We’ve all been there. That moment when you’re completely absorbed in the experience. You’re in active learning- the zone. You’re somehow calm, focused, and intense all at the same time. You’re like Scrooge at the end of A Christmas Carol, “I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I […]
Educational Apps
How to Use TikTok in the Science Classroom
“Ooh, Ms. Lane, I saw this TikTok Video that…” One of my students excitedly said to me after class one day. My first thought was to listen but not take the topic seriously. I mean, after all, it was TikTok – a social media platform very effective at making students social, but not in an […]
The Digital Classroom: This Year Wasn’t A Waste
Dianna Souder, Ed.D has been an educator for 11 years, having taught middle school for 8 years and elementary for 3. During her career, she has worked for several Title I schools, focusing on helping struggling learners obtain success in any way possible. She believes in hands-on learning and finding ways to make education […]
A Teacher’s Love-Hate-Love Relationship with Zoom
“Bing Bong.” Thirty years from now when I hear the sound of someone entering a Zoom room, I’ll have vivid memories of just how much I loved, hated, and loved about online learning through this platform. LOVE – Seeing my students Just about every day, I’m checking in with my students and seeing their faces. […]
Teaching from Home Part 2: Using Google Classroom to Stay Semi Connected
Less control brings a demand for the extra effort. In Chapter 1 of Teaching from Home imaginary book, I start by saying: Being away from the students has made the job more difficult. Teaching from home pushes challenges that normally exist in the spotlight. How do I reach the hardest to reach students? How do […]
Teaching from Home: Tips for Focusing on Results- One Teacher’s Reflection
I am now past ten days of teaching from home. Being away from the students has made the job more difficult. Teaching from home pushes challenges that normally exist in the spotlight. How do I reach the hardest to reach? How do I assess progress (or lack of it)? Remembering that I am still their […]
Best Websites for K-5 Math Virtual EducationÂ
With the current state of affairs, learning has been moved online. Teachers and parents are having to homeschool and supplement their children’s instruction. Let’s not forget the importance of math in the process! Here some of the best websites from my experience for math instruction: Khan Academy: This is an exceptional site for learning various […]
Teaching With Minecraft EDU
I’m one of those crazies that actually enjoy professional development workshops, at least the ones that we don’t have to do every single year like blood-borne pathogens and diabetes.  Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the best professional development: Minecraft EDU. This session was based on the popular game Minecraft but with an educational […]