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Jen's Journal

Leveling Up at #GaETC18

11/9/2018

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I have “leveled up” after spending three days attending the Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GaETC) in Atlanta.
​I was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend the annual #edtech conference and connect with champion educators from around Georgia and beyond. As a learner, I always relish being around other avid learners.  
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This year’s theme was to “level up your learning!” So my goal for the conference was to gain new ideas, tools and resources that I can share with the Atlanta Public Schools teachers, staff and students I support. With #edtech trends constantly evolving, I am always seeking tools and resources that can enhance instruction and engage students.
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Fostering students communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking skills is essential for college and career readiness. I think another important C, that ensures students’ success, is choice. Of course tools and resources to foster 21st century skills were a focus of this year's sessions.
I was honored to have the opportunity to share during two sessions this year. My first session was “Get Going with Google Drawings” and I was thrilled to have a room full of educators eager to level up their Google Drawings skills. Drawings is probably my favorite Google app because of its versatility.
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​During my session, I shared ideas for teacher utilization and student creation; I highlighted student projects completed during science and social studies lessons facilitated at Inman and ML King Middle Schools. Participants also got a chance to complete tasks to get some hands-on experience with the tools in Drawings, while creating original emojis and memes. By the end of the session, I think quite a few people leveled up with Drawings.
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Full house for "Get Going with Google Drawings!"
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Dedication, they made it to the last session.
My second presentation “HyperDocs, Say What?” was the last session of the day at 4:30 PM and I was excited by the number of dedicated educators eager to level up with #HyperDocs. I was thrilled to shared the "what, why and how" of hyperDocs. I highlighted the benefits of using hyperDocs to provide engaging and differentiated content for students. We explored examples and ideas for implementation. Attendees participated in a hyperdoc lesson and experienced different Web 2.0 tools used for a lesson introduction (Powtoon), student-response (Answer Garden) note-taking/collaboration (Google Doc), assessment (Quizizz), and reflection tool (FlipGrid).
Getting to share at GaETC was an awesome and humbling experience. 
My goal was to learn, share, and connect during the conference. Connecting with passionate educators and learning from #edtech gurus is energizing.  
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​It was great getting seeing Steve Dembo (@Teach42), his session on
digital literacy was interesting and timely, as we need to support
students as they become critical consumers of information.
​The session addressed analyzing as well as creating content such as memes. I am excited to share
www.historicaltweets.com  with my social studies teachers. 

I attended an engaging and relevant session on Visual Literacy with Ken Shelton (@K_Shelton) and found his observational analysis activity to be a great way to help students hone their viewing and critical thinking skills. As much as I enjoy video production and working with students to create projects, I loved the video creation and analysis tips shared.
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As always, I learn great tips and tricks from Tony Vincent (@TonyVincent) and his “Friendly and Free Photos Clipart and Icons” session did not disappoint. When he showed how you can edit free images available on www.OpenClipart.org with their online editor I was blown away.
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As a avid user of Google Drawings, his session “Create Learning Activities in Google Drawings” provided some ideas to share with my teachers.

A fast-paced and idea infused session “21 Things Every Educator Should Try in the 21st Century" with Carl Hooker (@MrHooker) provided some new tasks to try including drawing a virtual world with www.panoform.com, hosting a student-led podcast, creating student portfolios with www.bulb.com and more.  
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Of course I had to grab a front row seat for “Leftovers with Leslie (a tradition)” with Leslie Fisher (@Lesliefisher) and was amazed by the Google Experiments especially Creatability. The Mystery Animal by Google was amusing and a great way to engage students in life science.

​ Two favorite drawing apps
Quick Draw and Autodraw are great creativity and critical thinking activities. Of course Leslie loves to share AR & VR tools (MSQRD, Quiver Masks) were a hit.  I am also inspired to start using my Rocketbook.

The closing message from Adam Phyall (@Ask_Adam3) was humorous and inspiring.  You have to "get salty!"

I loved that he had the audience dancing in the aisles.  
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Attending and presenting at educational conferences affords me the opportunity to learn best practices, implementation ideas, technology tools and motivates me to grow as a teacher trainer and presenter.

