My Tech Toolbelt

MTT047| Flipgrid and Keeping Engaged Remotely - Ann Kozma  Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Imagine a tech tool that works for everyone from Pre K to PhD and beyond!  Not only that, but you have complete flexibility and complete control at the same time!  Flipgrid can be as simple or as sophisticated as you want it to be, and there is no right or wrong way of doing it.  Join us today as we speak with Ann Kozma from Flipgrid as she tells us the new and exciting enhancements coming up.  If you would like to see the video portion of this podcast, you can see the video here. Ann Kozma loves to explore, share, and contribute and has spent 19 years dedicated to transforming education as a classroom teacher, Innovation & Instructional Support TOSA, and as an Educator Innovation Lead on Team Flipgrid at Microsoft. Believing that “Play is our brain’s favorite way to learn,” Ann loves to bring the fun and is passionate about helping others learn how to meaningfully integrate technology into teaching and learning.  She is a member of the Apple Distinguished Educator Class of 2015 and Leading Edge Certified as a Professional Learning Leader.  Contact: Ann Kozma Twitter: @annkozma723 Flipgrid Twitter: @Flipgrid   Items mentioned in Episode 47: Flipgrid website Flipgrid - Apple app Flipgrid Blog Flipgrid YouTube Channel Yaritza Villalba Flipgrid Creator page Yaritza Villalba Flipgrid Blog Matt Jenkins Flipgrid Blogpost about Technology Enhances Deaf Education The InterActive Class - Joe Merrill Andrew Easton Culturally Responsive Teaching and The Brain by Zaretta Hammond Pass The Baton by Kathryn Finch and Theresa Hoover   BONUS Flipgrid video on the My Tech Toolbelt YouTube Channel   #remotelearning #distancelearning #flipgrid #podcastedu #podcasting #studentconnections #flipgridforall    If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   Email us! Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if you find our podcast helpful!  Is there a technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Contact us!   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT046| iCivics, Building Civic Knowledge in a fun way - Neil Wrona Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. It’s an election year!  Do your students understand the complexities of our government workings?  What a great time to learn about how our system works, while the subject is in the news every day!  Join us as we speak with Neil Wrona, a 7th grade teacher at an alternative school tasked with teaching these young people how their government works and how they can make a difference.  All in a very easy to understand and fun way! Neil Wrona is a 7th year teacher who has taught at every level in the school system and every subject other than English. Neil’s undergrad was in Communications and Rhetorical Studies, and it wasn’t until his junior year, and a class that doubled as community service, that he realized he wanted to teach. Of course, by then he thought it was far too late, so he floated around for a few years after graduation, looking for jobs where I could teach, until he finally decided to get the credits he needed and enrolled in a Masters in the Arts of Teaching program. Over the years, Neil has fallen in love with civics education and everything it can provide for students: a way to understand how decisions are made, an avenue to understand how power is wielded, and, most importantly, something that can make his students feel powerful. Once students understand that the government works FOR them, they realize that if they want change, they can make it happen. With the population Neil teaches, it’s not always easy to convince them of that, but iCivics has helped with ⅔ of that goal.    Contact: Neil Wrona Twitter: @neilwrona Email: lnwrona@gmail.com   Items mentioned in Episode 46: iCivics Website I’m just a Bill - School House Rock My Tech Toolbelt - Nearpod Episode Example Lesson Plan from Neil Wrona The Firm, Fair, Facinating Facilitator by Robert Ward   #remotelearning #distancelearning #icivics #podcastedu #podcasting #government If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   Email us! Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if you find our podcast helpful!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Contact us!   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT045| Ozobot, Mighty Little Robots to code and create - Nikki Jones Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Have you seen Ozobots, perhaps in a STEAM lab or at a conference, moving around the floor or table, but didn’t understand what it was doing or how you could use it with your students?  Join us today as we speak with Nikki Jones, a 3rd Grade teacher from Virginia that loves technology, especially Ozobots.  Find out how Nikki uses the Ozobots, not only for coding, but how she also uses them for math, social studies and science! Nikki Jones, a thirteen-year veteran educator values creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from SUNY Fredonia and obtained her master's degree in Special Education from George Mason University in Virginia. She currently teaches third grade at Chris Yung Elementary in Bristow, Virginia. Nikki has taught 1st grade and worked as an Instructional Technology Coach. She has presented at Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC) and numerous conferences, served as a lead mentor for new teachers and as team leader for the past four years. Technology plays a major role in her classroom as it is used daily to help facilitate learning and engage students. As an Ozobot Certified Educator she shares innovative lessons and her experiences taking risks to integrate the Ozobots and computer science into core content areas. She is a life-long learner who continues to reinvent herself. She is passionate about sharing her love for technology-integrated education and committed to helping other educators to feel comfortable using technology in their classrooms.   Contact: Nikki Jones Twitter: @mrsjones72812 Email: mrsjones72812@gmail.com   Items mentioned in Episode 45: Ozobot Donors Choose Seesaw Project Based Learning Nikki’s Ozobot Learning Library #remotelearning #distancelearning #ozobot #podcastedu #podcasting #ozosquad #letthekidslead #ozosquad   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   Email us! Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if you find our podcast helpful!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Contact us!   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT044| Podcasting with your Students - Brian Briggs Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Have you thought about podcasting with your students, but don’t know where to start?  Join us today as we speak with Brian Briggs, the Director of Innovation and Instructional Technology for Plumas Lake Elementary School District in California.  Brian shares with us why podcasting with your students is so beneficial and just how easy it is to get started.   Brian Briggs is the Director of Innovation and Instructional Technology for Plumas Lake Elementary School District.  Brian enjoys working with teachers and students teaching, training and learning alongside them with new and exciting topics in Educational Technology.  He loves the use of coding and robots, and has always been a nut for hands-on science. Brian is most excited about STEAM, the creation of projects, and getting students engaged. He also loves seeing the excitement of students and teachers working together as teams to create or complete a desired goal. On top of the teachable moments, Brian lives for the ooo and aahh moments that happen during instruction. Contact: Brian Briggs Twitter: @BriBriggs Email: bbriggs@plusd.org Check This Out Podcast   Items mentioned in Episode 44: Joe Sanfelippo Online Voice Recorder Anchor FM Soundtrap John Samuelson Techlandia Podcast Brent Warner Podcast The Way I Heard It Podcast Listenwise TOSAS Talking Tech Podcast The Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire This Week In Tech Podcast with Leo Laporte The Rewatchables Podcast   #remotelearning #distancelearning #nowlistening #podcastedu #podcasting #studentpodcast We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if you find our podcast helpful!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Contact us! Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT043 Bonus| Seesaw with Distance Learning - Megan Madden Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. In Episode 43 - Seesaw in the Classroom, Megan Madden shared with us how she has been using Seesaw in her classroom with great success.  Just a short time later, the whole world was shutting down due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.  Everything escalated very quickly, and teachers, districts and students found themselves having to transition to Distance Learning almost overnight.  In this Bonus episode, Megan shares with us the obstacles she faced in the transition, and how she returned to one of her favorite tech tools in her toolbelt, Seesaw, to help her with her students.  Find out why this was the perfect fit once again.  If you haven’t listened to Episode 43 yet, make sure you listen to that one as well to hear how she used Seesaw in her classroom.   Megan Madden is a Bay Area native and enjoys learning, community, and creating new ways to engage and excite my students. She attended Saint Mary’s College of California and earned my B.A in English Literature and minored in Theatre Arts. She continued at Saint Mary’s and went on to earn my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Megan began her teaching career at a Montessori Elementary School in Pleasanton, CA where she learned the art of hands-on exploration and differentiation. She then transitioned into the traditional classroom and continued to teach at a Catholic School in the Oakland Diocese. Megan’s desire to continue offering my students a tailored learning experience and an environment prepared for learning and exploring and began incorporating technology in order to balance the needs of her students within the constraints of the traditional classroom. She enjoyed watching her students thrive in this blended learning environment and was inspired to go back to school to earn her Masters in 21st Century Learning and Technology from Brandman University. Megan has a passion for integrating technology into her pedagogy and hopes to inspire others to explore new ways to teach and make an impact on students everywhere.   Contact: Megan Madden Twitter: @MyAppyClassroom Email: megan.n.madden@gmail.com Megan Madden’s Seesaw Slidedeck (with QR code for a free Premium month): MM Seesaw Slidedeck Instagram:  MyAppyClassroom   Items mentioned in Episode 43 Bonus: Seesaw website Seesaw Twitter The First Days of School by Harry and Rosemary Wong   #remotelearning #distancelearning #nowlistening #podcastedu #seesaw #digitalportfolio #seesawchat   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if you find our podcast helpful!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Contact us!   Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts - My Tech Toolbelt Google Podcasts - My Tech Toolbelt Spotify - My Tech Toolbelt or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT043| Seesaw in the Classroom - Megan Madden Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. It’s so great when each of your students have their own devices.  But what happens when you have 31 student projects on 31 devices?  It means a lot of time on the Teacher collecting, grading, distributing, and managing both the projects and the devices.  Join us today as we speak with Megan Madden, a 3rd Grade Teacher from California.  Megan shares with us why Seesaw works so well for her and her classroom.  Also, listen in to how much the parents love it as well.  One more thing, this episode will be a short series on Seesaw.  This is the “Seesaw in the Classroom” episode, our next one coming up will be “Seesaw with Distance Learning”, so be sure to subscribe to our podcast because you don’t want to miss that one! Megan Madden is a Bay Area native and enjoys learning, community, and creating new ways to engage and excite my students. She attended Saint Mary’s College of California and earned my B.A in English Literature and minored in Theatre Arts. She continued at Saint Mary’s and went on to earn my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Megan began her teaching career at a Montessori Elementary School in Pleasanton, CA where she learned the art of hands on exploration and differentiation. She then transitioned into the traditional classroom and continued to teach at a Catholic School in the Oakland Diocese. Megan’s desire to continue offering my students a tailored learning experience and an environment prepared for learning and exploring and began incorporating technology in order to balance the needs of her students within the constraints of the traditional classroom. She enjoyed watching her students thrive in this blended learning environment and was inspired to go back to school to earn her Masters in 21st Century Learning and Technology from Brandman University. Megan has a passion for integrating technology into her pedagogy and hopes to inspire others to explore new ways to teach and make an impact on students everywhere. Contact: Megan Madden Twitter: @MyAppyClassroom Email: megan.n.madden@gmail.com Megan Madden’s Seesaw Slidedeck (with QR code for a free Premium month): MM Seesaw Slidedeck Instagram:  MyAppyClassroom   Items mentioned in Episode 43: Seesaw website Seesaw Twitter The First Days of School by Harry and Rosemary Wong   #nowlistening #podcastedu #seesaw #ipad #ChromeBooks #Chrome #digitalportfolio #seesawchat We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if you find our podcast helpful!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Contact us! Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

