Time to Reflect

     For one of my masters classes, we've been asked to write a reflection on our learning throughout the course. To say that I've enjoyed this class would be an understatement. It got to the very heart of what I love. Using technology in the classroom.
     While I still am not completely comfortable with wikis, I feel that is what I learned the most about in this class. Even though we only spent a short time working with wikis, I was extremely unfamiliar with them to begin with, but now, I feel a little more at ease. I am in the process of trying to develop a simple way to use a wiki with my fifth graders. I want to start with something simplistic as they are learning to use the tool, but I also want it to be purposeful so that they see value in the process and product.
     The idea of using technology as a purposeful tool is what had helped to deepen my understanding of the teaching and learning processes. It is so easy just to use technology as just a different way of doing the same thing. Dr. David Thornburg brought this to light in one of our very first media segments for this class. There is a difference between doing different things and doing the same things differently. A PowerPoint presentation is no different than a poster presentation. However, it can be different if we think outside the box. Make it interactive, incorporate audio, video, etc. Students have to be allowed and encouraged to do things differently! If our goal when assigning a student project is to assess students on what they know and can do, does it matter what vehicle they use? No! Technology gives innumerable opportunities for students to show us what they know and can do. As teachers, we need to get out of their way and let them show us.
     This leads directly into the shift from teacher-centered classrooms to student-centered classrooms. In order for technology to be used at its full potential, it is imperative for this shift to take place. Teachers can no longer stand in the front of the classroom and expect students to open up their minds and have a transfer of knowledge just happen. As a former biology teacher of mine used to say to his students, "The learning process does not happen by osmosis. You can sleep with your biology book under your pillow and pray for the knowledge to transfer, but you'll never learn anything unless you get off your duff and do something." He was quite the character, but there is a nugget of truth to his statement. As teacher's we must adopt that mantra as well. We can't expect learning to take place if we just try to transfer our own knowledge over to students. Until they act, and until teachers encourage and coach them to act, learning will be come stagnant.
     As I look forward toward expanding my knowledge to help increase student achievement, I will continue to use blogs as a resource for instructional tools and ideas. I want to search for resources to help me improve my usage of wikis and blogs in my fifth grade classroom.
     The first goal I would like to set for myself and my fifth grade classroom. I would like to incorporate wikis into two of the four units I teach in reading/language arts. I would also like to start a wiki for fifth grade math. I'm not entirely sure how I will do this, but it is something that I would like to look at over the summer and hopefully begin implementation in the fall of next school year.
     The second goal is to help our elementary go 1:1. Right now most classrooms are around 2:1, but with a mixture of tools. For example, in my room we have 8 macbooks, 3 iPads, and to iMacs. I'd like to see each student in grades 4-6 have a macbook and in K-3 have iPads. I will work with our Technology coordinator to see if there is a grant that I could assist in writing to help aid with the purchase. Also, I would like to offer myself to help lead professional development in the uses of technology in the elementary classroom.
     When I look back to my checklist from week one, I feel that I have moved from "sometimes" to "often" in a couple categories. The first two go together. I feel I have done a better job of modeling reflective practices and also enabling student to take responsibility of their own learning. In the past eight weeks, I have really encouraged my students to look at their work and their effort. I've been better about offering the rubric for grading as they are working so that they have a clear understanding of the expectation, and I can say that the quality of work that I am seeing from them has improved! Then next category in which I've made some gains is seeking out other professionals to further my professional growth. I have greatly enjoyed and gained insight from searching out and following blogs, as well as the discussions I have had with my colleagues within our discussion forums.
     This has been an incredibly informative and transformative class for myself and I am excited to continue to further my education.

P21...

