GLPS Professional Learning {Digital Learning Badges}

Last year our GLPS Tech & Media Team started issuing digital learning badges for participation in professional development involvement.  We used Credly as our service for issuing (free!) digital learning badges.  It was great to share accomplishments with teachers and is a different way for our teachers to display their professional involvement.

So What Does This Mean to You?

Well, this year the TLA Department and the Tech & Media Team are working together to issue digital badges for professional learning participation.  You can look forward to receiving some digital badges in your inbox soon for your participation in professional learning that was provided by the TLA Department or the Tech & Media Team.


I Received a Badge, Now What?

Credly is a service that allows you to reward people with "credits" for participation.  It is a free service and users do not necessarily need to have a Credly account to receive a badge.  Once a badge has been issued to a person, an email is automatically sent to the individual notifying them of their badge, as well as a picture of the badge.  If a user signs up for a Credly account, they then have the options to organize their badges and even embed a collection of badges on a website.

If you are a teacher that has received a digital learning badge - now what are your next steps?

1. You will receive an email from GLPS Tech & Media notifying you of your badge.  If you choose to do nothing with your badges, you are done at this point.  We recommend saving the email though in case you would like to reference it in the future.
2. If you would like to keep track of your badges, we recommend creating an account with Credly (the service we are using for issuing digital badges - it is free to create an account).
3. Once you have created an account, it is helpful if you create a "Category."  This will help you organize your badges and allow you to embed them on your website if you choose to do so.
4. To create a Category, under the Earned section on the My Credit page, click on Categories.  Click on the +Add Category button.
5. Select your badges and place them in a category you created.  Once you create your category and place badges in that category, you will see a button that looks like "< / >" that will provide you with some HTML code.
6. If you would like to show off your badges on your website, simply copy this code and paste it onto your website.
7. After this initial set-up, when you receive a new badge, simply accept the badge from the email (or log in to Credly) and select a category for it to be placed in, and your website will then automatically be updated with your new badge!  If you would like to see an example of how they would be displayed on your website, take a look at Sarah Wood's website to see.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 12 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 12!

To view what is in store on Day 12, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 12, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 11 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 11!

To view what is in store on Day 11, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 11, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 10 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 10!

To view what is in store on Day 10, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 10, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 9 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 9!

To view what is in store on Day 9, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 9, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 8 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 8!

To view what is in store on Day 8, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 8, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 7 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 7!

To view what is in store on Day 7, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 7, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 6 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 6!

To view what is in store on Day 6, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 6, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 5 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 5!

To view what is in store on Day 5, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 5, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 4 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 4!

To view what is in store on Day 4, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 4, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 3 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 3!

To view what is in store on Day 3, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 3, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 2 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 2!

To view what is in store on Day 2, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 2, please click here.

2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer: Day 1 #EdTechCheer

Come join the fun on Day 1!

To view what is in store on Day 1, please click here.

To see how I implemented the ideas presented on Day 1, please click here.

Bring on the Cheer! The EdTech Cheer, That Is! #EdTechCheer

December 1 - 12, 2014

The season for my 12 Days of EdTech Cheer is upon us!

As I do each year, I would once again really like to encourage any and all teachers, educators, and administrators to participate (not just GLPS teachers!).  There is so much we can learn from one another about utilizing technology as a tool in learning and instruction that does not need to be confined within the walls of a classroom or district.

This year, the theme for EdTech Cheer 2014 is Kagan Cooperative Learning and SIOP strategies.  As with last year, it is my intent to provide you with 12 days of online, self-directed professional development that you can complete within 15 minutes a day.  That means that if you complete the full 12 days, that equals 3 hours of professional development!  We are all busy during the day and at this time of year, so 15 minutes is much more manageable than 3 hours at one time!

To view the 2014 12 Days of EdTech Cheer, please click here https://sites.google.com/a/godfrey-lee.org/edtech-cheer/2014/home

Feel free to explore and get started participating in any of the days at any time.  Each day is scheduled for a day starting on December 1 (for the purpose of documenting participation and other fun incentives).  You do not have to wait to complete the activities on that particular day - you may start at any time!  To be considered for any of the incentives though, you must complete the form provided on each day (to document your participation) by the scheduled date listed on the home page.

To kick of the EdTech Cheer fun, I will be hosting a drop in session on Monday, December 1 from 3:30-4:00 in the Lee Media Center. Feel free to drop by with any questions, start working on some of the days, or talk to others who are also participating in this online professional learning opportunity.

