Ok I'm going to say that I only have a slight idea what it is. It seems like it's a messenger app. I can send messages. I can send voice messages. So what's the big deal?
Well I have an iPhone and my other half has an android. No comment.
The point is...that I can't send him a VM in iMessage. With Voxer I can. That's nice. But what else?
And then that leads me to the classroom and PD in schools. How can I use it?
I'm writing this as I'm reading +Matt Miller post on Voxer too. I see there are a variety of chats on Voxer. So I'm thinking like Twitter but in a "messenger" format instead. I laughed when he said he decided to try 3, cause I want to observe 1 first. I'm not about jumping in and getting overwhelmed. LOL but that's because I won't be able to take anything away like he does. I'd just freak out and delete the app. Trust me. I did it with Twitter. At least 3 times. :)
So in Matt's post there's a link to some Voxer chats. I think I'm going to go try to join one and I'll report back at a later date. I'd like to see how it compares to what I'm imagining...which is Twitter. After I stopped deleting it. ;)
***Update***
I now use Voxer regularly! And I LOVE it! I'm in a Catholic Ed chat. It's a great support network that I go to often with lots of questions. It's so amazingly helpful when it comes to the unique perspective of working in a Catholic school. I also recently joined a group that is for support for blogging. I really enjoy blogging. It helps take what's in my head and think through and organize it. We are very new but everyone is so very active. It's thrilling and inspirational. I also use Voxer for my school's Sunshine Committee. Or at least I'm working on it. The idea is that everyone is so busy, I'd love to be able to propose ideas and/or ask questions to get feedback in real time but around everyone's busy schedule. I want the team to know we don't HAVE to meet after school...5 seconds at any point in the day to answer is PERFECT!
I also use it with a friend of mine. It makes it possible and dare I say "EASY" to chat while making dinner...juggling kids...working on grading...etc.
I can't wait to explore more. I know there is a Voxer group for #edumatch and there's a Voxer Edcamp. Please if you're in a Voxer group that you'd like to share...pop it in the comments and I'll either join or tweet it out there. Thanks!
Friday, April 8, 2016
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Re-envisioning SAMR
*warning: slight ranting*
I know there are SAMR fans out there and those that aren't super supportive of SAMR. That's fine. We all have our opinions right? In all reality, it's about what works for you, your teachers, your students, your team.
Now, to say, that I am a fan of SAMR. At least what it represents. I like that it gives a framework for understanding how to gauge how technology is being used in the classroom. SAMR isn't dictating how to use technology, SAMR isn't replacing pedagogy, SAMR isn't taking the creativity out of teaching. It's a set of guidelines as teachers (myself included) make their way through the sometimes murky waters of integrating technology in the classroom. It is a frame of reference.
However, I admit that I often feel frustrated and sometimes even defeated with how SAMR is viewed and approached. Keeping in mind that SAMR is a frame of reference...many people look to "achieve" R. Ok, that's fine, that's dandy. But before you "achieve" anything...are YOU ready for R? Are your STUDENTS ready for R? Do you have a clear understanding of what R represents in the classroom?
I would like to numerically, clearly point out how to approach SAMR in my opinion. I do them numerically, so I won't get sassy in my post. Although I did make sure to wear my sassy pants today just so you know.
1. Understand what each level of SAMR represents. Without a clear understanding, you may not be meeting the level that you have planned for.
2. Look at your objective, your lesson, and your students. What step of SAMR will best support their learning outcomes? If S is what is best, then please just substitute. If M is what is best, then feel free to modify.
3. Once you feel comfortable with integrating technology in a certain step, then start experimenting/collaborating/researching how to integrate another step. You can always go back and forth.
4. Don't get stuck. If you're happy substituting, still focus on growing and trying new things.
Don't focus on "achieving" each "step" and getting to the "top". (sorry for the gross over use of air quotes...and yes I made them in the air before I typed them).
Ultimately, remember that understanding and reflection are the keys to effectively utilizing SAMR.
*rant over* I feel better now...thanks. :)
I know there are SAMR fans out there and those that aren't super supportive of SAMR. That's fine. We all have our opinions right? In all reality, it's about what works for you, your teachers, your students, your team.
