8.25.2013

School Year Just About to Start...Commit To Something New

On Tuesday, we will be starting our seventh year as a bulldog!  Seems just like yesterday we were opening up the doors for the first time to our high school students in Bedford.  Over the course of those years, I am just amazed at how much has changed technologically speaking at BHS.  Seven years ago, we were not:

  • teaching our own hybrid/online courses
  • interacting with our students through social media
  • using Google Apps for Education as a means of collaborating
...and that is just to name a few.  If we did not have staff who were willing to step outside of their comfortable limits to try these new ideas out, we would not be where we are today as a bulldog community.  We are very fortunate!  

Last week, during my tech training with the BHS staff, I showed the video of a girl who was learning how to ski jump for the first time.  Over the course of a minute and a half, you could gain a sense of uncertainty, and nervousness.  However, this girl wanted to push herself.  In the end, she had a blast, and was glad that she challenged herself.  

I showed this video because I wanted the BHS staff to do the same, regarding using some sort of new technological tool in their classroom this year.  I wanted them to commit to something.  So, I encouraged the staff to use a website called 'futureme.org'.  Basically, this website allows you to write yourself a letter in the future.  You compose the letter and then choose the date you want to receive it.  I thought that this would be a great way for a staff member to have a letter sent to them after the first quarter to see if they have met their goal, and if not, it would be a friendly reminder to challenge themselves.

I encourage all of you to challenge yourself to implement a new technological tool in your classroom.  No idea is too small.

** As a side note, I can see Advisors asking their advisory students to use futureme.org.  Students could write themselves a letter their freshmen year and request to receive it a week before they graduate from high school.  Great idea for students to see if they have accomplished what they hoped to, without burring a time capsule.  


8.20.2013

Getting Ready to Start the New Year

Wow, it sure has been a very long time since I have last blogged in this space.  It is not due to the lack of material by any means.  In fact, we at Bedford High have been doing some really GREAT things.  All the more reason why I need to get back into blogging.

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to teach a Graduate Course with Mary Marotta.  Mary and Nancy Marrese (a student taking the course) really made me realize that I need to get back into blogging.  I could see the power behind it and how both of them were using this tool in their educational setting.  Thus, I am making it one of my goals this year to truly blog throughout the year.  I would like this to be a great source for not only the educators at BHS but anyone who is interested in learning how we are using technology in education.  Sure it is great to learn about a new tool, but what is even better is learning how it can actually be used.  That is the purpose of this blog.

While I am exhausted trying to get things ready for the school year, I am pumped. I am excited for all of the changed our district is making and can't wait to help the staff at BHS utilize all of the tools that are now available to them.  Here is to an EXCITING school year!

Another Great Day to be a Bulldog!