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What has surprised you so far with your chosen PD module?I have actually been quite surprised by how much time I have spent trying to perfect and better my instruction in this new role. With the time allotted for professional development, I believe our school’s PD Your Way allows for creative individuals like myself to flourish. Most schools require specific sessions and trainings during PD time, and while it may appear that our new PD Your Way is a little “too lax,” I feel like I have spent MORE time because of this pathway of development. I recently met with Dr. Miranda Fitzgerald from UNCC for almost two hours in an effort to partner together to find research-based best practices. I attended the CSD Fresh Take Conference and garnered some new innovative ideas and perspectives to bring back to LNC. What’s an idea that you have wanted to try but haven’t? I just learned some research-based best practice assessment tools and strategies from Dr. Fitzgerald – Assistant Professor for Literacy Development at UNCC, and I intend to utilize these tactics next quarter. We have a follow up meeting at the end of the year to see how it went and to look at some of the data and instruction after implementation. Programs don’t teach, teachers teach, so I’m glad LNC is starting to see the importance of investing in teachers and their own professional and creative art, rather than spending money on programs. 

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What has surprised you so far with your chosen PD module?I have actually been quite surprised by how much time I have spent trying to perfect and better my instruction in this new role. With the time allotted for professional development, I believe our school’s PD Your Way allows for creative individuals like myself to flourish. Most schools require specific sessions and trainings during PD time, and while it may appear that our new PD Your Way is a little “too lax,” I feel like I have spent MORE time because of this pathway of development. I recently met with Dr. Miranda Fitzgerald from UNCC for almost two hours in an effort to partner together to find research-based best practices. I attended the CSD Fresh Take Conference and garnered some new innovative ideas and perspectives to bring back to LNC. What’s an idea that you have wanted to try but haven’t? I just learned some research-based best practice assessment tools and strategies from Dr. Fitzgerald – Assistant Professor for Literacy Development at UNCC, and I intend to utilize these tactics next quarter. We have a follow up meeting at the end of the year to see how it went and to look at some of the data and instruction after implementation. Programs don’t teach, teachers teach, so I’m glad LNC is starting to see the importance of investing in teachers and their own professional and creative art, rather than spending money on programs. 

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How does this PD  Promote Digital Learning Competencies?
One of the modules I completed dealt with ways to achieve media balance in a digital world and ways to promote digital citizenship. I think that this really plays to the digital competencies because students need to better understand ways to navigate the digital world in an appropriate manner. We need to continue to model and discuss these behaviors as teachers and make sure they are constantly reiterated and modeled throughout the year.

What has had real meaning?
In terms of real meaning, one PD activity I did focused on writing to learn and the importance of it. The impact of this comes from looking at the way Ms. Justice and I have split up our language arts classes and the focus that we have placed on writing. I don't think that it is always at the forefront of ELA in the elementary and middle school grades, but it is equally as important as the reading strategies. Without it being "tested" it is easy to put it on the back burner, but the research has shown how important writing is to learning and how it needs to be done consistently and with fidelity in order to be effective. I really enjoyed reading through the research and reflecting on it.

What is a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?
Not that this is necessarily a new way, but continuing the creativity that is associated with more authentic assessments and student choice in showing learning and impact of curriculum. I have done this more in the 3rd quarter and have seen my students really flourish and take to heart the bigger messages and deeper meaning of the novels and stories that we have read in class.

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Q3- Ignacio
-What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?
I use groups often in class so this PD allowed me to think differently about how to form groups and make collaboration more successful in my classroom. This certainly brought more ideas to my attention as far how to generate success for all students in a group. 

-List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
Benefits: I can do this on my own time which allows me to be flexible. 
Challenge: This last date snuck up on me, and being that it was the last reflection, I wish I had a little more time to complete the final PD and reflection since we have a few more months left in the school year. 

-What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?
I really liked that this PD gave me the opportunity to take something I already do in my classroom and update it. This PD allowed me to think of ways to use groups to target students who may not be performing at the same level as their classmates. 

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Q3- Ignacio
-What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?
I use groups often in class so this PD allowed me to think differently about how to form groups and make collaboration more successful in my classroom. This certainly brought more ideas to my attention as far how to generate success for all students in a group. 

-List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
Benefits: I can do this on my own time which allows me to be flexible. 
Challenge: This last date snuck up on me, and being that it was the last reflection, I wish I had a little more time to complete the final PD and reflection since we have a few more months left in the school year. 

-What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?
I really liked that this PD gave me the opportunity to take something I already do in my classroom and update it. This PD allowed me to think of ways to use groups to target students who may not be performing at the same level as their classmates. 

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Q3 Korczynski
What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?  In Health class I had the students use the ipads to create a 60 second commercial using Imovie to film and edit.  This was the first time I used the Ipads for filming but the kids seemed to enjoy it.

What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?  I will research more ways on how I can incorporate the use of the Ipad more in the classroom, but also in the gym and or weight room.  

What has had real meaning?  Realizing the fact that technology such as Iphones and Ipads is the way of the future and being able to use them in a variety of ways will be beneficial to the students.  Being able to challenge students with technology and relate to them will make for a more fun, creative learning environment. 

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Q3 Korczynski
What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?  In Health class I had the students use the ipads to create a 60 second commercial using Imovie to film and edit.  This was the first time I used the Ipads for filming but the kids seemed to enjoy it.

What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?  I will research more ways on how I can incorporate the use of the Ipad more in the classroom, but also in the gym and or weight room.  

What has had real meaning?  Realizing the fact that technology such as Iphones and Ipads is the way of the future and being able to use them in a variety of ways will be beneficial to the students.  Being able to challenge students with technology and relate to them will make for a more fun, creative learning environment. 

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Q3-What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?

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Q3-What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?

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As a teacher of almost 30 years, it can be hard to to stay on top of the changing technology and "world" classroom approach to learning. This PD helped remind me of the sources of information students use all the time. It also makes me try to incorporate their "world view" in my lessons.
-What has had real meaning?
Remembering that teaching is (or should be) a fluid, ever-changing connection between content and learners. We tend to get entrenched in our routine, our "style" of teaching. A reminder that we need to look at the students and the world they will live in and attempt to match the two in order to maximize learner outcomes.

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What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD? I think this help by giving students more opportunities or choices when doing various research projects. Students will have more options for ways to convey their ideas/research through various multimedia platforms.
What has surprised you so far with your chosen PD module?  How smooth it was to do on your own.  Made it easy to get finished on your own time.
-List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?  Benefits: On your own can do when its is convenient for you. Get to chose things that are relevant to you.Challenges: none that I can think of.
Changes: Make the last Date more flexible like you can choose between 3rd and 4th quarter.

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What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?

The use of technology has become more of a part of the counseling department.  This gives me the ability to reference the different Apple apps to students to help with when they may be struggling with a class.

-What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?-What's a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?

Hoping to have the ability to continue to give information in different ways to students that can be accessed from their phones.  The more information that we can give out on the platforms of their interest that more likely it is that they will absorb the information or engage.
What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?

Expanding to other technical platforms.  I think becoming a google certified educator would be very beneficial at the high school level.

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Q3 How does this PD promote Digital Learning competencies?

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Q3 How does this PD promote Digital Learning competencies?

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This class was an introduction to digital citizenship using common sense resources in the classroom.  I learned to teach my students to think critically, behave safely, and participate responsibly online.  The best tip I learned was commonsense.org which reviews websites for student  learning.

What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?
Quizizz is a website that is new to me.  It is like Quizlet but even better.  My students are excited to check their knowledge by doing a fun quiz online.

What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven't?

Based on what I learned in the workshop I ordered Powerful Writing Strategies for all Students by Steve Graham, Karen Harris, Linda Mason, and Barbara Friedlander.  I hope to refer to it frequently and use it as a good resource.  I learned that the best writers spend a good deal of planning before committing words to writing compared to less proficient writers.  I also attended a SIOP workshop by one of the founders of SIOP.  She taught the six principles of teaching language learners.  They are: know your learners, create conditions for language learning, design high quality language lessons, adapt lesson delivery as needed, monitor and assess, and engage and collaborate within a community of practice.

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What are some benefits and challenges of PD your way?

The benefits of PD your way is it gives you the freedom and flexibility to select professional development that the you feel is beneficial to you.  This allows you to feel more vested in what you are learning.  The challenges were the plethora of options available to me. I had so many interests that it was hard for me to select which venue I wanted to go through.

What will you add to make PD even better?

A conscious effort to make sure I implement all aspects of my PD. I am excited about being an Apple Certified Teacher but one of the main reasons for doing it was Garage Band. I think it would be great to have students incorporate a music video to demonstrate the knowledge they have gained in mathematics.  However, I feel I need to study it a little more myself.  Therefore, I guess it requires even more actual practice than just reading and answering questions.

