"Leveraging Technology to Strengthen Relationships, Ease Anxiety, & Empower All Learners"

      In the webinar, “Leveraging Technology to Strengthen Relationships, Ease Anxiety, and Empower All Learners”,  the presenter built her presentation through the lens of the CASEL Framework. This framework is evidence-based and focuses mainly on social emotional learning. The framework was developed around self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. This presenter explained how she “flipped the classroom” and created more time within her classroom for questions and problem solving by creating video lessons for her students. She has her students watch the lessons as homework, so they can come into class with their questions. She utilizes technology, like Pear Deck, to eliminate the social pressures of calling upon students, and to give voices to her quieter students. I really like the anonymous answer feature on Pear Deck, so students can have a voice without being publicly called out. Plus it makes the lesson interactive in real-time so the teacher can have data in the moment and change course if needed.

      Another useful tool she demonstrated was a WACOM tablet. She explains that she is able to have her students interact with her slides through writing on these tablets. She also uses it to demonstrate solving problems and taking notes on her slides, which then get sent out to all students. This feature is especially helpful for students who require extra teacher notes on their IEP, but now they can be utilized for the entire class. There a different versions of the tablet that allow for the teacher to be mobile with it in the classroom. I particularly liked that each of her students have their own, so they can provide answers in real time. With the use of these technologies, the presenter found that it fostered a peer-to-peer learning culture. These technologies helped with creating a safe space where all students can demonstrate their diverse ideas without judgement. I really appreciated the presenters passion for creating a safe environment for her students and hope to emulate that when I have my own classroom.