OKCPS Leader Spotlight: Innovative Leading

It is widely accepted, administrators are the instructional leaders in their building and can hold great power in inspiring others through good leadership. An article in THE Journal, written by Jennifer Demski, titled "7 Habits of Highly Effective Tech-leading Principals" discusses the findings of a nationwide survey of principals who were asked to weigh in and identify the attributes they believed strong tech-leaders would hold. The survey concluded strong tech-leading principals would do one or more of the following:

1. Create atmospheres that inspire innovation
2. Foster collaboration
3. Be open to new ideas
4. Be connected learners themselves
5. Locate and provide adequate resources
6. Take risks
7. Have a visionary focus

Aaron Kellert is the principal at FD Moon Elementary. He is only one of many principals in our district who displays the aforementioned habits of highly effective tech-leading principals. He sees the importance of technology in classrooms as well as the implications its use can have on student learning.

Something that stands out about Mr. Kellert is the way he leads his teachers by example. It is important to note, Mr. Kellert never asks his staff to implement or try anything he is not willing to do first or alongside his teachers. A great example of this is becoming a Google Certified Educator. Over Spring Break, he invested the time to get his Level 1 Certification as well as several OKCPS ETS Badges. It should also be noted, Ashton Stewart, Assistant Principal at FD Moon Elementary, has also earned Level 1 Certification. 

Great leadership creates great leaders. When schools are supported from administration, it trickles down to teachers and ultimately our students. In that scenario, everyone wins. When individuals feel supported and there is a continuous pattern of growth and success.

Below, you will find Mr. Kellert's input on technology, innovation, and leadership.

OKCPS Educator Spotlight

As I discover new tools I am anxious to share them with fellow educators. I look forward to hearing the feedback and hoping they find them as awesome and exciting as I do. I am fortunate to be working with someone who is just as excited to share new ideas as I am.

Marlene White is currently the Instructional Coach at Heronville Elementary and has been an educator for 13 years. As an Instructional Coach she has embraced a variety of digital tools to introduce to her fellow educators and help them fully implement their visions. I had an opportunity to converse with with Marlene about some of the tools she is using and the impact they have in her career.

Marlene White

How has technology changed the way you work? 

It has helped me collaborate with educators globally through social media. Apps and software have brought new opportunities for teachers and students to gain knowledge, access opportunities, research in a revolutionary way and foster a love of learning.

What are some great examples of technology integration you are seeing in the classroom?

Google Classroom, shared lesson planning and data digs through google drive, RTI, graphing through google sheets, Trello for lesson planning, apps for individualized instruction and centers for Kindergarten, Flipgrid for formative assessment, Skype for live author interviews, Remind for parent updates,  group me for school wide updates, Adobe Spark for hooking kids and building on their prior knowledge.

Share any thoughts you have about the evolving worlds of education.

Ed tech has so many opportunities to personalize how we communicate, how we are shaking up the role of educators, changing philosophical shifts in approaches to our teaching and learning, and remodeling the way we view our classroom.

The Challenge

Marlene has challenged her teachers to use a new tool each month. This month's challenge in Flipgrid. Below are several of the tools she mentioned. The ETS team challenges you to try one of the tools below. We would like your feedback on tools you are currently using in the classroom and how they have impacted your classroom.

 
 

A Google Success Story with Google Classroom

My name is Jenna Rudek and I am a sixth grade teacher at Fillmore Elementary School. I started migrating to become an online, technology-based teacher, once I experienced what Google Classroom had to offer.

I would always rush to the copy room early in the morning to make copies. If my copies would run out, I would struggle to find paper and have all the students copy my work from the document camera. Then, if students would lose an important document/worksheet, I would have to find my original copy to make more copies. Once I started using Google Classroom, all those worries disappeared.

I am able to create my own worksheets, answer keys, tests, and assignments from home. I can include various videos and slides to my work, for better understanding. Now, I can visualize what concept and standard each student needs help on, and create small group instruction from their Chromebooks. #googlesuccess

A big thank you to our guest blogger, Jenna Rudek. We appreciate you sharing a small piece of your classroom with the world. 

If you are an OKCPS staff member and would like to be a guest blogger, please contact your ETS point of contact. 

