Be REAL, Educate from the Heart by: Tara MartinAnyone who knows me, knows that I have a slight addiction to Dave Burgess Consulting books. When Tara Martin's book came out, I had to get it immediately. I have so many other books on my required reading stack, but I had to make time for this one. I'm so glad I did! Anything that has "Educate from the Heart" in the title is right up my alley! #REALedu #SketchnotesWhen I read professional books, I highlight and write ALL over them! Then I go back and write, draw, or color all the key points in my Gotcha Covered notebook to help me remember them. This is why #Sketchnoting is one of my favorite comprehension strategies! Want to learn more? Check out Sylvia Duckworth's resources!    Reflection...First, Tara's story is amazing, sad, and inspiring, all at the same time. I must say, I cried reading this book! Okay, I may be a little sensitive anyway, but I mention this to say... this is no ordinary professional development book! You have to read the book to get the full effect, but these are the ideas I want to use to improve my impact with the teachers I work with. Part 1: Relatable
Part 2: Expose a Little Vulnerability
Part 3: Approachable
Part 4: Learning Through Life
Next Steps...I think I need to re-read this book over the summer while I mentally prepare for my second year as an instructional coach in my school. I spent this year building relationships and learning what the job entails. I'm really looking forward to keeping the momentum going and Cannonball-In this August!
In the meantime, I'll be "learning though life" this summer with many professional development books by the pool. I'll also be using Twitter to share my #booksnaps as I learn. I hope you'll join me!
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The purpose of this post is to give coaches some ideas and tools to manage your time and energy. *Note: I am fairly new to coaching, so I am not claiming to be an expert by any means! This post also includes tips from coaches that are a part of the Shake Up Learning Facebook group. Make sure to join us today! Read the full post on Shake Up Learning and
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Share your thoughts and ideas by tagging me @specialtechie and Jed @mrdearybury on Twitter! Let's see what we can come up with!
#GoogledItEDU #TeachSC Thanks for reading! ~Pam |
The #WakeletWave has taken over!
Last summer, I was looking for a way to archive one of my favorite twitter chats with a new tool since I couldn't use Storify anymore. After a quick Google search, I found Wakelet and I was hooked! I started using to archive the #PD4uandMe chats that I co-moderate with my friends Teresa Gross & Emily Francis. Once I started using Wakelet for archiving Twitter chats, I realized I could do SO much more with it! It also turned into my FREE alternative to using Smore for newsletters. Smore is still a great resource, but I didn't want to spend the extra money to purchase an educators account. So now I use Wakelet for just about anything I would curate for sharing or research purposes. Honestly, I use it more now than I do Pinterest. That's saying a lot!
#PottyPD
My favorite way to use Wakelet is for #PottyPD! Sounds crazy, right? The first time I heard of this was on Twitter (shocker, I know). There are lots of different forms of this "captive audience" professional development out there like Learning in the Loo, Bathroom Briefs, etc. Here's a great post below from Tara Martin about this school bathroom PD craze! I use the plastic flyer stands to display a PDF visual (created in Google Drawings) in all the bathrooms and change it out once a month. I've had the same experiences as Tara mentions in her blog post. My visual is basically a teaser though. The links and more details are on the Wakelet version that I share through Google Classroom and email to the teachers. So there's a lot of GSuite EDU app smashing going on here!
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I also add a 3 question Google Form to the bottom of it with a "duty free lunch" give away to encourage others to read it & try new things! I may not have money to give away really cool things, but I can give the gift of time !
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From Tara Martin's Blog linked here.
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Check out my 2018-2019 #PottyPD Collections here!
Give Wakelet a try today!
There are SO many ways to use Wakelet, I've only covered one today. Check out this blog post for a Getting Started Guide. You can also follow me once you create an account to see how I use it. Look at the people I follow or just click "Explore" to see how the rest of the world uses it. Join the #WakeletWave today!
#DitchSummit Inspired!
Okay, so I'm a PD geek! This is nothing new to anyone who knows me...
This is when blogging is really effective! As soon as you get an idea, you can write about it and share it with the world (well, the small part of the world who reads my blog). 😉
That being said, while watching one of the Ditch Summit session with Tony Vincent, it made me think of all the ways we can teach "on-the-fly" with GSuite tools. Yes, planning ahead is the best way to have awesome lessons, but sometimes you get a brilliant idea that only works RIGHT NOW. This is when GSuite tools come in handy!
This is when blogging is really effective! As soon as you get an idea, you can write about it and share it with the world (well, the small part of the world who reads my blog). 😉
That being said, while watching one of the Ditch Summit session with Tony Vincent, it made me think of all the ways we can teach "on-the-fly" with GSuite tools. Yes, planning ahead is the best way to have awesome lessons, but sometimes you get a brilliant idea that only works RIGHT NOW. This is when GSuite tools come in handy!
