QR Code PD

Today we had our second day of PD with Digital Promise.  The teachers were issued their iPads yesterday and today we explored some of the possibilities to think differently about technology.

The first thought that usually comes to mind when you talk about students getting iPads is, "What apps are we going to use?"  Marco Torres, Krista Moroder and Jim Beeler from Digital Promise pushed my staff and myself to think about what we want our students to learn and accomplish.  Then, figure out if technology can make that outcome easier, more efficient and more engaging.

We started with an activity that used QR codes to send the staff on a scavenger hunt.  On the tables that they were sitting at there was a QR code with no explanation. I gave no directions other than you have a task to complete with your table partners and a short time frame to finish the task.

What was amazing to watch was how the teachers at their tables collaborated and helped each other to figure out what the objective and goal was for the exercise and how to accomplish it.  The staff used their iPads for a variety of tasks and had to figure out what the best way to accomplish that task.

Teachers collaborating to solve the problem at hand 

Teachers completed the QR challenge

Upon reflection with the teachers, they were able to see the "big picture" and not just the apps that they needed to use.  Many started to think about how they could create tasks and lessons that make the students think, collaborate and engage.  Many of the teachers began to realize that just because the students will have an iPad that things like test scores are not going to magically shoot through the roof. The iPad is a tool to help transform their already great teaching into something even better for their students.  No one ever created a great lesson around a pencil. 

Students start on Monday...........Welcome to the new school year. It is going to be an exciting adventure!