SAMR Model Defined

During our Forward Learning teacher trainings, we have been introducing the SAMR Model as a way to guide lesson plans to use technology in a more meaningful way. Part of this process is always to ask the questions:
How will the technology enhance my lesson? How will it change student engagement?

By considering these questions, teachers are able to design and infuse technology into teaching and learning. As lessons move through the framework to redefinition, they also move to a higher order of thinking.  SAMR is connected to Bloom's Taxonomy; each step in the model correlates to the steps of the pyramid. It becomes clearer to see the progression when the two models are placed side by side.

 To help further identify the transition from Substitution through Redefinition, I came across this article (it was actually sent to me today, perfect timing, by Nancy Minicozzi. Thanks, Nancy!) 

8 Examples of Transforming Lessons using the SAMR Model! 

It lays out 8 different style lessons at each of the SAMR levels: Substitution,  Augmentation, Modification, Redefinition. It really helps you visualize the process!  Enjoy the read!

The Beats Goes On!!

AEW Tech student team in action

The Forward Learning teacher trainings have expanded their reach to include 7th and 9th grade teachers!  This week 7th grade teachers were issued their Acer laptops and attended the first of the three trainings they will complete before school gets out.  9th grade teachers will attend their Kick-off training in 2 weeks and will also attend 2 trainings between now and the end of the school year.
Also as part of our ongoing cultivation 4 teachers from each middle school will be attending the CUE conference this weekend.  I look forward to seeing you all there and bringing back more tools that will enhance our classrooms!

How Teachers Will Change The Future of Tech

I read an interesting article today on how a teacher's level of comfortability with using technology will influence their students.  Have a look!

How Teachers Will Change The Future Of Tech

They're Here!!

13 Days flew by and we have arrived at roll out time!  This week we have rolled out 600 laptops to the 6th grade students at ACS and LCMS!  The excitement can be felt all over campus.  As you stroll through campus you will come across groups of students sharing and learning from each other!

Student Tech Teams are already helping students during "hospital hours" or in class. They are creating schedules and committing their free time to be available for their classmates.

Classrooms are also starting to look a little different as students start exploring their new tool and teacher's add a new dimension to lessons.

On Monday the excitement spreads to AEW!  What a great way to start the new semester!

13 Days until Roll Out!!

We are 13 days away from rolling out our 1:1 laptops to 6th grade across the district!  This week the 6th grade teachers attended trainings on how to be an educated educator and stay safe when teaching with technology.  Some of the topics discussed were district owned vs. personal devices, cell phone use, copyright infringement, social media and digital citizenship. All topics were looked out from all sides; from teacher use to students use at school.  The teachers had a chance to look at the online Digital Citizenship course that all 6th graders will be required to complete.  They were then given time to create their own technology guidelines for their classroom and design a lesson for the first day the laptops come to school.

We have also started training our Student Tech Teams at all the middle schools.  Students have been taught basic troubleshooting, how to reboot the system and how to replace laptop batteries!  The teams will be ready to go when the laptops are deployed!

Middle School Teachers Rock!

I spent this week working and collaborating with the teachers from Lindero, ACStelle and AEWright! It was so much fun to introduce tools and watch the light bulbs go off as they created ways to incorporate them into lessons!  I am in the process of setting up a place for us to share out these ideas from school to school so that everyone can benefit and learn from each other.

This was our first official training intended to prepare teachers for the January laptop roll out and I am very excited by the enthusiasm I saw !  The next meeting are scheduled for:

LCMS 12/8

AEW   12/9

ACS    12/11

Again there will be a morning session 8:30-11:30 this time for Science and Math teachers and an afternoon session 12:30-3:15 ELA and SS.  

We are also offering the option to attend an after school session instead of being pulled out of your class  this session will be held on December 3rd at the district office from 3-5:30. If you have any questions contact klagola@lvusd.org.

I look forward to seeing you all soon! Have a great Thanksgiving!! Enjoy a little turkey and football!

Time to Wonder: Lisa Highfill

As we embark on our Forward Learning program that places computers in 6th graders hands, I'm moved to ask WHY? Why has technology integration become a game changer in the classroom? Last night, while checking my Twitter feed, I came across a dynamic teacher that I have had an opportunity to learn from and be inspired by. In 13 minutes she answered WHY it's imperative that we invest in teachers to lead students through their educational journey. Not to mention, this shiny new tool may also spark a passion in us, as educators, to inspire the love of learning in others.