MTT042| Creating with Chrome - Ryan O’Donnell Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Are you at a school with a lot of Chrome Books?  How are you using them? Are your students consumers or creators?  Wouldn’t it be great if you could turn on your student’s creative side and see where it would lead them?  Join us today as we speak with Ryan O’Donnell, a high school Video Production teacher from California. He shares with us so many creative ways to have your students Creating with Chrome in no time.  And just wait until you check out his unbelievable templates that he is sharing with you!   Ryan O’Donnell is currently a Video Production teacher at Rocklin High School in Rocklin, California. Before teaching video, he was a TOSA and social studies teacher and has been in education for 20 years. Ryan’s passionate about professional development for teachers with a focus on using tools, techniques and strategies in order to help students become more engaged and connected. Along with being a full time teacher, he is a podcaster, co-hosting the ed tech podcast, "Check This Out" as well as a presenter at various workshops and conferences throughout the country. You can connect with Ryan and find all his resources on his website www.creativeedtech.com   Contact: Ryan O’Donnell Twitter: @creativeedtech Email: ryan@creativeedtech.com Website: CreativeEdTech.com YouTube: Ryan O’Donnell  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU3vw2FXs7n1eBOLHsUTm_g   Items mentioned in Episode 42: Check This Out Podcast Screencastify Camtasia Snag It Mike Rowe - Speaking to Congress video Carol Dweck Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell   #nowlistening #podcastedu #googleslides #ChromeBooks #Chrome We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if you find our podcast helpful!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Contact us! Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT041| Digital Design Strategies - Martin Cisneros Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Wouldn’t it be great if you could customize information that you want to give your students so that every student could understand at their reading level?  What about being able to show websites to your class without pop-ups and advertisements? These are just a couple of the tech tools that are shared by our guest, Martin Cisneros. Martin Ricardo Cisneros (@TheTechProfe & TheTechProfe.com) is a Modern Learning Specialist, speaker, GeekDad, TechJedi, and SuperMariachi, from Silicon Valley! In his position at the Santa Clara County Office of Education (Innovation.sccoe.org), Martin develops and facilitates professional learning experiences on the most current educational trends to improve teaching and learning through innovative processes. He has developed many blended curricular programs some of which have been adopted by districts, universities, and others that have rolled out country-wide. Martin has experience teaching students and professionals at all levels including elementary, secondary, and higher education while working in the US, Canada, and Latin America.   Contact: Martin Cisneros Twitter: @TheTechProfe Email: TheTechProfe@gmail.com Website: TheTechProfe.com  LinkedIn: MartinCisneros   YouTube: TheTechProfe https://www.youtube.com/user/thetechprofe Additional Websites: innovations.sccoe.org & bit.ly/sccoebadges   Items mentioned in Episode 41: CUE Bold ISTE Mercury Reader Crafty184.com Resoomer SummarizeBot TLDR Smmry.com Google Translate DeepL.com Read&Write   ELL Teacher’s Toolbox by Larry Ferlazzo EduPprotocols by Marlena Hebern and Joe Corippo   #googleextension #googleslides #collaboration #CommonCore   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if you find our podcast helpful!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Contact us   Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT040| Pear Deck, Creating Classroom Conversations - Kristan Morales Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Imagine if you could engage every student in your class, every day. What if you could instantly see who’s confused and who’s ready for more? That’s the power of Pear Deck.  Join us as we speak with Kristan Morales and how she uses Pear Deck in her math classes to get responses from her students, either named or anonymously. Kristan Morales is a High School Math Teacher in Temecula, California.  Instructional Leadership Corps with CTA and Stanford, CTA Liaison to CA Math Council, Temecula Educators Association Instruction and Professional Development Chair, Southwest Riverside County Think Tank Facilitator for Institute for Teaching, CUE Conference Planning Committee and Volunteer Coordinator, CUE Rockstar Faculty.    Contact: Kristan Morales Twitter: @kristanmorales1 Kristan’s 3-Act Math presentation   Pear Deck is offering a Premium Access trial link to share with our listeners! Click the link below: http://bit.ly/2rfDfiL   Items mentioned in Episode 40: CUE Bold Pear Deck 3 Act Math Quizlet   The Growth Mindset by Annie Brock What’s Math Got to Do With It? by Jo Boaler EduPprotocols by Marlena Hebern and Joe Corippo Routines for Reasoning by Grace Kelemanik, Amy Lucenta and Susan Janssen Creighton Closeline Math by Chris Shore   #peardeck #googleslides #collaboration #RichMathTask #CommonCore   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT039| Empatico, Connecting Classrooms Around The World - Wendy Turner Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Empatico gives teachers and students the tools they need to explore the world through experiences that spark curiosity, kindness, and empathy.  Empatico combines live video with activities designed to foster meaningful connections. Wendy Turner teaches 2nd grade at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School in Wilmington, Delaware in the USA. She is passionate about connecting learning in the classroom to the real world in all areas of study.  Deeply committed to social-emotional learning, she guides her students to embody respect, empathy, resilience, citizenship, and growth mindset through dynamic classroom experiences. She advocates for educating the whole child, trauma invested learning environments, equitable school breakfast practices and is committed to high quality science and STEM education. An associate with Education Hall, she provides professional development and training on social emotional learning and trauma invested learning environments. Wendy was named a Compassion Champion by the Governor’s office in 2019. She is the 2017 Delaware Teacher of the Year, a 2016 Presidential Awardee for Excellence in Teaching Science, and a 3 time Empatico Empathy Project Fellow. She is also a 2018 NEA Foundation Excellence in Education Award Recipient, a 2019 NEA Foundation Global Learning Fellow and a No Kid Hungry School Breakfast Fellow, Wendy is a regular contributor to education blogs and positive conversations about education on Twitter.  Contact: Wendy Turner Twitter: @mswendymturner Wendy Turner’s Delaware Teacher of the Year 2017 Facebook Page   Items mentioned in Episode 39: Schoolinka.ng Global Goals Rubber Bracelets Daniel Lubetsky NEA Foundation talk Rita Pierson TED Talk Fostering Resilient Learners by Kristin Souers and Pete Hall   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT038| Assistive Technology Part 3, Dive Into UDL - Luis Perez & Kendra Grant Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Luis Perez joins us again with co-author, Kendra Grant, of the book “Dive Into UDL”. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework for designing instruction that meets the needs of every learner. They discuss an overview of UDL, showing how to offer flexibility in methods of presentation, student participation and expression to support high achievement for all students, including those with disabilities or limited English proficiency.  “Dive into UDL” shows K-12 educators how to incorporate UDL in their instructional design and engage in continuous professional growth. The book also appeals to those in coaching positions and to administrators seeking to support their staff. The book offers three modes of entry to allow educators to “start where they are” in their understanding of UDL and how it applies to their areas of instruction; shows educators how to enhance and transform their instructional practices by applying a UDL lens to analyze and redesign lessons; illustrates how to design accessible materials and use technology to provide more options for learners; and highlights how UDL is foundational to inquiry-based, project-based and constructivist hands-on learning. Luis Perez Luis Pérez is a technical assistance specialist for the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. In this role, he promotes the creation, delivery and use of high quality accessible educational materials and technologies to support equitable learning opportunities for all students. He holds a doctorate in special education and a master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of South Florida. He was selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) in 2009, and as a Google in Education Certified Educator in 2014, and he is the current President of the Inclusive Learning Network of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), which named him its 2016 Outstanding Inclusive Educator. Luis has published three books on accessibility, mobile learning and UDL: Mobile Learning for All (Corwin Press), Dive into UDL (ISTE) and Learning on the Go (CAST Publishing). His work has also appeared in publications such Teaching Exceptional Children, Closing the Gap Solutions, THE Journal, and The Loop Magazine.  In addition to his work in educational technology, Luis is an avid photographer whose work has been featured on Better Photography magazine, Business Insider, the New York Times Bits Blog and the Sydney Morning Herald.  Contact: Luis Perez Luis Perez’s Website Twitter: @eyeonaxs Instagram: Luis Perez Instagram Email: lfperez411@gmail.com   Kendra Grant Kendra Grant has held many roles in education, including teacher, district special education coordinator and assistive technology (AT) specialist in a large school district. She currently works with Quillsoft as director of professional development and learning, and was formerly co-founder and chief education officer for a professional learning company delivering large-scale technology implementation across North America. Grant holds a master’s of educational technology from the University of British Columbia with a focus on professional learning, eLearning (K-20) and the application of UDL to both. She is a past president of ISTE’s Inclusive Learning Network. Contact: Kendra Grant Kendra Grant’s Website Twitter: @KendraFGrant   Items mentioned in Episode 38: Three principles of UDL Multiple Means of Engagement Multiple Means of Representation Multiple Means of Action and Expression National Center on Accessible Educational Materials Twitter: AEM_Center   Luis Perez’s TED Talk for ISTE UDL FETC ATIA Conference Teaching Every Student in the Digital Age Dive Into UDL by Luis Perez and Kendra Grant Learning On The Go by Luis Perez   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT037| Thrively, Strength Based Education - Judy Blakeney and Tricia Gee Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Tired of only looking at what your students are doing wrong?  Interested in building up your student’s self-esteem? Join us as we look at Thrively, where they look at student’s strengths instead of their weaknesses.   Judy Blakeney is an English and Career Technical Education teacher at Aliso Viejo Middle School (Capistrano Unified School District). She also serves as the #CUEchat coordinator, organizing CUE’s weekly Twitter chat that supports CUE’s Leadership, Rockstar, Affiliates, Learning Networks, and Authors connection with CUE members. As a Google Innovator and Trainer, she enjoys exploring ways to support innovative, interactive, and learner-centered professional learning. Her Google Innovator project, StrengthBasedEDU provides professional learning for teachers focusing on their own and students’ strengths, using technology tools like Thrively, Flipgrid, and Google Sites for student digital portfolios. She actively participates in two California Teachers Association-affiliated organizations, the Instructional Leadership Corps (ILC) and Institute for Teaching (IFT), expanding her strength-based educational work. In the 2018-2019 school year, she was awarded a $5,000 grant from the IFT titled, “Prepare for the Future: Coding and Career Focused Education,” to support her strength-based work in her middle school CTE classroom. Additionally, she is pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Technology at Boise State University, currently working on her dissertation focused on the use of Twitter for educator professional learning.   Contact: Judy Blakeney Twitter: @judyblakeney Instagram: judyblakeney1 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/judy.blakeney LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-blakeney/ YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgd0J-6DLwW0ULbZ8_f52-A?view_as=subscriber Website: StrengthbasedEDU.com   Over the last 15+ years, Tricia has taught English language arts, History-Social Science 8, and Pre-AP Language and Composition to 7th and 8th graders, and in addition to teaching, she is entering her 2nd year as a part-time TOSA. After a full day of work, Tricia is actively involved with her association as Vice-President, and she is part of CTA’s Instructional Leadership Corps (ILC), Institute for Teaching (IFT) and IFT’s Research and Design Think Tank. Through these three organizations, she has had an opportunity to work on building a #StrengthBasedEDU culture around Strength-Based, Teacher Driven Change.  Contact: Trisha Gee Twitter: @drtriciagee   Items mentioned in Episode 37: Thrively www.teacherdrivenchange.org National Education Association (NEA) Digital Portfolios Strength Finders   Your Child’s Strengths by Jennifer Fox Essential Assessment By Cassie Erkins Collaborative Common Assessments By Cassie Erkins   We would love to hear from you!  Have you tried strength based education?  Are you going to try Thrively with your students? Have you taken the assessment yourself? Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might enjoy it.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT036| 360 Degree Math Remix - Ed Campos Jr Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Looking to step up you game in the classroom? Turn your math class into a fun and engaging atmosphere where your students don’t feel like they are an island, but are in a community. Ed Campos Jr. Ed currently works for Brown University as a Program Manager for the Brown Computer Science Department’s “Bootstrap” Computer Science curriculum that integrated CS into Core Content areas like Math, Science and Social Science.  He also works as a Lead Learner for CUE and does professional development under his own Consulting, “Mathletic Performance.” He’s taught high school Math and Computer Science for over 14 years in the San Joaquin Valley and was instrumental in creating a model 21st century math learning space that allows his students to express themselves, present, and teach their peers in a multitude of ways.  Ed was also named the Central Valley CUE Educator of the Year in 2014. He has a passion for travel, technology, and for empowering students and colleagues with the skills and knowledge that make the classroom more fun and effective because they deserve it.     Contact: Ed Campos Jr. Twitter: @edcamposjr twitter Instagram: @edcamposjr Facebook: Eddie Campos Jr. Blog: EdCamposJr.com   Items mentioned in Episode 36: 360 Degree Math Peter Liljedahl 3 Act Math VisualPatterns.org Flippity.net @wipebook Bootstrapworld.org @bootstrapworld Documentary: Teach   The Space: A Guide for Educators, by Robert Dillon and Rebecca Hare Mathematical Mindsets, by Jo Boaler   Go Write whiteboards, bit.ly/GoWriteWB www.geeo.org (global exploration for educators organization) Gallery Learning  #VNPS - Vertical Non Permanent Surfaces #360Math #Math360 We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us  Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT035| Assistive Technology Part 2, Learning on the Go - Luis Perez Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Luis Perez joins us again to talk about the tools you can add to your tech toolbelt for Universal Design for Learning (UDL).  While UDL is the framework, the technology is the tools to implement and practice using UDL in the classroom. Luis Pérez is a technical assistance specialist for the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. In this role, he promotes the creation, delivery and use of high quality accessible educational materials and technologies to support equitable learning opportunities for all students. He holds a doctorate in special education and a master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of South Florida. He was selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) in 2009, and as a Google in Education Certified Educator in 2014, and he is the current President of the Inclusive Learning Network of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), which named him its 2016 Outstanding Inclusive Educator. Luis has published three books on accessibility, mobile learning and UDL: Mobile Learning for All (Corwin Press), Dive into UDL (ISTE) and Learning on the Go (CAST Publishing). His work has also appeared in publications such Teaching Exceptional Children, Closing the Gap Solutions, THE Journal, and The Loop Magazine.  In addition to his work in educational technology, Luis is an avid photographer whose work has been featured on Better Photography magazine, Business Insider, the New York Times Bits Blog and the Sydney Morning Herald.   “We need to provide options for how we engage learners, how we present information to them, and then how we allow them to respond and show their understanding.”, Luis Perez.   Contact: Luis Perez Luis Perez’s Website Twitter: @eyeonaxs Instagram: Luis Perez Instagram Email: lfperez411@gmail.com   Items mentioned in Episode 35: Three principles of UDL Multiple Means of Engagement Multiple Means of Representation Multiple Means of Action and Expression National Center on Accessible Educational Materials Twitter: AEM_Center ABLE Framework Access to Content and Tools Built in support for Variability Leveraging Multimedia Expression and Creativity Luis Perez’s TED Talk for ISTE UDL Due App Read and Write for Google Chrome MindNode GoodNotes Voice Dream Reader Noteability Adobe Spark Clips Explain Everything iMovie Book Creator TouchCast FETC ATIA Conference   Dive Into UDL Learning On The Go by Luis Perez   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT034| Shadow A Student, CUE BOLD 19 - Devon Young Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. The Shadow a Student Challenge is a crash course in empathy that starts with seeing school through a student's eyes. It helps school leaders find meaningful opportunities to improve the experience for students, and take insight-driven action to create change at their schools. #ShadowAStudent Twitter: @k12lab K12lab at Stanford D School website PBS News Hour Video on Shadow A Student   Devon Young began her career in education as an AmeriCorps VISTA, working at a non-profit that matches low-income middle school students in workplace-based apprenticeships. It was during this experience that Devon was able to see the power of inspiring students through hands-on, experiential learning, and realized the need to engage with educators to catalyze change in schools. At the d.school Devon has worked on the Project Fellowship team and the K12 Lab Network, and today works as the Program Manager and Learning Experience Designer for the K12 Lab Network. From leading the international Shadow a Student Challenge to delivering innovative professional development to educators through Discover Design Thinking workshops, Devon feels lucky to work with the K12 Lab Network where every day she is surrounded by educators striving to improve the world around them for their students.   CUE BOLD “The CUE BOLD Symposium will take teachers, administrators, and district leaders on a deep dive into the world of blended and online lesson design.This event will challenge all educators to meet and lead their students in the 21st century with a focus on the symbiotic relationship of learning environment design, digital learning systems, and rethinking traditional lesson design as the essential components to launching a personalized 1:1 learning environment.”   Items mentioned in Episode 34: Creative Confidence Little Bets   The Space, A Guide for Educators - Rebecca Hare   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

