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NETA News
News September 2017
A Publication of the Nebraska Educational Technology Association
Everything I Learned About Technology
I Learned In Kindergarten
http://netasite.org September 2017
1NETA News
NETA Newsletter In this issue
Published four times yearly.
Contributions are welcome. All I Really Need to Know About Technology I Learned in Kindergarten....... 3
PO Box 484, Gretna, NE 68028 NETA 2017 Photo Gallery.............................................................. 4
Phone (402) 540-1904
The Tall and the Short of ISTE 2017................................................. 6
e-mail: executivedirector@netasite.org
http://netasite.org Reviews from the ISTE 2017 Experience............................................ 7
NETA Officers and ISTE Teacher Trek 2017 Reports..................................................... 10
Board of Directors NETA Free Membership............................................................... 12
Jackie Ediger.............. Past President Nebraska Fall Ed Tech Conference................................................. 13
ESU 9
jackie.ediger@netasite.org NETA’s Technology Grant Program Final Reports From 2016 Winners......... 14
Matt Lee.......................... President
Westside Community Schools
The Midwest States Reception at ISTE............................................. 15
matthew.lee@netasite.org NETA Board of Directors at Retreat................................................ 15
Heather Callihan......... President Elect
Northwest Public Schools Request for Sessions for NETA 2018................................................ 16
heather.callihan@netasite.org
Learning About Learning............................................................. 17
Darci Lindgren...................Secretary
Lindsay Holy Family School Tech Coordinators and Mobile Learning Community............................. 20
darci.lindgren@netasite.org
Getting Started with Blended Learning........................................... 21
Rich Molettiere.................. Treasurer
Omaha Public Schools NETA Contests! Did You Know?...................................................... 22
rich.molettiere@netasite.org
Craig Badura...................Board 2018 NETA Student Contests............................................................... 23
Aurora Public Schools
Save the Date! NETA Spring Conference........................................... 23
craig.badura@netasite.org
Ann Feldmann.................Board 2018 NETA Educator Contests.............................................................. 24
Bellevue Public Schools
ann.feldmann@netasite.org NETA Spring Conference 2018 Infographic........................................ 26
Patty Wolfe....................Board 2018 Calendar of Technology Conferences & Seminars................................ 27
Cozad Community Schools
patty.wolfe@netasite.org Membership Form..................................................................... 28
Nick Ziegler....................Board 2018
ESU 5
nick.ziegler@netasite.org If you can share a success story related to technology in the classroom, or a
Nate Balcom...................Board 2019 software solution review, we’d love to print it in a future newsletter.
Grand Island Public Schools
nate.balcom@netasite.org Contact Julie Moore, phone (402) 540-1904 or e-mail executivedirector@
Peg Coover.....................Board 2019 netasite.org with a short summary to see if your story can be included in a
ESU 10 future issue!❖
peg.coover@netasite.org
Tina Sauser.....................Board 2019
ESU 8
tina.sauser@netasite.org NETA is an affiliate of ISTE—The International
Jason Schmidt.................Board 2019 Society for Technology in Education.
Bennington Public Schools
jason.schmidt@netasite.org
Abby Fitzgerald...............Board 2020
Bennington Public Schools
abby.fitzgerald@netasite.org NETA Executive Officers and Coordinators
Wendy Loewenstein..........Board 2020 Julie Moore............... Executive Director Lynn Behounek......... Site Coordinator
Omaha Public Schools executivedirector@netasite.org Ralston Public Schools
wendy.loewenstein@netasite.org Tom Rolfes.................. Executive Liaison lynn.behounek@netasite.org
Becky Miller....................Board 2020 Office of the CIO-NITC Lynne Herr..........Contest Coordinator
Norfolk Public Schools tom.rolfes@netasite.org ESU 6
becky.miller@netasite.org Eliu Paopao............ Exhibitor Coordinator lynne.herr@netasite.org
Kent Steen.....................Board 2020 Chadron Public Schools Lucas Bingham........... Web Coordinator
Lincoln Public Schools eliu.paopao@netasite.org Papillion LaVista Public Schools
kent.steen@netasite.org lucas.bingham@netasite.org
September 2017 http://netasite.org
2NETA News
Message from the President
Matt Lee,
All I Really Need to
Westside
Community
Know About Technology
Schools I Learned in Kindergarten
In 1986, Robert Fulghum you would want to be treated. This thing. Playing video games all day
published a book of short essays is as important online as it is in is bad, as is spending all your time
titled, “All I Really Need to Know I our kindergarten classrooms. In mindlessly surfing Facebook or
Learned in Kindergarten.” The first kindergarten, we learned you playing CandyCrush. Instead, eat
essay, whose name inspired the shouldn’t take friends’ blocks while a couple of Oreos with some milk
book’s title, made the case that we they are playing with them or hit for dessert, play an hour of a video
leave kindergarten with all of the someone when you are frustrated game, watch a movie, spend some
skills we need to be successful in life. with them because you wouldn’t time with friends online and
want them to do that to you. Now offline. Mix it up! It will be good
Much has changed since 1986. grown, we need to consider how for you!
