Digital teachers are those wanting to incorporate technology into their day. This play-based teacher has decided to become a digital teacher, at least in my own life! Don’t worry, all of my classroom activities are still based on what is right for my students; hands-on, real-world, play-based, experiences. I simply realized I can no longer share knowledge and experience with other educators strictly through pen and paper. It is more efficiently done as a digital teacher.
I know I am probably late to the game! But have always felt that play-based pedagogy and digital learning did not mix. My current program is in an accreditation year, and technology has a very prominent place in the self-assessment process. It took the assessment to realize I can continue to provide hands-on experiences in a natural environment for my students. And use technology to streamline my own planning and sharing of information.
DIGITAL PLANNER FOR TEACHERS
There were a few deciding factors for my digital switch. First, my entire school uses a digital planner. It was apparent that I would need to move in that direction this year too. It became very time-consuming to write my plans in a paper planner. Then record them in Google Docs, then email them to administration. Instead, I now use the same planner the whole school uses. And with one-click share my plans, make changes from year to year, month to month, and day to day.
Second, I realized that there are many great apps available for assessment and information sharing between families and colleagues. I have already been using photo documentation to record my students’ growth for the last five or so years. The issue has always been finding a free site to print those photos to share with parents. Or at least one affordable enough that I could print and share the photos with parents each year. I still have a camera roll full of student pictures and spend hours deleting so I can clean up my photo storage. Going digital allows me to share photos in real time. Create storyboards for parents. And use app storage rather than my own data storage.
GO-GETTERS UNITE
Deciding to share tips, tricks, and plans with other educators also created a need to create a stable digital platform to reach others. It all started with an online course that transformed, not only my resources but my life. I met an amazing group of educators from all over the world. I was introduced to new ways of teaching and gained hundreds of new friends. It probably seems strange to say that my new friend count is in the hundreds. But this online community feels like just that. A family that supports and encourages one another through the digital age.
Please stop in and listen to Kayse, if you have not already had a chance to do so. She is a light in this world, radiating positivity daily. I am genuinely inspired by her message!
DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR TEACHERS
The next step of this journey was a digital planner for daily life. And gain all the knowledge about GoodNotes. A few weeks ago I attended a conference out of town. When I almost lost my laptop to a coffee mishap (from the person next to me) I began researching my options. I no longer want to take my laptop to unprotected places. Choosing a tablet that will allow me to use a waterproof case, with a stylus that allows for handwritten (and text) notes. The majority of planner options I found are written for GoodNotes. I cannot wait to streamline the multiple notebooks I currently tote around.
Realizing earlier this year that life-long learning is something I take very seriously. I have always challenged myself to reach new heights, learn new skills and fill my brain with knowledge. Returning to higher education later in life, helped me understand the compelling need to continue to learn ‘all the things’.
DIGITAL SKILLS FOR TEACHERS
The largest undertaking in my digital transformation was learning to use and create a website, from scratch, through Bluehost and WordPress. What a labor of love! Multiple late nights later: Youtube tutorials for how to use the site, change and customize themes, and just generally understand widgets; I am excited to continue to customize my own site, putting my stamp on my brand.
Becoming a digital teacher is filling my desire to learn new skills. Keep up with the times. And find a way to intentionally incorporate my true passion of play-based learning with the digital world.
Are you ready to learn more about my journey of including a hands-on approach to learning in the digital age? You can read more here: Reset Your Teaching Life
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