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1. What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?
During the last two e-learning days, I created hyperdocs to guide my students through the lessons. I have also worked with Sara D to transfer all of our digital citizenship lessons onto Google Sites. We've used a lot of G-Suite tools with our students, including Forms, Slides, and Docs to make our lessons more interactive and engaging.

2. What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?
I think interactivity is the main opportunity I see. There is so much potential to use these tools in creative ways that make lessons more interactive and to personalize learning. This is also helpful when designing professional development materials because it shows teachers the potential of technology to create engaging lessons that get students excited about learning.

3. What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven't?
I would like to build my own hyperdoc from scratch. So far, I have just been using templates, but I think that taking the time to build my own will give me a more in-depth understanding of the possibilities for using Hyperdocs in lessons. It also gives me more flexibility to determine the best way to present the content I want my students to learn.

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PD Reflection Apple Certification Teacher

Q1. -What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD? We implement numbers, pages, and keynote within my classroom already. Numbers helps ensure the students are organized with shot list during production shoots, cast list, emergency contact info., etc. Pages is utilized to create playbills and programs. Keynotes are a form of presentations for our design concepts and technical theatre.

Q2. -How will this PD inform your instruction and impact your students in the future? This PD gives an in-depth insight that is beyond a basic and generalization of many applications. This will help impact our students by giving myself a better understanding of the materials and technology they utilize to enhance the content.

Q3. -List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make? LNC Choice has several benefits that I enjoy. First, being that I am allotted my personal time to complete this PD. This gives me the flexibility to complete at my own leisure. Another benefit would be that LNC has offered a plethora of PD's instead of just a single PD option. This allows each teacher to attend their personal favorite PD. A Challenge is I have already completed all my required PD for my renewal process and do not need another, but am required to complete this PD regardless. Another challenge is that I have the option to complete these PD's on my own time and have procrastinated. I still haven't completed my Apple Certification Teacher PD.

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Q1. How can you go “big” in your classroom using some ideas you’ve gotten from this PD?
Originally I chose this PD to see how I could implement computer analysis with stataistics in my classroom. Implementing the material in the classroom is not viable because of the difficulty of accessing the programming platform. Instead, I have looked at this PD and thought about how i can encourage students to pursue further learning experiences online.

Q2. What has had real meaning?
I completed this particular PD to see how I could utilize the material in my classroom as well as further myself career wise. One important thing I noted was that it was a bit more difficult for me to access the course information because it was an online learning environment. I know that I would have gotten more out of the PD if the course had been completed in a face-to-face or hybrid learning environment. Understanding how I best learn is one the my biggest takeaways from this PD.

Q3. How does this PD promote the four C’s in your classroom?
The coursework for my PD was completed online where we had to collaborate and communicate with others in order to complete assignments. I know I will continue to work on having my students collaborate with others in class as it fosters community and improves their capacity to communicate. The PD also required a lot of creativity and critical thinking in coming up with programs to address the computer problems assigned. I know that will continue to be a focus in my classroom.

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

A new idea I have used in my classroom is "teaching rhythm logically". It is a systematic approach to teaching rhythms to young students and has revolutionized my teaching. I has allowed me to help students make connections to past learning and forge connections with what they will be doing in the future.

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

I have found the use of colors for sounds to help enhance students excitement, Instead of telling students to play a passage a certain way, I have started to say "play that with a dark purple sound". They have to be more introspective but almost always end up in the same boat.

-What has had real meaning?
I enjoyed the webinars that I used from NCEES, but what has had real meaning in my PD was when I was able to interact with other instrumental music educators at the annual NC Music Educators Conference. Attending sessions from titans of my field was humbling and inspiring.

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How will this PD impact your Ss in the future?
A1: It is challenging me to find new ways to teach old material.  Trying to eliminate textbooks, coming up with new power points/google slides, creating my own practice and/or activities is pushing me to find new ways that may inspire students to learn more.

What opportunities do you see for yourself/classroom in this PD?
A2: I love the quote "tiny changes produce big results". sometimes just adjusting the way that I present new material, or bringing in a new example, etc can first of all keep teaching fresh and exciting for me but once I show more enthusiasm, the students sense it and get more out of the lesson.

What's an idea that you wanted to try but haven't yet?
A3: I keep wanting to Skype with a college professor or with my stats hero Pardi Sabeti but haven't gotten around to it. Being able to talk with people that use the math that we learn in class for their job can help show students that math is useful

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

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

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My book study on "Ditch that Textbook" has inspired me to start thinking outside of the box when it comes to the methods that I typically use to teach science. The book poses the question: "What would you do, if you knew you couldn't fail?" This prompt inspired me to think about possibly moving towards a problem-based learning approach to my class, more project-based lessons to demonstrate knowledge, or intertwining more opportunities for students to discuss scientific issues within the local and global community.

