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Friday, October 2, 2015

MRVED Business

Upcoming Meetings

October 7, 2015  Music Best Practices
October 9, 2015  CURE Event (all day) Mussels in the River
October 14, 2015  MRVED Common Day
October 22, 2015  Art Best Practices (Mini Meander)
October 23, 2015  Principals' Council (11:30 a.m. Start Time)
October 27, 2015  Math Best Practices
October 28, 2015  Superintendents' Council
October 29, 2015  Business Best Practices


SAMR Series - Substitution

SAMR
As mentioned last week, we are starting a 5 week series on the SAMR model.  Last week we looked at the overview of the SAMR model.  Over the next 4 weeks we will examine each level, starting this week with Substitution



One thing to keep note of is that being at the substitution and augmentation levels is not a bad thing.  We are still using technology to enhance our practice.  Dr. Ruben Puentedura has clearly stated that this ladder is not used to judge or make people feel like what their doing is not enough.  We are all trying to get better and the SAMR model allows us to see how we are using the technology in the classroom to enhance and eventually transform our practice.

Substitution
The substitution level of the SAMR model is exactly what it says.  When using technology in the classroom it acts as a direct tool substitute with no functional change.  An example of this would be having your students type a paper versus writing a paper.  The task is still the same with no functional improvement.  You may say the word processor has spell check, yes it does, but this will be addressed in the next level of the SAMR model.

Another example is reading a book on the iPad vs reading the actual book.  The task of reading is the same with no functional change to that task by adding in the iPad.

Many teachers are at this level when bringing technology into the classroom.  They find a tool that can replace what they are currently doing in the classroom and use it.  Therefore, there is no functional change in their practice due to the technology, they are simply substituting the technology to continue doing what they have always done.  Again, it's not a bad thing to be at this level, it is merely the bottom rung on the SAMR ladder.  We can always strive to climb the ladder and find new and exciting ways to bring technology into our classroom.

Tech Tip - GoNoodle

GoNoodle
If you are looking for a way to incorporate movement into your classroom, check out GoNoodle.  My 2nd grade daughter loves GoNoodle.  It has a variety of short, fun video clips to use in the classroom that will get your kids moving.  They have categories of clips from stretching, to kinesthetic movement, to calming techniques.  These can be used as a quick warm up or cool down after an activity.  Little kids love them and I would guess older kids might get a kick out of them from time to time.  Check it out today!

50 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Every Grade (PreK-7)

50 Tips
We Are Teachers is a website I follow on a regular basis.  This post caught my eye.  50 Tips, Tricks, and Ideas for Every Grade Level is an awesome list of exactly what the title says!  Some of the tips, tricks, and ideas are probably already things you do in your classroom, but others might be that "go to" idea for your classroom this year.  Glance through the lists for your grade level today, you won't be sorry you did!



The Works Museums E4 Conference

E4 Conference
When: Tuesday, November 3, 2015, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Where: University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center, 1890 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108.

What: Join hundreds of educators for our annual conference on the why, what, and how of elementary engineering education:
  • Gain practical knowledge and share ideas with colleagues
  • Get ideas for your classroom
  • Workshops presented by K-6 classroom teachers and informal educators
  • Over 20 workshops to choose from
  • Earn 5 CEUs

Cost: Conference Fee: $125

Fee includes CEUs, lunch, and parking!