Taking your game to the “Next Level”

As we will soon enter the year of 2014, there is no time like the present to consider making few changes or adjustments to how you are embracing 21^st century learning. Look at the new year as a way to broaden your perspective with technology in the classroom, understanding the different facets of Common Core, and/or embracing Social Media. Below are six areas where you could consider beginning or enhancing this journey.

·         Follow a Twitter Hashtag: A very easy way to increase your understanding of social media and the multitude of benefits it will bring your way. A several hashtags  (or accounts) that I’m following include: #Venspired, #2Guysshow, #cpchat, #txed, #satchat, and #edchat, #flippedlearning, @cybraryman1 and #moedchat

·         Participate in a new PLN Twitter Chat: By doing this you will be able to learn from experts in your field.

Simply join a specific chat. Here’s a link to a pretty comprehensive list of chats:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiftIdjCeWSXdDRLRzNsVktUUGJpRWJhdUlWLS1Genc&usp=drive_web#gid=0

I’ve learned quite a bit from #moedechat, #txed, and #satchatwc.

·         Embrace a new APP in your classroom: Thanks to Brett Catlett (@catlett1) I just learned about Flipagram. This APP allows you to design a picture collage using pictures from your Camera Roll, edit them and add music. Then you have a picture story. I just created two Flipagrams. One that chronicles our first semester at Francis Howell Middle and another that celebrates my oldest son’s first year marching with the Blue Stars Drum Corps.

·         Look at Augmented Reality as a tool for your classroom. Taking the APP process one step further, you will actively engage your students from the onset when you use AR Apps. www.twoguysandsomeipads.com is a great place to check out some pretty cool AR apps. Brad Waid and Drew Minock are leading experts in this area.

·        Look at implementing a new Social Media Tool to enhance the learning experience. Evernote, Google Hangouts, Backchannels, Google+ are all important tools that will help you become organized,  advance your understanding of technology, and help connect you and your students to new facets of 21c.

·        Read a forward thinking book: There are several books out there that can push you forward, solidify your pedagogy, or enlighten you. Frederick Hess’ Cage-Busting Leadership is a great read. You can even participate in a Twitter Book Chat.  Presently #moreads and #moedchat chat are leading out a chat focusing on Daniel Isenberg’s Worthless, Impossible, and Stupid. Finally, Dave Burgess’ (@burgessdave) Teach Like a Pirate has been a very popular Twitter Book chat. You can also follow the #tlap for continued professional development.

There is no time like the present to broaden your understanding and application of educational resources of the 21^st century. Those listed above can be of great resource for you as you continue this incredible journey!

Reframing Professional Development

As we continue to move forward will all facets of our educational transformation, it is important to include PD in this movement. We must move beyond the traditional “sit and get” format and reframe our Professional Development. Authentic PD encompasses the needs of students, teachers, and administrators. By implementing a variety of formats and presentation styles within your PD will best benefit the educational professional. Knowing that your staff learns, processes, and acquires knowledge in different ways, it is paramount to design your PD around those information acquisition styles.

I’ve found the following to be quite beneficial formats for Professional Development:

·         Flipped PD

·         Google Hangouts

·         Podcasts

·         Twitter Chats

·         PLNs

·         Edcamps

There are a multitude of formats and ways to deliver Professional Development.  As you discover or implement different successful formats for PD, I’d like to hear how it goes!

Taking “Student Voice” one step further…

I hear from multiple colleagues saying that by empowering “student voice” in their schools it has re-energized classroom instruction. As we move further along in our educational journey, we need to continue to branch out and look at new ways to further this cause.  There are multiple ways to achieve this goal. One way is by utilizing the “backchannel” feature of different websites or programs. In researching ways to incorporate the “backchannel into the classroom, faculty, meetings, or for Professional Development, we’ve learned that one particular tool has made a positive impact. The “backchannel” feature of Todaysmeet has helped transform different classroom settings in our school.

It is important to note that is not the purpose to merely introduce new technology to students for technology sake, but instead to have an educational purpose (with a vision) as you introduce the new tool. The “backchannel” will allow multiple students to participate in classroom discussions at the same time while completing other assignments or activities. This collaborative tool gives merit and worth to “student voice”. Look at it as a way of “thinking out loud” without talking! Our students need additional ways to process, gather, and share information and the back channel format is an excellent tool for them to use.

Keep me posted on how you are using the “backchannel” in your classroom!