Teachers Can't Fear Technology

                                      

"In the future, I don't view teachers being replaced by technology, but teachers who don't use tech being replaced by those that do." 

That's a quote I took from a principal I follow on Twitter.  A principal I started following while attending the Technology Summit in Joplin, Missouri yesterday.  We were tweeting during the summit...it was kind of encouraged, cause...well, it was a TECHNOLOGY summit.

But, I'm getting ahead of myself.  

Yesterday, I attended the 3rd annual Technology Summit held in Joplin, Missouri.  The summit was being held in the BRAND NEW Joplin Middle School.  It was built after the tornado took out the last school.  And, I know that this may sound terribly bad, but there was definitely some good that came out of the wreckage from that tornado.  That school is STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL.  Not only that, but they have completely catapulted themselves in to the 21st century.  

The classrooms are built in pods, having a central "commons" location and rooms with glass walls built around the outside that can all be opened up and customized to join together.  The projectors in each room have Apple TV built right in to them.  There are "teacher centers" for teachers to work in and collaborate and whatever else they need some space for.  Even the stinking water fountains look like something right out of a futuristic movie, with built in dispensers to fill up bottles.  Definitely the best locale for such an event.

There were around 300 teachers from all over SW Missouri in attendance for the conference.  I was so excited to see teachers, administrators, and tech people of all different ages so fired up about the technology tools that were going to be presented.  

The conference kicked off with a presentation from the keynote speaker, Marc Prensky.  He is an internationally acclaimed writer, consultant, and a motivational speaker for education.  He's the author of five books focused on technology and learning. He got the conference kicked off with a great talk on how education and technology are evolving.  My most favorite part was when he discussed that technology should NOT be used to redo old things, that's not what technology is for.  It's time when the the wheel DOES have to be reinvented in order to keep up with the way the vehicle it's moving is changing.  He went on to discuss how technology is NOT our future, anymore, it's our "right now".  We have to start accepting that, evolving, and embracing how technology is an extension of our brains.  

His talk got me fired up and ready to attend the first session of the day, which was actually being presented by one of my colleagues, Bill Chamberlain. (If you're interested, go visit his blog: wmchamberlain.blogspot.com)

I've already decided that next school year, I'm going to start keeping ePortfolios for all of my students.  Digital portfolios.  That way I can get rid of all the paper that accumulates EVERYWHERE.  I can capture whatever the student has done by scanning it in, recording it, taking pictures, whatever, and then upload it all into personal online portfolios.  Then the artifact can be sent straight home.  Bill was presenting on something that would help with the endeavor:  Analog to digital.  We created examples of hands-on learning activities that happen in the classroom, and then he walked us through the process of capturing the learning digitally, sharing the learning digitally, and virtual extensions that can be applied to the lessons.  

I LOVED IT!!

After that, it was my turn to step up and present.  Not for the actual presentation that I was giving in the afternoon sessions, but a "spit fire round" of questioning the summit deemed as "Flash Mobs".  Long explanation short, a room, whoever is interested in the topic attends, and they get to bombard me with as many questions that I can answer in 30 minutes.  I was given the topic of using Minecraft in the classroom.

I got a pretty good turn out, and I was SO excited to see such an array of age groups that attended.  Not that I'm bashing teachers that have been teaching for 15+ years, but they tend to be the ones that fear technology a little more than those that have been teaching for less time.  And, I could tell by some facial expressions that the thought of using a game such as Minecraft was a HUGE undertaking.  I was answering questions left, right, and center and I started to see those scared facial expressions lighten just a little.  But, that was nothing compared to the person who was sitting front and center.  Marc Prensky, himself, decided to attend MY Flash Mob.  And, he wasn't going easy on me.  He was throwing tough questions my way... but I understood why he was doing it.  He wanted to see if I could explain to some of the "concerned teachers" how beneficial a game such as Minecraft could be.  When it was over, I felt like I had at least got a few people interested in using Minecraft and at least willing to look a little more in to it.  