Society has evolved, technology has our actions online impact others.
become pervasive and even the Was that comment you made on Go Outside and Play. Technology
youngest among us are exposed to Instagram or Snapchat something is wonderful and amazing. You
technology and social media. So, do you would want someone to say to can do almost anything with a
Fulgham’s ideas still hold truth? Is you? Would you say it in person? tablet or a computer. Create a
everything you need to know in the work of art? Yep. Program your
digital world taught to us in Kinder- Make Friends. Friends teach us life own game? Absolutely. Connect
garten? In short, yes! skills, help us learn to have rela- with people from around the
tionships, support us when we are world? Definitely. But just as it
Share in need and keep us grounded. was great fun to learn inside in
Don’t Over Share. Children say the Friends matter. Make friends in kindergarten, we also learned how
darnedest things don’t they? As any real life and online. Develop a important it was to go outside for
elementary teacher can tell you, personal learning network. Reach recess. Take a break from things
students can share things that out to others and support them. and engage with the outdoors. Go
should not be shared in public. Connecting online can be just as for a run, take a walk or go to the
From the “well my mommy said...” powerful as connecting in real life. park. Maybe even take a try at the
to embarrassing stories about their Spend time to nurture those monkey bars! Going outside is a
home life, young students need to relationships. great way to decompress from our
develop a filter on what is appropri- busy world, just like it was in
ate to share in public. In the digital Don’t Bully. It doesn’t matter where kindergarten.
world, we also need to develop a you are—online or in kindergar-
filter on what is appropriate to ten—don’t bully. Don’t say mean Be Aware of Wonder
share. Here, the stakes can be and things to other people, talk behind Keep a Sense of Awe. Let Things
are higher than what a kindergart- their back or work to exclude them Surprise You. Lastly, keep the
ner might tell her/his teacher. from groups. Be kind. Stick up for sense of awe that we had as chil-
Instead of simply being embarrass- others. dren. The world can be a scary
ing for the teacher and parent, over place, but there is good out there.
sharing online can have real conse- Live a Balanced Life Seek it out. Use technology to con-
quences. We need to remember Everything in Moderation. Eating nect with people. Find new places
what we learned in kindergarten— a whole bag of Oreos will make to explore. Use a travel app to find
think before we post! you sick. Too much pop can give hidden treasures in your home-
you a tummy ache and too much town or a favorite vacation spot.
Be Kind to One Another passive screen time can be bad. Donate to someone in need using
The Golden Rule. One of the first Don’t over indulge on any one a crowd funding website. Do good.
rules we learn is to treat others as You’ll be amazed how you feel. ❖
http://netasite.org September 2017
3NETA 2017 Photo Gallery
Pearls of Wisdom—Celebrating 30 Years!
September 2016 http://netasite.org
4NETA 2017 Photo Gallery
Pearls of Wisdom—Celebrating 30 Years!
http://netasite.org September 2016
5NETA News
Message from the President Elect
The Tall and Short of ISTE 2017
Heather Callihan, Northwest Public Schools, introduces the reports
from several board members who attended ISTE in San Antonio.
and grow. There is just those parents who are linked to
something awesome about your Seesaw class!
the post session conversa-
tions that continue well And last but not least, let me share
after the conference. For my “Tall and Short” takeaway. You
ISTE 2017 proved to be example, upon arriving may recall last year’s release of
yet another amazing experience. at the airport for my return flight, updated ISTE student standards.
Just as any conference there are I was greeted by the not so fun This year ISTE launched the
always “Tall” things you take away “delayed flight” notification. The updated teacher standards. As
and “short” things you take away. disappointment was quickly erased we embrace the idea of learning to
The “Tall” things are the big picture as I made yet another connection— learn over learning facts, provide
ideas that you wrap your mind Andrew from Alaska! Due to a more voice and choice in learning
around bringing back to your flight delay I was lucky enough to and focus on pedagogy and leader-
school and district. The “short” extend my ISTE experience with ship, there was a need for improved
things are the quick takeaways you conversation and reflection with educator standards. As an empow-
can implement right when you Andrew. We shared ISTE take- ered professional, learning catalyst,
return. Let me share with you the aways, school district stories and the ISTE standards for educators
Tall and Short of ISTE 2017. thoughts and ideas about education are designed to inspire a vision for
in general. This is just one example pedagogy-driven digital learning
The “Tall” things I takeaway at of the value of connections and how and teaching. You can find more
conferences are the overarching learning at conferences extends information and downloads of the
themes, ideas consistently men- beyond the specified calendar days. new educator standards as well as
tioned throughout sessions and those for students and administra-
keynotes. This year “sharing your The “Short” takeaways are tips, tors at http://www.iste.org/.
story” was a statement I heard tricks and tools that I takeaway and
several times. New ISTE CEO, can share and implement with ease Whether you take away tall or short
Richard Culatta, shared this mes- as soon as I get home. The first things from conferences, always
sage several times when addressing short takeaway is new features in know that we all start our learning
attendees. Whether you blog, tweet Kahoot. With the launch of a NEW journey at a different level. You may
or use other social media, everyone app, students can now see the feel short, you may feel tall. We take
has a story and it is worth sharing. questions and answer options on away both. Take time to reflect on
This is a message we need to send their own device! This is huge for the short and the tall, challenge
to students as well. Our stories younger students using Kahoot. yourself to grow taller, take risks
show our successes, failures and Another takeaway involves Book and share the story of your journey.
our journey to grow and improve. Creator. Book Creator is now After all, we are better together.
What is YOUR story and how are available on the WEB! Those using Thank you Corey Dahl for the
you sharing it? Chromebooks have a reason to opportunity to take frequent “tall/
celebrate this recent update! Still short” photos and allow me to use
Another “Tall” takeaway is the looking for more short takeaways… this humor as a way to reflect on
connections. Whether it’s meeting Let’s celebrate messaging in Seesaw. my ISTE 2017 experience.
face to face with those who I know Not only can you share stories and
on Twitter or making new connec- projects with parents and teachers, Photo credit: Corey Dahl
tions, ISTE is full of like-minded Seesaw now has the ability to send
educators striving to connect, learn direct messages or reminders to (More ISTE Reviews on the next page)
September 2017 http://netasite.org
6NETA News
More Reviews from the ISTE 2017 Experience #VoicesOfISTE with the question,
“What is your #1 GOAL for ISTE
2017?” I stopped. All of these things
G+ Communities— began spinning around in my head.
Jackie Ediger, ESU 9 What was my goal? Why was I
here? I wanted resources. Resources
ISTE 2017 was a great in the form of tools, tech, and
experience! So much teachers: tools that I could take
learning and connecting back right away, tech that I could
with other Educators! use to enhance student learning,
and teachers that I could make
As Google Certified connections with that would
Trainers, Lynne Herr from forever become part of my PLN.