Skype in the Classroom

MYSTERY SKYPE

Mystery Skype is an educational game that was invented by teachers. It encourages students to practice many 21st-century skills. It is a wonderful digital tool to help students learn and solidify their understanding of collaboration, critical thinking, teamwork, cultural awareness, digital literacy, deductive reasoning, and geography. Students are able to work with other partner classrooms across the United States or beyond. They answer only yes and no questions to determine where their "partner skyper" classroom is located. Mystery Skype lessons and activities can be adapted for all subject areas and grade levels; both elementary and secondary included.

Rebecca Kerr, 3rd Grade Teacher

Eugene Field Elementary

Mrs. Kerr has been using Mystery Skype in her classroom for the last three years. She believes that it has been impactful in so many ways but has made the biggest impact with breaking down the barriers of the classroom. "Using skype has allowed my students to gain exposure to things and people outside of their immediate community. Many of my students have never left the city, let alone the state. It provides them the opportunity to see other students and communities that are similar and different to our own. They get to see kids and places that are different while also seeing all they have in common despite their geographical distances." 

One challenge she has run into is letting go and releasing her control. She said, "all teachers have some level of control and like to be in the details of what goes on in their classrooms. However, I have learned that I have to let some of that control go. Using this activity has pushed me to step into more of a coaching role allowing my students to take over and lead. It's important that they begin to take the initiative when it comes to their learning. I definitely realize that I have to be a facilitator, not a controller and let them lead each other and themselves."

Mrs. Kerr believes that it is her role and responsibility to give her students experiences that go beyond the typical classroom; experiences that will carry over into the world outside of her classroom walls. "65% of the students in my classroom today will be working in jobs that haven't been created yet. I have to prepare them for that and give them the tools they will need to be successful. They will be working in a world where there are no bosses to tell them what to do and when to do it, or how to accomplish the task. They have to become problem-solvers who are able to collaborate and think critically."

Through the use of Mystery Skype, Mrs. Kerr has seen students become more engaged and excited about collaboration and learning. She is providing students a hands-on and in-depth learning experiences that will prove to be influential and impactful well beyond the third grade. 

A Look at Mrs. Kerr's Mystery Skype Session

Helpful Links

Email Mrs. Kerr
Mrs. Kerr's Twitter Account
Video: The Magic of Mystery of Skype
Video: GoNoodle Mystery Skype Song
Blog: Mrs. Long's Classroom Skype
Blog Post: Using Mystery Skype as a Classroom Tool
Microsoft Education: Find a Mystery Skype Class
Pinterest: Mystery Skype Boards to Follow
Sample Lesson Plan with Links

Twitter

#MysterySkype
@SkypeClassroom
@MicrosoftEDU

Maker Movement: Makerspaces

What is a makerspace?

"Makerspace" is a term used to define a space that provides hands-on, creative ways to inspire students to think outside the box. It provides the opportunity to design, test, construct, and create based on problem-solving skills. Students are able to construct ideas and practice socialization skills, while engaging thought provoking tinkering, engineering, and other 21st-century skills. No one makerpace looks like the next, but the foundation is consistent across the board.

Maker Movement

The maker movement is changing the way we look at hands-on self-driven learning. Makerspaces are beginning to make the move out of libraries, museums, garages, and informal "faires" straight into K-12 classrooms. Advocates for hands-on, student-centered learning are in support of this fresh take on classroom experiences. Many educators are discovering student-lead learning is more impactful and long-lasting than a teacher-led classroom. The shift with the maker movement presents itself as a way to breathe fresh air into the 19th-century designed classrooms.

The World Economic Forum estimates 65% of the future's workforce doesn't even exist yet. One of the greatest skills students will need for a successful future, is complex problem-solving strategies. Other skills which are in great demand or have been highly rated include, but are not limited to, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. The maker movement is having a great impact on the notion of creation and problem-solving based learning.

Where do makerspaces come in you ask? As recently as 2015, the maker movement along with makerspaces was identified as being a top development in educational technology. The NMC Horizon Report for 2015 stated, "Makerspaces are increasingly being looked at as a method to engage learners in creative, high-order problem-solving with the use of hands-on design, construction, and iteration.' There is potential to effectively prepare students with necessary 21st-century skills through the use of makerspaces.