What's a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students' excitement?
I am interested in trying out a Choice Board for students to demonstrate their science knowledge in more creative, differentiated ways.  I am interested to see how student engagement is affected when they have more options to share what they have learned with their peers.  Providing different modes of assessment will also provide further insight into my students' personalities, interests, and strengths as learners.

What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?
This year, I have implemented a change the way that I assess student knowledge using a series of Science-Based Learning Skills, which were inspired by the HS English department.  This method of assessment provides more insight as to the strength and development of students' critical thinking skills in science.  I have also been inspired by some of the new educational tools that I have seen colleagues using, such as Screencast-o-matic, Flipgrid, Hyperdocs, or Skyping with a scientist.

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

For my Master’s program I created a unit that was based on Flipping the Classroom. I made video lectures, notes, and playlists that allowed students to move at their own pace. I feel this has been extremely successful during the past month due to the fact that multiple students were out for multiple days. I do not feel they missed all instruction and if they chose, they were able to keep up with the class activities. I also had multiple parents who were appreciative of this model so they could help their student as needed.

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

By using teacherspayteachers.com I have found multiple digital breakouts that students use as either a learning tool or for review. I also use the BreakOUT EDU site for other options of creating breakouts for my students. I feel it is another form of giving a web quest that provides immediate feedback to prevent misunderstandings.

3.  What has had real meaning?

While completing my Master’s program and National Boards, I have learned more about technology because I have spent time writing papers and maneuvering through different websites and platforms. I feel much more competent with Microsoft Word, PowerPoints, and now rely on these more than just the SmartBoard program. I also found multiple avenues for implementing digital activities and strategies for providing immediate feedback.

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-List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice).

What changes would you make?
Benefits:
-at your own pace and discretion (huge benefit)
- a multitude of choices
- awesome when you find something beneficial
- I was not aware of all the awesome things the IPad can do!
Challenges
- Capella - very theory driven (this is why this works concluded by many different researchers) and not enough real world application ideas (yes it's been proven to work but give me some ideas (projects, lesson plans, etc. to use it in the classroom)
- once you start it and find that it's not relevant, you keep going because you have already invested hours in the class
- sometimes you are only learning about one idea that can be used in class compared to a PD where you can learn multiple ideas to use in the classroom
- hard to stay motivated when the teacher needs to make meaningful lessons, meet the grading expectations, grade, read LIA narratives, fill out 504 documents, make copies (most of us are very good at time management, but eventually we run out of time)

What changes can be made?
1. do more research on the PD offered - give the teachers specific class that were really great and applicable for the classroom. May be come up with specific PD options for English, Science, Math, Social Studies, etc.
2. Once a week or every two weeks do a PepRally or LIA schedule - that extra time can be given to students for a study hall (may be do it in the morning) and teachers can work on PD or grading, etc. Would really help with the mental health initiative of the school :)

-What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven't?
At the moment, I'm working on the Apple Certification. I'm intrigued byt the productivity with the ipad. The Calenders, reminders, etc. There seems to be many ways to use the Ipads that I couldn't begin to implement. I love the idea of mark up. I'm aware of this being an option when using google docs. I just do not know how to use it. I am very focused on trying to finish up the Apple teacher certification and I am planning to go back and research more after I finish with this PD and work on my Item writing PD for NC state by March 1st.

-What has had real meaning?
Nothing yet. I have already stated that my Capella class was a waste of time. Honestly, I'm just trying to complete the Ipad training in time to have my CEUs completed. The Apple training is more meaningful and I plan to go back and look at other ideas I can use next year in my lessons this summer. The PD for the item writing session at NC state also looks like it may be something I will use in the future as it is geared to writing great stimulus test questions.

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

During one of my graduate classes, we had to plan a unit that incorporated a global education standard and demonstrated global competency. I picked our 2nd grade unit on geography and environmental literacy.  Part of the unit I planned incorporated the use of a Skype Collaborative Classroom. I was a little hesitant to use Skype in a lower elementary classroom, but thought I'd give it a try!  Although the Collaborative Classroom part using Sway presentations fell through, due to the time difference from the US and India, I was able to plan a Virtual Skype Field Trip with the Museum of Wyoming.  We spoke to an employee there who shared information about Wyoming's location, landscape, animals and adaptations, and history.  This went along well with our unit and the students thoroughly enjoyed the experience!  Now I feel very confident in the use of Skype and am interested in researching ways to incorporate it more into the 2nd grade curriculum.

