SAMR and Ipads

Whenever I look around a classroom I see students just itching to get their ipad/ipod/phone/device out and start to play and explore the functions it may provide.  Often the classroom teacher is reticent to allow these out because it might directly contravene the local school policy.
I wish that this could be lightened up a little.  I think often of how I taught my kids to cross the road.  We held hands - tightly, and then as time went by, and I was comfortable with their level of competence, they were able to cross the road by themselves. - Quite safely.
I wish we could apply that analogy to students use of devices in the classroom.  We need to be teaching responsible thinking and use of, instead of worrying about the perils of inappropriate use.

I discovered a great visual representation of how to apply the SAMR principles to iPad use. You can find the link at http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2014/02/a-wonderful-visual-on-how-to-use-samr.html

Teaching standards

How do we maintain consistency in practice across this vast country.  It's becoming more difficult each year to attend professional learning activities face to face, so there becomes a greater reliance on online opportunities.  These are actually my preferred option because I can engage with the learninng from the comfort of my own surroundings at a time and place that is agreeable.
There's a wealth of online opportunities to ensure that you remain current and at the cutting edge of developments in our line of work.
Recently I participated in some great PD around how we support and mentor beginning teachers as they transition to full registration.  This PD gave me the opportunity to explore in depth the resources offered by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership.  AITSL. 

The AITSL website is a treasure trove of resources and tools that can go a long way to helping any self starting teacher.  Regular readings are suggested, there's video snippets to support good prcatice and much more.

The web site is the one stop for a variety of professional resources. http://www.aitsl.edu.au/

Engaging students in the classroom

The age old issue of engaging students in the classroom is raised yet again. How do we keep students in our classes and learning?
Recently I saw a quote that really got me thinking about student behaviour and reflecting on my practice.  It went something along the lines of ' a happy student is a good student, but a good student may not be a happy student' This was in an article about relationship building.  How can our students learn if the teacher fails to reach out and make a connection with them?
Teachers who foster good relationships with their students create learning settings that promote great learning.

What do positive student-teacher relationships look like in the classroom?

• Teachers show their pleasure and enjoyment of students. 
  
• Teachers interact in a responsive and respectful manner. 
  
• Teachers offer students help (e.g., answering questions in timely manner, offering support that matches the children's needs) in achieving academic and social objectives.
  
• Teachers help students reflect on their thinking and learning skills. 
  
• Teachers know and demonstrate knowledge about individual students' backgrounds, interests, emotional strengths and academic levels. 
  
• Teachers seldom show irritability or aggravation toward students.
                    http://www.apa.org/education/k12/relationships.aspx