Month: July 2022

Communication as a Path to Innovation

/ Anna Diemecke / 1 Comment

communication
As a Technology Teacher, I tried new digital tools that I can incorporate into my class like classroom screen, nearpod, and canva. I also make sure that all the lessons and assignments are uploaded to the learning management system, just to make sure that it is available for my students anytime they want to check or work on the class. I also like my students to do some authentic work with their assignments and projects, I always tell them to create their projects based on their chosen topic.

Communication is very vital in any organization whether it’s at work or personal. Clear communication is a bridge that will put people on the same path and understanding. Hence, communication is not advisable as we don’t want anyone to fill in the missing gap of information by assuming or guessing. Not being on the same page will surely result in misunderstanding and may result in misinformation, and it can be chaotic for the people that are involved.

Constant communication leads to a better relationship, consistent feedback, and member collaborations; this will result in sharing of different ideas that will result in an effective and successful organization. Dissemination of information promptly, whether digitally, paper-based, or in person is equally important.

One of the reasons that I enrolled in the ADL Program is to further enhance my technology skills. That I may be the agent of change and model for my students and my communities. I am looking forward to more knowledge for innovations.

Reference

Ellis, M., Price, I., Reporter, S., Sponsored, Branquinho, L., Miller, D., & More, D. M. R. (2016, October 28). 7 reasons why everyday communication with your team is important. Ventureburn. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://ventureburn.com/2016/11/7-reasons-everyday-communication-team-important/

I want to be a NOW-ists!

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now_is_the_time

When I started teaching an elective class last year, I was at a loss, I did not have a department, and I did not have a previous teacher to ask how to deliver my class. What is my curriculum? What program can I use? every day passes, and I feel uncertain about what I am doing. Finally, I was able to find my way; I was able to find my path. Watching Joi Ito emphasizing the word “NOW-ists” resonates with me, as he is right. Because no matter how much you know, no matter how much preparation you have to do, if you do not act on it NOW, you will not be able to start, you will not be able to know if it will work, and you will not be able to move forward.

As an educator, I am open to new ideas; I research how I will be able to deliver my content in a better way. If there are questions I am unsure of the answers to, I always ask and do research. I tell my class never to shy away from asking questions and never feel bad about mistakes because these are the learning process. I always advise my students to use technology and explore their knowledge.

Remembering my previous year of teaching, I have let my students decide on a project of their choice for them to take ownership of it and be able to present to the class. I gave them examples, but they must create their authentic ideas, and I encouraged them to think outside the box. So far, I think it was a success, and I would like to continue letting my student create their project.

As I listen to Monique Markoff regarding blended learning, I feel optimistic that it will help our students understand the knowledge than using the traditional way. I embrace technology and challenges, and I am sure that it will help me be able to practice and enhance the delivery of my blended learning techniques. I am privileged to have a coordinator open to change and innovation. However, changing the whole education process needs involvement from everybody, not just from one teacher or administrator. So the question will be, when are we going to reach there? When are we going to be all ready for innovation? Honestly, I do not know the answer to when. The only thing I am sure of is that I will start it; I will be one of the NOW-ists and hopefully inspire others to join me.

References

Joi. (2015, May 15). Joi Ito wants to innovate and become a ‘now ist.’ YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRAMQJJu7uY

My Learning Networks

/ Anna Diemecke / 1 Comment

Active Professional Networking is a big help in adding knowledge to my educational toolbox. I love learning, and I love sharing my wisdom. Sometimes I am amazed at how many new ideas and understandings I get through networking with people and organizations. I am an active member of the following group:

TCEA – Texas Computer Education Association

CSAT – Computer Science Teachers Association

Microsoft TEALS (Technology Education and Literacy in Schools)

K-12 Computer Science Teachers in Texas (Facebook page)

Digital Learning Community through this course

The below groups significantly contributed to my knowledge about Computer Science and advances in technology and education. Hence, it also widens my list of colleagues, friends, and mentors. As A member of these communities, I ensure that I participate and do my part. I do volunteers as well, attending training and personal developments. I believe that just like in any relationship, you have to put an effort to make it a success.