What has had real meaning?

I am currently taking a course on culturally responsive teaching.  The content we have read thus far has really made me think about how I motivate my dependent learners to become independent learners, and how I motivate my less-motivated workers.  One assignment had us reflecting on how much we truly know about our students (their interests, family, strengths/weaknesses, triggers and diffusers, etc.)  This has really opened my eyes to what else I could possibly be doing to meet the needs of ALL learners.  I look forward to learning more throughout this semester in hopes to make my classroom a successful learning environment for all.  I hope to learn how to become a culturally responsive teacher through my graduate courses.

Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.

Through all my courses, I've had a chance to listen, discuss, and share various resources, strategies, ideas, and "tips" with other educators in the area.  I have learned just as much (if not more) from them than I have with my activities and assignments assigned in class.  I feel this collaboration and communication is valuable and look forward to incorporating the ideas shared with me within my classroom.  It has renewed and inspired me to try new ideas and approaches, and given me the confidence to not be afraid to step outside-the-box!

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What's a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?
For this year's PD, I decided to become an Apple Teacher. My most recently earned badge was iMovie for iPad. One way that I can be creative in class and enhance student excitement is by letting students create movies! iMovie lets students create informative and engaging movies that tell stories. They will then be able to share these movies with others (or through presentations).

How does this PD promote the four C's in your classroom?
This PD really promotes the four C's because of everything it has to offer. To give just one example, I'll stick with my most recent badge - iMovie. Having students create an iMovie really forces them to have to think critically - especially if it's an informative report. If it's a group project, they're forced to communicate and collaborate with each other. The most important C in my opinion - creativity. iMovie has so many features that it allows the students to get as creative as they can! I LOVE THE FOUR C's!!

Open-Ended: Sharing a thoughtful reflection of your choice.
I just want to say that I am very happy with my choice of PD this school year. I truly cannot wait to be certified as an Apple Teacher. My one saddened complaint that I have is that we just don't have enough iPads for each teacher to have their own set. There's so much to do on the iPad that and with only having 5 in the classroom, it makes it hard. Hopefully, by the time I become an expert with Apple, we'll have enough iPads for each student!

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Q1: What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD?
Something I'm already successfully implementing in my classroom as a result of this PD is promoting the mindset of more than one way to approach problems and encouraging students to share those strategies with their classmates. Helping students to understand that, although there are standard formulas and algorithms, there is often more than one way to apply/solve for what they are trying to find encourages growth.

Q2: What's a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?
A new way I can be creative in class and enhance my students' excitement is to incorporate more open-ended, scaffolded problems as classwork/alternate assessment problems that address current content that allow students to collaborate and share their ideas to approach challenging multi-step problems. While assessing students in this format can sometimes be challenging, doing so allows students to expand their mindset and develop a deeper understanding of concepts.
Q3: List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
Benefits of doing PD this way are the ability to focus PD on the areas I need/want to focus on, being able to complete PD on my schedule and pace, and having a variety of options to complete PD. I have the option to choose specific PD webinars that are specifically relevant to teaching 6th grade math. I have found that edWeb.net has provided me a number of good webinar resources. Challenges include having enough curriculum specific options. Since I needed to focus on earning content area CEU's this year, I found that edWeb.net was the only option that met my specific needs. Although there were a number of options, it would be nice to have a variety of curriculum specific options available.

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1. What are some things you are already successfully implementing in your classroom as a result of this PD? I think a lot of implementing anything in your classroom results from deliberate lesson planning.  One thing in my PD that I identified I could/need to improve on is global awareness.  When I'm creating lesson plans and am not thinking about global awareness -surprise- my lessons do not have that aspect.  So I've been trying to think about that more as I plan my lessons.  What I've noticed is that some of my lessons go "off the beaten path" and the kids get more out of it.  We have good discussions that include that global awareness.

2. What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional? The PD was self-paced, which was nice, but it limited it in the sense that I couldn't connect with other educators.  A big part of the PD was discussion threads.  It would have been good to break those discussion threads up into content/grade level and require participants to respond to a peers post.

3. How can you go "big" in your classroom, using some ideas you’ve gotten from this PD? One aspect of my PD was global awareness.  I'd like to skype with other math classrooms around the world for learning opportunities.  I think that would be interesting and fun!

