Adventures in Education

  The initial shock of getting into the Google Innovator Academy faded as the information started to flow.  We are the first cohort to have work leading up to our arrival, come in under the Innovator badge, and continue our work over a year.    The #MTV16 cohort quickly began to form relationships.  We really started working together when we got a special package in the mail. Everyone was on #boxwatch as word leaked of special arrivals. We were given the pieces to play a breakoutedu game. This started a flurry of documents and spreadsheets to find our partners and figure out the clues.  This was a great team building exercise before we even met. The special package from Google     We had weekly missions, hangouts, chats , and Voxes all going at the same time.  There were times it could get overwhelming, but we all knew we were in for a once in a lifetime experience.  My card twin and I got our very own breakoutedu game ready to pl...

     It has been a whirlwind since January 18. I decided in December that I was going to apply to the Google Innovator Academy which I had applied to once before when it was the Teacher Academy. The revamped program requires you to have the Google Educator Level 2 certification. I met my goal of passing both Level 1 and Level 2 tests over Christmas break.     The application had some great questions and things to think about. Somehow, this one felt like it was meant for me since I had the pieces I needed to put everything together. The part where I struggle is always the video. I overthink what I want to say. This time, my concept came to me, and I used my phone to tape the first part then used an editor to record the rest. It is always tricky to get it down to one minute, but I managed that without losing my message. I submitted everything with just half a day to spare.     The day that notifications were going out was a tough one. For the firs...

     Last year was my first ISTE.  I came home wide eyed and full of passion.  I told my boss that his one mistake in sending me was that I wanted to go back.  He told me that he would see what I did with what I learned.      I brought passion projects into my lab.  Passion projects were amazing!  I learned my kids in a way that I never got to know them before.  I developed deeper relationships with my kids than ever before.  The pinnacle moment was an 8th grade special needs student who presented her project on restoring antique cars.  She went 2 minutes over the maximum time, and I wasn't about to stop her.  When the kids gave her feedback, there was a respect for her in their eyes.  This is a child who stuttered and struggled to speak in front of others.  The children told her how much they learned from her, and they told her that they were amazed at what she had done.       ...

      One of my goals for the summer is to become a Google Certified Educator.  After attending a Google in Education Summit, I knew that I wanted to get my certification.  I decided that it would be best to wait until summer so that I could focus on preparing and taking the tests.      At first, I felt the urge to put it all off because I was nervous about not passing.  Finally, I settled in and did the prep work by going through the lessons.  I used what I know about how I learn to help me prepare.  I put in the time, but I still had to talk myself into just getting started on the test.  I found a comfy spot, took a deep breath, and started.  I had to remind myself to do the things we always tell the kids: slow down, read carefully, don't worry about the time, answer those you know first, and then go back to those you need more time to answer.       I went through the test checking my work a few times...

     I have spent the last month reflecting a lot as I worked on the parts of my Google Teacher Academy application.  It really forced me to think.  The question about how do I innovate in my classroom and in the educational community really was tough for me at first.  My first instinct is to say that I am not such an innovator because there is so much really great and cutting edge instruction happening.  Being a connected educator in the last year has opened my eyes to what is happening in education all around the world.      It occurred to me as I went through many rough drafts and storyboards that innovation can be very different depending on where you are.  For some innovation means you are moving in a direction that no one else is because you are already ahead of the curve.  For some of us it means that we are continuing the slow and steady movement toward improvement with reluctant learners.     Two years ago...

      A few days ago, I was asked if I had any plans for what to do with my computer lab.  I clarified if the person wanted to know about down the road.  When they confirmed I was on the right track, I asked if they wanted my "pie in the sky" plans.  They gave me the green light for that.  Then, I think I shocked them because I have already been toying with this in my mind for almost a year.         Currently, we have 2 computer labs on campus.  The first lab is for PK - third grade students.  The students use this lab under the supervision of their teacher.  Our second lab is for fourth - eighth grade.  I am responsible for the lessons that the students complete.  I am the only teacher in the room with them at the scheduled class time.      So what have I been tossing around in my brain?  My first suggestion is that the fixed tables full of desktop computers be removed.  I pointe...

     I admitted before that sometimes I tend to take too long to think about things.  Well Mr. Couros, I spent a lot of time thinking about what you said in your session, "Leading Innovative Change"at ISTE13.  I already agreed with you about the smartest person in the room being the room.  Focusing on relationships wasn't something you had to convince me to do.  I experience too much "mind your own business learning" around me so I was still with you.  We are on the same page with learning being the focus over technology.    I was with you through that presentation.  Then, you pushed me out of my comfort zone.  You asked us to raise our hands if we thought we could teach you something.  I must admit I did not raise my hand.  You managed to hit on one of my insecurities.  I have no problem teaching those around me because they are not very tech savvy.  When I come to large conventions though, I don't feel li...