Blog Post #7:  Cyberbullying 

    More awareness and attention is being spotlighted on bullying and its prevention.  Bullying, harassment, and cyberbullying can be distinct concepts but there are commonalities between the three that make similarities relevant.  This week’s readings were perfect for this month and week, as October is National Bully Prevention Awareness Month.  Just this week, October 21^st, our staff, and student body stood in solidarity by wearing orange on Unity Day.  This day of observance was to show that those wearing orange believe that no student should ever have to ever experience bullying.  Though I wore orange in solidarity….it will take much more than wearing orange to put an end to the inhumane treatment of those who are bullied and to give those who see others being bullied, the tools and confidence that they need to be able to speak out against this atrocity.     

    What stood out to me was that bullying is not only happening in the k-12 setting but also in higher education and workplaces.  This is an atrocity that this victimizing cycle of bullying can extend into our adult years.  Faucher, Cassidy, and Jackson (2015) state that persons who are victims of bullying rarely speak up about issues for fear of the repercussions that might occur after they speak up and/or after speaking up about the issue nothing will change or their problem will escalate (p.115).  What can be done about this?  Students in a university focus group argue that when bullying happens in the workplace it is almost “too late”.  Antibullying must be addressed and learned in the k-12 grades” (Faucher, Cassidy, & Jackson, 2015, p. 119).   

    What was shocking to me was the statement, “In some jurisdictions, such as the U.S., a behavior can only be considered harassment if it targets a person whose status (e.g., gender, race/ethnicity, religion) is protected under the law”  (Faucher, Cassidy, & Jackson, 2015, p. 112).  This made me curious about the laws, here in South Carolina, that prohibit bullying.  The website www.cyberbullying.com lists that in South Carolina, the course of action on how to handle bullying is left up to the school district to decide and cyberbullying is included.  It appears that some states are more lenient that others when it comes to bullying in schools.  Would harsher consequences make students think twice before they bullied or harassed another person? 

 

    How would I address bullying with my students?  As the week’s readings suggested, focusing on bully prevention for one day or even a month is not enough.  Students must be taught from an early age that bullying will not be accepted or tolerated in our school’s culture.  I would address bully prevention with my students by:

• Book/Video Discussions and Journaling - Depending on the grade level, I would seek out literature, videos, and other resources for my students to read.  I would also create guiding questions for students to journal and reflect on as they analyze the material.  

 

• Create displays to highlight bully prevention.  This could also be done as a school-wide “Big Read”.  Students could talk with their classmates and think of ideas to prevent bullying and what to do when someone displays the inappropriate behavior.  Students could create posters to about bullying prevention to display around the school.  I would also seek out my school’s guidance counselor for support with addressing the issue of bullying.  

• Plan engaging lessons to educate students on their responsibility to be respectful and responsible digital citizen.  

•  Seek tools (and make students aware of those tools) in which bullying can be reported and make students aware of what they can do if they are being bullied or see someone else being bullied.  

Additional Resources:  

https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention

https://www.connectsafely.org/tips-to-help-stop-cyberbullying/

https://www.teachthought.com/technology/7-ways-to-prevent-cyberbullying/

 

References

Cyberbullying Research Center. (n.d.). Bullying laws in South Carolina.        Cyberbullying Research Center. https://cyberbullying.org/bullying-laws/south-carolina/

 

Faucher, C., Cassidy, W., & Jackson, M. (2015). From the sandbox to the inbox: Comparing the acts, impacts, and solutions of bullying in k-12, higher education, and the workplace. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 3(6), 111-125.

 

Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center. (n.d.). Unity day. Pacer.org. https://www.pacer.org/bullying/nbpm/unity-day.asp

Blog Post #6: Digital Tools & State Based Resources

Device Agnostic Tools

Image Source: See Image Reference 1

I used to dislike (but loved how cute it was) when this error message occurred when clicking a link to a certain website that was inaccessible.  What happened to this cute little icon anyway?  While searching for tools and applications to use with my students, I often run into the same problem of inaccessibility.  Why?  Some tools might only be accessible for use with a specific devise using iOS or Android/Windows. Web and app creators have kept accessibility in mind by creating tools that are device agnostic.  Morefield-Lang (2014) explains,

“According to PC Magazine (2013), when an online tool or app is not tied to any particular device, it is device agnostic. In other words, the tool is independent of any machine. Rouse (2014) takes this definition further to explain that a device agnostic mobile application will typically work on any handheld device in the same manner that it would on a computer” (p. 8).

