During the past 8 weeks, we were challenged to look on how we can use technology for student collaboration.  The best part of a challenge of this nature is being "forced" to take a critical look at what we do inside our respective classroom.  As stated in previous posts, I am a PE teacher, and the opportunities to use collaborative technology isn't something that is an easy fit.  Luckily, I also teach a Sports Medicine class and between the two, I was able to find natural places to use collaborative technology.  For any teacher, it starts with the difficult task of changing what they have done, what has been routine.

Classes like this then allows teachers the ability, the confidence, and the environment to make that switch.  Hopefully, a giant boulder doesn't come crashing down, but if it does, we have the ability to adjust. 
During these 8 weeks, I was able to do a couple changes to my curriculum (PE and Sports Medicine) that, I feel, increased collaboration, increased technology, and allowed students in a non-traditional way.
Artifact #1: 
Sports medicine is full of a lot of vocabulary, medical terminology.  Instead of having students use traditional methods (note taking) for vocab, I created a collaborative, interactive assignment.  Students were placed into a group of 4-5 per group and then given 4-5 vocab terms.  They had to work together and create a video and then share that with all the groups.  Their video had to define the word and use it in the correct context and had to be more than someone standing up talking.  Basically, make it more fun than I can. They could use whatever sources they want and create any digital project.  Most of them created short videos and then used WeVideo to edit.

Artifact #2: 
Teaching freshman boys is always an experience.  Getting them to talk (about what I want them to), well, that's an adventure.  I used FlipGrid to start them having conversations and being able to listen to what others have to say.  While it was the free version of Flipgrid, it worked great.  I would post a question and then they would have to go answer it.  We are 1:1 at my school, so they would bring their chrome books into the weight room.  We would start our workout and take a quick 10 min pause to answer the flipgrid, and then start working out again. 

All in all, don't be afraid to make mistakes, don't be afraid to make a switch.  The biggest suggestion, make sure it's a simple change and it "fits" your curriculum.  Don't try to make your curriculum fit technology.  Just have to find the right balance.

Technology in the Classroom

It seems that technology is here to stay...it's not a fad. :)   Kind of crazy to think about how quickly things have progressed over the last 5 years. Many more schools are now 1:1 and if not they have access to classroom carts.  Walking your class down to the computer lab seems less of a common action for most schools.  When looking at technology trends in education, there are many different avenues to explore.  Is the school 1:1? Google classroom? Chrome Books? Ipads? Personal devices?  The best advice that I have heard is let the curriculum dictate the technology, don't let the technology dictate the curriculum.  I feel that education has put the cart before the horse in terms of technology.  In a rush to "use it" we have failed to know why we are using it and are alienating expierenced teachers that didn't grow-up in a technological age.  While educational technology is trending up, we need to cautiously wade into the waters, allow teachers, students, parents, administrators to fully understand the capabilities.  We need to prepare our students, but also our teachers.  Here are some shallow end of the pool technology pieces that can be used for most classrooms.

www.padlet.com
Great for class collaboration.  Think of it as a virtual sticky board/cork-board.  Allows video uploads, links, etc.  Downside, need classroom access to internet, projector.
www.kahoot.com
Great way to review for test/quizzes.  Can do survey's as well.  Need at least 1 computer to run program, projector screen, students can use their own devices (app) or even share and make it a team game.
www.plickers.com
great low tech way to have some fun.  you can buy plicker cards that kids hold up that dictates there answer. teacher uses Ipad or smartphone to scan the room. 

Things I did...

During this class I was able to look at 2 areas to build upon.  The first was Collaboration and the second was using multimedia presentations.

ARTIFACT #1
Collaboration is something that can drive conversations, especially when students are using technology.  For this artifact I use Padlet to drive movie/documentary notes.  This link shows a Paddlet that my students used to create movie notes in real time. It allows students to see what others are typing and are encouraged to respond to each other and build off each others information.

