TRUDACOT POSTER

As a staff we had the privilege to work with Dr. Scott McLeod this summer. Dr. McLeod led us through the Trudacot Model one day in June and then we were able to see him at the St. Vrain Tech Camp a week later.

The TRUDACOT Model is all I believe about Technology - wrapped into one checklist. At first the terminology and work can be unwieldy. It can be uncomfortable because we all see ourselves in that top level surface Tech "integration". TRUDACOT is all about making the Tech invisible and student work meaningful.

Our staff was inspired by this model and we believe it's the next step for our building. I put together a poster for us to refer to as we go through the year.

I am a Responsible Technology User FREE POSTER DOWNLOAD

I use the above poster in two ways: every student reviews and signs a paper size copy of this at the beginning of the year. The papers are then filed by class with the Principal. At the time of the signing the "actual" School District RUP is referenced, shown and discussed. Consequences are then laid out and reviewed. This happens in the Classroom with Classroom Teachers.

When students come to the Library after the Classroom review I have this poster (Poster Razor, my FAV hack EVER) in a very prominent place. We review the poster, discuss consequences and answer any questions. 

The poster stays in the prominent place all year and here's why: in November (or March or September 15) when I am discussing a violation with a student the FIRST thing I hear is "I didn't sign anything!" and when our Principal pulls the contract (signed of course) the SECOND first thing we both hear is "I didn't sign this" - this visual brings us all to a place of common ground, LOL!

Happy Technology Managing! What are your best tips? Share below!

the VERY BEST iPad Storage EVER

iPad instruction is one of the best parts of my job, Be good to yourself and do not get stuck in an elevator with me and bring up 1:1. Be wise and don't join a Tech Advisory committee with me - I go a lot crazy when we go there.

This week, getting back into the building, I have been reminded just how much EXTRA work goes into iPad instruction. Especially that August prep groundwork so your teachers can jump and go.

Our Third grade teacher took on 1:1 instruction mid year last year and I was IMPRESSED with her flexibility and the learning that happened in that class. This week she did it again for sure.

Anyone who works with more than three iPads in a class knows how unwieldy, and space consuming iPad storage is. Not to mention expensive.

My teacher pulled out one of the cardboard mailboxes that every building has piled up and put it to use! Holes were drilled in each compartment (through the back) and the wires were strung to the charging units.

Teachers are amazing. I saw another Teacher this afternoon walking down the hall with an old mailbox and I hope she is doing the same thing. This unit puts the iPads at kids' height, it puts the charging and maintenance responsibility literally at their level.

This did not cost a dime. This Teacher already had the strip cords. Last year she stored the iPads using dishracks which is not a bad idea but I LOVE the reimaged mailbox!!!!