I recently read about a new technology tool called the Padagogy Wheel. Not really sure of what it entailed, I began to do my research. I quickly realized how amazing this tool was going to be in a 21st century classroom. The Padagogy Wheel was created by Allan Carrington. It aligns with Bloom's Taxonomy and includes iPad apps that can be used to satisfy each level. I printed out the PDF in high-resolution to closely view each action verb and related activities. Click here to access the article and file for this wonderful resource.
With the revival of the Morris School District's Teaching Academy this year, teachers across the district were able to gain valuable information from knowledgeable colleagues. From brain-based learning strategies to balanced literacy resources, PK-5 teachers attended several workshops throughout the school year to further their knowledge of new and interesting ideas for the classroom. I offered a course that covered top apps that all elementary classrooms need. These apps can be differentiated to fit the needs of early or upper elementary. Follow the link below to view my list. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me an email (teddie.salas@msdk12.net).
The debut of the PARCC assessment is just around the corner and in each building staff members are wondering how a computer-based assessment will be administered. At the elementary lever, students are lacking in typical typing training, like we experienced twenty years ago. However, they are masters at many other tech skills, such as navigating apps on an iPad or texting with their thumbs and forefingers only. This in turn becomes very concerning for educators to realize that the skills we needed years ago may not be relevant to our future generations anymore. Therefore, it is pertinent that teachers rely on techie teachers to assist in staying current on technology trends and uses. I found a great article that reiterates this point and shows how districts across the nation are turning to staff members for support. Click the link below to access the article. Also, this site had other great articles about student technology.
Schools Turn to In-House Experts for Tech Training
As mentioned in an earlier post, I love Edudemic. There have been several wonderful articles and videos recently posted. Today's post involves how teachers can incorporate technology into the Common Core Standards. Please take a moment to read the article. I hope it sparks an idea for your own classroom.
How Teachers are Integrating Technology into the Common Core
I recently received a recommendation via Facebook to follow the community group, Edudemic. Edudemic is a community website that allows educators from around the world to post topics on education and technology. Furthermore, if you follow the group on Facebook you can receive status updates with new, interesting, or most popular posts.
Over the past few weeks, there have been several interesting posts that I found informative and practical. For example, today I received the link to read The 10 Skills Modern Teachers Must Have. While I read the article I could not help but think that this would be perfect to share with my colleagues. It discusses the hype that surrounds technology while explaining skills that are necessary to manage in modern educational settings.
Therefore, I created the top three reasons why everyone should join this community.
1. It is created by teachers for teachers. The most recent article I read was on using Evernote in the classroom and how it revolutionized teaching. The author wrote about the trials and tribulations of trying this application in their classroom from the beginning of the school year. It provided an authentic reflection and how it truly performs in a classroom. Therefore, this website includes ideas that are tried and tested, which is revolutionizing professional development for teachers who infuse technology into their instruction.
2. You can find them on Facebook and Twitter. Let's face it...our world is consumed by social media! Most people are more likely to check daily status updates than scan or search a website. Therefore, Edudemic has found a way to push educational technology news and information in a modern world. I never visit the site unless I see an interesting topic posted on social media. However, once I'm on the site I could spend hours searching through the various posts. If you are not a social media fan, you do have the option to follow by email and receive daily email updates.
3. This site is one of the most comprehensive and current education sites on the Web. Since I began teaching, I have received suggested websites by friends and colleagues that quickly become outdated or requires paid subscriptions. Edudemic is amazing because the format is like a blog and has daily posts that are currently being used in classrooms. In fact, you can become a member and post your own articles.
I hope you enjoy this community as much as I do. Edudemic is changing my life in regard to learning more about technology in schools. As the school year advances, I hope to post more interesting or informative articles that are worth sharing. Enjoy!
