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Leadership

Tech Tools for Leaders

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

Being a leader, whether it is part of your title or given to you by those you support, can sometimes be challenging. With a wide variety of tasks and skills that you have to manage, you may find that it is sometimes downright daunting…unless you have some help from selected apps, websites, and gadgets. We’ve curated a few tech-related tools for leaders that are related to gathering information, sharing information, and focusing on work without distractions for you to try out.

Gathering Information

As a leader, it is important that you are up to date on so much information. Here are a few tools to help you in that endeavor.

Flipboard – This customizable e-magazine allows you to identify topics and sites you would like to follow. Unlike in the “old days” where you had to gather RSS feeds and put them in your aggregator, Flipboard allows you to easily search and identify resources in a very user-friendly way. Then, each time you open Flipboard, it will have gathered the most recent blogs, websites, videos, and news based on your identified interests. And it can even learn nuances of your interests as you like different pages.

Paper.li is a similar tool that does the gathering for you and puts it in a nicely presented newsletter format. With a paid subscription, you can upgrade the look of your paper from a newsletter to a full blown website. You may choose that you don’t want to start your own paper, so here are some that others have already been started to help you gather information on a variety of topics: edtech, students, classrooms, technology, and virtual reality.

If you are searching for information that is no longer posted on a website, then you might try your luck using the Way Back Machine. Enter the url of the site you want to review and check to see if there are any archived snapshots of it. If so, you can review the website on those specific dates and possibly find the information that you need.

Though many folks use digital tools to take notes (such as OneNote, Google Keep, etc.), you may prefer to take notes the old fashioned way with paper and pen. If this you, then check out the Rocketbook Wave Smart Notebook. Write notes and draw sketches in the notebook. Afterwards, you can use their app to digitize the information and sync to your favorite tool. When your notebook is full, just pop it in the microwave for the recommended time to remove all the ink. Voila, you now have a clean notebook ready to be filled again! You can refill a notebook up to four times.

Sharing Information

Whether you are sharing information with someone now or making it available for them to access at their convenience, you are sure to find these tools a handy addition to your toolbox.

Video conferencing doesn’t get any easier than Appear.in. This tool is great if you have virtual office hours or need to have a video chat with someone on the fly. If you think you would use it often, you can reserve a room name to make it easy for everyone to remember. There’s only enough “room” for four participants so it’s not the ideal solution for larger meetings. But if you are like me, many of my meetings include only one or two other folks; I’ve reserved the room https://appear.in/tcea for such meetings. This is a great tool, especially if you are meeting with tech-challenged coworkers or stakeholders since there is no learning curve and they can access through any web browser.

For instances when you need to share how to access or do something on the computer or internet, I highly recommend Screencastify.  This go-to tool allows you to record your screen casts with or without your webcam inset. This is one tool that is worth paying the low yearly fee to remove the watermark and the 10-minute time limit. When done, you can easily share your cast via YouTube or Google Drive. If you have the paid version, you can download the video as an MP4 or animated GIF, as well as crop/trim your video.

Flipgrid allows you to create asynchronous video discussions.  Again, this is another tool that is worth the annual fee to have the premium features. If you decide to purchase several licenses at once, you can get a discount! Think of this as an easy way to share your video without putting it out on YouTube, Vimeo, or the like. Then folks can respond and keep the conversation going (by text comments with the free version; by text or video with the paid version). Not only is this a great tool in the classroom, it’s a powerful tool for busy leaders.

Focused Work

We all hit times where we need to close the door and get the job done without any distractions. These two tools will help you be more aware of how you are using your time and block out some of those annoying distractions.

Timular, mentioned in a previous blog post, is an eight-sided die that lets you easily track the time you spend on various tasks. This is great for leaders who find they have more tasks than time to complete them. Knowing exactly how you spend your time can help you make positive decisions on where to make adjustments. You can review how your time was spent within the app or on a calendar that you’ve synced to it.

Noisli is robust noise machine with 16 different sound scenes that you can combine to make the perfect background noise for you…and you can save up to five favorite combos. One of my favorites is a little pink noise, some wind, and a modest thunderstorm. You can also set a timer and, if you need to do some writing, open its distraction-free writing tool. Whatever your recipe for helping your focus, you’ll find that Noisli is a great tool to have handy.

