Friday, February 27, 2015

ADE's Rocked Our World!

I want to give a personal thank you to the following Apple Distinguished Educators (ADE's) from around the country!  These amazing educators did a hangout with staff in Pulaski Community School District to share how learning has been transformed in the their classrooms with iPads as well as allowed time for our staff to ask honest, relevant questions.

Kristen Wideen, Eastwood Elementary School, Ontario, Canada 

Kristi Meeuwse, Drayton Hall Elementary School, Charleston, South Carolina

Anthony DiLaura, Zeeland East High School, Zeeland, Michigan

Julie Garcia, San Diego iMiddle School, San Diego, CA

Lisa Johnson , Eanes Independent School District - Austin, TX






As we are on the heals of a possible 1:1 iPad initiative, this discussion helped us get more excited about the initiative and learn about all the possibilities.  The ADE's enthusiasm was infectious and honest answers were comforting.  Thank you!

After the conversation, staff read one iBook from the  One Best Thing collection written by ADEs.  Staff in small groups then participated in a gallery walk discussion of questions related to the transformation heard about from the ADE or read in the iBook.

Thanks to Clay Reisler, @recessduty, for organizing these awesome speakers!  For more information on the Pulaski Community School District Raidercamp Inservice, click here or visit Twitter #raidercamp.


Raidercamp Reflection - Pulaski Schools Inservice

I had an amazing day yesterday!  It was so inspiring to see Pulaski School District Staff engaged with and about technology!  This was the 5th annual Raidercamp Inservice- focusing on technology integration for professional staff and professional growth for all other district staff.  This year there was a focus on how iPads can transform learning in preparation for a possible 1:1 iPad initiative.




Our day involved these activities:

Keynote Speaker:  Jeff Borden about Education 3.0
Jeff was amazing!  He connected brain research to educational change for the benefit of our students' learning and engagement in school.  He spoke to our entire district staff of about 450- kept us engaged and laughing.    I recommend him to anyone!

40 Technology Sectionals taught by our own staff to personalize the experience for staff.

        Session 1 Options



   
Session 2 Options



30 Minute iPad Challenge- This activity was opposite lunch.  Staff had 30 minutes to complete as many challenges as they could using an iPad.  For each row or column they completed, they got to enter their name in a raffle drawing!

Intermediate Challenge
Advanced Challenge

Transforming Learning in the classroom:  This session, lead by Principals, began with a hangout with an Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE), then review of a selected ibook from the One Best Thing collection.  Staff in small groups participated in a gallery walk discussion of questions related to the transformation heard about from the ADE or read about in the iBook.

A huge THANK YOU and kudos goes to the following ADE's who talked to our staff!  We appreciate you taking time out of your day to help use be more successful as a staff!  You were awesome.  Our staff appreciate the transformations you shared as well as the opportunity to ask you honest, relevant questions!

Kristen Wideen, Eastwood Elementary School, Ontario, Canada 

Kristi Meeuwse, Drayton Hall Elementary School, Charleston, South Carolina

Anthony DiLaura, Zeeland East High School, Zeeland, Michigan

Julie Garcia, San Diego iMiddle School, San Diego, CA

Lisa Johnson, Eanes Independent School District - Austin, TX


Finally, we ended our day celebrating our district wellness program with over 30 wellness options to choose from.  These are led by our own staff as well as local fitness companies!


Overall, it was an very educational and enjoyable day with so much leadership from district staff!  Priceless!





Wednesday, February 25, 2015

February 26th Inservice Presentations

Charged for leading and learning at Pulaski Community School District Inservice Day:  February 26, 2015

Welcome and Introduction Presentation



Why iPad?  iTunes, iBooks, apps n more!




Referendum Q & A


Thursday, February 12, 2015

February 26 Pulaski Community School District Raidercamp Inservice

Pulaski Community School District Raidercamp Inservice
Thursday, February 26, 2014:  Pulaski High School
Twitter Hashtag:  #Raidercamp

Preparation for February 26th:
Please bring the following:
  • An iPad and Laptop for the technology sessions.  Note:  if you do not have a school issued iPad, either bring your own or see your Library Media Specialist or Technology Integration Support for one.  Be sure to also get the iTunes account for downloading apps!
  • Your schedule for the day from sched.org  Directions for accessing
  • Wear comfy clothes to participate in the wellness activity
  • A waterbottle (if needed)
  • Also, please donate to the Food and Clothing Drive Sponsored by PEA

Overview of the Day

7:00 -- 7:30 Light breakfast / morning snacks sponsored by FFA - PHS Commons


7:30 – 8:40      Keynote Speaker:  Jeff Borden - PHS Auditorium 
 Neuroscience + Learning Research + Education Technology = Education 3.0
     
8:50 -- 9:50 Technology breakout sessions

10:00 -- 11:00 Technology breakout sessions

11:00- 12:30    Lunch- PHS Commons/ 30 minute iPad Challenge, PHS Library

12:40 -- 2:00 Transforming Learning with Technology

2:15- 3:30 Wellness Event


For a tutorial on how to complete registration, watch video below:



Tutorial on how to access your schedule:  Access your personal schedule for the day

HoH