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SPS Digital Learning Hour

SPS Digital Learning Hour

We're bringing you the latest news in the Springfield Public Schools in regards to technology along with inspiring interviews from teachers who are using technology in the classroom. We'll also inform you of latest updates, practices, and news as it pertains to our district.

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  • 150 episodes
  • Updated Apr 29, 2024

Episodes150

Newest first
  • Jan 30, 2018 · 37 min

    Episode 27: Digital Storytelling and Brittany Blake

    This week we focus on this idea of Digital Storytelling and how any teacher of any grade can do it. Mike rattles off a bunch of ideas and tools that you can use to add Technology authentically into your everyday plans. We also interviewed Brittany Blake of South End Middle School this week and you don't want to miss it! Resources: http://www.schrockguide.net/digital-storytelling.html http://www.21things4students.net/21/18-digital-storytelling/ https://www.iste.org/explore/categorylist?code=Digital+storytelling http://www.shellyterrell.com/digitalstorytelling.html http://www.readingrockets.org/article/digital-storytelling-extending-potential-struggling-writers http://edtechteacher.org/tools/multimedia/digital-storytelling/ https://cooltoolsforschool.wordpress.com/digital-storytelling/ https://education.microsoft.com/courses-and-resources/resources/meet-story-remix https://www.windowscentral.com/how-start-using-photos-story-remix-experience-windows-10 Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Jan 16, 2018 · 46 min

    Episode 26: Growth Mindset, Grit and Purpose & Caitlin Welz

    This week I take a look at an article that discusses what some schools are doing to improve their student outcomes and it's not in the way you think. I do a lot of talking this week and I encourage you to talk back to me through Yammer! We also interviewed Caitlin Welz of Central High School and her experience within the district as it relates to technology and what it's like teaching students in High School Article: https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2018/01/03/the-benefits-of-helping-teens-identify-purpose-in-life/ http://openfutureinstitute.org/question-project/ http://www.thefutureproject.org/ http://www.projectwayfinder.com/ https://web.microsoftstream.com/channel/60b80502-ea46-4fc7-a9aa-5bf62de78cd6 Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Jan 9, 2018 · 44 min

    Episode 25: Part 2 of our 1 to 1 Conversation

    Welcome back listeners! To start off the new year we are going to finish up our conversation on the 1 to 1 initiative through our eyes. Listen in to hear more of Mike's wild theories and the future and some thoughtful insights into our 1 to 1 program. Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher, and our newest provider TuneIn and leave us feedback! Articles That we've referenced this week: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/why-schools-should-provid_b_10577884.html?utm_hp_ref=education-technology https://thejournal.com/Articles/2015/05/26/7-Lessons-Learned-From-a-Successful-1-to-1-Laptop-Program.aspx https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/05/18/1-to-1-laptop-initiatives-boost-student-scores-study.html http://www.edudemic.com/one-to-one-computing/ https://www.districtadministration.com/article/are-one-one-laptop-programs-worth-investment https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/08/18/536875865/15-years-later-how-did-it-go-with-maines-school-laptop-program https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/Change-Agent/2016/0729/How-beneficial-are-one-to-one-laptop-programs-in-schools https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/reflections-11-chromebook-implementation https://www.edutopia.org/blog/sharing-screen-in-1to1-classrooms-monica-burns https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/thinkpossible-21st-century-classrooms https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/what-research-says-about-11 https://larrycuban.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/the_impact_of_digital_technologies_on_learning_full_report_2012.pdf https://education.missouristate.edu/assets/clse/Final_Report_of_One-to-One_Meta-Synthesis__April_2012_.pdf http://www.wnyc.org/story/why-hoboken-throwing-away-all-its-student-laptops/ http://www.centerdigitaled.com/blog/game-changers-one-to-one-computing.html https://betanews.com/2013/07/22/7-big-mistakes-k-12-education-needs-to-avoid-in-11-computing-plans/