     The Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Oh, to be an exemplar school... I am lucky, however, to at least be in a state that has partnered with the cause. Iowa currently has two schools that have been "crowned" as being exemplar schools for their work with 21st Century Skills. In the class I took through the University of Northern Iowa called "Technology in Education", we talked about and briefly reviewed this website. I was fortunate, in that, one of my classmates taught at VanMeter as they began their work as an exemplar school. The insight he gave to some of the things that they were doing was fabulous.
    I love the idea of the 3 R's (Reading, Writing, and Math) and the 4 C's (critical thinking and problem solving, communication, collaboration, and creativity and innovation) working together to cultivate our students into the type of citizens we want them to be. What I can't get my brain to wrap around, is the time factor. How am I supposed to find the time to allow students to be creative and innovative when it seems like there aren't enough hours in the day?
     I would love the opportunity to sit down with an educator from an exemplar school and just ask questions. Find out what their day looks like, their curriculum, their assessments, their schedule. I see the value and I desire the shift, I just need help in seeing the vehicle and the path.

Blogging in the Classroom

I have to admit, I have in the past been leery of blogging in my fifth grade classroom. I just assumed that students weren't ready or that it would just be more work for me. I have to say though, I was very inspired by Kathy Martin's clip on blogging in the classroom. I thought she made some great points about how much more "aware" students were with their writing when they knew other people (besides the teacher) would see it. I liked the idea of giving them a rubric to help them self-assess their writing before posting. In fact, my colleagues and I are in the process of creating a universal rubric for all fifth and sixth grade students to use with their writing. We feel that by having the exact same expectations for writing, no matter which class or subject, that we will be creating stronger writers.
When I think about how to use blogging in my fifth grade class, I really like the idea that was given in the video. I like the prompts and then the expectation that students respond to at least two peers. I'd like to try to post a prompt on a weekly basis. The topics covered in those prompts could range from content areas to hypothetical questions regarding character traits. (Kind of like that TV show, "What Would You Do?"). Blogging would be great as a formative assessment in content areas. Not only could initial posts be used, but their responses to peers could also be great data to indicate understanding.
I actually have a fifth grade blog already started, but we only use it in the summer as a way for students to share books they are reading. Nothing more than a quick description of the book and peer responses of "I read that!" or "I loved that book!". They never really dug deeper. I tried to invoke more discussion, but it was summer and it was hard to engage them. I am excited about the prospect of bringing it into the classroom to use on a regular basis!

Introducing...

     Welcome to my blog, fellow Walden students! I started this blog a couple of years ago, however, I will admit, I stink at blogging. I should say, I don't stink at blogging, I stink at making/taking time to do it. :-)
     Just a quick introduction about myself, I am 33 years old and have been happily married for 12 years (will be 13 in June) to my husband, Dan. We have three sons. Trace who is 10 years old and loves to play football and wrestle. He played his second year of tackle football this fall and is competing in his 3rd year of wrestling. He is doing very well this year and so far has posted a 21-4 record with 18 of those 21 wins being pins! Needless to say, he is growing up and we are very proud of him! Our middle son, Cory, is 7 and LOVES his Legos! That kid will spend hours just building wonderfully creative "things". He has just started Tae Kwon Do this fall and is really enjoying that. He broke his first board and was incredibly pleased with himself. Let's be honest, mom was, too. He is looking forward to this fall as he will be able to start playing tackle football just like big brother. Dawson is the youngest and is 4. He is full of energy and spunk! There is never a dull moment with that child in the room. He loves his brothers with all his heart, but also loves to antagonize and annoy them, too. He loves any thing with a motor and loves being on the farm with Daddy.
     As for Dan and I, well our time is spent chasing these boys. We also love the Iowa Hawkeyes, New England Patriots, and Dale Earnhart, Jr. If the TV is on in our house there is probably some sort of sporting event being televised.
     I teach fifth grade in a small school in rural Iowa. We are a small and very tight-knit community. Where we may lack in numbers, we make up for in enthusiasm and school spirit! I look forward to this class and learning all sorts of wonderful tips and tidbits from all of you!

Introduction Using GoAnimate.com

      My first assignment for Dr. Z was to create a new way to introduce yourself to the class. We were charged with using a medium that we were not familiar with. I chose goanimate.com. Loved it! In fact, I just used it's student version, domo.goanimate.com for my fifth graders to create their own "retells" of a traditional fairy tale! Students were so engaged with technology and learning! It was incredible!
      I hope you enjoy my quick introduction!

What does a Technology Coordinator do?

