Schoology Exploration Paper

Well, folks. End of semester. Here we go.

This is my last paper on Schoology. I hope you enjoy! I have titled it the Schoology Exploration Paper. Because that is exactly what it is-an exploration.

I will continue to post to this blog as my journey in education continues. In the meantime, stay excellent!

Schoology: Getting Started Paper

Getting Going

Schoology Screencast Getting Started Part II

The other half of what one needs to know in starting the Schoology adventure!

Schoology Screencast: Getting Started

The very basics of Schoology.

Schoology Screencast Coming Soon, Stay Tuned!

School districts utilize tons of different technology. It is not only a tool for teachers and students to communicate, but also student-to-student, and teachers to parents. Both of the districts I am currently in are using Edmodo. However, Beaverton School District is considering switching platforms within the next year or so--and some of the Learning Management Systems (LMSs) that they are considering switching over to are Schoology or Canvas. However, it seems that they are leaning in favor of the Schoology direction.

During my next few posts, I will be screencasting different aspects of Schoology, as well as how to get started with Schoology. The first screencast lands soon!

New Directions

My journey in technology class has taken a different direction from differentiated instruction. While this is a cause I am still passionate about, we couldn't work out logistics for a classroom implementation before the Thanksgiving break. So, I have been working on the side with a teacher who is interested in tech and I will be updating the blog and screencasting more frequently.

Her class has a program called Tech Guru, and they are looking to build a website. I am hoping to assist behind the scenes with this. Tech Gurus will rotate, and essentially what this teacher wants is for the website to have links to common tech problems and resources to fix these problems-as well as problems with tech in the classroom. For example, if the overhead is having a problem, a student will be able to troubleshoot and get the class back on track quickly. Since technology is such a huge part of their everyday lives, they should be able to work with the problems that come with technology.

We're not sure yet if this website will take the form of a blog or a Google site, that remains to be seen.

How she incorporates technology in the classroom already: Last week, there was a historical mystery box activity with students needing to crack the code and they could use their phones with QR codes. This teacher tries to incorporate technology into every lesson, so the students are getting  continuous exposure to tech.

Annotated Bibliography Screencast

Release the Creativity!!!

Holland, B., McCusker, S., and Robinson, A. (2015, April 29). “Unleashing student creativity.” [YouTube]. Project: Webinar. Retrieved from http://edtechteacher.org/15spring3/

What is the secret to unleashing student creativity? According to the presenters, this largely hinges on allowing choice in education. However, teachers also need to look for ways to infuse creativity in their classrooms so that students aren’t overwhelmed by these choices. The goal is to expose students to a variety of mediums in regards to projects and assessments, and technology can only enhance student creativity exploration. A big takeaway from this webinar was the concept of mindfulness in the classroom, to create a culture of creativity where students feel comfortable pushing the educational boundaries to really enhance their learning.

I explored the app Seesaw in an earlier technology review, and I’d really like to use this tool in conjunction with creativity in my classroom. The question I’ve often posed to myself is how to address content standards in creative ways that will keep students engaged? It’s an interesting concept to get students to think outside the box or go outside their comfort zone, but I think it can yield extraordinary results if given the opportunity. The video itself gave an example of using a Padlet wall in Creative Writing story rounds, which I would like to implement in my own Creative Writing classes.

Educational Utopia...or...Edutopia

Edutopia. (2015, June). Technology Integration. Retrieved from the Edutopia website http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration

Edutopia is a K-12 education website providing resources on a variety of topics from technology in education, to mindfulness, to classroom management, to student engagement. Visitors to the site can comment on articles, watch videos, or join community discussions. The website is updated frequently, and there are seemingly always new articles and resources popping up to further enhance educational conversations on a wide range of subjects--such as how to manage cell phones in the classroom.

The relevance of this article applies to my teaching now, and in the future. At my high school placement, I have seen the students using cell phones more frequently than at my middle school placement (though middle schoolers are guilty of this, too). Depending on what grade level I end up teaching, I need to think carefully about which cell phone policy will work best for the classroom community my students and I are hoping to create.

The Digital Portfolio, Students Will Love It, Don't You Know!

