Yesterday via twitter I came across a link to Jason Berg's blog. He is an elementary principal in the states. His blog post titled Committed Sardines really hit home to me. It's a comparison between a whale and a pack of sardines and how our school system is often compared to a whale taking a lot of time to change, but how sometimes we can be more like a pack of sardines.
With permissionI have put a direct link to Jason's blog post HERE. I'm curious to read your reaction to his post. I certainly have many as I struggle daily to get more people to jump on board the technology band wagon.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Sunday, February 12, 2012
EdCamp Surrey
Last Friday I had the opportunity to attend my school district's first ever EdCamp. It was more like a mini EdCamp as it was organized some what last minute and was mainly organized for our district teaching staff. Because of our teacher job action we were highly discouraged to attend the focus days arranged by our school board office. That's an entirely different post, which I won't be writing.
After my positive experience at EdCamp Delta in January I was really excited to attend our EdCamp.
First off huge kudos to Kevin Amboe, Lisa Domeier de Suarez, and Orwell Kowalyshyn for getting it together at the last minute. They did a great job organizing and facilitating the day and without their hard work the day would never have happened. I probably would have spent the day learning on my own at my school. I'm glad I didn't have to.
EdCamp Surrey started out like most EdCamps with topic selection via post it notes. It was during topic selection that I FINALLY met Hugh McDonald (@hughtheteacher). Hugh and I have been chatting a fair bit via twitter so it was really great to put a face to the profile. This was certainly a highlight of my day.
Once the schedule was created I was a bit disappointed to see that my three topics of choice were all listed at the exact same time. No worry though, time to branch out. There are always other new things I can learn. After a bit of a dilemma, and a room change, I finally ended up in the room about using social media in the classroom. The discussions were good but there is a real difference in how social media can or is used in a high school vs how it is used in an elementary school, particularly a primary classroom. At one point someone suggested that we break into smaller groups, which was a great idea. I tried to listen more than talk, but if you know me, and you know it's something I'm passionate about, I will speak a lot. Hopefully I didn't talk too much.
For my second session I sat with a group of educators and we talked about blogging - classroom, individual, and a little bit about professional blogs. I got a sneak peek at where our district is heading with the new unified communication model. It looks pretty cool but something that I think is still quite far away for me or my school.
My third session didn't really exist so I ended up back in the main room sitting at a table with other elementary teachers. I was so excited to meet Niki Leech, and Lora Sarchet because they are grade one teachers just like me. Initially we started talking about smart boards and how they both love having them in their classrooms. While I had one in my classroom all of 2009 while living and teaching in Melbourne Australia, and then I had one again term one of this year I'm still not totally sold on them. They were trying to convince me other wise but when ever they suggested how they use them, I was quick to inform them that I could do it too with my iPad or laptop and a projection device. Having said all of this though I am excited to have one of our district loaner ones back in my classroom soon.
Then the discussion turned to my class iPad, which I had with me. Apparently they are each getting an iPad for their classrooms soon too - Lora already has one I think. They were curious to know how I'm using my one class iPad with my students. I spent a lot of time talking to them about my iPad, how we use it, and what apps I have on it. Lora took notes and seemed eager to add some of the apps I suggested to her iPad.
During app chat we also started talking about my blog. Lora had been given a link to my professional blog, and from there found the link to my class blog. We talked about my class blog and we also talked about my students' blogs. Lora asked if I could teach her how to set up a blog and I said of course! We've since been in e-mail contact and I'm super excited to help her (and Niki) out. The primary students in our district need a louder voice when it comes to technology. I'm doing my best to be a voice for them, but if I can get others on board that would be totally amazing.
Throughout the day I also spent time talking with fellow teachers about what they have in terms of technology and how their administration is supporting them. It was a bit eye opening for me both in a good, and not so good way. Of course it has me thinking - what else is new.
The day ended with door prizes but I wasn't lucky enough to win anything. No worry though. Overall it was a good day and I was impressed by the turn out. It was great to see Surrey teachers interested in the first ever EdCamp Surrey. It is such a great format for professional development. I hope we can have a bigger EdCamp one day soon.
Once again, huge kudos to Kevin, Lisa, and Orwell. You're a crazy team but our district is lucky to have you guys. THANK YOU!