MTT033| Learning like Finland, a Principal’s observation - Nicole Johnson Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Join a Principal's journey in going to Finland to observe their school system. Nicole Johnson is an Elementary School Principal from Los Angeles, California.  She was selected to join a group of Principals from the Los Angeles area to go to Finland to observe how their school system is run, based on the book, “Teach Like Finland”. Nicole received her Bachelor’s in Communication Studies from Cal State Long Beach.  While in school she supported herself by working as a nanny for a special needs child.  Upon graduation she applied for and was hired as the 3rd grade teacher of St. Aloysius School.  Having grown up in a small town, adjusting to life in an inner city was a bit of a struggle for Nicole; however St. Aloysius School eventually worked its way into her heart.  While serving as a teacher, she received her Master’s in Education, with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. She later received a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a Master’s in Education from Loyola Marymount University.  After having served as the 3rd grade teacher for five years, she was asked to step into the position of principal. She reluctantly accepted the position due to her limited experience, and the fact that she had newborn twins at home. However, she has since served as principal of St. Aloysius School for 11 years, during which time she has increased enrollment by nearly 30% and has received over a million dollars in grants and renovations.  She has also restructured the educational system to make the curriculum more student-centered and student-driven, which includes the integration of Blended Learning and STEM pedagogical practices. Nicole is currently completely the ISLA program at Loyola Marymount University, after which she will receive an Administrative Credential and a Masters in Administration. Nicole has three children.   Contact: Nicole Johnson Email: n.johnson@staloysiusla.org   Items mentioned in Episode 33: Kiva Learning Scoop   Teach Like Finland Killing Lincoln Killing Kennedy   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT032| Beginning Blended Learning, a Principal’s perspective - Amanda Johnston Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Follow a Principal's journey in starting her school with Blended Learning. Amanda Johnston is an St. Mary Elementary School Principal from Escondido, California.  She was set to teach 3rd Grade in the Fall, but plans changed and she was asked if she would be interested in taking over as Principal instead.  This was in July and school started in August. Amanda shares with us her journey of continuing with a promise made to the students, faculty and families of St. Mary school.  They would become a Blended Learning school. Mrs. Johnston talks about finding the right people to connect and collaborate with.  She also talks about how important empowering your staff is. She discusses her insights, struggles, and even a tech failure. St. Mary Escondido Twitter - @stmaryescondido St. Mary Escondido Instagram - @stmaryescondido   Contact: Amanda Johnston Twitter: @smsmrsjohnston Email: ajohnston@stmesc.org   Items mentioned in Episode 32: Loyola Marymount IDEAL Institute STEMscopes Dr. Anita Kreide - Twitter Lexia Core 5 Power Up ST Math - Spatial-Temporal Math Imagine Math Alex   Good To Great Design Thinking for School Leaders EduProtocols   SMA Audio Experience Podcast   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT031| Assistive Technology Part 1, Technology Makes Things Possible - Luis Perez Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. An introduction to the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. They provide resources and technical assistance for educators, parents, students, publishers, conversion houses, accessible media producers, and others interested in learning more about AEM and implementing AEM and the National Instructional Materials Accessibility Standard (NIMAS). National Center on Accessible Educational Materials #AEM4all Twitter: AEM_Center Facebook: AEM Center   Luis Perez Luis Pérez is a technical assistance specialist for the National Center on Accessible Educational Materials. In this role, he promotes the creation, delivery and use of high quality accessible educational materials and technologies to support equitable learning opportunities for all students. He holds a doctorate in special education and a master’s degree in instructional technology from the University of South Florida. He was selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) in 2009, and as a Google in Education Certified Educator in 2014, and he is the current President of the Inclusive Learning Network of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), which named him its 2016 Outstanding Inclusive Educator. Luis has published three books on accessibility, mobile learning and UDL: Mobile Learning for All (Corwin Press), Dive into UDL (ISTE) and Learning on the Go (CAST Publishing). His work has also appeared in publications such Teaching Exceptional Children, Closing the Gap Solutions, THE Journal, and The Loop Magazine.  In addition to his work in educational technology, Luis is an avid photographer whose work has been featured on Better Photography magazine, Business Insider, the New York Times Bits Blog and the Sydney Morning Herald.   Contact: Luis Perez Luis Perez’s Website Twitter: @eyeonaxs Instagram: Luis Perez Instagram Email: lfperez411@gmail.com   Items mentioned in Episode 31: Luis Perez’s TED Talk for ISTE UDL SETT - Student, Environment, Task, Tools The End of Average by Todd Rose The KIPP program Office Lens App for IOS Office Lens App for Android Designing for Accessibility with POUR Cadet Dive Into UDL Learning On The Go by Luis Perez   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT030| Freckle For Everyone Part 2, Helping the First Year Teacher stay on track - Kristen Johnson Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Kristen Johnson from Alabama was a first year teacher that was feeling a bit unsure of her progression with her students during the second half of the year.  Join us as we talk about how Freckle helped her students prepare for their mandatory testing in April. Freckle empowers teachers to differentiate instruction across Math, ELA, Social Studies and Science. Freckle Kristen Johnson Alabama Teacher of the Year Nominee (2018-2019)Nick's Kids Teacher Excellence Award Recipient (2016) Kristen tells us, “My passion for teaching began when I was a nine-year-old girl in fourth grade. After being inspired by a truly enthusiastic teacher who was eager for students to learn and find their individual passions, I decided to pursue a future in teaching myself. As early as fifteen years old, a junior in high school, I started volunteering in classrooms and participated in several teaching opportunities including tutoring and small group leadership. In 2015, I graduated from The University of Alabama with Cum Laude honors, a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and a Letter of Intent with the Tuscaloosa County School System. In July 2015, I accepted a position at Maxwell Elementary School, fulfilling my dream of becoming a fourth-grade teacher. I taught fourth grade for two years and ventured into a split classroom including both fourth and fifth graders for the 2017-2018 and the 2018-2019 school years. In the past two years, I have strived to push myself to be the best teacher I could be by including a multitude of technology, student choice activities, and small group instruction in our daily routines. Currently, I am working on my Master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Alabama. In the future, I plan to achieve National Board Certification.” Contact: Kristen Johnson Facebook: @pencilsandpedagogy Instagram: Pencils and Pedagogy Teachers Pay Teachers: TPT Pencils and Pedagogy Pinterest: Pinterest Pencils and Pedegogy Email: kejohnson@tcss.net   Items mentioned in Episode 30: Freckle Lighthouse School - The Leader In Me   BookBub Kids Deserve It The Wild Card Pay It Forward Pay It Forward - Young Readers Edition   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE TO THE SHOW!  Please share this podcast with someone you think might benefit.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT029| #CUE19 Recap - Jon Corippo www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbeltInstagram: My Tech Toolbelt Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Review of the CUE Spring 2019 Ed Tech Conference. We also catch up with CUE Executive Director, Jon Corippo. CUE CUE is the ISTE Affiliate for California and Nevada. Twitter: @cueincInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cueinc/?hl=en Jon Corippo Proven excellence as a presenter and event organizer: Routinely plans and executes small, medium and large ed tech training and educational events that are well presented and get very high marks from audiences. Developed and executed training for over 45,000 educators from 2015-2018. Co-author of The Eduprotocol Field Guide, an Amazon Best Seller. Lead the CUE staff for Fall CUE and Spring CUE events, including all aspects of the events (marketing, logistics, innovation and vendor relations). Award winning and renowned for innovation in the use of Apple products in a large group of Ed Tech communities, including Apple Distinguished Educator Network, Google Certified Teachers, Computer Using Educators (CUE), Central Valley CUE and ISTE. Grew CUE membership from 9500 to 23,000. Planned and implemented the complete design of Minarets HS, including Challenge Based Curriculum, MacBook imaging and rollout, wireless infrastructure standards, classroom pedagogy, staff recruitment and hiring. While serving as Chief Innovation Officer at CUE, grew the number of teachers served by over 200% over a 3 year span, with over 90% positive feedback. Expert trainer of adult educators and students:Honored to be an ADE and GCT, as well as highly sought after presenter on many subjects, including Film and Video production, Lesson Planning and Design, School Culture, Ed Tech tools and very popular in Apple Executive Briefings as well as Apple Training Events. Lead Learner for Google Teacher Academy, Mountain View 2014. Has lead international events in Mexico, Austria, and Australia. Internationally connected Personal Learning Network via email, Web and Twitter: Connected to a wide variety of educators, Ed Tech leaders and administrators. Items mentioned in Episode 29: Alice Chen twitter John Eick Martin Cisneros Eric Thomas Kristina Ishmael Alice Keeler Brent Coley Parkinson’s Law The History of Work NCLB EduProtocols   CUE Bold #CUE19 #BigName #BigFan   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Thank you so much for joining us today for Episode 29 of the My Tech Toolbelt Podcast!    