Now, to say, that I am a fan of SAMR. At least what it represents. I like that it gives a framework for understanding how to gauge how technology is being used in the classroom. SAMR isn't dictating how to use technology, SAMR isn't replacing pedagogy, SAMR isn't taking the creativity out of teaching. It's a set of guidelines as teachers (myself included) make their way through the sometimes murky waters of integrating technology in the classroom. It is a frame of reference.
However, I admit that I often feel frustrated and sometimes even defeated with how SAMR is viewed and approached. Keeping in mind that SAMR is a frame of reference...many people look to "achieve" R. Ok, that's fine, that's dandy. But before you "achieve" anything...are YOU ready for R? Are your STUDENTS ready for R? Do you have a clear understanding of what R represents in the classroom?
I would like to numerically, clearly point out how to approach SAMR in my opinion. I do them numerically, so I won't get sassy in my post. Although I did make sure to wear my sassy pants today just so you know.
1. Understand what each level of SAMR represents. Without a clear understanding, you may not be meeting the level that you have planned for.
2. Look at your objective, your lesson, and your students. What step of SAMR will best support their learning outcomes? If S is what is best, then please just substitute. If M is what is best, then feel free to modify.
3. Once you feel comfortable with integrating technology in a certain step, then start experimenting/collaborating/researching how to integrate another step. You can always go back and forth.
4. Don't get stuck. If you're happy substituting, still focus on growing and trying new things.
Don't focus on "achieving" each "step" and getting to the "top". (sorry for the gross over use of air quotes...and yes I made them in the air before I typed them).
Ultimately, remember that understanding and reflection are the keys to effectively utilizing SAMR.
*rant over* I feel better now...thanks. :)
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| image created by Aaron Davis mash up from @JustLego101 & Amy Burvall |
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Challenges of Balances
This blog, while professional in nature, is done as part of my own personal love of writing and #edtech.
I haven't kept up with it recently because of "life". There have been a lot of tasks to handle at work, another job creeps into the picture, planning large family events (weddings, parties, etc), maintaining a home, etc. all seem to take precedence. I feel run down and tired. I don't maintain some of the things that I do for me, for my own enjoyment.
I know that I am not the only person that this has ever happened to. In fact, I know that teachers on a regular basis struggle with this specific dilemma. I know this because at another point in time, I was that teacher struggling to find balance. It has never been an easy thing for me to achieve, especially when I have so much on my plate.
So, I put this out there to the world. How do you find your balance? How do you juggle everything in your life, while still taking time to focus on yourself? What do you do to focus on yourself?
I haven't kept up with it recently because of "life". There have been a lot of tasks to handle at work, another job creeps into the picture, planning large family events (weddings, parties, etc), maintaining a home, etc. all seem to take precedence. I feel run down and tired. I don't maintain some of the things that I do for me, for my own enjoyment.
I know that I am not the only person that this has ever happened to. In fact, I know that teachers on a regular basis struggle with this specific dilemma. I know this because at another point in time, I was that teacher struggling to find balance. It has never been an easy thing for me to achieve, especially when I have so much on my plate.
So, I put this out there to the world. How do you find your balance? How do you juggle everything in your life, while still taking time to focus on yourself? What do you do to focus on yourself?
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Life Moment Fail
So this morning I had a life moment fail.
I was walking out to my car and took 2 steps in the parking lot and, very much like a cartoon, my legs went forward, my bags went into the air, and my butt when down. It hurt. I fell. On ice. On asphalt. On. My. Butt.
It hurt and I was embarrassed. I was a little shocked...couldn't get up immediately. However, I could make sure that my coffee wasn't spilled everywhere immediately. Priorities people priorities.
As soon as I realized nothing was really hurt I started to gather my things and started to rant in my head. "THAT'S IT! I'M WORKING FROM HOME TODAY! I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE IN THIS! WHAT WAS I THINKING! I SHOULD HAVE JUST STAYED IN BED!"
I started to pull out my phone to make sure I didn't have any meetings on campus and realized that the only thing that really hurt was my pride and the fact that I really don't like snow and ice. However, I made the decision to live where there is snow and ice so I have to deal with it. I decided to shuffle my way to my car...this time walking through the snow instead of sliding on ice again.
*disclaimer: if I fell again, I was staying home!*
I made it to work, granted my butt was wet from sitting on ice, but still I made it.
I had failed. I had picked myself up. I had tried again. I had succeeded.
