my version of transparent, collaborative leadership...with a Teamann twist

Make an intentional DIGITAL difference!

by 2 Comments

Digital Learning Day is about giving every child the opportunity to learn in a robust digital environment everyday, with the goal of success in college and a career. On Wednesday, February 5, tens of thousands of teachers and millions of students across the country will participate in the third annual Digital Learning Day—a national celebration of innovative teaching and common-sense, effective applications of digital learning in America’s schools that support teachers, improve learning, and help students achieve at their highest potential. We here at Watson MST have a higher cause to celebrate this day, this is the style of learning we are leading our MST charge with. To make this day stand out, I am offering different ways that you can add some digital spice to your classroom. I’ve attached a digital challenge bucket list…if you can complete 5 of these activities through the month of February, I’ll either do a week of your duty or teach your class for three hours. Your choice! Now, 5 out of the list…that will require some extra effort on your part, but I think you can do it! Set a personal goal..can’t handle 5? Do one, do two…just make a digital difference, intentionally, this month! Day 1, I gave ya yesterday via email:

Virtual Valentines

The K-12 Virtual Valentines Project designed to teach students geographical awareness and cultural understanding while connecting classrooms all around the world for Valentine’s Day.  Our goal is to circumnavigate the globe with virtual Valentines.  Whether your students are in kindergarten or are seniors in high school, this project will help them learn something new. This project is being organized by the EdTech Chat ‘n Chew Podcast Team. Our mission is to help you empower your students through 21st Century learning. Throughout the year we’ll be sharing opportunities for your students to learn by connecting with others around the world.  Feel free to use the twitter hashtag:  #k12valentines Day 2: Have a conversation about DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP and what it means to be active learners in a world full of other people’s creativity. Start conversations about what it means to be a digital citizen from this poster, print it out, and hang it outside of your classroom. Don't just copy, do the right thing!

 

Here is the bucket list….game on! Digital bucketlist   Amber

Remind 101 with elementary kids? You betcha!

by 4 Comments

images

Remind 101 is a free service that allows you to send text messages to groups of people. You can do it from your phone or your computer. The best part (other than the ease and free-ness!) is that you can send messages and parents in your class and they won’t see YOUR phone number.

Did you know 98% of all text messages are opened and read? 90% are read within the first four minutes. Compare that to how many

crumpled up, scribbled on, important papers you may send home, 🙂 88% of emails AREN’T opened. Amazing! Statistics tell us that people look at their phones 150 times a day…harness and utilize that power to communicate to your classes!

With Remind 101 you can also schedule reminders which is GREAT! You could set up all of your fall dates that you know are going to be coming up, like report card dates or PTA meetings.

The greatness of Erin Klein uses Remind 101 not only to send important dates and academic reminders but also to build relationships with her families. One of her easy examples? During a field trip with her class she took several photos. On the way back to school, she created an Animoto video from all the pics on her phone, and texted it to all of her parents. Before they’d even got back to school! Can you imagine how grateful those parents are? (Addendum: You could only do something like this if you have student permissions or utilize the tool Skitch. :))

 

What if you had a “class photographer” who took a picture of your schedule, of your important upcoming dates, or of fun class activities? Think of how much paper you could save! What if you were able to updates parents of safety procedures during stormy weather?

Here’s a get ya started video, but it really easy to use!

 

 

There are also several letters on pinterest that you can use to model a draft for your class too! (sample 1, sample 2)

How great is technology??

remindingly,

Amber