Open Reflection

I have enjoyed PD my way. It allowed me to become even more comfortable with the iPad. It introduced me to more strategies to incorporate with the Apple apps we have.

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-What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD? Corinna Margeson
My PD focused on integrating connections to the real world with the technology the students use daily. I have been incorporating interaction with financial experts and budgeting simulations through a variety of mediums, Students work with a variety of financial topics and learn to understand the language of the financial world while watching it unfold in real time.

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Ed Web Visible Learning for Literacy

-What has had real meaning?
This PD looked at the research of John Hattie and the statistical impact of practices teachers do.  a .4 shows the hinge of wht a student can do in a year or a teacher for real impact.

What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?
I can utilize the strategies under surface, deep, and trasfer learning that equate with good scores with John Hattie's research.  recripocral teaching for deeper learning, creation of concept map for deeper learning.  This also coincides with Ms. William's idea of sketch note.  Also, Mr. Patterson's use of screencastomatic is recriporcial teaching.  I used the screencastomatic for flipping the classroom, but I love his idea of allowing students to record themselves teaching a concepts.

-List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make? The benefits are that is is on my own time. I can choose wht I want to study. However, this is also a challenge. I've not al I find that I learn better from application and discussing strategies in a real life conference or seminar rather than an online tool. Hattie's research also supports discussion. I am old that way:)

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What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?
I've been working on Google Educator certification. One thing I've already used is Google Groups. To get the students acclimated, I used it for a group discussion about a short story. Going forward, I want to use it as small group collaboration for a research topic.

How will this PD inform your instruction and impact your students in the future?
As I continue learning more about all Google has to offer, I will use more if it in the future. It helps the students get used to the platform as well. Surprisingly, a lot of them still use Microsoft Word. I'd still like to try Google Hangout and find ways to make that a part of a class or an e-learning day.

List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
I've enjoyed the opportunity to find my own PD that is relevant to me and what I need. Sometimes classes weren't available when I needed them to be, so I ended up doing something that wasn't as interesting or useful to me.

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What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?

In one of my Reading grad classes, we read an article about different strategies to use with children to help them with their reading. Two of the strategies were the Jigsaw and Graffiti strategy. The jigsaw strategy get students to read different parts of a nonfiction book and then come together to share about the part they were “experts” in. The graffiti strategy has children illustrate the main idea of what they read and then post it on the wall so the other children can see it. I’ve
used both of these strategies separate and together. The kids really enjoyed both of them!

What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?

I’m currently in a Reading and Technology grad course. We have been discussing ways to add technology into the classroom in an innovative and meaningful way. I’m
currently working on a action project that will get students motivated to do their best writing in order to be able to publish it on an iPad and then share with their classmates and parents. The kids are going to love this and I hope it motivates them to want to write and to do their best.

What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven't?

This question goes along with my second answer. I’ve been wanting to try and incorporate more technology into the classroom but wasn’t sure how to. In my Reading and Technology course, we are learning about different ways to use technology in the classroom that will engage students and motivate them. By the end of the course, I will gain new insight into ways to make my classroom a tech savvy learning environment.

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A new way that I can be creative in my classroom is by doing more blended teaching/learning. I have recently watched an EdWeb webinar about this. I am also going to use Nearpod more often. I plan to do less with bell ringers/warm-ups/review and begin with the teaching of new material. I plan to try some new ways to begin class and take advantage of the excitement of the first 15-20 mins. I am excited to try new attention grabbers. I love using games in the classroom and plan to use Gimkit. I would also like to try stations.

I have been renewed and inspired by joining several very active language teacher groups on Facebook. I now belong to several French groups and also Technology in the Classroom groups. There are so many ideas shared and there is also a lot of support given to one another. That has been a very positive experience.

I do think this is a great way to do PD. I do like some face to face meeting, as well. I would suggest 2 reflections and then maybe the last one could be sharing in person. It would be nice to touch base with others who did the same PD and by schools/subjects.

I do feel this PD has been effective and I have learned from it. I appreciated that we had a lot of choice and it was very organized and straightforward. The flexibility has been great. I have learned from the webinars.

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Q3 What has surprised me about my choosen PD.

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Q3 What has surprised me about my choosen PD.

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I took a day workshop called, Curiosity Across the Curriculum. It turned out to be about writing across the subject areas. While I have always taught writing, and use it in Social Studies, as well as ELA, I had never been introduced to cooperative writing. This is where a student comes up with an idea and passes it to another student and the second student has to comment on the first student’s idea and make suggestions. This all has to be accomplished quietly and in a time frame. I got great results with my 5th graders on a essay about Roanoke Island. I intend to use it again, even though it is a low tech approach.

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What are somethings that you are successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this P.D.

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What are somethings that you are successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this P.D.

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I learned quite a bit in the January PD we had on 50 Tips, Tricks and Ideas for Gifted Students. While I have always modified work for underachieving students, I really just increased my expectations on general assignments for my gifted students. I have 2 children that were labeled “gifted” and I have always been sensitive to just increasing workloads of those students. Gifted students are smart enough to see more work as a punishment rather than meeting their academic needs. I have started alternative assignments.I am starting small with a student who knows more about most graders about the causes of the Revolutionary War. So I gave him a choice of ways (video, research paper, presentation) to present information on his choice of topic on the Causes of the Revolutionary War, rather than just go over information that he already knows. He decided on a per and is doing a good job so far

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-What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?  I was recently inspired by information the Science Department shared at the faculty meeting.  I look forward to exploring Screencast-O-matic and Sketchnoting.

I also found a mixed media journaling artist that I want to explore.  She combines visual images with text.  I am looking forward providing other opportunities for students to turn there sketchbooks into visual journals.

-What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven’t?
I had been wanting to try a portrait project with my studio students that I had tested with AP Art History years ago but have put it off because I always felt that there was a missing piece.  I recently tried this project with Art 1 but with the addition of a technology component.  There was such a high level of success that I have had all levels of students create a portrait.  Would love to explore some photo editing software to add another level of exploration to this project.

-Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.
Technology is changing the visual arts at a rapid pace.  While I feel fortunate to have learned traditional processes, I understand the importance of evolving with time and new developments.  I try to provide my students with a balance of both.  Apple products are used in professional arts careers so besides participating in the Apple Teacher training, I am working with the technology department and Mrs. Hale to make our classrooms more conducive to digital arts opportunities for students.  I would like to explore college arts programs to determine what related technology skills would most benefit students wanting to pursue various careers.  Having PD time to work on subject specific areas identified as needs is a crucial next step after reflection.

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1. List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?

A. The benefit of doing PD this way allows us to explore options out of "normal" PD, but allowing us to interact with the content we are learning on our own time. The Apple Teacher PD has given me so many ideas that I would like to implement in my classroom, the challenge will be finding the time to teach my kinders how to use these resources. I will definitely be doing more research and make a game plan on how I can promote the things I learn in my classroom beginning next year.

2. What's a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?

A. My students like hearing me read books, and the voices I use for the characters in my stories. The downfall of this is I don't always get the one on one time everyday to read books they ask me to read to them. My goal this summer is to record my voice reading some of my pass students favorite books on garage band and have that as a listening center next year. The great thing about being able to record my voice, is I can also record me thinking  as I am reading and asking questions, as a model to my students as they read on their own or in their small group. In kindergarten we model a lot of habits to develop readers, and this will be a creative way to show readers what fluency sounds like, and how to think about their reading through modeling of asking questions as they read.

3. What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?

A. My kids love iPad time, which is usually limited to center rotations or for our reward system. Knowing I can take their excitement and implement ideas I have learned form apple teacher, as way to teach them makes me renewed and inspired. If I can hone in on their excitement for the iPad, and show them that this type of technology is not only for games, but a way to interactively learn. I can't wait to implement the garage band app to allow students to record their voice, to give them to confidence in their reading, or allowing to interact with my recording of books, when they don't feel the most confident to speak up in class. Recording my voice will allow them to have that one on one time digitally, when I am interacting with others in the classroom.

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Reflections Q3 What innovative ideas will this P.D. Inform your instruction and impact your students in the future?

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Reflections Q3 What innovative ideas will this P.D. Inform your instruction and impact your students in the future?

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Again discussing the January P.D. 50 Tips, Tricks and Ideas for Gifited Students, I plan on making more use of pre tests for more than basic skills, such as pronoun usage or nouns. I plan on having alternative assignments for student who have successfully mastered skills. There is no reason for a student who can fill in a map of the 50 states to spend all of the first quarter on basic geography. They should have enrichment activities and projects to increase their academic proficiency in geography. It’s not just for gifted students, many students have areas of expertise that can be expanded upon. I am going to have a busy summer.

