tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82892440913076341522024-03-19T11:53:16.046-07:00Kathy ScarpatoUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-84038161843871275112014-09-23T11:39:00.001-07:002014-09-23T11:39:15.442-07:00How Do You Organize?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am not sure when it happened but I know it had to do with trial and error. After years of trying new things and working on ways to improve, I found that one thing worked: <a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google</a>! The integration of the tools created makes for an easy way to manage what I need. From calendar to collaboration, Google has helped me organize my tasks, information, and daily challenges to make my life easier.<br />
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A few years back I thought buying a fancy smartphone would do the trick in organization. NOPE! I had to work on using the Google items to ensure that my family and myself would be at the right place at the right time.<br />
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If Google would have me and I lived in California, I would love to work for them. Google is full of innovative, intellectual, and creative people that uses the facilities as a think tank that generates such interesting tools. The bigger they get the more then innovate and help to shape the work place for many places. <br />
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I am thankful for my failures or I would not have learned about the tools I use daily in Google!<br />
What are your opinions??<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-58691495896772936562014-07-29T11:43:00.003-07:002014-07-29T11:43:58.460-07:00Where are your Resources?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I ask this question because I am finding many are stating some type of technology as the answer. To some point I agree, but I believe resources can be found somewhere right in the next room.<br />
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Resources are the people, co-workers, colleagues, or cohorts that surround you are where you go for anything. From personal to professional, those that we are with everyday are the most valuable resources we can find. Think of all of the tasks completed on a daily basis and how many of them require the conversation that starts with, "Could you help me with something?" <br />
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Today, I had a former colleague call me just to start to network in his hunt for a new job. He was just asking for another set of eyes to help with his search and to send anything his way. Why would he ask when I have not talked to him for a year? The same reason I reached out to friends for new books: resources!<br />
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Resources are the network that we create around us; it is knowing people and understanding their skill set that can be put to positive work. Resources are more then the hardware we use everyday, but it is the places we hear about that we start our research. Before you start to think about changing, moving, reorganizing, begin with the resources around you. I feel that my strengthens have been built from the network of educators around me and I am grateful for everything I have learned from them. <br />
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Before moving on to the next task on your list, thank your resources because you just don't know when they may change! So tell me; who is your best resource??<br />
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Join the conversation!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-12997077452077666292014-02-14T11:52:00.001-08:002014-02-14T11:52:15.565-08:00Engaging Thinkers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Moving into a new educational environment makes me think that it is the same challenges, just a different setting. Engaging students is important part of education but making sure that we pull from how they learn and how the information is relevant is even more important. <br />
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As educators we always look at pedagogy, design, and implementation of courses. With an organized hierarchy of learning, students will benefit from the time spent on using a backward design with healthy outcomes. We need goals, objectives, theories, tools, activities, etc in order to make sure a student has a way to access information. It is overwhelming to think of what is needed to help a student succeed which always brings on the questions about class size, individualized education, and how can we ensure all students are maintaining the same information. <br />
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Bottom line: Educators need to keep students in mind and create ways for them to be a part of the planning, developing, and learning of any information shared with them. Hmmm....sounds like gaming to me. <br />
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Next; I am going to start to reach how gaming can be a success in any classroom! Stay tuned and join the conversation!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-13234533005090689572013-11-22T08:45:00.002-08:002013-11-22T08:45:47.520-08:00Finding a Purpsose<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I was recently talking to an old friend about teaching and how it has changed in the short amount of time we have been in the field. It may only be 15 years, but learning AND teaching are moving very fast these days. We were laughing at the courses that we had to load a film projector, make an overhead slide, or mount pictures on poster board. This then had me think about the purpose of the tools and what is their use. <br />