Even More Resources…

If you would  like additional tech tools for leaders, be sure to check out our longer list (PDF or PNG). As always, we would enjoy hearing some of your favorite tech tools – whether apps, websites, or gadgets – that you find helpful. Just add them to the comments below.

 

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collaborative learning
CTO/CIOLeadershipProfessional Learning

Collaborative Learning at the TEC-SIG Spring Meeting

by Joe Vasquez
written by Joe Vasquez

Are you an education technology leader who is often pulled in hundreds of directions as you deal with all the different school technologies and applications? Whether you’re launching a new security system, writing a technology plan that work cohesively with curriculum, or setting up new processes for the latest technology devices for staff and students, the TEC-SIG Spring Meeting has something for you. It offers collaborative learning at its best.

What Is TEC-SIG?

TEC-SIG is a Special Interest Group in TCEA dedicated to the critical work being done by CTOs, technology directors, and technology coordinators in schools. Focused on top-level leadership problems and solutions, the group offers a safe, informed place for those involved in making decisions about technology use to discuss new trends, best practices, and technology management. TEC-SIG has three face-to-face meetings a year and also provides an active listserv where tech leaders share ideas and collaborate to solve problems.

collaborative learning

The Spring Meeting

Join us on April 19-20 at the TCEA Headquarters in Austin, TX, for a conference designed specifically to support educational technology leadership, integration, and best practices while encouraging networking with other dedicated professionals. The sessions will focus on CTO topics, professional development, infrastructure planning, instruction, and more. Here are just a few of the sessions being offered:

  • Adventures in a Small Texas School 1:1 Program
  • Making Google Work for You – A Successful Online Testing Experience
  • Security (Cameras, Door Locks, and Gates) Best Practices
  • Strategic Innovation: Planning for Their Futures
  • Take Digital Learning Journeys to the Next Dimension! Creating Virtual Reality Experiences

For a full conference schedule, click here.

Register Today for Collaborative Learning!

Connect with other passionate and like-minded educators that can assist you with your technology initiatives, help answer important questions, share their expertise, and just chat about what’s happening in their lives. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn in an interactive environment, explore new technology trends, and expand your network while engaging in discussion at the TEC-SIG Spring Meeting.

Registration is now open, so make your plans to attend today!

 

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cybersecurity tips
Cybersecurity

Four Cyber Security Tips for Teachers

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

If you’re an educator, then you’re no stranger to technology. From your classroom’s smartboard to your school’s online grading software, you’re constantly in touch with tech. Unfortunately, this constant connection can put you—and your students—at risk of cyber security attacks. Here’s how teachers can stay safe in today’s tech-centered classroom.

1. Beware of Phishing Scams

Phishing scams can be incredibly easy to spread from one member of staff to another until all the teachers and administrators in your district have been hit. Phishing scams typically come through email and are designed to look legitimate in order to obtain sensitive data, such as usernames and passwords. They may appear to come from another member of staff to look trustworthy, but in reality, this person has already been hacked.

In 2017, a phishing scam posing as Google Docs made the rounds through media outlets, businesses, and educational facilities. Victims of this scam, however, opened access to their Google accounts to the hackers, which included sensitive information like emails and private documents. Since teachers often collaborate through Google Docs, it was only natural to click the link in the email.

It’s important to have caution with these types of scams to ensure your classroom data and personal information about your students don’t end up in the wrong hands.

2. Encrypt Your Data

Another way hackers can get their hands on your classroom data is by intercepting it in transit. Without encryption, hackers can easily see what files you’re sending and receiving. For example, they might hack into a public Wi-Fi network to eavesdrop on any activity sent over the network. If you’re working over public Wi-Fi over the weekend, you may be leaving yourself vulnerable to attack.

A virtual private network (VPN) is a good solution for encrypting your data no matter the network you’re connected to. Some larger schools, such as universities, have their own VPNs set up that funnel your data first to their servers. Teachers at smaller schools might consider using their own VPN service to secure their data.

