So it's literally been months since I've posted anything about my Innovator project. The truth is not much has been going on at all. As soon as I got back from Sydney, my real job was in full swing, regardless of how bad the jet lag was. So, my project has sat on the unlit back burner for weeks. Add in the fact that I couldn't figure out what my end product was going to be left me uninspired, just hoping that something would hit me. Would I write a book, build an app or website, create an awesome PD, start a YouTube channel? I was clueless.
More than ever, we're seeing increasing tension around social issues, natural disasters wreaking havoc on poverty-stricken areas, and just this week the senseless murder of unsuspecting concert goers. Nearly every day I wonder. I wonder about what the future holds, I wonder what impact these events are having on our kids, and I wonder what our role as educators should be when it comes to discussing these events. I don't think ignoring or trying to hide from these teachable moments is acceptable, and as a History teacher I think we have the biggest opportunity. There is nothing new under the sun This is where I've found a connection to my Google Innovator project. It didn't hit me until Leann Hooper posted the link to this Flipgrid from Bronwyn Joyce, founder of the global Flipgrid that connect students and educators all over the world. After internet stalking her for a few minutes, or hours, it turns out she's an Australian (coincidence?) Curriculum Innovator. On her website she says Our Global Classroom believes: We live in a world where education depicts the future of its successors.
Seeing this today has reignited the passion for my project, moved it to the front burner and turned it on full blast. At the very least, it has inspired me to start my own flipgrid (I'd love for you to follow and respond to the first posted topic) with this purpose:
We literally make history every day. I found out firsthand how technology enhances instruction, builds curiosity and context, and makes content relevant for today’s kids. So, this is a space where you and your students have a voice. New topics will be added regularly, and you are encouraged to share your thoughts and opinions (or your story) with a global audience. Let's teach our students to value the thoughts and opinions of others in positive way, and who knows, they may learn something in the process. My goal in the weeks and months ahead is to build a strong brand around OurHiStory and figure out what additional spaces I want to be in - a website, Twitter, YouTube, etc. It's amazing what can change in a matter of hours. I can't wait to iterate on my project, and I look forward to the next check-in with my #GoogleEI mentor Ann Witherspoon in Midlothian. You can help by sharing and tweeting about my project, following and responding to my Flipgrid topics, and giving me any advice you think I need.
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#SYD17 Meet & Greet via Google HangoutAt 2AM this morning we got to put voices and faces to names for the team that will be assembling in Sydney, Australia in a couple of weeks. It was 5PM for those down under, so I'm not gonna lie, I looked ROUGH. I was so amped to meet everyone that I was still awake at midnight. I thought, "I could watch a movie and then be ready to join the Hangout." Yeah, I fell asleep before I could even pick the movie out. Luckily I set my alarm to wake up at 1:50am. Wendy, an Innovator Program Manager was the voice being the lightbulb. For people familiar with the Kidd Kraddick Morning Show, I swear it was like talking to Jenna Owens on the radio. Then, 6 minutes in she starts to go down the line of people, and what do you know? The T in Tai put me at the very righthand side of the screen. That's when I heard her call my name. I mean, it was only an introduction, but what are the chances I'd get the ball rolling after Marcello?
Not that kind of vision. Here's the backstory.
This spring, people in my Instructional Technology team starting getting their Google Certified Educator Level 1 & 2 certifications. I didn't really know what that was, so what did I do? I googled it. I learned, "If you're an educator who knows how to use Google tools in the classroom, this certification proves your proficiency." So I thought, yep, that's me, and I signed up. That earned me these beauties.
On the same page was something called a Certified Trainer, and after reading the process of becoming one, I said, "Nope, not today!" (However, I may see this in my future.) And the last option was a Certified Innovator. The overview said, "True change is driven by innovative leaders. Become a Certified Innovator and join a community of passionate educators designing creative solutions to the world's toughest challenges in education."
These words resonated with me because I feel like my Mesquite ISD Instructional Technology team is doing just this. We each have our strengths and passions and push each other to drive transformation in our district. I think we're on to something in Mesquite. Google says candidates for the Innovator program are selected for "...their potential impact on other educators. They are ambassadors for change who empower other educators and students through a thriving innovation culture within their own classrooms, schools and organizations." So with my Go Big or Go Home attitude, I applied for the Washington, D.C. cohort. Here are the pieces I submitted for my first application attempt at becoming a Google Certified Innovator. Transforming Instruction in the Social Studies Classroom
Throughout the years, instruction in Social Studies classrooms has evolved like the neanderthal. With technology, teachers have endless options to make their content exciting, meaningful, and relevant, but too few leverage what's readily available to make it happen. My vision is to create a space for teachers that pulls this technology together, provide the best instructional practices for the classroom, and give teachers the opportunity to network with fellow educators teaching similar content.
My last blog post on June 7th, I shared that I didn't get selected for Washington, D.C., and I write this:
So, I've chosen to fail forward and go back to the drawing board, fine-tuning and expanding on what I really have a passion for. I'll get to experience this firsthand in August when all of our district HS SS classrooms will receive a Chromebook cart. Regardless, of my Google Innovator status, I have big things in store and can't wait to make my vision a reality. Here's to #Syd17. Here are my updated application pieces. Yours, Mine, Ours and HiStory
Instruction in Social Studies classrooms has evolved like the neanderthal. I want to take old teaching methods and make them history. With technology, I want to make their content exciting, meaningful, relevant and then share their transformation stories.
And I was chosen.
I have a real burden for students and teachers in Social Studies' classrooms, but I think with my vision (and much questioning forward from others) I have the opportunity to make a difference in all subject areas. I'll end with this...
If my end goal is getting teachers to share their stories with others, then I believe I have an obligation to tell my own. So, for at least the next year, I am going to document my journey on becoming a Google Certified Innovator. Hopefully, my words and experiences will inspire others to take a chance, and go big or go home. |
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