Image Source: See Image Reference 3

Several years ago, I attended an AR/VR conference at the SC State Museum.  The conference was packed with tools to use in the classroom/library school setting but I was disappointed to find out that most were not device agnostic.  My school had just purchased Chromebooks for our students, so tools like Wonderscope (https://wonderscope.com/) could only be used with iOS devices and inaccessible to us.  As teacher-librarians it is important to keep in mind how information is accessed to increase equality in access for all patrons.  Many patrons may not have the luxury of access to a personal computer or laptop; however, many patrons may have access to a cell phone.  When device tools can be used efficiently across multiple types of devises it increases equality. 

Image Source: See Image Reference 2

One example of a devise agnostic tool is the website (https://kahoot.com/) Kahoot!  This website is a game-based learning platform that allows the host to turn boring quiz questions into engagement and fun for students.  This website/app is free for the basic subscription, but one can subscribe to a premium membership for a fee.  Teachers can create a game relatively quickly or search through their question bank or pre-created games.  Students can access and play virtually anywhere and on any device.  Teachers can use the Kahoot tool as a formative assessment.  The data derived from Kahoot can advise teachers on what students have mastered or what skills may need to be scaffolded.  

But wait....just simply giving students a device and access to these tools does not mean that we are effectively educating our students.  Luhtala, Ray, and Trettin (2016) reminds us that we must encourage and empower students to make a shift from being simple consumers to more complex creators.  How can I use the same Kahoot website/app to make my students creators?  One way is to have students to display their learning by creating questions (including visuals) pertaining to the unit of study.  This allows students to collaborate, create, and share their learning with others.  I am excited to try Kahoot out in my math class!  If you have any additional ideas about Kahoot in the classroom, please share!  Thanks for reading.  

- Richelle -    

References

Luhtala, M., Ray, M., & Trettin, S. (2016, October 19). Future Ready Librarians [Webinar]. Mackin 

     Educational Resources. https://home.edweb.net/webinar/future-ready-librarians/

Moorefield-Lang, H. (2014, August/September). An exploration and explanation of device agnostic 

     tools. Library Media Connection, 31(1), 8-9.  

Image Sources:  

1.  https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/google/-aw-snap-crash-makes-a-comeback-in-chrome-79/

2.  www.kahoot.com 

3.  https://freedomhacker.net/quick-and-easy-fix-for-no-internet-access/.

 

 Blog Post #5:  Adaptive Technology Resource 

Immersive Reader - Adaptive Tool

The week’s readings about accessibility resonated with me.  I just finished reading, The Silence Between Us (The Schnieder Family Book Award 2020 Teen Honor Winner) by Alison Gervais, which tells the story (in first person) of Mya who is deaf.  She must transition to a “hearing school” for her senior year and the book details her experiences and interactions with others.  I also have a co-worker at my school who is deaf.  What would it be like to live in a world where I could not see or hear (or had some other disability)? Recently, these aspects have made me want to learn ASL one day.  Additionally, it has also made me reflect on my current practices and as a future school librarian.  What technology features could I use to help my students with disabilities? 

While searching for helpful adaptive tools, I stumbled upon “immersive reader”.  What is it?  It is a tool that helps students by dictating text to speech.  This tool is useful in k-12 education and classroom settings for those who are struggling readers, students with visual impairment, ELL learners, dyslexic students, or  students who prefer their text to be read aloud.  Some educational technology is already embedded with this feature (like Flip Grid, Wonderopolis, and Canvas).  This is my first year implementing the Canvas Learning Management Systems and I did not know that this feature was available and look forward to accessing this tool via Canvas. 

  Microsoft's Immersive Reader:  What is it?  

There are many immersive readers available, but I will highlight Microsoft’s Immersive Reader.  This reader is free. Their website https://www.onenote.com/learningtools, notes some of the benefits and features of using this reader like improved comprehension, easy navigation and use, and this tool supports independent reading.  To access this tool, students can create a Microsoft 365 account and copy and paste the text into an application, like Word.   Next the student can click “view” and “immersive reader” and the text can be read fast or slow, with various voices, color contrasts, fonts, spaces, etc.  The teacher no longer has to read text aloud to students, one by one, which is time consuming.  Students may also become embarrassed to need this extra support.  With immersive reader, students become more independent, while getting the support they need in a discrete manner.  Immersive reader can be used in all disciplines to help students to be successful.  