3. Secure Your Devices from Physical Attacks

Hackers on the internet aren’t the only threat teachers have to worry about. It’s also important to be wary of other staff members and students. Given the right opportunity, someone in the school could log in to your school account or steal your computer or iPad from the classroom.

Start by making sure your passwords are secure. Frequently change your password throughout the school year, and don’t ever write it down. Always make sure to log out of your computer when you step away from your desk, and avoid letting students use your computer, especially when it’s logged into your account.

If you have a laptop or tablet you use in the classroom, be sure to keep it in an area where students can’t get to it when you’re not using it. Leaving your tablet on your desk when you step out for lunch leaves it vulnerable to theft.

4. Follow Your School’s Cyber Security Protocols

Chances are your school already has cyber security protocols in place to prevent the risk of some of the scenarios mentioned above. For example, you might not be allowed to work on schoolwork over public Wi-Fi, or maybe you’re not supposed to let students use your computer. You may even be required to lock your classroom door during the lunch period. All of these rules are in place for a reason, and it’s important that you follow the guidelines outlined by your school or district’s technology director.

With these tips in mind, you can reduce the risk of having your classroom files fall into the wrong hands. If your employer hasn’t discussed cyber security with you, consider encouraging administration to educate staff, students, and parents about this alarming threat.

This is a guest blog by John Mason. Originally from London, Mason is a cyber security analyst based in Tallinn, Estonia. He can be reached on Twitter @JohnCyberMason.  You can read more about staying safe online here and here.

 

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STEM
Coding/Computer ScienceContent AreasEducational TrendsSTEM/STEAM

Happy DeSTEMber!

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

It’s that time of year. Well, yes, of twinkling lights and gifts and snow. But I was thinking of that time of year when we consider some great sites to check out for engaging STEM ideas, resources, and lesson plans. I’ve gathered a few for you to explore. I’m sure you will find plenty of great ideas that you can incorporate in your classroom throughout this next year…or, better yet, share with your peers so they can enjoy increasing their focus on STEM in their classroom! Happy DeSTEMber!

STEAM-Powered Family

You will find lots of easy STEM (and STEAM) ideas that you can use with your students at this site. You’ll find most of the activities are great for the elementary through the tween years. To make these STEM activities even better, the author has several that are food related. After all, who doesn’t enjoy chocolate now and then! Be sure to subscribe to the newsletter for more activities and ideas right to your inbox. Even if you choose not to use these in the classroom, you can definitely share the ideas with your students’ parents to encourage family time that is STEM-based.

The STEM Laboratory

This is the place to go if you are looking for addictive activities to get students in pre-kindergarten through second grade into science, technology, engineering, and math! Though the site charges for many activities, you will be able to find enough freebies to make it worth your while to check out. Activities are neatly organized by grade level and by content (science, technology, engineering, and/or math) to make it easy for you to locate that perfect STEM activity for you to do next in your class.

How to Smile

If you are one of the special teachers who service students in non-classroom environments, then you will find this website perfectly-designed for you. It has awesome search filters that let you filter by age (4 years old to 18 years old), subject, learning time, prep time, and more. Wow! And, if you know of a resource that they don’t have listed, you can share it with questions@howtosmile.org to be considered.

eGIF

Though it has an odd name, this site is managed by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), which is committed to promoting and enhancing efforts to improve K-12 STEM and engineering education. So if you find that engineering may not be your strongest suit when it comes to promoting STEM, check out this site for lesson plans, class activities, outreach programs, and more!

The Periodic Table of Tech

This isn’t just your normal periodic table. This table identifies how each element is used in the making or using of technology. Chemistry teachers will find this site a great addition to add some relevance to what might otherwise be abstract elements.

100+ STEM Websites & Webtools for Teachers

Last, but definitely not least, is this Livebinder by Letia Cooper. After looking through the resources that she’s gathered for you, you won’t be surprised that her livebinder has earned the Top10 designation.

Enjoy these DeSTEMber resources as you explore activities, ideas, lesson plans, and more that will help you infuse even more STEM into your classroom. If you have a resource that you would like to add to our list, share it in the comments below; we’d love to have your input! Here’s wishing you a Happy DeSTEMber!

