Supporting Technology in Your School

If you're an administrator, you might sometimes wonder how you can support teachers in your building when it comes to integrating technology into the curriculum.  Remember, staying up to date with technology as an administrator is just as critical as it is for classroom teachers.  Here's a few people you can add to your PLN:

If you're a "Pinner," here's a board for you to follow:  Jennifer Phillips, Ed Tech and Social Media
If you're a "Tweeter," here's a great new lead for you: Jen Sigrist

As we move towards the Common Core, we have a greater need than ever to focus on technology integration.  Not only is technology embedded in the Core Standards, but we also aid in student's learning, understanding, and innovation when we use their tools to meet learning goals and objectives.  Here's a middle school project idea to meet Common Core Standards for all core subjects of math, ELA, science, and social studies:

"Your community is redeveloping and wants to find a way to bring families and neighborhoods together.  A plot of land has been set aside to build a park.  Your group must research other parks and poll community members to make conclusions about what the community would like to see in the new park.  After collecting data, you will design a prototype model to present to the project development board as well as publications in the form of brochures or videos to attract visitors.  You will integrate maps and pictures into your publications."

An example project such as the one above would involve critical thinking in the form of evaluation, analysis, and synthesis.  Students would be involved in researching using Internet tools and would compile the collected data in a spreadsheet so preferences could be easily graphed.  Interactive maps could be accessed for layout, and students would use a variety of tools to experience geometry in the real world.  Students will write rough drafts and publish finished products as a community resource using visual literacy skills.

Although the above is an example for middle school, it could be adapted for both high school and upper elementary classes.  If you need resources for grade levels that do not fit either of these categories, please contact me.

I'd love to come work with your school during a PLC or other PD day to show you how technology tools can be used to meet CCSS. Check out my calendar for availability:



 

Creating Your PLN

In my last post, I gave the reasons for creating a PLN.  Here's a few quick links with tutorials demonstrating how to create various accounts for your PLN.


Creating a Twitter Account:

Creating a Pinterest PLN:

Use them on your computer or with mobile apps to stay connected!

Developing a Learning Network

How do we depend on networks in our lives?
How will you continue to depend on a network as professionals?

Technology changes so fast that it's hard to keep up with it.  As soon as you get used to one application, something new has taken its place.  Staying ahead of the curve can take a conscious effort.  

Many professionals use Web 2.0 tools to stay connected. You may hear this referred to as a "PLN," or Personal Learning Network. A popular one is Twitter, and recently, Pinterest has become a highly desired choice.  When choosing how you'll develop your Personal Learning Network, you need to consider what works for you and the time you have.  Here's a breakdown of each:


Twitter:

• Online social network
• There's an app for that
• Short, concise information
• Typically links to other sites
• Sometimes has inspiring messages
• Easy to follow leaders in Ed Tech

Pinterest:

• Online visual bookmarking service
• There's an app for that
• Easy to categorize information using boards
• Links to other sites and blogs

Developing a solid PLN is a good way to stay in the know.  

Here's an example of how I use Twitter:
My Twitter Feed
My Twitter EdTech list (This is a custom list I made of Tweeters that specifically provide information I use regularly)

Here are links to my Pinterest boards dealing with education:

Technology Integration

Non-Techy Education

Flipped Classroom

You must decide two things.  First, what are you looking for in a PLN? Do you want to keep up with innovators, cool sites, great leaders, or new tools?  What makes the difference is who you choose to follow.  Something else to remember is that it's important to contribute if you're wanting to learn from others. Taking but not providing won't get you far for long.

Before you build your PLN, decide what you're looking for.  Create a checklist of items you want to see from people (or companies) you'll follow to develop a PLN. This will be anything that you think will keep you in the loop with new technologies and/or ideas to use technology in the classroom.  Then, use the checklist to create your PLN.  You could choose to use a variety of social media, like Facebook or YouTube. This will help keep you abreast with new information and new technologies.