With these networks, I met people who inspire me to be better at what I do. It also gives me a chance to help learners and my community, which is, I think, the best part.

References:

MichaelPageUK. (n.d.). Top 12 benefits of professional networking and how to get started. Michael Page. Retrieved July 19, 2022, from https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/benefits-networking

COVA : Learning Authentically

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The COVA(Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authentic Learning) learning speaks to me well. As a learner, this strategy is a unique approach; this approach challenges me and excites me simultaneously. I like to think that I am doing my best in all my work, and owning my work and being recognized for doing it is an achievement for me. Dweck teaches us all to have a Growth Mindset; as a learner, I would like to learn in any opportunities that I have and to learn from my mistakes and move forward.

My innovation proposal incorporates blending learning, flipped classroom, and project-based learning as my strategies for my student engagements. I believe that COVA will apply to all these strategies, making my students responsible, engaged, own, and design their learnings. The challenge that I can see is that a learner should be disciplined enough to allot time to their learnings, as it is easy to lay back with the thought that the materials are readily available online. One thing that I struggle with is the quality of my work, I would like it to be perfectly done and I found myself working 14-17 hours straight to do research. I find time to collaborate with my classmates and help as much as I can. I think it made me a better learner and educator as well.

One of the great things about COVA is personalization learning, as learners are different individuals, learners also have different absorption of learning, and COVA addresses that issue.

I have not done an ePortfolio but I believe that using this tool is very beneficial to a learner, as it contains all the evidence of my work. It will also cater to sharing my knowledge with others. I will definitely use different multimedia in creating mine.

REFERENCE :

Harapnuik. (2021, January 8). Applied Digital Learning. Harapnuik.org. https://www.harapnuik.org/?page_id=8517

Growth Mindset and the POWER of YET

/ Anna Diemecke / 1 Comment

Dr. Dweck talking about the power of Not Yet is very optimistic and inspiring. For me YET should be included in every educator’s learners toolbox, it is indeed inspiring that in every situation or challenge, there is still an opportunity to make up, catch up and be better. I myself am guilty of not pushing my potential or thinking that I am not good enough, or that this is all I can give. Watching the videos and reading the book makes me realize that I should be open in every opportunity, and really start setting myself in a growth mindset. Remind me of the third step that when I think of I CAN’T DO IT, I should ALWAYS add YET.

I have students that doubt themselves, thinking that they will not make it, whether it is in sports or academics. I have students that compare themselves to others, that others are better than them, It is sad, but as always I tried to comfort and encourage them that they can do it and be good. Thus, learning this golden word YET will be added to my teacher’s toolbox and ready to be mentioned as it is needed to inspire my students.

Indeed, having a Growth Mindset contributes to being open-minded, a person can handle feedback constructively and use it as a challenge to be better. Personally, I can proudly say that I am open to criticism, evaluations, and suggestions. I always believe that feedbacks are an opportunity for growth.

fixed vs growth

Looking up at the diagram, it is very clear that one having a Growth Mindset can reach the maximum potential of an individual and be successful. As I reflect on it, I have some characteristics that still fall under the Fixed Mindset, which I know I need to change, in order for me to be able to help myself and be a better educator. Through this, I can be a great mentor to my students, and help them be successful and ready to face any challenges. Then I can proudly say that I’ve done my job as an educator.

REFERENCE
Dweck, C. (2016). Mindset: the new psychology of success. Random House.

Growth Mindset: A Key to continuous Learning

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Upon reading in-depth Carol Dweck’s Mindset, The New Psychology of Success, speaks to me and made me realize that I have a lot to learn in order for me to achieve a Growth Mindset. I always praise my students and tell them that they can do anything, but now I am realizing that I need to do further than that, I have to make sure that yes an effort had been made, yes an assignment had been made, but now it makes me wonder, did it challenge them to do more. I always try to inspire my students with a “You can do it” attitude, for them to try until they succeed. But upon reflecting on this book, I realize that I myself is lacking a Growth mindset. There are things that I did not do or push through because I think that I am not good enough, that sometimes I am scared of a challenge and failure. The best strategy mentioned in the book is to name my fixed mindset so that whenever I feel it emerging, I can call it out and refocus on my growth mindset. Thus, I should be open to more challenges, accept failures, learn, and be better.

