shared belief of all teachers and educators at the core of our profession, and gives inspirations for anyone listening to apply to their own lives.
Welcome to a new school year of 2014-2015! If you're just getting into the tech side of things, start small - maybe naming some Google Folders with your students, making a website, having a discussion board or blog, or even delving into videoing goal setting sessions with your students. More tips coming in the future weeks!
Best wishes as you begin - I know we'll get there!
For a listen to "I Know We'll Get There," checkout Tony's Bandcamp Website: http://tonymemmel.bandcamp.com/track/i-know-well-get-there
Monday, July 14, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Collective Collaboration
I love coffee, as does much of the world. Sometimes people even go as far to call it the "nectar of the gods." For me, I wouldn't quite go as far to call it that, but...if you add one word in front of the beverage, it does become even better: summertime coffee. There is absolutely NOTHING better than waking up, and making a delicious cup of Door County Highlander Grogg to sip on while quietly reading emails to start my morning and listening to an array of tunes to wake me up.
As I walked into buy coffee today, I was greeted with by the baristas by being told "Tracy, you're a day early." I agreed with them - I have been consistently meeting with a colleague to prepare for tech conference we are presenting at in December. My barista of many weeks, Sarah, asked me what the deal was. I explained to her attending professional development for the next three days as she asked me what my order was. Since there was no line, she asked what it was about, and I described the context of comprehensive literacy, going further in-depth into reading and writing with students even in music, and how I had started brainstorming for how I would apply my learning.
Sarah asked a few questions, further wrung up my order and said, "Tracy, thanks for what you do for kids. I know they are learning a lot from you. Today is on us."
I was completely blown away by the generosity and her comments, showing genuine interest in what I was doing with professional development. As I thanked her many times over, she said, "just keep it up, and don't mess up my schedule next week! See you then!"
I chuckled and walked out, with my order in hand to professional development and learning about literacy. Had many great takeaways and even better conversations with colleagues. But this post isn't about that quite yet. (Stay tuned for Thoughtful Thursday!) Essentially, reflecting upon the learning, and embodying the mantra that everyone has a unique perspective for teaching our youth; taking in what all educators describe and teach each other is key. Truly listening to each other and learning from the wisdom for strategies and collaborating around what works best for students is key. Working together and communicating those ideals and brainstorms serves to only better the educational experience.
With a plethora of resources shared from today's professional development, the caring nature of a coffee barista acknowledging what educators do to educate kids, the conversations and reflections around the lessons from today's learning, anyone can take these important components of education into their educational practice: sharing resources both digitally and hard copies with one another, building up each other within our learning community, challenging, but encouraging collective feedback and connections about learning are all simple ways that go beyond the world of literacy or technology, but to all learners - educators and their students.
Ultimately, it's about finding that spark for kids and how to apply it. Perhaps that's the newest book out in a series. Or maybe a new app that teaches both math and gamification such as Dreambox to engage our learners. How about connecting the reading through Shadow Puppet Edu? Whatever it is, we work together to find it, to help our students engage with their learning and achieve.
It's simple, really. As the quote on my coffee said this morning, "Know what sparks the light in you. Then use that light to illuminate the world." ~Oprah
One conversation at a time, one new idea applied, let's start the fireworks and have our students light up the sky.
As I walked into buy coffee today, I was greeted with by the baristas by being told "Tracy, you're a day early." I agreed with them - I have been consistently meeting with a colleague to prepare for tech conference we are presenting at in December. My barista of many weeks, Sarah, asked me what the deal was. I explained to her attending professional development for the next three days as she asked me what my order was. Since there was no line, she asked what it was about, and I described the context of comprehensive literacy, going further in-depth into reading and writing with students even in music, and how I had started brainstorming for how I would apply my learning.
Sarah asked a few questions, further wrung up my order and said, "Tracy, thanks for what you do for kids. I know they are learning a lot from you. Today is on us."
I was completely blown away by the generosity and her comments, showing genuine interest in what I was doing with professional development. As I thanked her many times over, she said, "just keep it up, and don't mess up my schedule next week! See you then!"
I chuckled and walked out, with my order in hand to professional development and learning about literacy. Had many great takeaways and even better conversations with colleagues. But this post isn't about that quite yet. (Stay tuned for Thoughtful Thursday!) Essentially, reflecting upon the learning, and embodying the mantra that everyone has a unique perspective for teaching our youth; taking in what all educators describe and teach each other is key. Truly listening to each other and learning from the wisdom for strategies and collaborating around what works best for students is key. Working together and communicating those ideals and brainstorms serves to only better the educational experience.