After my positive experience at EdCamp Delta in January I was really excited to attend our EdCamp.
First off huge kudos to Kevin Amboe, Lisa Domeier de Suarez, and Orwell Kowalyshyn for getting it together at the last minute. They did a great job organizing and facilitating the day and without their hard work the day would never have happened. I probably would have spent the day learning on my own at my school. I'm glad I didn't have to.
EdCamp Surrey started out like most EdCamps with topic selection via post it notes. It was during topic selection that I FINALLY met Hugh McDonald (@hughtheteacher). Hugh and I have been chatting a fair bit via twitter so it was really great to put a face to the profile. This was certainly a highlight of my day.
Once the schedule was created I was a bit disappointed to see that my three topics of choice were all listed at the exact same time. No worry though, time to branch out. There are always other new things I can learn. After a bit of a dilemma, and a room change, I finally ended up in the room about using social media in the classroom. The discussions were good but there is a real difference in how social media can or is used in a high school vs how it is used in an elementary school, particularly a primary classroom. At one point someone suggested that we break into smaller groups, which was a great idea. I tried to listen more than talk, but if you know me, and you know it's something I'm passionate about, I will speak a lot. Hopefully I didn't talk too much.
For my second session I sat with a group of educators and we talked about blogging - classroom, individual, and a little bit about professional blogs. I got a sneak peek at where our district is heading with the new unified communication model. It looks pretty cool but something that I think is still quite far away for me or my school.
My third session didn't really exist so I ended up back in the main room sitting at a table with other elementary teachers. I was so excited to meet Niki Leech, and Lora Sarchet because they are grade one teachers just like me. Initially we started talking about smart boards and how they both love having them in their classrooms. While I had one in my classroom all of 2009 while living and teaching in Melbourne Australia, and then I had one again term one of this year I'm still not totally sold on them. They were trying to convince me other wise but when ever they suggested how they use them, I was quick to inform them that I could do it too with my iPad or laptop and a projection device. Having said all of this though I am excited to have one of our district loaner ones back in my classroom soon.
Then the discussion turned to my class iPad, which I had with me. Apparently they are each getting an iPad for their classrooms soon too - Lora already has one I think. They were curious to know how I'm using my one class iPad with my students. I spent a lot of time talking to them about my iPad, how we use it, and what apps I have on it. Lora took notes and seemed eager to add some of the apps I suggested to her iPad.
During app chat we also started talking about my blog. Lora had been given a link to my professional blog, and from there found the link to my class blog. We talked about my class blog and we also talked about my students' blogs. Lora asked if I could teach her how to set up a blog and I said of course! We've since been in e-mail contact and I'm super excited to help her (and Niki) out. The primary students in our district need a louder voice when it comes to technology. I'm doing my best to be a voice for them, but if I can get others on board that would be totally amazing.
Throughout the day I also spent time talking with fellow teachers about what they have in terms of technology and how their administration is supporting them. It was a bit eye opening for me both in a good, and not so good way. Of course it has me thinking - what else is new.
The day ended with door prizes but I wasn't lucky enough to win anything. No worry though. Overall it was a good day and I was impressed by the turn out. It was great to see Surrey teachers interested in the first ever EdCamp Surrey. It is such a great format for professional development. I hope we can have a bigger EdCamp one day soon.
Once again, huge kudos to Kevin, Lisa, and Orwell. You're a crazy team but our district is lucky to have you guys. THANK YOU!
The Power of Connecting with Like Minded Professionals
Anyone reading this blog that I have actually met in person probably knows that I often talk about the people that have inspired me via twitter. One of them is Aviva Dunsiger, @grade1. Over the past few months she and I have shared a fair bit in the private back channels of twitter. She has pushed my learning to places I hadn't even considered and I know because of her I am a better teacher.
Yesterday she wrote a blog post entitled Students Can Decide which, as usual, got me thinking. After running around all day I managed to finally add a comment to her post last night. But when I look back at the comment I wrote, it's more of a mini blog post. I love how Aviva does that to me. Here's what I had to say.
While Aviva and I have never met in person she has most definitely been instrumental in pushing my learning this year. I hope I am able to do the same for others. It's powerful stuff I tell you.