 

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work environment
Educational TrendsRoboticsSTEM/STEAM

TCEA Podcast: Creating Career Pathways

by Miguel Guhlin
written by Miguel Guhlin

Career and Technology Education (CTE) programs are revamping how they approach teaching and learning. Less focused on teaching discrete skills in isolation, CTE programs are relying on career pathways. These pathways help contextualize technical skills in job certifications and internships. Some school districts, like Sabine Pass ISD, are enabling students to earn valuable certifications and participate in internships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Read on to access a three-part TCEA podcast where you can hear how one Texas school district in the Port Arthur area is creating a vision for the future.

Exploring One Vision of CTE and STEM

Mark Simmons (Director of Technology, Sabine Pass ISD) and Scott Hagedorn (Director of Instructional Technology, Sabine Pass ISD) share their vision for CTE and STEM in this three-part podcast. Some of the topics include:

  • Setting up career pathways that empower students
  • Enabling students to become certified in the software used to design items for hobbyist and industrial-level 3D printing
  • Creating a career pathway for various fields of interest

Listen

Listen to Mark Simmons on CTE and Career Pathways (12 mins)

tcea podcast

Mark Simmons (@t3chl0gic – Director of Technology, Sabine Pass ISD) is a man of vision. He poses with a Nikon P900 camera that can see five miles or more into the distance. View Image Gallery

Mark speaks to how Sabine Pass ISD is growing their program to focus on 3D printing, not just from a hobbyist perspective, but to also include industrial 3D printers. Graduating students will have the necessary certifications and internship experiences to obtain jobs in their chosen field.

Listen to Scott Hagedorn on 3D Printing (5 mins)

tcea podcast

Scott shares about 3D printing and robotics. View Image Gallery

In this portion, Scott Hagedorn (@hagedornscott) shares more details about Mark’s vision. He mentions their work with the Form 2 3D printer that prints with liquid resin, a stereo lithographic (SLA) printer that is next generation compared to fused deposition model (FDM) type of 3D printers. He discusses introducing students to 3D modeling in middle school with Tinkercad. At the high school level, students are focused on using AutoDesk Fusion360. Students will be Fusion360 certified by the end of the year. He also shares some of the project ideas, including the use of Recap360 to stitch pictures taken with a Phantom drone. The stitched pictures are then used to create a 3D-printed replica (shown below).

tcea podcast

Listen to Mark Simmons and Scott Hagedorn (12 mins)

tcea podcast

In this final portion, Scott shares about how important it was to get students to build a shoe to learn about stress tests. Students test their 3D design before sharing them via a more rigorous sharing platform known as PinShape.com (see a Sabine Pass Shark coin).

tcea podcast

Scott also shares some exciting connections on why learning to design and print in 3D is so important. Both Scott and Mark share some more of their vision of how the following technologies can be used with students:

Consider that Wall-E was created entirely in  Tinkercad:

tcea podcast

Although the conversation wrapped up quickly, Mark also shared how LEGO robotics is being used with younger students and VEX Robotics has begun to be put in place for use with older students. This broad range of experiences and learning opportunities distinguishes Sabine Pass ISD from other districts and is well worth emulating.

 

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2018 TASA Teacher of the Year
Announcements/Important DatesGood Teaching

Spotlight on TCEA Member and TASA 2018 Teacher of the Year Tara Bordeaux

by Susan Meyer
written by Susan Meyer

At TCEA, it’s fair to say all our members are innovators. We are thrilled that we get to support so many passionate educators on their journey to transforming teaching and learning with technology. And we love hearing the incredible things our members our accomplishing in their schools, districts, and communities. It’s particularly nice to see this hard work recognized as the Texas Association of School Administrators does with their Teacher of the Year awards. This year, not one but two TCEA members were nominated as finalists: Gary Strickland, a science teacher at Coleman High School in Coleman ISD and Tara Bordeaux, who teachers media arts at Lanier High School in Austin ISD.

We’re very excited to spread the exciting news that Tara Bordeaux was announced today as the 2018 Teacher of the Year! She will also represent the state as Texas Teacher of the Year in the National Teacher of the Year competition. I had a chance last week to ask Tara a few questions to learn a little about her background and her teaching philosophy, so I can share with you why she is such an exceptional educator.