DitchSummit Notes:
 | Each of the Ditch Summit sessions have notes, but I still need to type notes while I'm listening so I don't forget the ideas that come to mind. In this session, I also made the decision to sign up for Tony's Classy Graphics course. I do pay for these things myself, but if it makes me better at what I do, I believe it's worth it. Should educators get a budget for this type of thing, most definitely, but that's out of my sphere of control, so I digress. This course starts in February, so it's not too late to sign up. It's discounted until January 8th! |
 It's amazing what you can accomplish when you are intentional about your plans, goals & dreams! When looking back at my year, my biggest accomplishment was to finish my Google Certified Trainer application in hopes that I could get accepted. I did it! I have to give a lot of credit to Kasey Bell's course for preparing me, which opens again in May '19 in case it's on your bucket list! I even got to chat about my "success story" with Kasey, you can see the video on her blog. | 2018 One Word Reflection:Last year, coming up with "My One Word" was a new process to me. The word "Finish" came to me because I had way too many things going on at one time (you can read more about it in this blog post). Once I chose my word, I created the following next steps:
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My One Word 2019: #Resilience
I started reading Elena Aguilar's book Onward because I was hired an Instructional Coach at my son's school beginning the 2018-2019 school year (which I was super excited about!). It's all about habits and dispositions of educators. Our habits are our behavior and our dispositions are our attitudes, character, or way of being. Basically, you practice habits to develop these dispositions. Elena's book "focuses on the 12 habits that cultivate resilience, and their correlating dispositions, and provides a road map for how to feel more effective, more fulfilled, and happier at work". Sold!
I would love to work on this with teachers too, but I want to make sure I can live it before I try to encourage others to join me. This is why I chose the word Resilience! I'll share more about my experience through out the year, so come on back soon.
I'm looking forward to another great year filled with new connections, adventures, challenges, and accomplishments. I'd love to hear your "One Word", so let's connect! Thanks for reading! ~Pam
I would love to work on this with teachers too, but I want to make sure I can live it before I try to encourage others to join me. This is why I chose the word Resilience! I'll share more about my experience through out the year, so come on back soon.
I'm looking forward to another great year filled with new connections, adventures, challenges, and accomplishments. I'd love to hear your "One Word", so let's connect! Thanks for reading! ~Pam
Happy New Year!
Student "Play of the Week" with Google Slides
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As a long-time fan of Kasey Bell and her awesome resources, I am #superexcited to have the opportunity to write a guest post for her blog,Shake Up Learning.
If you are a fan of Google Slides and giving students the chance to shine as a MVP in your classroom, check it out! This idea can also be used with your school faculty and staff to build culture. Thanks for reading! Tag me on Twitter if you have any examples to share. @specialtechie #EDUPlayOfTheWeek 12/28/18 UPDATE: If you'd like to see an example, I've added one here. |
What Does It Mean to Be a Google Certified Educator?
Even though you don't need a certificate to use Google tools, it's nice to be recognized for your expertise. Becoming a Google certified educator gives you that "proof" that you know your stuff when it comes to GSuite tools in education! Why would I recommend taking the time to do this?
My Top 3 Reasons for Becoming A Google Certified Educator?
There are lots of reasons to become a Google certified educator. I personally am a "life-long learning geek" when it comes to implementing new tech tools with teachers and students. A bonus, is the certificate and badge you get upon completion of each level of certification. I'm not sure why a badge is so exciting, but I love them (especially as a part of my email signature)!
That being said, here are my main reasons for encouraging others to become certified.
That being said, here are my main reasons for encouraging others to become certified.
⓵ Learn the most up-to-date information about GSuite tools for educators.
⓶ Professional development at your own pace in your own place.
⓷ Find a network of like minded educators to connect with, and learn from across the globe.
⓶ Professional development at your own pace in your own place.
⓷ Find a network of like minded educators to connect with, and learn from across the globe.
What Types of Certifications Are Available?
- Google Educator Level 1: Prove your proficiency of Google tools in the classroom with this certification.
- Google Educator Level 2: Take it a step further and show your rock star level of expertise for using Google tools in the classroom with this certification.
- Google Certified Trainers: Show you are a Google Guru with the next level of training and become qualified to provide training to schools and districts. *GAME CHANGER
- Google Certified Innovators: This level is for those who strive to create "true change" as an "innovative leader" where you will "join a community of more than 1,500 passionate educators in over 50 countries who are designing creative solutions to the world's toughest challenges in education". *GOAL 2019!
I'm Convinced! Where Do I Start?
This is where Kasey Bell from Shake Up Learning, comes in! She has the most amazing courses created to help educators prepare for each level of certification. I truly believe, she's the reason why I made it as a Certified Trainer the first time I applied. The courses just opened and are open until December 4th and only opens twice a year. Watch below for more information, then click on the course images below when you are ready to register!
Check out my success story here, thanks to Kasey Bell and her courses!
 Sign up for Level 1 here! |  Sign up for Level 2 here! |  Sign up for Certified Trainer here! |
I know any of these courses would help you with your goals! I hope you'll connect with me today if you have any questions or concerns about Google Certifications. I'd be happy to help!