Yesterday she wrote a blog post entitled Students Can Decide which, as usual, got me thinking. After running around all day I managed to finally add a comment to her post last night. But when I look back at the comment I wrote, it's more of a mini blog post. I love how Aviva does that to me. Here's what I had to say.
Aviva, I used to be the teacher that told my students what to do and when. I am no longer that teacher. For example during our first term together my students learned a variety of ways to practice word work. Over the course of a week I would rotate everyone through different stations. I spent the appropriate amount of time teaching them why/how to use the stations correctly and what type of learning I was looking for at each station. With the new year and the new term I no longer tell my students how to practice. They now choose and practice in a way that is most meaningful to them.
My students have choice with their reading, writing, and word work options. They often have choice with their math options too. I think our job as teachers is to give them a foundation but to encourage and support as they discover the world. I think sometimes when we make all the choices for them they fail to learn how to think for themselves.
As you are aware this has been quite a professional growth year for me. I’ve made a lot of changes with my teaching, including letting go of a lot, but I’m really pleased with the out come so far. My students are reading, writing, and doing math in ways that are meaningful to them. Obviously I am still around to guide, prompt, redirect, and encourage when necessary but for the most part they have taken a lot more control of their learning and I can’t ask for any more than that. It’s exciting times I tell you.
One thing I need to improve on is getting my students to vocalize their learning better. I am super impressed with what you’ve been doing with your students. Asking those important questions, and listening too. While I think I do this, I know I could do this a whole lot better. Yet another goal for me to add to my list.
Thanks for sharing your learning with me. I love the way you constantly push my thinking and make me critically analyze what I do with my students and why.
Karen
adunsige
Karen, this is like a wonderful blog post of its own. I love how you’ve reflected here about the changes you’ve already made and changes you want to make. Dialoguing with you has helped me reflect on my teaching practices and make so many changes too. Thanks Karen!Aviva
While Aviva and I have never met in person she has most definitely been instrumental in pushing my learning this year. I hope I am able to do the same for others. It's powerful stuff I tell you.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Banning the Word Can't
For as long as I can remember I've never really liked the word "CAN'T". It stems back to my very first swim coach, who always called me out whenever I tried to say, "but I can't". She wouldn't accept it from me. She agreed that some of the things she wanted me to do would be challenging for me, but I was expected to give them a try.
A few weeks ago I officially banned the word CAN'T from my classroom as well. I informed both my students and their parents. Originally it was to stop one of my special needs students from constantly saying , "I can't" but really it applied to everyone.
Can't is such a negative word. What it really means is there is no way it can be done so why try. How deflating! The word goes against everything I am trying to teach my students.
This year my class is made up of several students that have been in Canada for six months or less. Most of my students speak a language other than English in their homes, and for many learning to read and write is taking a lot of determination and dedication. It isn't coming easy for them. By banning the world can't I'm sticking true to what I believe is so important. Everyone must give their best effort.
As a class we have acknowledged and accepted that we all learn at different rates. While some of us may be good at drawing or singing or running others are good at reading or writing or math. We all have something that we need to work extra hard to accomplish. So what is the best for one student isn't the best for another student. It is a concept I've worked on with my students from day one, and I continue to work on with them every day. It is so important for them to do their very best for themselves and not for me, their parents, or their friends. Doing your best is the right thing to do for yourself.
Banning the word can't hasn't meant that I don't acknowledge the challenges that my students are facing. It's the complete opposite. I'm much more aware of my students experiencing difficulty and they know they can seek me or their peers out for help when necessary. Because my students are unable to fall back on the old "I can't" they are becoming more aware of what is challenging for them as well. I hear a lot more of, "this is difficult for me but " or "I'll give it a try". I rarely hear the word can't.
Banning the word has also made me more aware of the language I'm using with my students when it comes to things I'd prefer them not to do. This little ban of mine has impacted everyone that works in my room, with me, or with my students. We will no longer accept the word can't.
Do you let your students (or staff) get away with saying that they can't do something? Have you ever considered officially banning the word from your practice? I'm curious to hear.
A few weeks ago I officially banned the word CAN'T from my classroom as well. I informed both my students and their parents. Originally it was to stop one of my special needs students from constantly saying , "I can't" but really it applied to everyone.
