Tech Leader
#McKTechTribe
Learn More
Technology Leaders are those that have completed all of the badges and STILL want more. They LOVE technology and can serve as a resource for others in their school. They also pursue learning about technology, playing with new gadgets and tools on their own and share this enthusiasm, especially with their students. There is no specific formula to being a Tech Leader and these challenges alone are not enough. Technology is ever changing and being a Tech Leader is an ongoing process. Checkout the resources below then complete the challenge, but don't stop there.....
Resouces
How to Integrate Tech when it keeps changing
Sites to Return to (or grab RSS feeds from)
Office of Educational Technology
Shake Up Learning (by McKinney's own Kasey Bell)
Huffington Post: Educational Technology Section
Tech Organizations
FAQ
What tech tools does the Malvern MRS think you NEED to learn more about?
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If this, then that: IFTTT.com This is a really great tool that makes other technology tools collaborate. Create recipies and then sit back and let them do all the work.
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Whoo's Reading is on my personal list to learn more about
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Biblionausium: I think EVERY class grades 2+ should be using this. Make it a station, integrate with Google Classroom or work on it after iStation time.
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PearDeck is cool, the subscription price is not.
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DonorsChoose: Last year Malvern only had one DonorsChoose project funded. If you need or want materials in your classroom this is worth looking into.
How do you know if new technology lives up to the hype?
Use the SAMR model and try it out. Not everything will be as great as you hope, but many things are. First Google it or look into reviews. Read more about which EdTech you can trust and most of all try it out, test it. You never know until you try.
Other than Twitter how can I learn about new Tech?
Conferences and workshops are a GREAT place to learn about tech. Many tech conferences are designed with YOU in mind and more teachers need to attend. Consider looking into conferences like TCEA, ISTE and definitly plan to go to Converge in McKinney this June.
What is an RSS feed?
RSS feeds are a great way to keep up with NEWS from your favorite sites. Using a free service like Feedly you can collect RSS feeds in one place and basically create your own customized digital magazine of articles to read. I highly recommend adding a Feedly widget to your iChrome page as well.
Challenge
Task 1: Twitter is a great tool for keeping up with new technology. If you do not already have a professional account, set one up and start following a few other tech leaders (check out this lists of Tech Leaders to follow or this list has a few others). Then start posting about your own Tech Tips and tricks (be sure to search for and follow @MalvernMRS and #McKTechTribe. We also use #MalvernExplorers for tweets about great student work.) Some of the best Tech Leaders are the teachers in the trenches.
Hint: Once you find someone great on Twitter try to see who THEY are following, this is how you grow your PLN.
Task 2: What is your best Teacher Tech Hack? It does not have to be the newest, best or most expensive technology...just something that you use ALL THE TIME. Don't think you have one? Search Pinterest, Twitter or Google for thousands of ideas and steal one. Share your hack on Twitter #McKTechTribe
Task 3: What is something NEW and COOL in Ed Tech? Using the resources above or your own research to find something you want to learn more about. Then take the time to learn about it, play with it and then share with the #McKTechTribe
Bonus Task: Post a Tech Tip to your favorite social media page (Twitter if possible) with #McKTechTribe
Claim your Badge
Please complete this brief survey to help TLC and future technology professional development improve and then download and save a copy of the Tech Leader badge. or visit Credly to claim your badge (claim code: 6EB-21AA-870) In addition, Tech Leaders should consider displaying their badges on a yellow background (to signify that you have gone beyond the white belt of technology). Visit the Show Off page to learn about ideas of how to share the badges you earn. Consider leaving comments below with additional questions, tips for others or feedback that was not included in the survey.