Putting the Horse back in Front of the Cart..

After posting my last post, I readjusted by lesson plans narrowing the technology down to only Edmodo Bellringers.  Going forward, I'll plan the lesson based on curriculum and objectives and then decide where technology will support and strengthen the material, not visa-versa.

We had our first 1:1 Device Pilot meeting last Thursday evening at Mount Tabor (Katherine's school).  It really helped to listen to the other teachers voice how they felt there were behind teaching, how getting the technology up and running was a struggle.  Katherine hadn't gotten out her laptops since Day 1.  They praised her! - I was surprised, but because Common Core and Curriculum has got to take top priority, we're to integrate technology afterwards.

Several high points:  World Languages is doing a PBL - and even though I set out markers/paper/scissors etc.. in case they wanted to do their presentation the old fashioned way - they went right for the computers to create their presentation: Powerpoint, Glogster..

Finally, finally! I had one class that everyone got onto the internet and into Edmodo! - Day 14! (well, day 7 of A/B day).

The students have done a FANTASTIC job recording themselves and the Clear.msu dropbox is a superb app.  I can see it really being a great way to build their speaking confidence from the very beginning. I'm going to try to record questions for my 7th & 8th grade students to get them using their language.

My big job now is to get everything graded!  They gave us access to NCWise early last week.  I've set up my classes, but haven't posted any grades - that'll happen this weekend.

I think I might have finally gotten all of my permission forms back - or almost - that has been the absolute worst.  I'm not sure that could be cured, but if the District is actually going to roll out personal devices into 3700 teachers' classrooms, they'll have to find a remedy for that.

There's a fine balance to everything

Today, I taught.  Yes, I know we've been in school almost 3 full weeks now, but with my new laptops, I've not been teaching.  The recognition that I'm not connecting with my students has been coming to me over the past few days - because we're trying to work out the ins and outs of using technology to get our work done.  I feel like I'm teaching a mile wide and an inch thick! 

So, today, during 6th grade French, I taught the old fashioned way - with music, flashcards, document camera, whiteboard, note-taking, repition and Edmodo - but only to start off with - then they shut it down. I LOVED it!  (And I think the students loved it too!!)

I've got to strike a balance with technology or I'll never get anything taught - I think I'm doing technology just to do technology - and that's not the way to integrate it.

When I sit down to plan this weekend, I need to look at my old stuff and then consider how to join the two.

We're under way!

I've been posting to our District site because we're required.  It's not a chore, and if it weren't mandatory, I probably wouldn't do it - just like with this one.  I've already gotten bogged down with the day to day work that comes with teaching. 
Here's a rundown of my responsibilities:

11 classrooms 240+ students (I'm not going to stop to count), 6 preps, (5 different on one day!!) French - 3 levels, Spanish-2 levels and  1 World Language Class.

Overall, I think my students are great.  I've run into a bit of a snag with a group of 7th grade entitleds.  I've called home, tried to re-direct and forced a laptop to be closed and stay closed the rest of the period because rules weren't followed.

I've been using Edmodo a lot - I think it's going to  be great!! - I'm finding it's got some programming glitches sometimes.  And I'm finding the students like to write notes to each other like they do on Facebook.  I've cautioned them that it's offtask and that they will lose privilege if they continue.

I'm wondering if I can form the bond I create when I teach-teach versus now when I'm using the laptops as the tool.  I find myself at the background - but I'm not connecting.  Some appear bored ( and those are the ones that post about it!!)  I think I'm going to have integrate more of myself with the technology.

I've been using Powerpoint to keep the students up with what's next in the class, but it keeps me stationary.  I'm struggling to keep everyone's preps and reviews and intros on target and add Tech Facilitator responsibilities along with that - which I thoroughly love - but takes time and energy too.

Well, back to lessons - and I haven't even begun to grade papers yet!!

Lessons Learned

Good fortune shone on me because Friday turned out to be an excellent OVERVIEW day.  The devices were in the middle of their table groups, (the signal that they will be used that day).  After completing unfinished business, we reviewed the three signed forms (had they read the forms before signing? (answer: no)). 

Then, each retrieved their assigned device, and by way of a powerpoint, we examined them, and their ports and dedicated keys. We talked about their handling and care and procedures (like a new pet); "45", (closing screens to give their attention to me), "90", (re-opening),  closing the screens for off-task behavior,  and "Ask 3 Before Me", (thanks peers in our Device Pilot group! - great advice.)

Not turning on the devices was the best way to deliver the lesson. By telling them upfront that we wouldn't turn on their devices, (collective "awwww"), we focused on laying the groundrules and learning about their devices instead "can we turn them on now? .. now? .. now?!"

It is really difficult not just putting the devices into my students' hands and beginning our first learning unit.  I'm struggling juggling content with laying a strong classroom management foundation.  I know from experience we've got to do that first, but my goodness, I'm itching to get INTO using the devices.

This weekend, I will put the finishing touches on my first unit lessons plans, (6 preps - whew!!) Following our Essential Standards and FL Pacing Guide, (thanks, Ms Baldwin/FL Peers), I've been investigating which technology will best lend itself to learning the required objectives.  I'll create Symbaloos for links. I'll also review a new link offered by one of my Twitter peeps, www.edutoia.org/stw-project-based-learning-best-practices.  ut, mostly, I'll enjoy Labor Day weekend; the time dedicated to honor the contributions all of us have made to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our great country.  Go USA!