Why is it OK for me and for kids and for all other adults to have these little life fails in the outside world but not in education? We learn so much from them. I learned to walk in the snow for instance. I feel like in education, failing is the end. Story over. Why? Why can't it be a chance to learn and try again? Isn't the point of education to prepare for life? We fail in life ALL. THE. TIME. Why don't we teach that failing is just another chance?
Fail = DO OVER! Don't we always want a "do over"? WE HAVE IT!!!
*disclaimer: I'm glad I didn't fail forward this morning otherwise my face would have hurt much more than anything else.
I was walking out to my car and took 2 steps in the parking lot and, very much like a cartoon, my legs went forward, my bags went into the air, and my butt when down. It hurt. I fell. On ice. On asphalt. On. My. Butt.
It hurt and I was embarrassed. I was a little shocked...couldn't get up immediately. However, I could make sure that my coffee wasn't spilled everywhere immediately. Priorities people priorities.
As soon as I realized nothing was really hurt I started to gather my things and started to rant in my head. "THAT'S IT! I'M WORKING FROM HOME TODAY! I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE IN THIS! WHAT WAS I THINKING! I SHOULD HAVE JUST STAYED IN BED!"
I started to pull out my phone to make sure I didn't have any meetings on campus and realized that the only thing that really hurt was my pride and the fact that I really don't like snow and ice. However, I made the decision to live where there is snow and ice so I have to deal with it. I decided to shuffle my way to my car...this time walking through the snow instead of sliding on ice again.
*disclaimer: if I fell again, I was staying home!*
I made it to work, granted my butt was wet from sitting on ice, but still I made it.
I had failed. I had picked myself up. I had tried again. I had succeeded.
Why is it OK for me and for kids and for all other adults to have these little life fails in the outside world but not in education? We learn so much from them. I learned to walk in the snow for instance. I feel like in education, failing is the end. Story over. Why? Why can't it be a chance to learn and try again? Isn't the point of education to prepare for life? We fail in life ALL. THE. TIME. Why don't we teach that failing is just another chance?
Fail = DO OVER! Don't we always want a "do over"? WE HAVE IT!!!
*disclaimer: I'm glad I didn't fail forward this morning otherwise my face would have hurt much more than anything else.
Friday, January 29, 2016
I'm not "SLACK"ing off...
So I have found that working 2 jobs, wedding planning, and just trying to keep up with life in general has caused me to drop the ball on a few things. I just can't keep up with it all.
That being said, I'm OK with that. *statement retraction*
I'm not OK with that. Funny thing is that my priorities are (maybe) a little off. What I'm OK with is not working at home. What I'm not OK with is that I cannot clean my home. Laundry piles up, mail collects on my table, and let's not even talk about the bathroom that keeps the liter box for Max (the cat).
Now...personal rant over. Back to what I am OK with.
I am OK with not working at home. One of the reasons I'm OK with that is because when I do get to work the next day, my email isn't stacked miles high. There are a few emails and I can organize and handle that.
The reason my inbox isn't so overwhelming is because my team is testing out Slack. Slack is really awesome because it's basically a chat that can hold documents. You can have team chats and 1:1 chats.
It took me time time to really start using it but now I feel like it's really part of my daily routine. If you can imagine (think wavy Scooby Doo lines and sound effects): You send an email with facts and questions to one or multiple people. Someone emails back (not reply all) with some answers that lead to more questions. You have to reply all with questions and answers to some people but not everyone. Then someone else responds with a reply all, but doesn't answer some of the questions. So then someone else replies, but you don't see it cause it wasn't a reply all, so you don't know those answers and have to send another email to get some information. And back and forth and back and forth and etc. Are you overwhelmed yet? Is your inbox overflowing yet? And you can't delete any of them because of the various pieces of information in all the different emails.
Or you can use Slack. All in one place. No inbox. Everyone can see everything. The end.
That being said, I'm OK with that. *statement retraction*
I'm not OK with that. Funny thing is that my priorities are (maybe) a little off. What I'm OK with is not working at home. What I'm not OK with is that I cannot clean my home. Laundry piles up, mail collects on my table, and let's not even talk about the bathroom that keeps the liter box for Max (the cat).
Now...personal rant over. Back to what I am OK with.
I am OK with not working at home. One of the reasons I'm OK with that is because when I do get to work the next day, my email isn't stacked miles high. There are a few emails and I can organize and handle that.