MTT028| 3Doodler, the 3D Printer in your hand, MTT Anniversary, CUE it up! #CUE19 - Maxwell Bogue www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. 3Doodler The 3D printing pen was an invention of accidental genius, creativity and quick thinking. What started out as an error from a 3D printer, turned into an amazing venture into a handheld way to create 3D objects. The 3Doodler went on to raise nearly $4 million USD in two successful Kickstarts and has since become the best-selling 3D printing product of all-time. Contact: 3Doodler Twitter: @3Doodler Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/3doodler/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/3Doodler Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3doodler/   Items mentioned in Episode 28: 3Doodler #CUE19 #BigFan We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

MTT027| Freckle for Everyone, Differentiation Platform For K-12, Part 1 - Sarah Emerling www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Looking for a way to differentiate instruction for everyone in the classroom?  Well, you are in for a treat as we speak with Sarah Emerling, a Special Education teacher from South Carolina where we talk about Freckle.  She tells us how Freckle wants to reach all of your students at the level that’s best for them! Freckle empowers teachers to differentiate instruction across Math, ELA, Social Studies and Science. Freckle   Sarah Emerling received her Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education, National Board Certified as Exceptional Needs Specialist. She also was the District Teacher of the Year Finalist two times. Sarah tells us, “My name is Sarah Emerling, and I co-teach in fourth and fifth grade. I'm married to Chris Emerling, a high school English teacher (who also really loves technology). We have two awesome kids, who both come to school with me every day. I graduated from SUNY Geneseo with dual certification in both elementary education and special education. This is my eighteenth year of teaching, and I absolutely love this job. True co-taught inclusion classes are where my heart lives.  Students in co-taught classes get the benefit of having two teachers for that class period. My role is to serve and support all students in those classes, as well as supporting teachers as they strive to meet our students' unique needs. I am an enormous advocate of educational technology and teaching students to create their own learning. I am thrilled to be a part of the Full Circle Technology program, allowing students that I work with to have laptops at their disposal daily. As we explore the 1:1 technology environment, our students are learning essential 21st century skills that will help them throughout their lives. Freckle has been a game-changer in my classroom. We first started using the free edition several years ago and fell in love. It is an adaptive math program that meets students at their level. They can work to catch up on skills they haven't mastered, while at the same time progressing through skills that are above grade level in other domains. The students are highly engaged in the program and the data it generates is phenomenal. There are many different ways to track data, incentivize learning, and engage students. It's a flexible and fantastic program.” Contact: Sarah Emerling Twitter: @iLessonLady Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/butler5/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iLessonLady Email: semerling@acpsd.net #DataNinja   Items mentioned in Episode 27: Freckle   Sarah Emerling’s Teachers Pay Teachers page Kids Deserve It Sparks In The Dark   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT026 OER, Oh My!, Open Educational Resources - Kristina Ishmael Looking for a way to have enhanced or a alternative resources for your curriculum?  Well, you are in for a treat as we speak with Kristina Ishmael from New America where we talk about Open Educational Resources, or OER.  She explains what type of resources are available, licensing, and how you can use the resources once you have them. Kristina’s enthusiasm about OER will have you excited to see how you can use OER in your school. Open Educatonal Resources (OER), are teaching and learning materials that you may freely use and reuse, without charge.   www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Kristina Ishmael is an educator, learner, thought leader, advocate, and agent of change. After her work in the classroom and at the state, she found herself in the nation’s capital working on education policy around instructional materials in the perfect culmination of her commitment to remove roadblocks for student access to resources and provide professional learning for educators. Ishmael currently serves as the Senior Project Manager of the Learning Technologies Project on the Education Policy Program at New America. This role allows her to directly support states, districts, and educators rethinking the role of instructional materials to create deeper learning opportunities for students. She brings her strong facilitation skills, experience leading a national initiative, and energy into every project. Kristina is passionate about changing teaching and learning to provide more equitable access and opportunities to all learners.Previously, Kristina was the K-12 Open Education Fellow at the Office of Educational Technology where she developed and grew the #GoOpen movement. Prior to her work at the U.S. Department of Education, she worked as the Digital Learning Specialist for the Nebraska Department of Education where she led professional learning and advocated for school librarians. This experience granted her a unique perspective on leveraging educational technology in urban, suburban, and rural school systems. Before her role with the state, Kristina was a teacher to high-risk elementary ELL students in Omaha, Nebraska.   Contact: Kristina Ishmael Twitter: @kmishmael Instagram: @kmishmael Email: ishmael@newamerica.org   Items mentioned in Episode 26: newamerica.org Pre K - 12 OER   COERLL Creative Commons GEEO Discounted trips for Educators OER Commons The Daily 5 Guided Reading The Sun and Her Flowers Bored and Brilliant   Where in the world is Kristina Ishmael in 2019? (sung to the tune of Carmen SanDiego, of course)ISTE Digital Leadership Summit (Santa Clara), Jan. 18-20#GoOpen Regional Summit (Indianapolis), Jan. 24EduCon (Philly), Jan. 25-27TCEA (San Antonio), Feb. 6-75Sigma (Denver), Feb. 22-23CUE (Palm Springs), Mar. 14-16CoSN Pre-Conference (Portland), Mar. 31-Apr. 1DLAC (Austin), Apr. 2-3#GoOpen Regional Summit (San Diego), Apr. 15CUE BOLD (San Diego), May 4-5Creative Commons Summit (Lisbon, Portugal), May 9-11Summer Tech Institute (Norfolk, NE), May 29-30ISTE (Philly), June 23-26ISTE U: Intro to OER course - to be released at ISTE conference, June 2019Website: https://www.newamerica.org/in-depth/prek12-oer-in-practice/   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