The tools of today are no different then the tools from many years ago. The teachers had to have a purpose of showing a film or making a slide. They could not just use the overhead without there being a reason. A leader in my school has said, "Teaching is good teaching no matter what!" Therefore, we want to engage our students, build their problem solving skills, develop strong citizens, and be able enhance their communication skills. These are the skills and the tools that we use to make that happen can very from subject to subject. I can rattle off a bunch of cool tools, website, and software; however, if there is no purpose to their use then why use them. <br />
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When designing courses or lessons it would be important to follow a few simple steps. First know your audience in things like learning styles or intelligence. Second make a design with the goals and outcome set prior to building anything. Then work on the activities that you would need to support your goals and outcomes. Implement your plan, but also have a way to evaluate your lessons that will give you data to support or disprove the design. In the end, it is all about finding a purpose for using tools and make sure they engage for a true learning environment!<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-20225238582004930952013-11-04T07:56:00.002-08:002013-11-04T07:56:44.452-08:00iNACOL: Making the Connections<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For the past two years I have been a volunteer for <a href="http://www.inacol.org/" target="_blank">iNACOL</a> which is an organization built on the idea of creating stronger environments for online learning. I am on the program committee in which I read through proposals and rate them according to a rubric. I also then volunteer at the conference at registration in which I get to meet educators from around the world. I had the opportunity to attend the conference last week in which I meant many educators focused on the research to better education. Attending the conference was a bit different then in past years. I am walking away from this conference with a few new connections that will help with research I am completing with a partner teacher. <br />
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Parent engagement is always a topic of discussion in which I believe should be a huge piece of any school's puzzle. The connections at home and school should be strong and through the sessions, I continuously heard how to involve our parents. I even presented on this topic at the conference and found a few educators that were struggling with the same issues. How do we bridge any gaps in communication? What steps should we take? Why is it so important? Research states that the more involvement with parents, the better a student will do in school. <br />
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Currently research is being done on this topic and I will continue to follow it to find ways on how I can better the communication with parents. As there are many puzzle pieces in learning, the students will only benefit if they all fit together nicely.<br />
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What are you thoughts about parent engagement?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-33177570626314508862013-08-21T09:28:00.000-07:002013-08-21T09:29:33.828-07:00A Fresh New Start<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I have not written in a while as I needed some time to reflect, relax, and breathe before moving forward in all that we do daily. Recently I helped organize a 5K to raise funds for a scholarship program for my <a href="http://www.pavcsk12.org/" target="_blank">school</a> Just like the race it was quick and before you knew it, we were cleaning up. All the planning, prepare, and anticipation over in less then an hour. So then I was thinking, isn't it true for everything.<br />
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All the planning we do for students in hopes that we will cover everything, as teachers we still have the "Next time I do this list" which helps improve the instruction for the next students. As we begin to flip, differentiate, and co-teach teachers need to look at the learners first. We need to know the parameter of learning for each child to ensure they are receiving the best instruction. Does that take time? YES! Is it extra work? ABSOLUTELY! <br />
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In the end we need to think of ways to make sure each child reaches their potential and as teachers we are the ones to make sure it happens. If we think of all the tools, strategies, collaborations, tips, and tricks right now it is overwhelming. However, just like the 5K. It is about endurance. It is about finishing the race. It is not about how quickly or if you barely made it; it is about giving it your all to make things happen. I can see that now!<br />
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This time away from blogging has given me the chance to see how I can be more open and transparent to all. As we continue to share and collaborate, we need to know that all the daily craziness that we feel is worth it in the end; just like crossing the finish line!!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-48042929716348279142013-05-08T09:48:00.002-07:002013-05-08T09:48:33.351-07:00Changing the Norm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been a while since I posted anything into this blog as I was away from my desk for a couple days in April but PSSA testing is a way we need to find if our students have reached the standards they need to build skills.<br />
