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.

 
 

Top 5 Sessions from Winter Intersession

Oklahoma City Public Schools held a great professional learning opportunity for new teachers December 14-15, 2017. Here are the top 5 sessions from Winter InspireOKCPS. These are great resources for teachers to use on their own or for principals to use with their entire staff.

gSuite 101

This interactive session is designed to be learner-centered and focused on G Suite Tools. Participants worked through a self-paced hyperdoc to complete tutorials, read and explore resources, apply knowledge with learning activities, and finally reflect on their G Suite exploration.

Check out this massive hyperdoc, gSuite. It has resources for the most commonly used tools in Google as well as places for feedback and reflection. Finish this course by earning your Google Certified Educator Level 1 course. 

Chromebook 101

Does your building have Chromebooks? Customize your professional learning path with Chromebooks. This is a self-directed professional learning course. Select your activity based on your skill level and desired outcome. Complete each task and earn digital badges at your own pace.

If your campus is using chromebooks, you definitely want to review this course. We have created a Chromebook 101 hyperdoc which walks you through teaching with chromebooks based on your ability from beginner to advanced.

Choose Your Own Google Adventure

Customize your professional learning path with Google. This is an advanced, self-directed professional learning course. Select your activity based on your skill level and desired outcome. Complete each task card and earn digital badges at your own pace.

Are you already a savvy Googler? Then check out our Choose Your Own Adventure session for more creative ways to use Google in your classroom.

Student Safety in the Digital World

This session provided teachers with the necessary tools to help students understand the importance of digital citizenship.

Using the hyperdoc, Student Safety in their Digital World, explore a myriad of resources to add to your toolkit as you use mobile devices in your classroom. If you would like to use the hyperdoc, please go to File, Make a Copy for you own personal copy of this hyperdoc.

What's the Hype with HyperDocs?

HyperDocs take Google Docs to a whole new level. HyperDocs increase engagement and create a self-directed learning opportunity to take ownership of learning. They can also be used for flipped professional learning and personalized PD.

So you have probably noticed a theme with the resources we create...we love hyperdocs. Check out this hyperdoc to learn all things hyperdoc.

2017 Summer ETLC Bonus Week - Digital Badges

Bonus Challenge - Digital Badges

Challenge -

You have now completed exploring and using four different tech tools to use in your classroom next year. Next, explore our department’s digital badges. Complete three badge tasks and then share on Twitter what you think of the digital badge program!

1. To get started, visit the ETS Resource Site.
2. Start with Twitter or Adobe Spark, since you have experienced those programs.
3. You might want to try to earn a Google badge next.
4. Finally, share your experience with digital badges on Twitter and use the hashtag #okcpsetlc.
   

You can also find all of the weekly challenges posted at bit.ly/SummerETLC. 

2017 Summer ETLC #4 - Adobe Spark

Challenge #4 - Adobe Spark

Challenge -

Adobe Spark helps make it easy to create engaging and inspiring graphics/videos in seconds. You can create web stories, animated videos on iPads, chromebooks or laptops.

1. Select a unit of study/topic you will teach next year.
2. Design a Post with a quote which represents a unit of study you teach.
3. Create a Video introducing the unit of study you used in the Post above. Make sure you have 4-6 video cards and add narration.
4. Build a Page about the unit of study. Then add the Post and Video you created above.
5. Share the link to your Page on Twitter. Be sure to share the title of your project as well as use the hashtag #okcpsetlc.

Helpful Links:

• Adobe Spark – Students as Digital Creators
• Adobe Spark EDU
• Adobe Spark resources
• Adobe Spark YouTube Channel
• ETS Resource Site - Adobe Spark

You can also find all of the weekly challenges posted at bit.ly/SummerETLC. 

2017 Summer ETLC #3 - HyperDocs

Challenge #3 - HyperDocs

Challenge -

HyperDocs can replace worksheets by replacing the delivery of instruction in an innovative and engaging manner.

1. Read about HyperDocs.
2. Create a lesson on a unit of study using a HyperDoc. HERE is a YouTube video to help you get started.
3. Then share a link to your HyperDoc on Twitter. Be sure to tell us the lesson title and use the hashtag #okcpsetlc.

Helpful Links:

• HyperDocs Graphic Organizers
• HyperDoc Lesson Sample
• HyperDocs - Add the 4C’s
• HyperDocs on Air videos
• All About HyperDocs

You can also find all of the weekly challenges posted at bit.ly/SummerETLC. 

2017 Summer ETLC #2 - Flipgrid

Challenge #2 - Flipgrid

Challenge -

Flipgrid amplifies and empowers student voice. You can create questions or topics and then students response via video which provides each student an equal voice.