With a plethora of resources shared from today's professional development, the caring nature of a coffee barista acknowledging what educators do to educate kids, the conversations and reflections around the lessons from today's learning, anyone can take these important components of education into their educational practice: sharing resources both digitally and hard copies with one another, building up each other within our learning community, challenging, but encouraging collective feedback and connections about learning are all simple ways that go beyond the world of literacy or technology, but to all learners - educators and their students.
Ultimately, it's about finding that spark for kids and how to apply it. Perhaps that's the newest book out in a series. Or maybe a new app that teaches both math and gamification such as Dreambox to engage our learners. How about connecting the reading through Shadow Puppet Edu? Whatever it is, we work together to find it, to help our students engage with their learning and achieve.
It's simple, really. As the quote on my coffee said this morning, "Know what sparks the light in you. Then use that light to illuminate the world." ~Oprah
One conversation at a time, one new idea applied, let's start the fireworks and have our students light up the sky.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: In My Life
I've always been a Beatles fan. Didn't grow up listening to them exclusively, but whenever we were riding in the car, my dad would be singing along to "oldies" on his tapes - that still work to this day. It wasn't uncommon to hear The Four Seasons pretty often, or other times The Beach Boys or The Mamas and the Papas. He never went wrong playing my favorites Rock Around the Clock or Bridge Over Troubled Water. Needless to say, with a plethora of music throughout our house (including my teeny-bopper pop of choice, Backstreet Boys or Jewel), it's no surprise I grew up to be a music teacher in the end, and how the lyrics of a song allow me to examine who I am and how I am living in and for the moment.
I wanted to take a moment, before the end of the year comes, and you start pressing "delete" on really long emails, for a moment of reflection, making this my last blog of the school year. Look at how far we've come, now a year later from the first wave of Waukesha One, which was the start of our journey. We buckled our seat-belts, and rode the roller coaster of a ride throughout our year - sometimes, filled with a bit of terror in dangling off the edge of a drop, yet more frequently, times filled with excitement as we head into the loop-de-loop, a bit upside-down, but taking on whatever twist and turns are around the next curve.
Are we better for it? Was Waukesha One worth it? In talking with one of our instructional strategies coordinators today and processing through everything that has occurred, I could not be feeling more pumped for what we have done. Creating opportunities for deepened and heightened thinking and skills among our students, more access to technology in general to open new doors otherwise not available, and simply, engagement in and for learning. What a year of riding the wave!
Even more, I asked my student tech team last week at our final meeting of the year, what their favorite part of the year was in being a part of Waukesha One. Among all five exiting fifth graders, their answer was simple: helping others. Whether it was integrating into classroom literacy instruction to make a book trailer, to talking and collaborating with our attendees at Images of Excellence in January, they lived for our team and to have the chance to help others. Additionally, the confidence in which I've seen them grow has really been amazing to watch. They've grown to be some of the best leaders to teach technology skills to demonstrate learning to others. I can't wait to see what they will become, and what they will do - I'm just grateful I was a small part of the start of who they are growing up to be.
So ultimately, what do I take away from Waukesha One's first year? Perhaps the same lessons from the song In My Life by the Beatles, "There are places I remember, all my life, though some have changed. Some forever, not for better. Some have gone, and some remain. Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more."
There will always be things we remember about Waukesha One. Perhaps the first cracked screen is one thing that would be "not for better," nor the 30+ game apps found with no room for our core apps. It happens, and that's life. But...then there are those first projects, those first iMovies using new literacy concepts with metaphors or similes, or the first eBook from Book Creator describing a science project and field trip. These are the memories that "will always remain."
Finally, it comes down to the planning with our colleagues who might have become friends, or the care each of us as educators has in that shared mission together and shared purpose - our love for our students. When I stop to think about this, it's those around me - both teachers and learners that have driven me. Those are the places and people, I will remember all my life.
That's what I think about in my life of Waukesha One, Year One. Can't wait to see what's next.
Best wishes and blessings to you all this summer!
I wanted to take a moment, before the end of the year comes, and you start pressing "delete" on really long emails, for a moment of reflection, making this my last blog of the school year. Look at how far we've come, now a year later from the first wave of Waukesha One, which was the start of our journey. We buckled our seat-belts, and rode the roller coaster of a ride throughout our year - sometimes, filled with a bit of terror in dangling off the edge of a drop, yet more frequently, times filled with excitement as we head into the loop-de-loop, a bit upside-down, but taking on whatever twist and turns are around the next curve.
