My CTA (Call to Action) 15 minute reflection each day

My Call to Action - Reflection Last week after our #mnlead chat, I publicly promised (via Twitter) that I would try to carve at least 15 minutes each day to reflect on my learning as well as successes, challenges, and needs.   While it didn’t quite work out to reflect each day – I decided to compile a weeks worth of learning in several posts.

Each day, I highlighted my thinking, challenges, successes, or new things I am learning.   I have found it extremely valuable to think about my thinking and my own personal growth.   I would like to try and keep this up on at least a weekly basis.  Hope I can commit!

Keep learning… Geographic Information Systems

GIS - Designing for our Future

Image Credit – ESRI.Com

Did you know that schools in the state of MN can get a FREE site license for ESRI ArcGIS?  Today  (Friday) a couple of my teachers and I sat down with a rep from MDE and a GIS Analyst to discuss how we can adopt GIS (Geographic Information Systems) into our classrooms.  I never realized how powerful mapping can be and how applicable it is across the disciplines!  Check out this website (http://connected.esri.com/) to learn more how  teachers and students are utlizing the tool!  And they even have an iPad version/apps to support learning on the GO!  You can also visit MDE’s website to learn more about the initiative.

Celebrating #EduWins with #Edtech

Communicating Globally in Special Ed – Thursday was such a fun day.  @amberaslakson invited me into her classroom to observe her kids interviewing kids from Canada via Skype.  They are doing a book study with the canadians with the book  The 14th Goldfish.  They have been collaborating with kids via Edmodo and were ready to go live with a skype convo.  Something happened and the skype never occurred but I did enjoy my time interviewing the kids.  They were incredibly excited to share and my favorite moment was when one 6th grade student piped up and said – “Blog, I love to Blog. Its my favorite thing to do.”  These kids have had numerous skype discussions with kids all over the globe in @amberaslakson class and it shows.  I observed these kids had a deep understanding in communication etiquette in technology communication (whether online discussion board, responses to blogs, or skyping live).  This skill is incredibly invinvaluabled will take the a long way!!! Way to go!

Drawing by Byron MS Student

Not your Momma’s PE Class – Our HS PE class was  recognized for  innovating and personalizing physical education when our local news crew (KTTC) came for a 1 hour observation/interview.   This is a teacher led initiative and I am amazed at how far they have come in just 2 years.  Please take some time to watch the video – its just one way they are transforming PE.  I have also learned they are integrating iPads and ePortfolios as new forms of assessment.

One thing that resonated with me after a 1:1 conversation with a PE teacher,  was how our district’s vision set the stage for these teachers taking it upon themselves to innovate in their program. They also took action when our superintendent stood up in front of the entire staff and said we should not be afraid of failure.  So many things are unknown when you begin to transform your classroom, school, district.  I am so thankful they took some risks as it is benefiting our students! THANK YOU!

Kttc Story - PE

Observing iPad use in classrooms – Next Tuesday, Nov 18, teachers from Rochester Public Schools will be coming over to Byron to observe the integration of iPads to support learning and teaching in our MS/HS classrooms.  I sent out an All Call for teachers to sign up for the event.  Boy – did my teachers represent! Here is our list.    Our teachers definitely doing some amazing things…and this is a great opportunity for me to learn from them.   My take away – I think I will take this opportunity and go on a tour of these classrooms as well.  CANT WAIT!

Thinking about leadership and my own professional growth

I have been doing some soul searching on my own leadership qualities to better understand how I can improve.  Our district leadership team did a StrengthsFinder assessment several months ago.  Its amazing how a self assessment can tell you a little about yourself.  Below are my findings. In my mind, it pretty much nailed who I am.

MY TOP 5 STRENGTHS (my report – pdf)
1 Futuristic
2 Strategic
3 Ideation
4 Self-Assurance
5 Arranger

I also completed a Meyers Briggs Self Assessment via 16personalities.com and again… similar themes came out.  After taking the assessment twice  – my personality type did not change. I am considered an ENTP.  I enjoyed reading what an ENTP’s strengths and weaknesses.  And, frankly that is me in a nutshell.  Tonight I did a little more research on ENTP’s and this wikipedia reference really resonated with me… “ENTPs are quick to see complex interrelationships between people, things, and ideas.”  I really enjoy listening and learning about new topics/ideas and seeing how they relate to my work….

However, this week I am struggling a bit.  Our district recently switched to the Marzano Framework for Teaching/Learning (Pdf of the criteria).  I will admit.  When I look at the teacher side of the framework – I can see exactly where technology has a role.  There isnt a single domain, element that is not relevant to edtech and I can easily provide samples/examples where edtech has a place for each!