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I watched a <a href="http://www.ted.com/promos/TEDTalksEducation" target="_blank">TED</a> episode last night that discussed education and how it needs to be changed. I found it very interesting as I read lots of information about this topic in all of the organizations that I am a part of, but still only a few try new things. One fact that stood out to me was that the US ranked 15th in overall reading which was a tie with Poland and Iceland. Among those 15 countries, 11 countries had a standard teacher evaluation, expectations, and guidelines for everyone. The US was not one of those countries, but the fact of the manner was that we need to develop teacher skills to help with instruction. US also ranked 23rd in Math and 31st in Science. As a country we need to start working on a more common evaluative system that can develop stronger teachers. Strong teachers should be the norm and not the exception. Supporting staff in such ways will cost so much money that I feel it will not happen. Bill Gates stated that teachers should video tape themselves every day and review their instruction. He said that teachers should view each other lessons for peer review too as critical eyes can be helpful to everyone. Along with the encouraging stories that were shown about successful models of instruction, how can we make that the norm and not the exception? </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-47442682009804342872013-03-22T11:43:00.002-07:002013-03-22T11:43:48.255-07:00How Much Do You Love Technology?Technology plays such an important role in my life that I believe I just take it for granted! My job at the <a href="http://www.pavcsk12.org/">PA Virtual Charter School</a> in which I need computer and internet to complete my daily responsibilities. In my educational career, I am taking classes online at the <a href="http://www.scranton.edu/">University of Scranton</a> where I need a computer, internet, username, and password to access my weekly tasks. Then there is my personal life: Whew! What I would do without my phone or iPad! Depending on such an easy tool can certainly distract you from what is going on around you. It drives me nuts to see people staring at their phones and not interacting with each other at sporting events, kids games, or even sitting in restaurants with their families. However, if used properly it could be a great educational tool for students.
Recently Allison Morris from <a href="http://www.onlineuniversities.com/">OnlineUniversities.com</a> contacted about something I wrote on this blog about technology. She gracely shared a graphic that was created by <a href="http://www.onlineuniversities.com/teachers-love-technology">OnlineUniversities.com</a> and said to let us all view it. It gives some statics about the use of technology and how it can benefit students if used properly. I find it interesting and very thankful that Allison reached out to me!
Comment on your thoughts of this graphic and how it relates to your classroom!
<b>Please Include Attribution to OnlineUniversities.com With This Graphic</b> </br><a href="http://www.onlineuniversities.com/teachers-love-technology"><img src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/infographics/130315TeachersloveTechFinal.jpg" alt="What do we Know Infographic" width="500" border="0" /></a><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-35231017738775579032013-02-11T06:52:00.001-08:002013-02-11T06:52:16.188-08:00What tools do you use for PLN?<!-- copy and paste. Modify height and width if desired. -->
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-27582326037037892912013-02-11T06:50:00.000-08:002013-02-11T06:50:22.442-08:00Professional Learning Networks: Evernote and Edmodo!
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</object> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-10660280939045891562013-02-04T11:55:00.002-08:002013-02-04T11:57:53.734-08:00Staying Connected...Why Should I?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Do you remember a time that you would walk into a room and people would look at you? Now when you walk into a room, they are staring at their phones! Why? Because they want to be connected to the latest and greatest news in their professional, personal, or global lives. It may seem that we are always finding out what someone else thinks or wants to share, but how about spending that time in areas that we want to develop.<br />
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As an educator, you need to stay connected to what is happening in the world of education and not get stuck in the same daily activities. We need to make sure we are engaged ourselves to want to help students want to be a part of the learning environment you are providing for them. A few years ago I was new to build professional learning networks, but thanks to <a href="http://www.pavcsk12.org/" target="_blank">PA Virtual Charter School</a> for sending me to a conference in which I met Vicki Davis. After seeing and learning about what she was doing with the<a href="http://www.flatclassroomproject.net/organizers.html" target="_blank"> Flat Classroom Project</a>, I quickly wanted to be a part of it. I am now certified as a <a href="http://www.flatclassroomproject.net/graduates-11-3.html" target="_blank">Flat Classroom Teacher</a> and know the connections I have made in this community will always benefit my learning.<br />
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I am still not an expert, but I have developed a system of networks that have worked for me in finding new information and resources. I have also become part of different groups that continue to challenge my thinking by giving me resources that make me think creatively on their use. <br />
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Such places such as <a href="http://www.edmodo.com/" target="_blank">Edmodo</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/" target="_blank">Flickr</a> have other professionals in my field that are sharing and collaborating. I feel that if we continue to stay connected, the collaboration will continue and grow even bigger then our own schools and classrooms. <br />
