Figuring it Out: the first quarter of 1:1 Chromebooks

We are almost a quarter into this year of school.  The newness factor of the Chromebooks has worn off, and given me time to reflect about what worked, what didn't work, and what still needs work.  Here are some questions our school has had to ask ourselves as we continue on this journey.

1. Are we only using the Chromebooks for replacement?

At our Chromebook bootcamps for teachers this summer, we discussed the SAMR model, and how we could redefine learning if we thought about the power of technology.  Many of our teachers have tried innovative approaches to using Chromebooks in the classroom.  Some are still stuck in the substitution phase, though, and we continue to think about how to get them to climb higher up the SAMR ladder.

2. How can we get past feeling annoyed by student behavior?

Some things kids do with Chromebooks are irritating to teachers.  Students play games when they should be studying.  They leave them under desks even though they aren't supposed to leave them unattended.  Some don't come with them charged, others forget them at home.  We have policies in place, but of course teenagers are people, and people aren't perfect.

The problem comes when the irritation over these glitches impedes us from trying something new with this technology.  We have to keep reminding ourselves that MOST of our kids are doing exactly what they're supposed to be doing.  We need to keep refining and rethinking policy and procedures, and keep practicing behaviors with our students.

3. How do we find the time to create and plan?

This is probably the greatest hurdle, and of course one we have no concrete answer for at the moment.  The teachers have all these ideas about sites they can use - Kahoot!, Today's Meet, PearDeck, Thinglink, etc. - but when do they have time to plan?

I am in the process of converting most of the work students do to digital versions, so I find that I'm spending a lot of extra time with this.  Do I love it when its done?  Yep!  Do I have a hard time finding the time to do it?  Yep again.

We keep telling ourselves to take baby steps and not to try to do everything this first year.  We're still a work in progress!

Why I Love Google Classroom

Google Classroom is my new favorite tool, specifically because we are now 1:1 Chromebooks 4-12.

Here are some of the reasons I love it!

1. Organization

Google Classroom keeps me organized.  I'm able to post assignments and announcements to my students when I think of them, rather than relying on myself to remember when I see them again.  Gone are the days when I had a massive pile of sticky notes all over my desk.  Now with two quick clicks I make sure we all stay on top of things.  

For my students, the list of upcoming assignments helps them stay on track.  I'd love to see more of an assignment-book function built into Classroom in the future.  

2. Feedback

I've always believed that feedback is necessary for students to grow, and now it is even easier to provide timely feedback.  When students begin an assignment, I can see their progress.  I can comment on their introduction or their title before they have turned in their paper.  

I use two different methods of student feedback.  I comment in their drafts using the Ctrl+Alt+M function, which I find to be lightning fast compared to writing by hand.  I also make use of the feedback feature IN Classroom.  

3. Link Sharing

I can't tell you how many times I ask kids to go to a certain website, and no matter what, there are a few kids that can't seem to type in the url correctly.  I love Google's Url Shortener, but sending out the link as an announcement or assignment is even easier (Sometimes students still type in the shortened url incorrectly).  Google Classroom is worth it just for this!

4. Students can't lose handouts

In the About section on Google Classroom, I can add a Google presentation filled with notes.  In the stream, I can add a copy of project guidelines, and kids CAN'T LOSE THEM!  I used to use a shared class folder, but students still managed to delete files out of it.  Not so anymore!  

Here's what I'd like to see added:

1. A way to archive classes. 

I'd like to be able to keep a record of everything I post, but not have to keep it on the stream.  It is only September, and my stream is really long, which can confuse students, yet I don't want to delete anything so I can remember the cool things I did for next year.  

2. A link-up with Powerschool

I'm dreaming here, as I can't imagine this would happen for free, but I'd love to be able to enter grades in Classroom and have them update in Powerschool like you can with Schoology.  

3. A place on Classroom that lists assignments I haven't graded. 

Just, you know, in case!

Walking the Walk

Teachers of writing must write.  This is a tenet I've believed in for years, something I've scribbled down as a basic belief and encouraged other teachers to pursue.

I write.  Sometimes.  I write when my students do, when the daily writing prompt appeals to my creative sensibilities.  I write when I need to model a strategy.  I write a lot of feedback.  Still, as someone who believes writing teachers need to write, I haven't done much real-world writing - writing for me  and not specifically for my students in awhile.

It's time to begin again.

This blog is my attempt to communicate my life as a teacher of English, a technology-lover, a YA reader, and a life-long learner.  My journey may not be that much different from other teachers, but it is my journey.

Why Seeking Teachable Moments?  The idea of teachable moments is usually used in education as a place where teachers stop their planned lesson to deal with something students need to know in the moment.  I'm in that moment now.  I hope to seek out moments to share that can teach us something about education, about learning, about becoming our best selves.

Here we go!