BUT, this year, I am being assessed on the Marzano District Leadership Framework (learning map – PDF). This is where I struggle.  Usually I can see relationships of ideas/content to my role and edtech. But I am having a difficult time relating the leadership elements to myself. It is  very frustrating that I can not see the link!  I took the self assessment in iObservation and found that I could barely relate to the scales and wound up in the “Developing” mark in many of the elements.    This assessment does not correlate to my StrengthsFinder assessment or my MeyersBriggs self assessment.   I can look at our strategic plan – and immediately relate to what I can do to improve myself and my department to support our organization.  But, it is not very clear with the Marzano side.  This is a time where I would LOVE to communicate with people like me.  Tech Directors who are using and being evaluated on this same framework.  Know of any?

While I share frustration – my growth mindset says – keep moving forward.  Eventually it will make sense.  I hope I can look at this blog post 6mos and realize where I went wrong in my thinking. Can’t wait for that lightbulb moment!

Thinking about online learning and Web 2.0

I had an aha moment on Tuesday.  I am about mid way through facilitating my eLearning Certification course and realized my course needed updating… again.   I have revised this course numerous times and have come to realize – course revision is never done.

1st Revision – Throughout my course  I have flipped learning resources, I have online resources (for fully oll classes) but I do not have hybrid resources. Everyone who attends my course come for different reasons and  hybrid learning is a becoming a high demand, at least in our high school.  While many of the resources for fully OLL apply to hybrid learning – I do feel, I need to provide options for educators.  That way they can choose their own path.  (Speaking of choosing their own path – I always encourage educators to bring their own research and resources to the table for discussion).

Its time to do some weeding.  I  recognize that some of my resources – are 10-12 years old. Are they still applicable?  Maybe yes.   Maybe no.  Its time to review my resources so that my course is fresh and more importantly – relevant.

2nd Revision – I had a Google Hangout with Dave Eisenmann (@DaveEisenmann) regarding  a presentation we are doing at the Ties Conference this December – 1:1 Implementation: Professional Development Beyond Year One.  It’s been a while since I have reflected on all of the ways we try to provide staff opportunities to receive PD/Coaching to support their integration.  One of the goals we have, is to increase the transformative learning opportunities in our classrooms.  This is based on the SAMR model.  I reflected again on my eLearning certification course.  No mention of SAMR and very little reference to Apps.  I have oodles of Web 2.0 options – but in a 1:1 iPad district – it sure would make sense to reference learning/assessment opportunities with iPad apps.

I made a few minor adjustments now and intend to make a major one after I am done facilitating this course..  In my Assessment Unit, teachers create activities/assessments based on learning objectives and upper level Blooms Taxonomy in Moodle.  We have a couple of other activities that build up to this moment so  I added the following resources to support those activities.  I scoured the Internet to find the perfect resource.  So many app resources (like the top 1000 apps for schools- YIKES) but settled on finding resources that were more specific to my unit.  I eventually will generate my own  list – but was satisfied with the links/resources below.

Below is a graphic that I saw a few weeks ago… another resource for my course!  I always try to blend resources to include images, videos, text, podcasts, ect and this infographic is perfect for what I hope to accomplish in my course.

Using iPad apps for real world learning epxperiences

Image Credit – Ipad 4 Schools – http://ipad4schools.org/2013/07/13/making-ipad-kids-think-big/

 3rd Revision (possibly) – I am wondering if the word Online Learning and Web2.0 should be eliminated from my course.  They seem to be some what dated.  I remember reading a tweet – “Can we stop calling it Online Learning – and just call it learning?”  (No reference).  I think that goes the same with Web 2.0.   Web 2.0 sites and Apps are just learning tools.  Maybe its time to stop segregating technology tools with analog tools.  What do you think?

Testing and promoting our makerspace green screen

My HS Media Specialist has been working on creating a HS Makerspace in our media center.  We actually have a small room, right next to our library that is the perfect space.  She recently installed a mobile green screen.  (green fabric and a curtain rod).  The room is great for video recording as you can shut the door to get better audio quality.  We also purchased an iPad/tablet mount for a tripod and 2 external microphones (lavalier and handheld) for better sound quality.  The app of choice  – TouchCast.

On Monday, we decided to test it.  So much fun!  Literally in 30 seconds I had a video of myself, on a beach.  The video – could definitely use some work and we need to play around with lighting and settings of the app.  BUT, even though the quality was not there,  I couldn’t resist and  sent the video out to our entire HS staff.  This immediately sparked teacher interest.  I look forward to this technology getting in the hands of our students and watching them creatively make their video artifacts  more interactive and engaging. So much fun!