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How have Professional Learning Networks helped you develop your skills as an educator? Are you engaging your students to be digital citizens? Join the conversation!!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-53668286396376401402013-01-23T10:25:00.002-08:002013-01-23T10:25:55.085-08:00RSS...Say again!<!-- copy and paste. Modify height and width if desired. -->
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</object> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-82152263316625758672013-01-11T11:33:00.002-08:002013-01-11T11:33:23.422-08:00Bring the Info to Me...Oh wait let me send it to you!!<iframe src="http://edu.glogster.com/glog.php?glog_id=23634914&scale=58" width="560" height="758" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" style="overflow: hidden;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-40862420115612566652013-01-02T08:20:00.001-08:002013-01-02T08:20:27.721-08:00Resources to the Common Core Standards<iframe src="http://edu.glogengine.com/view/jglYaMwoO9ontcitL8C0:6l3g2lutmltbiu4lfj83ca0" width="560" height="758" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" style="overflow: hidden;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-80303849275752762922012-12-10T12:03:00.002-08:002012-12-10T12:03:44.202-08:00Tech the Holidays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over the weekend, the leaders of SEPACT held a session called Tech the Halls. <a href="http://60in60.wikispaces.com/" target="_blank">Brandon Lutz</a> and <a href="http://developingdigitallearners.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Brooke Mulartrick</a> lead the organization to a sharing that was held for<a href="http://www.paect.org/" target="_blank"> SEPAECT.</a> This organization has been working to share ideas with other tech loving teachers in such a way that the use of new tools will assist in student centered learning. <br />
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I want to thank everyone that attended the session and shared tools that will assist in instructional practices.<br />
That is what the holidays are all about: sharing new toys!<br />
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Enjoy learning about new information!<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #87939a; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 19px;"><a href="https://www.mentimeter.com/" target="_blank">Mentimeter</a>--track answers in real-time</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://kanban2go.com/" target="_blank">KanBan2g</a>o--create a to-do list that can be shared with others</span></div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
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<span id="internal-source-marker_0.7255378870759159"><a href="http://www.goorulearning.org/gooru/index.g#!/home" style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Goorulearning.org</span></a><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b> it is a search tool for lessons, </b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">resources</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>, quizzes- it’s great for finding content for teachers.</b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span><span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7255378870759159" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://slidespeech.com/"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Slide speech</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- narrate your Powerpoints - create a PPT and then type what you are going to say in the comment section... upload</span></b></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b id="internal-source-marker_0.7255378870759159" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/readwrite-for-google-docs/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Readwrite in chrome</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> browser will add a full set of tools for Google Docs... vocabulary and dictionary and more. It is an extension for Google Docs and can be added to Chrome. Play Pause and Stop buttons... reads and can translate... great for ELL.</span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Chrome Brower tools: You can go to the Chrome store and add information to your </b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">browser</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>.</b></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-69083184457969173102012-12-07T09:19:00.001-08:002012-12-07T09:19:12.141-08:008 Annotation Tools Teachers should Have<a href="http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/11/8-annotation-tools-teachers-should-have.html#.UMIlBixCiHY.blogger">8 Annotation Tools Teachers should Have</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-51610782421873810602012-11-29T16:39:00.002-08:002012-11-30T11:30:46.244-08:00Professional Learning Networks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A professional learning network is a place an educator can go to for resources, content, support and overall educational relationships that will build their own learning. I have learned so much from online communities as many that are a part of the community are willing to share information or how they completed a task to make it easier for you.<br />
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I can compare online communities to a child's preschool class. Picture some three year olds playing by themselves for a little bit until a new person comes. Then without fail one child will go to another child, "Look what I have! Do you want to play?" Before you know the whole class is engaged in the new toy and sharing news, toys, and other information about themselves.