Wouldn’t it be great to use technology that students already love and many are using already? Join us in our conversation with James Pike and Neal Manegold where they tell us about the different ways you can use MinecraftEDU in your classroom.  Don’t be afraid to try it, they will tell you just how easy it is to get started! www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. MinecraftEDU Website James Pike is a fun loving teacher from California who has blending Minecraft, coding, and makerspaces across curriculum for 6 years. He is students have historical movies, created video games out of cells, and turned their classroom in to a full on cardboard box arcade. Currently, James is working with Minecraft Education Edition on curriculum for the Common Core math. Contact: James Pike Twitter: @joakleyiii Email: joakleyiii@hotmail.com   Neal Manegold is Director of Learning Programs at Minecraft Education, focused on materials to support school leaders and educators bringing games to their classroom. This includes professional development, curriculum, feature design, and ensuring Education Edition is built to support classrooms around the globe. He previously worked at an educational technology start-up focused on personalized math instruction. Neal worked as an Educator and Math Coordinator in California and Washington State, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Neal grew up in Los Angeles and lives outside Seattle with his wife and two children, both of whom teach him something new about Minecraft every day. Contact: Neal Manegold Email: nealm@microsoft.com Twitter: @nealmanegold   Items mentioned in Episode 25: MinecraftEDU Website MinecraftEDU Twitter   Code Breakers - Brian Aspinall Dr. Sam Patterson James Pike’s YouTube Channel Minefaire Website Minefaire Twitter What got you here won’t get you there Yardsticks The Inner Game of Tennis   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT024| Virtual Reality, Get Fully Immersed - Steven Sato Today we have a very in-depth interview with an educator that totally immerses us in the Virtual Reality world.  Steven Sato is the Technology Director for a K8 Independent School in the Los Angeles area. We explore the different types of “Reality” available today (like A/R and V/R), we look at costs, and implementing VR into your curriculum. Steven also gives us some great examples of a variety of virtual experiences available to your students today! www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt You can SUBSCRIBE to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Steven Sato is currently the Technology Director for a K8 Independent School in Los Angeles.  He has been an educator for 19 years and, as a life-long learner, he dedicates his time to the advancement of K12 education through the appropriate use of technology. He is a Google Certified Innovator, co-organizer of the LA Immersive Edtech Meetup Group, and co-host of The VR Podcast. He focuses on the integration and research of immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented reality and believes these technologies will revolutionize how we meet the goal of transferring knowledge to students but also help address equity in our school systems.Steven also focuses on creating and maintaining strategic partnerships between K12 Education and the Immersive Industry by curating, coordinating, and hosting the AR/VR Playground at CUE Spring 2018 & responsible for 2019; co-hosting the LA Immersive Edtech Meetup Group; co-hosting The VR Podcast; and helping produce ImmersED. These are all conferences that are focused on AR and VR in Education. Steven shares, “Virtual Reality provides access to the impossible, rare, expensive, dangerous, counterproductive. A recent Stanford test looked at schools with access to extra curricular activities such as field trips and schools that did not have access to these and found that schools without those stimuli tested far worse than those that had access.” Contact: Steven Sato StevenSato.com The VR Podcast: @thevrpodcast Email: stevensato@gmail.com Twitter: @stevensato   Items mentioned in Episode 24: Stanford’s V/R “Becoming Homeless” Vader Immortal Survios Embodied Labs Tree V/R Official Ready Player One The Last Goodbye Tiltbrush Kevin Mack Samsung Gear 360 Garmin Verv Azine Davoudzadeh - @azined Mark Suter - @Garlicsuter Chad Lewis - @VRczAR Sharecare YOU Life 3.0 - by Max Tegmark Experience On Demand - by Jeremy Bailenson   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt?   Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT023| CUE Membership, Networking, PLN, and Education Technology - Cate Tolnai www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Have you thought about finding a group of educators that are as interested in technology as you are? Well, today we are speaking with Cate Tolnai, Director of Member Engagement for CUE. Cate explains all the wonderful advantages there are to joining a group like CUE. “CUE, formerly, Computer-Using Educators, is a nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1978. CUE’s goal is to inspire innovative learners in all disciplines from preschool through college. With an active current membership of thousands of educational professionals, CUE supports many regional affiliates and Learning Networks. CUE Conferences are California’s premier educational technology events. CUE is the largest organization of its type in the west and one of the largest in the United States. Our members are important and as a value-added benefit, members are invited to participate in programs aimed at promoting and highlighting their success and achievements and furthering the mission of CUE. CUE inspires innovative learners by fostering community, personalizing learning, infusing technology, developing leadership, and advocating educational opportunities for all.” (CUE Website) Cate Tolnai is a passionate fan of learning, coaching, and connecting. She works as the Director of Member Engagement for California’s ISTE Affiliate, CUE - an education non-profit for innovation in learning and leadership throughout California and Nevada. In her sixteenth year in K-12 education, Cate serves educators as they integrate technology-rich, future-ready learning in all learning environments. She has spent ten years in K-12 classrooms and five years coaching teachers and administrators at both the district and county levels. As a Google Certified Innovator and Trainer, she commits to supporting the integration of technology and teaching across grade levels and content areas. She loves to talk gamification, micro-certifications, blended and online learning, personalized PD, learning through play, and finding reasons to celebrate every victory step. #WeAreCUE #CUEchat #TeachersNeedIt #badgechat #Sketch50 Items mentioned in Episode 23: Become a CUE member CUE Website CUE Club 78 On CUE - Stories of students and educators ISTE Affiliate Directory #WeAreCUE #PoweredByCUE   Contact: Cate Tolnai Email: ctolnai@cue.org Twitter: @CateTolnai   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT022| 3D Printing - Dream Design Create - Brian Adams Have you thought about exploring the world of 3D printers? Do you have one but not sure what to do with it? Join us in our conversation with Brian Adams where he tells us about different types of printers, price points, maintenance, and things to look for in a quality printer. He also gives us resources for templates to get you started right out of the box! www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Brian Adams is the Educational Technology Curriculum Integration Specialist and teaches Advanced Placement Computer Science for Bishop Montgomery High School, in Torrance, California.  Brian has taught students from K-12, in a wide range of subjects from typing and MS Office to AP Computer Science. His main goals are to increase the saturation of technology on campus and to help teachers develop curriculum that integrates technology and supports the development of tech based skills.   3D printing is a great tool for developing interest and skill in 3D modeling, can lead to creative/problem based curriculum, and is a great tool to create classroom realia or supplemental physicals for student projects.  3D printing is a great tool to tap into a student's creativity and the design process. Contact: Brian Adams Email: badams@bmhs-la.org   Items mentioned in Episode 22: Dr. Chris Craft Monoprice Thingyverse British Museum NASA Creality OctoPrint Anatomage   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

Our heartfelt thanks to the following people.  We couldn't do it without you! Greg ArganoPat LenehanGail RodonoOur Families Friend and supporter @johnwickiDeal Institute team at Loyola Marymount University The crew at Beavens Systems that put up with us@stickermuleQueensboroTee-Spring   Thankful for the Supporters and guests CUE Inc. and ISTEMary McCormick and Touch Cast StudioZoe Bader and Go NoodleLaura McComb and FlipgridDanielle Moore and Craig Jones and FormativeJessica Solano and NearpodSean Young and Amanda Moore & Sam Schneider & ClasscraftMatt Menshner and ScribleKeani Romero and Donor’s ChooseJon Corippo and Marlene Hebern - talking about EduProtocolsMeredith Allen and SoundtrapJillian Hoffman and Hour of Code (code.org)Jessica Pack and We VideoPeter Paccone and Kahoot   Others who inspired us: The Virtual Reality Podcast (@stevensato)Luis Perez @eyeonaxsCheck this out podcast with Brian & Ryan @checkthisoutBRTOSAs Talking Tech podcast @TosasTalkinTechDave Lee & his dad - from @intlpodcastday & @thewavesoftechThe Edu Tech Guys @edutechguysThe School of Podcasting The Cult of PedagogyLeslie Fisher (@lesliefisher)Dave & Shelley Burgess (@burgessdave)Matt Miller (@jmattmiller)The Tech Rabbi - Michael CohenRichard Byrne (@rmbyrne)Our friends at Apple, Google & Microsoft Education - you know who you areWe are thankful for teachers and administrators that are in classrooms fighting the good fight everyday! We are thankful and want to recognize those who recognized us: Christina Alvayay - from Chile, recognized us a ISTELinda Meyers - recognized us while at the voting Polls We recognize our teachers that made a difference in our lives Finally we are thankful to YOU!!! Our listeners   We are excited to officially announce we have been selected to be the official Podcast of CUE as a Social Media Champ for the next 6 months. Some topics of our upcoming episodes will include: 3D printing, Assistive Technology, Minecraft in Education, Technology implementation from the administrators point of view, Open Educational Resources and MUCH MORE!!

MTT020|Kahoot! - Game Based Learning - Peter Paccone Kahoot! Is a game-based learning platform, that is free for teachers!   www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here   Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   Kahoot! website Create a fun learning game in minutes – called ‘kahoots’. The format and number of questions are entirely up to you. Add videos, images and diagrams to your questions to amplify engagement. Ways to play Kahoot!   Peter Paccone has earned many accomplishments during his 30 years of teaching.  Some of those include: California Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award; Henry Ford Innovator Award, PBS Digital Innovator Award; Southern California Innovative Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award, Los Angeles Mock Trial Teacher of the Year Award; ISTE Video Conferencing Teacher of the Year Award. Peter has also been recognized by the Flipped Learning Global Initiative as one of the top 100 Educators Leading Flipped Learning. Peter is also the KQED In the Classroom publications manager and a member of several teacher advisory committees (iCivics, Global Flipped Learning, PBS, Better Together California Teacher Summit, etc.). He writes frequently for several education-related online publications (ITC, Edutopia, PBS’s Teacher Lounge, etc.) and he has given a TED-Talk style presentation at the 2015 and 2016 California Teachers Summit and at the 2016 Arcadia Innovative Teacher Summit. In addition, he has produced two TED-Ed Lessons. Peter Paccone’s article KQED In The Classroom Edutopia PBS Teachers Lounge   Contact: Peter Paconne Twitter:  @PeterPaccone   Books mentioned in Episode 20: Flip Your Classroom : by John Bergman Flipped Learning : by Jon Bergmann   Medium David Vannasdall - Arcadia Unified Superintendent - @davidvannasdall We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt?   Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT019|We Video, engaging in Digital Storytelling - Jessica Pack   WeVideo empowers all students to express their ideas authentically and creatively. Use WeVideo with all your existing devices, and there is no software to install.   www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here   Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   WeVideo WeVideo is the complete, feature-packed video creation platform for today’s learners. The platform is built with classroom, school, and district-wide use in mind.  Jessica says, “WeVideo is browser-based video editing software, with options for green screen, webcam recording, and screen recording. It integrates seamlessly with Google Drive, making it an easy to use tool for students to use to create and share their work.  Digital Storytelling enfranchises student voices, so being able to put editing software in the hands of every child in my classroom is powerful. I use WeVideo to provide students with opportunities to tell digital stories about core curriculum, as well as their own lives.  My students record video reflections about their learning, write and create short narratives from the point of view of literary characters, produce PSAs, and construct informative artifacts of their learning using WeVideo. These types of projects function as both formative and summative assessments, as well as modalities of self expression.”   Jessica Pack teaches middle school in Palm Springs Unified School District, located in the Southern California desert.  Currently, she teaches 6th grade Language Arts and Social Studies, as well as 6th-8th grade ASB and video production. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Jessica is an adjunct faculty member of DIGICOM Learning - a nonprofit dedicated to promoting and supporting digital storytelling in classrooms. Jessica has been integrating digital storytelling into her curriculum for the last 13 years and continues to view it as an instructional pillar of her classroom. 2014 California Teacher of the Year, 2015 CUE Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Global Minecraft Mentor.   Contact: Jessica Pack Email:  packwoman208@gmail.com Blog:  www.packwomantech.com Twitter:  @Packwoman208   Books mentioned in Episode 19: EduProtocol Field Guide Drive by Daniel Pink   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt?   Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT018|Hour of Code and first-time Grant Writing - Jillian Hoffman   www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Hour of Code - The Hour of Code started as a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify "code", to show that anybody can learn the basics, and to broaden participation in the field of computer science. It has since become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with 1-hour coding activities but expanding to all sorts of community efforts. Check out the tutorials and activities. This grassroots campaign is supported by over 400 partners and 200,000 educators worldwide. The Hour of Code takes place each year during Computer Science Education Week. The 2018 Computer Science Education Week will be December 3-9, but you can host an Hour of Code all year-round. Computer Science Education Week is held annually in recognition of the birthday of computing pioneer Admiral Grace Murray Hopper (December 9, 1906). Every student should have the opportunity to learn computer science. It helps nurture problem-solving skills, logic and creativity. By starting early, students will have a foundation for success in any 21st-century career path.   Jillian Hoffman is an elementary school teacher in Torrance, California. She has 15 years of teaching experience in both private and public schools.  Jillian takes us on her journey from not having any coding experience, to writing a grant to get the project off the ground into her new school. Then, showing other teachers at her school how to implement Hour of Code into their curriculum. Contact Jillian Hoffman: Email:  hoffman.jillian@tusd.org We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?   Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT017|Soundtrap, the online tool for collaboration through music, podcasts and communication skills - Meredith Allen Soundtrap EDU is an online tool that enables teachers to follow the latest curriculums through music, podcasts, language, literacy training and other sound recordings.   www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Spotify or listen here   Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   Soundtrap - Soundtrap EDU is an online tool that enables teachers to follow the latest curriculums through music, podcasts, language, literacy training and other sound recordings. A creative environment in which students can collaborate and develop their own creative and communication skills. Soundtrap EDU is easy to use for both teachers and students of all levels. The studio comes with an extensive collection of PRO quality loops, effects and software instruments. Multi Device - Soundtrap works on Mac, Windows, iPad, iPhone, Android phones and tablets, Linux and ChromeBooks.  Soundtrap EDU is designed to work on virtually any device - both mobile and desktop. And since the studio is completely Cloud-Powered, students can continue working on their projects from home. Collaborate - Make music with other people in real time or share with friends.   Contact Meredith Allen: Twitter: @msmeredithallen Email:  meredith.allen@soundtrap.com   Websites mentioned: Dangerously Irrelevant Playing For Change Playing For Change Foundation   Books mentioned in Episode 17: Kids Deserve it! The Innovator’s Mindset Switch Influencer   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt?   Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music ------------------------------------------- Coupon Code:  HJDL67S, 15% off on Soundtrap EDU Online Coupon good through January 1, 2019 --------------------------------------------