                                           Microsoft's Immersive Reader:  Benefits?                                                                                                                             

Features	Proven Benefit
Enhanced dictation	Improves authoring text
Focus mode	Sustains attention and improves reading speed
Immersive reading	Improves comprehension and sustains attention
Font spacing and short lines	Improves reading speed by addressing “visual crowding”
Parts of speech	Supports instruction and improves writing quality
Syllabification	Improves word recognition
Comprehension mode	Improves comprehension by an average of 10%

 [Source: https://www.onenote.com/learningtools] 

More Resources on Immersive Reader?  Check out these sites.

https://www.onenote.com/learningtools

https://ditchthattextbook.com/3-ways-to-support-your-students-with-immersive-reader/

https://www.gettingsmart.com/2019/03/assistive-technology-finding-the-right-resources-for-all-students/

https://youtu.be/nt3hz2vVf8c

References

Microsoft (2000). Immersive Reader Microsoft Learning Tools. OneNote. https://www.onenote.com/learningtools

MicrosoftEDU. (2019, Sept. 24). What is the Immersive Reader [Video]. 

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHJJCLV-DNg&feature=emb_logo

 

Blog Post # 4  

The R. A. T. Pack 

+   = 

The R. A. T.  Model and the Chromebook

Old School v/s New School…

As I reflect on the R. A. T. model, I think back to my first year of teaching in 2004.     I had             accepted a job back in my hometown and was teaching in a brand-new building.  I had a whiteboard (with plenty of colorful expo markers), a television (hoisted on a stand in the corner), and an overhead projector with basic visa-vis pens (I had to be careful about turning off the bulb too quickly as to not damage the bulb).  To access the web, students went to computer labs and used bulky, stationary desktop computers.  Today, computer labs are almost a thing of the past as technology has evolved and the bulky desktops of the past are now sleek, affordable, light weight,  and portable devices that can be used to access and share information quickly and efficiently.     

Chromebooks in the Classroom Craze

What is a Chromebook?  Google’s support explains, “Chromebooks are a new type of computer designed to help you get things done faster and easier. They run Chrome OS, an operating system that has cloud storage, the best of Google built-in, and multiple layers of security”.  Users can also access some applications offline.  Chromebooks offer access to information in the comfort of a students’ home, classroom, or even on the go.  

The R. A. T. Model and Chromebooks in the Classroom

R. A. T. is an assessment model that teachers can utilize to analyze and evaluate how to effectively integrate technology into their teaching, learning, and curriculum practices.  There are 3 components:  replacement, amplification, and transformation. 

1.  Replacement - 

Hughes (2020) defines replacement as, “Technology used to replace and, in no way, changed established instructional practices, student learning process, or content goals”.  An example of this  component would be a teacher taking a worksheet and sharing a PDF onto his/her student’s chrome book.  No instructional practices were changed, just the method of delivery. 

2. Amplification -

Hughes (2020) explains amplification as, “technology increases efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity of instructional practices, student learning processes, or content goals”.  When a teacher takes a worksheet and places it on an application like Google Slides, students can use the application and work on the problems individually or collaborate, in real time, with a group.  Additionally, teachers can view students' work comment and/or give feedback immediately.  

3.  Transformation -

The last component of Hughes model is transformation.  It is described as, “technology reinvents aspects of instruction, learning, or curriculum in new and original ways” (Hughes, 2020).  Instead of giving students a PDF copy of a worksheet, students can use their Chromebook to access applications in which they can collaborate with each other and connect and apply their learning with real-world applications.  An example might be instead of a math teacher giving students problems for decimal operations, students create their own “dream vacation” presentation (in which they find the total cost, decimal operations) using their chrome books.  The presentation can be worked on individually and/or simultaneously in groups with 1:1 chrome book access.  Another idea might be to have students explore the concept of area with their chrome books using a website like https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/area-model-multiplication or even having students design their own space virtually by applying the concept of area with https://cospaces.io/edu/. Curious about ways you can use chrome books in your classroom?  Check out these links below. 