ESU 6 and I presented G+
Communities + Educators= I attended sessions each day, but
Engagement in the Google now new questions appeared on the
Teacher Theatre on Tues- board: “What does being an innova-
day. It was fun to remind tive educator mean to you?” and
educators about an often “Who is your #EDUHERO & Why?”
overlooked tool that offers As I watched the responses change
so much for schools. As each day, I couldn’t help but realize
session presenters, we were the power of our voices. Each day
delighted to be presented a we have the power to impact lives
professional sketchnote of our session created by “visual note-taking ninja” with what we say. I know I was
Minh, @thevisualscribe, pictured above. You can check out our presenta- excited each day to see the question
tion at http://goo.gl/tgexLE and the answers people had posted.
The positive energy that came from
What is G+ and How is it Used in Education? this board was contagious and often
G+ is Google’s social media platform, and while it is very similar to Face- thought provoking. Isn’t this how
book in its intent and purpose, the majority of its use is for professional our classrooms should be? Do we
connection and resource sharing and curation. A G+ Community is a give students a reason to want to
group created within G+ around like interests or purpose. come to class? Do they get input in
their learning? Are we listening to
In the majority of our G+ Communities, the groups are private, secure their voice?
communities with only invited teachers as members. In our K-12 class-
rooms, teachers often share photos of students involved in class activities, As I left the convention center for
examples of instructional strategies and effective classroom management the final time, it was eerily calm
tips as a way to learn from each other without leaving their own class- again. The storm of educators was
rooms. In the technology skills online graduate course we teach for UN-L, leaving, back across the globe to
the Community is the class hub. Students share resources they find online, classrooms empty for the summer,
discuss topics from digital citizenship to 1:1 implementations and post yet, my brain was spinning faster
their assignments for peer and instructor feedback. than I ever thought possible. I had
gotten my tools, tech, and teachers,
The Power of Voice but I realized something even more
Becky Miller, Norfolk Public Schools valuable. I had my voice! I was
As I walked into the convention center for #ISTE17, I was immediately blessed to be able to attend
taken aback by the calm. It was like the calm before a storm. A storm of #ISTE17. I am now charged with
thousands of educators descending on San Antonio with an eagerness to the responsibility to use my voice to
learn like none other. create those positive and thought-
provoking conversations for my
After gathering my registration info, I walked into the main hallway. I was students, my district, my PLN, and
immediately drawn to a chalkboard with talking bubbles all over it. my NETA.
(More about ISTE on the next page)
http://netasite.org September 2017
7NETA News
More About the ISTE 2017 Experience
The New ISTE Standards • Facilitator—Educa-
for Educators tors facilitate learning
Patty Wolfe, Cozad with technology to
Community Schools support student
achievement of the
ISTE 2017 in San Antonio was an ISTE Standards for
amazing conference where I had the Students.
opportunity to attend so many great
sessions, playgrounds, poster • Analyst—Educators
sessions, keynotes, and connect understand and use
with outstanding educators. I data to drive their
attended so many awesome work- instruction and
shops on professional development, support students in
Google, virtual reality, robotics, achieving their
pedagogy, blended learning, and so learning goals.
much more. I have spent time this
summer reflecting and deciding (The link to the new
how to share this information and ISTE 2017 standards and
resources with my staff. The standards include: indicators can be found at: http://
• Learner—Educators continually www.iste.org/standards/standards/
After much reflection, I have improve their practice by for-educators)
decided that my first “piece” to learning from and with others
share with my staff are the NEW and exploring proven and As you work through the ISTE
updated ISTE Standards for promising practices that lever- Educator Standards, consider these
Educators. ISTE CEO, Richard age technology to improve five reasons why we must transform
Culatta, provided a preview of the student learning. how we teach and learn:
new standards at the ISTE 2017
conference. He stated that these • Leader—Educators seek out 1. We have knowledge at our
standards “reflect the transition opportunities for leadership to fingertips: Learning to learn
from using technology to deliver support student empowerment is more important than
content to using technology to and success and to improve learning the facts.
empower learners”. These stan- teaching and learning. 2. Technology can be used
dards are designed to support for higher order thinking
educators with a framework for • Citizen—Educators inspire to create meaning, comm-
learning, teaching and leading that students to positively contrib- unicate ideas, and design
is amplified by technology moving ute to and responsibly partici- solutions.
our students from consumers to pate in the digital world. 3. Authentic, real-world
creators. projects where students have
• Collaborator—Educators voice and choice engages
“Technology is not just a tool, it can dedicate time to collaborate students.
give learners a voice that they may with both colleagues and 4. We must prepare students
not of had before.” (George Couros) students to improve practice, for a workforce that rewards
As educators we use digital tools to discover and share resources adaptability amid rapid
ignite passion, giving our students and ideas, and solve problems. ongoing change.
the opportunity to learn and grow. 5. As professionals, we can
The ISTE Standards for Educators • Designer—Educators design learn anything, at anytime,
are designed to inspire a vision for authentic, learner-driven with anyone. It is our time to
pedagogy-driven digital learning activities and environments rethink and redesign learn-
and teaching. that recognize and accommo- ing, teaching and leading. ❖
date learner variability.
September 2017 http://netasite.org
8NETA News
http://netasite.org September 2017
9NETA News
ISTE Teacher Trek 2017 Reports
These articles have been submitted by the 2017 winners of the
ISTE Teacher Trek Contest. Teachers received $1800 towards their
expenses to attend the national conference in San Antonio, TX.
See page 24 for details on this year’s contest.