Please let me know if you have any questions and I hope to see you following along over the course of the 12 Days of EdTech Cheer!  Also, feel free to follow the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #EdTechCheer .

EdTech Cheer 2014: Review & Preview

As part of the Rebel U 2014 Evaluation, we asked a couple of questions about the EdTech Cheer professional learning opportunity that is offered annually around the holiday time.  Similar to Rebel U, this will also be the fifth year that I have designed and offered the EdTech Cheer professional learning opportunity to not only the Godfrey-Lee teachers, but any educator that wants to participate.

Based on the responses, I just want just explain a little bit about what EdTech Cheer is.  Simplistically, it is an extended, online professional learning opportunity that is meant to provide resources, integration ideas, or methods for how technology can effectively leveraged as an instructional and student learning tool.  Taking my own spin on the "12 Days of Christmas," I share 12 days worth of ideas and ways that you can use technology.  As with many other professional learning opportunities, this is not meant to be a rigid prescription for exactly how to utilize technology resources, but rather something you can take and flexibly adapt to your instructional and student learning needs.  I like to look at it as 12 days of fun!

In the evaluation, some mentioned that the time of year that EdTech Cheer is offered is not necessarily ideal with all of the other holiday things going on in their classrooms and schools.  My goal is to provide on-going professional development opportunities throughout the year because I know everyone's schedule is different and certain times work better than others for some people.   I like to offer this one mid-year, after the fall kick-off with Rebel U and before getting into in-depth planning for the coming Rebel U. EdTech Cheer is just one professional learning opportunity that I offer throughout the year, but is maybe a little more publicized as it is not specific to any one classroom, school, or district.  I just like to share with everyone!

Based on the responses of that question in combination with the responses for participating in voluntary technology PD offerings for this school year, I wanted to make sure to continue to offer this self-paced, on-demand professional learning opportunity. When I build professional learning opportunities for staff, I use teacher input to drive the learning.  Some of the items noted by teachers for what they would like to see for EdTech Cheer this year are:

• Information about Google Classroom
• Strategies
• Information that reaches all content areas
• Examples of what teachers have done and how it has worked
• Tools to follow up on things that were presented at Rebel U
• Information for itinerant staff
• Information in regards to Infinite Campus
• Technology assessment tools to progress monitor students
• SIOP information
• Discovery Education information
• Collaboration tools
• Cooperative learning information
• Prizes
• Classroom Learning Lab incorporation

Based on this feedback, I am working on designing EdTech Cheer to fit as many of those noted items as possible.  As I am still in the design stage, I am always open to feedback and ideas!

Rebel U 2014: Guest Post {Sarah Wood}

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This a post in a series about Rebel U 2014.

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As part of the Rebel U 2014 evaluation, we asked participants if they were willing to be a guest blogger on our Godfrey-Lee Technology & Media blog.  We were not only interested in hearing (and sharing) first hand accounts from attendees and presenters, but also providing an online environment for collaboration and being a part of an online professional learning community.

Today's guest post is written by K-12 Technology & Media Integration Specialist, Sarah Wood.  You can find Sarah online here or on Twitter here.

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To see Sarah's guest post, please check out her blog, found here.

Rebel U 2014: Guest Post {Sara Dewey}

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This a post in a series about Rebel U 2014.

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As part of the Rebel U 2014 evaluation, we asked participants if they were willing to be a guest blogger on our Godfrey-Lee Technology & Media blog.  We were not only interested in hearing (and sharing) first hand accounts from attendees and presenters, but also providing an online environment for collaboration and being a part of an online professional learning community.

Today's guest post is written by Godfrey Elementary School Reading Specialist, Sara Dewey. 

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It was great being a presenter this year!  What I like about Rebel U is that you get to present to members from the entire staff, not just your building.  You also get to hear presentations from staff that you might never get a chance to communicate with throughout the year.  We have so many knowledgeable people in our district and it's great to share and hear all that our staff members have to offer!

Rebel U 2014: Guest Post {Kristy Crater}

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This a post in a series about Rebel U 2014.

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As part of the Rebel U 2014 evaluation, we asked participants if they were willing to be a guest blogger on our Godfrey-Lee Technology & Media blog.  We were not only interested in hearing (and sharing) first hand accounts from attendees and presenters, but also providing an online environment for collaboration and being a part of an online professional learning community.