References

Evans, B. & Gierke, T. (n.d.). Google in education:  30 ways to use chrome books in schools. Retrieved from https://www.oakparkusd.org/cms/lib/CA01000794/Centricity/Domain/951/Ways%20to%20use%20Chromebooks%20in%20the%20Classroom.pdf

Fink, J. L. W. (n.d.). Chromebooks in the classroom.  Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/chromebooks-classroom/

Hughes, J. E. (2020). Replacement, amplification, and transformation: The R.A.T. Model. Tech Edges. https://techedges.org/r-a-t-model/

Post 3a: Additional thoughts about this week's readings....

 

Even though I also consider myself to be tech-savvy, (like the students) just because I have a social media accounts and the latest gadgets does not mean that I can affectively apply those technologies to better equip my students educationally.  Smith (2010) states that though some teachers do consider themselves to be “digital natives” and are confident in their subject matter pedagogy and content there is still a disconnect when applying technology in the classroom setting (p. 619). 

 

This year, our school has made a shift from using Google classroom (for organizing and streaming information to students) to Canvas.  My initial navigation and learning of Google classroom were a bit of a struggle but after a while I taught myself (along with the help of YouTube University).  This year, our district has decided to use Canvas as a learning management system.  I am feeling uncomfortable with it, even now.  I have taken about 5 hours of coursework, but I am still a novice user.  It is hard to balance learning both the new management system and remote teaching.  Professional development for Canvas would have been easier over the summer and would have allowed me to familiarize myself with its inner workings a bit more.  “Additional professional development should be paced throughout the school year, so teachers have time to digest what they learn and try out new skills in the classroom. We found that teachers in schools that tried to cram too many different topics into a short time span were frustrated and overwhelmed” (Overbay, Mollette, & Vasu, 2011, p. 58). 

 

 Slowly but surely, I will learn to be more proficient with Canvas.  Smith (2012) notes that sometimes teachers are responsible for teaching students online; however, the teacher may not be proficient or have a full understanding of how to use the technology (p. 619).  With learning any new technology, continuous professional development (not just an initial workshop) and practical ways in which I can apply the technology immediately into my teach is always beneficial.  “Ongoing professional development is necessary to help teachers learn how to use new technologies, but this must go beyond just using technology, expanding to learning the instructional strategies needed to integrate technology into their teaching, including practical applications” (Smith, 2012, p. 20).   

 

“Distributed-leadership theory has emerged as a possible solution, in that it promotes a situation where multiple people work together, pooling their abilities and expertise” (Smith, 2012, p. 6).  No librarian should be alone.  To be successful it takes everyone to make an effort and to pool our abilities, collectively, to make a difference in the lives of our students and the community.   

 

References

Johnston, M. P. (2012). Connecting teacher librarians for technology integration leadership. School Libraries Worldwide, 18(1), 18-33.

Johnson, M. P. (2012).  School librarians as technology integration leaders: Enablers and barriers to leadership enactment. School Library Research, 1-33. 

Overbay, A, Mollette, M & Vasu, E.S. (2011).  A technology plan: Administrators should keep five lessons in mind as they implement new technology initiatives. Educational Leadership, 56-59. 

Smith, D. (2010). Making the case for the leadership role of school librarians in technology

integration. Library Hi Tech, 28(4), 617-631. 

Post #3 - Technology (Flipgrid) and the Teacher-Librarian

 

Greetings Marvelous Mathematician Masters,   

I hope that this correspondence finds you well and that you are excited to begin a new week!  These first two weeks have been an adjustment as we all strive to provide our students with a world-class, quality education either remotely or in-person.  Are you in search of ways to efficiently integrate technology into your standards-based teaching without devoting hours of time listening to professional development session without being given practical suggestions on how to use it in your own classroom?  Many times, I find it difficult to find technology tools that cater to the needs of the mathematically minded (that are also engaging to students) but have no fear…. because Flipgrid is here! 

What is Flipgrid and how do I implement it in my math classroom, now?  Flipgrid is a free website that allows a teacher/user to facilitate discussions with his/her students.  Teachers can post a topic or question and students can respond with their own unique videos.  Worried about student safety?  Flipgrid generates a “join code and/or link” in which the teacher shares with students only.  Also, teachers control how students join and Flipgrid guarantees that your videos are safe and will never be distributed to 3^rd party sellers.   

