Another great day with The Nerdy Teacher!

Another great day of PD!  When the person leading the PD is as energetic, enthusiastic, and encouraging as Nick is, one really doesn't mind coming in to work on a Saturday!

We got to explore more great technological resources that my students can use!  I'm already planning to incorporate using Today's Meet to get students engaged in class discussion.  Instead of doing a traditional pen and paper journal on Monday and then having a "whole class discussion"--because let's be honest....only about a third of you actually participate--we can use Today's Meet to discuss things digitally (see below for the QR code to easily join the discussion!  It's going to be great! At least I sure hope so...it's always nerve wracking to try something brand new!  But hey...I tell my students not to be afraid to fail, so I can't be either, right?  I'm also really excited to use some of the digital story telling apps for the Chromebook as well as other really cool websites!  

So get ready to get techie!! :)

Ridiculously Ramtastic PD

It has been a very long time since I have been so thoroughly inspired by a single day of PD.  So often during these sessions I feel like that kid. You know....the one in the back that is having trouble focusing and would much rather be checking my twitter feed, watching a bootleg of "The Book of Mormon," or reading my favorite YA novel for the 842nd time.

Not. This. Time.

All of the videos and ideas were engaging and I felt rather proud of myself when I realized, "Hey, some things I do are similar to this guy!  And he has 2 million people following him and reading his blog!" However the one that truly stuck out to me was the 20 Time/Genius Hour.  Students in charge of their own learning? Students researching and connecting with experts in the field?  Students truly engaging in topics and ideas they are passionate about?  How stinkin' exciting is that!?

I know that upon rolling this out, and saying to students, parents, and colleagues that, in essence, I am not "teaching" on Fridays, I will have those that challenge the idea of 20 Time.  However, by allowing students to find their passion--to "climb their mountain"--we are increasing their engagement exponentially.  Beyond just increasing engagement, students will be reading, writing, researching, reflecting, problem solving, networking, and dreaming. CC Standards met? Check.  College and Career Readiness concepts met? Check.

I became a teacher to help students achieve their dreams.  I became a teacher to inspire my students to fly. Allowing them to engage in 20 Time is simply providing them a better set of wings, and I can't wait to watch them soar!