Monday, September 16, 2013

Creating Your Digital Learning Environment



“Every learner is an educator. Every educator is a learner.”
-CISD Learning Portrait


In a world of digital natives that can and do learn anytime and anywhere, from us and from each other, our learners’ environment is no longer limited to time spent in a classroom. So why should your learning environment be any different?


We, as your educators during this professional learning challenge, pledge to design this experience differently. Hours of sitting through technology training that may or may not relate to your role, learning style, or classroom are over. As you work through the different types of learning that you choose to participate in during this challenge, you’ll see that a classroom environment is no longer just about a physical, face-to-face environment or experiences. Our classroom for this challenge is this blog, our webinar time together, the Twitter chats you participate in, the implementation challenge activities you do, and more.  Yes, there will be times you may take part in a physical, face-to-face experiences, but how we design your physical environment for those will also set the stage for digital learning success.


We’d like you to think of the format of this challenge as inspiration. While you are the learner for this challenge, we hope that you will take the experiences with you and be able to use what you have learned when in your educator role on campus. Learning is so much more than what happens in between those four walls of your classroom.  We believe that learning environments should be varied and collaborative. They should allow for learner’s voice and choice. They should be global as well as local, digital as well as physical.


So why do digital learning environments matter so much for today’s learners?





For today’s reflection, take a moment to reflect on your definition of a digital learning environment. 

Use the comment section below to answer one of the following questions:

  • What structures do you need in place as a learner to ensure your success in our digital learning environment for this challenge?

  • As an educator, what digital elements do you currently use as part of your classroom learning environment?


45 comments:

  1. One of the things I need as a learner in this digital challenge is a flexible format for our learning, which you all are providing! Thank you! Also, I will be participating in this challenge as an educator AND administrator, so any help that you can provide and lend through the lens of an administrator would be greatly appreciated!

    As an educator (and administrator), I've been experimenting with a variety of tools to facilitate the learning with my staff this year. The include blogging, social media, screencasting (for virtual staff meetings), Twitter, Today's Meet, etc.

    Thanks again for the time that you all are putting into designing this learning!

    -Cooper Hilton

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    1. Thanks Cooper!! We are so glad that you are going to be joining us during this challenge. We hope that you can learn a few things for us, and that we get to learn from YOU!!

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  2. As a learner in this digital environment, I just need to make sure I get notifications of a new blog post, which I did! I'm also going to be looking for new digital tools that I can use in the classroom to improve the learning environment and design.

    As an educator, I currently use Edmodo, Educreations, Twitter, Today's Meet, Khan Academy, Google Drive, and the vast variety of math games available online and on apps.

    I look forward to sharing ideas on how to use more digital tools to engage our learners!

    -Brian

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    1. I love to hear about all of the tools that you are using in your classroom! We hope that we can show you some new tools for your toolbelt. We are also excited to hear how you are using those tools with your learners.

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    2. Brian - Please let me know how I can support you in this journey! I am so excited that you are a risk taker!

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  3. I love the flexibility of this approach. It truly allows me as a learner to not only take advantage of a learning opportunity, but to tailor that opportunity to my own needs and interests. I was so excited when I read about for the first time, and I can't wait to see where it takes us.

    In our learning environment, we use several collaboration tools including Edmodo, Twitter, and Today's Meet, Padlet, and Google Apps. I have also introduced my learners to some presentation tools including Prezi, Sliderocket, and Google Presentations. My learners have done some work on iMovie, but I would like to get them more comfortable on that particular forum. We also do some blogging using Kid Blog.

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    1. Wow! Sounds like you have really been using some great digital tools in your classroom. We can't wait to hear how you have been using these tools, and can't wait to see what types of you things you try during the challenge!

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  4. As a learner participating in this digital challenge I need time to explore a new tool on my own before I am introduced to it and asked to create something with it. I also would love some feedback and support on the products I create. It's nice to have feedback from colleagues! Can't wait to get started!

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    1. We can't wait to help you on this journey. We are excited that you are going to be trying this new learning style out with us. We are excited about what this challenge can bring this year!

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    2. Kaitlyn, I would love to be your thought partner as you begin this digital challenge and how you can incorporate the use of technology to leverage and maximize learning in your classroom!

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  5. As both an educator and a life-long learner I ensure success in my classroom by testing out different mediums and software before I implement them in my classroom. I do not have to be a "master", but know my way around both in order to field any questions from my learners. The technology chosen should also comliment not only the learners, but the learning objective of the concept you are sharing with them. I am excited to be a part of this, as I am far from a "Digital Genius", especially by what I see going on in classrooms around me. So any way I can learn more in order to expand the digital world for my learners, as well as grow myself, is always plus! Thank you for creating this.

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    1. We are so glad that you have chosen this journey with us. We can't wait to spend time learning with you and sharing some strategies and tools that we have found useful. We hope that one of the most useful things that we get from this is the power of a professional learning network.