Are we better for it? Was Waukesha One worth it? In talking with one of our instructional strategies coordinators today and processing through everything that has occurred, I could not be feeling more pumped for what we have done. Creating opportunities for deepened and heightened thinking and skills among our students, more access to technology in general to open new doors otherwise not available, and simply, engagement in and for learning. What a year of riding the wave!
Even more, I asked my student tech team last week at our final meeting of the year, what their favorite part of the year was in being a part of Waukesha One. Among all five exiting fifth graders, their answer was simple: helping others. Whether it was integrating into classroom literacy instruction to make a book trailer, to talking and collaborating with our attendees at Images of Excellence in January, they lived for our team and to have the chance to help others. Additionally, the confidence in which I've seen them grow has really been amazing to watch. They've grown to be some of the best leaders to teach technology skills to demonstrate learning to others. I can't wait to see what they will become, and what they will do - I'm just grateful I was a small part of the start of who they are growing up to be.
So ultimately, what do I take away from Waukesha One's first year? Perhaps the same lessons from the song In My Life by the Beatles, "There are places I remember, all my life, though some have changed. Some forever, not for better. Some have gone, and some remain. Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more."
There will always be things we remember about Waukesha One. Perhaps the first cracked screen is one thing that would be "not for better," nor the 30+ game apps found with no room for our core apps. It happens, and that's life. But...then there are those first projects, those first iMovies using new literacy concepts with metaphors or similes, or the first eBook from Book Creator describing a science project and field trip. These are the memories that "will always remain."
Finally, it comes down to the planning with our colleagues who might have become friends, or the care each of us as educators has in that shared mission together and shared purpose - our love for our students. When I stop to think about this, it's those around me - both teachers and learners that have driven me. Those are the places and people, I will remember all my life.
That's what I think about in my life of Waukesha One, Year One. Can't wait to see what's next.
Best wishes and blessings to you all this summer!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Thanking Teachers
Today, This Week, is about YOU.
For me, it wasn't just one person. It was a multitude.
I have been blessed throughout my educational career to be surrounded by people who care about each other and care about the profession and teaching. I am surrounded by colleagues whom I'm proud to call brothers and sisters and friends in educational circles who are working to change the lives of our youth.
This day, this week, every day, every week, take a moment to remember those people that have impacted you as an educator - the teachers you had, your first class, your friends growing up, your students you have now. Gratefully, I'm inspired to call some of my former teachers now colleagues and friends, who continue to motivate and drive me daily.
Those times, those smiles that are imprinted on your heart are what makes this - teaching, technology, and more - worth every minute.
One of the favorite sayings growing up, from an educator who changed my life, may you continue to remember all the lessons you share with your students:
"A child can count the seeds in an apple. But not even the wisest man can count the apples in an appleseed." ~Chinese Proverb
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
For me, it wasn't just one person. It was a multitude.
I have been blessed throughout my educational career to be surrounded by people who care about each other and care about the profession and teaching. I am surrounded by colleagues whom I'm proud to call brothers and sisters and friends in educational circles who are working to change the lives of our youth.
This day, this week, every day, every week, take a moment to remember those people that have impacted you as an educator - the teachers you had, your first class, your friends growing up, your students you have now. Gratefully, I'm inspired to call some of my former teachers now colleagues and friends, who continue to motivate and drive me daily.
Those times, those smiles that are imprinted on your heart are what makes this - teaching, technology, and more - worth every minute.
One of the favorite sayings growing up, from an educator who changed my life, may you continue to remember all the lessons you share with your students:
"A child can count the seeds in an apple. But not even the wisest man can count the apples in an appleseed." ~Chinese Proverb
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Who Do You Want to Be?
In reading David & Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell for a graduate course, I've become intrigued with some of the ideas, particularly the first section having to do with basketball. This section describes the true account of a girl's basketball coach who is not as familiar with the game or rules. He has his players play defense in a "full court press," which, if you are unfamiliar with the game, means they are "guarding" their opponents the full length of the court compared to just a half court defense. The coach felt in doing this, he could change the game to which his players had an advantage. It worked; his team, while not the most skilled, won many games that season with this tenacious defense - opponents were not as familiar with "breaking" a full-court press, so it was definitely a different style of play and major adjustment, allowing the team to have a successful season.
When reading this, I immediately thought to our steps in innovation this year with the initial year of Waukesha One - we are changing the game for our students, looking to give them an advantage for their future, and allowing them to see they can be anything they want to be. By using instructional practices integrating technology with our students, they are developing strategies to research, analyze, respond and explain their understanding, skills necessary for their future education and even careers!