A Less Traveled Path to Education

Teacher of the YearTara didn’t immediately start her career in education. Prior to beginning to teach media arts at Lanier in 2013, she spent 10 years working in television and film production in Los Angeles. When I asked Tara how she found the transition, she said it was definitely a change that “took a while to get used to.” In fact, five years later, Tara is still happily getting her bearings and enjoying the fact that teaching is a profession in which the learning never stops. As Tara describes: “Teaching is completely different. I had a lot more freedom in media production, and there are way more restrictions in teaching. Both fields are extremely rewarding, and require hard work, but they are very different environments.”

One asset of her previous work experience is that she can still use her industry know-how and connections to help her students. She has continued to work in the industry and stay up to date on current trends and changes. As she said, this “enables me to give my students real-world industry experiences.” Providing knowledge and connections outside of the book is just another way Tara is able to break down the walls of her classroom and create new opportunities for students.

Using Technology in the Classroom

Like most TCEA members, Tara embraces the use of technology every day in the classroom. As Tara describes: “From computers to cameras, phones, iPads, software, apps, you name it. I value the importance of technology, and I try to instill a love and respect for tech in my students as well. The most challenging aspect of teaching a technology-based class is trying to choose what type of tech to use with all of the amazing options out there.” And she doesn’t just use technology that is focused on media production and the content she teaches in class. She wants to help create a well-rounded digital literacy in her students. As she explains, in her classroom she is always looking for “new ways to present tech resources and material to students so they can continue to use them successfully in life after they leave my program.”

As for the tools she is most excited about? Tara is thrilled by options available in mobile filmmaking and “DIY affordable ways for students to make broadcast-quality content right in the palm of their hands.” She enjoys seeing students get invested in the tools and projects that they can create on their own. “There are so many innovative ways to create content, and what excites me is the power of the camera on the latest smartphones and iPads. Students become really excited as well when they learn just how many things they can do on their own devices.”

A Lifetime of Learning

Tara doesn’t just teach her students, but she is continually amazed at all that she can learn from them. “I also love learning from my students. Sometimes, I think I learn way more from them then they learn from me. They keep me on my feet, and I love that they aren’t afraid to call me out on my mistakes.” She goes on to say: “My favorite thing about teaching is having fun with my students. I love being able to teach a class that is not only innovative, but creative, and one that allows me to let students run with technology.”

In her interview with TASA, Tara spoke about her own past and how it inspires her teaching philosophy today: “I know first hand how hard life can be on a young heart, and I know how easy it is to give up. I know, because I did, and I dropped out of high school,” she said. “My hope is that as a teacher, I can inspire my students to persevere, and succeed in ways I never could. I believe that every student deserves the opportunity to learn from teachers who truly care about the impact they are making in a child’s life. I chose to become a teacher because I wanted to give students the chance to chase their dreams and learn how to believe in themselves, even if the world gives them reasons to stop believing.”

We want to congratulate Tara Bordeaux on the incredible honor of being TASA’s 2018 Secondary Teacher of the Year! We know this is only the beginning, and she has many other honors and accomplishments still to come. You can follow her on Twitter to see what other amazing things she is doing.

 

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Chromebook
Chromebooks

Six Reasons Why a Chromebook Is the Perfect Teaching Aid

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

The iPad has long been the first-choice device in many classrooms, but the current crop of Chromebooks seems to be shaking things up a bit.In fact, Futuresourse Consulting reports that Chromebook sales now account for over 50% of all devices sold for classrooms in the US, up from less than one percent in 2012.

There are a number of reasons the Chromebook has achieved this meteoric success in classrooms. It combines reliable everyday performance, low cost, and access to vast online resources, resulting in a comprehensive and intuitive learning experience. Moreover, although the iPad offers a user-friendly interface and millions of educational tools in the App Store, Chromebooks give students the feel of a computer’s ecosystem at an early age, while offering teachers more laptop-like functionality.

If you’re on the fence trying to discern what product to enlist as your primary teaching companion, here are a few reasons why a Chromebook should be at the top of your list of options.

