Over the winter break, I set up Google Classroom for each subject in my classroom. I really want to get away from learners submitting work in paper form as well as me making paper copies for them to use. I also thing this is a great way for me to monitor students' work status and submission from anywhere (without having to lug a bunch of papers around).
Today was the first day of my learners using Google Classroom, but I think they are VERY excited about it! They are also really good at navigating the site, since we use technology so much in my classroom. I can't wait until they start submitting assignments! I wish I could have had Google Classroom when I was in school.
I love getting to learn, explore, and implement all of these new technology tools that I am exposed to. Thanks Ms. Knight for showing me this awesome tool!
This is what it looks like (see pics).
Even though the training this week was only 3 days long and we did get let out earlier than I expected we would (I appreciate that), I learned SO much!
One thing I learned was that I was born to teach in Coppell ISD. Seriously. I absolutely LOVE how supportive, innovative, and genuinely happy everyone is! People (including me) were excited each day to learn new things, and all of the wonderful presenters clearly love their jobs. (Love is apparently going to be a resounding theme in this post.) We did all of the activities the presenters had planned for us with enthusiasm. This is the place to be! It was like being a kid in school again. Anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE and miss being in school!!
I'd like to share some key aspects of the various presentations. It will help me internalize my learning, but also, I'm a GRRRREAT note-taker. If you didn't take that many notes during the week, you're in luck! Here goes:
Tracey Wallace said:
- If you don't miss any days for sick or personal, you get $500!! If you miss only 1 day, you get $200. I don't know about you, but that is a nice little goal to work towards. Could help fund a summer vacation. Just sayin'.
- Set up yourself into the substitute system so that you can record absences if you need to!!
Planning for Technology Integration
- There's a time and a place for each level
- How do you DESIGN for technology integration?
- Start with the skills- Tech TEKS
- See what others are doing - Twitter
- Find a vehicle
- Ask for help
Curriculum and Instruction
- "If we teach today's students as we taught yesterday's, we rob them of tomorrow." John Dewey
- Tweet Beam- a place to show people's tweets as they come in- use a common hashtag.
- I think this is a cool way to share people's thoughts on a topic.
- The Learning Framework:
- Chapter 1: Environment
- Chapter 2: Learner/Educator
- Chapter 3: Curriculum Design
- Chapter 4: Learning Design
- Ch 4 Part 2: Learning design and Integration of Technology
- Chapter 5: Assessment
- Ch 5 Part 2: Grading Beliefs & Best Practices
We spent time with the Learning Framework and did many activities. I plan to use these in the classroom in various ways. They are described below:
- Swap Meet- students write 1-2 sentences of profound learning on a colored index card (provide 1 of each of multiple colors for each table group). They get up when done, music plays for 10 sec, and they walk around and locate someone with the same color card. When music stops, they share and discuss their cards, then switch cards. Repeat. Repeat, but they find someone with different color. Repeat until they have seen all of the different colors. Anyone left without a partner should be invited into a group. This is the norm.
- The Swap Meet worked well with the Learning Framework because there were different chapters that are all important that we needed an intro to so we can become familiar and "experts" on all.
- Using random and different materials, we then created a transformed and welcoming learning environment in groups. Materials used: Play-Dough, deck of cards, Lego blocks, etc
- We all participated in this, and had tons of fun! I noticed that when one group member came up with an awesome idea, it spurred even more creativity in the group. There was no limit to what we could make!
- After we finished designing a learning space, we had a gallery walk to see all the other group's learning spaces, but we left a "docent" behind at our table. This person was an expert that was there to explain our concept ideas and answer any questions.
- This kind of activity will give learners to become experts after practicing their speeches repeatedly. It also encourages creativity and group collaboration.
I am excited to use the strategies and activities above in my classroom! I am inspired more and more every time I attend professional learning. Thanks, CISD for providing such amazing learning experiences for the teacher learners!!!!
Priscilla