All the information is helpful and because you go to these sites fellow teachers from all over the world will share information. A few that I enjoy following are as follows:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flatclassroomproject.org/">Flat Classroom Project Vicki Davis and Julie Linsday</a> (May have to be in the classes to join the ning)<br />
<a href="http://edupln.ning.com/" target="_blank">Educator PLN</a> Thomas Whitby<br />
<a href="http://www.futureofeducation.com/" target="_blank">The Future of Education Steve Hargadon</a><br />
<a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Reader</a><br />
<a href="http://teacher20.com/" target="_blank">Teacher 2.0</a> <a href="http://teacher20.com/profile/SteveHargadon" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; color: #3c78a7; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: initial; vertical-align: baseline;">Steve Hargadon</a><br />
<a href="http://www.microsoft.com/education/ww/partners-in-learning/Pages/index.aspx" target="_blank">Microsoft Partners in Learning</a><br />
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Check one out or share if you have found a new one!!
There are many communities through conferences too so keep on looking and you will see new ideas coming into your inbox!
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Comment and share the new communities that you find!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-44036077752359458122012-11-06T10:42:00.001-08:002012-11-06T10:42:21.637-08:00Find out more of Teaching Standards<!-- copy and paste. Modify height and width if desired. --> <object id="scPlayer" width="400" height="400" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://content.screencast.com/users/Scarpato/folders/Jing/media/514765c5-5d5a-4656-b5dd-2bb95f2f3fed/jingh264player.swf" ><param name="movie" value="http://content.screencast.com/users/Scarpato/folders/Jing/media/514765c5-5d5a-4656-b5dd-2bb95f2f3fed/jingh264player.swf" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="thumb=http://content.screencast.com/users/Scarpato/folders/Jing/media/514765c5-5d5a-4656-b5dd-2bb95f2f3fed/FirstFrame.jpg&containerwidth=1280&containerheight=676&content=http://content.screencast.com/users/Scarpato/folders/Jing/media/514765c5-5d5a-4656-b5dd-2bb95f2f3fed/Teaching%20Standards.mp4&blurover=false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="scale" value="showall" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><param name="base" value="http://content.screencast.com/users/Scarpato/folders/Jing/media/514765c5-5d5a-4656-b5dd-2bb95f2f3fed/" /><iframe type="text/html" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="overflow:hidden;" src="http://www.screencast.com/users/Scarpato/folders/Jing/media/514765c5-5d5a-4656-b5dd-2bb95f2f3fed/embed" height="400" width="400" ></iframe></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-53807749883431395112012-11-06T10:11:00.003-08:002012-11-06T10:11:30.805-08:00Inquiry Research<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
While attending the <a href="http://www.inacol.org/" target="_blank">iNACOL Conference</a>, I found that most of the sessions were built around research. The presenters were sharing their findings and how the research affected their way of thinking, instructing, and planning. <br />
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This year our staff will be sharing in this experience of completing an inquiry research and gather data to assist in finding information on any "wondering" they may have. My question is to find out if I help engage staff in different forms of professional learning will it assist them in extending their own professional development? Therefore, I have a few willing participates to help me find this information and share different professional learning to them throughout the school year.<br />
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I will use this blog to share out information but also reflect on my own thoughts during this research!<br />
It will be a fun ride!<br />
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Who is ready to join me:)<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-77633737091578726802012-10-18T11:40:00.001-07:002012-10-18T11:57:42.854-07:00Opening Opportunities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Recently I took a course that pushed me further into understanding the tools for Power Point. I have to say I never really was trained on how to use this resource expect uploading some text and a picture. Through this opportunity, I have learned to make my presentations more interactive, exploding with information, and a way to share all information with different groups of people.<br />
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Now that I have completed this task, I am looking forward to taking the Word and Excel exam to further my knowledge for those tools. Again, I know from working in the Microsoft products but working through the ITAcademy has given me new ways of utilizing these tools!<br />