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How does this PD promote the four C's in your classroom? Becoming an Apple certified teacher has really enhanced the 4 c’s of my classroom. Students worked in groups recently and collaborated to complete a forced perspective photography assignment using the camera on the iPads. It has always been challenging to have students work in groups when it came to producing a piece of artwork.  This particular assignment was a great opportunity for collaboration that was enjoyed by quite a few students.  I have also had students communicate ideas and critical thinking skills with the iPads by recording their reflection after completing a piece of artwork.

What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?  I decided to have students document the process of a drawing unit with taking 2-3 pictures of their artwork everyday. At the end of the unit students had at least 9-10 different in progress pictures to put together in iMovie/timelapse of the process.

-What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?  Overall I thought this was a wonderful PD but I would like to have a chance to pick something that was more content specific. I need content specific CEU’s for my renewal but I also  think this would benefit some more of my more advanced students as well.

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I love PD my way!! Not only have the options been able to make it more personalized learning, the flexibility to complete it at our convenience has been a huge help! We need to continue this in the future at LNC.
How will this PD inform your instruction and impact your students in the future?
I love being able to now say I am an "Apple Certified Teacher." I am by no means a "tech-savvy" teacher, but this PD has opened my eyes to all of the simple but effective ways that I can use my IPad to enhance student learning. I will make use of Garage Band to record student reading, imovie to create student projects and reports about novels we are studying, and Pages to help create reports.

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How will this PD inform your instruction and impact your students in the future?

Becoming an Apple Certified Teacher has made me more aware of the amazing tool an iPad can be at the hands of a student (even a 5 year old student!). It's encouraged me to try new things with my students which will ultimately impact the trust and confidence I have in my students to explore opportunities using the iPads and beyond. It has made me less apprehensive to try new, innovative ideas which will benefit my students in the future. I'm looking forward to my students completing their digital portfolios by the end of the year and creating research projects using a variety of digital tools.

What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?

As I mentioned, I'm now more aware of the potential learning opportunities and projects my students can create using the iPads. This has led me to explore different apps, webinars, and even "borrowing" ideas from teacher-leaders on social media. This PD has inspired me to seek additional information and has opened my horizons to new ideas to grow professionally.

Open ended:

I've appreciated having the freedom that PD Your Way has provided. I'm grateful to be part of a school community that values innovation, purposeful professional development, and choice. I especially benefit from the flexibility of completing PD at my own pace and feel more engaged than I have with professional development at my previous school(s). Best of all, I've been inspired by other LNC teachers after reading through the reflections each quarter and have really enjoyed this experience.

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Christine Pecorella
1. What will you add to make this PD even better?
I need to make a better effort to go outside the box and dive into other topics besides the ones I am already comfortable with. I keep going to edweb to view the instructional videos in the subject areas I teach, but I really am trying to incorporate other subject areas into my STEM lessons even more so this year so it would be good to view videos in other core areas. That way I can get some fresh ideas for new lessons in STEM.
2. What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom with this PD?  To be honest, I am unsure. I have gotten frustrated with the last few videos being more about products that are too costly to purchase for our school and not enough ideas to be used in my classroom and that is why I need to step out of my subject area and start viewing other subjects and get ideas that way. I have exhausted my topic. Hopefully I can incorporate cross-curricular lessons into my STEM program more to support my staff at the ES by viewing videos in Math and Science.
3. What has had real meaning? I think that the fact that we were able to choose our PD to fit our time constraints, and find one that meets our needs had the most meaning. This PD, edweb, fit my needs perfectly. I could watch the videos on my own time, choose what I wanted to watch and will continue to watch them even hen the PD is over. I watched many on my planning or after school if I had a free moment to get a new idea for a lesson. I will probably watch a bunch over the summer to plan for next year, free is FREE!

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How does this PD promote the four C's in your classroom?  After becoming an Apple Teacher, I have been more comfortable trying new things on the iPads.  One example is when I had my kids create an "Explain Everything" presentation about fossils.  Students collaborated with their peers to find information about fossils that interested them.  They were able to use tools on the app to insert videos, take pictures, and speak into the microphone to share their findings.  I know that students are expected to use this app in the 5th grade, so I was able to give them practice using this tool.
How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?   I know that the students in my room are very comfortable with technology.  However, they need tools and experiences to make sure they are making safe, good choices when using technology.  Having new resources and tools from this PD has helped me teach my kids about safety with technology.  I am able to give them certain platforms to use and give them guidance to create a "positive digital school culture."  The students know that using technology enhances their learning and they are able to make good choices when using technology in my classroom.
What has surprised you so far with your chosen PD module? The thing that has surprised me the most is seeing how much more I want to learn from this PD. It also makes me want to try some of the other PD options that were presented at the beginning of the year. I have enjoyed reading about the things that my colleagues chose, and I am able to learn a little through their reflections. This PD has given me a chance to ask my colleagues questions and take risks in the classroom with my colleagues!

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-Some things I am already successfully implementing in my classroom are morning meeting. It used to be something that I often skipped and said 'We don't have time for that!'. I am learning that it is one of the most important times of the day. It really allows me to get to know my students and even predict how their day will go. I can guide the students through tough days and help them be more successful at school. Having that relationship with my students gives them a sense of purpose. They seem to want to do good for me because they know I care. I have never skipped a morning meeting yet, and I will make every effort to keep it going.

-This PD promotes the four C's in my classroom because it has encouraged me to use the iPads more and really see how they can enhance the students learning. They have had opportunities to do critical thinking when researching a topic like The Alonquian Indians. They have been able to communicate with their peers when doing a discussion board about the best inventions of 2018. They have collaborated with small groups and created their own Brain Pop exploration.The students are using the four C's constantly.

-I wanted to share ( SHOUT OUT)how great it has been having Shelly DiVito by my side. She has shared some AMAZING teaching strategies that she has learned from grad school. She has inspired me to use technology more and incorporate it into my instruction. Having students do reflections on videos, guiding students as they message/comment about other students ideas and creating anchor charts for students to study at home on their technology. These are just some of the ideas she has shared so far this year and I am so appreciative.

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- I am loving the freedom of the PD Your Way option.  I am able to work at a pace that accommodates my crazy first-year teacher schedule. :)  There are days when I find myself SEARCHING for solutions to challenges in my room and I have the flexibility to work on the PD module and network with other teachers to find options.  When I'm slammed with grading papers or starting a new unit, I don't find myself under a tight timeline to get things done for PD.  When I have a half day and can spend quality time with my family, I'm not stuck at school working on a PD module I"m not in the mood to focus on.  I enjoy the BALANCE that PD Your Way affords me.  I wouldn't change a thing!

- I can't even begin to list all the ideas/innovations/tools/opportunitites this PD has provided to me.  The biggest take away has been recognizing the wealth of support my fellow teachers can offer.  Because we participate through the Twitter feeds, I can scroll through other teacher's feedback and use their ideas to support my classroom.  I have gotten ideas from Mrs. Hammond and Mr. Steele and I've never officially met either of them!  But they are two of the many teachers in our LNC community who have taken the time to share ideas that I've found helpful.  I'm using technology to differentiate in a way that allows me to meet my kids where they are.  I am so thankful for all the support this PD has offered me!

- I am gathering ideas now and can't wait to go BIG next year when I can really implement new concepts in my classroom as a "veteran" teacher! I feel like I'm just getting my feet wet this year. I often reflect and think "am I just throwing things out there without a plan?" I give myself grace because I know I'm teaching the standards and I know I'm trying to include new things as I hear about them. But next year, I'm going to go into it with a pacing guide that includes tech tools that support the standards I'm teaching. I'm going to stagger the introduction of the tech tools I use so the kids get used to tools over time. I want to go BIG by being PROACTIVE, not REACTIVE.

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Flexible Grouping & Collaborative Learning: Making It Work (edWeb)

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Flexible Grouping & Collaborative Learning: Making It Work (edWeb)

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1. Why did you choose the PD module you chose?
Before leaving school yesterday (before knowing I was going to be doing this PD, worked out nicely) I decided that I wanted to make groups because I do a lot of collaborative work in class but the students have only really had a shoulder partner the way that they were arranged in class. I have grouped students before in class but wanted to make sure I was during in in a meaningful & effective way instead of thinking I know exactly what I am doing and it not work out the say I thought.

2. What has surprised you so far with your chosen PD module?
I was surprised that grouping is not solely based on achievement levels. I have been taught that teachers should group students based on high, mid-high, mid-low, and low or some variation of that leveling system. I could group my students based on interest, objective, preferences, or performance as well.