  • Dec 19, 2017 · 51 min

    Episode 24: All About That 1 to 1 and Tom Rachele

    This week Brendan Reed joins us for our discussion on the what, why, and how on the 1 to 1 initiative and the ways we are making it successful. There are also a couple of key announcements for the rest of the month of December. We also interview Thomas Rachele, ELA Academic Supervisor and his experience of using Technology as both a teacher and a Supervisor. Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher, and our newest provider TuneIn and leave us feedback! Articles That we've referenced this week: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/why-schools-should-provid_b_10577884.html?utm_hp_ref=education-technology https://thejournal.com/Articles/2015/05/26/7-Lessons-Learned-From-a-Successful-1-to-1-Laptop-Program.aspx https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2016/05/18/1-to-1-laptop-initiatives-boost-student-scores-study.html http://www.edudemic.com/one-to-one-computing/ https://www.districtadministration.com/article/are-one-one-laptop-programs-worth-investment https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/08/18/536875865/15-years-later-how-did-it-go-with-maines-school-laptop-program https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/Change-Agent/2016/0729/How-beneficial-are-one-to-one-laptop-programs-in-schools https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/reflections-11-chromebook-implementation https://www.edutopia.org/blog/sharing-screen-in-1to1-classrooms-monica-burns https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/thinkpossible-21st-century-classrooms https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/what-research-says-about-11 https://larrycuban.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/the_impact_of_digital_technologies_on_learning_full_report_2012.pdf https://education.missouristate.edu/assets/clse/Final_Report_of_One-to-One_Meta-Synthesis__April_2012_.pdf http://www.wnyc.org/story/why-hoboken-throwing-away-all-its-student-laptops/ http://www.centerdigitaled.com/blog/game-changers-one-to-one-computing.html

  • Dec 12, 2017 · 33 min

    Episode 23: The Conclusion of Blended Learning and Ravan East

    This week we finish up our conversation on Blended Learning where we even include some resources. Our Interview of the Week is with Ravan East over at Rebecca Johnson. Articles and Links: https://thejournal.com/articles/2017/01/11/what-effective-blended-learning-looks-like.aspx https://elearningindustry.com/subjects/elearning-articles/blended-learning https://www.talentlms.com/blog/top-10-articles-blended-learning/ https://www.teachthought.com/technology/the-benefits-of-blended-learning/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/06/21/blended-learning-the-great-new-thing-or-the-great-new-hype/?utm_term=.41d37295e20d https://blog.softchalk.com/blended-learning-1-what-why?utm_campaign=General&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=58028982&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8pMTWvFi7PP2VGG5Lnee-9ycLwFoKK3mcz434dKtwGmogFdLC0h2DIT0njAaxRvVceLLQHV732ydOo8UumXODcVMOR8HR6hqb2naNG16Eh3uDJ66A&_hsmi=58028982 https://blog.softchalk.com/blended-learning-2-is-it-right-for-you https://blog.softchalk.com/blended-learning-3-implementation Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher, and our newest provider TuneIn and leave us feedback! Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Dec 5, 2017 · 41 min

    Episode 22: Blended Learning Part 2 & Aimee Baron

    This week we continue our dive into Blended Learning looking at a lot of the benefits of this educational model (we both love it), on ways on how it saves trees (less paper). Our Interview of the Week is with Aimee Baron over at Rebecca Johnson. For those of you who have never worked in a Kindergarten classroom, this is a must listen and she describes what it is like to incorporate authentic learning opportunities with Technology in her classroom!!! We also have a special Brightspace announcement for everyone out there about tools coming this month!!!!!!! Articles and Links: https://thejournal.com/articles/2017/01/11/what-effective-blended-learning-looks-like.aspx https://elearningindustry.com/subjects/elearning-articles/blended-learning https://www.talentlms.com/blog/top-10-articles-blended-learning/ https://www.teachthought.com/technology/the-benefits-of-blended-learning/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/06/21/blended-learning-the-great-new-thing-or-the-great-new-hype/?utm_term=.41d37295e20d https://blog.softchalk.com/blended-learning-1-what-why?utm_campaign=General&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=58028982&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8pMTWvFi7PP2VGG5Lnee-9ycLwFoKK3mcz434dKtwGmogFdLC0h2DIT0njAaxRvVceLLQHV732ydOo8UumXODcVMOR8HR6hqb2naNG16Eh3uDJ66A&_hsmi=58028982 https://blog.softchalk.com/blended-learning-2-is-it-right-for-you https://blog.softchalk.com/blended-learning-3-implementation https://www.teachyourmonstertoread.com/ (This is the one Aimee was talking about!) Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher, and our newest provider TuneIn and leave us feedback! Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Nov 22, 2017 · 43 min

