It took me a little over a week to read this book, and I am already revisiting it.
Such a great book, especially for those teachers and students who say they are not creative.
5 out of 5 stars.
★★★★★
#educatedbydesign.
]]>This is how it ends. Budgets get prioritized. Spreadsheets get adjusted. Cabinet decisions happen. Board policy does whatever it does. And, then the TOSA funding disappears.
Well, it's not quite that simple. I knew my Tech TOSA position was a temporary thing.
"All we are is dust in the wind, Dude."
Talking with attendees at Fall CUE and Spring CUE, this seems to be a trend across numerous districts in California. Maybe that's confirmation bias. Maybe it's just anecdotal evidence. Maybe it's purely coincidental. I'm no scientist. I am an Instructional Technology Coach, or TOSA. At least, I was for four years.
On several occasions, I joked with my supervisor (the Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction) that I'd teach my way out of a job if do it properly. Meaning, I'm not just helping students learn technologies and using technologies to learn in new ways...I'm arming the teaching staff with digital tools, as well.
Building Capacity
That was the big push before SEL. Don't get me wrong. SEL is a useful and powerful strategy. It needs the funding. I also know that district priorities shift. Learning goals change. Outcomes get realigned.
It was a good four-year run as a TOSA. To be fair, I did ask the question in my interview ~four years ago, "How long will you fund this TOSA position?" The answer was three years for sure, and possibly four. And, here we are.
But, what does it mean?
Hanlon's Razor is an aphorism expressed in various ways, including:
"Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity."
An eponymous law, probably named after a Robert J. Hanlon, it is a philosophical razor which suggests a way of eliminating unlikely explanations for human behavior.
My role as a TOSA will be ending in May, after a four year run. I was effective. I generated results. More importantly, the students and teachers produced amazing results.
There’s still a lot of work to be done. instructional technology integration is never a job to be marked as complete. And, I’ll still be able to effect change in some capacity. Only, I’m not yet sure what that will look like in the 2019-2020 school year.
Maybe it’s teaching at a middle school. Maybe it’s in administration. Regardless of the role, my title means little. However, the title of this website (and the URL) will be changing.
Having a domain registered as edtechtosa.com is a bit problematic when one is no longer a TOSA. So, I’ve given a lot of consideration to branding and what that might look like going forward.
At Spring CUE this past weekend, I paid special attention to the ways educators presented their story and, by default, how they branded themselves across platforms (Twitter, websites, marketing/stickers).
And, that has got me feelin' some kind of way...
I have ideas.
First time presenting at Spring CUE!
First time attending Spring CUE.
Lots of firsts for me at this conference.
I started this entry while attending a CUE Rockstar session hosted by Jon Corippo, the CUE Godfather. I attended his session to learn more about presenting, and I was not disappointed. It helped me understand what I could do differently, and what I could do better.
To be honest, I was terrified to present at Spring CUE. While I received a lot of compliments for my one-hour session on TOSA, I felt like I had not given the attendees what they wanted. Self-doubt can be crippling. I suppose the upside is that I know I can do better, and that teaching and learning are fluid.
I have met many of the attendees at Spring CUE in a digital space (Twitter & Instagram), but never IRL. So, the pressure to perform was even greater. I did present at Fall CUE 2018 for the very first time. That was a huge step for me, as the thought of presenting to a (big) room full of teachers tends to make me anxious.
To be honest, I never thought I would present at a CUE event. Trust that I want to give back. It was my CUE cohorts, and my friends at CapCUE who challenged me to move outside my comfort zone. Thank you, friends. #loveyou #meanit
Some quick notes about lessons learned:
*selfie from the Friday 10am session: Know Your Condiments! Level up your TOSA dishes.
bit.ly/KnowYourCondiments
Things that need more attention or acquisition:
#CUE19 #SpringCue
Looking back on the January blogging challenge, I’ve realized that it’s not only about reflection, but it’s also largely about construction. Constructing a narrative. Constructing a solution.
At least, it’s about identifying a problem or concern. And, that’s the first step to creating a desired outcome. Sure, I missed a few posts last month. I regret that.
Reviewing my January entries, I noticed that many of my posts had a slightly negative tone. However, blogging (most of January) did remind me that the best way to complain is to make something.