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1. What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?
I recently learned of BookWidgets. It’s a Schoology compatible platform with templates for creating interactive review materials, games, formative and summative assessments, and other resources that can be used to grade and report student progress for teacher analysis. I look forward to introducing my students to all of the potential it has to offer!
2. What has had real meaning?
The idea that innovation doesn’t have to be tied to the newest online tool or technology based. George Couros’ “ Innovator’s Mindset” has helped me see the potential for innovation in my current lessons and teaching methods with simple modifications in presentation or expected products.
3. What’s a new way to be creative in class and enhance student excitement?
Students appreciate new ways of doing things and the opportunity to express themselves and relate learning to their experiences. Along with using Twitter to encourage them to respond to how chemistry plays a role in their lives, i.e. cell phone contents, coffee, food, etc. I plan to incorporate BookWidgets into my lessons so they can explore new ways of learning and reviewing content.

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

I am doing a better job at fine tuning the steps of scientific inquiry. Students are feeling more confident in their research skills and presentation of findings. CER (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) has been a major step this year into getting students to explain their data better with solid reasoning. I think that this skill allows them to think more critically and explain answers better.

-How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?

This PD allows students to have leadership roles during the skills whether it is group work or during presentations. I am able to model proper research skills and promote digital citizenship during the process. I am also able to walk students through the process of sharing their findings and finding the best way to present using digital tools.

-What has had real meaning?

Even though most of the PD contained information that was already known, I was able to see the way other teachers walk their students through the process of investigation including various digital tools. I think that it showed the fine details and gave scenarios to meet the needs of some of their student challenges. I saw how they reflected and chose different pathways. It was very helpful in getting me to slow down and see different aspects of the process.

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I participated in the EdWeb Webinars titled:

Using Google Drive to Streamline the Teaching and Learning Process

and Getting Started with Google Classroom for Blended Learning

-  What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional?
These showed ways to use Google Drive (Formerly Google Docs).  I love that LNC has linked our email addresses to GSuite!

Below are some tools that were discussed in the Webinars:

Gmail: Online email app

Calendar: Online calendar app

Drive: Online place to save any file, access them from any device and share them instantly

Docs: Online document creation where multiple people can work at the same time.

Sheets: Online spreadsheet creation where multiple people can work at the same time.

Slides: Online presentation creation where multiple people can work at the same time.

Sites: Website creation and hosting

Classroom: Create, share, and grade assignments with ease.  Classroom helps you keep classes organized, and improve communication with students.

Paperless classrooms have many benefits. I've seen the digital classroom be instrumental in providing home bound related instruction. I want to keep finding ways to incorporate Google Assignment seeing as it provides all the resources that a student may need to complete the assignment at home on their own.  Mrs. Ignacio does a great job of sharing her Google Doc Folders with me so that we can accommodate our kids easily.

* I have created a slides presentation on how I feel about Google assignments. (Attached below)

-How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?
The connection that I found between this Webinar was the standard, Digital Content and Instruction.  The goal is for teachers to know and use appropriate digital tools and resources for instruction. Students should have the opportunity to Identify, evaluate, and utilize appropriate digital tools and resources to challenge students to create, think critically, solve problems, establish reliability, communicate their ideas, collaborate effectively.  I feel like by learning more about Google classroom assignments I will be more likely to use them in the future. Even some of my Co-Teachers have let me re-vamp some of their lessons. For example, the students typically complete a map as part of their Biomes Unit in Earth Science. This year, instead of completing the project on paper, we turned it into a Google tour builder. The kids seemed to really enjoy completing it. Mrs. Wilson and I had to figure out how to submit the tour to Schoology. We figured out how to post the tour link. I am glad we stepped out of our norm and technologically augmented this assignment for them.
- List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?

I like the flexibility and variety of the Ed Web webinars. I have been specifically looking at ways to increase technology in the classroom. However, some webinars have not been as beneficial as I already knew most of the basics. I enjoy getting the opportunity to participate in PD without having to arrange for childcare.

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-How will this PD inform your instruction and impact your students in the future?
-I have gotten a good look at the digital tools and strategies taught to current education students and graduate students. Many of the options are things that I have heard of like Twitter strategies and how to effectively limit Powerpoint by working out of Padlet and Slideshare... but I did learn about a couple new (free!) tools that I can use to make my curriculum more streamlined.
-How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?

-The focus of the seminar I took was 100% on digital learning tools, which directly aligned with the digital learning competencies. Basically, it was 2 weeks of learning all the tools recommended to educators for integration into the classroom. It also covered many of the topics designed to encourage good digital citizenship, such as proper use of copyrighted materials and how to avoid digital plagiarism. There was even a unit on how to engage in appropriate professional and social online interaction. Explaining contemporary strategies that satisfy the digital competencies was the main objective of this online seminar.
-List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?