So, for the latest endeavor on my long road toward a masters in Instructional Technology, Dr. Z has asked that we research the duties of a Technology Coordinator. While pondering this assignment, I had thought that I would be able to accurately create a concept map illustrating these duties. I spent all of last school year as an "assistant" of sorts to our district's technology coordinator. Our high school went 1-to-1 last year and the administration felt that would be helpful to have a teacher who was comfortable with technology to be a coach, of sorts, for staff and students. I enjoyed my time as a technology coach and felt that working so closely with the technology coordinator, I would have a deeper insight to the "real" duties of a TC. I must say, I fell short.  Below you will find my "pre-interview" concept map.

Our school also switch TCs mid-October of this year. So, the person I spent last year with, is not the same one whom I interviewed for this assignment. Tom Hehli has been working with technology since 1981 when he started his work with PCs and Main Frames. He started working in the Public System in 2005 as a Technology Coordinator. I am fortunate in the fact, that, although I have returned to the classroom as a fifth grade teacher, Tom recognizes me as a teacher who is ready and willing to try anything new when it comes to technology. So, I get to be the "guinea pig" of sorts when it comes to trying something new.
When I sat down with Tom, I can't say that I was surprised by some of the duties that I had missed. I honestly, just didn't even think about it. It's all those "behind the scenes" things that you just don't think about. I knew he was in charge of the telephone, alarms, and bells. I knew he had to manage all the machines on the school's network, but it wasn't until he mentioned that number (510) that I realized what a huge undertaking it is. Below you'll see my "post-interview" concept map.

While I had most of the "big" duties mapped, again, I failed to remember all those "other" duties that someone has to take care of. I think staff would be astounded if they realized what, exactly, a TC does. Until I saw it on paper, I didn't realize it myself.
On a side note, one thing that I have experienced first hand, is the type of mentality a Technology Coordinator must have. Honestly, they really should be a teacher at heart. Because that's what they are. They should be able to handle being asked to help with technological issues that can sometimes seem "simple" to them, but to the teacher or student who is experiencing the problem, it is NOT simple and should be treated with respect and compassion. I have seen situations in which this has not been the case. We are very fortunate at North Mahaska to have a Technology Coordinator who does have this mentality. When asked about the parts of the job he enjoys, Tom's reply was,  "Interaction with the staff and students. I never get upset if they need help. I enjoy it and always try to educate them whenever possible. Know one should every be afraid to ask for help. If they are then, I am doing something wrong."
As I reflect upon the duties that I have "uncovered", I realize that I don't believe that being a Technology Coordinator is for me. While I would thoroughly enjoy the support, training, and maintenance, the administrative duties are just not for me. I appreciate all that Technology Coordinators do. Without them, none of the fabulous technological opportunities that teacher's work to create for their students would be possible.

(See Q&A w/ Tom below)
What is the size and level of your school/district?

How long have you been a technology coordinator? I started working or on PC's and Main Frames starting in 1981 and it took off from there. I started working in the Public System as a Technology Coordinator in 2005.

What do you envision as your primary role in your position? Hardware & software support, help desk functions, training staff as a group or in a 1 to 1 situation. The most important thing to do is to acknowledge the person(s) problem, find a solution and follow through. If they ask the same question once or several times, be polite and answer their question. I tell the staff of students to never start you question with,"I have a stupid question to ask you." There is no such thing.

Please list ALL of your duties as a technology coordinator. (OK, so buy her/him another cup of coffee.) We are an Apple 1 to 1 school, here goes. We have about 510 apple devices on our network. I support (Apple): MacBooks, MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, iPads, iPods, Mac Minis, Mac Xserves, Mac Mini servers with RAID arrays. Apple TV's. We have a Moodle Server, 2 Video servers and multiple cameras, buzzer system, 4 backup devices, iBoss Content Filter, SonicWall firewall, a Rukus Enterprise Wireless system, Casper Server, Telephone System, Clock system, Epson projectors with Interactive capabilities,  Copier/printers and I am in the process of obtaining bids for a new phone, clock and paging system. Staff Development and administration support. I do the yearly E-Rate paperwork for the District.