It took me time time to really start using it but now I feel like it's really part of my daily routine. If you can imagine (think wavy Scooby Doo lines and sound effects): You send an email with facts and questions to one or multiple people. Someone emails back (not reply all) with some answers that lead to more questions. You have to reply all with questions and answers to some people but not everyone. Then someone else responds with a reply all, but doesn't answer some of the questions. So then someone else replies, but you don't see it cause it wasn't a reply all, so you don't know those answers and have to send another email to get some information. And back and forth and back and forth and etc. Are you overwhelmed yet? Is your inbox overflowing yet? And you can't delete any of them because of the various pieces of information in all the different emails.
Or you can use Slack. All in one place. No inbox. Everyone can see everything. The end.
Friday, January 8, 2016
ISTE 2016
Recently I found out that #collegereadyOH, the program I work on, had four ISTE presentations accepted! FOUR!! I'm blown away! I'm humbled and honored...AND FREAKING OUT!!!
Don't get me wrong, this is definitely a team effort - and I have a beyond AMAZING team - and I am in no way in this alone. However, it's still a rather daunting task to try and plan for a presentation at ISTE. We have three poster sessions and a workshop. Our team and some of our catalyst teachers will be there representing #collegereadyOH at these sessions.
So I guess this post is more looking for some advice.
- Have you presented at ISTE?
- What did you do to prepare?
- How did you know your session went well?
- What advice would you give to ISTE newbies?
- Have you attended ISTE?
- What presentations/poster sessions stood out to you?
- What are you looking for when you pick a session?
- What keeps your attention when you're checking out a poster?
THANK YOU!!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cobannon/2766226320
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
An Island of Images
Right? My title gives you NO indication what my post will be about. HA! That's ok. I'll explain it here and I'll also explain the title.
I'm going to talk about Pixabay.
Title first: In my head a bay = an island. While geographically incorrect, it's the word association my brain uses to remember the website. I can call it what I want. :) Pix = pics = an image. Get it?! Get it?! Huh?! Huh?!
The "a" is inconsequential.
This summer Tony Vincent came and talked to a group of teachers that I work with and one of his suggestions for finding images for presentations was Pixabay.
Why use that when Google images has all of the possible wondrous images that you could ever image? Well....because of copyright laws. That's why.
Pixabay images are from users who upload the images and you have free right to use them, change them, reprint them, etc. all without giving credit. You are totally in the legal free and clear when using Pixabay.
Why does this matter?
It matters because back in the day when the only thing teachers and students did was create a power point and show it within their own classroom or school. While that was still not legal, nobody really knew and it could easily be "swept under the rug" and ignored. Now your audience, whether you are a teacher or a student, is on a much more global scale. Folks are bound to notice if you are using their material illegally. Or maybe they won't. But do you really want to 1) risk it? 2) set that example for your students?
Nope.
Give Pixabay a chance. They have some really amazing pictures. You may even consider uploading some of your own and know that other educators out there are using them and sighing in relief because they are in the copyright free and clear.
I'm going to talk about Pixabay.
Title first: In my head a bay = an island. While geographically incorrect, it's the word association my brain uses to remember the website. I can call it what I want. :) Pix = pics = an image. Get it?! Get it?! Huh?! Huh?!
The "a" is inconsequential.
This summer Tony Vincent came and talked to a group of teachers that I work with and one of his suggestions for finding images for presentations was Pixabay.
Why use that when Google images has all of the possible wondrous images that you could ever image? Well....because of copyright laws. That's why.
Pixabay images are from users who upload the images and you have free right to use them, change them, reprint them, etc. all without giving credit. You are totally in the legal free and clear when using Pixabay.
Why does this matter?
It matters because back in the day when the only thing teachers and students did was create a power point and show it within their own classroom or school. While that was still not legal, nobody really knew and it could easily be "swept under the rug" and ignored. Now your audience, whether you are a teacher or a student, is on a much more global scale. Folks are bound to notice if you are using their material illegally. Or maybe they won't. But do you really want to 1) risk it? 2) set that example for your students?
Nope.
Give Pixabay a chance. They have some really amazing pictures. You may even consider uploading some of your own and know that other educators out there are using them and sighing in relief because they are in the copyright free and clear.
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