Edscape- Why?

You drove over an hour on a Saturday to a workshop, why? A teacher from my school asked me. I traveled to New Jersey for Edscape. When I left, I was excited and a little sad as I was missing my son’s flag football game. I arrived early to listen to #satchat live, where the friendly aroma of Pepe’s pizza filled the air (which was brought by my friend @iplante Sharon Plante). It was a great discussion on our game changers in education. I realized how my philosophy of education has changed even more over the past year and a half since becoming connected. It was great to reconnect with Billy Krakower @wkrakower, Brad Currie @bradmcurrie, Sandra Paul @spaul6414 , Elissa Malespina @elissamalespina , Ross Cooper @RossCoops31 and Chris Casal @mr_casal during the live discussion.

We then went in for the keynote address by @stumpteacher. His speech made me realize I continually make excuses about not writing my thought/reflections. He inspired me to write this post and to write at least once a week moving forward. He discussed innovation days and passion projects. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about innovation. I recently applied for #GTTAX to become a Google Certified Teacher and the focus question was on innovation. The first session I attended was on innovation by @jcwastler. He is a passionate and inspirational leader from Maryland. He stated many conditions exist for innovation, including freedom to fail and empowering teachers and students. Innovation isn’t about what’s new, it’s about what’s better. He mentioned the book Pure Genius by Don Wettrick; "students need time to create their own learning experiences". I have already placed my order.

I’m working to transform libraries in my district to learning commons, so I went to @NMHS_lms session on maker spaces. She did an amazing job transforming her library and gave me many new ideas. If you build it, they will come. My greatest takeaway was that the space has to be owned by the students. Her library has a lounge, a little bits bar, a smart TV, 3D printers, fixed stations and rotating stations. It is an old library, but you can tell it is owned by the students.

My final session, Ed Perspectives was presented by @mssacktien and @bradcurrie. Starr, a hign school english teacher in New York talked about taking risks in education. This year, she is using @voxer with her students and she stopped her standard grading system. I have always tried to take calculated risks in my classroom. This year, I completely transformed my classroom (something that many in my school disagreed with). It was so great to meet and talk with Starr. She has inspired me to take even more risks. I truly believe that with great risk, comes great reward. I even had time to set up a collaborative project with @spaul6414 and was able to discuss planning EdCampSWCT, coming next march with @iplante and @atragg

Yesterday, was a great day of learning for me, but above all it was great to hang out with the amazing people. It was great to meet @E_Sheninger as he did a great job in organizing the event. When I returned home, my son said “Dad, I can’t believe you went to school to learn on a Saturday! You must love learning; I do too” This comment stopped me in my tracks as I realized “setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means” - Albert Einstein. As leaders in education, we are setting the example for others to follow. This is true for my children and fellow educators. Why did I travel to New Jersey on a Saturday? What should I tell my colluege? I ventured to New Jersey because I enjoy learning and hanging out with such an amazing group of leaders. It is personalized learning and more importantly, together we are better for kids. I proceeded to invite him to Ed Camp New Jersey in November. We shall see, one person at a time.

We put up Halloween decorations today. 

ISTE 2014- It's really about the people!

Over the past few months I heard about ISTE (International Society for Technology and Education). Many people spoke volumes about this conference. It made me want to attend to see what it was all about. I asked the district if I could go to this conference. To make a long story short-myself and another teacher @ebartush (she signed up for twitter two days before we went) were allowed to attend. 

It was 5 days learning. The amount of information is so overwhelming, it is like "drinking water from a fire hose." What made it so amazing? Was it the content? The ideas? No, it was the informal conversations I had with people. We arrived a day early and were able to participate in HackEd. I participated in a great discussion on @voxer led by @elissamalespina and @wkrakower. It is a truly versatile app in education and highly recommend it. We were then able to talk to @cybraryman about twitter and his famous pages.

Saturday through Tuesday, I saw so many inspirational discussions/workshops, by amazing educators/leaders such as @jasonmmarkey, @daiseydyerduerr, and @mccoyderek session on Principal Leadership. They inspired me to lead as an advocate and not focus on roadblocks. I saw great ignite sessions by @msmagiera, @techninjatodd , @tanyaavrith , @rafranzdavis and @kleinerin. I talked briefly with @techbradwaid and @techminock about @daqri. It is definitely something I will be bringing back to my school. I was able to meet @casas_jimmy, @mmiller7571 and talked with @colinwikan who had some great ideas on providing teachers with technology PD. I sat and talked with @ashleyhurley about her presentation and school life. She is such a great person, I was happy to have a discussion with her. 