Lisa Bohaty that we are listening to what they Jennie Magiera, one of ISTE’s
Campbell Elementary, LPS are saying. She said we need to keynote speakers described it
ISTE WAS AMAZING and such “listen to understand instead of just perfectly when she compared us to
a memorable experience! Between listen to respond.” Too often we get her favorite books, The Hob-
learning from my PLN, making new consumed with the busyness of bit and Harry Potter. She said,
friends, learning about products in schedules and time commitments “Teachers are like wizards and ISTE
the expo and learning about the and deadlines and we don’t really feels like a wizard convention.”
newest trends in ed tech, ISTE was take time to build relationships.
so busy, so fun, yet so overwhelm- Teachers need to make sure that we It was absolutely awesome to
ing. I am so grateful and thankful are really building these important absorb the fact that we were ALL in
to NETA for the opportunity to relationships. San Antonio, walking the halls and
learn along with 15,000 educators filling the rooms of this massive
worldwide. Jennie talked about her husband convention center—all of us in
who loves to grill and golf who is different places on the road to inno-
When reflecting on ISTE, I realize also an attorney. When he meets vation. I loved hearing snippets of
the most memorable moments new people he often doesn’t tell “wizardly” conversations that were
were during the keynote speaker, people what his job is because that full of passion, brainstorming,
Jennie Magiera. As I was listening is just his job. Yet, as teachers we problem solving, and the perfect
to her, I found myself laughing, often lead with the fact that we are “formulas” to engage, motivate and
crying and absorbing every single teachers. Because as Jennie shared, excel the 21st century learners! I
word. As she began, she talked “Being an educator is not just what I loved being in sessions and hearing
about your single story. It was like do, it’s who I am.” So as this year gasps or shout outs when someone
de’ja vu. A week prior, I had attend- begins, cultivate those relationships heard about the “perfect” new tech
ed cultural proficiency and we and be the best teacher YOU can be. tool! I loved seeing two strangers
watched Chimamanda Ngozi high five or even hug after they
Adichie’s TED talk titled The Jennie Magiera’s ISTE keynote discussed a poster session or solved
Danger of a Single Story. Jennie speech June 27, 2017— something together in one of the
mentioned this video as she reflect- http://bit.ly/jmagiera many “playground” centers. I
ed on her own mother who especially loved coming home and
changed her single story. Our Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie TED unpacking my brain and organizing
students have a single story. As talk titled the Danger of a Single all of the exciting instructional
teachers we need to help them Story—http://bit.ly/cngozi technology “treasures” that I want
sculpt their single story and not to use with my students and teach
just be okay with who they are. Lori Coffin my colleagues to use.
Norfolk Public Schools
We can help students create their What an incredible adventure ISTE ISTE was an “EDventure” that I
single story and help children be proved to be! I am SO grateful for will never forget. It takes my breath
their “whole self.” As educators we the ISTE Trek opportunity! It was away when I think: ISTE’s 20,000
need to help our students unfold everything I hoped it would be and educators X the number of students
their untold single story. We need more! I was one of over 20,000 edu- and colleagues impacted during
to break through the media bias cators in the same place at the same the 2017–2018 school year and
and what people think and help time, adding “power tools” to our beyond…equals…ENDLESS
students build their single story. technology toolboxes! POSSIBILITIES…for our students,
Jennie said we need to make sure (Continued on the next page)
September 2017 http://netasite.org
10NETA News
(ISTE Teacher Treks, continued) rooms around me. Coming from a Abumrad, producer of the podcast
our schools, our communities, and small school, it often seems unreal- Radiolab, Jennie Magiera, the
our country! istic to have such a large supply of author of Courageous Edventures,
resources, but ISTE provided the and Reshma Saujani, the founder
It is an honor to think that I got the experience to compare and con- of Girls Who Code. While each
chance to mingle and collaborate trast products, and guide me keynote presenter had their own
with such extraordinary learning toward choosing the correct inspiring message, they all had a
and teaching revolutionists. Thank devices for my instructional needs. central theme. Teachers, share your
you, NETA! own story, your passions, and your
The two sessions that I enjoyed the frustrations. More importantly,
Kyleigh Lewis most were offed by Apple, and transform your classroom into a
Dorchester High School focused on using their Swift pro- launch pad for your students to
Like any new opportunity, you gram and curriculum to create promote and share their own
could mark ISTE 2017 in San apps, and teach coding in the stories.
Antonio as a roller coaster of classroom. I found it very valuable
emotions. As a first-time attendee, information to implement amongst Prior to the ISTE conference there
you receive lots of “advice” in my junior high and Information was an “unconference” held at the
advance of the conference, but no Technology I students. In addition, convention center. By attending this
matter how much you “prepare” Wonder Workshop had a basketball informal workshop I was able to
ISTE is an opportunity like no challenge using “Dash” robots. network with teachers from around
other. You are surrounded by Students (or us, teachers) coded the the world and share my own “story”
thousands of educators, exhibitors, Dash robot to move, then shoot a by sharing topics that I am passion-
students, and technology gurus. basket. Each student was given ate about including tools such as
Everywhere you look there is three tries to make the basketball in BreakoutEDU, the role of the
promotion of the newest, latest the hoop. I found this a fun, educa- librarian in the maker movement,
trends from Google, Apple, and tional resource to implement into a and questions such as “How do we
Microsoft. You are the middle of an developing classroom. inspire wonder in our students post
ongoing twitter chat or have used at Google?” The relationships that I
least one hashtag in every photo or Not only did I network with other built during the unconference
comment you have made on social ISTE Trek winners, the NETA carried over into the ISTE confer-
media. Yet, you still feel comfort- Board, and Nebraska conference ence enhancing my overall experi-
able talking with the educators attendees, but I met many educa- ence. By sharing my passions and
around you, because you know that tors from around the world and story, I was able to amplify and
you all share one outcome. The created valuable contacts with develop my professional learning
outcome to absorb as much knowl- various businesses to ensure a network.