Marc Prensky joined me in the long line for lunch, and we continued our conversation about how I was using Minecraft and my future plans for using it with my kiddos.  He was genuinely interested, and it felt really great (ego inflating) to hear that he was such a supporter for adaptation in terms of learning that's NOT JUST focused on assessment, but deeper understanding and virtual simulation of what the kids were learning about.

Once lunch was over, it was time for my presentation:  The Benefits of Blogging.  My session was supposed to start at 12:30, and at 12:28 the room was completely empty.  Not a single person had shown up, which made me think that I'd be packing up and leaving a lot earlier than originally planned. But, within those two minutes, people started showing up.  Then more people.  And even once I started introducing myself, more and more people kept flooding in.  By the time I really kicked off, it was standing room only in my room.  I had teachers standing around the back of the room, and sitting in any available place they could park themselves.  Can you say intimidating?  

But, thankfully, the presentation was a success.  I got a lot of great feedback, and had some great discussions about how blogging can really help teachers provide alternatives to some assignments, how the audience that blogs provide help students get more engaged and care more about the quality of their work, and my favorite go-to perk:  LESS PAPER!!  Plus, Bill was there with me to provide a few more resources for the teachers to take away.

All in all, the day was amazing.  I had a lot of fun, I learned a lot, I shared a lot, and I felt like I walked away apart of an amazing uprising of educational technology.

Now, if I can just get $7000 for a 72" tablet I got to play with while I was there, and put it in my classroom....oh yes, they really make those.... life would be even sweeter.

Any donors willing to pitch in?

Enjoy your Saturday, everyone!

All This Technology Goodness

                               

Oh yes! That, my friends, is a look at my iPad home screen now that IOS 7 has been installed.  And to many of you, you may want to skip this post because it won't really mean a whole lot.  Especially if you're sitting there asking yourself what on earth an IOS 7 is.

And that's not a dig at anyone lacking technology knowledge, it's simply stating that if you don't own an Apple product, you might have no idea about what I'm going to talk about.

So, for the first time since owning an Apple product, I'm extremely excited about the fancy new make-over they've decided to give to their gadgets.  It's user friendly, sharp looking, and extremely helpful when trying to be organized.

I felt like a kid waiting for Christmas morning while my iPhone and iPad updated last night.  I'd seen posts start to appear on Facebook about others getting their new toy...and I wanted mine.  And I sat, kinda patiently, waiting for it to happen.

When they were done, I was ready to start exploring.

So, I guess if you haven't already figured it out, this post is basically just going to be my first impressions of IOS 7.  Here we go...

My first encounter came from a tutorial giving me a heads up on the new security features that have been installed.  I had the option of setting a passcode before, but now it's become suggested that I use one.  So I set one up.  I had to enter in my Apple ID and was informed that NO ONE would ever be able to use or change any settings on my phone or iPad without that password.  That's also very handy for the Find my iPhone/iPad feature that's installed.  Without my password, there's no way to turn it off.  Which is really nice if someone decides to take off with either of them....or if I misplace one of them, which is probably a lot more likely.

Once I got through the security steps, I was greeted with my new homescreen.  And I think it looks pretty fancy.  The folders are now all like mini home screens.  I no longer need three folders just for games, because all of my games can fit in to one folder...there's NO limit to how many apps I can put in to one folder.  That's a huge incentive for me... because I have A LOT of apps on my iPad, and I'm one of those people that likes to be able to find them and not dig through several folders until I locate the one I need.

I also discovered that I can now access most of the settings right from the home screen, without having to go in to the Settings app.  It looks like this...

                               

With just a swipe of my hand, I can see that fancy little tool bar pop up on the bottom of my screen.  And from that tool bar, I can control the volume, the brightness, turn on Bluetooth, Airplane mode, and Wifi.  I can also put my device to sleep or lock the screen.  And those are really handy on my iPad, because I use a case that basically turns my iPad in to a laptop...and I usually have to take the iPad out of the case in order to access the lock button.  Not anymore!!  I also have instant access to my photos/camera and the clock app.