Essentially, in this day and age, the magic is in those connections, those advantages we give them them with transforming their educational experiences. We are all inspiring them for their future, allowing to be anything they want to be. Through them, we can ask ourselves and our students, "What do you want to do with your one and only life." ~Nona Alberts. They can dream it. Be it. And Live it.
Core Apps & Google: Are you wanting your students to open a PDF or file in a certain app? (Notability, Google, Explain Everything are good options). While you CAN! Send out an assignment on Google Drive and have them "Open In" a certain app. Really a neat feature.
Innovative Practices: Throughout all the Waukesha One awesome connections and more, don't forget to take a step back and reflect on how far you've come from the first year, as a Wave One School, or how far you're going in future years! Reflect on all that you can do with technology, things that went well, things that didn't and are better served with traditional tools (pencil and paper), or other core strategies.
What has worked for you this year with technology? What more traditional models are you thinking of staying with in the future? Anything you're wondering about? Please let us know!!!
When reading this, I immediately thought to our steps in innovation this year with the initial year of Waukesha One - we are changing the game for our students, looking to give them an advantage for their future, and allowing them to see they can be anything they want to be. By using instructional practices integrating technology with our students, they are developing strategies to research, analyze, respond and explain their understanding, skills necessary for their future education and even careers!
Essentially, in this day and age, the magic is in those connections, those advantages we give them them with transforming their educational experiences. We are all inspiring them for their future, allowing to be anything they want to be. Through them, we can ask ourselves and our students, "What do you want to do with your one and only life." ~Nona Alberts. They can dream it. Be it. And Live it.
Core Apps & Google: Are you wanting your students to open a PDF or file in a certain app? (Notability, Google, Explain Everything are good options). While you CAN! Send out an assignment on Google Drive and have them "Open In" a certain app. Really a neat feature.
Innovative Practices: Throughout all the Waukesha One awesome connections and more, don't forget to take a step back and reflect on how far you've come from the first year, as a Wave One School, or how far you're going in future years! Reflect on all that you can do with technology, things that went well, things that didn't and are better served with traditional tools (pencil and paper), or other core strategies.
What has worked for you this year with technology? What more traditional models are you thinking of staying with in the future? Anything you're wondering about? Please let us know!!!
Monday, April 7, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Lessons in Redefinition
If you are a reader that knows me personally, you probably know that I'm a big fan of rock climbing. When you think rock climbing, you might think that it is a lot about upper body strength. And I'd tell you that part of it is; however, a bigger part of it is your feet and technique. If you have technique, you'll make the climbs and figure out the puzzles on the rocks.
One of the hardest lessons for me occurred this past weekend, when trying a harder route grade in which I needed to redefine a certain move to get to finish the route. Rather than making the most efficient move, I was making more work for myself instead of just stretching to the finish. While I haven't conquered the route yet, and have a couple bruised ribs to show for decking a few times, I am definitely beginning to see the change and the progress in redefining how I climb with better technique, as both my spotter and my friends encourage me each attempt.
Essentially, redefining our instructional practices takes the same venture as this climbing route: we look at how we're currently doing things in our classrooms and make adjustments for new opportunities and learning for our students. Infusing technology into our practices helps us to do just that, in engaging our learners to a new level of inquiry, constructivism, and creation and demonstration of their learning. Just think about how an Explain Everything presentation can show student understanding of math, music, a science concept, or more. Perhaps creating an interactive and responsive quiz on Kahoot (shared last week) could be the way to go. Or how about some QR Codes with a reading to which learners can respond?
While it's definitely hard for me to think "outside of the box" in rock climbing as I try to complete my route, the end result will be worth it when I grab hold of the finish. The same can be said for our students when, with technology integration, they grasp a new concept or idea to a deeper level we never knew before. Together, we may have a few falls before truly taking off, but as a learning community of educators, we are always working to encourage one another in any attempt. Try something to truly redefine your instructional practices and something new for your students.
The finish will be amazing. Take a chance. Share your story. Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire.
Core Apps & More: Check out Tony Vincent's Websites Learning in Hand for two free eBooks about redefining learning - with spotlights on many of our core apps! Definitely worth the read to start sparking ideas and new project designs for our learners.
Web 2.0 Tools: Found this really awesome article about favored Web 2.0 Tools for educators - definitely a nice hub of knowledge and a good starting place: Teacher's Favored Web 2.0 Tools
Innovative Practices: Keep innovating. Keep redefining. Keep transforming. You're doing it. Start small, start with one technique. You have all of our encouragement along the way.
