10 Things Techie to Tackle
Thank you to Flagship Networks for our Mini Grant!
Join the team. No tryouts required. No refs or umpires.
Only enthusiastic players and spectators.
What is it?
10 Things Techie to Tackle is an informal, participant-driven, somewhat self-directed Professional Development opportunity for teachers to master technology tools with the aim of increasing student learning. Each month, you will Tackle one tool, or Thing.What's with the name?
While I would love to claim this as my own brainchild, I
must share that this program was inspired by a conference I attended last
spring. Sarah Kelly-Mudie, a CT school librarian demonstrated
her program (http://14thingstotame.blogspot.com).
Her program piggybacked the original Learning 2.0 Program, which has been successfully adapted by over
750 libraries worldwide! Feel free to see more at: http://plcmclearning.blogspot.com/
Why would I participate?
If you are reading this page, you are probably already someone who sees the potential of using technology tools as catalysts for learning that can be more authentic, differentiated, engaging, stimulating, effective, and just plain fun!
Like most educators, you are likely beat down with deadlines, frustrated by new requirements, and overwhelmed by never-ending to-do lists. Occasionally you hear about cool stuff but don't know where to start, and you definitely don't have time. They sink down to the bottom of your inbox--you push them to the back burner.
By Tackling 10 Things Techie, you are only committing to 1 tool per month. Depending on your experience, background, and comfort level, there will be different options: All-star, Varsity, Rookie. You get to model lifelong learning AND differentiated learning!
You will get cool prizes, big and small. That will include token treats that might make your day, and grand prizes (thinking iPads and that sort of thing) will be raffled to players who make every practice and every game.
What are you going to do? Who are you, anyway?
I will facilitate the program, which will provide virtual instruction (on this blog), mentoring (from myself or another teammate), structure (one Thing per month), and incentives ($1000 grant funding worth of goodies).
If you don't know me, I am the Library Media Specialist (LMS) at Stratford High, beginning my third year. I was formerly the LMS at Franklin Elementary; before that I taught Social Studies for 12 years at Flood Middle School. I do not have a fancy schmancy degree in Educational Technology. I dabbled in tech tools during my cross-endorsement as a LMS. Other than that I've pretty much learned everything I know by playing around and learning from my virtual PLN of educators (across the country) and especially students! Some of you are definitely techier than me. I don't claim to be an expert, and I can't answer all your questions, but I will certainly try to help find the answers.
Basically, I am very enthusiastic, love my job, and am a mild insomniac. I hope that catches on. Well, not the sleep-deprivation part.. Hmmm... Maybe I'd be a better cheerleader than coach. Did I really just write that?
John Labate has been recruited to assist, as he was a cool player in the Technology iNtegration Thinktank (TNT) at SHS last year. Sadly for me he was traded to Bunnell.
What will I need to do?
Each month, you will tackle a new assigned "Thing". Some Things I have planned already. Some are tentative. I'm intentionally leaving the last few months flexible. If you hear about new tools/concepts/sites/skills you think would be valuable to the team, please contribute your suggestions!
For most Things, you will create an account, play around, become familiar. If you are stuck, poke through the Help links, ask teammates through your/this blog, or check with me.
If applicable, you will try to integrate the tool into your lesson delivery, your planning, your assignments, or your professional habits.
You will share your experience, reflections and opinions on your blog. Blog?! Yes, that is your first Thing...
http://10thingstechietotackle.blogspot.com/2013_10_02_archive.html
http://10thingstechietotackle.blogspot.com/2013_10_02_archive.html
How do I sign up?
Click this link!
Fill out this survey to help me document the project--and to tailor it to your needs.
The directions for the first Thing are here.
Go Team!
Your edcoach,
PS Do you love the idea of teacher-driven PD? Me, too! Check out EdCamp: http://edcampboston.org/ Get on the list to be contacted. Registration filled in 40 hours last year!