3. What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?
I did see that I am basing rigor off of the activities that I create and not have been basing it on a book.

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Q1. List the benefits and challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice)
Some of the benefits of doing a book study like Ditch That Textbook with a slow Twitter chat are also the disadvantages! I was required to use a platform, I have never used before and learning how to use this was stressful. I was also asked to use new ideas like Flipgrid and Booksnap and my classes will benefit from my increased expertise!
Q2.What innovative ideas have you come across that will keep you professionally renewed and inspired One new idea that has proved really useful to me is the author’s suggestion that I become a “communicated” educator and join social media sites that link me with other teachers . The ideas and suggestions have definitely benefited my instruction. I have especially enjoyed reading the tweets of my colleagues in the book study from the ES/MS and HS. Thank you for some great ideas which will help to vertically align our instruction.
Q3 What is an idea you have had that you wanted to try but haven’t?
One new  idea that was suggested by the author was to go through my existing units of instruction and actively look to creating and adding meaningful new digital content to enhance my  instruction. I do have some good ideas like utilizing apps Quill.and Flocabulary. I think the students would enjoy doing a Booksnap and I would like to develop more Nearpod lessons. Having the technical ability to create  this content is my challenge.Small steps........

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List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
PD this way is very beneficial. I have truly enjoyed the flexibility of being able to pick what I am interested in. I have been able to research ideas that pertain to my specialty as well as my individual student needs. I have also appreciated the ability to complete the PD on a schedule that works for me.
A challenge has been ensuring I am monitoring the PD schedule. As the year has progressed, my workload has increased. Multiple deadlines have coincided. This year has been especially challenging with various deadlines needing to be met.

What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?
There hasn’t been one specific idea that has renewed and inspired me. I find that any relevant PD revives me. Sometimes it isn’t the big idea that I can begin implementing in the classroom as much as the smaller ideas or concepts that spark my thinking. Other times its just reminding me of the simple things I overlook because I am faced with it so often. An example is just reminding myself that students with focus concerns in a large classroom need that extra reminder (or five) of what the task expectations are.

What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?
I want to focus on ways to meet the needs of students with Autism. Several of my students with this disability lack an understanding of the ‘bigger picture’. Sometimes they can only see what they believe is the correct way or the right now situation. It can be so difficult for them to plan ahead or even move past a situation because they are hyper focused on it. I want to be able to find multiple tools that I can use to help them in these situations. One way that was discussed in a webinar was how offering visuals or pictures provide a stronger connection to topics for students with autism. I want to find a way to incorporate that thinking while helping them plan for upcoming tasks.

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Digital Citizenship for a changing world

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Digital Citizenship for a changing world

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-How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?

Looking over the four digital learning competencies, I would say my students are independently demonstrating the data and assessment component by the use of Schoology. We have taught students to be able to login and check their grades on their own as well as using the Schoology platform as a means of a study tool with links and interactive ways to review concepts taught in class. (ie Quizlet).

Another digital learning competency that is integrated into my daily instruction would be digital content and instruction. Often in science, students are given an assignment to complete on Schoology either alone or with partners. Often there are different stations with choices related to the topic we are studying. For example, students can learn by viewing a video or reading an article. Wonderopolis is a great site that allows students to choose the topic that interests them most. I also use the open notes format to hold students accountable for the information they are learning through digital tools and we review it as a class together. This also promotes responsibility and holds them accountable when completing  lessons/stations independently on the ipads.

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* What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?
This PD has really opened my eyes to the fact that teachers need to use technology in the classroom to enhance learning, to inspire students to want to learn and to keep them excited about the content. I used to use technology in my classroom just to say I used it since we are a techie school but I have found that I was going about it all wrong! DitchBook has been a great tool to help me reset my mindset of classroom technology use and see that we need to use it as a tool to enhance learning! Since changing my mindset, I have tried new things and it's been scary and exciting! I have stretched myself in this area this year and have been proud of myself for trying new things. I can also see that learning in today's society is different than just opening a textbook and learning the information. Today's students are way more hands on and we as teachers need to embrace this and use it to help teach our content and to help our students learn to the best of their ability/ learning style. I have lots to learn and I'm excited for the opportunity to learn and then pass that along to my students within my health/PE classroom!

* What opportunities do you see for yourself and your classroom in this PD?
This PD has created an excitement for using technology in my classroom (both health and PE). I've learned to take risks and not be afraid to fail at times when it comes to the use of technology. I really feel that there is so much opportunity for learning enhancement within my classroom when it comes to technology. The vast amount of technology out there when it comes to health, physical education and learning is such a great tool. Students have so much information and innovation at their fingertips today that can teach them so much while keeping them excited to learn and continuing to grow in their knowledge. There are apps to help track their food/exercise, apps that give nutrition information and exercise guides, etc. You can even watch a YouTube video to learn just about anything (changing a tire, CPR, proper form when weightlifting, etc.). I'm excited to show/teach my students about the tech tools that can teach them and help them live a healthy, active lifestyle now and in the future!

*How can you go "big" in your classroom using some ideas you've gotten from this PD?
In order to go "big" in the classroom, I had to change my view of how and why to use technology in the classroom. DitchBook has done just that! I can see the benefits of using technology (in the classroom) that the students use on a regular basis to keep them interested but also show them how to use it for their benefit. We used MyFitnessPal app to track their food for 1 week (it can also track exercise, weight, etc.). The kids hated having to log all the food they ate for a week but were surprised to see the nutrition content in the foods they were eating. It also helped them pay attention to food labels and portion sizes. There are so many other techie things out there that I want to learn about and use within my classroom and having been pushed this year by this PD, I now have a better knowledge and more courage to try new things within my classroom! I also have a great network of teachers and techies that I feel comfortable to go to when I need help! This truly has been a great PD for me and has helped me tremendously when it comes to effectively using technology within my classroom! I can't wait to try new things next year as well and to keep discovering new ways to enhance learning through technology!

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What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?

At the end of each chapter in the book Kids Deserve, you are given things to consider and tweet. I have used those things to reflect even more on the book versus just the answers that I tweet out from the given PD questions. I have also found other tweeters reading this book and have enjoyed reading their response to questions. I enjoy learning from other administrators how they are using this book to challenge what they do in their buildings.

What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?

I have over 30 innovative ideas that have renewed and inspired me this school year. On my teacher’s mid-year evaluations, one of the questions I have asked is to, “Please share briefly the most innovative instructional strategy or activity you have used thus far this school year?” I would have to say that their answers have renewed and inspired me as their principal. There is such a range from Kindergarten to fourth grade and I am impressed with what these teachers are doing in the classroom. An administrator today cannot lead from behind their desk as so much has changed from when I was a teacher. I use my teachers to help me stay innovative and inspired. One of the things I am doing this year, is being a guest teacher one hour per week in a different classroom. This gives me a chance to work with students and teach a concept or activity for the teacher. This hour each week is the highlight of my week and I am reminded of how hard our teachers work to the benefit of our students. By the end of the school year, I will have taught in every teacher’s classroom.

Share a thoughtful reflection of your choice?

I would like to take this opportunity to promote book studies so they continue as a choice for PDMyWAy at LNC. This benefitted me because I could read at my convenience, I was able to share my thoughts and read other thoughts through Twitter and required reflections, and it was more meaningful and relevant. Book studies allow you to be connected to your colleagues because you are doing something together versus independently on your own. I enjoyed hearing the different perspectives from staff at the MS and HS during the Twitter Chats. If you did not try a book study this year, I encourage you to try one next school year.

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- I am dying to create an interactive hyperdoc that allows the kids to travel through a lesson using a variety of tech tools and links.  It's been a goal since I participated in the Diversity training workshop and was exposed to the Google stations.  I think a hyperdoc is my best option to make it simple to access for 3rd graders.  We've officially transitioned our scholars over to Schoology as their tech platform, so I think the time is right to make the jump to posting all our weekly work (from intro to activity to reflection) on a hyperdoc!!!

- DIFFERENTIATION through technology has had REAL MEANING to me this year.  I feel like I've been given the freedom to try new things and explore new ways to meet my kids where each one is... it's been a little challenging finding ways to juggle all the new "stuff" I have going on and manage the "organized chaos," but I know my lessons are more meaningful to my kids bc they are getting materials that are more customized to their level.

- I've come across so many innovative technology sites and tools this year!!!  I love the freedom we have to try new things and the networking opportunities that allow us to learn from our peers.  Some of the tools my scholars and I are really enjoying include ReadWorks, ReadTheory, IXL, Prodigy, Hyperdocs, EasyCBM, Scholastic News online, Discovery Ed, Quizlet, Quizziz, Quizlet Live, and YouTube Audio.  Tech tools are allowing me to differentiate to my students' individual needs in a way I've never been able to do before.  I'm energized by what I've learned and what I've watched my students learn!  More importantly, I'm figuring out how to really utilize Schoology as a platform for managing materials and resources for my scholars.