Can't is such a negative word. What it really means is there is no way it can be done so why try. How deflating! The word goes against everything I am trying to teach my students.
This year my class is made up of several students that have been in Canada for six months or less. Most of my students speak a language other than English in their homes, and for many learning to read and write is taking a lot of determination and dedication. It isn't coming easy for them. By banning the world can't I'm sticking true to what I believe is so important. Everyone must give their best effort.
As a class we have acknowledged and accepted that we all learn at different rates. While some of us may be good at drawing or singing or running others are good at reading or writing or math. We all have something that we need to work extra hard to accomplish. So what is the best for one student isn't the best for another student. It is a concept I've worked on with my students from day one, and I continue to work on with them every day. It is so important for them to do their very best for themselves and not for me, their parents, or their friends. Doing your best is the right thing to do for yourself.
Banning the word can't hasn't meant that I don't acknowledge the challenges that my students are facing. It's the complete opposite. I'm much more aware of my students experiencing difficulty and they know they can seek me or their peers out for help when necessary. Because my students are unable to fall back on the old "I can't" they are becoming more aware of what is challenging for them as well. I hear a lot more of, "this is difficult for me but " or "I'll give it a try". I rarely hear the word can't.
Banning the word has also made me more aware of the language I'm using with my students when it comes to things I'd prefer them not to do. This little ban of mine has impacted everyone that works in my room, with me, or with my students. We will no longer accept the word can't.
Do you let your students (or staff) get away with saying that they can't do something? Have you ever considered officially banning the word from your practice? I'm curious to hear.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Collaboration in Action - Sharing iPads Between Schools
Back in the beginning of January I received an e-mail from
a former teaching colleague, current Vice Principal, Don Chila. Don works at one of the lucky schools in our
district. His school applied for and was awarded a substantial technology
grant. Between the technology grant, and
monies raised by their PAC, Cindrich Elementary now has over 60 iPads in its
school.
Don knows the value in using iPads as he sees it first hand
in his school. But he wanted to see if
he could use them for even more. Don wanted to share. He was looking for a teacher that was either
able to come visit his school with some of his/her students, or that he could
send one of his teachers and students to visit.
With the on going job action this was easier said than done. But Don was determined to make it work.
Don put Narinder Walia, a grade 1/2 teacher at Cindrich, and I in contact. Between Don's teaching schedule, my timetable, and Narinder's timetable we figured out that a
Thursday afternoon would be the best day for a visit. Don was going to cover Narinder's class so that she and some of her students could come visit me and my class. Don was going to make this happen.
Before Narinder arrived with her students on Thursday Don and I needed to make sure that the iPads would go on line at my school. You see Cindrich is one of the wireless
elementary schools in Surrey, but Bonaccord isn’t. Don came by to visit on Wednesday afternoon. Because of where my classroom is situated in
proximity to the office airport I have been able to pick up a wireless
signal. But with so many iPads in my
room the signal wouldn’t be strong enough. We had a problem.
As I started to think about things we could do with the
iPads but without the Internet Don got in contact with Orwell Kowalyshyn our
district helping teacher. Orwell came by
my school on his way home and together he and Don brainstormed ways we could make it work. In the end I was able
to borrow our laptop cart’s airport because as of Wednesday night no one had signed out the cart for Thursday afternoon. I was given required information
in case we had trouble getting the iPads on line, but for the most part I was
ready for my visitors to arrive at 11:30 the following morning.
Thursday morning my students were pretty excited because
they knew we were going to have a lot of iPads in our classroom. After recess we headed to our school lab to
work on our individual blogs and Storybirds before returning to the classroom
just before 11:30. My class was a little
excited and a little nervous for our guests from Cindrich to arrive.
Shortly past 11:30 Narinder Walia, along with her SEA and six of her students arrived in my classroom. They brought along with them 16 iPads. We quickly got the children settled and partnered them up with students from my class. Then we handed out the iPads.
Our Special Guests
For the first part of the visit Narinder and I felt it was important for the children to explore the apps on Cindrich's iPads. Narinder's students were so keen to share with my students, and my students were so excited to learn from them. Narinder and I observed it all as our students were being kids. The excitement level rose, but so too did the learning. The children were learning and sharing with one another, using the iPads as their common ground.