In the end, what really meant the most to me was building a friendship with Brad Gustafson @gustafsonbrad. He is a Principal from Minnesota and the type of leader I aspire to be. He is so excited and passionate about learning. Brad has an attitude that anything can happen.  Every time I complimented him on his innovation practices, he complimented his staff. I have read about him prior to attending ISTE and was even signed up for his Digital Leadership Challenge (highly recommended). I never expected to spend 3 days talking education and family. He is an expert at using the @touchcastapp to tell his school's story. In an early discussion he mentioned making an ISTE video. I said let's do it. My colleague Eva said "why don't we make it centered around your one thing?" With the amazing Erin Klein sitting 15 ft away-the project began. We then spent two days, in between sessions, talking to around 20 educators about their passions and their "1" thing. All of the amazing leaders in education had a slightly different message. Compiled together we have a powerful message to share. The conference is over, I learned a lot, but more importantly I made a friend that makes we want to be better as a teacher, leader and person.  Thank you for everything Brad. Hope to reconnect at Edcampldr.
 

Implementing technology to break down the traditional walls of a classroom

The last few months have been very exciting and fast paced. I have been implementing technology to break down the walls of a traditional classroom. I should have probably written multiple blog posts about each of these amazing events.  I will break it down into three categories: 1. my class 2. other classrooms 3. communication with parents.

1. In March and early April, I was able to connect my students with students in North Carolina and Illinois on a March Madness project. Everything was focused around the Essential Question "How can one individual affect a group of people or the United States?" Students collaborated on projects using Google docs. Voting happened using Google forms. What made this project so great was that students used 21st century skills throughout. They were communicating with students in other states, collaborating with each other, thinking critically to make projects better because they creating for an authentic audience. It will be great to add a Google Hangout component in the future. Thanks to @sofiageorgelos and @amcrowe5.

2. In March, I worked with the Art teacher and a Social Studies teacher connecting their classes with  students in Jordan and with the Sheffield Museum in Canada. It was great to help teachers connect their classrooms virtually. Watching students connect and learn from experts and students halfway across the world was both exciting and meaningful. The art students sent their projects to Jordan and vice versa. They were able to ask and discuss each other's projects. In Social Studies, students met virtually with a "Medieval Serf" from the Sheffield Museum in Canada. Students were able to ask about are parts of life and learn from an expert. He even played music and taught the students Medieval Dance. They were breaking down the traditional walls of the classroom.
















3. At my school we have been able to find new ways to communicate with parents. First, we have started using Google Hangouts to stream live for parents who cannot attend. This is revolutionizing parent communication. On our 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. I wanted to communicate with parents in real time about our trip. I used remind101 and twitter to take pictures and keep parents informed. I received multiple e-mails of gratitude for this new and exciting way to connect with parents.

Technology is changing education faster than any force in history. Remember, it is simply a tool. Tech should be implemented to improve learning, engage students and communicate more effectively.

Making History Come Alive!

Teaching is a profession where we can positively impact the lives of students on a daily basis. This cannot be said for every profession. I was able to visit New Jersey and see @burgessdave present about his book Teach Like a Pirate. This was an amazing experience for me.