1. Watch this video to introduce Flipgrid.
2. Learn how to Record a Response in Flipgrid.
3. Go to https://flipgrid.com/e57a3b and respond to the question by leaving your video answer.  
4. Create your own Flipgrid account.
5. Create a grid and then ask a question using a topic.
6. Post a link on Twitter to your grid and ask other #okcpsetlc participants to respond to your question.
7. Search the hashtag #okcpsetlc on Twitter and respond to other’s question on Flipgrid. Please respond to at least two (2).

Helpful Links:

• Flipgrid Support Center
• Flipgrid’s Blog
• Flipgrid & Student Voice

You can also find all of the weekly challenges posted at bit.ly/SummerETLC. 

2017 Summer ETLC #1 - Twitter

Challenge #1 - Twitter

Challenge -

Twitter is a great way to build a PLN or personal learning network. This allows you to collaborate with educators from all around the world. Twitter also offers a wealth of resources on every topic under the sun!

1. Create a Twitter account at www.twitter.com
2. Complete your profile & change your egg to a picture.
3. Introduce yourself on Twitter and use the hashtag #okcpsetlc.
4. If you currently have a Twitter account, share with us the top 3 people you follow on Twitter and use the hashtag #okcpsetlc.
5. Find any 5 people to follow. The ETS team, listed below, is a great place to start! ETS Team - @OKCPSETS, @nakellogg, @MGoviaEDU, @april2383, @Adriana8529, @tonymaxwell777
6. If you are currently on Twitter, Please introduce yourself and then tweet a colleague and ask them to join and complete this Summer Ed Tech Learning Challenge with you!

Helpful Hints -

When creating a Twitter handle, remember to differentiate between professional and personal. This handle should represent you as a professional educator (@sweethoneybee probably does not say professional educator.)

Also, do not forget to search the hashtag #okcpsetlc to find other awesome OKCPS teachers to follow for resources and ideas during the Summer Ed Tech Learning Challenge.

Helpful Links:

• Kathy Schrock’s Guide to Twitter

• Beginner Guide to Twitter for Teachers
• Twitter 101 Guide
• Twitter 101 webinar with Matt Gomez
• 50 Way to Use Twitter in the Classroom

Helpful Video Tutorials:

• Sign Up/Set Up Twitter
• Twitter Tutorial for Beginners- Especially for Teachers
• The Basics: How to Tweet, Reply, and Follow

You can also find all of the weekly challenges posted at bit.ly/SummerETLC. 

The learning NEVER stops!

Looking for ways to improve your game for the upcoming school year?  The Educational Technology Services department has a couple of self-paced options for you to consider!

First is our Summer Ed Tech Learning Challenge, led by Mandy Govia! Beginning on June 5^th and concluding June 30^th, you will be given four challenge tasks to complete. Click the graphic below to learn more, then sign up in My LearningPlan!

Second is the Atomic Learning Summer Session! Beginning June 14^th, Atomic Learning will email you tips and insights focused on relevant professional development topics.  Click the graphic below to learn more!

We hope you take advantage of these FREE opportunities.  Remember, the Educational Technology Services team will be available this summer at Douglass High School to assist you in planning amazing and engaging lessons! Contact a team member to make an appointment!

Summer Ed Tech Learning Challenge 2017

Surprise...your favorite summer professional development series is back! The Summer Ed Tech Learning Challenge is back again this summer!!!

The challenge starts on June 5th and will conclude on June 30th. The beauty of this professional development is you can complete the tasks anytime at a location of your choosing. 

This summer we have 4 challenge tasks, as well as a few bonus features added. Each week a new task will be delivered via blog post and Twitter, so be sure to bookmark the OKCPS Ed-Tech Blog site and follow us on Twitter at @OKCPSETS. Complete the task at your own pace over the course of the week. 

Here are a few clues as to what you will learn about this summer during the challenge.

Don't miss out...join the #okcpsetlc today!

Sign up in My Learning Plan today!
You must be signed up by June 5, 2017. All tasks must be completed by July 5th to receive credit.

The OKCPS Blogging Badge

THE OKCPS BLOGGING badge

Are you curious about starting your own blog? Are you wanting to share about your class and teaching practices but don't know where to begin? Join us for a four week blogging challenge. You will first create a blog and then compose four blog posts over the four weeks. Each week you will receive helpful hints to build the best blog you can! Here are the details of the challenge!

Purpose: To connect educators, share resources, and reflect on our teaching/professional practices. Create and share 1 blog post each week on the topic of your choice.

Tasks in this Challenge:  

1. Create a blog if you do not have one.

2. Post a new blog post each week based on the weekly prompt.

3. If you are on Twitter, tweet your blog post using the hashtag #OKCPSblogs and mention @okcpsets in your tweet.

Where to Start:

If you are new to blogging, you will want to choose a platform. There are many platforms to choose from but a few of the most popular are Blogger, WordPress and EduBlogs. Here is a great chart comparing a few blogging platforms.

Here is a Pinterest board with tons of resources related to blogging. Please feel free to peruse as you have time. Also check out the OKCPS ETS Pinterest Blogging Board as an additional resource.