What are your ideas? Reflect, Share & Comment!!! We welcome your questions, reflections, ideas and shared collaboration as we work to make a difference in the lives of our youth of the next generation!!!
One of the hardest lessons for me occurred this past weekend, when trying a harder route grade in which I needed to redefine a certain move to get to finish the route. Rather than making the most efficient move, I was making more work for myself instead of just stretching to the finish. While I haven't conquered the route yet, and have a couple bruised ribs to show for decking a few times, I am definitely beginning to see the change and the progress in redefining how I climb with better technique, as both my spotter and my friends encourage me each attempt.
Essentially, redefining our instructional practices takes the same venture as this climbing route: we look at how we're currently doing things in our classrooms and make adjustments for new opportunities and learning for our students. Infusing technology into our practices helps us to do just that, in engaging our learners to a new level of inquiry, constructivism, and creation and demonstration of their learning. Just think about how an Explain Everything presentation can show student understanding of math, music, a science concept, or more. Perhaps creating an interactive and responsive quiz on Kahoot (shared last week) could be the way to go. Or how about some QR Codes with a reading to which learners can respond?
While it's definitely hard for me to think "outside of the box" in rock climbing as I try to complete my route, the end result will be worth it when I grab hold of the finish. The same can be said for our students when, with technology integration, they grasp a new concept or idea to a deeper level we never knew before. Together, we may have a few falls before truly taking off, but as a learning community of educators, we are always working to encourage one another in any attempt. Try something to truly redefine your instructional practices and something new for your students.
The finish will be amazing. Take a chance. Share your story. Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire.
Core Apps & More: Check out Tony Vincent's Websites Learning in Hand for two free eBooks about redefining learning - with spotlights on many of our core apps! Definitely worth the read to start sparking ideas and new project designs for our learners.
Web 2.0 Tools: Found this really awesome article about favored Web 2.0 Tools for educators - definitely a nice hub of knowledge and a good starting place: Teacher's Favored Web 2.0 Tools
Innovative Practices: Keep innovating. Keep redefining. Keep transforming. You're doing it. Start small, start with one technique. You have all of our encouragement along the way.
What are your ideas? Reflect, Share & Comment!!! We welcome your questions, reflections, ideas and shared collaboration as we work to make a difference in the lives of our youth of the next generation!!!
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Brainstorming for the Future
In getting ready for our technology event, March Madness Mania (more in our blog post on Thursday), where we will be using digital tools to connect with various colleges and have our students reflect upon their hopes and dreams, classrooms will hope to be buzzing with aspirations of the future in each student scholar that walks our halls. Within our classes, we've discussed traditions, legacies, and how we want to be remembered, the impact on each other.
With the digital footprint technology allows, our actions online are recorded to leave that lasting memory that we've explored. One of our focus points for our March Madness Mania event is digital citizenship - appropriate searches as well as utilizing resources and giving acknowledgements to those references we use. With a world of 1:1 devices, this is a continued facet to emphasize to prepare our students for the future of writing research papers and more.
Both Google and Core Apps offer the feasibility to store an easy collection of ideas or sources that we will be using. Take a look at our highlighted tech tools for this week:
Highlighting our App Symbaloo: Pages, as a part of the core apps after iOS7 with Waves 2-5 in Waukesha One (that comes on iPads), offers writing features that allow students to beautify their work. Additionally, within pages, heightened interactivity is available to add an interactive video. If you are a Wave 1 school and missed when pages was free, try out Book Creator for similar uses, which was highlighted in our post on Thursday, March 5th: Thoughtful Thursday post.
Web 2.0 Tools: Google Drive continues to amaze me; from adding the ability to edit photos, to awesome connected web tools such as Lucidchart or MindMud - these tools working anywhere you are online (beyond an app) are AWESOME for starting initial brainstorming and charting, reflecting with students and the progress made. Check them out today!
Innovative Practices: An email came in from a colleague of mine after a professional development presentation indicating that all the new technology practices can be a bit overwhelming. I 100% agree with this statement, as it's all so much to take in. Yet this colleague said the biggest take away was the message to keep trying something new, something different, to combine with what we've always done and to be reflective of our instructional design and strategies.
Start small - try just one thing new. Brainstorm together with your class how they envision using technology in your classroom! It's all about the journey as we work together and #buildonblooms for our future generations!
Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire.
What are your ideas? Reflect, Share & Comment!!! We welcome your questions, reflections, ideas and shared collaboration as we work to make a difference in the lives of our youth of the next generation!!!
