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Hi everyone! My name is Madison Irwin. I am a 26 year old fiance, dog mother, and a Biology teacher at Wando High School with a love of educational technology! I am an avid reader, dog lover, and Netflix watcher. I love using diverse technologies in my blended, personalized Biology classroom. I am a Level 1 Google Certified Educator, and have a M.Ed. in Educational Technology with a concentration in Digital Teaching and Learning. Be on the lookout for tips, tools, lessons, and reflections focused on Biology and Ed. Tech.  Thanks!

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Hi everyone! I do apologize that I have not posted on here in a few months! Since my graduation with my Master's in November, I have taken a "mini vacation" from working diligently on improving curriculum with the use of technology! With that being said, I am ready to dive right in!

Flexible pacing refers to the practice of allowing students a certain amount of flexibility in the amount of time they use to complete a task or master a skill or competency. This allows for students to work at their own pace, be at different spots within curriculum, and creates differentiation.  My current goal as a Biology teacher is to make my entire curriculum flex paced. I have began with a few units. Check out my example below!

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Tracker Sheet Unit 1 Biomolecules H Spring 2020 Irwin

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Happy Sunday, friends! As I am gearing up for the upcoming school week, I wanted to share an article I came across about why technology should be used in the classroom. How many students daily do you see with a cell phone? Students are CONSTANTLY using digital tools and media since it is a part of their everyday lives, so why not embrace and use it in the classroom? Even if it is just a baby step, at least think about incorporating technology into a lesson or activity.

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

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The Transition from Traditional, Passive to Modernized, Active learning.

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The Transition from Traditional, Passive to Modernized, Active learning.

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Just as new and improved technologies are emerging almost every day, so are instructional strategies. It is important that educators enhance their instruction so instead of only the traditional, passive teaching methods, educators can engage students with active learning strategies.

In my Biology class, we just finished with the Biomolecules Unit. I wanted to share my project and problem based unit as an example of student-centered, active learning. Enjoy!

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Module 2- Differentiating Project-Based and Problem-Based Learning

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One way to do this is to use the blended learning instructional model, and incorporate digital playlists into instruction! This increases student digital literacy as well as engages with diverse technology tools. Check out the presentation from a Professional Development myself and a colleague led. Enjoy!

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Using Playlists to Personalize Learning!

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These are two of my favorite formative assessment tools to use in my classroom. Check out the Prezi presentation to see how they can be used in the classroom!

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Photosynthesis is one of those topics that just is difficult to teach to some students! In order to pull small group, give individualized instruction, and utilize technology, I use the blended learning model, specifically digital playlists. Below are my playlist directions if you want to gain an idea of what a digital playlist is and how it is used in Photosynthesis. Enjoy!

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Ever used the technological app Poll Everywhere? It is an excellent way to collect data from students in class in various polls. Attached are the Standard Operating Procedures for Poll Everywhere if you want to see how it works! Enjoy!

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Anyone that knows me, knows that technology and Biology are my two passions as an educator. Integrating technology effectively into a Biology unit is light Christmas morning to me!!!! Technology is the future of education, and it can be introduced to promote engagement as well as increase student learning outcomes.

I am a science nerd when it comes to Molecular and Cellular Biology. I created this unit integrating technology into a Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic cell unit. Enjoy!

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Module 5: Technology Integrated Curricular Unit Plan

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The Google Suite is an amazing free tool that educators can use to integrate technologies into curricular lessons. An easy way to transition to the Google Suite is to start with Google Slides. Attached is an excerpt from a Professional Development I constructed about Google Slides. Enjoy!

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Creating Professional Environments in a Virtual World

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Creating Professional Environments in a Virtual World

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We as educators that utilize technology are known as educational technologists. In my school, it is the job of the educational technologists to facilitate professional development focused on technology, school culture, data, and instruction. Attached is a simple guideline presentation when facilitating a professional development for all my of educational technologists out there! Enjoy!

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Module 5 Reflection: Visual Representation-Irwin

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Hi everyone! Ever try incorporating problem-based learning into instruction? Students will not only be engaged in attempting to find a solution to a problem, but will increase their information literacy skills and research methods. Check out the slideshow attached focused on the Problem-Based Learning Instructional Model! Enjoy!

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Module 4: Researching the Problem-Based Instructional Model-Madison Irwin

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To me, reflection in my classroom is a major component to student voice and choice. Giving students a voice and choice not only promotes accountability and responsibility, but allows for student respect. I hosted a professional development about student voice and choice with a colleague. Attached is the presentation. Enjoy!

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If you are an educational technologist like me, then you have a favorite technology tool that you use daily in your classroom. Mine without a doubt is socrative. Socrative is an online classroom app for quick, formative assessments. Give it a go, you will not be disappointed! Enjoy!

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Socrative for Educators Learning Object-Madison Irwn