How can you use this tool tomorrow, in your math class? Mr. Fahey’s Tech suggests 13 ways to enhance math lessons with Flip Grid!  My favorites are using Flipgird to share real-world math experiences, number talks, and find the mistake.  Check out this blog of creative and interactive ways to engage your mathematics scholars with Flipgrid at https://faheystech.blogspot.com/2017/06/flipgridmath.html.  Johnson (2012) states, “Technology is transforming not only access to information but also the skills needed to interact and utilize it as well” (p. 20).  You can also use Fripgrid with students in other classrooms (in your school, another school/district, or even abroad), to connect your students’ mathematical journey with other student scholars.  Additionally, we could host a "math bowl" using Flipgrid.  “It has become critical for the teacher librarian to partner with teachers to address the needs of the 21st century learner to equip them with the necessary skills needed in order to thrive and participate in a digital culture” (Johnson, 2016, p. 20).  

As always, I am always here to help and support you in anyway.  Please feel free to drop by the library at any time or contact me via email.  Thanks for all you do, and I look forward to seeing all of the amazing connections our scholar mathematicians make in their learning journey. 

Sincerely, 

Richelle Sexton 

References 

Fahey, S. J. (2017, June 11). 13 ways to enhance math lessons with Flipgrid. Mr.Fahey's

Tech. https://faheystech.blogspot.com/2017/06/flipgridmath.html

Johnston, M. P. (2012). Connecting teacher librarians for technology integration 

                        leadership. School Libraries Worldwide, 18(1), 18-33.

Post #2: Technology, Fake News, and Mindfulness....

 

 

Blog Post #2:  Technology, Fake News, and Mindfulness

I just finished my first week of teaching remotely, as a classroom teacher.  It was quite a challenge for me, as well as for the other teachers, students, and their parents.  Many times, we assume that just because our students were “born with a tablet in hand” that they are “technologically savvy”. Correlation does not imply causation.  Being born with access to technology and the ability to use it for entertainment (websites, games, etc.) does not necessary mean that students have the technological skills to be able to use their devices for educational purposes, effectively.  In order for technology to be useful to students, he/she must put in the work and successfully intertwine effective communication, critical thinking, and knowledge of the subject area.  In short, students cannot be given a computer and expect learning to magically occur.  It takes a well-rounded student and even still the student may need guidance and collaboration with peers and the teacher/facilitator, to be successful.    

After reading over the P21 Framework, I am indecisive about my feelings about the skills, knowledge, and expertise that we are deeming all students have to be successful.  These are definitely attributes and skills that I would love for my child to possess: being a critical thinker/problem solver, being able to communicate effectively, having a strong academic background, having an understanding of global and national events and an educated opinion about them, being able to use technology efficiently, and being a great leader.  This list goes on.  I imagine a little kid, dressed in a business suit (like Kid President).   

Source:  (WBUR.org)

    All of these attributes are wonderful to posses but what if a student does not?  Everyone will not be an effective communicator or work well with others. As teacher-librarians, we can do our best to help our students to grow into the best version of themselves that they can be.  I understand that we must have high expectations for our students but what if those expectations do not fit? There is no one mold that works for all students.  If somehow, we could merge these high expectations with helping our students to find their unique talents and gifts, we have a win-win situation. 

The Liturgist Podcast: Fake News & Media Literacy (2017) was packed with so much thought-provoking information (I will share this podcast with family and friends).  I still cannot get their hilarious “rap” out of my head!  In all, the podcast affirms that you must pay attention and closely analyze all information and not take the information at face-value because of feelings or emotions.  This makes me think back to reports where the SC DHEC has stated that the spread of the Corona virus was decreasing in South Carolina.  Someone brought it to my attention that of course the numbers would appear to decrease without testing occurring frequently.  We looked to see if any testing had been done that week and we could not find testing sites in the area.  Growing up, I was taught that what the teacher said was believed to be factual information.  No one know everything and even teachers make mistakes.  It is imperative that we also teach our students to critically evaluate the information that they choose to partake, especially in this instant digital age. 

There were so many interesting points in this podcast, but what stuck with me were a few points by Clay Johnson.  Mr. Johnson (2017) stated the importance of being abreast of what your local politicians and elected officials are doing and suggests that his listeners be more active and involved.  These officials will make decisions that directly impact you and your community.  He ends by stating that no matter your political affiliation, we have a responsibility to serve and help our neighbors.  We must give our students (and the community) the tools needed to be effective users of technology.  It has motivated me, as a future librarian, to be more cognizant and pro-active in the “on-goings” of my community.  I want to fill my "librarian diet" with less junk (that may be pushed through social media) and do more fact checking and reading of more credible works.