MTT016|EduProtocol Field Guide, Student centered learning - Marlena Hebern and Jon Corippo www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt   #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here   Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   EduProtocols.com EduProtocol Field Guide on Amazon   Are you stuck in the lecture-and-worksheet rut? Many teachers continue to struggle to break out of the corporate lesson-and-worksheet cycle to find fresh, meaningful ways to develop original, engaging and effective instruction. In The EduProtocol Field Guide, Jon Corippo and Marlena Hebern outline sixteen classroom-tested protocols to break up clichéd lesson plans, build culture, and deliver content to K–12 students in a supportive, creative environment.   Start Smart Smart Start activities set your students up for success by teaching them how to learn, using tools like Frayer Models and Venn Diagrams on fun subjects. In addition to preparing your students to learn, Smart Start activities help build a positive culture in your classroom.   Finish Strong EduProtocols are customizable, frames that use your content to create lessons to help students master academic content, think critically, and communicate effectively while creating and working collaboratively. EduProtocols can be used with nearly all subjects and grade levels and are UDL (Universal Design for Learning)-friendly to support all learners. Simplify the process of creating engaging and personalized learning opportunities for every student. The EduProtocol Field Guide shows you how.   A little about Marlena Hebern: The greatest compliment Marlena ever received was from a former visually challenged student, who said, "Mrs. Hebern didn't care that I was going blind." Over eighteen years teaching students from kindergarten through eighth grade, and the "opportunity' class Marlena learned that classroom culture is the number one most important thing in order to set students up for success. Great lesson design is close second. Marlena's lessons are often focused on student creativity and developing a student's sense of self-worth and community. Marlena is a Google Certified Innovator, Google Trainer, and EdCamp Yosemite co-founder. She holds a Master of Science degree in reading instruction and has been awarded a Beginning Teacher Support Provider of the Year Award. Contact Marlena Hebern: Twitter: @mhebern   A little about Jon Corippo: “I was a 2.9gpa student all the way through K-8. Then HS. Then the first 3/5 of college. That's when it all changed for me as a student. We started doing the work, making the things and really getting to work. I started out as a teacher who thought getting through the book was the end-all, be-all. I was so wrong. The EduProtocol Field Guide is the result of almost 20 years in education, the vast majority of it being without textbooks. I mixed, remixed, read, Tweeted and tested several tools for years to get this right.” CUE Executive Director 2014 CUE Gold Disk Recipient Apple Distinguished Educator Google Certified Teacher   Contact Jon Corippo: Twitter: @jcorippo   Books mentioned in Episode 16: Why Johnny Can’t Read Dumbing Us Down   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?     Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt?   Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT015|Donors Choose, Donate directly to the classroom - Keani Romero, Middle School Robotics Teacher www.mytechtoolbelt.com Twitter: @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: My Tech Toolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here   Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   Donors Choose Website DonorsChoose.org is a United States–based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that allows individuals to donate directly to public school classroom projects. Founded in 2000 by former public school teacher in the Bronx, DonorsChoose.org was among the first civic crowdfunding platforms of its kind. The organization has been given Charity Navigator’s highest rating every year since 2005. In January 2018, they announced that 1 million projects had been funded. In 77% of public schools in the United States, at least one project has been requested on DonorsChoose.org.   A little about Keani Romero: “I was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA and attended public schools until high school. I am a graduate of The University of Arizona and received my Master’s degree from Mount St. Mary’s University. I am a mother of four children, a wife of 20 years to an amazing husband, and an enthusiastic middle school Robotics teacher. I have a passion for teaching and learning; enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my family. ” Keani tells us how she uses Donors Choose, “Teaching Robotics and Programming has been an eye opening experience as the combination of hands on building assignments and basic programming, although difficult, really appeal to the kids. My students are excited to come to my class every day because they are learning how to use technology in a new way and learning how to manipulate objects with their hands. It's new and fun for them and I truly feel we need more of this type of learning in all classrooms. I have had a lot of success obtaining donations via Donors Choose and have added some very exciting tech tools to my classroom. I'd love to share what has worked for me so that more teachers can benefit from this amazing resource. I use different two different types of basic programming software in my class to introduce my students to programming and teach them how to make things move autonomously. I also use Donors Choose to obtain materials for my class/students that will increase engagement but are not available to be paid for via the school budget.”   Contact Keani Romero: Twitter: @mrskromero Email:  losromeros@mac.com   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Let us know! Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt?   Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

MTT014|Scrible, Modern Research Platform for School and Work - with Matt Menschner, High School ELA and History Teacher www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here   Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   Scrible Website   A little about Matt Menschner: “I am a fourth-year teacher in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I graduated from Temple University in December 2014. My content area of focus in college was history, but after graduation I also pursued a certification in English. After graduating I began teaching at a middle school in West Philadelphia, but the following year I returned to the neighborhood high school in North Philadelphia where I completed my student teaching fieldwork the year prior. As an advocate of technology in the classroom, I am constantly adapting and modifying the way that I teach my students and meet their diverse educational needs. I occasionally act as a consult for Scrible, Inc. and I have incorporated a myriad of other educational technologies in my class to improve instructional outcomes. In addition to teaching and consulting, I am also a Fellow with the Teachers Institute of Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania. Through TIP, I conduct research and publish original curriculum units that are available to educators across the world. As a staunch advocate of educational technology and personalized learning, I encourage and model for my students inquisitiveness, adaptability and digital citizenship in an age of boundless opportunity and information.”   Matt tells us how he uses Scrible, “Scrible is a tool that takes much of the micromanagement and headache out of facilitating research-based assignments and projects in the classroom. It has been a dream come true for teachers like myself who are teaching humanities courses that require students to research and manage a collection of sources in an inquiry-based model. Scrible is cloud-based so any device with internet can access student and teacher libraries. Assignments both large and small work well with Scrible due to its text editing, citation and realtime collaborative features. It also affords teachers the ability to modify their instruction or manage projects based on data-driven results. Scrible is a tool that takes much of the micromanagement and headache out of facilitating research-based assignments and projects in the classroom. With Scrible you can save webpages for later, bookmark websites in the cloud, store files in the cloud, build your own library of articles, organize your library with tags, full-text search your library, annotate articles in your browser, make comments directly on webpages, and share annotated articles with others. Books mentioned: Out of Our Minds: Learning to be Creative by Ken Robinson   Here Comes Everybody: The Power of Organizing without Organizations by Clay Shirky   A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn   For White Folks who Teach in the Hood, and the Rest of Y'all Too: Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education by Christopher Emdin   Lies my Teacher Told Me: Everything your American History Textbook Got Wrong by James Loewen   The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth et al.   Reading with Patrick: A Teacher, a Student, and a Life-Changing Friendship by Michelle Kuo Contact Matt Menschner on LinkedIn! Matt Menschner's email:  mattmenschner@gmail.com   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Let us know! Email us Shannon@MyTechToolbelt.com Brenda@MyTechToolbelt.com If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt?   Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

Classcraft, bringing gamification to your class - with Sam Schneider (Middle School Music Teacher) - It's not just for video games! www.mytechtoolbelt.com Find My Tech Toolbelt on: Twittter:  @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: @mytechtoolbelt @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here   Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   Classcraft Website From the Classcraft Website: Student Engagement Matters - Engagement has a profound impact on everything in your classroom, from student behavior, motivation, and academic performance to the overall culture. When engagement drops, learning suffers. Through gaming principles that address motivation, Classcraft’s ecosystem of integrated tools reframes your students' progress in school as a collaborative game they play together throughout the year — rewiring social dynamics to build a fun, more empathetic classroom and facilitating a supportive environment where students thrive. Twitter: @Classcraftgame Instagram: @Classcraftgame   Sam Schneider: Sam Schneider is a middle school music teacher from New Jersey. His background is in instrumental music, but since beginning at his current school in 2011, he has focused primarily on general music and music technology. He is a tech junkie, a proud geek (and runs the G.E.E.E.K. club at his school), and a Classcraft Ambassador.   B.Mus. Musical Arts/Teacher Education (Vanderbilt University); M.Ed Secondary Education (Vanderbilt University); currently pursuing Principal's Certificate   Sam tells us how he uses Classcraft, “Classcraft started out as my classroom management overlay: a system of rewards and punishments that I could implement and my students could follow which helped alleviate some of the "bad guy" responsibility from me. Then they started adding features like interactive class content where I could post assignments, boss battle formative assessments, and then eventually quests which are self-paced lessons or units.”   Books mentioned: The Last Lecture   Contact information for Sam Schneider: Twitter:  @schmazzy   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Let us know!   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt?   Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