edge as possible to share and complete line of communication in
enhance the learning opportunities the future. Thank you to the NETA Through my newly acquired PLN
with your district and students. Board for providing such a great friendships I was able to amass a list
opportunity to educators in our of new web tools, extensions, and
One of the biggest take aways from state, and I encourage everyone to apps that will help my students
the conference was the opportunity join me at ISTE 2018 in Chicago! share their own voice. I was in-
to explore the playground areas. spired to create a Youtube channel
Teachers, students, and exhibitors Jenna Reeh to promote new library books, use
shared their findings, lesson plans, Elkhorn Valley Middle School the app Opinion to help students
and experiences on numerous While at the ISTE Conference in create their own podcasts, and to
subjects. I enjoyed listening to San Antonio, I was able to learn use Flipgrid as a tool for student
students’ presentations about from some of the most powerful reflections. In this way I hope to
projects they have implemented in voices in education, network with transform my school into a place
their classroom, and why they liked amazing educators from across the where our students’ voices are
them. To be able to test out numer- globe, and be introduced to several heard and celebrated. Thank you
ous learning devices and programs tools that I will take back and share NETA for providing this amazing
allowed me to visualize their use in with my staff and students. The experience!
my classroom and those class- keynotes for ISTE included Jad (Continued on the next page)
http://netasite.org September 2017
11NETA News
(ISTE Teacher Trek, continued) Bits, robotics, online field trips, my old friend, Quia, which I use for
Joy Utecht drones, and ebooks. Each speaker review information and grammar
Doniphan-Trumbull and poster board presenter brought practice. I can’t wait to get started
Public Schools practical, adaptable ideas that even with this one!
On July 4, six days after returning a marginally tech savvy, old-school
home from ISTE, I ran a 10K. It was English teacher could use. At the I have a notebook full of scribbled
hot, humid, and I was regretting my end of every session or discussion at ideas and a folder full of web links
“eat every tortilla chip and bowl of the poster boards, I thought, “I to try as July turns into August.
salsa” mentality from San Antonio. It could use this with ___ unit.” The However, I think my biggest take-
was a small race, and there were very atmosphere at the conference felt away comes from Jenny Magiera’s
few runners in the “needs reading cooperative, supportive, and en- keynote session. She talked about
glasses and has varicose veins” age couraging. the dangers of a single story, which
group. The course was an out and is the subject of a TED talk by
back, so as I slogged my way through At any professional development novelist Chimamanda Ngozi
mile four, I met the faster runners opportunity, I love having one idea Adichie. (http://bit.ly/cngozi)
who were cruising to mile six. As I can use the next day in the class-
their chiseled physiques glistened, room. After attending ISTE, I’ve got As educators and innovators, we
they grinned and stretched out their a new idea for each day for the first can’t allow students to define
hands, palms out, to high five us two weeks! themselves by a single story (an
slower runners with a sincere athlete, a nerd, a D student), nor
“You’ve got this!” or “Good job!” Some goals for the first six weeks: can we allow them to define others
Here I was, out of breath, out of • Have students create QR codes by a single story. I was moved by the
shape, and out of my league, but for the videos/projects they Chicago fifth graders’ video of life
supported and encouraged. produce for projects and post on the south side of Chicago in a
them in the hall for others to view House on Mango Street-inspired
I think the ISTE community is like • Link a Kahoot challenge as poem (http://bit.ly/5thgraders). It
the community of runners. I at- practice to Google Classroom was a powerful message, and I hope
tended session after session where • Use Menti or Recap for short to be able to translate it effectively
I was blown away with what other answer/discussion starters to my freshmen and juniors this
educators are doing in their districts • Become a Flippity master. year, not just for considering
or in their classrooms. I was over- themselves, but for studying the
whelmed with the options available Seriously, how did I not know about culture and ideas in literature and
to students today—coding, Little- Flippity? This looks even better than writing. ❖
NETA Free Membership
Please encourage your educator colleagues to become members of NETA.
Some information to share with them: NETA membership is open to anyone who has an
interest in administrative, educational, and instructional use of technology and who
subscribe to the basic tenets of NETA as proclaimed in the NETA bylaws. They may join
or review the NETA bylaws by visiting www.netasite.org.
Individuals who attend NETA’s annual spring conference will receive all membership
benefits, including a printed newsletter. Members not attending NETA’s annual spring
conference have the opportunity to subscribe to the print newsletter for $35 per year. ❖
September 2017 http://netasite.org
12NETA News
In partnership with NCSA, NETA invites you to:
The Nebraska Fall Ed Tech Conference
The Nebraska Council of Friday’s Keynote and professional development
School Administrators (NCSA) services for educators across the
Jimmy Casas
and the Nebraska Educational country. His web site is : http://
Technology Association (NETA) Jimmy Casas served www.jimmycasas.com/
are excited to partner to provide twenty-two years as
a comprehensive and informative an educational Registration Costs:
conference on technologies avail- leader, including • Pre-Conference Workshops:
able and utilized in Nebraska fourteen years as Principal at $50 per workshop
schools. Today’s students are Bettendorf High School in Betten-
• Conference Registration: $125
actively engaged in using technol- dorf, Iowa. Under his leadership,
(includes Friday lunch)
ogy. They are early adopters of Bettendorf was named one of the
new technology and appear to be Best High Schools in the country • Group Registration: $10 off
light-years ahead of the rest of the three times by Newsweek and US each registration for groups
adult world. We challenge school News & World Report. registering six or more paid
leaders to understand and to on the same check, credit
successfully integrate technology Jimmy was named the 2012 Iowa card or PO.
to develop 21st century schools. Secondary Principal of the Year
and was selected as one of three Registration is limited to the first
NETA’s membership asked for an finalists for NASSP 2013 National 800 people. Please plan to register
additional conference farther west Secondary Principal of the Year. a team of individuals for group
in the state. We listened, and hope In 2014, Jimmy was invited to planning or yourself to continue
you will join us at the Nebraska Fall the White House to speak on learning how to successfully
Ed Tech Conference, November the Future Ready Schools pledge. integrate technology into your
2–3, 2017 at the Younes Confer- In 2015, he received the Bammy school and classrooms.
ence Center in Kearney. Award as the National Secondary
Principal of the year. Jimmy is the A link to the full conference
Conference Schedule Co-Founder of EdCamp Iowa and schedule, including session and
at a Glance: #IAedchat, Finally, Jimmy is the workshop descriptions, is now
Thursday, November 2nd co-author of the book, What available! For more information
Connected Educators Do Differ- and to register, visit http://
Pre-Conference Workshops: ently, and START.RIGHT.NOW., www.fall.netasite.org ❖
1:30–4:30 p.m. written with Todd Whitaker and
(registration required) Jeff Zoul.
