Technology in the Lutheran Classroom: February 2013

After being at METC last week, one of our teachers wanted to give creating flip classroom videos a try. She already has a class blog and is wondering if that is the best place to put the videos. This post is a test for uploading videos directly to Blogger as a possible solution for posting videos.

I know that uploading directly to her blog is probably NOT the best option, but at this point in the game, we just want to get it up and in a location where it can be seen by students. This is like my scaffold for this staff member! One thing at a time...

The video I'm uploading here was a screencast designed for my sixth grade technology class to answer questions about presenting from Google Earth. I referenced this video as a remediation step for anyone needing an extra reminder about how to save placemarks and execute their "tours."

While I'm waiting for the video to process here in the edit window I thought I'd share a couple of take-aways from METC this year.

1. Global connections for students are important. It's not just a matter of learning ABOUT other cultures and people, but it's actually getting to know them, talk to them, and learn with them that makes a difference.

2. Technology use in the classroom affords us the opportunity to make learning student centered. The devices in your kid's hands free them to identify problems, solve them, and then share that learning with others.

Those are my two biggies. Hopefully I'll carve out some time to share more!

People who know me understand that I tend to over-state matters just a bit. One of my potential over-statements is the idea that the "unconference" is a revolution in teacher professional development. Now the reason I say potential over-statement is because I haven't ACTUALLY attended one!

From what I understand, attending an unconference is an evolutionary learning experience. The connections and relationships formed at these types of events generate learning sparks which open a whole new world of professional learning for some teachers. I'm hoping that will happen again on Saturday!

Tomorrow is my first EdCampSTL. I have seen EdCamp events all over the United States for over a year or so now, but this is the first time I've seen it in St. Louis.

What I'm most anxious to see is how the day is organized and run. Even before attending an event like this, I've considered throwing together a Lutheran unconference with my friend Mike Kratzer for St. Louis area Lutheran Schools. Beside the no/low cost aspect, we know there are ton of talented teachers in the greater St. Louis area who would be great at sharing their ideas. Many teachers want no part of presenting a traditional conference sectional, but would be willing to be part of the unconference discussion/sharing model.

So, tomorrow's the day. I am bummed to be missing the social get together tonight, but I'll be ready of a day packed full of conversation and learning.

Even if you're not attending be sure to check out the information coming from the #edcamptl hashtag and Google Plus Community

Who knows...you might even hear about a Lutheran Schools Unconference coming soon to the St. Louis area!