SPS Digital Learning Hour

When it comes to interviews I hit the jackpot. I met with NJ Rivilis from the Springfield Conservatory of the Arts. NJ is a new teacher to our district, but I think that we are the lucky ones. As an Electrical Engineer Graduate, NJ has an interesting path to the classroom. NJ has a lot of experience outside of the classroom working at Mass General in a research role and now they are in the classroom. I can’t wait for you to hear NJ’s story through education. We touch upon high school robotics to applying technology to various Art classes.

You can find me at:

Music:

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

This is the final week for our series on Computer Science in Middle School. In the previous weeks we heard from principals and teachers, this week we will hear from their students. I met with students from Zanetti, Kiley Prep and STEM Academy. Listen to these students' experiences as they discuss their favorite parts of computer science in their classrooms. These students are just a small representative of the students who are loving Computer Science in their schools. If you are a potential future middle school educator or have students that will be entering Middle School, this is a great episode for you.

A little background on our DL Now program.

Computer Science has changed the way we think, the way we communicate, the way we work, and the way we live. Computer Science (or CS as it is affectionately known as) is more than just coding and using a computer to complete a given task. It involves critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to creatively solve problems.  And there are many ways to engage in computer science without even using a computer.  For example, students can write instructions for making a peanut butter sandwich, then work with another student to complete the task by following the instructions exactly as written.  Students will soon realize the importance of being precise in their step-by-step instructions and no doubt, will see where some key steps were missed. A fun activity!

Here in Springfield, we believe every student should have opportunities and access to a high-quality computer science education.  Students need to think of the world from different perspectives and to value each other as they work together to solve problems and become critical thinkers.  We believe that students can be more than consumers.  They can be active creators and problem-solvers, tackling some of the biggest challenges affecting our world today.  Indeed, computer science is the foundational skill necessary for all students to succeed in reaching their personal and professional goals as active contributors in our world.

Tools mentioned:

Code.org

EarSketch

You can find me at:

Music:

Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/tell-me-instrumental

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/IsDZxG0bExY

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

For this weeks episode we dive into a three part series featuring our Middle School Computer Science Students, Teachers, and Principals. I met with a few of our teachers for this episode. I talked with Melissa Zeitz of Alfred G Zanetti Montessori School, Alva Laster, Jamie Carens and Gary Burgess of STEM Middle Academy and Lia Ashe Simmer of Kiley Prep Middle School. These teachers are are leading the way in bringing a great computer science curriculum to our great middle schools, these interviews are ones to not miss. If you are a potential future middle school educator or have students that will be entering Middle School, this is a great episode for you.

A little background on our DL Now program.

Computer Science has changed the way we think, the way we communicate, the way we work, and the way we live. Computer Science (or CS as it is affectionately known as) is more than just coding and using a computer to complete a given task. It involves critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to creatively solve problems.  And there are many ways to engage in computer science without even using a computer.  For example, students can write instructions for making a peanut butter sandwich, then work with another student to complete the task by following the instructions exactly as written.  Students will soon realize the importance of being precise in their step-by-step instructions and no doubt, will see where some key steps were missed. A fun activity!

Here in Springfield, we believe every student should have opportunities and access to a high-quality computer science education.  Students need to think of the world from different perspectives and to value each other as they work together to solve problems and become critical thinkers.  We believe that students can be more than consumers.  They can be active creators and problem-solvers, tackling some of the biggest challenges affecting our world today.  Indeed, computer science is the foundational skill necessary for all students to succeed in reaching their personal and professional goals as active contributors in our world.

Tools mentioned:

Code.org

EarSketch

You can find me at:

Music:

Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/tell-me-instrumental

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/IsDZxG0bExY

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

For this weeks episode we dive into a three part series featuring our Middle School Computer Science Students, Teachers, and Principals. I met with three of our principals for this episode. I talked with Principals Tara Clark of Alfred G Zanetti Montessori School, Luis Martinez of STEM Middle Academy and Julia St. Martin of Kiley Prep Middle School. These principals are are leading the way in bringing a unified computer science curriculum to our great middle schools, these interviews are ones to not miss. If you are a potential future middle school educator, this is a great episode for you.

A little background on our DL Now program.

Computer Science has changed the way we think, the way we communicate, the way we work, and the way we live. Computer Science (or CS as it is affectionately known as) is more than just coding and using a computer to complete a given task. It involves critical thinking, collaboration, and the ability to creatively solve problems.  And there are many ways to engage in computer science without even using a computer.  For example, students can write instructions for making a peanut butter sandwich, then work with another student to complete the task by following the instructions exactly as written.  Students will soon realize the importance of being precise in their step-by-step instructions and no doubt, will see where some key steps were missed. A fun activity!

Here in Springfield, we believe every student should have opportunities and access to a high-quality computer science education.  Students need to think of the world from different perspectives and to value each other as they work together to solve problems and become critical thinkers.  We believe that students can be more than consumers.  They can be active creators and problem-solvers, tackling some of the biggest challenges affecting our world today.  Indeed, computer science is the foundational skill necessary for all students to succeed in reaching their personal and professional goals as active contributors in our world.

Tools mentioned:

Code.org

You can find me at:

Music:

Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/tell-me-instrumental

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/IsDZxG0bExY

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

For our latest episode I met with Dr. T. Alan Bush, the Dean of Student at Kiley Prep, and former Middle School Science Teacher at John F. Kennedy Middle School. We had an enjoyable conversation on how Science and Math are connected and how that can help your students. You’ll also hear my dad joke about math, feel free to adjust and use it. I was thinking about summer when I came up with it. You’ll also hear a great perspective on how to move from classroom teacher to administrator. We also discussed some of the successes and challenges that happened with the move from the classroom to admin during remote learning.

