PLU 168 Week 2: edWeb Webinars

Digital Leadership: Eric Sheninger

My Thoughts/Reactions
Educational shifts cause changes in our educational lingo. Two trending buzz words are digital citizenship for our students and digital leadership for school administrators. Both have multifaceted definitions, but both are required to propel schools into a true digital learning environment for students. Sheninger presented several pieces of information that I wanted to share with my school administration and with teachers that I provide PD for.

1. Infographic with paint-  Instruction in the 21st Century doesn't fit into nice, segmented subjects anymore. Instead, it required integration of many different skills, concepts, or subjects to create a more "colorful" or real-world approach to learning. Jobs are not segmented, and employees are expected to function every day thinking flexibly. Learning in the 21st century classroom also requires flexible thinking to create learning products that integrate multiple subject areas. Our brain is a complex web/network of thoughts and ideas...not a filing cabinet with neat organized folders.

2. As we integrate more technology, it's important to remember that the technology isn't solely responsible for changing instruction and learning, but rather the teachers and school leaders that devote countless hours to plan, take risks, and provide a clear focus for what learning is going to look like at their school are the driving force behind enhancing instruction and achievement. For example, providing access to a worksheet through Edmodo is still requiring a student to complete a worksheet. Completing the sheet online doesn't necessarily increase student achievement. As teachers and leaders start to focus on student work products and how it shows authentic learning, a mutualistic relationship between technology integration and teacher-based instruction begins.

3. Using rubrics- What a great way to assess learning! Yes, they require some work on the front end, but what I love about them is by creating them, the teacher has to think about the product he/she wants from the students, and the students are clearly informed about what is expected of them. I've created several rubrics for technology projects this year, and one thing I always include is a category on digital citizenship. It's important to reiterate to students its importance with every technology centered project and in every day use of technology/software in the classroom or in their personal life.

4. Digital Resilience- "the refusal to quit when confronted by blocked websites, antiquated tools,  and technology decisions that aren't aligned with  a new vision for teaching and learning." What I liked about this definition is it's relevance to every day teaching. Regularly integrating technology into classrooms presents challenges every day, especially when you've stayed up late making sure everything was organized only for the wi-fi to be down the next day. :) In my opinion, if we ask students to be persistent with their learning, we in return need to show this same resilience and persistence when faced with technological challenges or decision-making.

Branding Your School: Tony Sininas and Joe Sanfelippo

My Thoughts/Reactions
1. Communication Shift- Schools can't wait for good news to travel among parents or the community. Instead, we have to use the resources available to us to show what learning is taking place every day. I liked the example the presenters gave about what a student says he/she did at school: "nothing". If teachers or schools upload different learning experiences or announcements to twitter or facebook, the entire school community is quickly informed for free! No more paper newsletters to get lost in backpacks or decorate classroom floors!

2. Elevator story- I liked the analogy of how much time you have in an elevator and using that time to inform someone of your school. It made me think about what I would say if I was given 15 seconds. (Madison Cross Roads Elementary is a school that believes in developing the whole child to be a lifelong learner. We prepare our kids by infusing technology into every day classroom routines and develop higher level thinking skills through authentic learning experiences and rich classroom discussions.) It prompted me to think whether every teacher at MXR would have the same elevator story about us, and if not, how can we make sure that we all have the same focus/vision?

3. "Flatten the Walls"- Schools today cannot be closed units shut off from the outside community. In fact, our school serves like community center by hosting youth basketball/football leagues, girl/boy scouts, and collaborating with a HEALS clinic next door. Parents are already in our building, but we need to do a better job of making sure the whole community knows about what we're doing. Parents are important stakeholders, but so are local businesses and potential new students. I liked this vision of flattening our walls so learning can be more visible.