]]>It’s that time of year again! Time for the proposed budget. The one that dictates which positions need to filled and which positions need to be eliminated. And, as a consequence, it’s that time for site administrators to start tweaking the master schedule.
I understand that budgets are a fluid thing. I also understand that my TOSA position was never a long-term job. For three years it was funded in full. Now, in year four, I am operating as a teacher 34% and as a TOSA for 66% of my contract.
My hope is that next year will bring the same opportunities. However, the politics of jockeying for coveted sites and/or preps is exhausting. I almost feel like a free agent. Sure, I try to do my best teaching every day. I collaborate. I network.
Best not to start a diary on the most exciting day of your life to date. Once normalcy returns and that high dissipates, you’re apt to start slipping.—Field Notes 56-week planner (inside cover)
I spent an hour today cleaning up Google Photos and my digital photo albums on other platforms. Trying to consolidate, and make sure my photos are duplicated across storage sites.
I did find a few gems, like these pictures posted above. These were taken several years ago at Point Bonita and Rodeo Beach. It was a 4-day field trip that I chaperoned twice in three years...back before I had a redundant storage system in place.
Nothing sucks as bad as losing precious photos. It wasn’t until a bricked iPhone that I realized how quickly it can happen. Practice safe storage!
]]>
Three-day weekend coming up. And, I can’t wait to get to these two books that have been sitting on my shelf for a while. Might even find some time to pull some prints on the letterpress.
]]>I was showing my Digital Media & Design class an older video today. Since the clip was originally filmed in 1988, it presents in square format. One of the students asked why it looked “so weird” and out of focus.
Legitimate question, for someone who grew up with wifi and HD optics. It created some good conversation about the history of film. It also made me realize how far technology has come in the last 30 years. Meanwhile, I’m viewing my square desktop monitor with a little contempt...
There are times when it is perfectly acceptable to decline that invitation. Skip that time spent catching up on Twitter/Instagram/Facebook. Give away those concert tickets to the Elton John concert in downtown Sacramento tonight (loft seating with VIP entrance...you’re welcome, Sis!).
At least, that’s what I am telling myself. To be honest, I sometimes think I’m a borderline introvert. Only, I think it runs deeper than that. I enjoy perusing social media, and I love learning with my edtech colleagues. However, there are times when focusing on self-care is crucial. Having that quiet time is a joy.
]]>Being a typography nerd, I follow quite a font designers, printers, and lettering artists. Mostly, I follow them on Twitter and Instagram. Although, I admit that I’m sometimes lacking on curating lists of favorites. I still default to my RSS reader app when I have a free moment to peruse new posts.
This print appeared in my feed recently. I had seen it last year, along with some of his other prints, when his book was published. Maybe it was several years ago. It’s by Anthony Burrill, and it’s one of my favorites. It’s a good reminder, and provided a little inspiration for today.
*print by Anthony Burrill
]]>
A friend forwarded this picture to me and mentioned that I might need one for my desk. It made me think about student expectations and public perception of teachers.
I think any teacher who has worked in public education for a few years has likely met a teacher like this. Those miserable teachers like to hand out worksheets, and remind students to be quiet. At least, that’s what I envision when I see this plaque. Some of us likely had a teacher like this...I know I did.
And, I really hope that I never get to that point that I need this plaque. If I do, it’s time to retire.
]]>I posted this productivity flow chart on Instagram the other day. It seemed to resonate with a lot of people. And, it pretty much sums up my weekend.
My son’s JV soccer team (Vista del Lago High School) beat their crosstown rivals (Folsom High School) 2-0 tonight. It was a good game, and the boys played hard. While the Freshman and Varsity teams didn’t win, it was great to see the boys support each other.
Winning the Crosstown Cup was a big deal for my son’s team. No JV team has won the title in the nine years that the event had been held, but the boys didn’t seem to care about the pressure. They played their game and even shared a few smiles on the field while Folsom HS started losing their composure.
It was nice to see our boys keep their cool, and play with confidence. They weren’t worried about the title, and the accolades that come with winning this this event for the first time. No pressure.
The pressure and anxiety kids face us something I’ve been thinking about lately. This article makes the case that many kids are anxious, about a lot of things. Spoiler alert: some parents and teachers are to blame.
Drove to the city of Georgetown today. This was my view along the way, somewhere near Coloma.