With the digital footprint technology allows, our actions online are recorded to leave that lasting memory that we've explored. One of our focus points for our March Madness Mania event is digital citizenship - appropriate searches as well as utilizing resources and giving acknowledgements to those references we use. With a world of 1:1 devices, this is a continued facet to emphasize to prepare our students for the future of writing research papers and more.
Both Google and Core Apps offer the feasibility to store an easy collection of ideas or sources that we will be using. Take a look at our highlighted tech tools for this week:
Highlighting our App Symbaloo: Pages, as a part of the core apps after iOS7 with Waves 2-5 in Waukesha One (that comes on iPads), offers writing features that allow students to beautify their work. Additionally, within pages, heightened interactivity is available to add an interactive video. If you are a Wave 1 school and missed when pages was free, try out Book Creator for similar uses, which was highlighted in our post on Thursday, March 5th: Thoughtful Thursday post.
Web 2.0 Tools: Google Drive continues to amaze me; from adding the ability to edit photos, to awesome connected web tools such as Lucidchart or MindMud - these tools working anywhere you are online (beyond an app) are AWESOME for starting initial brainstorming and charting, reflecting with students and the progress made. Check them out today!
Innovative Practices: An email came in from a colleague of mine after a professional development presentation indicating that all the new technology practices can be a bit overwhelming. I 100% agree with this statement, as it's all so much to take in. Yet this colleague said the biggest take away was the message to keep trying something new, something different, to combine with what we've always done and to be reflective of our instructional design and strategies.
Start small - try just one thing new. Brainstorm together with your class how they envision using technology in your classroom! It's all about the journey as we work together and #buildonblooms for our future generations!
Collaborate. Innovate. Inspire.
What are your ideas? Reflect, Share & Comment!!! We welcome your questions, reflections, ideas and shared collaboration as we work to make a difference in the lives of our youth of the next generation!!!
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: "Where We Gonna Go From Here"
While working on a few papers, projects and more, "Where We Gonna Go From Here" by Mat Kearney came onto my iTunes Radio Mix. As I listened, I thought back to when I saw Kearney live in concert just down the street at Carroll University. What memories those are, singing along with the songs that not many people knew at that time, but that have become some trademarks as his popularity has grown.
So where we gonna go from here? A bit more than a year and a half ago, we found out that we were selected as a Waukesha One Wave 1 School. What a year it's been, what distance we've come. Between impressive iMovies demonstrating visual and oral skills through drawings and narratives on projects, newly composed GarageBand selections with various instrumentations, neat new books through Book Creator and tons more, as well as just the sight of students engaged, learning at their own level and taking innovation to the next level. What an experience riding the wave in year one!
This tech tip isn't about a new tool or innovative way to use iPads. This Tuesday I'm not linking websites or app links to resources. Today, it's a time to take a deep breath and celebrate everything that has been accomplished over the last year. Think small - just trying out personalized learning to the next level. Or think big, in one word: rollout.
If you're just becoming a Waukesha One School or moving toward it, think about where to go from where you already are. We've all come so far, we've gained pace and new strategies, tools, and ideas. We've found collaboration as a key, with feedback for ourselves and students at the center driving the next steps. Smile, laugh, remember, and BE PROUD of all that you've done.
The last line of the final verse of Mat Kearney's song is "Watch from a distance just to see you glow. Seven hundred faces, seven hundred places more." We've started the ripples in our students throughout a district. Think about the lives YOU'VE impacted by all that you've done over the past year.
Watch from a distance, the glowing minds and smiles of our students. You've done that. You've made a difference. We keep going because of you...Who knows where we will go from here!
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Champion Newsies - Seize the Day!
"Open the gates and seize the day. Don't be afraid and don't delay. Nothing can break us, no one can make us give our rights away. Arise and seize the day!" ~Seize the Day from Newsies.
In the epic anthem of the hit musical Newsies, composer Alan Menken and lyricist Jack Feldman illustrated a great message that goes further than the newsboys strike of 1899 of New York City. Applicable for any day, any career, and any age, the newsies message carries a banner of courage, excitement, strength, and hope.
Each February, our nation celebrates Digital Learning Day to highlight the many innovate uses of technology throughout learning communities. Activities often feature heightened student engagement thereby enhancing achievement, collaborative opportunities, and overall exposure to new learning. These are just some of the many successes of Digital Learning Day.
