What I've decided to do is to write a "Podcast Reflection" post so I can process what I've heard as well as put a plan in place for how I want to use what I learned (or was reminded). I was also hoping to demonstrate this as a form of professional development for teachers and a strategy for students as well. Shake Up Learning Episode #34Anyone that has read this blog before, or follows me on Twitter, knows I am a Shake Up Learning fan! So, what a perfect place to start! This episode can reach almost all educators in some way. If you are a teacher who doesn't have access to Google Classroom, I am so sorry! I would definitley keep fighting for it! You could still use a lot of the ideas with a Learning Management System (LMS) your district already uses. If you already use Google Classroom, you'll still get a lot of ideas from this episode. The ideas listed below are from Kasey's podcast, I'm just highlighting how I use (or plan to) the idea. To Demonstrate Google Classroom as a Tool for TeachersI have quite a few Google Classrooms, but I have one called "Test Class" that I use to show teachers what different features look like on the teacher's side as well as the student side. It's also a great way to test out new features since I don't have students of my own to try it with. Of coures, my poor children (6th and 10th grade) are often in my test classes as well. Then I can log in as them to see what it looks like. They have learned to ignore those. LOL! Hopefully, Google will eventually give us a "student view" so we don't have to have a class just for that, but it works in the meantime! Keep asking for that feature if you want to see it happen too! To Teach an Online Course Kasey mentions Classy Graphics by Tony Vincent as a great example of Google Classroom as an online course, and she's right! I took the course and learned so much! Funny thing is, I knew how to use Google Classroom very well, but I never thought about a couple of his strategies before. 1. Instead of attaching documents as an assignment , you would click submit, but you would put a link to your materials in the class comments so others could comment on them. This works well because the "teacher" doesn't need to remember to "return" the assisnment, and "students" get to view and comment on each others' work easily. It makes for great collaboration and valuable discussion. I use this strategy now with our school Google Classroom. 2. Sharing your documents so anyone with a link can comment. Then you get lots of feedback without anyone editing your document. Tony was good about making a copy of the original document, making the changes, then sharing the link in the comments so you could see what he was trying to explain. Using this with students would be the perfect example of authentic feedback! Ongoing Support and Coaching I use Google Classroom as a "hub" for the teacher's I work with. I have one class for my Google trainings so the teacher's always have access to resources without searching through their emails. I have other classes for teachers that I work with to support their evaluation process. It's a class for just the two of us! No administrators or other teachers. Again, it keeps us from having to keep track of emails and gives a private space to communicate when we aren't working together in person. You can even do this with students... Maybe you have a student with a lot of accommodations that needs a one-stop-shop for helpful strategies, reminders, and encouragement. Really, you can make your Google Classrooms work for anyone. To Facilitate Online Book Studies
To Share Resources and Templates As I mentioned earlier, I have a Classroom for all of my Google Trainings since it's how I keep my Google Trainer certification up to date. Once you are in the Classroom, you have access to all of my sessions, even if you didn't get to come to all of them. I don't require anyone to join unless they attend a session. It's also the easiest way to get resources out to the teacher's without sharing through Drive or email. If you haven't noticed... I obviously am not a fan of email. 😉 *Assign and Discuss Podcast PD This is a new one for me and I can't wait to try it!  I'm connected with Laura on Twitter, so if it works for her, I want to try it too! Kasey has a Podcast PD Choiceboard on her site and Laura has a blog post that shows how she used this option for professional development. I can't wait to try it! *Support and Track Challenges & Badges for Teachers I've been wanting to use badges for a while, but I don't want it to take a lot of time to create and share. I need to explore the resources Kasey shared in her post on badging so I can find the easiest one to use with teachers. If I use this with teachers, it might also give them ideas on how to use it with their students. Model the model, right?! If you have ideas on how to use Google Classroom to award and track badeges, please share! Streamline Announcements & Communication with Staff This one is pretty self explanitory... skip the email! Use Google Classroom as your one-stop-shop! *Self-Paced Tutorials I want to add this to my current Google training classroom. The teachers I work with have asked for more virtual options, so this would be a perfect place to share them. My goal is to create videos using Screencastify and WeVideo, then add them according to topic (ie. Google Drawings, Google Forms, etc.). I also want to create GIF style tips for the easy shortcuts and quick tips that some of us take for granted. *To Support Absentees Having assignments posted in Google Classroom can really help those students that have to miss school, but this could also be a great place to communicate with them directly. Since you can assign and share resources to the students you want without sharing with the whole class, it's easy to share something with one student at a time with a personal message so they know they were missed. This can also help with "repeat offenders" to hopefully reduce the number of absences. If they know they are missed, they may be less likely to just stay home and get their work done there. If you are working with teachers, it can show that they are appreciated and their opinions and conversation is missed when they can't be there in person. To Organize and Blend Teacher Workshop Assignment
0 Comments
Updated Post! Summer 2019 Edition!
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.
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. What Types of Certifications Are Available?
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 enrollment is open until June 4,2019 (Do it now...it only opens twice a year)! Watch below for more information, then click on the Wakelet collection below when you are ready to register!
|
I know any of these courses would help you with your goals! Please, 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!