​This year’s GaETC was no exception. Thanks to all the presenters, facilitators, attendees and the conference team. I am excited to share my leveled up learning and already looking forward to #GaETC19.
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Reflections from ISTE 2018

6/30/2018

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I am very fortunate that this was my third time attending ISTE. My first time was as a techie ‍middle school language arts teacher in Atlanta (2014). My first time attending I didn’t know what to expect and was overwhelmed with so much to see and do. I do however have fond memories since I interviewed for my current job as an Educational Technology Specialist the day after the conference ended.

My second time attending ISTE was last year in San Antonio (2017) and it was a whirlwind of excitement and information.

​​The best part of attending ISTE is getting to meet and chat with #edtech leaders and members of my Twitter PLN.
I’ve learned that ISTE can be both exhilarating and exhausting. It’s the occasion to learn and network with champion educators from around the globe.

​This year, I had a blast seeing fellow Discovery Education Network (DEN) Stars at the 13th annual DEN birthday party. I connected with fellow Google Trainers Eric Curts and Wanda Terral (Sketch note expert) at the Google for Education Certified Trainers & Innovators Meet-up. I got #FlipgridFever at the FlipGrid Speakeasy and chatted with two of my favorite #edtech gurus Tony Vincent & Leslie Fisher.
  
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​The best part of attending ISTE is getting to meet and chat with #edtech leaders and members of my Twitter PLN.
​During my time in Chicago, I walked 73,939 steps (33.36 miles). Hence, I am #ISTExhausted.

​Throughout the four days I was dashing around the conference center listening to meaningful keynotes, engaging presentations, humorous and relevant panels as well as exploring the innovative poster sessions and playground.
Of course I spent time in the expo checking out new #edtech tools and resources and visiting some of my favorites. (Quizizz, Kahoot!, Air Squirrels, BrainPOP, Boxlight, Google for Edu, Microsoft EDU, Nearpod, zSpace, NewsELA, BreakoutEDU, Soundtrap, and more). I did manage to add a few more t-shirts to my collection. ​
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More T-shirts for my collection. 
​For me, the highlight of this year’s conference is that
​I had the opportunity to present two poster sessions.
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​​* Check out my Green Screen
​   & Video Production Page
For me, the highlight of this year’s conference is that I had the opportunity to present two poster sessions. This was my first time presenting at ISTE and admittedly I was nervous. My first poster session was “Lights, Camera, Action! Video Production & the 4 C’s.”

​I was eager to share about what the amazing students of Atlanta Public Schools are doing including my middle school Shakespeare Film Project and Film Fest as well as other literature based video projects for middle & high school based on The Crucible, The Outsiders, To Kill a Mockingbird and Beowulf.

All student projects I shared about were engaging learning experiences which fostered 21st century skills (communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking). I discussed the project process, planning resources, devices/apps used and and film fest evaluation.

* Check out student films on my Tech Tips 411  YouTube channel. 🎬
 I shared tips and tricks for getting started with green screen video and my favorite iOS app from DoInk.  

​I even had a basic green screen set-up for attendees to get hands-on time with the app.

 I highlighted project ideas for all content areas and grade-levels.  I felt the session was a success, it was awesome meeting new people, sharing ideas and answering questions from educators interested in getting started with green screen video.
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​My second poster session was “Let’s Get Googley!” sharing ideas and resources for using Google Apps for Education to foster the 21st Century 4 Cs.

I highlighted resources for projects using Google Drawings and other apps. I shared about two of my schools’ initiative to get all teacher’s Google Level 1 Certified (with nearly 50 teachers passing the level 1 exam).

​A number of the teachers I spoke with are using Google apps but not really using Drawings; which is my favorite app in the G-Suite.
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​I showcased student projects and shared Quick sheets for my Planet and Travel Poster Projects as well as creating memes and graphic organizers.

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​A number of the educators were excited about the resources and I have added to my #edtech PLN. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to highlight projects I am working on as part of the Instructional Technology Department.

​I am looking forward to carrying forward our projects this coming school year and integrating new ideas and resources gained at #ISTE18. I hope to continue my professional learning and networking next year in Philadelphia. ​
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"Lights, Camera, Action!" Shakespeare Film Project

5/29/2018

1 Comment

 
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Project Beginnings

When I was a middle school teacher I was inspired to create an end of the year Shakespeare film project for my gifted language arts classes. For the film project, the students read a middle school version of one of Shakespeare’s plays (Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, Othello or Hamlet). Students then brainstorm ideas to put a modern twist on the play, while incorporating key plot elements, themes and characters. The students hire for film jobs and the class is run like a movie set. I serve as the executive producer (facilitating) as students write, direct and edit their own Shakespeare short film. 

