The Snap and Read Debacle of 2017

I would like to first say that the Snap and Read Universal Chrome Extension is a wonderful tool and works very well if used in the way it was intended. The product is easy for students to use and includes many customization and personalizing options to increase ease and access for a diverse population of students. This post is not meant to be a criticism, only a reflection on lessons leaned when attempting to remove a support system and replace it with something completely different.

I am and always will be a teacher. No matter what I choose to do in this life, I will at my very core, be a person in this world who seeks out the potential of others in an attempt to allow them to see it as well and foster it together. I am an optimist when it comes to education and the capacity that we all have to grow. I recognize no limits; which is one of the reasons that I was drawn to educational technology. I see this amazing resource which, if used properly, can bring learning to life; bridge the gap between theoretical and practical. We can use what we learn!

In my current capacity as a digital learning coach, we are faced with the challenge of imparting new and innovative techniques for teaching that may not be well received by teachers who, for a variety of reasons, do not prefer the use of digital resources. A challenge within a challenge, as you can see. How should we begin to approach this and any other situation? The answer that I have found which works best is: with patience. In the age old venerable tradition of optimists, of which I am very proud to carry on, we must face every situation with grace, and a quiet peace within, but also with the stolid  confidence and a mentality of persistent tenacity that we will see this thing through, and we will be successful.

I take an example from the Native Americans who dwelt among the desert regions. When people were desperate for rain, they would begin a rain dance. Consequently, they were effective every time becasue no matter how long it took, they kept on dancing!

Problem and Purpose Statement- Doctoral Journey Part III

My instuctor has returned my paper three times. I understand that this process is itirative, but after reading his feedback and trying to make the suggested changes, my frustration is building. A good friend of mine said that I need to be more understanding about this process, and that the standards I have for myself might be too rigid.

The problem statement in a disseratation captures the gap or lack of understanding of a topic or subject. In my research, I want to know why  I hope to better understand the factors that influence the perceptions that teachers have of educational technology and why they resist or embrace utilization in lessons for students. So, here it is:

Problem Statement

Mobile information and communication technology (m-ICT) use by teachers and students in the classroom has an impact on student engagement, academic performance, and college and career readiness (Savage & Brown, 2014; Mango, O. 2015). Several authors have suggested that there is a need to conduct more research on teacher perception and use of m-ICT to unpack the potential benefit that this technology can provide to students (Biddix, Chung & Park, 2016; Montrieux, Vanderlinde, Schellens, & De Marez, 2015; Teo, 2015; Albirini, 2006). Teacher perception of m-ICT affects the level of utilization in class lessons. It is not yet known what affects an elementary teachers perception of m-ICT. A gap in understanding exists concerning how elementary school teachers know they are ready to use m-ITC in lessons. 

The purpose statement is made to address the gap in understanding and to increase what is known about the topic. Here is my purpose statement:

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this study is to examine the perception of teachers readiness to use of mobile information and communication technology (m-ITC) by rural elementary school teachers during classroom lessons. This study will increased understanding of the factors that impact a teacher’s perception of m-ICT and decision to use it in lessons. In a similar study, there is a reasonable correlation between the technological acceptance and usage levels of teachers (Teo, 2015). Building upon this understanding will help key stakeholders to support future efforts to increase the level of  m-ICT use which has been corolated with increased academic performance through access to resources for students. Researchers found statisitically significant influence on increased levels of student of engagement, access to content, and test scores when m-ICT is integrated properly using best practices in the classroom (Waters, Lubke, & Rearden, 2017; Al-Zaidiyeen, Mei, & Fook, 2010; Laronde, MacLeod, Frost, & Waller, 2017)

Living the dream

I recall a dream that I had last week where I was in my classroom and I was teaching all my students since my first year on the job. In the dream, I remember sitting and helping my kids as they completed a project in small groups. I remember talking to parents and in particular, I remember the feeling of putting their concerns at ease and making sure that they knew that I was on their side- I truly cared that their student was successful this year and all the years to come. I remember feeling a great sense of joy and fulfillment as I interacted with my students and their parents.

The picture above is very special to me. It was taken by Jim Cullen when I was surprised by my principal, the assistant superintendent, and superintendent, when they announced to me that I was the Central Texas finalist in the HEB Excellence in Education Awards. This picture captures the culmination of well over a decade of passionate dedication for students through my work as an educator. When I see it, I am reminded of all my students, for it was our partnership that allowed us to be successful together. I will be forever grateful for my students and for the trust afforded me by their parents. I have never taken it lightly and continue my work today to repay what has been the most wonderful professional experience of my life.

When I see my students now, the often ask if I am still in the classroom. I tell them that I am in many classrooms helping to support other teachers so that their students will have the same opportunities for deep conversations, explorations, engaging activities, and joyful learning that we did. I am very happy to have the chance to mentor other teachers. I believe that all my experiences as a professional thus far has led me, and has prepared me to operate in my current position. I am blessed, and truly unworthy of such wonderful students.

Visible Learning

This week our district twitter chat topic is "Visible Learning". This has a special significance to me because that is what attracted me to educational technology in the first place. I wanted to be able to porvide my students with the options and resources to create something that was more closely reflective of their current state of mastery. As teachers, giving our student voice, choice, and resources to demonstrate their learning free from the restrictions of paper and pencil, true/false, multiple choice assessments that should have smaller and smaller relevance in today's classrooms. I am proud that Hays CISD is making great strides towards making learning visible.

A perfect example of this philosophy in action is my friend Mrs. Teresa Aziz. In her class, students are currently learning about the American Colonization period in Social Studies. Mrs. Aziz wanted to allow students to design a colonial structure. I suggested Tinkercad, and after about 15 minutes of introduction, the students I was working with were already well on their way to the perimeter walls and roof of a structure. I was impressed to say the least, and excited that these students had the chance to design something they learned about with the specs and characteristics that they researched. Not only that, they were collaborating and problem solving together. I watched in awe, and stepped back to allow them complete creative autonomy. Thank you Mrs. Aziz for making learning visible!