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I would highly recommend learning these tools as it will help you work more effectively in planning, presenting, and reflecting on any presentation!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-40323732802167005002012-10-09T10:27:00.000-07:002012-10-09T10:28:10.473-07:00Where For Art Thou Portfolio???<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">As all educators look for a way to secure data from their
students, teachers need to think of ways to capture their own data to support
their instruction. It seems like an simple idea, but collecting data will be
challenging for teachers that do not know how to. What data should I
gather? How much do I need? When should I start and end the
collection? Why is it important to gather?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">First the idea that collecting data for grades only needs to be
revised just a bit. Education needs to be a more well-rounded, real-life
experience in order for students to thrive in a global economy. Yes we
need students to remember certain facts and show ways of comprehension, but
could grades only be based off of the paper and pencil assessment; absolutely
not!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Second, we can look at Bloom's Taxonomy and how we need students
to analyze, evaluate, or create to gain a deeper understanding for any content
of study. This is where the search for thou portfolio comes into play.
With all new technologies, gathering data and reflecting on ways to do
this task is easier than ever. The need to gather writing samples,
projects, math journals, pictures, problem solving steps, and more in a
portfolio can show more than a quick snapshot of a written test. If
schools could develop a way to have the portfolios travel with students could
even get a bigger picture of how a student learns, thinks, and creates. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Now how would that be for real-life experience! Using
project-based for learning which in turns changes the way students graduate,
pick a college, and career. Education could be more then “Open your mind
so I can pour the info in it.” Education
could be “Lets work through ideas for
find the best solution.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Lastly the use of portfolios is not a new idea; however, I think
the idea of real-life experiences is becoming a buzz word in education which
makes the use of a portfolio ideal. Students,
teachers, administrators and even parents should keep all student
information in one place so when they graduate they have a link that demonstrate
their growth as a student since kindergarten! I can see
the commercial now by Google:) I better trademark my idea
before it gets out!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-29767933572059843792012-09-26T05:53:00.000-07:002012-09-26T07:50:06.082-07:00Back to the Basics<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over the weekend I heard Apple sold over 2 million phones world wide! The funny part is I didn't think that many people needed a new phone; but then again it is the latest and greatest tool out there right! Now fast forward to back to school night that I was attending for my oldest son. Every teacher had EVERYTHING posted on their website. I want to see homework for the day; website, projects; website, grades; website. All the teachers I visited thought this was awesome that the students could get their materials at any time, even if they were absent. However, every class I sat in had me fill out a paper survey about my son! This must still be the latest and greatest thing in schools.Well every class but one.<br />
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There was one teacher that spent two years pleading with the district to get iPads for the kids and he finally won. In that class, I filled out a <a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google doc</a> on an iPad in a class that will be using <a href="http://www.dropbox.com/" target="_blank">Dropbox</a> for submitting assignments. This all my sound great, but did I tell you my son is on a team in which the 7th grade Falcons use the same teachers. So why am I filling out a survey for each teacher when Mr. Tech lover could have just shared the info on <a href="http://www.gdocsdrive.com/" target="_blank">Google Drive</a>. <br />
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The whole point of this story is one thing: change! Schools need to listen to a teacher that is willing to spend two years of meetings, presentations, budgeting, and data collecting for 30 iPads as they are the practitioners. The teachers are the mover and shakers, but will not be able to move and shake if administration is not willing to change. Administration will not change unless the state regulations change, and then the federal governments roll in education. <br />