I serve as the executive producer (facilitating)
​as students write, direct and edit their own Shakespeare short film. 
PictureFirst day of filming.
When I started the project more than 10 years ago, I was filming my students re-enactments of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth with a point and shoot Kodak camera. Eventually, I received a Donors Choose grant for a small HD video camera.  In 2013, I was fortunate to receive the Atlanta Families Award for Excellence in Education (AFAEE) grant to outfit my classroom like a movie studio with all the equipment students would need to create their short films.

PictureFinal edits before publishing the film.
My students began using a professional video camera. We incorporated green screen technology so our film settings would only be limited by the students’ imagination. We began using professional software (Adobe Premiere Pro) to edit the films. My goal is to provide a real-world experience, where students serve as directors, directors of photography, writers, actors, film crew and editors.

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Why Shakespeare?

Why not Shakespeare! As an English Education major, I remember the daunting task of reading and understanding Shakespeare.  I have worked with struggling students in remedial reading classes as well as gifted learners. I want to provide students an opportunity to challenge themselves and experience success. 

My goal is to expose students to Shakespeare in middle school, so when they get to high school and are required to read the full text of Romeo & Juliet, Macbeth or Hamlet, they will have some prior experience. With background knowledge they will feel less intimidated and successfully engage with the complex text. Creating the end of the year films has become my passion project. 

PictureViewing and analyzing student films.
The Project Expands

When I started in my current role as an Educational Technology Specialist, I hoped to continue working with students to make films. Providing students the opportunity to work collaboratively, communicate appropriately, use critical thinking and demonstrate creativity are essential real-world and career skills.  
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In the four years since I left the classroom, I have worked with students from Brown, Young, Bunche, King and Inman middle schools to create Shakespeare inspired films. At the end of the year, I hold a Shakespeare Fest and the students watch their own film as well as the films from the other schools. They complete an evaluation for each film, critiquing the storyline, video quality, acting and editing, The Film Fest provides the students the opportunity to be critical viewers.

Providing students the opportunity to work collaboratively, communicate appropriately, use critical thinking and demonstrate creativity are essential real-world and career skills.  
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Students learn to use technology tools effectively.
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Students use green screen to add creative elements.
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Why film? 

Years ago, when we started reading the plays I was focused on building literacy skills. My language arts class was unit/project-based. I initially created my “Salute to Shakespeare” unit which over time morphed into the "Lights, Camera, Action!" Film Project. My idea for students creating their own film was to provide them a real-world learning opportunity. Having students take a test or write a paper doesn't foster deep learning and appreciation for a topic or literature. Having them read, analyze and then adapt and create fosters essential skills like creativity.

​I guess the best reason for having students create films is that it brings Shakespeare to life in a new an interesting way.


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What’s Next?


I would love to have all middle schools participate in the "Lights, Camera, Action! Shakespeare Film Project". This year I shared project resources with interested teachers at two more schools in addition to working with Brown, Bunche, King and Inman. Using G-Suite resources I am able to share lesson presentations, planning documents, project checklists and resources with teachers interested in participating in the project. Google Docs allows students to collaborate on planning and writing, and I am able to monitor projects at multiple schools. Furthermore, I am working with teachers for a second or third year and I they are taking ownership of the process and project.

I am fortunate to work with middle and high school teachers from around the district. In addition to the Shakespeare project, this year I collaborated with several language arts teachers and classes to create short films based on novels including The Crucible, The Outsiders, To Kill a Mockingbird and Beowulf. 

Please check out this year's Shakespeare films as well as previous  years' films on my "Lights, Camera, Action!" page.

​If you have any questions about the project please feel free to contact me. 

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Flipgrid goes to the Museum

3/27/2018

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One of the best parts of my job is getting to collaborate with teachers on engaging educational technology infused lessons. Working with Mrs. Looman, from Grady High School, we developed a real-world experience that provided the opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and foster student voice.
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The students in Mrs. Looman’s AP European History class utilized their research skills to become experts on famous European works of art on display at the High Museum. We visited the museum and students worked in pairs to present on their selected works of arts. They recorded their presentations (with approval from the museum) using iPads and shared them on Flipgrid. The goal of using Flipgrid was to introduce the students to the #studentvoice platform. Flipgrid allows students to upload a video and their classmates can view and reply to the presentations.  Check out the awesome presentations below.
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The Good stuff from #GaETC17

11/13/2017

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I was fortunate to spend three days last week learning, sharing and connecting with educators during the 30th annual Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GaETC). This was my fourth time attending GaETC and I always look forward to learning from the educational technology gurus and champion educators from across the state as well as from around the country.

