Week of October 30

Thursday Thoughts October 30

I have finally started making my way into classrooms to conduct walkthroughs.  I know that this is not the most enjoyable time for you as a teacher, however it is one of the highlights of my day as an administrator.  I am in awe of the teaching and learning that is taking place in the Medlock Bridge classrooms.  Our students are happy and seem to be having fun while they learn.  Yes it is an understatement to say that you are working hard, but I'll say it anyway.....YOU ARE WORKING HARD!  Keeping students challenged and engaged takes endless hours of planning and I know that it takes away from your personal time.  I get it.  But please hear me when I say that your hard work is paying off.  It may take years for you to reap the reward of the work that you are doing now but I can tell you that your reward is surely coming (it just won't be in monetary form....lol).



Staff Spotlight

 

This week I would like to shine the spotlight on Tanis Ockwell.  We all know that Tanis is quite creative and is the go to person for technology; however her ability to pitch in wherever she needed is truly appreciated.  As one of our School Governance Council members, Tanis volunteered her time this summer to attend SGC planning meetings with me.  In addition, Tanis has a heart for teaching and she seeks new ways to provide instruction to students. Parents have made me aware of the math tutorial videos that Tanis has made for her students this year (one is currently on the homework section of her website).  They have indicated how helpful these videos have been as they attempt to help their students with the "new math" at home.  I know that like most of you, Tanis goes above and beyond for her students with no expectation of recognition.   Tanis, thank you for what you do for students and the passion that you bring to the profession.

4C's: Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking Skills

The Difference Between Technology Use And Technology Integration

TeachThought Staff,   10/23/2014,

The Difference Between Technology Use And Technology Integration
by TeachThought Staff
Using technology for learning makes sense. Technology creates access, transparency, and opportunity. Any smartphone or tablet is media incarnate–video, animation, eBooks, essays, blog posts, messages, music, games. The modalities of light, color, and sound all arranged just so to communicate a message or create an experience.

But there is a difference, claims this graphic from teachbytes, between using technology and integrating it deeply into the learning experiences of students. This is, of course, what models like the SAMR model are based on–that idea of mere use to automate, to redefining what’s possible.
This is not a new idea, but what makes this graphic useful is the indicators offered that clarify Dos and Don’ts–kind of like an educator’s Goofus and Gallant.
Goofus gives iPad to students so that they can Google topics for a “research paper.”
Gallant helps students design their own open-ended and collaborative learning experiences, and uses apps like Behance or Storehouse to share them with the world.
The chart continues this pattern, but misses the opportunity to make Highlights allusion for nuance:
Technology usage is random, arbitrary, and often an afterthought.
Technology usage is planned and purposeful.
In all seriousness, it’s easy to say to “be purposeful.” It’s another to know what that looks like–which is where all of the indicators as a whole can be useful to you as an educator.

 

 

 Technology Tidbits

http://www.mathgametime.com/ Check this out for interactive math games as well as video tutorials for specific math concepts.  A good resource to add to your website.

https://sites.google.com/a/norman.k12.ok.us/mr-wolfe-s-math-interactive-whiteboard/home- An amazing math resource that is sure to spark your interest.

 

 

News & Notes

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, December 4th.  This is the date that has been selected for the Blue Ribbon Ceremony here at Medlock Bridge.  Right now we know that Dr. John Barge, State Superintendent, will be making a presentation.  Since we finally have a date, we will begin to make preparations for the event.  If you have ideas or suggestions, please share them with Paula.