Seesaw: The Learning Journal. (2015). Seesaw, Inc. (Version 2.5.3) [Mobile Application Software] Retrieved from http://itunes.apple.com

Seesaw is a digital portfolio that works similarly to Edmodo and Facebook in which once students upload their work and the teacher approves it, the items show up in a news feed. Features of the app include the ability for students to upload photos, drawings, files, videos, sound clips, website links, and take notes online (as well as edit). Teachers signed up for the app receive email updates on how to incorporate Seesaw into their lesson plans aligned with Common Core Standards

Where Seesaw shines is that it serves as a portfolio, without the paper clutter of an actual portfolio. Similar to Quizlet, the users can differentiate the projects (for example, a teacher could assign a Color-Symbol-Image activity utilizing the drawing activity, then work on public speaking skills using the microphone). I would personally incorporate this app in my classroom for a multigenre project (and may use it for my own multigenre project for my Language Arts methods class).

The App for Quiz Review, and All it Can Do

Quizlet. (2005). Quizlet LLC. (Version 1.8.4)  [Mobile Application Software] Retrieved from http://itunes.apple.com

Quizlet is an app that is used primarily for quiz and test review. It can be used across any content area, and is free to both students and teachers. Teachers and students can create study sets over the quiz material, and the students can review the content in multiple and differentiated styles (such as visual flash card games or auditory sounds) according to their individual preference.

The relevance of Quizlet is that it is a more in-depth, specific form of quiz and test review and allows room for many study styles, unlike reviewing pages of notes over and over again. This app has been utilized frequently in my middle school placement at Whitford, while students use it to study for their word root and stem quizzes. I personally used this app when I was studying for my content-area exam, and was able to search study sets of users who had taken the NES Language Arts test, and add more resources to my own comprehensive study set.

Social Media & Professional Collaboration? Yes!

Baxter, Ailene M. (2014). Social media fosters professional learning and collaboration. Learning & Leading With Technology, 41(7), 36-38.

While school districts are cautious about wading into the waters of social media, they can use technology as a tool--both online and offline. A Washington-based principal took part in Paul Allen’s Success at the Core program, which is a scaffolded, free, and easy-to-use documentary series made for teachers by real teachers. Through staff collaboration, teachers are strategizing ways to use social media appropriately in the classroom to improve instruction because, “online tools and social media are only as good as the time and attention you personally invest in them” (Baxter, 38).

I think many teachers are aware that the face of technology is changing all the time, and are struggling to keep up with all of it on top of the million other things they have going on. However, this article mentioned a day where students were released from school early so that the staff could meet and collaborate. My opinion is that if you want the technology to be successful, there needs to be collaboration and communication on multiple levels: from learning teams, to content area, to administrators, to students--if we are aiming for clear instructional goals.

The Powerful Force of Twitter

Williams, Evan (2009). The voices of Twitter users [Video file]. Retrieved from

http://www.ted.com/talks/evan_williams_on_listening_to_twitter_users

Twitter originated as a side project on a simple concept: say what you are doing in 140 characters or less. Since then, this social media has exploded into sharing life’s moments (both good and bad), keeping loved ones posted in times of disaster, helping businesses grow, political discussions, fundraising, and virtually any topic that comes to the imagination. The purpose of Twitter is to create easier ways to share information, which has catapulted this social media platform into the juggernaut that it is today.

Many schools these days have Facebook pages, as well as Twitter handles. The purpose of Twitter can be to keep parents and families updated quickly and efficiently as to what is happening in their school. It is a way to have the community stay informed by increasing communication.

Some Beautiful Poetry by the One & Only Langston Hughes

This is a poem by Langston Hughes about dreams. We all have dreams. Some of us are better at expressing this theme than others (like Langston Hughes being better than me, which is why he is a published poet and I am not...yet)

The Post in Which I Insert A Live Link!

One of my hobbies includes study of comics and graphic novels. I am entranced by them. Particularly, I like the fact that they can communicate messages through art in a powerful way (much like literature itself). Some of my favorite comics and books have dealt with some very serious topics. One of which was David Small's Stitches, in which he talks about his battle with cancer. This was a meaningful story for me to read because I am a cancer survivor myself, as is my mother.

Another one I enjoy is Allie Brosh's Hyperbole and a Half. Her drawings are not only hilarious, but they tackle serious issues, such as Brosh's own battle with depression. If you would like to read it, check it out. Her comics are also incredibly funny, in addition to being real.