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  6. As a learner I need and want time to play with new apps, websites, etc. I want to play so that I one can know how to help my students use them if I like them as well as design a learning experience. It takes a lot of time to look at apps and figure out how they can be authentically used in class in a relative way. I want choice and don't want to be restricted.

    As an educator I use any and all relative digital elements....iPads, Apps, online simulations, blogger, sensors in labs, etc... Sky's the limit.

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    1. I completely agree with you, the sky is the limit!! That is one of the things that I love about Coppell. I love that we have choice in how we teach our content and the freedom to explore new things and new strategies. We hope that you learn a few from us, but mostly we can't wait to learn from you!!!

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  7. In first grade we use Ipads constantly. We have implemented QR codes to learn new concepts. A new tool we will be using is www.infuselearning.com, which is an interactive drawing website you can use from ipads, iphone, computers. It saves student submissions/drawings as a PDF for the teacher. Great pre-assessment tool, assessment quick-check, etc.

    My goal this year is to use Twitter to share fun things in 1A!

    Thank you for your hard work! Look forward to the challenge ahead!

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    1. Welcome to the challenge, Melissa! We can't wait to hear how your adventures in Infuse Learning go! It is great to hear what the younger learners are able to do!

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  8. As a learner, I need time to use the digital tools to figure out how they work myself. Having the time to "play" with the digital "stuff" will help me figure out ways to integrate the new tools in order to transform learning experiences in my class. I would also love time to brainstorm specific implementations for my class with other educators. Sometimes I think the new tools I learn are great but can't quite figure out where the tool would fit in to enhance learning.

    As an educator, this year so far I have had my learners use Edmodo, google apps, nearpod, liniot, ipads, remind101. Through menu choices, some of my learners have tried out sockpuppet, toontastic, prezi, imovie, and educreations. As the year goes on my learners will use stemscopes.com, a variety of other ipad apps and who knows what else!

    I am currently working on getting class dojo up an running for my students to provide feedback on skills observed in my class.

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    1. Jaimie, we are so glad you are participating in the challenge. One of our goals is to do exactly what you asked for - give you time to "play" while connecting with other educators. Sometimes getting to connect with others "in the trenches" can provide such a new perspective. We can't wait to learn with you!

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  9. As a learner, I am looking forward to learning about new digital tools to aid my students in their study of Spanish. I am particularly looking for new apps for students to use in creating a product of their learning and I am also always on the lookout for good tools to use in the process of learning. I am thinking toward the use of Remind 101 this year, as well as suggesting students download apps for personal study/building of language skills like Mindsnacks for Spanish and Duolingo. I have begun to use I-Movie on my own and I hope to learn to use a green screen - all with the goal of having my students use these tools as well.

    As an educator, I use my google website (lots!), Edmodo, Poll Everywhere, Infuse Learning, PicCollage, Twitter, Google Forms. Always looking to improve my skills on these things as well.

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    1. Sandy, I love what you said about looking not only for technology that helps with the product of learning, but also the process of learning. We are glad you are here!

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  10. I am one of the life-long "geriatric" learners in our district. :) I would like more time to actually "test" and "play" with the different digital tools available. I also need a flexible schedule such as this format provides. Thank you!!!

    With my learners, I have used/tried Edmodo, Google Apps, iPADs, Remind101, Prezi, Socrative, Educreations, Infuse, etc...and numerous math apps both on the iPAD and Smart. My goal is to become more familiar and COMFORTABLE using various digital medias. Instead of trying to make make technology "fit" into my lesson visions, I would like for it to be a natural piece. And of course, I need Jamie!!! :)

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    1. Donna, thank you for joining the challenge! We need experienced educators like you and love that the flexibility of our challenge is a draw for you! You are so right about looking for technology to be a natural piece of your design. Can't wait to hear your take on the tools you are using and help you to find more!

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  11. PS. This was the 3rd time I tried to publish this...see how much work you have ahead of you!!! :D

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    1. Don't worry, I had trouble commenting last night as well. Even tech folks have techie problems! Were you on an iPad using Safari? You may have better luck in Google Chrome...

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  12. What structures do you need in place as a learner to ensure your success in our digital learning environment for this challenge?
    As a learner, I need to know what is expected of me (think rubric). You have made that pretty clear with the information you have provided, but a reminder would be great. We all have our plates full and sometimes if I don't physically have to be somewhere, I might forget. :) I also agree with the time to try things. I know most of use don't become masters after the first try.

    As an educator, what digital elements do you currently use as part of your classroom learning environment?
    I currently use: document camera, Smartboard (trying to learn to make more), iPads, Netbooks, Laptops, Google Docs- trying to incorporate more.

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    1. Great suggestion about reminders! We agree. Make sure to you sign up on the right side of the blog to get more information on events as they come up in the challenge. We are glad to have you, Katie! :)

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  13. What structures do you need in place as a learner to ensure your success in our digital learning environment for this challenge?
    A way of reminding what is coming up would be nice - whether it was formatted as a Google doc, Outlook reminder...something. I agree with Kate that our plates are full, and sometimes we/I need reminders to stay on the path. I think the other structure I will need in place (and I believe it is) is a risk-free environment that allows for choice in process and product.