What sort of assistance do you receive in doing your job? I have a 5-6 Geek squad which will help with the K-6 grade. I have a student helper that works with me every 7th and 8h hour. There is a staff member which takes care of the Web site and will help me whenever they can.

What are the parts of the job that you really enjoy? Interaction with the staff and students. I never get upset if they need help. I enjoy it and always try to educate them whenever possible. Know one should every be afraid to ask for help. If they are then, I am doing something wrong.

What parts of the job would you rather have someone else do? Purchase orders.

If you could restructure your position and responsibilities, how would you do it? I would approach a Project, Project management. Re-define Support by hardware, software, training, staff and student support, repairs in-house and by Apple, define the 1, 3, and 5 year goals and build outs.

What words of wisdom do you have for successfully Coordinating Technology in an Educational Setting? Computer and software are ONLY tools. Technology must be infused into the teaching environment and used effectively. Listening to someone give a book report is interesting however, it could be so much more. Imagine if a student created the book report using Garage Band and created a Pod cast. The narration could include videos, pictures and sound which, would not just tell the story but, stretch the imagination.

Here's to Your Health...

      Ok, so I went back and read my last post and I had commented on what a horrible blogger I was and that I was going to try to blog more regularly. So much for that... that was May 1. Oops. ;-)
      Yesterday I posted on Facebook that I was going to try something new to help me lose some weight. I have tried for the good part of a year to watch what I eat, count calories, etc. My husband has been on the same journey, both of us kind of doing our own thing. In his words "I just don't eat as much." It has totally worked for him. He's lost somewhere between 30-40 lbs! He looks AMAZING! :-) If I'm honest, though, I have to say that I am jealous. He keeps telling me that #1 - He's a guy and #2 - He hasn't had three kids. I get that, but its still frustrating. I am so incredibly proud of him, but I want to experience the same success.
      In May I started going to Boot Camp Madness for 3 reasons. #1 - to help with weight loss; #2 - to get healthy and toned; and #3 - I just LOVE anything active! I have loved going to BCM. In fact, since May 1, I have gotten up every morning at 4:40 to go work out. Anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a morning person. But I really have not had a problem getting out of bed. I feel so good when I'm done working out, that I don't want to miss it. I've missed only 3 times. Once for sickness and twice because I overslept. (It happens to the best of us) Reasons #2 and #3 have been fulfilled... I am definitely healthier and more toned than I was 10 weeks ago and I love it! Now on to my #1 reason for starting BCM... weight loss. Zilch, nada, nothing, big 'ol freakin' goose egg... Ok, I'll be honest, maybe 3-5 lbs, but it fluctuates so much that I can't keep track of it. Lately I have been so frustrated and depressed at the lack of movement on the scale, that I really didn't know what else to do.
      I had shared my feelings with my workout partner, Jeana, at BCM one morning and the very next day she came back so excited about a book that she had read the night before. The Belly Fat Cure. The author of this book explains how much of the reason people plateau or can't lose weight to begin with is because they aren't attacking the really problems: Sugars and Carbs. These are the culprits when it comes to fat storage, especially around the belly... MY problem area. So, yesterday I began. Basically, you don't worry about counting calories, you just watch your sugars and carbs. I can have 15g of sugars a day and 6 servings of carbs. Anything less than 5 carbs you don't count, 5-20 = 1 serving, 21-40 = 2 servings, 41+ = 3 servings. Anything more than that and you really shouldn't be eating it! You would not believe some of the "healthy" foods that are packed with sugars and carbs. For example: A Lean Cuisine meal has 47 CARBS and 14g of sugar!!!! That is almost your entire daily allotment in one little meal! Wow.
      Another reason that was in the back of my mind for starting this new way of eating, (hesitate to call it a diet, because a diet implies that you will only do it until you've reached your goal. This is a life-style change) is that diabetes runs very prevalent in my family (especially my dad's side). I have got to get things under control now, for the sake of my children.
      Who knows if or how much weight I'll lose by making this changes. (I had Dan hide the scale so that I quit tormenting myself) I have my physical on the 17th, so I'll be weighed then. Time will tell. Bottom line, I know I'll be healthier than when I started.