    Episode 21: Blended Learning and Roni Gold

    This week's podcast begins our deep dive into Blended Learning and Mike goes off on the deep end at one point. (He needs to stop watching Robot movies) Our discussion is one that will go over the next three podcasts so that you are able to digest it in small bites. We also interview Roni Gold from Rebecca Johnson who has a lot of great insights. Articles: https://thejournal.com/articles/2017/01/11/what-effective-blended-learning-looks-like.aspx https://elearningindustry.com/subjects/elearning-articles/blended-learning https://www.talentlms.com/blog/top-10-articles-blended-learning/ https://www.teachthought.com/technology/the-benefits-of-blended-learning/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/06/21/blended-learning-the-great-new-thing-or-the-great-new-hype/?utm_term=.41d37295e20d https://blog.softchalk.com/blended-learning-1-what-why?utm_campaign=General&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=58028982&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8pMTWvFi7PP2VGG5Lnee-9ycLwFoKK3mcz434dKtwGmogFdLC0h2DIT0njAaxRvVceLLQHV732ydOo8UumXODcVMOR8HR6hqb2naNG16Eh3uDJ66A&_hsmi=58028982 https://blog.softchalk.com/blended-learning-2-is-it-right-for-you https://blog.softchalk.com/blended-learning-3-implementation Question of the Month: Tells us some of the ways you have integrated technology into your lessons? We are interested in knowing how you are doing this and what level those lessons are at on the SAMR model? Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher and leave us feedback! Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Nov 9, 2017 · 36 min

    Episode 20: Pixar in a Box & Ron Roux

    For this week's episode, we delve into an interesting collaboration between Khan Academy and Pixar that might just give your math lessons a little extra umph and a lot more fun. Plus, it's real-world applications that you might be interested in harnessing. We also interview Ron Roux from Kiley and all of the great things they are doing with technology! Question of the Month: Tells us some of the ways you have integrated technology into your lessons? We are interested in knowing how you are doing this and what level those lessons are at on the SAMR model? Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher and leave us feedback! Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Articles: https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/09/03/pixar-in-a-box-teaches-math-through-real-animation-challenges/ https://www.khanacademy.org/ https://www.khanacademy.org/partner-content/pixar Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Oct 31, 2017 · 46 min

    Episode 19: More SAMR & More Dan Manseau Part 2

    We continue our conversation about SAMR and some of the many things that make us excited. We also continue our conversation with Dan Manseau of Boland Elementary School. Let us know your questions about SAMR on Yammer and we can hopefully answer them! The Question of the Month: In light of the articles from the last few weeks that we have been discussed with the Distracted Classroom, What do you do to keep your classroom engaged? What teaching strategies do you employ? How do you set your goals so that the students stay engaged in the classroom? Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher and leave us feedback! Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Articles: http://www.assignmenthelp.net/blog/samr-model-pedagogy-technology-examples/ http://www.schrockguide.net/samr.html http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/06/samr-model-explained-for-teachers.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQTx2UQQvbU Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Oct 24, 2017 · 51 min