ARTIFACT #2
This assignment is an extension of the use of Padlet.  Using all the information from the note taking, students (in groups) would develop a presentation through Prezi.  This link is an example of what I would like to see. I feel that this would allow students some expression in what they build.  This would force students into gathering information and find what is the most meaningful, and then find more information on it.

Artifacts of Learning

While taking a summer class isn't always the most exciting thing in the world, when you're able to have something tangible at the end is always huge benefit.  Looking back over the past 8 weeks, a lot has been accomplished, by the instructor and the learner.
Being a "non traditional" educator (PE), I, at times, get lost in creating things for students and how the digital world can apply to my physical world in which I teach.  However, being in a class with other teachers (all disciplines) I have found some things that possibly can be applied to my discipline and that my struggles are also others.
I have been able to create/refine a few of my lessons as a result of this class. One of the most beneficial assignments was creating/building collaborative assignments.  During this time, i was able to look at i use paddlet as a place for movie notes and study guides and was able to see how Prezi's can be used in class as more interactive lessons that not only I can create, but something students could create as well.

What did you do Ray....

Remember that scene in Ghostbusters, when the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man showed up to devour the city and the other Ghostbusters started yelling at Ray.. "What did you do Ray!!!" Well, integrating technology into your classroom for the first time can feel  exactly like that.  Fear not, it gets easier, but you must start the fight somewhere....and it's ok to cross the streams...

I have been fortunate enough to teach in a district that moved to 1:1 situation at the HS level 2 years ago.  During that process, we covered many of the models that were introduced this week. Of them all (TPACK, SAMR, Etc), the one I keep coming back to, both for this discussion and at my school, is the below picture.  This illustration is a combination of the SAMR model and some of Blooms Taxonomy.   

("SAMR and Bloom's Taxonomy: Assembling the Puzzle", 2017)

SAMR was a simple way to realize how we (teachers) can make a move to a more innovative classroom through technology.  There is a line between Augmentation and Modification of the SAMR model that can start to transform classroom instruction.  I think its important to understand that not EVERY classroom activity has to live above the SAMR line..just like not every activity has to be working at the highest level of Blooms.  When first starting out using technology in a classroom, teachers should look to Substitution and Augmentation.  This allows not only the teacher to get comfortable with technology, but also the students. 

Like anything that we do, there has to be a progression in learning.  We cannot expect to go from zero to hero overnight.  Start small, build confidence in oneself, and look for better things. Also, don't  be afraid to ask student's to create on their own.  Give them a problem and let them go.. you'll be amazed in the products they can create.

Introductory Blog Post

Greetings- My name is Mark Florence, i am known as Flo. I am a Physical Education instructor at Naperville Central HS.  I just finished my 5th year at NCHS, but have been teaching for over 15 years.  I spent 10 years at Neuqua Valley HS prior to making a move to NCHS.  In addition to my duties as a PE teacher, I am also the Head Athletic Trainer.

I would like to apologize for not being at the first class. My wife (married 10 years this July) had hip surgery on Monday and I had to be around to help her recover, along with taking care of our 4yo daughter and 6yo son.  Since writing this last..my kids are now 5 and 7... man..time flies! It will be an interesting summer, since she will be on crutches and in a hip brace for 6 weeks.  I think I will watch a lot of "Mr.Mom" to get some ideas!  If you don't know that movie, 1) i am old, 2) you are young, 3) you need to watch it!!

I have been a digital learning leader for NCHS the past couple years (since our school went 1:1). During the past couple years, I have had the opportunity to be part of Google training.  I am level 1 certified and part of the process has been learning great features to Google suite and other technology that can be used in classrooms.  I actually had a blog started, but forgot about it, until this assignment. This is through Blogger.  It is very Google Friendly.

I look forward to continuing my digital learning with this course and through all of you.

Update 3/5/18
Well, my wife has healed, and is back as head of the household. Just like my Seniors, i can't wait for school to be over with.  i was told by one that we are at 77 days.  can't wait.