Classcraft, bringing gamification to your class - with Shawn Young (Classcraft Co-Founder) and Amanda Moore (4th grade teacher) www.mytechtoolbelt.com Find My Tech Toolbelt on: Twittter:  @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt Instagram: @mytechtoolbelt   You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here   Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.   Classcraft Website From the Classcraft Website: Student Engagement Matters - Engagement has a profound impact on everything in your classroom, from student behavior, motivation, and academic performance to the overall culture. When engagement drops, learning suffers. Through gaming principles that address motivation, Classcraft’s ecosystem of integrated tools reframes your students' progress in school as a collaborative game they play together throughout the year — rewiring social dynamics to build a fun, more empathetic classroom and facilitating a supportive environment where students thrive. Twitter: @Classcraftgame Instagram: @Classcraftgame   Amanda Moore: Amanda Moore is an elementary teacher and technology enthusiast. She has teaching degrees in elementary education and special education and a master’s degree in Curriculum and Education Technology. She teaches at Chapelwood Elementary School, MSD Wayne Township, Indianapolis, IN. Amanda implements gamified blended learning by using Classcraft with her fourth graders, and she believes playing together is a great way to learn together. Outside of school, she enjoys playing strategy board games, hiking, reading, blogging, and spending time with her husband and two kids. By using Classcraft, every student has their own character that they work to develop by earning points. Teams work together to support one another's learning and development. Students and teams can earn points a variety of ways: positive behaviors in class, completing learning tasks, and completing online lessons that she creates within the game. When students earn enough points, they level up in the game, allowing them to unlock new armor, accessories, powers, and pets for their character. Her students complete the online lessons during the independent work time for our math workshop and guided reading groups. During this time, she is able to work with small groups of students and directly teach lessons in response to student progress in online lessons. Amanda tells us, “I learned about gamified learning through my graduate studies. I wanted to integrate gamified learning as a highly engaging way to deliver the online portion of my blended learning. Classcraft was the perfect platform for me because it allowed me to create my own online lessons. It was also a great choice because it helped me easily gamify my classroom without having any prior experience. There are loads of training opportunities and resources available for teachers- making Classcraft a great gamification option.” Amanda Moore’s blog is www.teachforthewin.com Amanda Moore’s 2018 Speaking Engagements: June 2018 - presenting at Indiana Department of Education's Summer of eLearningOctober 2018 - Indiana Connected Educators Conference (ICE)   We would love to hear from you!  Let us know if this format is helpful to you!  Is there technology out there that you would like us to cover in one of our episodes?  Let us know!   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt?   Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. @ISTE #ISTE18 ISTE - Internation Society for Technology in Education - is the EPICENTER OF EDTECH, the most comprehensive ed tech event in the world. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS David Eagleman, Andy Weir, Katie Martin, Nadia Lopez, Michael Cohen @TheTechRabbi We cover the following topics: This year’s ISTE they announced new initiatives smaller more directed conferences throughout the US ISTE U - certifications for teachers with option for college credit TedED partnership? estimated 18540 / 24000+ w Expo people in attendance over 500 vendors over 5000 submissions for sessions over 1400 sessions and posters BIG announcement was that ISTE will be focusing on Digital Citizenship not just the basics but how students should use the technology to make the world a better place / fact vs fiction / not just the safety / etc. How we spent our time: Shannon: Networking Keynotes - The Tech Rabbi, Luis Perez TedEd speaker, Andy Weir (the Martian - online novel) sessions focused on Higher education What do principals think about tech data was interesting showing that there is support among the administration but they are worried about screen time at home with 95% feeling that students have too much screen time at home and 64% feeling that they are spend just the right amount of screen time at school. Brenda: Top 10 tech tools for teachers focused on networking meeting new vendors and old friends. Met one of our listeners from Chile !! Shout out to Christina Alvayay Next year, ISTE will be in Philadelphia, June 23-26, 2019!   July 2, 2018 we attended Mammoth Ed Camp #EdCampMammoth hosted by CUE and Mono Co Dept of ed, at Mammoth Lakes Middle School. Over 50 teachers registered from California & Nevada  some teachers from Tahoe, Monterey, OC, LA, Bakersfield, Ridgecrest and local of Mono county & Mammoth Lakes. Est ⅔ had never experienced an edcamp before Edcamps are peer-led, participant-driven professional learning opportunities for educators that use an “unconference” model to build teacher networks and share best practices. Shared doc where there were collaborative notes @quizizz #quizizz Looking forward to more connections and collaborations with these amazing teachers Coming Up: Better Together in CA July 27 Friday all over the state of California Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally acclaimed expert on creativity and innovation and author of, “Finding Your Element”, “The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything” and Out of Our Minds.” His TED talk on developing an education system that nurtures creativity holds the illustrious title of “most popular TED talk of all time.” The convening will take place concurrently at dozens of locations, including college and university campuses across the state. Over 30 sites across CA Register to attend one near you! (Nor Cal /SF Bay/ Central Cal/So Cal/) Shannon will be at LMU   Flip Grid Announcement - Microsoft added Flipgrid to the MS Suite resulting in all teachers having FREE access to the full FG Teachers that had paid will be getting prorated refunds for the remaining amount of their subscription   Sincerely, thank you for listening, we appreciate you!   If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

