Ed Is Better With Tech

Teaching is one of the more demanding jobs one might have. Some days, everything goes smoothly, and it seems so pleasant. Other days can be very challenging filled with negative interactions, and challenging, somewhat dangerous situations.

EdRoboTech.com is a construct and an idea created by Edward Robinson in 2014, surrounding Educational Technology and Online Learning. While completing his Master's Degree in Educational Technology and Online Learning, Edward began to connect the relationships between Education, Technology, and the Virtual World.

Teachers may want to hear from other teachers and successful people in education who are accomplishing much in a variety of fields of endeavor. What do you want to see in terms of venues of communication and collaboration among teachers?

A School Is A Dangerous Place. What do you do when one of the learners you protect, on a given school day, current student, comes in with a weapon, attempting to do damage to other students, teachers, or staff? What do you do when one of your former students comes back with a weapon, determined to shoot and kill students, teachers, or staff? We discuss it here...

Have you ever felt that something needed to change, but then realized that you were just one person? And, after all, what can one person do to improve the situation, right? But, what if you were talking about improving Educational outcomes. And, you decided to teach to improve outcomes. Oh, yes, but you are only one person. What can you possibly do to improve Education?

I contend that Education as a construct, benefits from Technology as a construct. I feel that simply teaching and learning the same way that it had always been done, needed a change. Since most of us have had some educational experiences we all feel that we are experts in Education. We have some successes and perhaps failures to point to, that make us know something about the educational experience.

One thing that I had to consider as a Teacher, is that I was also a parent. I needed to get good deals on many supplies for my family, as well as create and provide a suitable classroom environment for the many students that came through my classroom every day.

Depending on the Teaching job you have, and how long you have been successfully working as a Teacher, you might spend summer vacation in a bunch of ways:

We used to say as children: "Sticks and stones, may break my bones but names will never hurt me".; but in truth both the names and the stones hurt, and did damage. We live in a day, and a time, where both literal stones, and despicable names are being thrown around at each other, as if, we never learned childhood lessons of basic proper behavior.

Teachers are entering politics, and collectively bargaining for their own livelihoods, putting skin in the game, putting shoe leather to the ground to make the change that we need today.

If you have tried for some time to make a go of it, teaching in adverse circumstances, and now it is time to retire, or try something else, we understand. The point is, that there are other jobs that will effectively utilize your skillset, and don't require classroom time.

When do you meet, and discuss teacher issues that relates to you, your individual progress, to becoming the teacher you have always wanted to become? You may have aspired to be a different, better, teacher, but were encumbered with all types of control that may have hindered you professionally. What should you do?

"Working Together, Makes It All Better!" Edward Robinson, 2018 There are times when going it alone, is necessary. But, most of the time, it is better to go down that path with a buddy. If one falls down, the other can help the friend up again.

Although it may seem like a non-traditional hire, when more and more African-Americans fulfill the requirements for college degrees, they are likewise, hopeful to actually work in those fields.

Becoming the best version of you, as it relates to the job we are discussing. Often, people are talented, and can do many things well. Depending on the task we are discussing, you are apparently good at it, if you are applying for a job at this.

Firstly: I think that it is good for teachers to think about themselves in a financial sense, and also in a professional sense, because often we really don't think of ourselves that way.

We at EdRoboTech.com are pleased to announce the release of our new and improved membership venue, with you in mind...Membership affords you the ability to keep track of the content that is right for you.

Why You Matter; And Why It Matters... By Edward Robinson It's The EdRoboTech.com Podcast Series for Friday March 23, 2018. This is Episode 34. I'm Edward Robinson!   Have you ever come to work, and solved a problem, that saved the day? Did you have people counting on you to perform, and looking to you for help, guidance, or support? That's a good feeling. That feeling says,"You are needed. You are important. You are a mission critical part of this operation". Isn't it great when you come through with a great idea, that saves the day? Yes, it truly is. People admire that person. They may emulate you. Some may even envy you. But, on the other hand, have you ever felt that the whole operation could go on without you? That you don't matter? That someone else has all the answers, and you are just a part of the crowd? I want to let you know that especially in schools, there are many people who make a difference each school day. If you are one of those people, you may not always be noticed as a winner, or as an awesome contributor. But, when each member of the school district does their job effectively, wonderful things can happen. It is important to know that your contribution sometimes may go unnoticed. But, it is still very valuable. Think, for example of a 300 year old tree. You may eat lunch next to that tree, but never see the root structure that supports it and keeps it healthy and strong. Being a support to students who need encouragement is not only admirable, but it is vital. Let's talk about Encouragement: Teachers need encouragement, so that they can know and remember what is important about themselves as individuals, and what they became a teacher to do in the first place. They need to be there for their students. Students need encouragement, because sometimes they are going through a tough time. They may try to understand tragedy, and pain, and need leadership to inspire them to be their best selves. They need to know that it is going to be alright, and that the sun will come up tomorrow, like the song, of that name, in the play called Annie. Parents need encouragement, because they are trusting their precious children with educators throughout each school day, hoping that they will return to them no worse for wear, hopefully with positive experiences and knowledge from the school day. They need to know that schools will be a safe, learning zone, for their children. Administrators need encouragement, too because they need to make decisions to protect all the people who visit, attend, work, at school campuses. They may have to make decisions and choices to protect staff and students that are dynamic, or decisive, at times, to protect lives. Encouragement makes you feel more capable to succeed. Encouragement lets you know what's possible. Inspiration is the wind beneath your wings. Inspiration is motivation to do something meaningful or constructive. School safety is very important. But, there are behaviors that we can do to keep our schools safe: Metal detectors in schools will likely expose concealed weapons. Safety drills: shelter in place, lockdown, evacuation, and/or perimeter drills School security guards can keep schools safe, if they are administered wisely. Keeping unauthorized persons off campuses will also help. People need to know that things can be alright again. Education must continue, but it is smart to make wise improvements that will insure safety, improve morale, and keep the job of the K-12 schools happening: literacy. And in our present society Technology Literacy is very important. Not just knowing how to read, write, add and subtract, etc. But knowing how to utilize computer programs and applications effectively, so that our learners will function effectively in an emerging digital world that requires those skills. Thanks so much for clicking in, and we'll see you online!

