I have had the opportunity to observe the Hour of Code run by Code.org in two capacities. Both have led me to solidify my belief that coding is an essential skill and “Language” that needs to be an integral part of all learners educations.

The first was as a parent. My six year old son, who is has an immense desire for all things digital completed his hour at home with me using the Minecraft tutorial. The joy he took in completing each task as he worked towards a goal was infectious as we high-fived and hugged after each successful module. Listening to him write the code, explain his thinking out-loud and complete the sessions through trial and error working on problem solving techniques reminded me of the joy that learning can bring. Later that evening, listening to him explain what coding is to his Mother and explaining how he solved each problem reinforced how “sticky” authentic learning can be.

The second opportunity was as The Assistant Principal at my High School implementing the first Hour of Code within the building. As we prepared, we had 34 students voluntarily sign up to participate, along with 8 of our AP Computer Science students who had already completed an hour to assist anyone who had questions.  As student entered 9 more students came to the door asking if they could participate.  I certainly was not going to turn anyone away.  As I scrambled to find more devices in our overflowing antiquated computer lab I felt a sense of pride that in a school of 604, 51 students were working on coding, for no credit, or grade, just to see what it was like and get a sweet Certificate.  The students completely engaged and enjoyed their time throughout the hour.  Students took on challenges and moved from the Block programming to trying their hand at Java and those who had never touched a ounce of code before made comments like “this is cool” and “i did not know this is how games worked.”  Students of all ages, races, backgrounds and interests participated and both they and I left feeling great!

Lets hope that this is the start of a growing Comp Sci program here at my school and I want to Thank the students who participated for giving me that amazing teacher “high’ of student learning that AP’s often miss when they are out of the classroom.

 

I was given the opportunity to present to my colleagues as an “Innovative Leader.”   The prompt was that, “What does it mean to you to be innovative?”   The presentation was done in the Style of an Ignite session, like you would see at ISTE.  I had five minutes, no more no less and no clue what to talk about.  I thought about what my passion is, what I love to do and what is important to me as a parent of a 1st grader and and pre-k student.  I want schools to talk to me  I want to know what is going on in the building when I am at work.  I want to see.   Attached is what I presented on.  “I am the new connected parent, how can you reach me?”

 

Welcome back to……Me.

This blog has been the bane of my existence.  I have started it, left it, tried a live-blog of Edcamp and then it became an empty shell floating in the sea of the internet.  I was not a blogger.

Then ISTE 2015 happened.

Inspired by the talk of being a curator of content and sharing thoughts and ideas have inspired me to try again.  So, in my own little slice of the internet world I thought I would attempt to share my first experience from ISTE and the “big rocks” I took from it.

My Overall Experience

Amazing, Thrilling, Exciting, Exhausting ( I averaged 15 miles walking a day, Thanks new Apple Watch!)  That’s what my first ISTE experience was.  Starting with pre-conference workshops and all the way through Wednesday afternoon, I sat in rooms, listened, participated and learned from like-minded Edtech superheroes. Idea’s flooded into my head and inspiration was around every corner and in every room.

Walking through the exhibition floor, things like LittleBits and 3Doodler grabbed not only my educator eye but also the possibility of what I can bring to my home to further my 6 year old and 3 year old’s learning.

The hours at the Philadelphia convention center melded into dinner conversation with the team of folks from my school system.  These conversations were thrilling and engaging as we debriefed our days and thought of where we are and the possibilities of what could be.

By the end of the conference I was honestly struggling, how do I return to my role as a school AP while I have spent the past 5 days thinking on a giant, global, educational scale?

My Three Big Rocks

1. Choose your own device.

“It’s not a technology initiative, It is a learning Initiative”

Sitting through the presentation by Ottawa-Carleton Schools allowed me to see the need for differentiated technology choices.  Their blended model of school supplied resources from a menu and BYOD allow students and teachers to use the tool which best needs the needs of the students and that days particular lessons.

2. Mobility

“There is no reason that classrooms should look like graveyards, with desks in rows like tombstones.”

Learners and classrooms need fluidity, the days of the large, immobile desktop computer in the corner of the room are gone.  Classrooms need to be flexible and dynamic  giving students and teachers the ability to move, group and regroup, and interact with one another constantly, while utilizing mobile technology that provides them with access and resources from across the globe.

3. Comfort with Tech

“I am not comfortable with technology” is no longer something that should be heard within the walls of a school.  This comment is now akin to, “I am not comfortable with the new version of the textbook.”  Teachers, even reluctant ones MUST engage in the practice of discovering ways to infuse technology into their pedagogical tool kit or risk losing the ability to speak to students in their language.

What’s next for me.

I am not sure what comes next.  My mind is filled with possibilities and to be honest, I am still processing it all.  I am excited for where my school and my district can go, and I am certainly excited for next year’s ISTE conference.  Onward to Denver.

9:25 am-  ok, we are going to give this a shot.  I am standing inside the  Bloomburg building on the campus of Johns Hopkins awaiting the beginning of edcampbmore.  I am going or try and live blog this bad boy.

 

10:00 am- greeting as over , and in the first session.  I am in a Pd for adult learners and the discussion has already centered on technology and how to assist teachers with the knowledge base for  BYOT and 1-1 schools.

 

10:25

–  great discussion going on regarding adult learners and technology.  The hurdles are different but frustrations the same.

 

10:50- let’s talk Art and technology.

Ok, eveybody check out the google art project and google cultural institute.  – pretty amazing.  Student curated art shows on the web using famous paintings.

11:40- Coming live from then smack down!!!   Tons of great resources to use!  Go here for awesomeness www.edcampbmore.org

Lunch was awesome, sat and chatted with fellow HCPS Educator @thebossysister.  Now preparing to learn how to get this school based Edcamp Up and running.

 

Edcamp Harco/northern maryland /Tbd is coming

Hello,

Welcome to my little corner of the Digital World.   I hope to share what I find helpful and interesting for educators as I navigate my own PLN’s.  Maybe you will find this helpful.  Maybe not.  My wish is that I can assist teachers and other educators in moving forward as teachers and learners.

 

Below you will find the first two editions of my weekly newsletter that I am sharing with my staff.  I am trying to share three quick resources that are fun and interesting to 21st century educators.

 

Hope you come back!

3Strikes2 3StrikesNum1