1. Chromebooks save money

Chromebooks have a lot going for them, but the biggest strength they have over other education-friendly devices is their low cost, making them more feasible for 1:1 initiatives. In addition to low initial cost to purchase, these products have been proven to require significantly less management time and money than traditional Windows PCs or Macs. Chromebooks are easy to set up, support, and troubleshoot because they don’t require sophisticated and expensive software packages. The overall result is savings that continue long past the initial purchasing phase.

2. Simple is good

While they may look like mainstream notebooks, Chromebooks are stripped down to offer just what educators need. They trade away enterprise processes, extensive features, and large hard drives for a miniChromebookmalistic environment, which is not too taxing to the hardware. This approach allows for speedier boot times, fast browsing, and quick update installation. Therefore, teachers won’t have to waste as much valuable time waiting for the computer to start up or perform simple tasks like opening web pages and loading documents. And, despite their simplicity, there is no shortage of apps and features designed specifically for students and teachers.

3. Long battery life

Thanks to a light operating system and power-efficient internal components, a Chromebook can hold a charge for a whole day. This means you won’t have the worry about your device running out of juice in the middle of class. This reduces the amount of time you as an educator will have to spend managing power issues and, therefore, allows more time for meaningful teaching.

4. Easy sharing

Two children sharing a Chromebook. Every teacher in a school can have a computer but, when it comes to students, some institutions may find it hard to give each child his/her own device. Because everything on Chromebooks is stored on the web, they can be passed around from one learner to the next, with no direct trace of what a previous user was doing. All you need to do is use guest browsing, which is easier than setting up an entirely new user account, as is typically the case with Windows and Mac.

5. More security

Not many teachers complain about the iPad’s security, but that is hardly the case with PCs. While the vulnerability of Windows to malware is well known, recent cases have proven that the Mac OS is not much safer.

If you want guaranteed security but more functionality than what iPads offer, there’s no better choice than a Chromebook. Chrome OS provides nothing for a virus to attach itself to, which makes it one of the safest avenues with which to access the internet. It also comes with a multi-layered protection scheme, which includes automatic security updates, sandboxing, and verified boot and data encryption, as well as an easily-accessible recovery mode where you can restore the operating system to a known clean version. With a Chromebook, you can breathe a little easier, knowing your and your students’ data is well protected at all times.

6. A gentle learning curve

We live in a rapidly advancing world and, as such, it’s essential that learners grasp computer literacy skills at a young age. Tablets, particularly iPads, provide an excellent stepping stone for kids to learn a thing or two about modern technology. But when they get to middle school and acquire typing skills, there’s usually a need for something more advanced. For this purpose, Chromebooks are a great choice. Unlike Windows computers and Macs, they offer students a nice introduction into the PC world without appearing too complicated.

Conclusion

Even the best Chromebooks on the market are not without downsides. Support for applications is limited, performance is not enough for demanding tasks like video ediGirl using Chromebook in the classroom. ting, and they’re not really useful when offline.  However, for many school environments, a Chromebook is the easiest, most practical, and most economical way of teaching, promoting student engagement, and extending digital education beyond the classroom.

This guest post was written by Vigiliance Chari, a freelance writer currently covering tech news and gadgets at LaptopNinja. Chari is an international presenter and published author. 

 

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balance scales with curriculum and technology
Content AreasLeadershipProfessional Learning

Which Comes First, Curriculum or Technology?

by Dr. Bruce Ellis
written by Dr. Bruce Ellis

As I work with leaders (technology directors, curriculum directors, and administrators) around the state, I find it interesting to hear their answer to the question, “Which comes first, the curriculum or the technology?” Sometimes the answer I get is a reflection of the role they play. Sometimes I’m likely to get someone trying to straddle the fence and give a non-committal answer. More interesting than the actual answer (“curriculum” or “technology”) are the reasons that are shared to justify the positions. So, which do you think comes first: the curriculum or the technology?…and why?

When the Technology Comes First

There is no argument that a robust infrastructure is a necessity for today’s work. With everything and everyone needing to do something online as part of their job duties, bandwidth is always a growing need. But, for our argument, let’s consider that infrastructure is a given. What happens when all the other technology comes before curriculum?