On the iPhone, on the same tool bar, they have included the calculator app and the flashlight app.  That's really smart.  I don't know how many times I've had to figure out where my flashlight option is, in the complete dark.  Or having to go through folders to find my calculator.  Now, it's right at my fingertips with a quick swipe from the home screen.

The other big update that has gotten me super excited is the release of iTunes Radio.  I played around with the new feature last night, and I found that it's almost identical to Pandora.  Yet, I can do a few extra things with the iTunes version.  Apple wasn't stupid when they put this feature together.  There are hundreds of pre-made radio stations to choose from that cover just about every genre of music.  And when a song plays, you get to see the album art and are given an option to buy the song with just a few taps on the screen.  Smart.  No more having to search through iTunes to download that one song you love..the minute you hear it, you can buy it.  And if buying it right then isn't what you want to do, you can add it to a Wish List for later purchase.

The added features that make me think I might prefer this option over Pandora are the "Do not Play this artist" feature and the "Play more like this" feature.  

When a song comes on, you get a couple of options.  You can request that more songs be played just like it, or you can ban the singer from showing up again on that station.  Hubby got all giddy with that option, because he can type in the words Justin Bieber and know that he will never have to worry about being tormented with the one singer that makes him want to dig his eardrums out.  And I'm pretty sure he'll be adding Miley Cyrus and One Direction to that list as well.  

While the radio has TONS of pre-made stations to choose from, you also have the option of creating your own stations.  Just like Pandora, you type in an artist and set up a station.  You can also add different artists to the same station, if you want a station that will play a variety of music.  

I use Pandora quite a bit at work.  My work station is Enya radio.  It plays soft melodies that help me stay focused while working, and I play it while my kiddos are taking a test of reading quietly.  It seems to help them focus, too.

I do have a couple of Pop and Rock stations on Pandora, but I don't like to play them when the kids are in the room because Pandora will sometimes play songs that aren't censored.  Now, with iTunes Radio, I can customize a station where I won't have to worry.  I can ban certain artists from showing up, and there are lots of "kid friendly" options available in the pre-made stations.

In fact, as I was playing around with the radio last night, I wondered why on earth I'm paying $15 a month for Sirius radio in my car.  And then it hit me that Sirius comes through satellite, where as my phone has to be connected to 4G to be able to play.  That wouldn't be so bad, except half of my drive to work is through a "dead zone" and so the iTunes Radio wouldn't really help me for my morning and afternoon commutes.  Maybe if cell service becomes available in those areas, I might ditch Sirius altogether and just use the free iTunes Radio.  OK, they have a few commercials here and there, but one 30 second commercial every 5-10 minutes is livable.

All in all, I'm really happy so far.  I downloaded all the App updates that went with the new operating system, and they all seem to be a lot more streamlined and user friendly too.  Facebook looks completely different, once again.  But, it seems to be a little easier to navigate through it.

I'm sure, as the days go on, I'll discover new tools and maybe even discover a few flaws...but for the time being, I'm just going to take advantage of what IOS 7 has given me and figure out the best ways to put the features to good use.

But, right now, I have to think about getting ready for some grocery shopping...or we won't be eating this week.

Have a great Sunday!!

Camping, Cravings, and New Technology

Dear Diary....

I'm back!!  Did you miss me?  I can't believe I've been gone for three whole days.  Well, technically I got back Sunday afternoon - but I've spent the rest of the time recovering.   I spent the weekend exploring the wilderness.  OK, fine, I went to a public camping ground in Oklahoma - not exactly the wilderness, but close enough.  I went camping with my kids, my parents, my brother, sister, and 4 additional small children that my mom is fostering.  Yes.  There were 12 of us.

This was the second time I've ever been camping in my whole life.  The first time was last year.  It's something my parents have started doing - and I like to tag along.  I wouldn't really consider myself an outdoorsy kinda gal - but I have to admit, I really enjoy camping.  For some reason, when I'm out by the lake the bugs don't bother me as much, the dirt doesn't bother me as much, and the heat doesn't bother me as much.  Any other time I scream at the sight of a spider, I can't go a day without taking a shower, and I'd rather stick hot pokers in my eyes than spend a minute outside when the temp is over 70 degrees.  But it's different when I'm camping.