This free exploration session passed by quite quickly as it was soon time for lunch. My students took really good care of our visitors as they headed outside to play, then returned a bit later to eat. My students were excellent ambassadors for our school.
During the second part of the visit Narinder and I felt it was important to have the children officially collaborate together on a project. On Wed. evening she and I took a look at a few story writing apps and decided to use Scribble Press. Scribble press is great because it's easy for primary students to use. There are story frames already on the app or you can create your own stories. With the app you are able to add photos, drawings, stickers, and text to create books.
The task was to create a story around the experience of working with children from another school while using an iPad. Narinder demonstrated some of the basic features of the app. At this point we realized that the power in this collaboration wasn't so much that everyone had their own iPad, but that each group had Cindrich and Bonaccord students in them. Since there were only six students from Cindrich visiting this time three children shared each iPad.
Right away the classroom filled with a buzz as the students explored the app. For my students it was the first time many had used the camera feature on the iPad (yes, it IS something I will be exploring more with my students). There was excitement as projects were being created. Narinder and I moved from group to group helping when or where it was necessary.
One of my favourite pages shared was made by three young ladies. In case you can't read the words at the bottom of this image it reads, "This is a iPad we learned on. We help each other". What powerful words they have written.
So yes, this was a very wonderful experience for everyone involved. Again none of this would have happened without the support from Don Chila, Vice Principal at Cindrich Elementary. In addition a special thank you goes to Orwell Kowalyshyn for helping us out in a pinch. He has again gone above what is expect in his role to help me out.
So where do we go from here? First off I'll do whatever I can to get Narinder to teach with me at my school. Her positive energy was wonderful and I loved her manner with all the students. But, the likely hood of that happening isn't very high as I think she is quite happy at her school. So the next option is to get support from either my administration or her administration (or both) to let this happen again. If we weren't in job action I'd think that she and I would probably make it a monthly event, where we visit each others schools with our entire classes. The collaboration between us as professionals has been great, and between the students even better. There was a real connection.
So my question is, have you ever done this with the students that you teach? Besides in school buddies, or global on line buddies, have you ever actually buddied up with another class in your local school district? I'm curious to hear.
If interested I have also blogged about this experience on my class blog. You can find it here.
If interested I have also blogged about this experience on my class blog. You can find it here.
Friday, January 27, 2012
I'm A Very Thankful Lady!
Back in December I blogged about losing the interactive white board and projection device from my classroom. My concern wasn't so much about losing the interactive white board, but more about losing the projection device. The more I learn and explore with technology in my classroom, the more important that projection device has become. But when my turn with the IWB was over and the board (and it's projection device) was passed on to another teacher in my school I wasn't sure what I was going to do.
Immediately I started to book our one school bookable projection device. For the most part I could get it when I wanted it (with some advanced planning) but it was tough to get it on demand. The projection device was stored on the other side of our very large school.
As you can imagine, I have been chatting about really wanting a projection device stored in my classroom to anyone that would listen. One of the people I've been talking to is Patti Dundas, the Assistant Secretary-Treasurer for my school district.
Now you're probably wondering what connection I'd have with Patti. Well, the public school teachers in British Columbia are in a job action. One part of this job action is that as teachers we are not doing any supervision of students outside of our teaching time. Because we are not doing supervision, additional bodies are required at schools to help supervise students outside during recess. Patti happens to be the person that joins my principal and vice principal for recess duty every day.
During inside days Patti is often down my hallway making sure my students are safe. I've often been around and we've been chatting. I've encouraged her to check out how my students are using our class iPad and my personal iPod. We've talked about my frustrations with not having a projection device in my room.
All this talk got Patti thinking (and perhaps Patti talking with others at the board office that know what I'm trying to do in my classroom). Much of our school board office has moved to a brand new building and with that move some of the technology has changed. Perhaps there was a projection device that was no longer in use because of the move?
Today my wishes came true. Patti has found, and donated a projection device to my classroom. I can't be happier! While I had booked our school projection device for our Friday morning blogging around the world session, we ended up using our new projection device three more times spontaneously.
I'm a very thankful lady!
Immediately I started to book our one school bookable projection device. For the most part I could get it when I wanted it (with some advanced planning) but it was tough to get it on demand. The projection device was stored on the other side of our very large school.