Collaboration over learning targets, mentoring and assisting on new projects, and innovative creativity are just some of the many activities in which our students took part in on Digital Learning Day. By sharing new learning with one another - both at grade levels and in a mentor-mentee relationship - students found greater appreciation for innovating for their futures! At just kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth, or fifth grade, students are beginning to "open the gates" to see and become agents of change in the ever-developing world of tomorrow.
Besides our students "opening the gates," our staff continues to seize the day - everything that Digital Learning Day represents and beyond! Sharing new tools and instructional practice, discussing the best way to plan for future student innovation, personal exploration to better prepare, and taking risks are just some of the many ways to make any day an opportunity for digital learning.
Digital learning doesn't stop here - each day is a day to be seized to integrate something you've wondered about, an idea that has been sparked, or perhaps something a student has shared! Yes, it can be nerve-wracking. Yes, sometimes devices don't cooperate, or the internet may crash too. But it's worth it. Just to try. For that new learning that is gauged as lightbulbs go off in the eyes of your students. Or the smile of a fresh accomplishment achieved.
A friend recently wrote to me that she was inspired by the Rita Pierson quotation at the end of my email signature: "Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and instills that they become best that they possibly be."
We carry messages of excitement and encouragement for our students' learning, courage to try something new, shared mission for our students to have strength and hope for their futures. These are our medals, showing what we, as teachers, have devoted our lives to, just as athletes do. These are our banners. We are newsies carrying the banner for each student that is a part of our lives. We are champion newsies.
Seize the Day today!
In the epic anthem of the hit musical Newsies, composer Alan Menken and lyricist Jack Feldman illustrated a great message that goes further than the newsboys strike of 1899 of New York City. Applicable for any day, any career, and any age, the newsies message carries a banner of courage, excitement, strength, and hope.
Each February, our nation celebrates Digital Learning Day to highlight the many innovate uses of technology throughout learning communities. Activities often feature heightened student engagement thereby enhancing achievement, collaborative opportunities, and overall exposure to new learning. These are just some of the many successes of Digital Learning Day.
Collaboration over learning targets, mentoring and assisting on new projects, and innovative creativity are just some of the many activities in which our students took part in on Digital Learning Day. By sharing new learning with one another - both at grade levels and in a mentor-mentee relationship - students found greater appreciation for innovating for their futures! At just kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth, or fifth grade, students are beginning to "open the gates" to see and become agents of change in the ever-developing world of tomorrow.
Besides our students "opening the gates," our staff continues to seize the day - everything that Digital Learning Day represents and beyond! Sharing new tools and instructional practice, discussing the best way to plan for future student innovation, personal exploration to better prepare, and taking risks are just some of the many ways to make any day an opportunity for digital learning.
Digital learning doesn't stop here - each day is a day to be seized to integrate something you've wondered about, an idea that has been sparked, or perhaps something a student has shared! Yes, it can be nerve-wracking. Yes, sometimes devices don't cooperate, or the internet may crash too. But it's worth it. Just to try. For that new learning that is gauged as lightbulbs go off in the eyes of your students. Or the smile of a fresh accomplishment achieved.
A friend recently wrote to me that she was inspired by the Rita Pierson quotation at the end of my email signature: "Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and instills that they become best that they possibly be."
We carry messages of excitement and encouragement for our students' learning, courage to try something new, shared mission for our students to have strength and hope for their futures. These are our medals, showing what we, as teachers, have devoted our lives to, just as athletes do. These are our banners. We are newsies carrying the banner for each student that is a part of our lives. We are champion newsies.
Seize the Day today!
Monday, February 3, 2014
First Day inClass - Start Simple!
Organization is one of those necessary tasks we try to teach our learners. I'll be the first to admit that I have my moments where my desk is piled full of papers and other craziness in the midst of concert season, major meetings, or the end of a trimester. I've found the Reminder application on both my Macbook and iPad very helpful, but what about students?
That's where the inClass App comes in...
Unless you have a completely folder organized Google Drive (I just spend 1/2 hour organizing mine), inClass could be a great app for you and your scholars! When taking notes and doing in-class reflections, this app facilitates text, video, and audio notes all in a centralized notebook. What an easy way to keep track of science observations, a new listening unit for music reflections, even getting help from classmates who are also using the app!
Personalizing learning, technology, SAMR...these are all the key phrases that we hear about when going 1:1 or utilizing technology integration practices. Moving on up from augmentation of instruction to modifying and redefining instruction. You're on your way. You can do it. Start simple. One thing at a time. Write down a goal - maybe it's helping your students get organized, maybe it's focusing on science instruction, or maybe it's trying a flipped lesson.
