Grain Valley Technology Tidbits
December 2018
Spotlight on EdTech: Nathan Perry, North Middle School
Nathan Perry has fully embraced the 1:1 classroom world! He is always up to trying new EdTech tools in his classroom to engage his students and has really worked hard to grow as a blended learning mentor. Nathan recently earned recognition as a Google Certified Trainer and is also a FlipGrid and Screencastify ambassador.
We asked Nathan how student engagement has changed this year when the middle schools went 1:1 and he explained, "With going 1:1, finding ways to engage my students in and out of the classroom has become much easier. Now, I have the ability to utilize more creative learning outlets for my students. Similarly, I can tailor my students’ learning experiences. Allowing them choice in what and how they learn about our learning targets gives them ownership of their learning; therefore, engaging them in the classroom. Before going 1:1, although it was still possible to engage my students in the classroom without Chromebooks, I was much more limited in what I could bring to the learning experience."
As a blended learning mentor, Nathan has been challenged to try at least one of the blended learning models that the group is studying. He mentioned that the whole-group rotation and station-rotation models have worked best for his classroom. "What I love most about the station-rotation model is that it gets students out of their seats, and each station is something new that does not build on the last station. Most teachers, unbeknownst to them, have already implemented these two blended learning models in their rooms, and they just don’t know it."
One thing that Nathan excels with is app smashing! App smashing is when you use two or more apps to create a new experience for students. We asked him which apps are his favorite to use in his classroom. "Currently, some of my favorite apps are Google Draw, GoFormative, and Screencastify. Google Draw is by far the most versatile G-Suite App, GoFormative is an excellent tool to use in the classroom for formative/summative assessments and even quick checks, and Screencastify is a wonderful way to record mini-lessons or blurbs for when you are absent or want to provide students with a recording."
EdTech Tip of the Month
Looking to up your tech game over winter break? Alice Keeler and friends have created a Winter Break Challenge for teachers to learn some new tech tips over break. Join the fun!
Update from the Technology Coaches
Kindergarten student at Stony Point checking out Santa
Blended Learning Mentors participating in a Google App Slam
1st-grade students at Prairie Branch participated in a Polar Express breakout