Student Loan Debt Is Hindering Graduates From Succession In Their Profession By Edward Robinson   It's The EdRoboTech.com Podcast Series, called "Ed Is Better With Tech", for Friday, March 16th, 2018. I'm Edward Robinson! An increasing number of Student Loan Debtors, many who are graduates who hold Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or Graduate Degree, are not finding the promised career employment in their field of study. Because of this they are left to accept lesser paying, lesser quality employment, that is often outside their careers. Let's face it... The longer a person works outside their careers, the less money they can earn, and the greater likelihood that they will never work in their field of study and field of choice. Why? Because employers search for a work history that agrees with the: certifications degree programs degrees that the candidate studied. It seems to come up as a red flag when the person has little to no experience in a new field, even with the degree. Less money from work, and maturing student loans means the increased possibility of bad credit. Also: More bills from education debt Higher education related fees Higher interest rates Capitalization of debt even while on forebearance, deferment, etc. Higher Debt to Income Ratio Higher Debt to Income Ratio--- Is easy to explain when you realize how these student loan debts increase because of interest, fees, and capitalization of borrowed money. The debt spirals out of control, often while the student/graduate is applying for that career job. Taking jobs outside their field makes the student/graduate waste time and potential income, by settling into jobs that don't correlate with their chosen field. Employers and Recruiters share much of the blame, when they resist non- traditional hires. Meaning, hiring a candidate who is, for example, African- American male, for a position that is typically filled by a White Male. Non-traditional hiring is the natural process when more people go to college, and study for careers in non-traditional, or emerging fields. For example, with STEM Education, we are training our employable population for fields that never existed before. Since no one ever held some of these new jobs, who is to say who would be the ideal candidate, and what they would look like? Women are capable of filling STEM roles as well. Why would employers want to resist hiring a capable candidate for a Science/Technology role, simply because of gender? Students attend college under the premise that when they come out, they will find and fill better career-quality positions. These students have made the committment to: Attend school Borrow money in the form of Guaranteed Student Loans Attend Class Completed coursework with a favorable grade   Now they want the job opportunities promised them at the outset. Any less would seem to be false advertising. There should be a path toward achieving the "yes", that allows that student whopassed his/her classes to get the "dream job" without the typical excuses thatare given. This will also build our economy, filling those jobs in STEM-relateddisciplines that reportedly go unfilled, because of the lack of qualifiedcandidates. (Robinson, 2018)   Working outside of one's field of endeavor, is a disappointment.   Let's find a way to hire the qualified candidates with a college degree,but few experiences in the workplace. That is leadership. If more employers demonstrated greater leadership in terms of hiring non-traditional hires, for example African- Americans and Women, there would be less of a need to talk about Student Loan Debt Forgiveness, because many more graduates would be working in their fields, contributing to commerce, contributing culturally, and paying taxes, as well as achieving while contributing to their chosen career.