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*What are some benefits and challenges of PD Your Way?
I find that the biggest benefit is that I am able to find PD that is personalized to what I do in the classroom and my style of teaching.  I was able to find videos/webinars that pertained to my classes.  Another benefit was that I was able to watch the videos on my own time.  One of the biggest challenges was a personal one--procrastination :)  I do not see any changes that need to be made.

*What will you add to make this PD even better?
I need to make sure that I make a conscious effort to implement the new ideas I've found to my classes.  I enjoy/appreciate the webinars I've watched, but often get comfortable in doing things the way I've always done.  So, I hope to add at least one new idea/strategy each semester (or more often).

*Open reflection
I have truly enjoyed the freedom of doing this PD "my way".  Being able to find relevant PD specifically for my subject and level of students I teach is invaluable. EdWeb also had a good variety of topics for webinars that I found useful--not just math or technology.

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What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?

The entire Apple Certified Teacher PD contains innovative Apps that can be used in the classroom.  I am excited to introduce my students to the iMovie App as we begin studying informational text so they can use the App to present information about the topic they research during the unit.  As we are getting ready to study Sound in science, I am inspired to incorporate GarageBand for iPad during our culminating activity for the unit.

List benefits and challenges of doing PD this way.  What changes would you make?

I love the freedom and flexibility of choosing a PD that I feel is most beneficial for me and moving at my own pace to complete the PD.  I would like to have the opportunity to meet with other teachers who already use many of the Apps introduced in the Apple Certified Teacher PD so I can get ideas of how to incorporate some of them in the elementary classroom.  It also might be helpful to have a list of other teachers who are completing the same PD so we are able to collaborate about the PD.

How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?

The Apple Certified Teacher promotes Digital Learning Competencies because it allows me to learn about the different Apps, integrate them in my lesson plans and utilize them in my classroom, and share my ideas with my colleagues so we can purposefully incorporate digital learning in our lesson plans.

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Why did you choose the PD module you chose?

- I chose the CPR/AED training PD because it is of the upmost importance to have as many willing members in a school community, or any community, participate and become certified in case of emergencies.  This PD is a real and applicable training that could be the difference of life and death for a student.  As a PE teacher and coach, I feel it is my duty to be able to handle an emergency situation if needed.

What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?

-Although the CPR & AED training is vital, I think it would be beneficial to have a first aid certification as well.  Not every emergency situation is CPR/AED necessary.  There is always the possibility of a first aid certification coming in handy for broken bones, bloody noses, and other common or dangerous situations that can arise as a PE teacher and coach.

-How will this PD inform your instruction and impact your students in the future?

I hope that this training will never have to be used. In saying that, I believe that these certifications allow students to participate in and learn in a safe environment. Parents and students alike can have full confidence that they are safe and in capable hands if there were to be an emergency situation.

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-How will this PD inform your instruction and impact your students in the future?
Matt Miller's book gave me ideas for going above and beyond the "set curriculum" to expand my students' learning. Before reading, I didn't realize he was a former Spanish teacher, so many of his ideas really resonated - such as giving more authentic input and encouraging students to SPEAK the language, allowing student choice in guiding their own learning. I believe I will try a "choose your own vocabulary" unit at some point in Spanish III, using CMS library resources to provide some structure/choices for students. :)

-What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?
I appreciated that this read had a good dose of reality. While it encourages teachers to "shoot for the moon" with innovation, it also heavily emphasizes self-care. One of my favorite parts was about teachers allowing themselves to "cheat" by not reinventing the wheel, making students CREATE/DO the work instead of the teacher, etc. These are strategies I have begun to implement more and more to maintain my own healthy school-life balance. And I truly believe that they only enhance the learning experience that students have in my classroom. Collaboration and choice make for positive engagement and memorable learning moments.

-What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?
I loved the Twitter chats, but would have loved even one (maybe optional) meet-up in person, whether over coffee, or a morning coffee chat, etc. to further connect and discuss (like Jamie & I did on occasion :) Or an idea swap, where everyone preps/demonstrates one idea they've implemented, so we can see what was shared on Twitter "in action".

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-What will you add to make this PD better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?

I enjoyed the ideas presented and although the writers are administrators of elementary students, I see how the ideas can be transferred and used at the high school level as well. After reading this book,  I am looking to join other PLCs that are geared to World Languages Teachers.  I also feel more revitalized to try a few more new things and just have fun with it.

-How can you go big in your classroom?
I want to go big in a number of ways and I really want to go big with teaching the culture of other countries, perhaps with decorating the class in the theme of a particular country and bringing in authentic speakers and materials from that country. We study culture but I want to find ways to bring that culture alive in the classroom, especially for my first year students. One of the new things I have begun this year is speaking totally in the target language one day  a week.  I have been quite surprised by how much the students know, especially the ones who do not always do well on the test.  I think they are surprised too and that is why we teach right? To see that excitement and sense of pride of accomplishment.

Open Reflection
I have enjoyed this PD and have not been part of a book study in many years.  I read Kids Deserve It and now I also want to read Ditch the Textbook because I have heard so many great things about it through this PD format.  .  I think this PD has given us flexibility to look at something we can each use in our own classrooms different ways.  I liked that it was self paced and not sitting for hours through something that is nt relevant to our individual classrooms.  Thank you LNC for coming up with this PD -  it is one that I have been able to adapt to my classroom.  Furthermore, in reading at our own pace, it was much easier to reflect and think about our own classroom and teaching strategies and techniques

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Quarter 3 Reflection:  Tracy Maas  	PD Intel Teach Elements:  Inquiry in the Science Classroom How does this PD promote the four C's in your classroom?This particular PD incorporates the four C’s  of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity by requiring the students to really, truly think and apply their knowledge about particular science concepts.  Throughout the inquiry-based approach to learning, students must rely on their previous knowledge as well as any new material taught by the teacher.  The teacher is continually posing a variety of questions which require the students to find solutions by critically thinking about the concept in ways the teacher may not yet have presented during whole group lecture.  Additionally, the teacher is providing the students with very few directions for the actual hands-on elements of learning. To be successful, students must communicate their knowledge of the concept with their peers.  Students must also collaborate with their fellow classmates to develop procedures and find solutions to the questions posed by the teacher.  Lastly, students have the freedom to creatively showcase their learning outcomes by using a variety of tech tools on their iPads.    What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?I have gained a lot of valuable information from this PD and hope to incorporate it into my lessons throughout the rest of the year.  Just recently, we completed a “Cheese Ball” lab related to physical and chemical change.  I provided the students with very few actual directions for the lab.  In reality, the lab was quite simple; they could simply crush the cheese balls to show physical change and eat the cheese balls to show chemical change.  Many groups of students struggled with this particular lab because very few directions were provided for them.  Inquiry based science forces the groups to develop their own procedures, collaborate within their groups, and creatively work together to solve problems.  I plan to reduce the number of directions provided to my students during future labs, thus forcing them to think MORE!    What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?I have successfully implemented several labs into my instruction including the cheese ball lab for physical and chemical change, a stylus lab for conductors and insulators, and an upcoming research activity related to renewable and non-renewable energy sources.  In addition, this PD included valuable links for common student misconceptions related to science.  I plan to use this resource to create anticipation guides for future concepts as a way to tailor my instruction to meet the needs of my students.

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Quarter 3 Reflection:  Tracy Maas  	PD Intel Teach Elements:  Inquiry in the Science Classroom How does this PD promote the four C's in your classroom?This particular PD incorporates the four C’s  of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity by requiring the students to really, truly think and apply their knowledge about particular science concepts.  Throughout the inquiry-based approach to learning, students must rely on their previous knowledge as well as any new material taught by the teacher.  The teacher is continually posing a variety of questions which require the students to find solutions by critically thinking about the concept in ways the teacher may not yet have presented during whole group lecture.  Additionally, the teacher is providing the students with very few directions for the actual hands-on elements of learning. To be successful, students must communicate their knowledge of the concept with their peers.  Students must also collaborate with their fellow classmates to develop procedures and find solutions to the questions posed by the teacher.  Lastly, students have the freedom to creatively showcase their learning outcomes by using a variety of tech tools on their iPads.    What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?I have gained a lot of valuable information from this PD and hope to incorporate it into my lessons throughout the rest of the year.  Just recently, we completed a “Cheese Ball” lab related to physical and chemical change.  I provided the students with very few actual directions for the lab.  In reality, the lab was quite simple; they could simply crush the cheese balls to show physical change and eat the cheese balls to show chemical change.  Many groups of students struggled with this particular lab because very few directions were provided for them.  Inquiry based science forces the groups to develop their own procedures, collaborate within their groups, and creatively work together to solve problems.  I plan to reduce the number of directions provided to my students during future labs, thus forcing them to think MORE!    What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?I have successfully implemented several labs into my instruction including the cheese ball lab for physical and chemical change, a stylus lab for conductors and insulators, and an upcoming research activity related to renewable and non-renewable energy sources.  In addition, this PD included valuable links for common student misconceptions related to science.  I plan to use this resource to create anticipation guides for future concepts as a way to tailor my instruction to meet the needs of my students.