    Episode 018: SAMR Model Discussion & Dan Manseau Part 1

    That's right this week is the first in a two part episode where Suzanne and Mike discuss the SAMR model, with some practical tips and the first part of Mike's interview with Dan Manseau of Boland Elementary. Come and listen to someone who has been in the district for awhile and has seen everything (Mimeograph anyone). Let us know your questions about SAMR on Yammer and we can hopefully answer them! The Question of the Month: In light of the articles from the last few weeks that we have been discussed with the Distracted Classroom, What do you do to keep your classroom engaged? What teaching strategies do you employ? How do you set your goals so that the students stay engaged in the classroom? Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher and leave us feedback! Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Articles: http://www.assignmenthelp.net/blog/samr-model-pedagogy-technology-examples/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimeograph http://www.schrockguide.net/samr.html http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/06/samr-model-explained-for-teachers.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQTx2UQQvbU Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Oct 3, 2017 · 40 min

    Episode 017: Distracted Classroom Part 2 & Programming Through Play

    For this week's episode, we delve deeper into the Distracted Classroom and Mike's Minority Report theory (it's weird) and we look at programming games to teach coding. All the links will be below! The question of the Month: In light of the articles from the last two weeks that we have been discussed with the Distracted Classroom, What do you do to keep your classroom engaged? What teaching strategies do you employ? How do you set your goals so that the students stay engaged in the classroom? Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher and leave us feedback! Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Articles: https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/08/27/three-video-games-that-teach-programming-through-game-play/ https://codecombat.com/ http://www.betathegame.com/ http://www.hacknslashthegame.com/ http://www.chronicle.com/article/The-Distracted-Classroom-Is/239785 The book: https://mitpress.mit.edu/distracted Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Sep 27, 2017 · 1 hr 6 min

    Episode 016: Distractions, Using Tech to Make Better Readers, & Carmen Oyola Callender

    This week Suzanne and I delve into classroom distractions, how technology can make your readers better and a fantastic interview with Art/Chorus Teacher Carmen Oyola Callender. We also are keeping you up to date with all of the tech news in the district! This week's question of the week: Do you allow/use digital notetaking strategies in your class? Let us through Yammer, Twitter or even snail mail! Please go to iTunes, Spreaker, Stitcher and leave us feedback! Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Articles: http://www.chronicle.com/article/The-Distracted-Classroom/239446 https://edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2017/09/research-based-strategies-use-technology-create-better-readers https://www.stackup.net/ Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Sep 19, 2017 · 29 min

    Episode 015: The Wonder of Wonder, New Cast Member & Sheila Slawiak

    This week we add a new cast member, discuss the book Wonder and some resources for it and our interview of the week is with Sheila Slawiak of Forest Park Middle School! This week's question of the week: Do you allow/use digital notetaking strategies in your class? Let us through Yammer, Twitter or even snail mail! Twitter: MikeSPSDLA SuzanneSPSDLA Resources: http://www.literacyshedblog.com/blog/the-wonder-of-wonder http://www.literacyshed.com/the-music-video-shed.html http://www.literacyshed.com/ Music provided by Camtasia Software and Bensounds.org

  • Sep 12, 2017 · 48 min

    Episode 014: Information Overload, Introverts Unite, & Erin O'Brien

    This week's episode features discussions on how to evaluate the quality of online information, how to help introverts in the classroom and a great discussion Erin O'Brien from Kensington International School! Articles: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/evaluating-quality-of-online-info-julie-coiro https://sites.google.com/site/tiponlinethinkaloudlessons/ https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/19/learning/lesson-plans/evaluating-sources-in-a-post-truth-world-ideas-for-teaching-and-learning-about-fake-news.html https://www.academia.edu/181831/Leu_D._J._Jr._Coiro_J._Castek_J._Hartman_D._K._Henry_L._A._and_Reinking_D._2008_._Research_on_instruction_and_assessment_of_the_new_literacies_of_online_reading_comprehension._In_C._C._Block_S._Parris_and_P._Afflerbach_Eds._Comprehension_instruction_Research-based_best_practices._New_York_Guilford_Press http://13-dot-pohtimiskaavio-demo.appspot.com/#welcome http://www.literacyandtechnology.org/uploads/1/3/6/8/136889/_jlt_sp2016_killi_coiro_hamaianen.pdf https://edtechmagazine.com/higher/media/video/educause-2016-how-harness-power-introverts Twitter: @MikeSPSDLA @SuzanneSPSDLA Music: Bensounds.com Camtasia Recording Software

