ICE Conference Update
Here's what I learned at the 2016 ICE Conference
What I Learned and Why I Go
When I'm attending conferences, I look for things I can use myself and for things that could be useful to my colleagues. While I did get some great ideas, I do need to do a lot more exploring to find out what's great, good, and just okay. Below is a recap of some of the sessions I attended, tips and tricks I learned, and ideas I want to explore further.
My Presentation
You can few the slides below, but in a nutshell, I shared 5 steps to a successful collaborative project. The library space is changing and should not be seen as it's own learning space. Classroom teachers and library media specialists can work together to create great projects.
Here are the five steps:
- FIND the right person to collaborate with first. This may be the most open minded teacher in the building, the teacher you have a great relationship with, or the person with the most technology in their room. You probably already know who this person is. This needs to be the person who will say “YES” when you come to them and say, “I have an idea.”
- PLAN what you’re going to do. This seems obvious, but make sure everyone knows what they are going to do and when. What will happen in the classroom during the project and what will happen in the library. Make sure to include all stakeholders, including any special education teachers. Think about the schedule and anything that could impact the plan. Is there an assembly or day off that changes the schedule? Keep those things in mind. Make sure you connect regularly and adjust the plan as needed.
- DO the project. It seems simple, but you have to stick to your plan. Don’t let a roadblock stop the project. One great thing about teaching is the idea that if something doesn’t go as planned, you can make adjustments and keep going. Don’t let the project get shoved to the back burner.
- SHARE what you’re doing. Throughout the process, let others know about what’s going on. Keep parents informed, other teachers, and the world. Blog about it, post pictures and video clips to social media, and spread the word any way possible. You’ll get great feedback and probably tips and suggestions along the way. Don’t keep what you’re doing within the walls of your school building.
- REFLECT on the project. Meet with everyone involved and discuss what went well and what needs to be adjusted. How will you make it better next time? This is very important and while I do believe teachers reflect on their practice, put these reflections in writing.
Library Renovation
Golden Treasures of Google
Kasey Bell was a spotlight speaker and presented several Google sessions. A couple are listed below.
More Google Stuff
A few things that stood out to me:
Turn Out the Lights Chrome extension - this extension makes everyone on a YouTube page black but the video. You won't see any ads or other videos. It's great for removing the distractions for students.
How to force users to make their own copy of a Google Doc you share with them.
Omnibox Search tips - using the search/URL bar in Chrome as a calculator, timer, currency translater and more.
Centers 2.0
Wonder Buddies
They did share a Google Doc with their resources. Click here to see it.
A Whole Bunch of Misc. Sites and Tools
cooltext.com - we use this for Ixonia News
Answer Garden - allows instant feedback from students
classtools.net - Awesome random name picker
The link below will take you to Dave's site containing a huge list of resources.