Tools mentioned:

PhET

PowerPoint

Schoology

You can find me at:

Music:

Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/tell-me-instrumental

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/IsDZxG0bExY

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

In this week’s podcast episode, I met with Joanna Mineo from Brightwood Elementary School here in Springfield. Joanna is a newish to the teaching world, having graduated a few years ago and now she is doing a fantastic job teaching. Check out to hear all about her experiences as a new teacher and learning how to teach during COVID. Plus, you’ll have to check out how Joanna likes to take care of herself.

Tools mentioned:

PowerPoint

Flipgrid

Nearpod

Schoology

You can find me at:

Website: Bearded Tech-Ed Guy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardedteched

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beardedteched

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beardedteched

Music:

Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/tell-me-instrumental

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/IsDZxG0bExY

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2UL9T7B

iTunes: https://apple.co/36VZlIw

Deezer: https://deezer.com/us/track/1019283902

YouTube: https://youtu.be/4FR8gZdiiWg

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn/tell-me

FZMSRoC294Su7vCloAzH

0EzkrBthkaN7IXBPPemu

For this weeks podcast we meet with Lori Spiro from Alice B. Beal Elementary School here in Springfield. During our conversation Lori spoke about teaching at various schools and various grade levels. Lori is another one of our teachers who have moved from their classroom position to the brand new CS/TC teacher position. This position was created this school year to ensure that Computer Science is taught at all grade levels here in Springfield. Also, at the end of the interview we discuss one way that Teachers can take care of themselves that you should absolutely do, plus some great Breakfast talk!

Tools mentioned:

PowerPoint

Beebots

Makey Makey

Flipgrid

Nearpod

Schoology

Hummingbird

You can find me at:

Website: Bearded Tech-Ed Guy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardedteched

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beardedteched

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beardedteched

Music:

Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/tell-me-instrumental

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/IsDZxG0bExY

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2UL9T7B

iTunes: https://apple.co/36VZlIw

Deezer: https://deezer.com/us/track/1019283902

YouTube: https://youtu.be/4FR8gZdiiWg

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn/tell-me

FZMSRoC294Su7vCloAzH

0EzkrBthkaN7IXBPPemu

Welcome Back to the 2021-2022 School Year. To kick off this year's podcast we meet with Erin Demarest from Milton Bradley Elementary School here in Springfield. During our conversation you can hear all about what it was like to teach 2nd grade and then how she made the move to Springfield's new CS/TC teacher position. This position was created this school year to ensure that Computer Science is taught at all grade levels here in Springfield. 

Tools mentioned:

Beebots

Makey Makey

Flipgrid

Nearpod

Schoology

Hummingbird

You can find me at:

Website: Bearded Tech-Ed Guy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardedteched

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beardedteched

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beardedteched

Music:

Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/tell-me-instrumental

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/IsDZxG0bExY

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2UL9T7B

iTunes: https://apple.co/36VZlIw

Deezer: https://deezer.com/us/track/1019283902

YouTube: https://youtu.be/4FR8gZdiiWg

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn/tell-me

FZMSRoC294Su7vCloAzH

0EzkrBthkaN7IXBPPemu

In the penultimate episodes of the 2020-2021 school year, I interviewed Kathryn Chace from Springfield Conservatory of the Arts Middle and High School. She is an Instructional Leader and an AP Statistics teacher. Throughout many of her years teaching Kathryn always seemed to be a step ahead with Technology, you might even say she was an EdTech DIYer (not sure if that's a thing but it's a great way to explain her mindset). Being a part of the school leadership, you can also hear about how they planned for the 2020-2021 school year, along with Concurrent Learning strategies that I had a hard time understanding since I wasn't the one doing it.

Tools mentioned:

TI84

Desmos

Unified Classroom

Flipgrid

Nearpod

Sony ZV-1

Surface Pro

You can find me at:

Website: Bearded Tech-Ed Guy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardedteched

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beardedteched

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beardedteched

Music:

Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/tell-me-instrumental

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/IsDZxG0bExY

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2UL9T7B

iTunes: https://apple.co/36VZlIw

Deezer: https://deezer.com/us/track/1019283902

YouTube: https://youtu.be/4FR8gZdiiWg

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn/tell-me

FZMSRoC294Su7vCloAzH

0EzkrBthkaN7IXBPPemu

In the latest episode of the SPS Digital Learning Hour I met with Alex Freedman from John J Duggan Academy. This award-winning teacher is doing exceptional work in his school. Pre-COVID-19 he was already preparing the teachers he works with for Digital Learning. Microsoft Teams was the tool of choice at his school. Come and learn all about everything he's doing at his school, along with some awesome tech advances at his school. COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone but even in tough times, some great things can come out of it. This was a great interview with a fantastic Middle School teacher.

Tools mentioned:

Microsoft Teams

Unified Classroom

Dyknow

Class Dojo

OneNote for Teachers

Flipgrid

Nearpod

You can find me at:

Website: Bearded Tech-Ed Guy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardedteched

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beardedteched

Twitter: https://twitter.com/beardedteched

Music:

Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn

Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/tell-me-instrumental

Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/IsDZxG0bExY

🎵 Track Info:

Title: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN

Genre and Mood: Dance & Electronic + Bright

———

🎧 Available on:

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2UL9T7B

iTunes: https://apple.co/36VZlIw

Deezer: https://deezer.com/us/track/1019283902

YouTube: https://youtu.be/4FR8gZdiiWg

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ryyzn/tell-me