Nearpod, bringing interactivity to your lessons - Jessica Solano, Florida TOY 2017 www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here   Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Nearpod Website Jessica Solano: In 2016, Jessica was selected as the Polk County Teacher of the Year as well as the 2017 Florida Teacher of the Year, representing 74 school districts and more than 175,000 teachers. Jessica served as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education and traveled throughout the state delivering motivational speeches and workshops focused on empowering teachers to create impactful learning experiences for their students. Jessica attributes her success in the classroom to her childhood experience of having her home serve as a foster home. When she was completing her degree in elementary education at Southeastern University, she continued her work with foster children through student internships at HOPE Youth Ranch in Hudson, Florida. Her passion for helping students grow through challenges earned her the Most Outstanding Education Graduate Award upon graduation in 2008. She continues her passion for learning by completing her masters in Educational Leadership at Florida Southern College. To continue her efforts of improving teachers’ instructional techniques, Jessica piloted the Extending Excellence Peer Mentor Program in 2016 and a teacher leadership program called Leading from the Classroom in 2017. Both programs promoted teacher leadership by making instructional practices public and putting an emphasis on teacher-to-teacher collaboration and mentorship.   2017 Florida Teacher of the Year, 2016 Polk County Teacher of the Year, Model Instructional Classroom Teacher (Granted a class set of iPads, iPad Pro, and Apple TV), Nearpod PioNear, Masters in Educational Leadership “My blog (www.solving4why.com) highlights my journey as Florida Teacher of the Year and also served to reach families and connect them with easy to implement ideas for connecting everyday conversations to mathematics.  I will be training on Nearpod at the Breavard County Tech Conference (Florida) on May 25 and again on August 6 at the Brevard Elementary Teachers Conference. A colleague and I have piloted a district-wide teacher leadership program, Leading from the Classroom, and we will be having our closing session in Lakeland on May 17. I will be co-facilitating this session, including speaking and engaging teachers on teacher leadership.” “Nearpod allows me to engage my students while keeping a constant pulse on the level of understanding my students have throughout the lesson. The variety of tools available are unparalleled, from virtual field trips to 3D objects, to quick polls, and draw its - Nearpod gives me the ability to make any lesson relevant and interactive. I use it during whole group to hook my students and deliver direct instruction as well as a way to differentiate mathematical tasks. It can also be used in small groups for differentiation and progress monitoring or sent home as flipped assignments or to help connect families to what we’re learning in class. The possibilities seem to be endless!”   Using Nearpod: Whole group and small group instruction - Presentations include some core content information while sprinkling in opportunities for student voice, discussion, demonstration of understanding, and exploration. One technique I use often for differentiating is the Slideshow feature. I challenge my class to take on a mathematical task based on a standard we’ve covered in class and have students evaluate their level of mastery. This level (1-3) correlates to the number on the Slideshow feature added to the presentation. Students find the slide that matches their perceived ability level, take a screenshot of the differentiated task, and begin working with a partner who has made the same choice. Student choice has made a powerful difference, especially when using Nearpod, because students have felt free to be honest with themselves and feel accomplishment when they are able to choose to push themselves to more challenging problems. Staff - Administration and professional development facilitators oftentimes preload faculty meetings and work sessions using Nearpod so that the majority of the face-to-face time that we spend together is spent on discussion and problem solving. Teacher Leadership - I’ve used Nearpod to present information to our cohort of Polk teacher leaders and was able to gear the discussion to the interest of our participants rather than giving a broad speech we assume many teachers could use. Because it integrated teacher input, we received more buy-in and participation in application projects.   Jessica’s 2018 Speaking Engagements: August 6 – Brevard County, Melbourne, Florida September 25 – Family Engagement Conference, Utah November 2 – Hooked on Family Engagement, Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, Florida   Ongoing 2018 Twitter chats going through a book study on Growth Mindset Coach – August 23, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 13   Family Engagement Teacher2Teacher Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zILvq4YpyM   Contact Jessica Solano: Email - 2017fltoy@gmail.com Twitter - @2017fltoy   Books Jessica Solano recommends: Mathematical Mindsets Growth Mindset Coach Peak - Secrets from the New Science of Expertise Practice Perfect Teach Like a Champion   Other books mentioned: Start With Why Find Your Why   We are looking forward to attending ISTE in June 2018!  Will you be there? Will you come and talk to us? Let us know! We would LOVE to have a meet-up in Chicago! If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content.   What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. @ISTE #ISTE18 ISTE - Internation Society for Technology in Education - is the EPICENTER OF EDTECH, the most comprehensive ed tech event in the world. "You’ll have more than 1,000 opportunities to personalize your learning and create a professional development path that covers what’s important to you. Want to learn by doing? Check out a BYOD. Want to ask questions of presenters? Attend an interactive lecture. Need to get really hands-on? Join us in a playground. See why more than 16,000 educators count on the ISTE Conference & Expo for extraordinary PD!" KEYNOTE SPEAKERS David Eagleman, Andy Weir, Katie Martin, Nadia Lopez, Michael Cohen @TheTechRabbi We cover the following topics: ISTE App, Session types, Vendor Floor, Schedule, Twitter, What to Bring, How to Dress, Downtime, Networking, and Having Fun!   Special Thanks to: Tosas Talking Tech Podcast  Check It Out Podcast  Steve Wick @WickedEdTech ISTE We are looking forward to attending ISTE in June 2018!  Will you be there? Will you come and talk to us? Let us know! We would LOVE to have a meet-up in Chicago! If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Formative, formerly Go Formative, was created to track student growth in a live setting. Both teachers and students are able to receive feedback quickly but can also track student growth over time. Find Formative here: https://goformative.com/ Email: hello@gofromative.com Twitter: @goformative Formative on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goformative Are you looking for help on how to get started with Formative and/or seeking implementation ideas, we encourage you to visit their community (Formative Community). Co-Founder: Craig Jones Craig Jones talks to us about how and why he created Formative and how it transforms teaching, by tracking student growth to a new level. Free yourself to teach while Formative handles the data. - Our Guest Teacher:  Danielle Moore Twitter: @dmoorespanish Email: moored@district65.net Danielle Moore's Bio: "I am a Spanish and Social Studies teacher from Chicago. She graduated from Depaul University with a bachelors in education and Spanish. During my time at DePaul, I studied abroad in Madrid for a semester. Technology in education is my new passion! I love edtech allows us to give personalized feedback to students efficiently. My love of edtech has led me to getting my Google, GoFormative, Recap, Edpuzzle and Flipgrid certifications. I am also a Flipgrid ambassador. As a life long learner, I am excited about the new opportunities and experiences in education." - We are looking forward to attending ISTE in June 2018!  Will you be there? Will you come and talk to us? Let us know! We would LOVE to have a meet-up in Chicago! If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. BOLD, which is the Premier Blended and Online Lesson Design Symposium on the West Coast, and is hosted by CUE.  This event was held in May 2018 on a Saturday and Sunday. "CUE’s second BOLD Symposium will take teachers, administrators, and district leaders on a deep dive into the world of blended and online lesson design. With a focus on the symbiotic relationship of learning environment design, digital learning systems, and rethinking traditional lesson design as the essential components to launching a 1:1 learning environment, this event will challenge all educators to meet and lead their students in the 21st century." ~CUE website Design Thinking with Laura Spencer @LSpencerEdD CUE BOLD website Madeline Hunter developed the Instructional Theory into Practice teaching model. We are looking forward to attending ISTE in June 2018!  Will you be there? Will you come and talk to us? Let us know! We would LOVE to have a meet-up in Chicago! If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Flipgrid is a video response app that gives all students a voice. It allows even the shy students the chance to response and not have to stand in front of the class to give a report or tell what they know about a topic. Find Flipgrid here: https://info.flipgrid.com/ Our Guest:  Laura McComb Contact Laura on Twitter: @lbmccomb Laura McComb loves teaching 3rd grade math, science, and social studies! She have been teaching 3rd grade for 12 1/2 years at Lynn Fanning Elementary School in Meridianville, AL. Laura received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Alabama in Management Information Systems, then received her Masters degree in Elementary Education from Alabama A&M University. Laura have been the Technology Integration Mentor for 6 years. She LOVES using technology with her students to see their creativity and to give them all a voice! "My students use Flipgrid to show their understanding of math topics by showing how they work problems or that they understand a math concept.  My students have shared their thoughts on various topics or questions that I have assigned them.  During our recent snow days, students sent in responses on how they were spending their snow days." If you are interested in the Pop-Up Pod privacy tent that we spoke about in this episode, you can find it here (Pop-Up Pod). We are looking forward to attending ISTE in June 2018!  Will you be there? Will you come and talk to us? Let us know! We would LOVE to have a meet-up in Chicago! If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And please consider leaving us a rating and review. Please share this podcast with someone you think might be interested in the content. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Jon Corippo  #BigName (our hashtag name for him) Contact Jon: jcorippo@cue.org     Twitter: @jcorippo #CUE18  #WEARECUE  #CUEChat Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Jon’s new book! The EduProtocol Field Guide https://amzn.to/2GQRWzP Jon Corippo was recently named the Executive Director for CUE, leading CUE throughout California and Nevada. Jon keynotes, leads and designs Professional Learning experiences all over the country. Jon's core PL skills are focused on 1:1 deployment, Common Core, Project Based Learning, social media skills and Lesson Design. Jon is the creator of the CUE Rock Star Camp Series, The CUE Rock Star Admin Camp Series and planner for the CUE Super Symposium and JET Review Program. Under Jon's Leadership, and with his CUE Professional Learning Team, CUE PL has trained over 32,000 teachers in 2015-2017. In 2016, the National School Board Association’s list of Education Technology Leaders listed Jon Corippo on their “20 To Watch”. - We were able to meet-up with Jon after the CUE 18 Spring Conference.  We found him so personable and fun. By the end of the interview, we were both blown away by his innovative ideas and his fresh take on the status quo. How do I upscale me? Other books Jon mentions: The End of Average Good to Great The Tipping Point Think Like a Freak   We are looking forward to attending ISTE in June 2018!  Will you be there? Will you come and talk to us? Let us know! We would LOVE to have a meet-up in Chicago! If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And if you feel inclined, kindly leave us a rating and review.   We have one question for you. What’s in your Tech Toolbelt? Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here CUE 18 Wrap Up #CUE18  #WeAreCUE Shannon and Brenda had a great time at the CUE 18 Conference in Palm Springs California. They discuss how they prepared, who they met, what they learned, and a preview of who they interviewed for their next episode. Stay tuned! CUE, formerly, Computer-Using Educators, is a nonprofit educational corporation founded in 1978. CUE's goal is to inspire innovative learners in all disciplines from preschool through college. With an active current membership of thousands of educational professionals, CUE supports many regional affiliates and Learning Networks. CUE Conferences are California’s premier educational technology events. CUE is the largest organization of its type in the west and one of the largest in the United States. We were able to interview Dave Lee (@AODaveLee), one of the co-hosts of “The Waves of Tech” Podcast, on the vendor floor at CUE. Their podcast covers all different kinds of technology and how it relates to you. Both Shannon and Brenda were also interviewed for the Waves of Tech podcast. Dave and his co-host Steve are also the Founders of International Podcast Day (@intlpodcastday), which celebrates podcasting around the world. Brenda and Shannon are big fans! Both Brenda and Shannon really enjoyed the “Tosas Talking Tech” podcast and their pre-conference helpful hints in their “Spring CUE 18 Preview”, Episode 68. Tosas Talking Tech is a podcast that is hosted by two teachers, that talk about technology in the classroom.  Shannon was also interviewed on for their podcast. P.S. Their secret word is “Snickers”. Also helpful was the CUE sponsored podcast “Check This Out” podcast, especially their “What to Expect when you’re expecting to attend a conference”, episodes 76 and 78. Brian Briggs @bribriggs and Ryan O’Donnell @creativeedtech are great fun to listen to. Now that we have CUE under our belt, we are looking forward to attending ISTE in June 2018!  Will you be there? Will you come and talk to us? Let us know! We would LOVE to have a meet-up in Chicago! If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend, and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW!  And if you feel inclined, kindly leave us a rating and review. Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Zoe Bader, a Go Noodle Ambassador, comes to the My Tech Toolbelt podcast and tells us why she loves Go Noodle. www.gonoodle.com Zoe Bader is a 3rd - 5th grade Reading & Religion teacher at San Miguel Catholic school in the Watts area of Los Angeles. Zoe received her Masters in Education at Loyola Marymount University, as a member of the PLACE (Partners in LA Catholic Education) Corps. Zoe calls herself the "Non-Tech Techie". When she began tech integration in her classroom she was nervous, but today she successfully integrates technology daily, using the rotational blended learning model. Zoe is a GoNoodle Ambassador, and a member of their new Event Squad. She travels around Los Angeles leading Professional developments on the importance of brain breaks, and kinesthetic learning. She is also a Flipgrid certified educator. She believes that all students should be fluent in technology and has made it her mission to make sure all her students are digital citizens who can use technology fluently and responsibly. Zoe Bader's Twitter: @TeachZoeB Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please tell someone else about it! Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music  

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here The My Tech Toolbelt Podcast, hosted by Shannon Tabaldo and Brenda Argano, is an Ed Tech podcast where we highlight teachers using education technology in Innovating, Engaging and Inspiring ways. Don't forget to subscribe to our show! Today we talk to Mary McCormick, a Junior High School Science teacher in Northern California. She is using an app called Touchcast to allow students to create "Smart Videos". Mary explains her process for a week long project on Earthquakes. TouchCast - https://www.touchcast.com/ Mary McCormick bio: Ms. Mary McCormick is currently working towards her Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) through Santa Clara University's ExCEL Program and will be graduating this June, 2018. At that time, she will also have completed her third year of teaching as a middle school science teacher in Santa Clara, CA. Ms. McCormick has also worked with other teachers part-time as an Academy of Blended Learning (ABL) assistant. Prior to becoming a teacher, Ms. McCormick completed her Bachelor of Arts in Biological Anthropology with a minor in Biology in the Honors Program at the University of San Diego in 2011. She worked in Raymond, ME, for a several years for the Raymond Waterways Protective Association, rising from Boat Inspector, to Boat Captain, and ultimately to the Acting Director of the Association. In that role, she prepared and delivered numerous educational presentations to local groups. She then returned to San Diego to work for an animal rescue organization and a private zoo, where she also participated in a variety of education outreach programs. Her love for animals and educating others eventually led her to two years as a Veterinary Technician. She was admitted to the Excel Program at Santa Clara University in the spring of 2015 and has loved teaching ever since! Email - mamccormick.org@gmail.com Twitter - @mamccormick_edu Music: http://www.bensound.com/royalty-free-music

www.mytechtoolbelt.com @mytechtoolbelt  #MyTechToolbelt You can listen to our podcast on: Apple Podcasts Google Play Music Spotify or listen here Welcome to the My Tech Toolbelt Podcast. We are your hosts, Shannon Tabaldo and Brenda Argano. We would like to introduce you to the My Tech Toolbelt Podcast, where we highlight teachers that are using education technology (EdTech) in their classrooms in innovative, engaging and inspirational ways. We also tell you a bit about ourselves and how we started on this podcast journey. This is the episode where you get to know Brenda & Shannon and why we started the My Tech Toolbelt podcast. This podcast is a labor of love and there are many folks who support us in this. Friends and family that help us with the equipment, the editing, the scheduling, the childcare, etc. and without them this would not be possible. We hope you like listening to this first conversation we recorded for you! Thanks for joining us! www.mytechtoolbelt.com If you enjoyed listening to this podcast, refer a friend!