2nd Tri Tech Integration Challenge!

2nd Trimester Technology Integration Challenge!!

Carnac the Magnificent: "Ambitious, Bold, A little Foolish..."

ANSWER: "Name three ways to describe Bryant's latest idea, The 2nd Trimester Tech Integration Challenge!"

(Impressed a young buck like me knew about Carnac aren't you?)

Many people know November as "No-Shavember" where guys (and gals?) put their razor away for the month. I sport my auburn scruff all year long, so I needed a different conquest for the month, and that's why I decided to create a Technology Challenge.

I have had the privilege to work with many different teachers in all three buildings so far in my first few months on the job, but in an effort to reach even more, I have created a challenge that will test both you and me. (I promise, I will get to the details of the challenge soon.)

You see, I totally get that it can be hard to ask another teacher for help or for ideas. I also understand how it can be nerve-racking to have another teacher come in and get involved in your lesson planning or even your lesson delivery. Here is the big thing I want to stress: I am on your side. I am not an administrator. I am not observing you or evaluating you in any way. I am here to support your goals, and help you meet them with the use of technology. 

(GET TO THE POINT BRYANT, I AM ONE MORE BAD PARAGRAPH AWAY FROM GOING BACK TO CHECKING MY EMAIL...)

Okay, Here is the challenge: 

YOU:

In the next few days, you send me a lesson or project that you currently teach (hopefully during second tri, but not necessarily) that either:

a) does not use technology.

or

b) uses technology, but you think it could be changed to use technology more effectively (see SAMR in last week's blog).

You can send me information about this lesson or project by filling out the form at the end of this blog, or by simply emailing me.

ME:

What I will do, is I will spend time researching and planning a similar lesson that DOES use technology and also uses it effectively. I will then send the lesson back to you, and it will be your choice whether you decide to use it or not. There is no obligation, and you will not hurt my feelings if you decide you don't want to do it (Actually, I will probably cry myself to sleep, but that's my worry, not yours). If I feel that technology cannot improve the lesson delivery or the desired student outcomes, I will acknowledge that, as not every lesson is better with technology. 

CHALLENGE:

The building with the highest participation % will win the challenge and be rewarded with a prize!! Spread the word to your colleagues to increase participation in your building!!! IN ORDER TO COUNT FOR THE CHALLENGE, ALL LESSONS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13.

You are probably thinking, Why should I do this or What is in it for me? Consider this:

1. There is nothing to lose. Why not see what I can come up with.
2. Even though I have only been on the job for just a few months, my track record is pretty good. Ask any teacher that I have worked with so far, and I am pretty confident that they will recommend trying me out. Those that have reached out for help, continue to come back. 
3. It will save you time, since I am doing the research and planning.
4. I can be a part of the lesson delivery, again, lessening your load. 
5. You might learn something that you can apply to other lessons.
6. It is good teaching practice to utilize the resources in your district. It also looks great when you are doing your teacher effectiveness documents to cite how you utilized resources to improve your lessons and student learning.
7. It is a competition, and you want the joy of winning...and the reward!

So, to recap: You send me a non-techy lesson, I try to find a way to make it techy, and give it back for you to use or discard. Get your building to participate and the winning building gets a prize (even the teachers who did not participate from that building can get the reward, but we will all stare at them in disgust as they receive it :)) 

SENDING YOUR LESSON

The best way to do this is to fill out this form:

SUBMIT LESSON HERE  *Please email attachments

You can also send me an email. 

Okay, One more:

Carnac the Magnificent: "Cash, Free Massages, Extra leave time"

ANSWER: Name 3 things the winning building will NOT be receiving as their prize :)

Thanks for reading and I look forward to working with many of you. Have a great week!!