Friday, November 3rd Jimmy currently serves as a Senior
8:00–9:00 a.m. Fellow for the International
Welcome and Keynote Center for Leadership in
9:00–9:30 a.m. Break Education and also serves
(Visit Exhibitors) on the Professional Devel-
opment Faculty for NASSP;
9:30–10:15 a.m. Session 1 the National Association
10:30–11:15 a.m. Session 2 of Secondary School
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. Session 3 Principals. Finally, he is the
12:15–1:00 p.m. Lunch co-founder and CEO of
ConnectEDD, an educa-
1:00–1:45 p.m. Session 4
tional leadership company
2:00–2:45 p.m. Session 5 aimed at organizing world class
3:00–3:45 p.m. Session 6 professional learning conferences
http://netasite.org September 2017
13NETA News
NETA’s Technology Grant Program
Final Reports from 2016 Winners
In the end, the elementary students Thanks so much to NETA for
had fun and we learned a lot about providing the students and staff at
coding and how to best teach young DMS an opportunity to use cutting
students ideas and problem solving edge technology in their projects
in Computer Science. I am excited and explore a technology, which is
to continue this project in the impacting our society.
future and expand to more schools
Derek Babb and more grade levels. Becky Miller
Omaha North High School Norfolk Public Schools
Eric Langhorst
High School/Elementary Kid Power 4 Kids
Discovery Middle School
School Robotics We started this project with three
Collaboration Phantom 4 Drone
main goals:
Students in my high school Com- Discovery Middle School in Liberty, • Get our students moving
puter Science Principles class Missouri used the Jay Cam drone, • Introduce them to new cultures
learned how to use the Dash which was purchased using a NETA • Foster a sense of global commu-
robots. We spent a few days grant throughout the 2016–2017 nity within our students.
learning the capabilities of the school year. The eighth grade
robots and discovering how we technology class used the Phantom It has been amazing to watch these
could control them through the 4 during the unit, which explored students get active and make a
Blockly programming language. how drones are impacting soci- difference globally. I could sum up
After our initial discovery phase, ety. Students also learned how what I think the students learned,
we began working on challenges drones are used by the Kansas City but I think it’s more important that
for elementary students with the Police Department and the KC you hear it from them:
Dash robots. Drone Company in guest speaker
presentations. Students also did test “What I liked about having the
Students created maze challenges, flights with a Parrot Mambo drone trackers was helping starving
parking challenges, and other in class. people by doing fun things. Like
story-telling scenarios for the playing soccer or running around.”
elementary students. We tested The student broadcasting class used
our plans with other students in the drone to capture video footage However, I will leave you with the
the class. Some were too compli- from football games, parent spon- most powerful comment that truly
cated while others seemed about sored tailgates, track meets and made me realize that we had
right. We added images and helper outdoor student celebrations. These reached our three goals.
code to our handouts. video clips were used in the student
produced news broadcasts at “What I really liked about the
We then teamed with a nearby DMS. Students have noticed an trackers was it felt like I had some
elementary school and worked increase in the amount of video responsibility in school. It just light
with their second grade classes. captured by drones in television up my day when I put it on. It made
Our students taught the elementary shows and news coverage so it was me feel like school was not so
students how to use the Dash nice to provide students an oppor- boring anymore. It just had a really
robots and how to code in the tunity to include this type of video big impression on how I thought,
Blockly programming language. in their news features. The drone ‘no, take the stairs not the elevator.
After some examples, we let the footage definitely helped improve It will help me get more points.’ I
elementary students try to work the professional quality of the would think to myself that it let me
through our challenges. student broadcasts and include know in a special way that I was
unique shot perspectives. (Continued on the next page)
September 2017 http://netasite.org
14NETA News
(Grant reports, continued) song birds, 3) single-day Audubon Midwest States
helping someone and that you can Christmas Bird Count in Norfolk,
help the world with just 1 small and 4) two-day Sandhill crane Reception at ISTE
thing. Like I always thought before watching in March on the Platte NETA sponsored a
we had the kid power trackers, no River. Students from Allen, Norfolk, reception along with ICE-IL
way I could help the world without and Lyons-Decatur Public Schools (Illinois), ITEC (Iowa), MAC-
being mayor or something special collaboratively identified Nebraska UL (Michigan), METC (Mis-
like that, but the trackers really bird species and mentored elemen- souri), REMC (Michigan), and
changed my point of view on life tary students on what they were WEMTA (Wisconsin) at the
and school.” learning. Additionally, a Twitter 2017 ISTE Conference in San
page, @NEbirdproject, was regularly Antonio, TX. Appreciation
Thank you NETA for helping us updated to inform the public about goes to Curriculum Associ-
make it happen! the project’s activities and important ates, ByteSpeed, LocknCharge,
bird related topics/resources. and Technology Resource
Paul Timm Advisors for helping to spon-
Lyons Decatur The speakers and iPad Mini 2’s were sor the event. Over 550
invaluable for recording and conference participants
Avian Education, Conserva- communicating bird sightings,
tion, and Ecology Project attended the event at Pat
using as a resource for identifying O’Briens’ and enjoyed net-
The Avian Education, Conservation, hard to identify species, training working and catching up with
and Ecology Project participated in students to identify species by bird friends throughout Nebraska
four quarterly field studies: 1) song, and for calling in certain and beyond.