Technology plans are made, many times in isolation of the curriculum department, so that quotas are met, refresh cycles can continue, and a better student-to-computer (or student-to-device) ratio can be touted. In and of themselves, these are not bad. But, in light of relevant student use, administrators may be frustrated to find that these processes lead to distributing dust collectors – expensive dust collectors – that are proudly put out of sight by meaningful educators who have either not been trained in their use or see no value in the learning curve that may need to be invested to make use of the technology.

I can count too many districts that have made aggressive efforts to increase their technology without considering curriculum goals and outcomes; many times making use of bond funds specifically designated for technology. “Designated for technology” shouldn’t mean “divorced from the curriculum.” Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that technology isn’t important. But it should be identified after the curriculum goals and outcomes have been clarified.

When Curriculum Comes First

Curriculum directors and administrators need to have discussions to determine what the outcomes of the curriculum should be. I’m not talking about stats for the district improvement plan or the latest stakeholder newsletter. I’m talking about what it should, or could, look like for students to demonstrate mastery. When we take the time to identify those possibilities and think about how students may have to demonstrate mastery (communicate, produce, collaborate, etc.) as working adults, it becomes very easy to identify which technologies should follow these outcomes.

Identifying the curriculum outcomes also provides a framework as to what professional development should look like. We are quick to demand more than just “seat work” from students, but don’t carry those same expectations to teachers. This dichotomy hinders our teachers’ growth and reinforces the notion to other teachers that technology is “just a fad” or is unimportant.

A Close Second

When I say that curriculum should come first, I should probably follow that up by saying that relevant technology should be a very close second. When district leaders, specifically technology and curriculum directors, work together, a more robust curriculum and relevant technology integration is likely to occur. This can be easily seen in districts where the technology director and curriculum director are having continuous robust discussions and planning how to best utilize their budgets, including IMA funds.

So where do you stand? Which do you think should come first, the curriculum or the technology? And, more importantly, are you able to justify your position in a way that promotes student learning and prepares them for their future?

If you would like to know more about how we structure authentic training that emphasizes curriculum over the technology or details on having TCEA provide professional development in your district or at your campus, contact me at bellis@tcea.org. I’d love to talk with you and discuss how we can create amazement with your teachers and/or staff.

 

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grant
Funding

Grant Money for Technology

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

As of December 9, 2016, it appears that AT&T has removed all reference to this grant from their website. I will update this blog if they re-post it.

The Internet Experts at ATTInternetService.com have just launched a new teacher grant. The grant is open to K-12 school teachers and college professors and will provide the winner a $1,000 Visa Reward Card for the purchase of technology for the classroom. Score!

Applying for the grant is incredibly easy to do. First, write a 300-450 word essay OR create a one-to-two- minute video that explains how you or your students use Internet-connected technology in the classroom. (If you enter with a video, it must be uploaded to YouTube.com or Vimeo.com.) Be creative and innovative to make your application shine above the others. And don’t be afraid to have fun with it. Then complete the short submission form by February 3, 2017. The winner will be notified by March 6, 2017.

There’s not a teacher in the world who couldn’t put $1,000 to good use in his/her classroom. So get your application in today!

By the way, you can find information about another technology grant that’s available until February 24, 2017 here. Why not apply for both?

 

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grant
Funding

Teacher Technology Grant Available

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

What could you do with $1,000 to buy classroom technology? Would you invest in some Chromebooks for your students to use during group work? A couple of iPads to have as a station? Some robotics equipment for STEM learning? Maker supplies to foster student creativity and innovation? There are a lot of needs in our classrooms; here’s a grant that can help to meet those needs.

DirectStarTV will award $1,000 Visa Reward Cards to three winning entries in an essay contest. Open to any full-time K-12 grade teacher, the contest involves simply writing a 400- to 500-word essay. The prompt is:

Write about what new technology would mean to your classroom and how you would use the grant to address a learning challenge.

Ideas for how technology will facilitate a more constructive learning environment will vary, but all submissions should include:

  • An observed learning challenge that is amplified by inadequate technology.
  • The specific technology or technologies you plan to implement.
  • How this technology will support your teaching efforts.
  • The anticipated impact improved technology will have on your students.

The website provides a sample of what they are looking for and more details. Participants have until February 24, 2017 to submit their essay using the online form. So put your thinking cap on and get busy writing today!

 

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