Jackson Enterprise Elementary School Makerspace

Resources

Book: Embrace Makerspace: A Pocket Guide for Elementary School Administrators

Blogs & Websites

Sylvia Show
Caine's Arcade
Makerspace for Education Blog
Makerspace for Education Website
Renovated Learning
Renovated Learning Makerpace Resources
Curiosity Commins Makerspaces
Resources for School Makerspaces
Makerspaces Supply List
Makerspace Impact Infographic

Twitter

@Makerspaces_com
#makerED
#makerspaces
#makerspace

Spice Up Your Staff Meeting

Staff Meetings are one of the most difficult requirements for administrators and teachers. How can we model instructional strategies in our staff meetings? How can we add value to our meetings? How are you going to spice up your staff meetings?






Flipped Faculty Meeting 
There are many ways to flip a faculty meeting. Flipped faculty meetings allow for more meaningful face-to-face time by front-loading basic information. This allows teachers to consume information before the meeting, thus allowing for deeper discussion during the meeting time. 

Jennifer McKay, principal at Southern Hills Elementary School flips her staff meetings by sending out all information a week before, which has allowed her team to consume the information before meeting time. Then at the meeting, they take a deep dive into discussions. 

Jack Reed, principal at Emerson North School flips his faculty meeting by creating a video and having staff watch the videos. Check out his YouTube channel, which houses his flipped faculty meetings. 

Hoonuit 
Hoonuit offers a variety of professional learning topics; everything from Google Classroom to classroom management. This is a great anytime, any place professional learning platform. Administrators can assign content to staff members and then staff members can print off certificates of completion.

Staff Meeting Bingo
Create a bingo card for staff to complete which also creates a fun learning experience. Bingo can help spark creativity and innovation.  This version of Bingo also allows for differentiation of activities. 

Pineapple Chart
The Pineapple chart allows educators to invite others into their classroom for informal observations. A chart is set up somewhere in a highly visible location in the school. Then teachers can sign up or "advertise" the awesome things they are doing in their classroom which others might want to observe. This is voluntary with no documentation or evaluation attached and a great way to learn from your peers.

Observe Me
#ObserveMe is similar to the Pineapple Chart idea, in that it allows educators to invite others into their classroom for informal observations. This idea increases the frequency of feedback, allows for more opportunities to have a growth mindset and will ultimately positively impact our students. Educators post a sign on their door identifying their room as an #ObserveMe room with their goals listed. Then observers can provide instant feedback.


These are just a few ideas, and there are MANY more. Below are a few links to other ideas, examples, and resources. 

Ideas, Examples & Resources
Forget Faculty Meetings
Coolidge Staff Blog
F.D. Moon S'mores
Transform Your Staff Meetings
Leading Innovative Change
#PatioPD

Personalizing Education for Our Students

What is Personalized Learning?




What is Summit Learning?
Summit Learning is a free program which provides schools with resources to personalize learning in the classroom. Currently, it is in over 300 schools, with 2,700 teachers, and 56,000 students in 40 states. The personalized learning takes place due to 1:1 mentorships, real-world projects, and individualized pathways or self-directed learning plans. Students are able to set goals and consume content in a way which works best for them.  

What Does Summit Learning Provide?

• Flexible anytime/anyplace learning
• Student-driven learning
• Redefined and expanded teacher role
• Master-based pacing
• Project-based learning

What Does Summit Learning Look Like?
Summit Learning personalizes learning for students and empowers teachers to have multiple roles so everyone succeeds. 

Where is Summit Learning Happening?
Last year our district piloted Summit Learning in three elementary schools. This year Oklahoma City Public Schools is adding an additional two elementary schools and three middle schools. 

Stay tuned for more blog posts about Summit Learning as we spotlight more classrooms.

Inspire Others with Your Impactful Technology Story

Are your students using technology to enhance learning, create new things or connect with the world? If so, the Educational Technology Services team would love to share your story to inspire others!

To share your Impactful Technology Story, please complete this FORM. Then we will be in contact with you before your story is highlighted on the ETS Blog. 

Differentiate, Engage, & Impact Student Learning with Google Classroom

What is Google Classroom?
Google Classroom is a digital platform to create an online classroom space for assignments, announcements, discussions, grades, feedback, and a calendar. Classroom helps keep teachers and students organized, productive, and communicative.

How can I use Google Classroom?
Alice Keeler has some AMAZING Google Classroom resources. In her 50 Things You Can Do with Google Classroom blog post, she offers numerous great ideas, here are just a few of those ideas. 

1. Make class announcements
2. Create a lesson
3. Go paperless
4. Create a discussion
5. Classroom collaboration
6. Document digital work
7. Virtual faculty meetings
8. Provide peer feedback
9. Student projects 
10. Communicate with parents

How are Other Teachers Using Google Classroom?
We have several teachers using Google Classroom in our district across all grade levels.  Mr. Paul Turner's Fifth Grade class at Stand Watie is using Classroom to complete assignments as they move towards a paperless classroom.