Today's guest post is written by Godfrey Elementary School Third Grade teacher, Kristy Crater.  You can find Kristy online here.

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Attending Godfrey Lee Public School's REBEL U 2014 Professional Development was not only a great way to catch up with my teaching colleagues, but to also learn from each other's strengths. We, as teachers, all have strengths and expertise in the areas of which we teach.  This year was the best by far!! My teaching partner, Sara Dewey, and I put together a presentation on DAILY 5, which is a structure of your literacy block so that students thrive at reading, while being independent in their choices of how to grow as a reader! Our session was amazing!! The tables were full of eager teachers, willing to learn about Daily 5 & implement it into their classrooms. We had great discussions and shared ideas with each other, no matter the grade level. I was thrilled to share my expertise with my colleagues and look forward to seeing how they implement DAILY 5  in the classroom.

Rebel U 2014: Your Questions Answered!

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This a post in a series about Rebel U 2014.

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At the end of the day at Rebel U, we ask each teacher to complete an evaluation form.  We cannot stress enough the importance of this evaluation and need each attendee to complete the form.  Despite what people may think, we take the time to go through and read each and every response.  We listen to your concerns and try to address any issues or questions you may have as we plan technology professional development for the year and start planning for future Rebel U days.

Below are some of your questions, concerns, or comments that were voiced on the evaluation this year.  We wanted to take a moment to share some words on these to keep lines of communication open.

Comment:
The evaluation was too long and I didn't know I had to click on the link to be able to complete the full evaluation.

Response:
We understand that the evaluation had many questions, and sometimes at the end of the day when you are feeling a little overwhelmed and your brain is swimming, it can seem like there are even more! We sincerely apologize for the confusion with not being able to complete the survey right within your email due to the number of questions - we honestly did not know this would happen when it was sent out. It goes to show that even our Tech Team is always learning - we don't always know everything! Each question on the evaluation is important and the information and responses collected not only helps for future Rebel Us and professional development opportunities, it is also passed on to administrators to help them plan things in their building.

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Comment:
Lunch was too long.

Response:
Every year we adjust the time allotted for lunch based on attendee feedback. Being that we were having Rebel U outside the district, it is sometimes hard to predict how much time is necessary to have 150+ people move through a line and have plenty of time to eat without feeling rushed. We will adjust again for next year!

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Comment:
There wasn't enough time allotted for the Collaboration Block.

Response:

We know that everyone works at a different pace, has a different number of people on their team/grade level/department, so it is hard to designate a time period that works for all. We try our best to make the time beneficial and meaningful for everyone.

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Question/Comment:
I didn't know what to do during the Collaboration Block.

Response:
All attendees were provided with a framework for discussion in their swag bags, along with other important information we wanted you to have for the day. We apologize if this was not clearly communicated and we tried our best to get to every room and help everyone get started.

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Please feel free to ask your questions about Rebel U! We are continually evaluation the program so that our professional development is meaningful and relevant.

Rebel U 2014: Attendee Favorites

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This a post in a series about Rebel U 2014.

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At the end of the day at Rebel U, we ask each teacher to complete an evaluation form.  We cannot stress enough the importance of this evaluation and need each attendee to complete the form.  We really do take the time to go through and read each and every response!  We listen to your concerns as well as things you enjoyed.  We use this information to address any issues or questions you may have as we plan technology professional development for the year and start planning for future Rebel U days.

As part of our celebration of Rebel U taking place for 5 consecutive years, below are some of the evaluation responses to the question, "What is your favorite thing (or things) that you enjoyed about Rebel U today?". We wanted to take a moment to share a list of some of the kind words that our attendees shared about their Rebel U experience this year.  If you would like a visual snapshot of our attendees' favorite things, check out the word cloud!

