This is a perfect time to reimagine education. Are you with me?
What a school year! So many teachers have taken to the Internet to share their stories, both good and bad. I reviewed previous posts this morning. The theme is clear: We need to reimagine what education should be. My thoughts are not original, not by a long shot. However, it’s important to contribute to the conversation. Here are a few questions I have right now.
Why Do We Still Have Standardized Tests?
Again, this isn’t an original observation. I add my voice to the cacophony of voices questioning the need for these tests that don’t…
Yes, creating with our littles using technology can be a difficult task, but it is not insurmountable.
Many people believe that creating with our youngest learners in elementary school is a task that cannot be conquered. They think it takes too much time and end up having our youngest students only consume using tech tools.
Every time I hear these sentiments, I want to stop the person speaking and correct them. Yes, creating with our littles using technology can be a difficult task, but it is not insurmountable. Like any task, it requires scaffolding a little at a time.
Building a Foundation
Technology innovations abound in education during the time of COVID. Are they all necessary?
Full disclosure: One of my nicknames in my immediate family is “gadget girl.” If it’s out there, I want it. This school year, however, I have learned there is a huge difference between wanting tech and needing it to be more effective. Here are a few thoughts in innovative technology adopted by teachers during this time. Should they stay in our toolbox, or could we teach and learn better without them?
Robotic Cameras Should Go
I use my robotic camera each day I am in the physical classroom because I have to. However, I hate it, and not just because I have to be…
Yes, trying something new can be scary, but sometimes, we just need to jump in and get started.
Last week, I was so excited. I woke up and my one of my teacher dreams finally came true.
WE GOT A SNOW DAY.
I had a whole day ahead of me with no work that I had to do. As I was contemplating all the things, I could do, I noticed that there was a Clubhouse discussion for edupreneurs happening at 9 AM.
For those of you who don’t know what Clubhouse is, it is a synchronous audio platform where people…
We can persevere and thrive, take some time to reengage, remember our why, connect with others who inspire us, and remember that we are not alone.
As I reflect over the past month, I feel better than ever. During the fall, the combination of contracting COVID-19 and exhaustion truly wore me out. I would come home and lose myself in the world of Netflix, unable to do much else. I would wake up every morning tired and not want to get out of bed. I would beat myself up for this behavior, which would create a self-perpetuating cycle. …
Let’s give our students the power to create incredible things.
Recently I was asked how I could justify the publishing of student work. What was the educational value in sharing student content on podcasts that can be listened to throughout the world?
That’s a fair question, and it deserves a thoughtful answer. Because we don’t have to publish student-created content. Students can learn a great deal and build strong communication skills simply by recording and creating audio content that stays within the LMS, the building, or the local learning community.
It is truly amazing what you can achieve when you reach past the fear and truly believe in yourself, love yourself and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Wow.
It seems hard to believe that I am 42 days or 6 weeks into my #oneword2021, TRANSFORMATION. As I shared in my previous three-week post, I wanted to take my 2020 strides as I CHALLENGED myself to TRANSFORM. But even more than that, as I planned my transformation, I wanted to invest in the unknown, uplevel myself, and grow in amazing new and unexpected ways as 2021 began.
In doing so…
When most of us think of March, basketball is one of the first things that comes to mind. As a proud Terrapin alumnus, I can say without a doubt that I always enjoy watching March Madness games — especially when my Terps play well.
But this March, my focus is going to be very different. This March, my calendar is full of presenting at some amazing conferences across the country. With so many conferences available at our fingertips this year, it can be overwhelming to figure out which to attend. So for my Valentine’s gift to all of you, I…
Thinking differently can make it so.
Usually, my blog posts address educational topics immediately. This post will be different. Just as we teachers have found our personal and professional lives blended out of necessity while we teach from home, my blog post today will address something personal and tie it to my professional context. By sharing my experience, I hope to help other teachers who may also be struggling to feel capable, competent, and valuable.
Today, I learned about the cognitive triangle, a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) concept that I wish I had known about half a lifetime ago. A person’s thoughts spark certain feelings, leading…
The MAP test is all show and no go.
Solidarity with Seattle teachers boycotting the MAP test
In every state of the nation, there is a standardized test that rarely gets noticed. And yet, in many states, these tests are given six times each year and cost taxpayers millions of dollars.¹ By the time a student graduates, these tests take up two months of instructional time.² This is the MAP test (Measure of Academic Progress), an instrument that purportedly shows what students know and how fast they are learning. With such claims, what parent, educator, or policymaker wouldn’t approve of such a test. …