Did a PD session for the elementary school that is slowly moving to Google Suite. I had a really nice intro lesson planned for the 90 minute session, but I decided to scrap most of it.
Even though the school has just begun rolling out Google Suite, many of the staff have been tinkering with Google Apps on their own time. Love that!
So I stopped about 10 minutes into my presentation and asked, “how many of you would rather spend this time asking me questions?” Almost all agreed, except for that one teacher...there’s always one.
But, the others were excited to explore the things that mattered to them. There so many questions about nuts & bolts:
Long day, but worth it. Got to watch my son play at his home school against a tough team. Literally. This team is physical and a bit aggressive.
In the previous match against this team, my son’s team beat them 1-0 in a scrappy 80 minutes of soccer. Tonight, my son’s team beat them 7-2.
But, the highlight of this game was watching my son & his team stay true to the game. They got shoved, elbowed, and kicked but they all held themselves to a higher standard. They didn’t dish it back.
And, I love those boys for being such good sports. I asked my son, like I often do, what the coach said to them during halftime. He said the coach simply said, “I’m proud of you boys. You’re playing your game, not theirs. Keep it up.”
That’s pretty simple, but so powerful.
[I feel like there are so many more analogies that could be explored here. The usual sports as leadership, team morale, etc. Sure I was happy that my son’s team won, but I was more proud of the team’s composure.]
Monday’s Twitter #TOSAchat centered on goals. Participants were asked to select either personal or professional goal(s). One of the follow-up questions centered on tracking that goal.
Makes sense. And, I admit that I have a horrible track record of measuring and assessing personal goals. So, I’ve decided to start a weekly check-in for my personal goals. Of course, I’ll be using my tried and true pocket notebooks.You can’t manage what you don’t measure.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Planning for TOSA projects has suddenly taken on new meaning, as teachers return from the holiday with lots of ideas.
My inbox is full of email threads, and I am in the process of corresponding with teacher requests. I am also teaching 2 class periods of Digital Media & Design at the middle school every morning (34% of contract). It’s busy! And, I’m not complaining.
The process is what you make it. I like to make my process intentional. It’s more rewarding that way.
“BEGIN ANYWHERE”
_____________
picture & print: analog research lab
]]>Funny how people love to complain about going back to work, especially after a long holiday break. Maybe complain isn’t the right word. Perhaps, whine would be a better descriptor.
I don’t mean to say that people are seeking sympathy, or that they want someone to hear how horrible their life has become. Comments about coming “back to work” and the misery of having to actually do work more is such an odd social norm.
I get it. Who wouldn’t like to take a nap after lunch or sit on the couch and just rest? Self care is crucial. At least, the social-emotional learning PD says it is...and I can see value in it. But, the notion that we should somehow console each other for working with kids is just odd to me.
I’m excited to come to work every day. I’m sure others feel the same way. Only, that was not the general feeling on the two campuses I visited today. Maybe, I’m just not in the mood to tolerate whining. I’d rather focus on the positive. Like this awesome view on my commute ...
Rainy (and super windy) day. Decided to do some planning this afternoon, the Sunday before school is back in session. My weather app alerted me that, just up the hill, Interstate 80 is closed from Colfax to the Nevada state line due to snow/zero visibility.
I’ve experienced those interstate shutdowns coming home from Lake Tahoe. IIf you haven’t, imagine being totally helpless, only a little bit colder. Six years ago, Ingot caught in a brutal storm on the way back from Incline Village, I called my Dad to tell him I’d be a little late picking up the dogs. He said:
A clever and amusing observation, that I keep revisiting....especially when considering education. I mean, what does the traffic in the classroom look like? As a teacher, I can’t accurately describe it. But, I can tell you it does not involve boring worksheets, lengthy vocabulary assignments, or mandatory presentations.
How do students view the situation? Do they feel stuck in traffic? Do they feel like traffic? Hint: ask them. Kids are super good about being brutally honest
On one of the teacher-centered facebook pages I follow, a teacher membe recently posted a question asking for guidance on cell phones in the classroom. The 56+ comments provided a unique insight about opposing viewpoints. And, as I read through these comments [sometimes with a clenched jaw], I could not escape the traffic analogy.
⚠️
Today, I attended my first CapCUE Board meeting as a Director. I’m excited to be a part of an organization that has inspired me for several years. I’m excited to give back!
