Diary of a Digital Learning Coach

Happy Halloween, Readers! My blog today is devoted to providing you some quick "techno" treats, aka things that are rocking my world this week! 1.  FlipGrid Connections and Discovery  Did you ever wish you could find other classrooms' global projects and invite others to participate easily in yours?   Put down the Google Search because FlipGrid's new Connections area changes the game.    FlipGrid Connections Also exciting is the new Discovery section.  Not only can you search for topics to add to your own grids, but you can add and share topics with other educators too.  This feature is great when you want to share a topic out with other classrooms, but you don't want to include learner videos.  They act as "templates" only. FlipGrid Discovery 2.  Seesaw Activities I am loving the addition of the ability to assign and create activities for learners in Seesaw.  Not only does it orga...

Next week I am providing a professional learning session on making global connections.   It has made me think a lot about how we connect and why.  It is so much more than talking to someone on a video conference or connecting to an expert.  Sure, there is great learning to be had from those experiences, but I find myself seeking more.   As my team talked about our goals this past week, my friend Amanda and I talked about the difference between global connection vs. global collaboration.  Both break down the walls of our classroom, but which leads to deeper thinking, broader perspectives and higher engagement?  As with every learning experience, it has much to do with the way the experience is approached, the reflection that happens after and the questioning opportunities to which it leads. Even so, what would our classrooms look like if we strived for more global collaboration?  Kids working with other kids and cultures to create, t...

My love affair with iOS11 continues this week with a small nugget of awesome found within the native Notes app. Like most mind blowing things, this tip is small, but mighty. Let's take a quick look at how the Notes App has been redesigned in iOS11 to allow you as an educator to scan and mark up documents.   And, just in case you wondered, the Notes App can be great for our learners too!   Intrigued?  Want to learn more?   Check out what else Notes can do:  https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205773 What awesome small nuggets of learning have rocked your world lately?  Let me know in the comments!

iOS 11  is here and we have received word from the technology department that it is ok to update.   Updates often take a few minutes; therefore, staggering or allowing extra time for updating is a good practice. I have also found that updating goes faster when devices are plugged in.   If you are concerned about losing content on your device, it is recommended that you/your learners create a backup in iCloud before running the update. 1:1~ Please encourage your learners to update: ​prior to lunch/recess prior to specials prior to leaving for the end of the school day in small groups/shifts Shared (K-3) ~   At this time, older iPad 4’s and iPad minis will not update to iOS 11. prior to leaving for the end of the school day or a weekend In small groups/shifts Educator iPads ~ Please update at your convenience: From home/overnight At the beginning/end of the day iOS 11 has several features that are awesome for educati...

In this day and time, there are no restrictions on how, when and the type of learning we choose.  Gone are the days where you have to attend PD in order to build skills, be inspired and make a change.  It truly is one of this self-appointed learning nerd's favorite things because we can choose to be in a state of learning anytime.   I am always exploring new ways to learn and was inspired by my friend and fellow DLC Sam Neal to try out some educational podcasts.  Podcasts are great because you can listen and learn on your phone while driving in the car, taking a shower and/or waiting in line for something.   If you are like me, searching for Podcasts can be a little overwhelming.  I was so thankful that Sam shared a curated list of some of her favorites.  Check out her list below! Powered by Wakelet Powered by Wakelet So this week, I challenge you to listen to an episode one of these and share something you learn or ar...

Shout it from the rooftops...iOS 11 is here!   Never in my life did I think I would be this nerdy happy over a software update, but y'all, this one changes the game.   With iOS 11, we can screencast DIRECTLY from the iPad. I'm excited, not just because I can make quick app demo videos for this crazy blog, but because of what this can do for our learners.  With iOS 11 screencasting, they will be able to: model their thinking, recording how they attack a problem create reflection videos  record ideas and "aha moments" as they review and interact with classroom materials share their thoughts about a book snap or article add "how to" screencasts to collaborative tools like a Schoology Media Album or Flipgrid I was lucky to partner with one of our 5th grade classes this week to test it out.  Ms. Voltz's class (Red5) was testing out the update to iOS 11 and so she asked me to come lend a hand.  We taught the kids a little a...