• #Rebelu14!
  There were so many opportunities to collaborate and experience new technology material.
• The photo booth!!
  The SIOP refresher was awesome.
• I loved having the choice of where I wanted to go and what I wanted to learn about. Seeing the positive interactions between staff members in the rooms, hallways, on twitter, etc. has me excited for the school year!
• Being able to spend an entire day with the district learning about technology.
• I enjoyed spending time with my coworkers. I also enjoyed learning strategies for grading.
• I enjoyed the sessions and learning about the different technology that can be used in my classroom
• The lunch. I also really enjoyed getting to know the staff and being able to see a variety of different technology related sessions.
• Learning and collaborating with teachers from other departments.
• I enjoyed the collaboration.
• - Learning from my colleagues... We have so many amazing teachers on staff that have a lot to offer.
  - The photo booth is always a blast. :)
• Libbie and Erica reminded me of the awesomeness of SIOP
• I loved learning about Math Exchange. This is something that I am VERY interested in using in my classroom. I also loved the drawing into reading program. It will be very useful for my Kindergarteners. There was a lot of great stuff presented today and I cannot wait to use it all!
• Meeting with grade level people
• The teacher to teacher collaboration, teacher to teacher teaching/learning and the motivation to use technology and/or new technology strategies in our classrooms!
• The time given to collaborate with my peers.
• google classroom
• Implementing the Kagan strategies with the quiz let
  Finding more about MAISA
• Chances to Discuss and work out ideas on standards based grading and DE
• I LOVED teaching Daily 5 with Sara Dewey!
• Using Auras on an iPad.
• The google classroom training. The infinite campus was also very helpful.
• The work time that we had to practice the different skills/tools we learned today.
• Working with other teachers, and talking about the upcoming school year.
• Working with fellow teachers and hearing their presentations.
• Google classroom was boss.
• The Kagan strategies used in the morning presentation with Sarah Wood were fabulous. I can't wait for the training. :)
• Reuniting with friends and colleagues throughout the day.
  Being in a relaxed atmosphere and learning tools of the trade.
• I like how technology was mildly integrated so I did not feel too overwhelmed with new things!
• super heroes
• The standards based grading new grade book is so user friendly! I am excited that my grade book is set for the year, and that I now understand how to use it!
  SIOP session was a great reminder of the four language domains, and how to incorporate them more into class activities.
• Excellent, highly practical sessions. Particularly loved the "Drawing into Reading" session.
• I enjoyed the variety of sessions offered. It was difficult to choose which sessions to attend because so many looked appealing. KISD was a great facility in which to learn about and discuss new ideas.
• I learned a couple of ways I can incorporate Kagan and technology.
• Learning about Google Chrome
• Learning about different technology that I could use in my classroom: Visuwords, Kahoot, and Socrative websites
• I love learning new tech tools from my co-workers and seeing what works well for them in their classrooms. I also LOVE that we had work time to explore learned material at the end of the day. Great job, tech team!!!
• I learned many ways to use cooperative learning activities and technology in my classroom.
• Collaboration with colleagues.
• I really liked having Rebel U at the Kent ISD.
• Learning many different strategies and uses of technology that have been proven to be successful.
  Variety of options
• Actually using the techniques during the presentations
• Being introduced to new/different technology options.
• Time in each session to explore and practice with the new info. we learned.
• Discussion with peers and learning about Google Chrome.
• Captain America, collaborating with peers
• Great review on Daily 5 and how to incorporate it into my workshop. I liked see Kagan strategies in action.
• Learning about different apps to use on iPads in the classroom.
• meshing CL and technology
• I really enjoyed the iMovie session and The Daily 5 Difference
• It was great to see all of the new and innovative things that teachers use as part of their curriculums. I will have to use Discovery Ed., so it was nice to get to become acquainted with that program. I also really enjoyed collaborating with my grade level colleagues.
• Hearing how other grade levels and people in district are utilizing technology and programs (i.e. Discovery Ed, Daily 5, etc).
• I learned a lot about standard based grading and google classroom. I appreciated that we got to choose what sessions we were able to do and that it was led by GL teachers.
• Learning new ways to implement technology into therapy activities.
• Viewing student comments about the teacher heroes and being able to setup our grade book.
• The conversations I had with various teachers. I was able to connect teachers from different buildings interested in the same concepts.
• Drawing Into Reading and More and the strategies that were used to teach Understanding the Instructional Shifts and Mathematical Practices of the CCSS
• Great Lunch, well organized, location!!!
• - Held @ KISD :)
  - Relevant presentations
  - Individual work time
  - Collaborative work time
• Learning many different strategies and uses of technology that have been proven to be successful.
  Variety of options
• The relaxed atmosphere for formal and informal conversations about things that matter in schools.
• Food! Be able to share and hear ideas on how to enhance the use of tech in the classroom.
• The presentations were very well done and very informative. I really liked the fact that in many of the sessions I attended, there was time allowed to try/work on the material that was presented on
• I most appreciated the well-paced presentations, the opportunity to learn at my own pace, having time to practice with sites, the detailed handouts, and the collaboration with peers.