It's not about the apps, or the cool new Google extension. Those help, yes, but that's not the main premise. What it is about, is you, the teacher and educator. How you're taking instruction to the next level and working for what's best for your students.
Grab a cup of coffee, and start simple - one thing at a time. Let us know how we can help!
That's where the inClass App comes in...
Unless you have a completely folder organized Google Drive (I just spend 1/2 hour organizing mine), inClass could be a great app for you and your scholars! When taking notes and doing in-class reflections, this app facilitates text, video, and audio notes all in a centralized notebook. What an easy way to keep track of science observations, a new listening unit for music reflections, even getting help from classmates who are also using the app!
Personalizing learning, technology, SAMR...these are all the key phrases that we hear about when going 1:1 or utilizing technology integration practices. Moving on up from augmentation of instruction to modifying and redefining instruction. You're on your way. You can do it. Start simple. One thing at a time. Write down a goal - maybe it's helping your students get organized, maybe it's focusing on science instruction, or maybe it's trying a flipped lesson.
It's not about the apps, or the cool new Google extension. Those help, yes, but that's not the main premise. What it is about, is you, the teacher and educator. How you're taking instruction to the next level and working for what's best for your students.
Grab a cup of coffee, and start simple - one thing at a time. Let us know how we can help!
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Tracy's Tuesday Tech Tip: Through the Eyes of Our Youth
Recently, there was a major technology event at our school...
For a professional development day, teachers were in charge of presenting the innovative instructional practices they use with colleagues in attendance throughout the district. All presentations were spectacular - teachers were teaming with their grade level partners, the information presented was so valid, and attendees were so inspired and motivated to try out new ideas and instructional practices utilizing technology.
It was a great morning of PD where both presenters and attendees felt empowered.
As I was driving home three students who are on our student tech team that came to help us out, we got to talking about the differences between last year (without as many technology supports) and this year (in a school where we have 1:1 iPads). I was amazed by their answers, simple, yet completely impactful for me as a teacher and tech coach:
Student 1: "I just think it's easier. We don't have to wait anymore to get onto a computer. The iPad is ours, it's our work. I know where it will be. I'm actually organized!"
Student 2: "Learning is more fun for me because things are more entertaining. It's challenging because I want to do better and get farther and I don't feel rushed anymore."
Student 3: "I like that we can take our iPads and go sit somewhere and lay on the floor or something. I'm totally comfortable learning and it's fun to share with my friends what I'm doing. It's a lot easier too."
I emailed the fourth student of our tech team the same question, and her response was, "I think we can do more with them. Create books about anything, create songs even, or a movie. And if we research and stuff it should help us."
I smiled as I read her response, just as I smiled as I was talking with the other tech team members. Kids get it. They see what the influence of technology is, and they're engaged because of it. They enjoy creating something new, and look forward to exploring the world and sharing the views they have through their eyes. They're learning, as we all are, about life, living, and it's impact on them.
I encourage school teams to develop their own student tech team - there is nothing better than kids teaching kids something new and sharing their thoughts. Please contact us if you are interested in the application, resources, and process to starting one yourself!
They understand each other, the premise of mentoring others to learn something new. They comprehend the purpose for why we innovate, and it's even more powerful coming through their eyes, our citizens of the future, and the generation of tomorrow.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
WeTech4You
Greetings & Welcome to our New Blog!!!
We are very excited to present to you WeTech4You - a blog in support of the SDW
40/40 Project Building on Blooms through Personalized Learning!
We hope this blog can turn into a resource for you to hear about new Apptivities for your classroom and redefine your students' personalized learning experiences to enhance their achievement.
We will also be including some tech reviews from our iTechU Scholar Tech Team - a four-person, student-led team that assists other classes with technology.
Please let us know if you have any questions - we are here to help! And look forward to our next blog post coming soon!
Tracy Garon, Lynn Rice, Garrett Sheskey & Alyssa Szybist
Blair Intermediate 40/40 Project Team 2013-2014
Building on Blooms
We are very excited to present to you WeTech4You - a blog in support of the SDW
40/40 Project Building on Blooms through Personalized Learning!
We hope this blog can turn into a resource for you to hear about new Apptivities for your classroom and redefine your students' personalized learning experiences to enhance their achievement.
We will also be including some tech reviews from our iTechU Scholar Tech Team - a four-person, student-led team that assists other classes with technology.
Please let us know if you have any questions - we are here to help! And look forward to our next blog post coming soon!
Tracy Garon, Lynn Rice, Garrett Sheskey & Alyssa Szybist
Blair Intermediate 40/40 Project Team 2013-2014
Building on Blooms
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