  • Aug 29, 2017 · 51 min

    Episode 013: Digital Note Taking & Principal Lisa Bakowski

    We start Season 2 off with a bang. Have you ever thought about digital note taking, do you even know what that means? Well listen in and we have an excellent interview with Lisa Bakowski, Principal of Boland Elementary School. She takes us back in history with her knowledge of technology through the last 20+ years. Articles: Digital Note Taking Strategies That Deepen Student Thinking: https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2017/08/17/digital-note-taking-strategies-that-deepen-student-thinking/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=socialflow Contact: Twitter: @MikeSPSDLA @SuzanneSPSDLA Find us on Yammer Credit: Music from Bensounds.com & Camtasia Software

  • Aug 22, 2017 · 14 min

    The Welcome Back Episode

    It's been a great summer, come and find out all the new tools and updates that have happened while you were out!

  • Jun 20, 2017 · 1 hr 16 min

    Episode 012: Books to Boards, Assistive Tech for Students & Paul Foster

    For our season finale, we interview Paul Foster, CIO and the boss of our department. He answers all the questions we have about the past, present and future. Do you want to know the process for choosing Brightspace or what is daughter thinks about all the tech? Then take a listen! Suzanne and Mike also talk about a different way to approach Game-Based Learning and a few tech tools that would be great for all students. Articles: Books-to-Games: Transforming Classic Novels Into Role Playing Adventures https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/10/27/books-to-games-transforming-classic-novels-into-role-playing-adventures/ https://www.edutopia.org/blog/assistive-technology-can-benefit-all-students-jenny-grabiec Like us on iTunes and follow us on Twitter at: @MikeSPSDLA @SuzanneSPSDLA

  • Jun 19, 2017 · 18 min

    Episode 011.5: Interview with Karen Hall

    Today we have a special episode just for our listeners out there. Earlier this year we interviewed Karen Hall and today we are bringing it to you. Hear how she evolved from not using technology to be a leader in her school.

  • Jun 13, 2017 · 56 min

    Episode 011: The Confusing Nature of CBE, Digital Dementia, & Nicole Ouellette

    This week we delve into Competency-Based Education and the confusing nature of it, you leave with more questions than answers, what Digital Dementia is and ways you can fight it. This week we interviewed Nicole Ouellette, a first-year teacher at I.O.E. and her experiences using Technology. Links for this week: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/overuse-of-devices-and-digital-dementia http://familytech.com/5-ways-to-combat-digital-dementia/ http://babyology.com.au/miscellaneous/much-tech-time-giving-kids-digital-dementia-experts-warn.html https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-05-22-why-there-s-little-consistency-in-defining-competency-based-education Twitter: @MikeSPSDLA @SuzanneSPSDLA

  • Jun 6, 2017 · 1 hr 22 min

    Episode 010: Game-Based Learning, 21st Teacher Characteristics, & Melissa Zeitz

    This week Mike and Suzanne tackle Game-Based Learning, which Mike is a super fan of and they look at characteristics of a 21st Educator and what that looks like in this world. Mike also had the opportunity to interview Melissa Zeitz from Liberty Elementary about all things technology including Scratch, Makey-Makey boards and more! Articles this week: https://www.edsurge.com/news/2017-05-30-how-game-based-learning-encourages-growth-mindset http://www.teachhub.com/5-essential-21st-century-teaching-strategies https://scratch.mit.edu/ http://www.makeymakey.com/ Twitter handles: @MikeSPSDLA @SuzanneSPSDLA