This camping trip was a little different than the last time I went, however.  There was something missing.  Something very important missing - bathroom facilities.  My mom found out the night before we were supposed to leave that the onsite bathrooms/showers were locked until April 1st.  How f'in ridiculous is that?  It's not only a camping site, but a boat dock and fishing area.  I'm pretty sure there are going to be people there most of the year - but Oklahoma decides to lock up the bathrooms for the winter.  My mom made a quick dash to a store and bought a porta-potty.  Not exactly my ideal situation - but it beats popping a squat in the bushes...which is where I would have drawn the line, by the way.  I also couldn't take a shower the entire weekend.  That was groody and icky feeling - but I'd rather not be able to take a shower than pee in the woods. 

The whole weekend was a lot of fun.  The weather was beautiful.  The kids played in the dirt.  Peanut and Butter fished with my dad and brother.  Jelly had her first try at fishing.  And my mom and I sat and soaked up the sun having a good chit chat.  It was all very nice.  Saturday night, I made 5 little children's dreams come true by making them their first ever s'mores.  And they loved every bite.  All in all, a very awesome weekend.

Here are a couple of pics...as I know you're dying to see what was going on...

View from our campsite

Tents all set up

Jelly and I after we arrived - still clean!!

Can you spot what's wrong with this pic?

My girls and I - Ready for a fun weekend!

My awesome Butter - LOVE THIS PIC!!

Jelly and my nephew digging in the dirt

S'Mores Time!!

The highlight of her entire trip - Eating s'mores

 While I was there, I didn't eat on my detox plan.  It's kinda hard when you are very limited to food preparation and storage.  I didn't, however, over eat.  I ate my meals.  I did eat a few snacks, but very small amounts.  I also ate two s'mores - and that was the extent of my "cheating".  On the way home, we stopped at McDonalds where I ate the wrong foods - but it just didn't taste as good.

I came home pretty dehydrated, because I just couldn't drink the amount of water I was used to drinking.  That, of course, caused some bloating to appear.  No biggie, though, I've been making up for it since I've been back.  I gave myself another day off from the detox yesterday and took Butter to eat some pizza for lunch.  I will admit right now that it just didn't taste the same.  I didn't care for the greasy taste, and even the dessert pizza (which I absolutely devour any other time) was just too sweet.  I enjoyed my salad a lot more.

I'm going back on my detox today.  I have to.  No, I need to.  I've still got a lot of work to do in regards to my cravings.  Certain foods may not be tasting quite as good, but I still had the urge to eat them.  I need to continue working on that.

When I got back from my trip, Sunday, I came home to a new toy.  A toy that I've been wanting for almost a year.  It required saving some pennies, and getting a nice big win at bingo a while back.  I cam home to my new iPad.  Yes.  The new iPad.  The one that came out Friday - and has the name "New iPad" which I think is ridiculous - but I'm excited to have it.  I've been playing some games, and even discovered the wonder of ebooks.  Something I've never really wanted to get in to - because, well, I LOVE books.  Real books.  But, there's a book I've been wanting to read for a while now - and it's only been available on ebooks.  So, I downloaded it - and haven't been able to put the thing down since.  I love it.  I sat in bed last night, reading, in the dark.  Never could do that with a real book - but the iPad lights up, so it makes reading so much more convenient. 

As you can see, I'm all over the place this morning, trying to cram everything in to one post.  I don't like being gone - it messes with my head.  My blog is a part of my routine, and when my routine gets messed up - I get messed up.  Tomorrow, I'll try and get a little more organized - but I can't promise anything.  I'm off work for the entire week thanks to Spring Break, so I'm going to be a little all over the place this week.  Just try to bear with me - I'll do the best I can.

Today is Butter's birthday.  It's hard to believe he's 11.  For the next three weeks, he's the same age as Peanut.  That's what happens when you have two children only 11 months apart.  Tomorrow, I want to do a special post for him - so look forward to that, tomorrow.

