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#TeachSC Inspired!
Anyone who knows me, knows I love a good Twitter chat! I learn so much from other people in such a short period of time. It's the best FREE PD out there! Jed Dearybury leads a great chat every Tuesday night from 8:00-9:00 EST called #TeachSC. It's a chat sponsored by the Palmetto State Teacher Association, but anyone can join!
Re-Think EDU
This is not the "official" name of the chat on 2/26/19, just the name I gave it to remember what the chat was about. If you want to read all the tweets during this chat, check out this Wakelet collection.
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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 |
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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. |
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.
Update: 11/25/18 |
Read my follow up post to sign up for one of Kasey Bell's courses!
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Click the image for Kasey's post!
I was so excited to have the opportunity to talk to Kasey Bell for this interview! She's been my go-to resource for years now!
I started listening to the Google Teacher Tribe as soon as it began over 2 years ago, so I feel like I talk to her every week. Last summer, I participated in the Shake Up Learning Google Certified Trainer course through Teachable, so I watched Kasey's videos and learned from her all summer long. Really, by the time we spoke for this interview, I felt like I was catching up with an old friend!
So, I got to geek out for a little bit with this #edurockstar and share my love of all things Google. We also got to chat about our first in-person meeting at FETC in January! I'm #superexcited!
There's still time to join us at FETC (I'm presenting too), click here to register with a discount using promo code HUBLER19.
I started listening to the Google Teacher Tribe as soon as it began over 2 years ago, so I feel like I talk to her every week. Last summer, I participated in the Shake Up Learning Google Certified Trainer course through Teachable, so I watched Kasey's videos and learned from her all summer long. Really, by the time we spoke for this interview, I felt like I was catching up with an old friend!
So, I got to geek out for a little bit with this #edurockstar and share my love of all things Google. We also got to chat about our first in-person meeting at FETC in January! I'm #superexcited!
There's still time to join us at FETC (I'm presenting too), click here to register with a discount using promo code HUBLER19.
Want to become a Google Certified Trainer too?
If becoming Google Certified Trainer is one of your professional goals for the future, I highly recommend taking Kasey's course! It will give you everything you need to know and more!
Click here to join the wait list, it opens November 20th! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me on Twitter @specialtechie (for the fastest response) or leave a comment.
As always, thanks for reading! ~Pam
Click here to join the wait list, it opens November 20th! If you have any questions, feel free to contact me on Twitter @specialtechie (for the fastest response) or leave a comment.
As always, thanks for reading! ~Pam
Problem:
In the beginning of this year, I started a new job as a Reading Coach for a K-8 school. I asked about how PLC's ran, what worked, what didn't work, etc. During that discussion, my Principal asked how we could improve the communication between administration and the teachers asking questions or needing feedback during PLC's if they weren't able to attend.
In previous years, the Reading Coach had a great PLC agenda/notes template, but knowing when they were filled out or even if there were questions was hard for administration to keep up with. Our Principal really wanted to know if she could get a notification each time a PLC was held, but using a Google Team Drive, she'd have to just check the folders every day or watch the activity panel. We all know that is a time consuming task and not very productive. I knew we could use our GSuite tools to do it, just needed to figure out the best way to use them effectively! I'm sure there are add-ons and extensions for this, but we needed to keep it simple to be productive.
In previous years, the Reading Coach had a great PLC agenda/notes template, but knowing when they were filled out or even if there were questions was hard for administration to keep up with. Our Principal really wanted to know if she could get a notification each time a PLC was held, but using a Google Team Drive, she'd have to just check the folders every day or watch the activity panel. We all know that is a time consuming task and not very productive. I knew we could use our GSuite tools to do it, just needed to figure out the best way to use them effectively! I'm sure there are add-ons and extensions for this, but we needed to keep it simple to be productive.
Solution:
I racked my brain and searched for easy solutions, I knew there had to be a way!
I guess I never really stopped thinking about it, then it literally came to me first thing the next morning as if I was still working on the problem in while I slept! Here's what I did...
I guess I never really stopped thinking about it, then it literally came to me first thing the next morning as if I was still working on the problem in while I slept! Here's what I did...
#GSuiteUDL Resources:
Thanks for coming today! Here is the link to my presentation in case you missed something or want to do some research on your own. Keep the conversation going on Twitter using the hashtag #GSuiteUDL and show us how you implement technology and UDL in your classroom this year. There will be a follow up blog post for those who weren't able to attend the session in person. #sharingiscaring
UDL Resources:
Click the image below for more information on UDL and CAST.
| udl_graphic_organizer.pdf |
#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 |
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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!
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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