-Doing PD this way has been an amazing experience this year. With the ability to satisfy my requirements during an E-learning or work day, it made working PD into my crazy schedule much more rewarding. Similarly, the ability to utilize grad school and directly link it to my LNC experience was a "best-case" scenario for me and made me think about how to connect these two spheres of my professional life.

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1. What has had real meaning?
The latest steps I took in completing this PD lead me to the realization that having a flipped classroom is something to think through, prepare for and analyze the effectiveness of.  It also suggested starting slow with using someone else's videos.  In my math class, using videos, especially for M has been very helpful.  He can go back, access the video as a reteach and pause when needed.  He feels more comfortable because he isn't being singled out through a one-on-one reteach and it frees me up to push other students in their own areas of growth.
2.  List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
Completing PD this was has been fun because I have been able to work on an area of development that I need growth in, both in the classroom and for my CEUs. I've enjoyed having the opportunity to tailor my development toward my needs and not the needs of the teachers around me. It was also nice to have the time scheduled into our calendar to complete these PD sessions, but the flexibility to also do it on our own time.
3. Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice. This experience has been great. I learned so much about available PDs for me to access that I can do on my own time and in my area of choice. I also learned about the ends and outs of a flipped classroom and the benefit it can have in my classroom.

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What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired?  In this PD opportunity, as well as most other PD opportunities that I have participated in this year, primary source documents and artifacts are the main focus.  One of my IGP goals has been to use more primary sources in my classroom.  In most cases, primary sources that I have used have been paper documents but I'm really excited about using objects as primary sources.   Analyzing artifacts may challenge students in a different way.
How can you go "big" in your classroom, using some ideas you've gotten from this PD?  One way to go "big" would be to replace all paper primary source document analysis with artifact analysis.  Another way to challenge the manor in which we analyze primary sources is to ask students to create their own primary source document or artifact that people, 20/30/40 years from now, will analyze based on some of our current events.
What's a new way you can be Be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?  Students have unlimited access to the digital world that can open their minds to the world around them.  With that responsibility, students possess the ability to document the events of the world around them.  I can give students the tools they need to participate in the world around them and become primary sources on their own.

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

Conceivably I could completely re-vamp my grammar warmups for my freshmen, turning some explanation parts into videos they could watch and review at home. For AP Lang, I could also re-vamp summer reading and provide some direct instruction clips to help them along the way.

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

I think that there is a lot of opportunity for a flipped classroom to be 'entertaining.'  Grammar can be a really tough sell, but creating some videos to help students would allow my own goofy side to show.  I actually also like the sketch note activity they just presented in the faculty meeting yesterday.  I am going to do something with that; I just haven't figured out where I can put it in - typing this just now, actually I think this would be an amazing way for my AP students to synthesize their ideas about each essay type for the exam, and also the content in the style manual we've been using this year.

-Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.
When it comes to planning lessons I'm at my best when I have time time to think both before and after the lesson. Honestly my best PD is time alone in the classroom. I think that, in addition to planning new ideas, it's important to reflect on previous lessons and consider how to improve them. This is a critical part of the teaching process that can too easily be short-changed. I do appreciate how PD has been structured this year because we've been given some flexibility and choice as well as quality time alone or with colleagues to reflect, brainstorm and plan.

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-Q1 Explain how your instruction has changed due to this PD using the SAMR model as a guide.
A1 I am changing all of my lessons to Google files.  I am trying to use different add-ons to make things more interesting.  I have tried to allow students to use some of the lessons in a flipped format.
I have used the Substitution part as I have migrated to Google.  I believe I am working well in the Augmentation stage as I am  using video clips to extend concepts. Modification is beginning as I have students collaborating on files/presentations together using Google slides. Redefinition is not something I have accomplished but will work on implementing that next year.

Q2 What opportunities do you see for yourself/your classroom in this PD?
A2This PD has allowed me to work at a pace that works for me right now because it's been a little tough getting around to things.  It is also allowing me to make adjustments to moving files to Google Drive and sharing work with other teachers as well as students.  I look forward to learning more of the capabilities Apple products have for me in my classroom.
Q3 What has had real meaning?
It's been a process for me. At first I thought this wouldn't be useful. Now I have found ways to make this not only work but enhance my teaching and productivity as I work with a new partner. I am excited to learn more and be able to help my students utilize the programs as well. The fact that my partner and I can share the workload at the same time on the same document has been awesome. I am excited about the possibilities!

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

I would like to integrate more real world assignments associated with the Spanish language and culture in my classes.   In hopes that my students will find value in what they are learning and want to complete these for their learning experiences and not just for a grade.  Similar to this PD, it would be nice to make their learning more personal in the hopes that they gain far more than just a grade, or something that they feel like they have to check off their list.