Secrets To Keeping Learners And Staff Safe While At School Campuses That You Can Do Right Now By Edward Robinson   Important Media Links: According to the Washington Post article, "A loud, new voice after the latest school shooting: Kids wanting to know why adults hadn’t done more", By Elise Viebeck  February 15, 2018 "As the shooting began, the teenagers captured the sound of gunfire on their phones. When it didn’t stop, they texted their parents and took to social media to share each fearful moment with the outside world." These students recorded what was happening, and communicated with loved ones, via their smartphones. According to www.thisisinsider.com, A heroic math teacher saved her students during the Florida shooting by covering the classroom windows and refusing to let even the SWAT team in, By Talia Lakritz, February 16, 2018: the teacher, Shanthi Viswanathan, used what she had in her classroom, and training that she may have received to protect the students that were in her realm of responsibility. Excellent job! Here is a quote from Talia Lakritz' article: " Amid all of the tragic news, there are heroes. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School math teacher Shanthi Viswanathan told her students to hide in a corner during the February 14 shooting. She covered the classroom window with paper and locked the door. According to a parent of one of her students, she refused to let even the SWAT team in, saying "Knock it down or open it with a key. I'm not opening the door." Her heroic actions saved her students' lives." (Talia Lakritz, 2018) According to The View on ABC over Twitter, some are questioning the authenticity of the students trying to change the safety equation at their schools: https://twitter.com/TheView/status/966352938913341440 According to National Public Radio podcast piece by Doreen McCallister, Threats Against Schools Increase Since Florida Shooting, dated February 22, 2018, school campuses are continuing to be a potentially dangerous place.   By Edward Robinson According to NPR.com More school shootings than usual after the Florida shooting on February 14, 2018. It is important for educators and administrators in schools to be prepared. Often when I worked as a Teacher we performed a variety of drills: Fire drills Evacuations Shelter In Place to name a few. Being able to utilize what we have already learned, will help us to stay safe.   Metal Detectors, Ramped up school security measures, and keeping grade levels separated from each other can help keep kids safer. What about the children who are left to wonder why this happened to them, and why the adults didn't protect them from it? How can we help them? Here Are A List Of Things We Can Address Within Our Individual Schools And Districts: Safety Words- "Mrs. Jackson has left the building" words for Lockdown, Evacuation, or Shelter In Place. Safer Safety- Separate the safe areas from each other, and where possible, alternate the location of the safe areas over time, like one might change a password. Online Communication About Emergency Information - Communicate effectively with law enforcement, and parents, and media. More Guns, and potential shootouts on school campuses seems even more disturbing. No new firearms on college campuses makes sense. Securing the campuses against known people who shouldn't be allowed on the campus. No Teachers with guns, because teachers already have enough to deal with. Locked doors, separated school sections, and safe zones to protect the students. We can designate safe spaces and safe behaviors by staff and students to stay safe. Teach safety. We used to have air raid drills, fire drills, evacuation procedures, and shelter in place, to ramp up preparedness in the event of an incident. Strategies that are deliberate, but change over time. Hiding places that change.

Episode 10 - Learning Styles By Edward Robinson

Episode 9 - Personalized Learning In Your School By Edward Robinson

Episode 8 - Personalized Learning By Edward Robinson

Episode 7 - Education Is Better With Technology Podcast Number 7 Stem and Robotics Clubs By Edward Robinson

Episode 6 - EdRoboTech Podcast Number Six Code Dot Org Living Life Online By Edward Robinson

Episode 5 - Education Is Better With Technology Podcast Edheads and Whyville By Edward Robinson

Episode 4 - Education Is Better With Technology Podcast Number 4-BrainPop By Edward Robinson

Episode 3 - EdRobotech Podcast Number 3 Diversity By Edward Robinson

Episode 3 - EdRoboTech Podcast Number 3 Diversity By Edward Robinson

Episode 2 - Education Is Better With Tech Podcast 2-VFT By Edward Robinson

Episode 1 - Education Is Better With Tech By Edward Robinson

Episode 11 - EdRoboTech Survival Guide For Back To School September 2017 By Edward Robinson

Episode 12 - Secrets To Help A Novice Teacher Become A Seasoned Professional By Edward Robinson

Episode 30 - Become An EdRoboTech dot com Net Scholar By Edward Robinson

Episode 29 - Student Loan Debt And The GI Bill How The United States Can Help Its Learners Through Debt Forgiveness By Edward Robinson

Episode 28 - Emotional Intelligence Focus Versus Distraction By Edward Robinson

Episode 27 - Learn To Earn Secrets To Enhancing Your Marketability With EdRoboTech By Edward Robinson

Episode 26 - You Two Point O By Edward Robinson

Episode 25 - What Is The Future Of WorkSpace By Edward Robinson

Episode 24 - Do You Have Work In Your Future Or Should You Be Retraining Right Now By Edward Robinson

Episode 23 - Thanks To Code Dot Org Have An Hour Of Code With EdRoboTech By Edward Robinson

Episode 22 - Whats Your Position On Net Neutrality? By Edward Robinson

Episode 21 - Online Learning Or Face To Face --- Which Is Better And Why By Edward Robinson

Secrets To Starting A Robotics Team Successfully Without Hardly Trying By Edward Robinson

Episode 19 - So What Brings You To Teaching By Edward Robinson

Episode 18 - Secrets To Preparing For The Hour Of Code 2017 By Edward Robinson

Episode 17 - How To Find The Healthier Happier Teacher In You By Edward Robinson

Episode 16 - SnowDay Learning Emergency Lesson Planning and Communication With Learners And Parents During Natural Disasters By Edward Robinson  

Episode 15 - How To Make Makerspaces Work For You And Your Classroom Build Design Create Craft Innovate By Edward Robinson  

Episode 14 - Secrets To Staring Down Crushing Educational Student Loan Debt and Winning! By Edward Robinson