Middle is Mighty

Professional Learning Networks (PLNs) Source Over the past few weeks, I have been learning the value of professional learning networks, or PLNs , to the profession of education. A PLN is a virtual space where people can chat and share resources/ideas. As teachers, the field of education in constantly changing. New problems arise, new resources become introduced, and sometimes we struggle to keep up. However, by staying connected with other teachers/coaches, we can get ahead of the times and be better prepared to teach our kids. Source I created a Twitter account, @DowneyC16 , in hopes of gaining new insight from others. As a third year teacher, I know there is so much I need to improve on and learn. At the same time, I know I have strengths that can be shared with others as well. As I became acclimated with Twitter, I began to follow several accounts that were of interest to me, including: @MindshiftKQED , @edutopia , @MonicaGentaED , @NASASTEM , @PhETsims , and others....

Digital Tools Source Digital tools are online resources that can be used to enhance teaching. I have used several different digital tools, but the ones I use most often are Kahoot , Quizlet , ClassDojo , and AdobeSpark . They provide more engagement in the classroom, can be used as formative assessments, and they collect critical data for understanding students. Without the use of digital tools, technology usage would lack purpose and meaning. Now that schools have technology for student use, it is important that we as teachers learn about how we can best implement these tools to educate the newer generation. What is ScreenCastify? One digital tool that I have heard about, but never looked into, is ScreenCastify . It is a website, that can be added as an extension on Google, that allows users to take a video of their screen, tabs, or of themselves. I know of a few teachers in my school who use it to create sub lessons, but I wanted to take a look for myself. I decid...

Project Tomorrow: Speak Up Technology use in schools is in evitable and critical. Teachers, administrators, and parents all agree about the importance of using technology in education. Project Tomorrow  is an organization that provides data on the topic of technology. The have a program called Speak Up , in which they survey all those involved about their view on technology use in education and publish a report. The reports are helpful to see trends on views and/or gaps. I found many of the reports, info-graphs, and videos interesting as I looked on the website, but the report and info-graph that really stuck with me were  Digital Learning: Peril or Promise for Our K-12 Students and  " Preparing Student for the World of Work Speak Up 2018-19 Findings November 2019."    The information received  can help educators better understand how students today are learning so they can be better taught. Source Stakeholder Views I thought the info-graph...

Augmented Reality What It Is: Gif Source Technology for increased engagement Layered on reality for enhancement Use in various fields  Allows for interactions that are not normally possible What It Isn't:  Gif Source Virtual Reality, or the creation and immersion of a whole new setting  Just a game or toy Fields of Use: Augmented reality is used in several fields, such as business, healthcare, military defense, industrial maintenance, etc. It allows companies to train employees using hands on technology, such as applications on tablets, goggles, etc. These materials give them a chance to train in a safer environment, as well as lower costs of specialized tools that would be needed otherwise. Uses in Education: Augmented reality can be used throughout grade levels and content areas. Some examples of applications/websites are CoSpaces Edu , and Merge Cube . Both of these require purchase in order to use them to their full potenti...

Active Learning Using Cougar Code Image Source This week, I created a Padlet about an active learning experience, which in turn, was an active learning experience for me (inception?). The picture of my Padlet is shown above, but it is a bit hard to see. Below I will break it down into chunks to address all the important information. The link to my Padlet is sourced above as well.  Gif Source

A Digital Map I mage Source: Google Images ]This week, I had a chance to reflect on my use of different applications and internet sites. I created a chart to display what I use professionally, personally, frequently, or seldom. Applications I use for work would be towards the top of the chart, where as applications used at home/for personal use would be towards the bottom of the chart. There are several in which I do not use often or interact with, so this means I am a visitor and those applications are towards the left of the chart. On the other hand, there are others that I visit frequently and interact with, meaning post on and data would be collected by doing so. These applications are going to be closer to the right.  Digital Analysis Looking at the applications that I am considered a resident with, the closer they are to the left would indicate that I use them daily, post, and leave a trail of data for others to see. There are several that I use for persona...