My goal when attending the conference is to gain new knowledge, strategies, best practices as well as tools and resources to share with the teachers I support.

I was so excited about what I learned I couldn’t wait to share so as soon as the conference ended. I highlighted several tools and resources in my Tech Tips 411 newsletter I send to teachers every Friday. More importantly, I am an eager to collaborate and plan with teachers on lessons to incorporate the new tools shared as well as other new resources.
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The conference kicked off with an inspirational and timely key-note from astronaut Leland Melvin (@Astro_Flow) about “The Right Stuff is the Never Give Up Stuff.

Session Takeaways  - What did I learn? 

The session Gobs of Goodies from Google from Certified Trainer and Innovative Educator Wanda Terral (@wterral) was packed full of great tools, extensions and tips for any aspiring Google guru. Check out her list of tips and tools.
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One of my favorite sessions was
40+ Edtech Tools That Will Make You the ‘Cat’s Pajamas' of Your School with Randy Norman (@english_maven). It was a fast-paced crash course of various tools. Many I was familiar with, however I enjoyed the refresher, and I was thrilled to add some new ones to my #edtech tool belt. Here's the full list of resources.
I was excited to see Tony Vincent (@tonyvincent) in-person after finishing his online #ClassGraphics course. I learned about the benefits of Instagram for Teachers. So I will be trying my hand at Instagramming soon. The session Get Creative With Google Slides reiterated some of the great ideas I learned in the Classy Graphics course and the highlight of the conference was having Tony share the digital sticky notes I created as an exemplar. I ❤d  Tony’s An Emoji Education 😜  session and got some great ideas of ways to incorporate emojis including using them in your Google drive folder names.
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I always enjoy the high energy presentations from Leslie Fisher (@lesliefisher) and she shared some awesome resources and tools in this year’ sessions: Tools You Can Use Tomorrow, Creating Virtual Reality, Exploring Google Classroom, The Google You Might Not Know About and iOS 11 Tips & Tricks and Leftovers with Leslie.

She had a number of great takeaways including:
  • URL shortener www.shoutkey.com
  • www.flippity.com (interactive Google templates)
  • QBall from http://peeq.us (a tossable microphone)
  • Seeing AI app from Microsoft that “reads your environment”
  • 360 Panorama iOS app
  • www.padlet.com new shelf command
  • www.quivervision.com   ​
Chris Craft (@crafty184) had a great session on Screencasting - Moving Beyond the Basics which included some ideas for using screencasting to engage and enhance instruction.
Chris’ Top 10+ Uses for Screencasting
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  1. To record your screen
 ​ 2. 
Give quick feedback on assignments
  3. Record prompts to put in Google Classroom
  4. Send a parent message
  5. Leave plans for sub & students
  6. Flipped class lessons (lecture, demo, etc.)
  7. Student introductions
  8. Student reflections

  9. Student narration of slideshows and gallery walks
10. Recorded speech
     (debate/public speaking, ESOL, or foreign language)

11. Movie making
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Exhibit Hall & Networking

The conference would not have been complete without spending time in the Exhibit Hall, catching up with colleagues and meeting new educators. 
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I of course had to stop by and show my love for Tim & Moby at the BrainPOP booth. It was great to meet up with fellow CBEs (Certified BrainPOP Educators) from Georgia.
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As seen on Shark Tank

I had the opportunity to meet the creative mind behind QBall, a toss-able microphone, featured on Shark Tank. This is such a brilliant idea and I would love to have this in my teacher tool box. If you haven't already hear of it, you should definitely check it out. 

APS IT Department Represents

I was thrilled to support my colleagues Natasha, Robert and Rosalyn as well as  our department's Executive Director, Aleigha Henderson-Rosser during their session Focus on Excellence & Equity: Atlanta Public Schools’ Tab2Read 1st Grade Literacy Initiative. It was a great opportunity to learn about the successes and struggles implementing the pilot program.
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Until Next Year ... 

It was three days full of learning about educational technology as well as networking with passionate educators. I am already looking forward to next year. ​
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    Jennifer Hall is an Educational Technology Specialist for Atlanta Public Schools.

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