Tuesday Tech Tip: Get Going with Google!

Calling all Google Apps for Education fans! Coming back for their 5th Colorado event, the EdTechTeam Colorado Summit featuring Google for Education is happening in November! This two-day summit focuses on using and integrating Google Apps for Education in the classroom in order to promote student learning and innovation.



Here are the details:
WHO: Open to all! You, your teachers, your administrators! Make it a party!
WHEN: November 5-6, 2016
WHERE: Monarch High School
(329 Campus Dr, Louisville, CO)
WHAT: Learn, share, practice, grow. Each day will begin with a Keynote speaker, followed by 2 sessions, lunch, and then 2 more sessions. Day one ends with a Demo Slam and day two ends with a closing keynote.
HOW: Register HERE!

Here are some highlights from the schedule include using Google Apps for Education (GAFE) and other online tools to help students read and write in an online environment, the power of Google Forms, Using Social Media in the classroom and for building a PLN, Chrome Browser tips and tricks, Google Cardboard and virtual fieldtrips, differentiation, templates, Chrome extensions and add-ons, MakerSpace ideas, ways to use GAFE in all classroom content areas and grade levels, portfolios and publishing, badges and gamification, Breakout EDU, Google Classroom, the power of Google Slides and Drawings, Google Sites, Blogger, Google Photos, Pear Deck, formative and summative assessment ideas, interactive storytelling ideas, EdPuzzle, augmented reality and more! With the number of topics available, it'll be hard to choose just one session in each time spot! Just think though, the more teachers you bring the more you'll be able to take notes on and share with each other after the conference!

We would be happy to connect with you at the summit, just let us know you're planning to be there! Let's get as many people as we can to help represent the amazing work we're doing in CCSDD, and help our teachers grow and learn how to better integrate Google Apps for Education into their practice! We know there are already some pretty awesome things happening in the classroom, but it never hurts to have a few more instructional tools in your teacher toolbox to support your students in an ever-changing and evolving online world.

Again, here is the link to register for the summit. We look forward to hearing about your experience and sharing our learning with you! Happy Googling!

Tuesday Tech Tip: CCSD's Super Tool Smackdown

This summer, our team was fortunate enough to attend the ISTE 2016 conference here in Denver. It was a fast and furious week full of key notes, playgrounds, poster talks, and some mind-blowing presentations full of content but also new strategies for presenting professional development.

One of our favorites from this week was 60 in 60: The EdTech Game Show! presented by Brandon Lutz and Scott Snyder. This presentation was fast paced and shared over 60 Web Tools, Apps, and more in 60 minutes. Part of this presentation was a sweet 16 style bracket where eight sets of tools were paired up against one another and the audience was given time to vote for their favorite based on one minute descriptions given by the facilitators (and eventually audience members) until a winner was chosen. Aside from the super fun game show feel there was also some great information given by the presenters on how to use this structure in a professional development setting.

The Set-Up

From what we could see, here’s how they set things up:

• Pre-event: audience exploration of tools
• Presentation: Initial presentation with introduction of game show format; 1 minute overview of each tool (each facilitator took one in the pair)
• Voting: After each pair presentation, the audience had the opportunity to vote on NearPod and a winner was chosen 
• Repeat for each pair (1st round - 16 tools)
• Audience participation: Before the show, the presenters asked volunteers from the audience to represent apps later in the presentation with practical advice or usage examples. The deeper dive into the tools was to continue to persuade the audience to vote for one tool over the other. (2nd round - 8 tools)
• Transition Time: Between a vote and then next round of tool overviews the facilitators had to update the presentation and voting spaces with the new pairs. While this was happening the other facilitator took the time to share other tools (not in the initial 16). 
• Repeat for final tools (3rd round - 4 tools)
• Audience Smackdown: 5 minute free for all about final 2 tools. Voting commences. A winner is chosen. Cheering! Hooray!

Here’s Why it Rocked

The setup was simple, mostly because it had to be. Sharing that many tools in such a short amount of time would otherwise be impossible. The descriptions of each tool were short and to the point; that was really refreshing. Also, there were plenty of tools to choose from. As participants we didn’t feel like we needed or wanted to get to know each and every tool they presented, but at least having the option to eliminate a few of the choices almost right away felt empowering in a sense. If we knew this wasn’t a tool we didn’t find useful, or we had already used the tool they were presenting (or anywhere in between those places) the next tool was literally only moments away. In the end, we were sure everyone in the room (including us) were able to learn about a tool they could use right away in their classrooms. That’s powerful.

Our team attends presentations with two lenses. One is our “learner” lens. The other is our “facilitator of learning” lens. We saw several new tools that can be used and shared with our teachers using our “learner” lens. We thought about the structure of the learning environments we support using our “facilitator of learning” lens. The structure of this presentation is something we definitely could use. That is how this blog post came to life. So here we are, sharing it with you. Right now. In this space.

Let the Smackdown Begin!

A 16-tool blog post is something you would rather not read and we would rather not write, so we simplified things a bit and are going to present eight tools for your consideration. There will be 4 head-to-head battles, and then a semi-final with the four remaining tools, and a final round after that between the two tools left standing. Quick reminder: just because a tool “loses” does not imply that it’s useless. All of these tools can add value to your class when used in effective ways.

Here's the bracket. You can check out each of these tools on your own and then vote using this FORM. Check out the details below by hovering over the blue or red circles next to the tool listed. Each one is hyperlinked to their website...check them out! 

Please feel free to share this post with your colleagues so they can 1)learn some new tools and 2)vote for their favorites! You have 2 weeks to vote as our next round will begin September 27th! Happy voting!