Till next time. ;)

I'm On iCloud Nine

Some of you probably don't know this tidbit of information about me:  I'm a bit of a techno geek.  I know, shocking right?

Since I was as young as I can remember, I've always been surrounded by technology - whether it be video game consoles, stereo systems, computers, laptops, and now smartphones. 

While I won't say that I'm anything close to an expert on these things...I do try to stay updated on the current goings on in the technological world.

Technology isn't just fascinating to me - but as OCD as I am about being organized, and having folders and labels for almost everything....technology has it's part in keeping me sane.  Gone is the stress of trying to keep up with paper files and folders - and in their place are fascinating features as virtual folders and organization tools such as the my laptop has to offer.

Now, I have found a new gadget....app, if you will.  Something that offers the wonders of color coding, organized files, immediate back up.  That, my friends, is iCloud.

What is iCloud, you ask?  Well, it's a new program offered by the wonderful folks at Apple (RIP Steve).  With the new launch of the iPhone 4S came the introduction of an upgrade....for all of those with the older models of iPhone.  iCloud is the newest feature that popped up on my phone after I installed the new operating system.

I haven't even begun to really scratch the surface at what iCloud is all about....there's just one thing that I've clung on to and know that I'll use faithfully...organized calendars.

Calendars are my lifeline.  I have a paper planner I use at work.  I have a calendar on my phone I use when I'm away from home.  I have a calendar on my laptop from when I'm at home.  All three of them are separate, and I manually enter in my information into each one...so that I always have a calendar with me.

I have so much going on in my life - without my calendars, I'll be lost.  Regardless of how many different calendars I use, I still manage to forget to let Hubby know about my after school activities, meetings, the kids' events, and what have you. 

Several times a week, I can expect a call from Hubby asking where I am - because I've forgot to let him know.  Or I'm making a quick text message first thing in the morning - because I've forgot to let him know that he needs to pick Jelly up from daycare. 

I am very organized in where and when I have to be somewhere....I'm just not as organized at letting everyone else know.

Now, with iCloud, I don't have to worry about it ANYMORE.

Hubby has created a calendar for us both - that we share.  Whenever I add something to the calendar, it immediately adds the calendar to his phone, iPad, and computer.  No worrying about syncing or all that jazz.  It's there for him to see - and I can also set a reminder for him...just in case he forgets to check it.

As anal as I am about using calendars - this will be a dream come true to our household.

Another plus - I don't have to share all of my meetings, classes, etc that happen during the day...that don't involve Hubby.  I have color coded calendars, people.  Color coded! 

I have one color for work, another for family, and another for appointments.  I check a little box when I'm adding stuff - to tell me if I need to add it to the calendar I share with Hubby.  If it doesn't concern him, I leave it off.  All of the colors in one happy place....no more do I need separate calendars for everything.

I know all of this may sound boring and unimportant to you all... but this really is huge for me.

Anything I can get that can make my organization easier - well, it's like Christmas in October. 

I know some of you are probably saying that there's a bunch of online calendar options for this type of thing.... I know, I've tried them.  The problem?  They are only useful when I sync my phone with my computer - so that the information can be shared.  I sync my phone a couple of times a week - at most. 

Now, I can be at work, add something to the calendar and BAM Hubby has it on his calendar.  I can add something while I'm online - while my phone is locked away in my office - and BAM it's right there waiting for me on my phone when I get to it.  Got to love WiFi and 3G internet service, right?

The other cool feature?  The contacts.  I swear, since I've started using my iPhone, the brain cells that stored phone numbers have disappeared.  I'm the worst at trying to remember a phone number nowadays.  It has been a constant worry to me that if I ever lost my phone - I'd lose contact with everyone I know... because I'd never be able to remember their phone numbers.  Now, I just need a computer...any computer...and BAM, I have all of my contacts at my fingertips.

Don't worry, I keep a paper ICE number sheet in my purse in case I'm ever stranded away from home without a computer or phone.

It's all fantastic, exciting stuff. 

Now, once I get my iPad....someday...holy bejeezus, I'm gonna be in heaven.

Till next time. ;)

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