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As I see this year, it will be changing for my son as new tools are coming his way! Especially the mom factor: accessing homework and projects everyday is awesome. But to me this is old hat as PA Virtual continues to have this information available and has for a few years. Again change needs to happen and we need to get back to the basics: educating child in any avenue possible! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-90722731419130301862012-09-06T13:57:00.001-07:002012-09-06T14:08:02.470-07:00Is Reflection Part of our Professional Learning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are tons of pull and push resources in which I gather to share with my staff. I pull information from places like<a href="http://www.twitter.com/" target="_blank"> Twitter</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/" target="_blank">FB</a>, various <a href="http://www.ning.com/" target="_blank">nings, </a>and even <a href="http://www.google.com/" target="_blank">Google Reader</a>. I am able to decide which materials are relevant to me, ones that I could share with others, and those that I may not need just yet.<br />
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I also have resources that I like to push information out to others like <a href="http://edu.glogster.com/" target="_blank">Glogster</a> or even <a href="http://www.blogger.com/" target="_blank">blogger</a> where I can assist others with resources and materials that maybe others can utlize. (At that is what I try to do:)<br />
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But how do I pull or push out reflection on what I am trying to accomplish in my little world of professional learning. Where can I go for that information or how can I send it out to others?? So I have to take some time to think for myself and see what I am doing is really working. I would like to say yes, but data could say no. Therefore, I am going to start thinking about how I can pull in reflection on a daily basis and push out my ideas or thoughts to those that may be able to pull in one nugget of information.<br />
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I am going to start to keep a OneNote book about my daily reflections and see where it takes me. I am going to review what I do on a daily basis and then see how I can improve my own professional learning and the learning of others. There is something important to putting ideas down on to open up a place for new thoughts and I am going to give it a shot! <br />
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Does anyone else feel like they are in a tug of war with ideas??<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-34729094968702230132012-08-31T13:44:00.002-07:002012-08-31T13:53:46.709-07:00Out of Our Minds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Recently as a staff we were asked to read the book <a href="http://sirkenrobinson.com/skr/out-of-our-minds" target="_blank">Out of Our Minds</a> by Sir Ken Robinson. I have to say the book supported the idea of keeping creativity in school, but also ignited the inspiration I needed to start to think more out of the box. I need to develop a shape for myself and how it will define me. Do I want to inspire others by my actions or try to be innovated in creating something so amazing for my staff.<br />
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I am also reading <a href="http://www.corwin.com/books/Book230713" target="_blank">Reflective Educator's Guide</a> which is assisting in developing a teacher inquiry question that I need to study this year. This is were the two books are colliding and forcing me to rethink how I have done things in the past! I will continue to build my skills by being a part of my online communities but also try to get staff members as my school to see the benefits of building a a creative network of online supporters!<br />
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What do you do to be creative?? How does that transfer in your instruction??<br />
Share your thoughts!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8289244091307634152.post-47282692301276955922012-08-23T09:50:00.001-07:002012-08-23T09:56:06.158-07:00Learning 2.0 Conference<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/HuXcRorDGvSOtWyS4VLZ33og4Fqlr9JC75-6V5aMELzmE0ULbti4wVowxN7OnSUMc2kAdsETeuhjCtNWGg2UOQ__/combinedlogos.png?width=750" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="align-center" height="70" src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/HuXcRorDGvSOtWyS4VLZ33og4Fqlr9JC75-6V5aMELzmE0ULbti4wVowxN7OnSUMc2kAdsETeuhjCtNWGg2UOQ__/combinedlogos.png?width=750" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you have not had the opportunity to be a part of the <a href="http://www.classroom20.com/page/2012-learning-2-0-virtual-conference" target="_blank">2012 Learning 2.0 Conference</a>, I would suggest that you check out the archived sessions. <a href="http://www.stevehargadon.com/" target="_blank">Steve Hargadon</a> has created a place for learning, sharing, and collaborating in such a way that make building your own professional learning networks easy.</div>
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As I have reflected over the summer, I want to develop a place where teachers can share and my hope is this blog! I will be working on developing a place to collaborate and hey maybe I could help develop avenues for other educators!<br />
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Share, tweet, Facebook this site as we will build another learning/sharing site!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0