Kristen Hearne
Instructional Technology Experience
Philosophy of Instructional Technology
Technology is an ever present part of our daily lives, and our students will begin to use technology more and more as they continue in their educational journey. I view technology as a tool that we can use to enhance instruction and improve student achievement. The Common Core State Standards are bringing a new wave of student centered instruction, and technology is the key to creating an environment that allows teachers to immerse their students in learning and creating.
District Level Technology Professional Development
I have been involved in providing district level technology professional development for the last two school years. Below you will find a sampling of the courses that I have co-created to help fill a need for accessible and applicable professional development. These courses allow teachers to learn about technology tools and techniques that can enhance instruction and increase student achievement...from the comfort of their own home.
Level Up Tech Quest
Level Up Tech Quest is a self paced technology course for teachers who have completed 21 Things. I am the co-creator and facilitator of this technology course.
Book Boot Camp
Book Boot Camp is an online book club for middle school teachers and librarians. Twitter chats will be used for monthly meetings and a classroom wiki will be used for discussion throughout the month. I am the co-creator and facilitator of this technology course.
Gadget Virtual Tour
The Gadget Virtual Tour is designed to offer information about tech gadgets that can be used as a part of classroom instruction. The final product of this course is three lesson plans that each include different types of gadgets. I am the co-creator and facilitator of this technology course.
School Level Technology Professional Development
Sip and See
We received a large order or beautiful non-fiction books for the library. I hosted a Sip and See for the teachers at Wren Middle School to browse the new books. To encourage the use of the books with technology, I paired each type of book with apps for our classroom set of iPads. It was a great visual for how the two could be combined for use in the classroom and many new lesson ideas were born.
Tech Tuesdays
The first Tuesday of every month, I hold a mini technology session in the media center. Teachers are able to drop-in, at their convenience, to learn about a simple technology tool that can make their lives easier. I have conducted workshops on Dropbox, Prezi and a variety of apps for iPads and iPods.
It's an Appy Day
Introduction to Free apps for classroom use
Prezi
Introduction to the use of Prezi for project based learning
Dropbox
Introduction to the use of Dropbox for cloud based storage
Technology Instruction in the Library
Historical Puppet Shows
7th grade students used the iPad to create puppet shows in Social Studies. I gave the students instruction on how to use the features of the app, and the students recorded interviews from a script they had previously written.
Informational Literacy and Technology
8th grade science students used the iPads to learn how to annotate a text during reading. I provided instruction on how to highlight important information that would be included as part of article reflections.
Art and Technology
6th grade art students use the iPod touches to learn more about the elements or art. The students select found objects that represent each element, and they photograph the item as a part of a collage. I provided instruction to the students on how to use the photography app and how to create an appealing image.
Quotes from Colleagues
"I can never thank you enough for your help teaching my students, and me, how to use Edmodo. I would have never attempted this on my own. Once again, you got me to use technology."
-Lynn Brown, teacher
"Kristen was so knowledgeable about the topic and willing to help after the session if we had questions. She even gave us her email address and contact information for any problems or questions we may have later."
- Conference Attendee from It's All About the Graphics Presentation
"Thank you for the great ideas that we can use tomorrow. Your presentation was solid and well done."
-Webinar Attendee from TL Virtual Cafe
National Publications and Presentations
TL Virtual Cafe
National webinar presentation about how librarians can be a school's Common Core Secret Weapon.
Tennessee Association of School Librarians
Keynote Speaker for the Tennessee Association of School Librarians Summer Co-Op.
Interview for EdWeek Article
Interviewed by EdWeek magazine about the importance of the librarian in the implementation of the Common Core Standards.
Contact Information
Email: hearnek@anderson1.k12.sc.us
Location: 500 Concord Road, E2, Anderson, South Carolina 29621
Phone: 864-933-3579