PLE Zen Den
Your Guide Toward Becoming a PLE Master
November Zenspiration
November is going to be fast and hurried. Can you believe we only have one full week of school this month? To make things more interesting, that one full week will be filled with benchmark testing. It's moments like this that make us feel as if we're burning the candles at both ends. The Zenspiration of the month serves to help you manage that burn out and some cool tech resources to make your life easier.
- Foster positivity: Visit MindBodyGreen for wellness tips and Flipboard to read stories that inspire you. You can also use Flipboard to share expository text with students through the Amplify app.
- Create realistic to-do lists. Try Evernote on you tablet, phone and PC to keep "it" together.
- Indulge! Sometimes you just need a sweet treat or a massage. Check out deals on Groupon or Living Social to get out the kinks before the in-laws arrive for turkey. You should also write something in the comments section for your chance to win a free Wendy's Frosty from your neighborhood PLEF. The first five responders win!
- Celebrate what it means to be a teacher. While you're at it, please accept a HUGE thank you from PLEFDOM for all you do.
“The No. 1 cause of burnout is doing the same thing over and over again and not seeing results.” Steve Kaczmarski
Doing the same thing over and over again is also the definition of insanity per Albert Einstein. This month we will discuss new ways of doing old things. The goal is not to burn out or go crazy, but innovate and inspire.
If you didn't take advantage of the optional learning sessions last month, please attend the Transforming Learning sessions in November. Remember, these are not required but you earn CEUs. Additionally, you give your curriculum a jolt of newness that will continue to engage your students through winter break.
Finally, Be sure to check out the featured Web 2.0 tool and Knowledge Nuggets. We'll also discuss the student tech teams and how to stay abreast of Amplify Updates.
Allen Educator Spotlight - Caitlin Broderick
I once told Ms. Broderick that I need not worry about her because she is the poster child for PLE and tablet integration. Then I thought about it and realized that I should worry about her because she may take over my job with her innovation and enthusiasm as an educator.
Ms. Broderick deserves kudos on so many levels. Perhaps for her waxing poetic about PACE to local media or maybe the way she never complains about things that go wrong. But she wins with her willingness to help colleagues. Broderick developed a presentation on Reaching EC Students with Read Alouds that is currently being shared with teachers throughout GCS. Her desire to assist her team of students will now help thousands. Thank you, Caitlin!
Guilford Educator Spotlight - Karen Torrence
Torrence shows everyone that even if you teach a subject that deals in charcoal and paint, there is a way to integrate technology. She embraces new tools and even if she does not know everything about it, she tries. That is truly all one must do to be successful in this endeavor - try. There's a saying, Those who don't try fail, 100% of the time. Keep Mrs. Torrence's attitude in mind as you try to achieve the heights you know in your heart you can reach. If you're having trouble when it comes to PACE, ask for help.
Tablet Rock Stars!
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/517402736384823296
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/517408909561434112
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/518062387489169409
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/520542200422477824
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/520542971658530816
- https://twitter.com/MrTerzigni/status/521759755942252545
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/521870827877588992
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/521871544008835072
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/522480054220365825
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/522480909258596352
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/526912749528694784
- https://twitter.com/zenPLEF/status/527871790673301504
Pac-Man for Formative Assessment
Directions
Sample Question
Play the Game
Share your ideas in the comments section below or on our Edmodo page. If you create a Pac-Man game enter the direct link code and share your brilliance with others. Click the link below to play our sample game and have fun!
Knowledge Nuggets
- Do you have a new student? If so you no longer have to send us an e-mail. When QR codes are ready, your PLEF will be notified and the tablet will be registered.
- Schedule change? Tablets sync with PowerSchool. This means that once you see the change reflected in your PS account, the tablet should update the following day. Be sure to restart your tablet daily to see changes.
- Visit and bookmark this Amplify Troubleshooting link. The folks in New York update this site frequently and should be your first resort when things go wrong with the tablet.
- Are you apps not working smoothly? Ensure they are up to date. Users should open the Amplify Market and click the 'person' icon in the upper right corner. There they'll see all of the apps that need a manual update. Teachers need to update Play Store apps by selecting MY APPS and manually updating. Please ask your PLEF or CTC should you need assistance.
- Student techies are coming soon. Start thinking of two responsible students in your homeroom to be a member of the team. Info is forthcoming from your grade level PACE rep.
- Remember to work the steps on the TROUBLESHOOTING POSTER before contacting your media spec, CTC or PLEF.
Flexing the Environment with Edmodo
- Amplified Allen: 44qez3 - Allen School Code: fjq9fr (does not expire)
- Guilford Gurus: m4suf6 - Guilford School Code: 0p5dic (does not expire)
Tamika M. Davis, PLEF
Email: davist@gcsnc.com
Website: http://ple.gcsnc.com
Location: Serving Allen MS & Guilford MS
Phone: (336) 370-3287
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pace.plefs
Twitter: @zenPLEF