The New & Improved Introductory Video!

Alright, STOP: Collaborate & Listen

For my classroom management class in two weeks, we will have to do a micro-lesson with a partner and present it and Five Oaks Middle School. I am very much looking forward to this. My partner for this project, Caitlin, and I will be doing a lesson on poetry and rap.

Here's some poetic Vanilla Ice Lyrics to take you back to the '90's. Ice Ice Baby! Since rap is essentially poetry set to music, I will be using clean lyrics such as these and gleaning from other artists.

The genius of Elizabeth Gilbert

If you didn't know already, I am a huge nerd (hence my decision to become a Language Arts teacher). I've been a fan of Elizabeth Gilbert since reading her book Eat, Pray, Love and hearing her on Cheryl Strayed/Steve Almond's podcast, Dear Sugar. I am planning on reading her new book, Big Magic, once I polish off the Divergent series once and for all.

In this TED talk, she talks about the power of creativity. This is a topic I have been continuously interested in exploring, how to infuse creativity wherever and whenever I can-in myself, my teaching, and my content area. She encourages as individuals to, "think of your gifts as being on loan to you."

Things That Make My Life Merry

I've been working on my own gratitude project lately (privately). Inspired by my Educational Psychology class and the book The Happiness Project, I wondered what simple joys I could infuse into my life in order to make it better. Since doing this 100 Days of Happiness Project (I am currently on Day 40), I have found that while I consider myself to be a generally and genuinely happy person, my mood each day has improved-and I've been encouraging people who have been in funks to try some of these methods.

They don't have to be anything big or earth-shattering. It could be something as simple as, "hey, my favorite song came on the radio." Even on days when I have not been in the best mood, a small sign or saying can help pick me up. Here are some examples:

Being goofy with members of my cohort. This is Alyssa, she teaches Health and P.E.

Finding silly signs like this in Whitford.

On Whitford's walk/bike to school day, I scored these free shoelaces. As a broke grad student, I am a big fan of free things (such as food). However, this colorful pair matches perfectly with a pair of shoes I already happen to own. In addition to this bonus, it is a good reminder that even when life seems crazy busy, it is important to carve time out of the day to run, walk, bike, or make time for the things that bring you joy.

Introductory Video...of Sorts

This is sort of a non-traditional, funny intro. I have been reading the Divergent series for my Language Arts methods class and we have been making videos playfully mocking the series. However, I think this works as a playful intro video for a writing teacher as well.

Esol methods 2 from o2jewels

I am a genius!

Because I have successfully embedded my Twitter feed into this blog! Huzzah!

More cool things to come! Stay tuned...

Now here is where I add more things to my post, since I procrastinated a bit on things,

This is a picture of me! I hiked to a lighthouse on Sauvie Island-one of my favorite places.

Introductory Post

Greetings!

My name is Julia and this is my blog where you can sing along. I will not be singing for the good of the masses, but you are welcome to sing.

I have admittedly very limited experience with blogs. Previously, I had started one to keep in touch with family and friends throughout my time in Italy, but didn't update very much and then forgot about it completely when I returned home. I'm reflecting often as an educator, though more often than not it's a pen to paper exercise.

While I don't consider myself to be a technology genius, I do recognize its role and importance in education. I imagine I will probably be using this a lot for future reference, as well as looking at plenty of educational blogs and tools to help me better myself along the way.

So, bear with me. It's all a work in progress.

In the meantime, here are some cool blogs I found. Complete with screen shots! Ooh and ahh at them accordingly, and enjoy the description of why I chose them.

1. Bud the Teacher: This blog talks about where the classroom is heading in regards to journalism, multimedia, etc.

http://budtheteacher.com/blog/

2. YourEnglishClass.com: Because it features everything from historical perspectives to literary theory to poetry.

http://yourenglishclass.com/

3. Living on the Lip of Insanity: The name admittedly was the hook for me. However, I chose this blog because it contains one of the topics that interests me most, which is how to engage students in effective ways.

https://tabor330.wordpress.com/

Lastly, my sincere apologies if the photo qualities are terrible. I am playing around on a new computer and by my next post will have figured out how to properly take a screen shot. Promise.

Until then!