UDL(Universal Design Learning and personalized learning is very important, As an educator, I know that every single student is different when it comes to learning, and I have to try every possible way to connect to my student’s learning. In UDL, the what, the how and the why or equally important to know as it all collaborates on how an individual learns. I have to be able to pinpoint where the disconnect of learning happens. Knowing what was missing in the process will help me better understand and teach them individually.

The greatest challenge that I had last year was dealing with a fixed curriculum, I have to find ways to make it work so that my students will understand the lesson, be able to present it, and make the topic interesting. With the use of the internet and search engine, it is easier for me to find assistance with my content, education videos on youtube, and education articles. With that being said, It is going to be the same challenge that I will deal with this coming year, my wild goal is to incorporate blended learning with the help of our school LMS(Schoology) and utilize other educator tech apps. I would like to give my students real-time feedback that will help them to be successful.

I still have a long road to take when it comes to my career and personal development, but I would like to start shifting my fixed mindset, my false growth mindset to a growth mindset. I want to make a difference to every people(colleagues and students) that I will meet and hopefully inspire them to reach for their highest potential in life and in learning.

REFERENCE

Dweck, C. (2016). Mindset: the new psychology of success. Random House. 

Disruptive Innovation : Future of Education

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There is a saying that change is constant, it is inevitable, it is a way of life. Change is vital for the improvement of one’s success or ideas. If the ways or processes are not adaptable to the current situation, a change is a must in order for us to catch up with our surroundings or environment. Sir Kent Robinson mentioned Education needs to be reformed, it needs to be revolutionized, and it needs to be transformed into something else. And, with the use of technology and great teachers, we will be able to customize each individual learning. As launched and explained by Horn, Disruptive Innovation such as Blended Learning is an excellent innovation that caters to different formats of learning that can be offered towards the individual needs of a student.

As a technology teacher blended learning really helps me reach out to my students, lessons, exams, and lectures are readily available even if they will not show up to my class. I know that there is still room for improvement with the use of different learning management system, as some of them does not cater to individual learning. But I am optimistic that these hiccups will be solved with the changing technology and reconstruction of instruction and curriculums, with the help of our educators and administrations.

Currently, my school district would like to offer Computer Science and promote it to our students. I am looking forward to fulfilling that role this coming school year. With that being said I will have the opportunities to explore different styles of blended learning and learn and teach coding programs.

I believed that changes in the educational system will be effective if all the people involved are willing to embrace and accepts Disruptive Innovations and consider that not every student learns the same way and in the same phase.

REFERENCE

Horn, M. B., Staker, H., & Christensen, C. M. (2015). Blended: Using disruptive innovation to improve schools. Jossey-Bass. 

Episode 3: A Cycle of Emotions

/ Anna Diemecke

Quadrat is a weekly podcast where we discuss all things related to womanhood, from fundamental rights to feminism, body literacy and mental health. We hope to help women become more empowered through knowledge and information, whether they’re in America, Africa or in the Middle East.

Join us every week!

“Do we need periods if they make us crazy?”, Sarah asks. Hint: yes, we do. We reached out to our friend Diana Roth, an endocrinologist specialised in women’s hormonal health to know how menstrual cycles impact women’s brains and emotions.

Episode 2: Female Leaders, Where Are They?

/ Anna Diemecke

Quadrat is a weekly podcast where we discuss all things related to womanhood, from fundamental rights to feminism, body literacy and mental health. We hope to help women become more empowered through knowledge and information, whether they’re in America, Africa or in the Middle East.

Join us every week!

After years of revolution, the big question remains: why aren’t there more women in leadership? Sarah and Olivia get deep into the subject.

Episode 1: How Screens Affect Hormones

/ Anna Diemecke

Quadrat is a weekly podcast where we discuss all things related to womanhood, from fundamental rights to feminism, body literacy and mental health. We hope to help women become more empowered through knowledge and information, whether they’re in America, Africa or in the Middle East.

Join us every week!

In this episode, Sarah and Olivia talk with female hormone specialist Diana Roth about the impact that gadgets and technology have on hormone and fertility health.