I have been teaching under the mantra of "Making History Come Alive." It was fairly obvious that my mantra fits in to being a Pirate. Making History Come Alive is giving students the opportunity to experience history and to be excited about attending class each and every day. In his book, P is for Passion. Passion can come from many different places. It may be the content or your individual passion. You have to bring passion to every lesson- presentation MAKES a difference. In passion, falls these life changing lessons that can impact students positively. Hooks keep students on the edge of their seat. "Guest Speakers" who are really you dressed up. Another example of a hook is when I pretend to find notes.  I tell the students for days I am disappointed about finding notes in class and tell them I will read it if I find another. The next day, I find a note. It is a break-up note- the students are on the edge of their seats. It is a note from the Colonies to England. The students never forget the Declaration of Independence is just a break-up note. I've had teachers say "I can't do that." Anyone can do this, it make take time and hard work but don't just teach a lesson- create an experience!! Act-it-Outs are a great way to create an experience- Mr. Burgess turned his classroom into a speakeasy when studying prohibition, passed out sausage as they read The Jungle. I have turned my room into a battle field and simulated trench warfare, acted-out a hurricane, loyalty during the Middle Ages, climbing Mt. Everest, and even experiencing the Skittle Tax. It makes history real and not just something that happened a really long time ago. T is for Transformation- If you provide an uncommon experience they will give you an uncommon effort. Ask yourself, if students didn't have to be there, would you be teaching in an empty room?

Anyone can bring passion and creativity. Questions are the key to creativity. You may have never asked the right questions. I challenge everyone to create an experience where students are constantly drawn to your class, to be excited about learning. Use the power of passion and presentation to create a flame of excitement that will burn long after they have had you.

Why is Twitter so valuable?

I find I am one of only a few educators/leaders at my school who participate in Twitter. A teacher at my school asked, "Why do you like Twitter? Isn't it just a bunch of people telling you what they are doing?" I find this a common misconception. I told him it has made me a better teacher and leader. On Saturday, March 1st, I went to #WETech14 in New Jersey.  I had the opportunity to connect with some of the most amazing people; such as, @thomascmurray, @billykrackow, @teachercast, @angelinashy and @isupereit. I learned so much from this amazing group of teachers, principals, superintendents and tech directors. How did I get this opportunity? Twitter.

I was able to participate in a discussion on Digital Leadership with @thomascmurray. We discussed ways, as leaders to engage teachers, parents and community. Tom's comment "We trust teachers with the lives of children but not with technology", is something anyone with a say in making policy should ponder.  It was such a great discussion of school leaders. I participated in a discussion on incorporating Google presentations in other ways than a traditional Powerpoint with @teachercast. We talked about using them as thank you cards, comic strips and scrapbooking. This was very informative and creative. I will be able to share with the teachers in my school, district and PLN. Finally, I visited with @wkrakower and @angelinashy where we had a discussion on Twitter, Edmodo and Google Hangouts. My greatest take away was a way for students to teach themselves Edmodo by earning badges. What a great way to promote independence in your students.

So the next time someone asks: Why Twitter? The real question should be: How can you not be on Twitter? The vast amount of knowledge and discussions is a great Professional Development tool. You will also meet great people with a vast knowledge base in the field of education. You even gain more opportunities for live workshops, discussions and growth. I may not know all the answers, but I know where to find them: My PLN.

First Post- Disney is Innovative- So should schools.

I have been wanting to start writing a blog. I have to admit I am not a writer. I am sitting on the plane returing from Walt Disney World for the third time in three years.  As I walked around, I was amazed at the innovation of Disney World. They are constantly changing to meet the needs of there stakeholders (us). This year they added new bands to replace the old cards people had to carry around. The bands can be used for everything from getting into a park to paying for food. When I started taking my family to Disney, they had a system called the Fast Pass (the only amusement park I know who has this), this was used to access a popular ride at a later time (so you didn't have to wait in line). Now they have added an app and you can book your fastpasses online the day before so you can truly enjoy your day in the park. They never accept the status quo. They are always changing to become better. Why can't schools be more like Disney? Walt Disney was able to brand his product and create a vision of innovation that has been carried on long after his death.

We have to be the change we want to be in the world and in education (Ghandi). Walt Disney started with a vision and now the company is one of the most successful in the world. I look at schools and see 19th century teaching, in 20th century classrooms, during the 21st century. We have to create a vision of change to become relavent for our students. After all, we are preparing students for jobs that haven't even been created yet.

I have been reading Eric Sheniger's book Digital Leadership and he has created a vision for his school. It is a great read that mentions many school leaders who have transformed schools and districts to learning in the digital world. He states " As society evolves due to advances in technology, we as digital leaders, must ensure that instruction, learning, and other leadership functions follow suit or we run the risk of becoming irrelevant."  As teachers, leaders, administrators we; just as Walt Disney, should strive to take risks and constantly change to meet our stakeholders (students, parents, community).