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

Finding Spanish language dramas have really been pivotal in my classroom.   I have never seen students so excited for class before I introduced these on a regular basis. I remember watching old telenovelas developed for learning in high school and being captivated by them. In fact, that is what I mostly recall from my high school foreign language classes.  With today's technology and streaming, I can find so many shows that not only teach the language at their level, but are very engaging as well.  I remember feeling guilty at first for what seemed to me as passive teaching�, but immediately felt validated when I read other's blogs about the use of telenovelas in the language classroom.  I plan to find a new drama to introduce to my students soon to prevent burn out. Sometimes a great idea just needs to be refreshed.

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

This question is loaded.  In my mind, I have a running list of ALL the things I like to do in my classroom. Some of which actually get discussed in our departmental collaboration time, however most never fully come to fruition. If only I had more time.  At the top of my list would be to find virtual amigos� for my upper level students to be in contact with consistently.  The students that I have known to be in contact with a native speaker on a regular basis seem to flourish the most in their communication skills. This also provides a real world application of their learning. Which, let's be honest, is what students want to achieve with their learning.

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What's a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?
No matter what the medium, students want more autonomy and choice. They struggle with this at first as they are so used to structure and being told exactly what to do, but once they find their legs, they are usually on-board. So coming up with more creative assignments with choices for them can definitely help IF you can fight through all the whining about not being told what to do.

-What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven't?
In the book we read, there was an idea about having an online pen pal through Skype and you have to guess where they're from and then if you're lucky, continue that relationship. Fun idea. I'm not sure how to fit it into American History (maybe talk with someone from England about what they learn about American Revolution) or English IV (maybe talk to someone in England about a book we read). I don't know. It just seems fun even if I haven't found a way to do it yet.

-What has had real meaning?
The best part about this whole process has been the interaction through a slow Twitter chat. It allows people to digest the information, take in someone's thoughts, and then respond thoughtfully with another person. If we were all in a traditional PD, I think people are more apt to just say anything off the top of their head.

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Q3 Reflection- Whitney Whitfield                                       7. How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies? Digital Learning Competencies are promoted through this PD by showing how literacy and social media are interconnected. We engaged virtually in conversation that would have been very difficult to have had as frequently in person. It allowed us to take the initiative on our learning. The time and effort we chose to put into our PD directly affected what was gained. It also allowed us to engage with (and get to know) peers we don’t have the pleasure of sharing a campus with.  8. What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional? I never use Twitter. I have SO many other forms of social media that consume my life, so Twitter has never been my “thing.” However, having limited my Twitter account to professional use only has made it incredibly useful. This was a complete, yet happy accident. The Innovator’s Mindset talks about utilizing tools in ways that are most powerful for you and by utilizing Twitter simply as a professional tool, I feel like I’ve made that aspect of social media powerful for myself. I will continue to utilize my professional Twitter account and not toss it aside after the completion of this PD. I will make sure I continue to visit the educators I’ve found on Twitter that inspire me and encourage me to always be the best form of myself. 13. -What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven't? I want to remove myself from the “checkout” process in my library. Right now, I’m limited to the technology I have, but next year it will be different. I want to teach students how to personally access their accounts to monitor and add titles themselves vs me being stuck to one location during checkout. I want to float, encourage, engage, and give ideas about what books for students to read. There are so many questions that pop into my mind about HOW I can accomplish this task and IF I’ll truly give up control… but hey… go BIG or go home. ;) 

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Q3 Reflection- Whitney Whitfield                                       7. How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies? Digital Learning Competencies are promoted through this PD by showing how literacy and social media are interconnected. We engaged virtually in conversation that would have been very difficult to have had as frequently in person. It allowed us to take the initiative on our learning. The time and effort we chose to put into our PD directly affected what was gained. It also allowed us to engage with (and get to know) peers we don’t have the pleasure of sharing a campus with.  8. What will you add to make this PD even better in terms of meeting your needs as a professional? I never use Twitter. I have SO many other forms of social media that consume my life, so Twitter has never been my “thing.” However, having limited my Twitter account to professional use only has made it incredibly useful. This was a complete, yet happy accident. The Innovator’s Mindset talks about utilizing tools in ways that are most powerful for you and by utilizing Twitter simply as a professional tool, I feel like I’ve made that aspect of social media powerful for myself. I will continue to utilize my professional Twitter account and not toss it aside after the completion of this PD. I will make sure I continue to visit the educators I’ve found on Twitter that inspire me and encourage me to always be the best form of myself. 13. -What is an idea you have had that you have wanted to try but haven't? I want to remove myself from the “checkout” process in my library. Right now, I’m limited to the technology I have, but next year it will be different. I want to teach students how to personally access their accounts to monitor and add titles themselves vs me being stuck to one location during checkout. I want to float, encourage, engage, and give ideas about what books for students to read. There are so many questions that pop into my mind about HOW I can accomplish this task and IF I’ll truly give up control… but hey… go BIG or go home. ;) 

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List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
I  enjoyed having the flexibility and the choice to choose something that could benefit my students and enhance my teaching. Also, by having a variety of options for teachers to choose from, gave teachers opportunities to explore other topics. The challenges would be time management and pacing yourself to finish the courses on time. One change I would make is having a schedule and sticking to it!

