I was once told that it is important for us as educators to remember what learning feels like . To do this, we must actively involve ourselves in learning new things. Last week, Apple released its Apple Teacher program , which is a professional learning challenge to help educators learn more about using iPads and Macs in an educational setting. This self-paced challenge provides educators several modes (Multi-touch book, help site, or from the Apple store) in which to learn about using Mac and iPad in education. Upon successful completion of a quick 5 question assessment for different skills, educators earn electronic badges. To me, this was a perfect way for me to remember what learning feels like. I immediately went into NERD mode and began the program. On a Friday night. Yep, I'm super cool. But the neat part was that a few of my awesome CISD friends were also doing it too. Back and forth we went...
Hello, blog readers! No, I didn't fall off the face of the planet. Life events forced me to truly disconnect this summer, which I rarely do. It was needed and it was worth it. Since my One Word for the year is BREATHE, I knew this summer must be one of rest. But...a new school year is upon us. As I move from dreading the alarm clock to the inevitable excitement a new year brings, I am reminded of a quote from the movie, You've Got Mail . We met our new hires today during Digital Learning Day. I wanted to tell them all the things - how our district promotes risk, how we believe in learning beyond the tools, how little kids can and will when we have growth mindsets. I wanted to tell them that is is less about technology and more about relationships, that if they are willing to let go, the sky is the limit for our kids. I wanted to tell them that they have as much to teach me as I have to offer them. It's a lot for a "first day", but I kn...
I am often asked, "Alli, how do you keep up with all the things?" While I stifle my laughter since most of the time I feel like I am drowning just like everyone else, my mind always ends up at Twitter. I know. Twitter. Image Credit: Roobee You either love it or hate it. To honest, I hated it too circa 2009. I laughed at people who felt the need to update everyone on everything in their lives. I just didn't get it. These days, you might say I am slightly addicted to Twitter. It is my #1 place to get news, professional learning and discussion from others passionate about education like me. I follow approximately 1,000 people and if I have one beef, it is how overwhelming having access to all that information can be. So here is one secret of how I keep up with "all the things" - Lists. In my profile, I created lists of people and groups so that I can drown out the noise and filter only information that ...
It was so fun to meet you! Glad we accidentally bumped into each other :-)
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