#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! |
#FOMO
What is #FOMO? Fear of Missing Out!
I have it bad right now since I think everyone I know is in Chicago for #ISTE18!
But that's okay... I have already learned so much just by using the online resources available during the conference. This post is a guide to reducing your #FOMO and look at the positive side of things!
I have it bad right now since I think everyone I know is in Chicago for #ISTE18!
But that's okay... I have already learned so much just by using the online resources available during the conference. This post is a guide to reducing your #FOMO and look at the positive side of things!
 Photo by @reinabej via Twitter |
|
2. Save Time & Money
For a minute yesterday, I actually started checking flight prices and single day pass prices since a friend of mine was staying in a hotel all by herself. Really, I wanted to jump on a plane to go for at least one day. Being that it was going to cost about $600+ to go, I decided I would just hang at home with my family and learn from afar. Not to mention the amount of time I'd have to spend traveling from South Carolina to Chicago.
3. Try These Online Resources!
Here's the best part! SO many of the presenters are well aware that many people can't be there, so they share their resources for free!
TweetDeck
This is the best way to keep up with Twitter chats and other things being shared at #ISTE18 and #NotAtISTE. As you can see in the GIF here, it's always moving. If you've never used it before, it can be a little overwhelming, but you'll get used to it! I just scan the feed and click on it when it's something I want to explore further. I do suggest searching as I did with #ISTE18 OR #NotAtISTE18 so you can see both in one column.
On Monday night, Tara Martin @taramartinedu hosted the #TLAP twitter chat from #ISTE18 and this is how I kept up with the conversations. It felt like being there even if just for an hour. If you've never tried it, now's a good time!
Google+ #NotAtISTE
| I don't use Google+ all the time, but it's really useful for events like this! I'm a member of the group, so every year, I just pop into the group again to see what's going on at the ISTE conference. Hopefully, they will come south again soon so I can drive there easily. You can ask to join here. The #Hyperdoc ladies have been doing special events for the #NotAtISTE group this week. I participated in a Hangout Live on Sunday to kick off the week. You can find them at hyperdocs.co to check out their resources and connect with them online. |  |
Periscope
One way you can enjoy the sessions for free is by using Periscope. I didn't fully appreciate this site until Sunday when I started watching some of my Twitter friends recording presentations for the Twitterverse. Love you guys BTW!
PassTheScopeEDU is a site created to share some of the great periscopes from #ISTE18
You could also just search Periscope for ISTE sessions and watch them live or after they've ended. Just make sure you search #ISTE18 to get the appropriate videos to populate, there are some weird ones out there!
PassTheScopeEDU is a site created to share some of the great periscopes from #ISTE18
You could also just search Periscope for ISTE sessions and watch them live or after they've ended. Just make sure you search #ISTE18 to get the appropriate videos to populate, there are some weird ones out there!
How Can I Get the Most of a Conference without Going?
I started by creating a Google Keep list and titled it #ISTE18 so it would create a category. I use Google Keep because it's easy to add quick links in a checkbox style list. If I want to transfer my list to a Google Doc, I can open a new document and use the Keep Notepad (found under the Tools menu) and add it all in a quick second!
Next, I went to the ISTE website and looked at the Schedule at a Glance so I knew what I wanted to check out. You could also use the program search by clicking the "attend" tab and add to a digital tote (if you are a member) or just save the links to the presentation resources. It may take some time to scan through everything, but it will be worth it!
The most important thing is look for the resources you want to learn more about. You could get into information overload if you save everything just to have it.
Share, Share, Share!
Whatever you get from your #NotAtISTE experience, share what you find! #SharingIsCaring
Enjoy your PD in your PJ's! If you are still really sad about not going to ISTE18 you can start planning now to attend next year in Philadelphia!
I'll get there one day, for now I'll see you on Twitter and Google+ sharing the goodies I find. See you soon!
Enjoy your PD in your PJ's! If you are still really sad about not going to ISTE18 you can start planning now to attend next year in Philadelphia!
I'll get there one day, for now I'll see you on Twitter and Google+ sharing the goodies I find. See you soon!
Relaxation & Rejuvenation
Everyone thinks of relaxation and rejuvenation a little differently. My preference is to turn off my alarm clock and spend as much time at the pool or beach as possible. Netflix binge watching is also at the top of my list, especially after a long day in the sun with friends or family.
Since summer does go quickly, I like to create a "Summer Bucket List" in the beginning of June and add something different to my calendar each day. Since I have kids, my husband and I let them help with our selections too.
If having plans every day is too much for you during the summer, plan just a couple days a week so time doesn't get away from you. Pinterest has lots of ideas to search through if this is something you'd like to add so you start back to school in August relaxed and rejuvenated!
Recommended reading for more ideas:
The Zen Teacher: Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom by Dan Tricarico
*This was my favorite pool reading last summer!
Since summer does go quickly, I like to create a "Summer Bucket List" in the beginning of June and add something different to my calendar each day. Since I have kids, my husband and I let them help with our selections too.