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-What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?
I have come across a few great ideas from the PD's I have completed. A majority of the PD's could not be completely invested by myself. It would take buy in from other large stake holders. What would make them better would be to have few colleagues completing the same PD's to bounce ideas off another individual so figure out real life applications that can be used together.

What has had real meaning?
Real meaning has come from the PD's that have focused on students with ASD. The education system is having more students with this diagnosis. In order to support the teacher and the student and make both parties successful I need to be prepared to help both look at how learning might be different. Will homework look different? The comprehension of language can be a challenge. Verbal language does not equal comprehension of material and that can be challenge. Once the student is frustrated behavior challenges become a concern. Education and communication are important when finding strategies to help everyone involved.

Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.
I have truly enjoyed PD my way. It has allowed me to work at a time that is convenient and a time that I can devote and focus on the material. In this respect I can learn in an environment that is conducive to my learning style.

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What opportunities do you see for yourself in this PD?
This PD (book study - Ditch That Textbook) gave me a renewed sense of purpose when it comes to meeting students where they are. The students we currently teach are digital natives, and to continue to teach them the  "old" way doesn't serve them well. I see this as an opportunity to continue to encourage staff to take risks with using technology, because students exist in a world where technology is part of everything. To eliminate it from their learning is unfair.

What has had real meaning?
This quote from Ditch That Textbook: "Inaction is crippling. Action is empowering. Jump in and start". This had real meaning for me because it reminded me that when working with teachers it doesn't matter how small or at what level they start using technology. What's important is that they try something. Often, they will get excited about all the possibilities, but not implement any of them.

List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
Benefits: choice/targeted to content area, asynchronous, freedom on workdays
Challenges: no face-to-face discussion, self-discipline required to get it done.
I would add even more choices to the available PD options. Also, to encourage collaboration, I would like to see staff respond to each other's reflections, in addition to posting their own.

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Something I would like to try in the classroom and haven't yet would be to connect more with small student "light bulb" artistic moments.  Maybe printing off cute little paint palette rewards that are small I could send home and write the achievement on for the parents.  Going the extra mile to see it and right away make them feel special by honoring them with something more then a good job.  I do feel that is also verbal positive reinforcement, but something about going the extra mile after reading the book that I feel is important.

I think PD Your Way is great.  It allowed me to read at my own pace and try some of the things right there in real time with my students.  The implementing of social media Instagram and connecting with the parents and kids is something I have loved this year.  I think the gaps in time to remember to go on the Twitter Chat I struggled with.  I feel it wasn't a slow Twitter chat, was more of , get it done and everyone answered at once.

Lastly I think my book was so user teacher friendly. Kids deserve it would be great for new teachers or teachers like me that have been teaching for many years. There is always something new to try and it reinforces that. It was easy to read and easy to implement something to get you excited about your classroom. Also, it made me feel great to know I am doing these things too!

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-What opprotutnities do I see with chosen PD?  My first PD was EdWeb. I liked how easy it was to find topics to work on catered to my needs. By the third reflection, I had moved to Truenorthlogic. The opprotunities with both PD venues are endeless. Being able to chose was ideal. I even started on one and it wasn't what I needed, so I was albe to chose another. Ease and flexibility in completion was great!
-What will I add to make PD better? What I would add is my ablity to be more diligent on working on the reflection and being more organized. I have completed the Truenorthlogic, I just procrastinate on the reflection.
- Open ended - By far, in my years working for LNCharter, this PD method has been my favorite. I enjoy choosing the topics and being able to meet my needs. Thank you for developing this program!

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-What's a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?

I have learned a lot of things from others in my classes and from the content of my classes that would help students get excited about learning.   A lot of the content in my classes so far has been about ways to be a culturally responsive teacher.  One idea to begin doing that is by allowing students an opportunity to connect with others around the world.  My class had been learning about geography and different landforms around the world.  Last week, my class along with another second grade class skyped with a museum in Wyoming.  During this session, students learned about landscape and different landforms found in Wyoming.  I used this to get my feet wet as it was been the first time I had done it in a classroom, but I would love to skype with another class from a different country by the end of the year.

-How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?

One of my grad school classes this semester is about issues in STEM education.  Recently, I had to create an integrated STEM framework for an elementary classroom.  This assignment required me to go research different ways in which I could create a unit which incorporated the elements of STEM education.  I realized that technology is often used poorly in classrooms and I need to incorporate technology  as a time for students to explore and eventually connect with others.  All of my classes have promoted Digital Learning Competencies in my classroom..ex. the Skype session listed above.

-What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?

By being able to use my Grad school classes as my PD for this year has been really beneficial. I have been able to gain ideas from readings, professors, and other teachers in the classes. The classes have made me think on what I can do better as a teacher and have also pushed me to get to know my students in a deeper more meaningful way. The classes have also pushed me out of my comfort zone as a teacher. I have tried new things and want to continue to broaden my horizons for my students

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PD - Digital Literacy - Reading and Writing  - a TrueNorth course.
1. How does it promote Digital Literacy? It reinforced what I am doing in my classroom. It also made me appreciative of the Digital Citizenship classes taught by Sara and Marianne. The basic premises of this class was grounded in that class. I did learn several new strategies for helping kids do searches for information. I learned most about the shift which must be made in reading digitally. It is a skills and mindset reorientation for how to read for information and the strategies which must be incorporated to find understanding.
2. Informing instruction and impact students in the future. I will try some of the different search engines. I found some "worksheets”which I can modify to illustrate how different searches/databases can garner different information.  For reading - I thought is was interesting that collaborative discussion slows down the reading so it becomes more than just a quick scan looking for key words.  I am actually doing an activity in class tomorrow having students discuss and elaborate on details they gain digitally.
3. PD this Way. LOVE IT. It allowed me to find something for which I had a need and pursue it at my own rate. One size does not fit all. My PD got to e tailored to me needs. The group that put all the options together did a great job giving us variety, and administration giving approval of the format is greatly appreciated.

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I have found doing PD this way to be helpful because I can pick areas that I need to focus on for renewal and my specific classroom. On the other hand, like many of the middle school kids I teach, I don't always make the best choices or pace myself very well. I sometimes say to my students "I've given you all of this time why did you wait to the last day?" I am that student. The last webinar I watched had administrators discussing technology use in their schools. Four different people, four different goals and implementation of technology.
I joined a Facebook(yeah, I know I'm old, but I also use Snapchat) group for middle school math teachers. I've borrowed a couple of good ideas, seen that lots of people have the same struggles and encouraged a couple of people who seemed to be having a bad year. That's about as far as I'll go with joining professional groups.
Reading a few of these reflections has helped me see other things that I should try. I find that as helpful as any module I've watched.

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-I have enjoyed the LNC Choice PD this year.  The ability to chose topics relevant to my specific professional development is beneficial because I am making the most out of my time on topics I feel are relevant to my needs as an educator.  Also, the flexibility to complete several online sessions after an E-learning day was especially appreciated because I could work from the comfort of my home with fewer interuptions and distractions.  The main challenge I had with the LNC Choice was the lack of communication and interaction with other educators.  I enjoy collaborating with colleagues in groups because it is helpful to share experiences and learn how others have handled similar situations.  The only change or suggesstion I would make is to see if people are taking the same online courses on PD days and possibly get together to work on the professional development sessions.
---A new way I am creative in class to enhance students' excitement is I am learning new technology techniques to teach familiar concepts. Kahoots for review games, Pear Deck for class disucssions, and Desmos for graphing are a few examples of the technologies the students enjoy participating in while learning. Quizizz for homework assignments and Quizlet for making flashcards keeps the students interested and invested in their education. Technology will forever be changing so I need to stay up to date to keep up with my students :)

---An idea I have had that I have wanted to try but haven't yet is the Flipped Classroom. I want to create a video with guided notes for the students to complete at home, then come to class the next day ready to ask questions and practice the new topic with the co-teachers present and ready to answer questions. I have read it is a very beneficial teaching style for students with disabilities because they can rewatch the videos as many times as needed, especially if they are distracted, and can then practice correctly with the guidance of two teachers assisting them in the classroom. If a Flipped Classroom will better assist my students with disabilities, then I definitely want to try it if it will make them more successful!