four-day experience in June in species using the speakers and
Niobrara River Valley on the Nature specific bird songs. The Bird Project Please plan to join us June
Conservancy’s Niobrara Valley is currently in its second year and 24–27, 2018, at the ISTE
Preserve, 2) single-day field study at will continue through the summer Conference, to be held in
Ponca State Park in September of 2018, utilizing the technology Chicago, IL! ❖
teaching elementary students about purchased through the grant. ❖
The NETA Board of Directors met in July in Grand Island for their annual planning retreat.
http://netasite.org September 2017
15NETA News
Share Your Story
Request for Sessions for the NETA 2018 Spring Conference
NETA is looking for members and friends who are willing to share their
classroom, school or district technology experiences with others from across the region
by making a presentation at the NETA spring conference, April 18–20, 2018. Presenters
who can address uses of technology in any discipline and at any educational level are
encouraged to submit a presentation. Sessions are lecture/demonstration, BYOD (Bring
Your Own Device), or poster/playground sessions and last for 45 minutes.
Poster/playground sessions
A poster/playground session allows many presenters to set up in one large session area
with poster boards, new technology for participants to try, or other resources. It is
possible to bring a computer for the session if it is stated ahead of time on the proposal.
Participants stroll through the gallery in an informal manner while presenters show
projects and answer questions.
Presenter guidelines
Lead presenters pay a significantly reduced rate and are expected to provide ample
handouts or Web/email access to their information after the conference. A co-presenter
may assist in the session. A co-presenter must, however, register for the conference as a
regular attendee. A limit of three presenters per session may be submitted. Students are
allowed to assist in a presentation as guests of the conference (limit of four, and must
be supervised at all times).
Questions?
Questions should be directed to Heather Callihan, President Elect/Conference Chair, by
email at heather.callihan@netasite.org
Mark Your Calendar—Submission Deadline!
Sessions may only be submitted at the online submission form, and must be entered by
the November 10, 2017 deadline. No emailed sessions will be accepted. Click the link
at the NETA home page at http://netasite.org to submit. The online session submission
site is open now! ❖
September 2017 http://netasite.org
16NETA News
Learning About Learning
Why research into the brain matters for educators
By Jennifer Fink
How do people learn? moving through pipes. Later,
That question has boggled scien- Willingham says, “people likened
tists, philosophers and educators for the mind to a telephone switch-
millennia. How, in fact, do humans board, with all these wires intercon-
process, remember, retrieve and use necting.” Both the term learning sciences
information? How do they build and learning science as a scientific
upon existing knowledge to create The inclination to compare the discipline are relatively new; that
new ideas and inventions? mind to complex machinery may be why some educators are
persists to this day: How often have unaware of the learning sciences.
The answers to those questions, you heard the brain referenced in But because this field of study
after all, seem infinitely useful, computer-like terms, with RAM speaks to the heart of education—
particularly to educators charged representing short-term memory how to best help humans learn—it’s
with helping students learn. Yet for storage and hard drives compared important for educators to develop
a long time, those questions went to long-term memory? at least a basic understanding of
unanswered. the learning sciences, says Mindy
The problem with all of these Johnson, an instructional designer
“Before about 1880, it seemed silly representations is that none of and communications strategist
to try to understand how the mind them are based on actual, scientific at the Center for Applied Special
worked, partly because the mind investigation of the mind. So for Technology (CAST) and ISTE
moves so rapidly and doesn’t really centuries, teaching and learning member, while recognizing that the
seem to be open to systematic techniques have been based on con- field is bound to change.
investigation, and partly, I think, jecture, speculation and anecdotal
due to belief in free will. People insight into how the mind works. “Teachers need to understand that
thought the mind was what the soul learning isn’t a static thing, and
directed you to do,” says Daniel T. All of that is changing. Thanks to the learning sciences aren’t a static
Willingham, Ph.D., professor of advances in technology and rigor- thing either,” Johnson says. “The
cognitive psychology and author ous scientific experimentation and purpose of learning sciences is to
of Why Don’t Students Like School? observation, scientists now know find new methods, new resources
A Cognitive Scientist Answers more than ever before about how and new strategies for educators,
Questions About How the Mind the mind functions. And increas- but it’s also to develop new re-
Works and What It Means for the ingly, they’re disseminating that search. It’s important to make sure
Classroom. information to educators and that we’re adapting what we know
others, in the hopes of optimizing about learning.”
The philosophers who had attempt- learning and teaching.
ed to understand the complex Learning myths, debunked
mind’s functioning prior to then The learning sciences, defined Unfortunately, many commonly
relied on their own “thinking about Learning sciences are an interdisci- held beliefs about learning are
their thought processes” and plinary science, informed by wrong or misleading.
introspection, Willingham says. neuroscience, cognitive psychology,
And often, they used the most developmental psychology, sociol- “The information coming out of
complicated machine of the era ogy and computer science. In learning sciences debunked some
as an analogy for the mind. essence, they are the scientific study of the old models that everybody
of how people learn—with a heavy believed for a long time,” says
Descartes, for instance, compared focus on figuring out how to use Carolyn Sykora, senior director
the mind to hydraulics, picturing those insights to facilitate learning of the ISTE Standards program.
thoughts and information as water in the real world. (Continued on the next page)
http://netasite.org September 2017
17NETA News
(Learning, continued) memory and automaticity. Consider students need to develop, Sykora
Take the old idea that some people the example of learning to drive, says. That’s why the standards
are predominantly left-brained Flanagan says. “When we’re initially include the learning sciences, and
(analytical and verbal) or right- driving, it takes a lot of working why the standard says, “informed
brained (intuitive and creative). memory, but over time it becomes by the learning sciences.”
