Connecting & Differentiating: Technology Tools for Student Success

My students have been asking questions today.  No, not in the classroom, it is Sunday after all.  They've been using technology to get the one-on-one help they need.

from: http://c4lpt.co.uk/library/janes-top-100-articles-of-2008/

So far today, I've answered numerous tweets and Edmodo direct messages from my students.  All in an effort to differentiate learning that meets their needs.  Not only that, I've tweeted several students to remind them of assignments that are due and updates they need to share with other students via a Re-Tweet (RT).  This has all happened sort of organically with one student sending me a tweet or Edmodo direct message, me sending a reply, etc.

Have you harnessed the power of technology tools to connect with your students?

If not, try these tools:

• Twitter: create a Twitter account connected to your Teacher Persona.  Mine is @edugatorvogel which matches my website, edugatorvogel.com, and helps to tie my Teacher Persona to my students.  They know me as edugatorvogel and know they can find me on the web and on Twitter.  I do NOT follow any students, though they are free to follow me.  I DO tweet them updates, assignments and reminders and ask them to RT their followers many of whom include other students of mine.
• Edmodo: Create classes (groups) and have students update their email and text messaging settings so they get messages or emails when you post a note, direct message or new assignment/quiz.  Edmodo is awesome in that it allows you to create groups just for select group of students who have the group code.  This way you can share information with cohesive groups of students OR create small groups of students who are working on one topic.  The beauty is that Edmodo also works on smartphones whether Apple or Android.  Check your app store for options.  To see Edmodo in action, watch a webinar at Support.Edmodo.com.

• Schoology: This option works in the same way that Edmodo does.  Schoology is geared more toward the higher-ed set but does have options for secondary and elementary school.  In the same way Edmodo allows for individual groups, Schoology offers capabilities for students to choose email or text for updates on assignments/quizzes, messages, posts, etc.  Schoology also has an app on both the Apple platform and the Android platform.

Note: While this has happened organically for me, it may not for everyone.  My students and I have very good rapport and they know what is appropriate and what is not appropriate.  Why?  Because we have discussed it AT LENGTH.  I have called students out for their misuse of the technology tools at their fingertips and they have responded in a responsible manner.  Please have this discussion with your students.  Cultivating responsible Digital Citizens is extremely important!

Responding to student needs through technology is second nature to them and now, to me.  While I do not have to be present 24/7, I can provide just-in-time answers to questions so my students are successful and, therefore, so am I! 

Promoting Literacy - An Idea

Just READ!

      Remember those super awesome READ posters from the American Library Association that used to hang on the walls of what was known, then, as the library?  Celebrities, politicians, famous teachers, historical figures were all into the hype of reading.  They showed their support by posing, with book in hand, to promote reading throughout schools.  While it is not often, at least in my media center, that I see one of these posters, they are still relevant to creating a culture of literacy.

Promote a Culture of Literacy

My school district is celebrating Literacy Day tomorrow, September 7, 2012 to support one of the districts major goals - "90% of all third graders reading on grade level by 2018".  Sponsored in part by The Learning Alliance, Literacy Day is an opportunity for all schools to showcase how they are promoting literacy within their school culture.

An Idea!

Vero Beach High School will be celebrating Literacy Day by having READ posters displayed around the school.  Two of our Reading teachers sent letters and emails to local and national leaders asking for a quote about reading and a .jpg.  From there, I uploaded the pictures to Photobucket, edited the pictures using Photobucket's editing tools and then ordered board poster prints from Walgreens.

Here are the finished products!

Literacy Week is usually celebrated in January here in Florida.  But, we got a jump start on our celebration early!  The plan is to have more posters of more local leaders and maybe even the President to help us promote and celebrate literacy all year long!