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How does this PD promote the 4 C's in your classroom?
The 4 C's- critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity- are all embodied within the applications Apple offers through it's Apple Certified Teacher program.  I have learned how students can collaborate with others using real-time communication in the Pages app.  There is a collaborate feature that enables multiple people to view, edit, and comment on the same document.  Students can invite peers or teachers and information can be digitally shared simultaneously.

Students can get very creative in several of the applications Apple offers.  I like to think technology integration has it's own 4 C's (so to speak): creation, curation. connection, and consumption!  The curation and creation go hand in hand when students are able to add graphics, create interesting transitions, animate objects, and so on.  Students are becoming multi-lingual in a digital sense.  They are  using critical-thinking skills and becoming empowered by hands-on activities in the classroom.

What innovative ideas have you come across that keep you professionally renewed and inspired?
The Productivity and Creativity courses are the two I saved for last.  After gaining a working understanding of the applications, I thought these two badges would help me to reflect on what I have learned and give me some inspiration on how to apply it.  I think what helps me feel inspired the most is learning something new and enjoying the process.  When students come to me in 5th grade, they are new to LNC and generally new to iPads.  I hope to instill some  of the "fun in learning" into my students so 5th grade is not such a scary transition and they feel confident moving towards becoming digitally competent.

What opportunities do you see for yourself/ your classroom in this PD?
I always learn tech stuff from my students! Now I will finally be able to teach them something! (haha) We use the app Explain Everything quite a bit so students can present information and submit assignments with graphics and explanations to me through Schoology. I feel like we have a full tool belt of options now- from Garage Band, Pages, to Key Note... all of these apps are great for curating cutting-edge projects and sharing ideas. I would like to offer students the opportunity to work in different apps to submit/ share work throughout the year.

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My reflection is based on my PhD program at UNC-Charlotte in Curriculum and Instruction, Urban Literacy.

What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven't?
I am currently in the process of reworking my units into thematic units of study. This semester, as I've had the chance to take a deep dive into culturally sustaining pedagogies, I'm discovering that my curriculum can grow and breath in response to the diverse classroom in which I teach. As I'm learning more about the fight for equality among different groups and truly appreciating the differences between them, I haven't had the chance to organize my year into themes. I'm looking forward to focusing on themes like hope, perseverance, and resiliency while introducing the voices of the non-dominant groups into the curriculum. I want students to see themselves in the texts we choose to read.

How can you go "big" in your classroom, using some ideas you’ve gotten from this PD?
I can go big in my classroom by ensuring that my curriculum is culturally-relevant and that it sustains the linguistic and cultural heritage of my students. Often, the dominant culture is represented in the texts or movies we watch. However, in the process, we lose the rich heritage that our students bring to our classrooms. For me, going big means setting aside my notion of what ELA looks like and focusing on what my students need to see.

What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?
For my classroom, I expect that opportunities will begin to show themselves in terms of students having buy-in to the texts we read. For instance, I am looking for books or texts about different cultures and the struggles faced as immigrants acclimate to America. From my studies, I'm learning about the idea of equality and what it really means. For my students, I want them to show empathy for those who weren't born here and the real fight for equality they face each day.

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What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?

As I get more comfortable with the iPad apps, I see myself using information from this PD in my classroom. I’d like to continue with more Apple Teacher PDs so that I can learn more about the iPad and apps. Apple added badges for coding and a section for viewing Apple Teachers in action. I want to watch several Apple Teachers in action so I can see how the iPads and apps are used in different classrooms and in different ways.

What has had real meaning?

Real meaning has come from the PD your way program giving ownership and responsibility to the teacher to get the PD completed. At previous schools, I’ve had to participate in PDs that didn’t affect my classroom or meet my PD requirements.. The PD your way program has given me the choice of PDs that I can use in my classroom and to meet my requirements.

List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?

PD this way has been a nice change from my previous experiences. One of the benefits of PD your way is that the teachers can choose PDs that meet their PD requirements. Also, PD your way gives you the opportunity to select PD that fits your subject/area. I have participated in many PDs that did not impact my classroom because the PD was geared toward the gen ed classroom. One challenge of PD your way could be that teachers have to hold themselves accountable to get the PD hours completed without a lot of structure from the program. Some teachers might find this difficult, while others might like the independence. I wouldn’t make any changes with PD your way this year. I did find the choices a little overwhelming, but  I think that was because it was my first experience with this program.

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Q1 How does this promote digital learning?  Copyright law is what I focused on.  With the push to go green and upload as many handouts as possible, this PD was helpful in making legal decisions on what I can and cannot share.  While teaching/learning and green initiatives are important, staying out of trouble with copyright law is also important.
Q2 What has had real meaning? I would say every module of this PD had real meaning that I can use in the classroom the very next lesson.  For example, I did not realize the differences in the laws between music that is copyrighted (both written and recorded) and text that is written and recorded.  It's a great PD that everyone should consider going through.
Q3  Open ended?  This is my first year at LNC. Like many of the faculty I came from the traditional school world where PD was handled very differently. It always seemed to me that we did PD the same way and more often than not, it was on something that didn't directly affect my teaching or it was so high level to encompass all areas of teaching, it wasn't detailed enough to really be effective. Bravo LNC for making PD something that I find relevant and interesting. I hope we do it this way again next year.

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Q1- What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?
When I first started the Apple Teacher training, I was enjoying learning how to implement technology in the classroom, but as I was completing the assignments I kept asking myself, can I really use this with my students? It wasn't until I completed the Productivity with iPad module that I really got excited and started to understand how I can use pages for concepts as simple as vocabulary review or garage band for reading fluency. I know my students will be motivated to learn and REMEMBER vocabulary words by using voice recordings, drawings, etc.

Q2: How will this PD inform your instruction and impact your students in the future?

I think my students will be more likely to remember content rather than regurgitate what they have learned and then forget it a few months later. Students can save their work and share it with their parents. Students can utilize these apps to study for tests. I plan to use videos and voice recordings frequently because what elementary student doesn't love watching and listening themselves.

Q3: Share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.

As I had mentioned before, as wonderful as this training has been, I wasn't quite sure how I could use it in my classroom because of the concepts we are learning in resource. However, as I move on to different modules I have had several "aha" moments. My biggest one being, if the material is saved on the computer, you can't lose it! There have been so many times where I asked students for study guides or to get something out of their folder and it's nowhere to be found. If students save their work on the computer and/or share it with me... we won't have that problem. It holds them accountable and their parents can easily access it as well.

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Q1:  List the benefits and challenges of doing PD this way.

A1:  I think it is beneficial to have a wide range of choices for teachers.  I like that we can customize what we do so that teachers may choose something relevant to their situation.  I also found the flexibility helpful.  Sometimes on workdays, I feel I have more pressing tasks to complete; with this model, I worked on the PD when it was convenient for me.  I did find it challenging to review the various options and choose a course I wanted to complete.  As I got into the course, I found it was not exactly what I thought at first.  I also found it a little challenging to carve out the time to complete the assignments.

Q2:  What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven't?

A2:  I have thought about finding ways to incorporate some form of coding into my classes.  I believe it is an important skill for students to try.  My experience, however, is limited, and I don’t yet have a clear vision of how it would be naturally incorporated into my curriculum.

Q3:  What's a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?

A3:  I continue to seek ways to use technology to actively engage students in practicing and applying the concepts we cover in class.  I particularly look for resources which allow students to practice collaboratively but still have individual accountability.  For example, I use a couple of websites for practice problems.  The students are all given the same basic problem, but each student is given unique numbers to use.  Students can share ideas of how to approach the problem, but students must perform their own calculations to arrive at their answers.  The students then receive immediate feedback and are allowed to try again until they are successful.

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List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
PD Your Way has been beneficial in the opportunity to give you a choice of interests to help impact your classroom.  It gives you lots of free resources for PD that will help with licensure renewal.  The challenges are sorting through all the resources even with the snapshot presentations by everyone at the start.  It may be beneficial during the second year for teachers to be broken into groups at the start of the year in a jigsaw format from all the different PDs taken to share the highlights in a small group setting.  Teachers could then explore the benefits and challenges before deciding what to explore for their PD next year.
How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?
It corresponded with
Leadership in Digital Learning
Take initiative with own professional growth to inform practice.
Demonstrate leadership for technology innovation beyond my own classroom.
Digital Content and Instruction
All of the underlying objectives.
What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?
I plan on retaking the modules when the iOS is updated to stay current with the innovations being offered by Apple.