“One of the key findings of learning familiar and transfers into long-
sciences is that processing is much term memory to the point that “We recognize that it’s a rapidly
more distributed,” says Jim Flana- you’re not even thinking about it. moving target and that all of us will
gan, ISTE chief learning services But there’s a process you have to have to keep up with how to learn,”
officer. The left and right brain are go through for that to happen.” Sykora says.
interconnected, and humans, it
turns out, do not process informa- That process is relevant to math- The learning sciences is also em-
tion predominantly on one side ematics and to the debate over bedded in the 2017 ISTE Standards
or the other of the brain. whether or not learners need to for Teachers, released in June.
memorize math facts in the age
In his book, Why Don’t Students of smartphones. It’s also a good Still not sure how or if learning
Like School? Willingham writes, example of how keeping up with sciences can improve education?
“Learning style theories don’t help learning sciences can influence Consider this explanation of
much when applied to students, teaching for the better. Educators, learning sciences from Willingham:
but …are useful when applied to he says, should be asking “What “There are certain principles of
content. Take the visual-auditory- does learning science say about learning that are so deeply embed-
kinesthetic distinction. You might how we develop automaticity? ded in who we are as humans that
want students to experience mate- What are the steps?” you see them across all sorts of
rial in one or another modality different classroom contexts, you
depending on what you want them ISTE considers the learning sci- see them across all ages, across
to get out of the lesson; a diagram ences so important, they’ve incor- different types of kids and across
of Fort Knox should be seen, the porated them into the 2016 ISTE different subject matters.”
national anthem of Turkmenistan Standards for Students. The Em-
should be heard and the cheche powered Learner standard states One such learning science-based
turban…should be worn.” that “students leverage technology principle is that the brain is not
to take an active role in choosing, designed for thinking; it’s designed
Learning science in the classroom achieving and demonstrating to save you from having to think.
So, what is true about learning, and competency in their learning goals,
how can educators best apply those informed by the learning sciences.” That statement “seems like it’s going
insights in the classroom? to have depressing implications,”
In today’s day and age of instant Willingham says, but what learning
That’s not a simple question to access to information, “learning science has actually revealed is that
answer, in large part because the how to learn is really the key skill,” (Continued on the next page)
field is so new and ever-evolving.
Yet some learning science-based
insights are already making their
way into classrooms around the
world, such as the idea that brain
development continues well into
early adulthood, that the brain is
actually quite malleable, with
connections created and pruned
throughout alifespan. That learning
science-infused insight underlies
the growth mindset.
Learning science is also revealing
important information regarding
working memory, long-term From: http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-educators
September 2017 http://netasite.org
18NETA News
Can tech help educators apply the
Students also benefit from understanding learning sciences?
how learning happens because it can inform ISTE’s Flanagan believes the learn-
how they learn best... ing sciences will help educators
apply technology in education in
ways that benefit students. The last
few decades have shown educators
(Learning, continued) engaged, to find ways to access (and others) that simply introducing
the brain builds all kinds of auto- information and to represent it,” computers and other tech tools into
matic responses as a time saver. Johnson says. “It takes what we the classroom is not enough to
Learning science is showing that know from the learning sciences and advance student learning.
curiosity is key to encouraging translates it into actionable things
engaged thought, and has further educators can do for their learners.” “We’ve been applying a lot of
revealed that humans “are intrigued technology to teaching and learning
by problems that we think are What students need to know for 30 years now. And we don’t have
solvable,” Willingham says. Students also benefit from under- enough to show for it; for the dollars
standing how learning happens put in, we’re not seeing the return
So an educator who wants to because it can inform how they on investment,” Flanagan says. “We
engage her students would do learn best, notes Randy Hansen, a are trying to enhance learning, so
well to present them with solvable professor at University of Maryland we need to look at what the learning
problems. This poses a bit of a University College and a member of sciences are telling us. Only then
challenge, because the learning the ISTE Board of Directors. After can we reflect on what the right
sciences have also revealed that all, in a world where students can integration of technology is.”
“the difficulty of the problem is get almost any information in any
enormously important,” Willing- form or mode, understanding which So far, for instance, the learning
ham says. Humans are not in- is best for your learning style can sciences have revealed the impor-
trigued by, nor do they spend much make all the difference. tance of relevance: humans are more
time on, problems that are too easy motivated to learn things that are
or too difficult—and as you know, “Students need to know themselves applicable to their lives. Humans
what’s too easy for one student may and how they learn so they can also learn best in social settings,
well be too difficult to another. progress through content more which may be one reason why very,
easily,” Hansen explains. “Teachers very few people (less than seven
Further underscoring this difficulty do that through reflective tech- percent) who register for massive
is the fact that the learning sciences niques and by asking students what online open courses (MOOCs)
have found that background knowl- works for them, but that’s teacher- actually complete them.
edge is also enormously important. led. Once we move into highly
A student with a passion for flight personalized classrooms, it’s going Technologically, these courses
and aerodynamics—one who has to be student driven.” represent tremendous opportunity
spent hundreds of hours watching because they make learning acces-
documentaries, reading books and Teaching students about metacog- sible to more people. But just
experimenting with paper airplanes nition—the awareness and under- because they use tech, doesn’t mean
—is going to quickly grasp the standing of one’s own thought the approach to learning is going to
concepts of “thrust” and “lift” when processes—is a good starting point, be effective. Educators who focus
introduced in science class, while even with the youngest learners. on technology and ignore pedagogy
students who lack that background “If a student tries in a situation and risk a failed learning opportunity.
will likely take longer. fails, as long as they reflect on it,
it’s worth it,” Hansen says. It not Flanagan and many others are
That’s where universal design for only helps them figure out their hopeful that advances in learning
learning (UDL) and personalized learning styles, it starts the process science will begin to point the way
learning come in. “UDL is really of creating reflective qualities— toward more useful and beneficial
about removing barriers and provid- a boon to all learners. uses of tech.
ing multiple ways for students to be (Continued on page 22)
http://netasite.org September 2017
19You can also read