What's a new way you can be creative in class and enhance your students excitement?
I  am currently doing a PD  to explore ways students  can use a variety of methods to convey and communicate thoughts, words, and  voice.  Learning how to write could be very challenging for students , so by giving them more opportunities to write,  they will understand the process of writing. In my classrooms, I purposefully plan to incorporate writing activities with the content that we are learning. I can also have students write for a specific audience  outside the classroom.

What has had real meaning?
It is important to take time to reflect and think about my growth as an educator, in these ever changing times. It is so easy to become complacent and resist change but there are ways to become better and that will be more beneficial for me and my students, as I continue to work in this field.

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-What has had real meaning?
It has been meaningful for me to apply concepts and ideas from the book I read throughout the year. It has impacted decisions I made while planning lessons and  directing my classes.

-How does this PD promote the four C's in your classroom?
This PD helped me think critically about how much freedom I give students to go beyond a simple assignment. If I ask my students to go beyond an initial simple task, they tap into critical thinking skills that they will need in the future. Getting the opportunity to choose my PD improved my communication skills among colleagues by using Twitter and hearing what others think about the book I read. I also enjoyed collaborating with people from other schools that follow me on twitter. Some of them are planning to read the same book this summer! I liked having the chance to creatively apply the concepts that I knew would make a difference in my classroom.

-Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.
When I look back on my own special memories this year, I really believe that kids deserve to share those same special memories with us. I want each day I teach to be a memorable day for my students.

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How does this PD promote the four C's in your classroom?
The Book KDI is a great example of the 4 C's at multiple levels of education. Written by administrators it delves into their experiences and how they have successfully incorporated the 4 C's. It's inspiring nature ignites the spark in it's readers to be their best and bring the 4 Cs to life in the classroom. It has reminded me of the need for meaningful collaboration and communication with my students  about more than just school.
What has had real meaning?
The option of this PD has has real meaning for me. The freedom to choose when I read, reflect,  and respond is an example of a great learning/working  environment that I am blessed to be apart of.
-Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.
I have enjoyed reading the responses of my peers who have chosen other forms of PD. It has sparked my interest in Apple Teacher and I will be working on that next for my own sake.

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What has had real meaning?

I have loved having the opportunity to work through PD this year on our own terms. This has allowed me to go through my graduate schoolwork while completing PD. It has also given me the opportunity to read the thoughts of my peers on all levels of the Charter community.

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

I’m learning a lot of about the 21 st century learner in my classes. I have been exposed to new apps and websites, but mostly a lot of books! I love having all of these people at my disposal who are also teachers that are passionate about books and reading and opening up the world for our students through books.

Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice.

I have really enjoyed having the time to do this on my own. I liked the format of using Padlet in order to post our responses. I chose to do my graduate school work which was great for me in the sense of not adding another thing to my plate but I did miss reading through a book with my peers. I did a book study last year in our department meetings which was my favorite.

K. Tedder

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How will this PD inform your instruction and impact your students in the future? This PD has made me more comfortable with using Apple apps in the classroom (rather than just using Microsoft). It will allow me to utilize iMovie in class more and be able to answer the questions students have regarding it. I would like to use Keynote with my students in the future to have them create just a normal PowerPoint like presentation. In class now we used Explain Everything a lot for presentations, which is a great tool, but I think it would be helpful to incorporate Keynote as well as this is something they might use more in the future (HS and college classes).

List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make? I really enjoyed doing PD this way. I think it was very beneficial for teachers to each be able to pick a topic that interested them to explore further. I know in previous PDs some teachers have had to sit through sessions on topics they already knew, so it was nice we did not have to do that. It was also nice being able to do the PD when we had time. In the future I would line up the final reflection due date with the e-learning/PD day.

How can you go "big" in your classroom, using some ideas you’ve gotten from this PD? I would like to utilize Garage Band with my students. After learning about it through this PD it is not as intimating as I initially thought. In my classroom previously I have had students come up with songs to reinforce what we are learning. Normally students have just done this on the fly, but using garage band they could really incorporate their creativity and make more of an actual song, a great option for students with different learning preferences!

