D-PLIP Update
News, tips and tricks from the Directors Desk. Feb 22, 2020
Growing your PLN
I hope everyone has enjoyed some rest and relaxation during the February Break! Breaking away for a few days never hurts and allows us time to unwind some of the daily stresses and prepare for our next phase of the school year.
I had the pleasure of attending the Phoenix CSD Edcamp this past week (Edcamp Firebird). I always enjoy attending Edcamps or other regional educational social events. Spending time learning and conversing with other educators always provides new resources and connections to utilize throughout the school year. At this Edcamp we had the pleasure of having a teacher from Maine join us for the morning! I can't talk enough about taking the time to grow your PLN's (Personal Learning Networks). Not only do you learn new things and make new connections you are also reminded that; no matter how much you feel like you're on an island, you're not alone. What's happening in one school district is often happening at many more around the nation. Just consider some of the topics that were discussed at the Edcamp: Flipped classroom, engaging student thinking & creativity, engagement in math, differentiation, SEL, Esports, podcasting, and assessments. Many if not all of these are ongoing conversations we have in Waterloo. Yet each time I attend, I learn something new, share a resource for another school to pick up or make a new connection with someone else who understands.
Add another rubber band to your PLN. Reach out on Twitter, attend an Edcamp, join a Facebook group, go to a regional conference. There's always someone else out there to share ideas and learn from! Break the Guinness World Record with your PLN rubber band ball :)
3 Ways to Instantly grow your PLN: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-02-18-3-ways-to-instantly-grow-your-personal-learning-network
Great Things Going On!
Backdrop in the Works!
#1 Seed in Class B1
Section V Class C Champions!!
1000m men's race
1600m men's race
3000m women's race
As well as many other great finishes for team members
Digital Learning Day is Feb 27th! See the link below for more information
Tech Tips
20 Free slide themes for teachers + Lesson & Activity ideas to use in class
8 Educational Podcasts for kids
Personalized Learning
Reflection is Critical
FlipGrid! Empowering student voice!
https://tiie.w3.uvm.edu/blog/flipgrid-for-reflection/#.XlGFSehKhnI
Student Reflective Practice
Things to Ponder...
What decisions am I making for students that they could make for themselves?
How far east can you go before you're heading west?
If Mars had earthquakes would they be called marsquakes?
Reading Recommendations
Educated by Design
By Michael Cohen, "The Tech Rabbi"
Learn Like a Pirate
By Paul Solarz
Learner Centered Innovation
By Katie Martin
Director of Personalized Learning & Innovative Programming
Email: toby.coleman@waterloocsd.org
Website: www.waterloocsd.org
Location: Waterloo, NY, USA
Phone: 315-539-1469
Twitter: @mrcoleman110