If having plans every day is too much for you during the summer, plan just a couple days a week so time doesn't get away from you. Pinterest has lots of ideas to search through if this is something you'd like to add so you start back to school in August relaxed and rejuvenated!
Recommended reading for more ideas:
The Zen Teacher: Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom by Dan Tricarico
*This was my favorite pool reading last summer!
ReflectionReflection is an amazing way to process what went well this year and what you want to change for next year. I use these questions from a Passion Planner I've used in the past. I may not follow it exactly, but it helps me with the reflection process. There are tons of reflection templates online as well. Questions you can start with... 1. What went well? 2. What didn't go well? 3. What are my next steps? 4. What resources will I need to help me accomplish my goal(s). I find it helpful to write answer these in a journal so I can look back at my responses. Look for "Bullet Journal" layouts and ideas if this sound like something you'd be interested in starting. |  |
Relevant Learning
Last summer, I joined Kasey Bell's Teachable course to prepare myself to become a Google Certified Trainer. I figured if I was serious about it, I may as well prepare well the first time so I didn't have to apply more than once. It's not free, but it's worth it! I was able to apply and get accepted on the first try thanks to Kasey and her amazing resources. This summer, she has lots of courses available!
You'll have to act fast for the best deal, enrollment closes at midnight CST on June 10th.
Click the button below to join today!
You'll have to act fast for the best deal, enrollment closes at midnight CST on June 10th.
Click the button below to join today!
Here are some of the other online learning options I've looked into:
If I wasn't already signed up for 3 of Kasey's courses, one virtual course through College of Charleston, and one week of being a counselor for Engaging Creative Minds... then I'd sign up for one of these for sure!
- Cult of Pedagogy's Jennifer Gonzalez has an amazing blog, podcast and has courses available.
- Kasey Bell and Matt Miller have a podcast together called Google Teacher Tribe. If you haven't listened yet, go ahead and catch up this summer! It will be worth your time! They have kept me company every Monday morning on the way to work for a while now. #gttribe @gteachertribe
- Matt Miller has Teachable course called Tech to Learn. You can sign up here.
If I wasn't already signed up for 3 of Kasey's courses, one virtual course through College of Charleston, and one week of being a counselor for Engaging Creative Minds... then I'd sign up for one of these for sure!
Reading | Reading is one of my favorite ways to relax, rejuvenate, and stay relevant all at once. My stack is a little out of control, but there are so many good books out there for educators! This stack is missing some my newest additions... The Zen Teacher (mentioned above) Shake Up Learning by Kasey Bell - Obviously, she's one of my favorite #edurockstars! Ditch That Homework by Matt Miller and Alice Keeler Onward by Elena Aguilar Culturize by Jimmy Casas * This one is literally on the way thanks to my Amazon Prime addiction. |
Looking for other reading ideas? Just search Amazon for Dave Burgess Publishing and you'll have plenty of amazing books to choose from!
What's on your Summer Agenda?
I'd love to hear what your summer plans are! Connect with me on Twitter or leave a comment here. What ever you do to get ready for the next school year, I hope you have a wonderful summer.
I'll be working on some new resources including planning tools, Google PD, Hyperdocs for classroom use and more! Check back soon.
As always, thanks for reading!
~Pam @specialtechie
I'll be working on some new resources including planning tools, Google PD, Hyperdocs for classroom use and more! Check back soon.
As always, thanks for reading!
~Pam @specialtechie
Author
I'm an Innovative Learning Coordinator in Berkeley County South Carolina and a Google Certified Trainer.
I have 25 years of experience teaching K-8 special ed., General Ed., and instructional & technology coaching.
Since I enjoy technology more than some, I started this blog for educators who love it too. Thanks for visiting!
Archives
August 2022
July 2022
July 2021
May 2021
February 2021
January 2021
October 2020
August 2020
July 2020
June 2020
May 2020
April 2020
March 2020
February 2020
January 2020
December 2019
November 2019
August 2019
June 2019
May 2019
March 2019
February 2019
January 2019
December 2018
November 2018
September 2018
July 2018
June 2018
May 2018
April 2018
February 2018
January 2018
November 2017
October 2017
August 2017
June 2017
May 2017
February 2017
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
September 2015
August 2015
March 2015
January 2015
November 2014
July 2014
June 2014
May 2014
Short Cuts
All
Apps
Back To School
Bitmojis
Blended Learning
Blogging Buddies
Blogs
Books
Choice Board
Chrome
Close Reading
Coaching
Conferences
COVID-19
Edcamp
Edmodo
Edtechteam
#educoach
End Of The Year
E-Text
FETC
Google
Google Calendar
Google Certified Trainer
Google Classroom
Google Docs
Google Drawings
#GoogleET
Google Forms
Google Keep
Google Sheets
Google Slides
GSuite
#GSuiteEDU
#GSuiteUDL
HyperDocs
ISTE
Lesson Planning
My One Word
NotAtISTE
Personalized Learning
PLC's
PledgeCents
PLN
Podcasts
#PottyPD
Productivity
Professional Development
Remote Learning
Sketchnoting
Slides
Social Media
Summer
Twitter
UDL
Videos
Wakelet
Websites
RSS Feed