If you are interested in learning more about using Google Classroom, check out the resources below or take a look at the tutorials in Atomic Learning!

Alice Keeler

Shake Up Learning

Christine Pinto

Google Classroom Support

Google Classroom Training

OKCPS ETS Google Badges

Flexible Spaces; Flexible Learning

Ms. Smith, a 6th grade teacher at Jackson Enterprise Elementary, has created a learning environment with flexible seating options. The students are participating in the Summit Learning Program, which means they are in a 1:1 environment with Chromebooks. 

The students come to class and are allowed to choose where they sit to complete their assignments. Some students choose to sit at a table to collaborate with peers, while others may select a bean bag chair. Another option students have is to complete their work at tall tables or at floor tables. This arrangement allows for students to work independently or to work collaboratively in a group.

Check out this video from Albemarle County Public Schools about their transformation to flexible learning spaces. 



Now that you have seen how a 6th grade class is using flexible learning spaces in OKCPS as well as the video from Albemarle County Public Schools, share with us in the comments section your thoughts about flexible learning spaces.

Teacher Spotlight: Coding @ Oakridge

Curious about STEM and coding?  Chantel Jones, 3rd - 6th grade STEM & math teacher at Oakridge Elementary says, "We have been learning to code, and they [students] are using math even when they do not realize it!"

Watch the 15-second video, and you'll want to try this with your students too!

Connect with Ms. Jones to hear her story.  If you want help getting started with coding, peruse this blog and reach out to Mandy Green, resident expert on the ed-tech team!

Ideas for Cart Management

Through creativity and organization, Library Media Specialist Tammy Knapp has transformed the management of technology carts at Northeast Academy.  Check out her ideas:

The time required on the front-end to set-up the carts and train the staff is well worth it!  The clear expectations shared by the staff and students provide accountability and increase the longevity of the devices.  Way to go Ms. Knapp and the Northeast Team!

The Elements of an iStory

Third grade students at Thelma R. Parks Elementary have been working hard on become digital citizens. As you might see, students are using the iPads to create videos of understanding of their learning. Using the apps Camera, Photo Booth, Educreations and Stop Motion, students are given voice and choice to analyze their work, then synthesize and provide a quality project. 

Their big idea is to create a movie with all of the elements of a story. The opening event was a clip of the Lego Movie. We discussed how the movie was made and how a quality story takes preparation, planning and multiple drafts. The students asked many questions on how to create the best possible story which produced great inquiry-based learning.

In the end, we'll have "Celebration Presentation" day, with popcorn and snacks, that will showcase their work. Soon these students will be experts and will move on to even greater things!

2016 Student Technology Showcase

2016 STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE

On May 16, 2016 students from across Oklahoma City Public Schools gathered to display their most creative uses of technology in the classroom. The students gathered by school with their sponsor in the hallways of the administration building before the last board meeting of the school year. School board members, OKCPS staff members, community members and parents perused the hallways. We had everything showcased from robots to television filming to coding. Centennial Mid/High's CTE students recorded the moments for us here.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE 

IN THE SHOWCASE

Start documenting your students as they use technology in the classroom via pictures, video and other artifacts.Then next spring, be on the lookout for the showcase interest form to sign up to participate. Start planning today to showcase the awesome things your students are creating this spring at the 3rd Annual OKCPS Student Technology Showcase in May 2017.

    

Essential Question on Momentum New Tab

Momentum is an extension you can add to Google Chrome, so that each time you open a new tab, you see a beautiful scenic view, your focus for the day, and your to-do checklist.  
Zellan Conley at Rogers Middle School takes Momentum one creative step further...

Instead of typing her "focus for the day," she inputs her essential question for students.  She projects her screen with the Momentum tab open, so students can answer the essential question and journal about the real-life scenic image.

How can you use Momentum, not only for your own joy as you open new tabs, but with your students?!

Experience a real example of Google Classroom!

Want to be more efficient as a classroom teacher?
Desire to give students more timely feedback but struggle with how to do it?
Heard the term "paperless" but aren't convinced it can work?

Well, get inspired! 
Daniel Covey, science teacher at Belle Isle Middle School, has gone paperless using Google Classroom, and you're invited to see how it works!

