Shift & DALLA Symposium Reflection

I spent a few days at a tech conference just after school got out for the summer. The rational part of me was saying, “What are you doing? You should be starting your vacation.” But, I’m not often governed by my rational thoughts. It’s a good thing because I was so excited to discover some new tech tools for my techie tool belt!

Runtz Ball Chair

The first bit of information that I latched on to was how to make my classroom a learning environment that truly fosters collaboration. This is something that I was already very interested in. I got some ideas from a presentation about seating that I added to my plan. First, I needed to make my teaching station mobile. I found a kitchen cart at a yard sale and added shelves for binders and sturdy casters to it. Now I can make an impromptu presentation from anywhere in the classroom. Next, I needed to add a few seating options for the kiddos, so I submitted a request to donorschoose.org for 6 chairs that each have the bounce of an exercise ball and a sturdy base that keeps it in place. I also added to my husband’s "honey do" list. He is in the process of creating counter height seating by repurposing two small tables. I am hoping these projects are accomplished by the start of the school year.

My next area of focus came from a few different presentations during the conference. One was on project-based learning and the other was about redefining teaching using the SAMR model. I have been trying to wrap my brain around how to incorporate more project-based learning and use technology to transform lessons so that they reach the redefinition level of the SAMR model. With so little experience using technology or projects for students to demonstrate a learning objective it is hard to imagine what it will look like on a daily basis in the classroom. In addition to changing my floor plan and seating, which will help facilitate project-based learning, I am also preparing by gathering supplies for a maker station and looking for projects to start off the year on the right foot. Actually, I plan on jumping in with both feet.