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What has had real meaning?

I loved the opportunity to interact with educators from all three schools, hearing their challenges and inspirations. Even though it was Twitter, it was nice to connect with teachers I don't always get to talk to in person. It made me realize even moreso how many dedicated educators we have here and how little time we get to interact.

What has surprised you so far with your chosen PD module?

I was surprised that I prefer real time Twitter chats over slow chats. I know the slow chats provide more flexibility in terms of people's schedules, but I think the real-time chats provide more authentic interaction and give us a chance to connect and share experiences.

How does this PD promote Digital Learning Competencies?

The fact that the PD took place asynchronously using technology as a platform to discuss a book about innovation would be enough to promote DLCs. I also tried to incorporate ways to use additional technologies in each chat (creating a meme, sharing gifs, reflecting via Flipgrid, creating QR codes, etc.) in order to encourage teachers to think creatively in terms of how their students can demonstrate their learning as well as how easy it is to incorporate simple technologies into instruction. Building a toolbox of things to use when planning lessons can be an effective way to increase meaningful use of tech in the classroom without having to redesign every lesson.

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'Apple Teacher' and 'Responsibilities of the 21st Century Educator'

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

I appreciate the ability to choose a PD that best fits our needs. I also appreciate the personal time given to learn and respond to these programs. Challenges include the lack of collaboration with teachers at other schools, sharing and discussing ideas and learning new teaching methods in person. Sometimes that personal interaction with other teachers can foster a relationship where materials are shared and ideas are dispersed.

-What has had real meaning?

The amount of resources on social media for teaching really surprised me! We naturally think social media is mindless posting and scrolling, however, it can be used to connect with PLN’s (professional learning networks) in your network. I began to follow the hashtag ‘iteachfirst’ on Instagram and have been connected with numerous teachers from around the world. These teachers have shared anchor charts, lesson ideas and also have connected me with online PD modules for guided reading. Also, the hashtag ‘targetteacher’ has been a surprisingly great resource for using simple items in the target dollar section for classroom materials and management ideas. These hashtags have also connected me with teacher bloggers and influencers that have provided great ideas for remediation and acceleration.

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

Connection with PLN’s around the world through social media. I was connected to educators in my field and was able to attend and participate in online webinars. I also gained a great amount of information and resources through these educators. Specific ideas, lessons and activities have been shared on specific topics. These PLN’s have also been a great resource for class buddies for writing and research.

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Melissa Scire Q3 Reflection                                                   List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make? Benefits are definitely that we can do this on our own time. The deadlines are nice to keep us going; however, I really like the face to face meetings where we can discuss what we have read. I know we dod this on Twitter, but this makes for a confusing conversation for me. 2. What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired? I really liked the ideas of hyperdocs. This is one way to electronically change the way things happen in the classroom and offer a variety of approaches to what is being taught. You can make a "worksheet" which reaches kids in so many different ways. 3. Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice. On thing I realize after doing this is even though I appreciate being able to do this on my own time, I do miss the person to person interaction that happens with book talks and meetings. It is important to keep this in mind when creating activities for my students. They need this interaction.

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Melissa Scire Q3 Reflection                                                   List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make? Benefits are definitely that we can do this on our own time. The deadlines are nice to keep us going; however, I really like the face to face meetings where we can discuss what we have read. I know we dod this on Twitter, but this makes for a confusing conversation for me. 2. What innovative ideas have you come across that can keep you professionally renewed and inspired? I really liked the ideas of hyperdocs. This is one way to electronically change the way things happen in the classroom and offer a variety of approaches to what is being taught. You can make a "worksheet" which reaches kids in so many different ways. 3. Open ended - share a thoughtful reflection of your choice. On thing I realize after doing this is even though I appreciate being able to do this on my own time, I do miss the person to person interaction that happens with book talks and meetings. It is important to keep this in mind when creating activities for my students. They need this interaction.

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Melissa Smith Q3 Reflection

I completed the Apple Educator PD.

1. List benefits & challenges of doing PD this way (LNC Choice). What changes would you make?
Benefits are the freedom it offers teachers to complete the requirements when best fit our already busy schedules. This is far and away the biggest benefit in my opinion. I also liked being able to choose which PD I felt would be the most effective for me and my students. I was genuinely interested and therefore more intrinsically motivated to get more out of the course.
2. Open-ended:
I liked how we got exposure at the beginning of the year to all of the PD options so we could decide for ourselves which would be best for us. I very much liked the self-paced PD “your way” this year and hope we do this again!  :)