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How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?

The Apple Teacher Training helped me to accelerate the integration of technology into my teaching by broadening my view of what I can do with the iPads provided for me. I am able to share with students how to create using the Apple tools provided. Using these technologies, I am able to model digital citizenship with my first graders - they are understanding of the proper ways to handle and use technology because of the way I integrate it in my teaching. The iPad allows me to make my instruction more accessible to any group of learners I have now and in the future.

List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?

The benefits of this PD model outweigh any changes I would ever make. It has been so beneficial to be able to do PD on my terms and accomplish my goals as a professional. As a team, we are even inspired to start our own book study using this model for next year’s PD.

How can you go "big" in your classroom, using some ideas you’ve gotten from this PD?

I really want to jump in and create an iMovie to show parents how far these students have come in terms of writing. I would love to show parents their first writing project and then a current writing sample to show the growth. This is in the works and I cannot wait to see how it turns out! Not only will this show parents progress it will also help students take ownership of their learning!

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-What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?I focused a lot of my edweb webinar choices on literacy as I have a lot of ideas to make the Reading Specialist position here at the MS even better in coming years. I especially felt the webinar on Improving Student Performance on Online Assessments was powerful because that is where our data and EOG type assessments may be heading in the future, and it is up to us to adequately prepare our kiddos for this kind of change. -How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?Out of the 4 Digital Learning Competencies Focus Areas, I chose a statement that I felt best represented specific examples of how this PD has helped improve my own instruction.1. Leadership in Digital Learning: Take initiative with own professional growth to inform practiceI feel that I am a pretty reflective educator. I like meeting with Marianne and Sara to improve my instruction, especially when it comes to technology. 2. Digital Citizenship: Demonstrate global awareness through engaging with other cultures via advanced communication and collaboration tools.Two years ago I partnered with a school in California and my inclusion class partnered in pen pal back and forth digital writing through Schoology. I’d love to be able to do this again with all 4 of my classes and dive in deeper with Skype sessions, shared photos etc. 3. Digital Content and Instruction: Design technology-enriched learning experiences that encourage all students to pursue their individual interests, preferences, and differences.Between the Digital Citizenship classes that our Media Center hosts, and the constant innovative techniques I try to implement year to year, allows my students to showcase their individual interests and differences. Currently we are writing argument paragraphs and students get to choose their arguments (just one very minute but quick example). They are then researching using NCWISEOWL, citing correctly and using Google Docs to collaborate and edit.  4. Data and Assessment: Use performance data and digital tools to empower student metacognition for self-assessment & self-monitoring their own learning progress.Through my small group stations and an online program called ReadTheory, my students know their program average, and each week they work towards their bar graph increasing. They also set individualized goals to practice in the small group EOG prep station. We met one on one to discuss MAPs data to set these strategy goals. -What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?Next year, if I am still teaching 7th grade ELA, I really want my Invention Essay to coincide with a Genius Hour project, giving students the ability to really, truly think outside the box and let their creativity soar. I love collaborating with my peers because they always hear things and try new things that inspire me to then go and try new things. Google alone offers many opportunities for interesting add ons and renewed innovations. 

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-What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?I focused a lot of my edweb webinar choices on literacy as I have a lot of ideas to make the Reading Specialist position here at the MS even better in coming years. I especially felt the webinar on Improving Student Performance on Online Assessments was powerful because that is where our data and EOG type assessments may be heading in the future, and it is up to us to adequately prepare our kiddos for this kind of change. -How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?Out of the 4 Digital Learning Competencies Focus Areas, I chose a statement that I felt best represented specific examples of how this PD has helped improve my own instruction.1. Leadership in Digital Learning: Take initiative with own professional growth to inform practiceI feel that I am a pretty reflective educator. I like meeting with Marianne and Sara to improve my instruction, especially when it comes to technology. 2. Digital Citizenship: Demonstrate global awareness through engaging with other cultures via advanced communication and collaboration tools.Two years ago I partnered with a school in California and my inclusion class partnered in pen pal back and forth digital writing through Schoology. I’d love to be able to do this again with all 4 of my classes and dive in deeper with Skype sessions, shared photos etc. 3. Digital Content and Instruction: Design technology-enriched learning experiences that encourage all students to pursue their individual interests, preferences, and differences.Between the Digital Citizenship classes that our Media Center hosts, and the constant innovative techniques I try to implement year to year, allows my students to showcase their individual interests and differences. Currently we are writing argument paragraphs and students get to choose their arguments (just one very minute but quick example). They are then researching using NCWISEOWL, citing correctly and using Google Docs to collaborate and edit.  4. Data and Assessment: Use performance data and digital tools to empower student metacognition for self-assessment & self-monitoring their own learning progress.Through my small group stations and an online program called ReadTheory, my students know their program average, and each week they work towards their bar graph increasing. They also set individualized goals to practice in the small group EOG prep station. We met one on one to discuss MAPs data to set these strategy goals. -What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?Next year, if I am still teaching 7th grade ELA, I really want my Invention Essay to coincide with a Genius Hour project, giving students the ability to really, truly think outside the box and let their creativity soar. I love collaborating with my peers because they always hear things and try new things that inspire me to then go and try new things. Google alone offers many opportunities for interesting add ons and renewed innovations. 

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-How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?  Marianne has given us opportunities to share digital resources and the application of those resources that we find useful in the classroom. She has also created questions that incorporate using digital resources that we may have previously been unfamiliar with. We have also discussed ways to immerse students in analyzing authentic problems utilizing digital tools and resources.
-What has had real meaning? Sharing our reflections on how best to approach innovation in the classroom has been the most meaningful to me. My colleagues have brought fresh perspectives to the question of how to engage and propel learning past perceived limits. I have been exposed to new digital platforms and have had refreshing, supportive conversations.
-How can you go "big" in your classroom, using some ideas you’ve gotten from this PD?
I can give my students opportunities throughout the year to apply the skills they are learning in class to a year long passion project. I can give them the room they need to extend their learning beyond the skills I am teaching them to become self-confident and proud of their accomplishments. This way, their learning will stick with them and lead to new learning that they are themselves responsible for.

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#3#LNCDitchBookWhat opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?I think a huge change for me this year has been transitioning to Google Drive.  I’ve attempted to be more paperless than ever before, although I still have to say that sometimes paper is needed in an English classroom.  I’ve been able to see how collaboration (for my team and for my students) is much easier through Google Docs.  I think this has helped my class be more streamlined and I’ve been more purposeful about my lessons.  This will continue to help me grow as a teacher and I’m so mad I refused to love Google before this year!What are some  things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?I think getting students to create more of their own content through the use of technology is something I’ve pulled from this PD.  It is truly the creation that gives the students ownership over their learning.  One way I’ve been able to do this is through the #BookBento projects my students created this year.  They were writing analytically, but adding in elements of technology and visual design, the students were more excited about it overall.  I’m looking forward to finding more ways to do this in the future.Open Ended - Share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.This PD has inspired me to keep creating my curriculum.  I know it is a lot of work, but it is so much more meaningful than textbook work.  I think it also reiterated for me that it is okay not to revamp every lesson/activity for every unit, but to take time to make it meaningful.  No one is expecting me to change everything tomorrow.  I shouldn’t overwhelm myself by doing that anyway.  Instead, i can take a few lessons from each unit to revamp and make more digital.  This is a growing process and I’m excited to keep the momentum going.

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#3#LNCDitchBookWhat opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?I think a huge change for me this year has been transitioning to Google Drive.  I’ve attempted to be more paperless than ever before, although I still have to say that sometimes paper is needed in an English classroom.  I’ve been able to see how collaboration (for my team and for my students) is much easier through Google Docs.  I think this has helped my class be more streamlined and I’ve been more purposeful about my lessons.  This will continue to help me grow as a teacher and I’m so mad I refused to love Google before this year!What are some  things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?I think getting students to create more of their own content through the use of technology is something I’ve pulled from this PD.  It is truly the creation that gives the students ownership over their learning.  One way I’ve been able to do this is through the #BookBento projects my students created this year.  They were writing analytically, but adding in elements of technology and visual design, the students were more excited about it overall.  I’m looking forward to finding more ways to do this in the future.Open Ended - Share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.This PD has inspired me to keep creating my curriculum.  I know it is a lot of work, but it is so much more meaningful than textbook work.  I think it also reiterated for me that it is okay not to revamp every lesson/activity for every unit, but to take time to make it meaningful.  No one is expecting me to change everything tomorrow.  I shouldn’t overwhelm myself by doing that anyway.  Instead, i can take a few lessons from each unit to revamp and make more digital.  This is a growing process and I’m excited to keep the momentum going.