Takeaways from #OETC15 (Day Two)

It's Day 2 here at OETC15, and judging from how difficult it was to obtain parking, SRO at the keynote session isn't surprising. (Seriously, I spent more time in the line for the parking garage than I did getting here this morning.)

It was great bumping into my favorite peeps from back home, and even better sharing what we've learned AND bouncing ideas off each other. I especially enjoyed running into an old friend from my teaching days. 

Then it was time to go learn something...

Session #1: Call It What You Want! Smashing, Crashing, Slamming iPad Apps 2.0 - Using Tech for Deeper Learning
Jen and Karen are tech coaches for the Mentor schools and two people who I've come to rely on quite a bit for outstanding advice and support as I make this journey. Their presentation not only provided a useful list of apps, but it also offered up a "philosophy" for app smashing:

1. Begin with the end in mind. What is the final product you want your students to create? Work backwards from there.
2. Create a list of apps you want to use, especially apps that might have the same function. This gives students both choice and voice. 
3. Smash the Flow. Create the flow chart or outline of apps you'll be smashing. 

And my slap-my-head-duh!-moment of the session: The camera roll is the first tool to app smashing. (Thanks, Jen, Darlene, and Karen, for the reminder!) See the Math SMASH slide and the Book Review SMASH slide in the presentation for two very practical ideas of app smashing, and also check out my Pinterest board on app smashing.


Session #2: Changing Roles of Students and Teachers in Instruction & Learning
I knew weeks ago that I would attend Anthony Luscre's presentation on the shifting paradigm of education because I've been talking myself blue about the teacher/learner shift for at least six years now, so it's always comforting to find a kindred spirit. Here's what I learned:

• We still need each other. Self-directed learners are teacher-encouraged learners.
• TAYH (Teaching Above your Head) is scary but sooooo worth it! Take the plunge. Speaking from experience, even if you fail, your students win.
• If you feel completely comfortable and in control, you are preparing your students for your past and not their futures. Wow...if that's not an argument to relinquish your tight grasp, then I don't know what is.
• Getting uncomfortable looks good. Students will learn the importance of self-learning, lifelong learning, the real test is the test of life, teachers aren't the only ones who should be doing the heavy lifting.
• You don't really know something until you can teach it. See. Do Teach. Learners are pretty good at the first two, but not so much at the third one.
• Competency-based testing is a better assessment of growth and learning than traditional testing. Get rid of your paper and pencil tests in favor of portfolios, oral presentations, sales pitches, websites, and technical writing.
• Spaces are important, too. Don't just transform how we learn, but where we learn. Change the way your classroom looks. Make it less traditional.
• Learn something new everyday. 'Nuff said.

Session #3: Your School's Story Matters! Use Social Media to Tell It
A little self-promtoion never hurt anyone (or any district)...and everyone loves a good story. Principal Ryan McLane and Assistant Principal Eric Lowe shared their social media story with us.

MYTHS

1. Parents and students are reading your paper and email newsletters.
2. Parents and students first go to the school/district website for information. 
3. That "all-call" system you subscribe to is really effective in reaching your audience.

Don't expect people to come to you. We need to go where they are, and that's at: 

• Twitter
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Blogger
• Flipboard
• YouTube

Miscellaneous

• To post student photos, permission forms from parents are necessary from parents (Hint: Instead of having parents give permission, provide an opt-out.) 
• Revise your district's AUP to include consequences for inappropriate comments on social media.
• Always keep it positive.
• Consider posting a character message to students every day
• Don't use student names in your posts; or only use first names.
• Always post links that redirect to your school's website.
• If you're considering not allowing comments on your social media sites, remember that comments in front of your face are more easily handled than comments behind your back.
• Over-communication, IMHO, is better than miscommunication.

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