As you can imagine, I have been chatting about really wanting a projection device stored in my classroom to anyone that would listen. One of the people I've been talking to is Patti Dundas, the Assistant Secretary-Treasurer for my school district.
Now you're probably wondering what connection I'd have with Patti. Well, the public school teachers in British Columbia are in a job action. One part of this job action is that as teachers we are not doing any supervision of students outside of our teaching time. Because we are not doing supervision, additional bodies are required at schools to help supervise students outside during recess. Patti happens to be the person that joins my principal and vice principal for recess duty every day.
During inside days Patti is often down my hallway making sure my students are safe. I've often been around and we've been chatting. I've encouraged her to check out how my students are using our class iPad and my personal iPod. We've talked about my frustrations with not having a projection device in my room.
All this talk got Patti thinking (and perhaps Patti talking with others at the board office that know what I'm trying to do in my classroom). Much of our school board office has moved to a brand new building and with that move some of the technology has changed. Perhaps there was a projection device that was no longer in use because of the move?
Today my wishes came true. Patti has found, and donated a projection device to my classroom. I can't be happier! While I had booked our school projection device for our Friday morning blogging around the world session, we ended up using our new projection device three more times spontaneously.
I'm a very thankful lady!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
To Practice or to Create - Using Ipad Apps for Learning
I'm certainly no expert at integrating a single iPad into a grade one classroom but I am definitely trying to learn all that I can. Aside from the reference and book apps when it comes to my students (and their learning) the iPad apps I've chosen to download onto our class iPad tend to fall under two categories - skill practice apps, and open ended creative apps.
Skill practice apps have been really great for my academically low and/or new to Canada, limited English speaking students. These apps tend to be downloaded with a specific student (or skill) in mind as a way to provide them with extra practice. They have been great for my students to use on their own, with a friend, or with a peer tutor. Most of these apps are quite interchangeable because they are really just another form of drill and practice. While drill and practice apps are necessary(or helpful) in certain situations, these apps have a very limited purpose on my class iPad.
To be perfectly honest I much prefer the open ended, more creative apps as I feel that is where the true power of the iPad is for my students and their learning. I love seeing my students show me what they know on a medium that works best for them. So far (I'm still discovering new apps all the time) these apps include the story writing, draw and tell, voice recorder, and art type apps. These apps put my students at the centre of their learning. My biggest problem with these amazing apps it that with only one iPad it's difficult to allow all my students to utilize these incredible tools as often as I'd like.
One area that I am yet to tap into is the photo/video aspects of our class iPad. I know it is a big one, and when I can slow down long enough it is another area I'm eager to dive into. Thinking about its potential keeps my head spinning. And yes, my head is spinning a lot these days with my exponential learning.
So my question to you is what type of apps have you chosen to download on your class iPad(s)? What type of creative apps can you recommend? I'd love to hear about the apps you love to use for learning.
Skill practice apps have been really great for my academically low and/or new to Canada, limited English speaking students. These apps tend to be downloaded with a specific student (or skill) in mind as a way to provide them with extra practice. They have been great for my students to use on their own, with a friend, or with a peer tutor. Most of these apps are quite interchangeable because they are really just another form of drill and practice. While drill and practice apps are necessary(or helpful) in certain situations, these apps have a very limited purpose on my class iPad.
To be perfectly honest I much prefer the open ended, more creative apps as I feel that is where the true power of the iPad is for my students and their learning. I love seeing my students show me what they know on a medium that works best for them. So far (I'm still discovering new apps all the time) these apps include the story writing, draw and tell, voice recorder, and art type apps. These apps put my students at the centre of their learning. My biggest problem with these amazing apps it that with only one iPad it's difficult to allow all my students to utilize these incredible tools as often as I'd like.
One area that I am yet to tap into is the photo/video aspects of our class iPad. I know it is a big one, and when I can slow down long enough it is another area I'm eager to dive into. Thinking about its potential keeps my head spinning. And yes, my head is spinning a lot these days with my exponential learning.
So my question to you is what type of apps have you chosen to download on your class iPad(s)? What type of creative apps can you recommend? I'd love to hear about the apps you love to use for learning.
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