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    1. We definitely agree about the reminders...we all are juggling so many things, it is easy to forget. We hope that the sign up section of the blog (to the right) helps! You are right about the risk free environment too...we are all here to learn from each other. Can't wait to learn from you!

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  15. As a learner what structures do I need in place? I need to feel supported by my district and campus administration, free of a "gotcha" mentality, IT support to help with lesson design and having the technology tools to help ideas take flight..oh..wait...I have All THESE THINGS...next question?

    As an educator I use Outlook, Google meet docs/sites, Edmodo, flash drives, multiple IPad aps, Prezi, voki, iMovie, twitter, slide share, blabber, QR codes, Skype, and Read 180. I'm not always successful but will try almost anything if I believe it will help students learn!

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    1. Tamra, I love that you feel the structures are in place to have success here! :) We are happy you are participating with us!

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  16. More than anything I need time to create and develop lessons for my classes. I need to completely think through lesson design and I am always making changes to what I am doing...it takes a lot of time for me to develop things I am satisfied with.
    I also need reminders of what to do next -- while I can understand neuron physiology, I cannot usually find my keys or identify which day of the week it is. :)

    In the classroom, I like trying new technology as it fits into what I am doing. I am excited to use the Zaption trial with my next blended lesson. Currently my favorites are Skype, iTunes U, Twitter, and always love Google Apps!

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    1. Jodie, I love what you said about trying new technology as it fits into what you are doing...this is so key. Learning with technology is so much more than the tools. When we step back and truly focus on instruction, the technology that we use becomes so much more powerful because it holds more purpose. Excited to learn with you and from you in this challenge!

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  17. I need pretty specific guidance and time to practice. I try to use different presentation tools in meetings, but fall back on what I know since it is quicker or more user friendly. I can use most technology pretty well, but I do call on Sarah D. to bail me out of my messes quite often or have to ask Betsy how to get something started.

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    1. Pam, we are so glad to have you! We love that our administrators are joining us. No matter where your skills fall, this challenge will have something for you.

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    2. Pam, we are so glad to have you! We love that our administrators are joining us. No matter where your skills fall, this challenge will have something for you.

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  18. In the past, I have used Edmodo, Windows Movie Maker, and Google Presentations. Throughout the day, students have access to the SmartBoard, iTouches, and computers. This year I have incorporated Kidblog and Twitter for classroom use. I would like to learn more innovative ways to implement Kidblog and Twitter. I would also like to gain more knowledge about the Google Apps, and learn more effective ways to use them. I look forward to this learning opportunity!

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    1. Welcome, Brittney! We hope that your experience in this virtual learning environment can help influence the experiences you are designing for your learners this year by exposing them to Twitter and KidBlog. :) We are glad to have you on the journey!

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    2. Brittney,

      I love how your learners showed me some of their resources for using Kidblog when I visited the other day. Not only are they sharing their reading reflections, they were also practicing digital citizenship!

      Cooper

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  19. As a learner I desire to have the opportunity to play with new apps and new ideas in my classroom freely. I do believe I have the opportunity to redesign my classroom without judgement or fear of failure. I do feel I need time to actually design new ways for my students to learn--time to design what a transformed class looks like for my room.

    In the class, I utilize everything I can get my hands on: my SMART response clickers, Macbook cart almost daily, iPads for the students, formative assessment (google forms, socrative, todaysmeet), and iTunes U (my newest and FAVORITE app and management system EVER!)

    I'm really excited about this differentiated opportunity to learn. Already it has inspired me to consider "challenges" that my students can do to show me their thinking (to make their thinking visible). I'm hoping to implement a test trial of this early next week!

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    1. We can't wait to hear how the test trial goes! We love that you have taken some inspiration from the design of this challenge! Thank you for taking this leap with us!

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  20. As a learner, I need time to really practice using all the wonderful things I've been shown. I need the flexibility to take it slow and focus on one app at a time. I have often tried new things without taking the time to think fully through them, and the learning seemed to get lost in the final product or the fun of using the new digital tool. I really want to focus on the learning process. I'm excited to push myself and have already started working on my digital challenge of creating a virtual learning space! I am taking baby steps and not moving on without real feedback from the students.

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  21. As a learner in the digital environment, I appreciate the flexibility, the opportunity and the choices.
    On my campus, I use the Edgenuity online curriculum, Twitter, Google Drive and Edmodo. There are many tech apps that I would love to learn about and share with our campus for possible application to learners and campus procedures.

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  22. It takes intentional training in the digital mindshift that can happen as we show the great products and examples from each digital tool we can access. Having the learners have an Ipad already in their hands has helped in letting the teacher as well as other students around learn from other students. Growth comes from many resources.

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