Covey has created a duplicate version of his students' Google Classroom.  Interested OKCPS teachers and staff can join the duplicate class to visualize and experience how he digitally facilitates learning.  (The model Classroom keeps enrolled staff separate from his live students and their data, so you are free to explore to your heart's content.) 

Want to check it out?  (Of course you do!)

1. Go to Classroom.Google.com.
2. Click the plus-sign (+) in the top-right corner.
3. Select Join Class.
4. Enter the Class Code:  kx97c7

After completing the steps above, you will then be enrolled in the Classroom as if you were a live student! Note the assignments, announcements, resources, topics, descriptions, and directions Covey uses to organize the space.  Then, when you're ready, try Google Classroom with your students (or with your department, or grade-level team, or staff... oh my!).

Thanks, Mr. Covey, for inspiring others by sharing the great things you do!

Google Form Share-a-thon Results

The first-ever OKCPS Google Form Share-a-thon and Competition was a hit!  Submissions ranged from beginners creating their first Form to pros sharing their best ideas.

31 Forms were submitted from 27 different people
representing 18 schools and the Central Office!

 

Highlights

Here are just a few of our favorite submissions and ideas:
(Please do not actually fill out and submit these Forms.)

• Pre/Post Assessment with Images
  - Johnstun and Jantz @ Jefferson Middle School

• Get-To-Know-You Student Survey
  - Kirk @ Rogers Middle School

• Student Self-Assessment
  - Kerr @ Eugene Field Elementary 

• Grading-Scale
  - Kerley @ Taft Middle School

• Student Reflection and Test Question Creation
  - Phipps @ US Grant High School

• Parent Survey from a Teacher/Classroom
  - Stewart @ Van Buren Elementary

• Parent Safety Survey from a School
  - Stull @ Belle Isle Middle School

• Instructional Coach - Request for Coaching
  - Holt @ Mark Twain and Pierce Elementary Schools

• Idea: QR Code on Wall for Quick Form Access
  - Criminger @ Arthur Elementary

 

Sonic Drink Winners

The winners for the Most Creative Form Use are the science-duo:

Chanel Johnstun and Vera Jantz

The randomly selected participant-winners (courtesy of Random.org) are Kirk Wilson, Northwest Classen Principal, and Christen Watson, Central Office Budget Manager.

 

Support

Are you curious, inspired, and ready to save time and stay organized by using Google Forms?  If so, check out the concise and helpful tutorial videos in our training series.

 

What's Next

Continue doing amazing things with digital tools to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and learning!  And keep your eyes peeled for the next resource share-a-thon and competition, coming soon to an email inbox near you!

Active + Learning = Fun For All!

Active + Learning = FUN FOR ALL!

Ms. Dragoo's 3rd grade class at Parks Elementary went on an amazing journey exploring how stories are told through project-based learning!

 


The students were shown a Lego Movie promotional trailer. Afterwards, they were asked about the creation of the story. That's when the inquiry started! They asked questions that formed into skills they needed to know if they wanted to recreate something similar to the Lego Movie. We created a Need to Know Inquiry  List which started the process of discovering and learning the information. 



  


The students learned how to differentiate protagonists and antagonists  in a story as well as understanding how a setting plays a part in writing and story telling. They also discovered every great story has the five elements and every author has a purpose towards their writing. Over the course of five weeks, the students analyzed books like Tacky the Penguin and The Big Orange Splot looking for exposition, conflict, rising/falling action, and resolution. They discussed how many great technology products like the iPhone, Playstation and XBox go through revisions (or versions) to have a better product which brought about connections during their writing process. Using 21st Century skills, the students created their own stop motion animation movie using iPads.

Several standards were embedded in the project as well. Presentation day was filled with their own version of a film festival where each group described the process they chose when creating the movie while explaining the key elements of their story. The audience had a chance to ask questions and probe deeper just like a film festival. At the end, each group reflected on how they could make the project better.

The students had their Ah-ha! moments during the inquiry process trying to figure out the best way to make the project effective. That growth happened during the process of learning and not when presenting the final product. Students walked away having a deeper appreciation of how books and movies are made and that's authentic real world learning! 
 
If you are interested in learning more about the process, embedding technology within your curriculum, want to see more examples of stop motion animation or have ideas for implementing something like this in your classroom and/or school, please take a look at the Great Commitment's Instructional Strategies and/or contact your ETS Coach!