Apparently, I was so excited that I didn’t take any pictures. From 8:30-2:30pm the Board covered a lot of ground. And, I’ve got a lot to digest. But, it’s all good stuff!
Giant Three-Way Plug, Scale A
1970-71 | Cor-Ten steel and bronze
—Claes Oldenburg
I’ve been giving connectedness a lot of through lately. Maybe because I’ve been evaluating my social media habits and smartphone usage. That pesky monitor on the new iOS makes me feel like I’m a SHU [Super Heavy User].
I like to think that connectedness is on my mind because it’s simply that time of year. Time for the deluge of motivational articles and news stories to appear on my feed. Since late December, I’ve seen the most of the usual clichés...
What one word best describes my goals/intentions for 2019?
A M P L I F Y
I've given this word serious consideration. For the last several days, I've had a running list of candidates but I kept going back to the word AMPLIFY. As I sat in the airport and on the plane, I kept trying to capture that one clear word.
This is the third year that I've taken the #oneword challenge. I first saw this on Twitter, and really liked the idea. But, trying to identify one word for a motto is never an easy task for me. I'm pretty sure that my motto should be "Doing hard things the hard way for over 40 years."
On that recent trip to St. Louis, I scribbled a list of words that might best suit my goals. After brainstorming a list of words, I wrote a brief explanation of why I chose each word. I also wrote a few arguments against some of the words...but I didn't want to focus on the negative.
At last count I had four possible words that could work for me, and supporting reasons for each word. My little Field Notes pocket notebook was littered with possibilities. Some words were accompanied by flowcharts and crude diagrams.
Why not tap the notes into an app? Writing things by hand helps me clarify the thoughts in my head. It helps me connect the things in a way that no digital device can. And, I kept asking myself what (exactly) am I trying to do with all these notes? I was simply trying to amplify my thoughts.
To that end, I will keep the word Amplify in mind as 2019 rolls along.
Trust the process. #analogisnotdead
[picture: mirror image of size 30pt Broadway]
]]>This past year was an interesting one. A lot has happened, and it’s given me numerous things to ponder as 2019 starts. Trust that I have given a lot of time to 2018’s resolutions.
No, that’s not the best word. Resolutions are concrete, and the inflexibility inherent in the word seems like a recipe for failure. I prefer to think of them as intentions or goals.
On twitter, facebook, and Instagram I’ve read the posts of other’s that dance around the nuance of resolutions in the face of adverse situations. I read about the obstacles and the difficult situations that make resolutions difficult to achieve. I’m not saying these posts are wrong, or poorly written. I’m just saying that resolutions are tricky.
And, that’s why I prefer to focus on intentions. I realize some might say intentions are merely an excuse. The intentions often sound something like:
Intentions can seem a lot like apathy, I suppose. However, I like to think that intentions can be a habit. And, all habits can either be a benefit or a hazard. This year, I will make it a habit to ask myself if my intentions that support my goals. If they don’t, I need to change my habits.
I’m doing it. I am truly going to do it.
I will be doing the January blogging challenge. And, that it is something that is totally out of my orbit.
There is no agenda, and no method to my topics. At least, I am going into this with the simple idea that I need to share my learning. I’m sure there is an Instagram and Twitter hashtag for this challenge, but I can’t seem to find it.
Why blog? The last few years, I’ve reflected on my teaching (and my life) a lot. Sometimes just to keep the crazy in check. However, I realized that my reflections weren’t documented accurately. I often wished that I had captured more images or more detail.
In the past, I’ve used a trusty analog notebook for notions, reflections, and thoughts. And, I use(d) my phone (& various apps) to document my life like most of us do. So, consistent blogging is a new orbit for me. Here goes...
—illustration by Draplin
]]>Coming off of FallCUE 2018, and CapCUE TechFest Roseville a few weeks prior, my thoughts have been all over the map...in a good way.
One concept that I keep revisiting is gamefication. I missed tonight’s #tosachat on the topic, but I’ve managed to scroll through most of the thread.
Maybe it’s confirmation bias, or maybe it’s coincidence. Either way, I’ve seen a few articles in my RSS news feed (remember those?) about Dungeons & Dragons regaining popularity in schools. That makes my heart happy...as I peruse my first edition, 3-book set I’ve owned for almost 40 years.