Innovation in Practice

In order to be a true change agent, I had to change the way I worked on a daily basis. I had to innovate the way I organized my content, the way I communicated with all stakeholders, the methods I used to collaborate with team members, and the tools I used to accomplish these daily tasks.

Organization of Content

I have relied more this year on video to get my message across, and I have used various tools to create the video: a video camera and MovieMaker or iMovie, GoAnimate, SMART Recorder, Educreations, and Screencast-o-matic. I also maintain a YouTube Channel to store those videos that can be shared with the public.

Educreations Google Drive Video

GoAnimate video created

for AP Teacher Training at Killough

When faced with designing engaging experiences for teachers, I have used a variety of technology tools to organize the knowledge for them. I have used Edmodo, Google Drive, and Google Sites, depending on the needs of my participants.

Edmodo worked well for a six-hour workshop, allowing for distribution of research materials, ongoing peer discussion, and a gallery for completed projects.
In another six-hour workshop on Google Docs, a variety of Google Apps was the natural choice because it allowed the presenters/facilitators to model best practices in a variety of contexts.
For briefer workshops or PLC’s, Google Drive tends to be an effective place to share needed resources.
If the number of resources becomes great enough that more organization is needed, then a Google Site is the tool I have used.

AP Classroom Edmodo Site

Killough HS

Group Code tutruj

Edmodo Groups for

ENGAGE! Lewisville Inservice

Google Search Activity Google Doc

Technology Workshop

Think Tech Google Doc

Killough HS

TCEA Presentation Google Site

PBL Google Site

Communication with Stakeholders | Collaboration with Team

I have also innovated the way I communicate with my team members, teachers, and administrators. With over 100 documents in My Drive and over 90 documents in Shared with Me, it is obvious that Google Drive is my team’s and my primary method of collaboration. Furthermore, I also enjoy using a variety of backchannels to communicate with participants in PLC’s and workshops.

Today’s Meet is one of my favorites, but I have also used Wall Wisher, Primary Pad, Google Forms , and even a Google Doc to provide my participants opportunities to have their voices heard. For formative assessment and exit tickets, I have used Google Forms and Socrative. To survey teachers and administrators, I have used both Survey Monkey and Google Forums. I have used many new Web 2.0 tools and apps to create products and have teachers create products: Thinglink, GoAnimate, Educreations, ShowMe, iLapse, Google Maps, Google Sites, Prezi, Glogster, QR Codes, Slide Rocket, Google Presentation, Picasa Photo Slideshow, and Video Star are just a few.