I have been teaching since 1997, first as the district coordinator/teacher of a K-5 gifted program and later as the K-6 technology coordinator/teacher at The Barstow School in Kansas City.
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My focus in our 1:1 iPad school is to balance "how to use" apps with "how to utilize" apps. (This goes for teachers and students.) We are finishing our first full year (1.5 years as 1:1) and, already, many teachers are integrating and/or sharing ways iPads transform how they teach. Discovering how to develop innovative, productive and engaging instruction is an exciting, challenging, frustrating adventure. However, the outcomes can be inspiring!
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My lessons with kids include "how to use" apps that will support classroom curriculum. I want to make sure the classroom teacher can focus on content instruction and not teaching a technology lesson. My lessons also engage "how to utilize" apps. I want to make sure kids understand how to share, post, create QR codes, print, download, email, attach... whatever a task requires.
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Right now I am excited about coding at all grade levels. I was coding at 12 (Apple ][e) and it's come full circle. I worked with grades 3-6 on an Hour of Code and continued with Hopscotch in grades 5 and 6. My two favorite lines were, "I felt like a rockstar!" and "Yes! I did it! I'm a genius!" What can be better than that?! I'm also dedicated to student safety and have spent a huge amount of time exploring Digital Citizenship. I am looking forward to using the resources provided by Common Sense Media.