Tuesday Tech Tip: Summer Learning Opportunities

If you are searching for opportunities to brush up on your technology integration skills and learn about new ways to be innovative with technology, here are some conferences and classes to think about attending/taking over the summer...

CCSD SLA - (Cherry Creek's Summer Learning Academy) June 8-12, ISF (Instructional Support Facility) and Eaglecrest High School

This is a conference with sessions taught by Cherry Creek teachers, coaches, and leaders. Sessions focus on Standards Implementation, Excellence and Equity, Instructional Technology, and Planning for Instruction. On Wednesday, June 10th, SLA will host a featured speaker, Mr. Rick Wormeli.  

InnEdCO - (Innovative Education Colorado)- June 23-25, Keystone, CO

InnEdCO, previously known as TIE (Technology in Education), is a conference geared toward learning about current and emerging technology and how to apply this technology to your classroom or school. This year the conference is moving to Keystone from its long-standing location at Copper Mountain. InnEdCO features great keynote and guest speakers, over 150 sessions (some taught by Cherry Creek teachers and Technology and Learning Coaches), and valuable opportunities for networking with innovative teachers throughout the state. Here’s a recap of last year’s conference:

BLC- Building Learning Communities- July 15-17, Boston, MA If you have ever heard Alan November speak, or have read one of his books, you know why this conference is a recommended one. There will be multiple, excellent keynotes including Jennie Magiera and Dylan William, and Alan November will serve as the host of the conference. This conference will focus on creating and enhancing relationships for "more meaningful teaching and learning enhanced by technology."

Schoology NEXT- July 20-22, Chicago, IL

If you are using Schoology or if you are interested in using Schoology, this is a fantastic conference! Last year the keynotes included Alan November and Jenny Maguira, and this year is sure to include inspiring, motivating keynotes as well. One of the highlights of the conference is learning about upcoming additions and improvements to Schoology before anyone else. In addition to learning about Schoology and what it can do for you, you can improve your knowledge in the areas of Leadership, BYOD and Mobile Learning, Integrating Technology and Content, and Hot Topics in Education. Click the link provided to hear what some attendees/keynotes had to say about the conference last year:

Reactions to new Schoology features announced at NEXT 2014 from Schoology 

ISTE- (International Society for Technology in Education)- June 28-July 1, Philadelphia, PA

This is a conference that pulls in educators and educational leaders from around the world. Expect engaging sessions, fantastic keynotes including NBC's Soledad O'Brien, and countless vendors showcasing their newest, most exciting hardware, software, and apps. The video below explains what you can expect to learn at ISTE 2015.

eNet Learning Online Courses
There are many online courses being offered this spring and summer through eNet Learning Online. These courses can be taken for graduate credit, but every participant will receive CEU credits. Some of the courses offered include Designing Blended Learning, Curate, Collaborate, and Create: A Wealth of Resources, and Creativity in the Mobile Classroom. Click the link above to learn more about the courses offered. 

Dominican University Online

Are you switching grade levels or content areas next year? Do you want to integrate more technology with your curriculum next year but have trouble finding the time to plan and do your research? If what you need is time, and you want to earn credit for it, then check out the Dominican University Online course, Innovative Curriculum Design: Authentic Planning for the 2015-16 School Year. Through this course, you can earn up to 6 credits this summer doing what you already do, planning to become a more effective teacher.

Hopefully you have found something here to pique your interest and save yourself from boredom during the summer months. Keeping up with your learning over the summer can help you feel relaxed, prepared, and excited when the school year starts up again.

Personalized Professional Learning

Personalized Professional Learning

Standards---yes, we use them to guide our teaching but did you know that there are standards for professional learning too? Learning Forward is an organization devoted to professional learning.  They state that:

“The standards make explicit that the purpose of professional learning is for educators to develop the knowledge, skills, practices, and dispositions they need to help students perform at higher levels. The standards are not a prescription for how education leaders and public officials should address all the challenges related to improving the performance of educators and their students. Instead, the standards focus on one critical issue -- professional learning.”  

Indeed, you have been a part of professional development or learning in the past.  Many times the PD or PL includes an outside source telling you what you should learn or develop. I am sure that you can reflect on times when the PD was “great” or “just what you needed”.

Likewise, there have certainly been occasions when the time that you spent being developed fell short.  What if you took some control over what you learned?  This is not to suggest that you ditch the next PD session you are invited to.  Instead, this is to remind you that you have options.  

Below are some things to think about as you take more control over your learning!  

• Visit this guide from EdSurge for Brewing your Own Professional Development

• Consider using Twitter to create a Professional Learning Network or PLN.  Check out this post on the topic.  You do not have to be an expert or even know how to tweet.  Set up an account and start searching for topics that you are interested in.  Soon you will find yourself following others and learning from them.  When you are ready, you might just start to find your voice in 140 characters or less.  For a little more wisdom on twitter, look at this blog.

• Visit Connected Educators.  This is a site dedicated to help educators thrive in a connected world.  Bet you did not know that this is Connected Educators Month?  

• Participate in a webinar- Many companies have free webinars that you can sign up for.  Being part of an actual webinar is exciting as you have an opportunity to ask and hear questions in real time.  Can’t make the specified time?  Don’t worry. Often times if you have signed up to be a participant you can watch an archived version at a later date.  
• Here are a few to check out: 
• EdWeek
• The Center for Learning
• ASCD
• Learning Forward

The challenge is up to you.  Decide.  What do you want to learn about.  Take charge and investigate.  You will thank yourself.