~Pam @specialtechie
~Pam @specialtechie
Disclaimer: I am an affiliate for Shake Up Learning courses. This means if you sign up for a course through the links above, I will get a small commission for referring you. That’s Kasey’s way of thanking me for letting you know about the courses! She's awesome like that. 💫
Blended Learning
Have you ever understood one of our educational "buzz words" to mean something completely different than one of your coworkers? This happens all the time, especially when we mention Blended or Personalized Learning. Some people think of them as the same thing.
They can be used together, but they are not the same. So, how are they different? How can they be used together to enhance our classrooms today?
If someone asks me about Blended Learning, I always share the Blended Learning Universe site.
They describe 7 models "in action" as well as some videos and visuals to help you understand what they look like. Below are the definitions of each of the models from the Blended Learning Universe site, make sure to check it our for more details!
They can be used together, but they are not the same. So, how are they different? How can they be used together to enhance our classrooms today?
If someone asks me about Blended Learning, I always share the Blended Learning Universe site.
They describe 7 models "in action" as well as some videos and visuals to help you understand what they look like. Below are the definitions of each of the models from the Blended Learning Universe site, make sure to check it our for more details!
7 Models of Blended Learning
Blended Learning Universe 1. Station Rotation: allows students to rotate through stations on a fixed schedule, where at least one of the stations is an online learning station. This model is most common in elementary schools because teachers are already familiar rotating in “centers” or stations.
2. Lab Rotation: like a Station Rotation, allows students to rotate through stations on a fixed schedule. However, in this case, online learning occurs in a dedicated computer lab. This model allows for flexible scheduling arrangements with teachers and other paraprofessionals, and enables schools to make use of existing computer labs.
3: Individual Rotation: allows students to rotate through stations, but on individual schedules set by a teacher or software algorithm. Unlike other rotation models, students do not necessarily rotate to every station; they rotate only to the activities scheduled on their playlists.
4: Flipped Classroom: flips the traditional relationship between class time and homework. Students learn at home via online coursework and lectures, and teachers use class time for teacher-guided practice or projects. This model enables teachers to use class time for more than delivering traditional lectures.
5: Flex: lets students move on fluid schedules among learning activities according to their needs. Online learning is the backbone of student learning in a Flex model. Teachers provide support and instruction on a flexible, as-needed basis while students work through course curriculum and content. This model can give students a high degree of control over their learning.
6: A la Carte: enables students to take an online course with an online teacher of record _in addition_ to other face-to-face courses, which often provides students with more flexibility over their schedules. A La Carte courses can be a great option when schools can’t provide particular learning opportunities, such as an Advanced Placement or elective course, making it one of the more popular models in blended high schools.
7: Enriched Virtual: is an alternative to full-time online school that allows students to complete the majority of coursework online at home or outside of school, but attend school for required face-to-face learning sessions with a teacher. Unlike the Flipped Classroom, Enriched Virtual programs usually don’t require daily school attendance; some programs may only require twice-weekly attendance, for example.
2. Lab Rotation: like a Station Rotation, allows students to rotate through stations on a fixed schedule. However, in this case, online learning occurs in a dedicated computer lab. This model allows for flexible scheduling arrangements with teachers and other paraprofessionals, and enables schools to make use of existing computer labs.
3: Individual Rotation: allows students to rotate through stations, but on individual schedules set by a teacher or software algorithm. Unlike other rotation models, students do not necessarily rotate to every station; they rotate only to the activities scheduled on their playlists.
4: Flipped Classroom: flips the traditional relationship between class time and homework. Students learn at home via online coursework and lectures, and teachers use class time for teacher-guided practice or projects. This model enables teachers to use class time for more than delivering traditional lectures.
5: Flex: lets students move on fluid schedules among learning activities according to their needs. Online learning is the backbone of student learning in a Flex model. Teachers provide support and instruction on a flexible, as-needed basis while students work through course curriculum and content. This model can give students a high degree of control over their learning.
6: A la Carte: enables students to take an online course with an online teacher of record _in addition_ to other face-to-face courses, which often provides students with more flexibility over their schedules. A La Carte courses can be a great option when schools can’t provide particular learning opportunities, such as an Advanced Placement or elective course, making it one of the more popular models in blended high schools.
7: Enriched Virtual: is an alternative to full-time online school that allows students to complete the majority of coursework online at home or outside of school, but attend school for required face-to-face learning sessions with a teacher. Unlike the Flipped Classroom, Enriched Virtual programs usually don’t require daily school attendance; some programs may only require twice-weekly attendance, for example.
Author
I'm an Instructional Coach at Daniel Island School in Berkeley County South Carolina.
I have experience teaching K-8 special ed. and General Ed. as well as instructional & technology coaching. Since I enjoy technology more than some, I started this blog for educators who love it too. Thanks for visiting!
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