Transferring to the Makerbot The next step was to export from Sketchup into a file format that the 3D printer software would recognize. As we were using a Makerbot as our 3D printer, I was able to download the software for the printer for free. I exported from Sketcup, imported into the Makerbot software and…
This last weekend I attended EdcampIowa in Ankeny, IA. This was one of the 4 (was supposed to be 5 but there was not enough interest at one site) sites across the state to make up what has to be the largest Edcamp (if you combine all of the participants). There were some great discussions…
Recently my school was lucky to be part of the Iowa Teacher Leadership Grant that allows us to gain funds to support the hiring and placing of teacher leaders into positions to help our school improve and move forward. The grant money goes towards paying for various positions such as Teachers on Special Assignment (TOSAs),…
Imagine having 4 people in a rowboat, all rowing at the same time. If one person is rowing in the wrong direction or even not at all, the boat will not go where you want it to go. This is my analogy for what happens where we allow a single person or group to use…
I try to live in a #growthmindset so New Year’s is not that much different for me than anytime in the year as far as resolutions go. I try to constantly look at what I can improve at and how I can change. But since so many people use this time of the year to…
Yesterday I presented a session about “Differentiation Using Google Apps” at TIES in Minnesota and it was another good presentation, but yet I feel I can be doing better. During the #MNLead chat on Twitter Sunday night I shared out the phrase, “Live life in beta”. I have heard that phrase a lot over the…
One very important aspect of the learning process is how feedback is used to help guide the learner to improve and grow. We must focus on giving effective feedback otherwise we will not be continuing the learning process. When the only feedback that we give is a grade or a percentage, that is not going…
As we get ready to start our shortened week due to Thanksgiving, I thought I would reflect on something I am very thankful for. I would not have survived my first couple of years of teaching if it wasn’t for other teachers sharing with me everyday. I worked with a great bunch of teachers during…
While many people fear what kids will do when given an iPad or other piece of tech on break, there is a lot more you can do than just sit there and consume. While this has nothing to do with high school tech integration, many high school teachers have kids who are young and needing…
Yesterday I received an email stating that a new tech tool had finally come in and I was very excited. The person who was next to me was a little confused that a tool could make me so excited. Now I know many people think of me as a techie who loves all technology but…
Donovanscience 