Wow, we are more than halfway through September. So far, September has been pretty busy for me. This past week, I enjoyed being part of the ASCD September Community Panel on A New Era in Educational Technology. If you missed this last Sunday, you can check out the recording here. Yesterday, I also enjoyed being presenting 3 sessions at NCTies Fall Virtual Conference.
The next two weeks should be a little quieter as I prepare for my October conferences. I will be presenting at TCEA's Conference for Coaches on October 12th and then attending the 2023 ASCD Emerging Leader Orientation afterward. The following week, I will be presenting 3 on-demand sessions at Fall CUE. The month ends with me returning to Texas as a featured speaker at TCCA. So much excitement in store!
TransformED: Amplifying Learning Using Tech Tools
Two weeks ago, I shared a blog post called Introducing TransformED: Amplifying Learning Using Technology Tools. This blog series focuses on how we can use technology tools to amplify learning, This takes what we discussed during the 2022-2023 school year to the next level and I was excited to share all about it then.
This week, I will focus on TransformED Goal Setting. In this week's blog post, I am going to begin focusing on ways that technology tools can amplify our learning as learners. Often, as educators, we forget that we are learners first and learners always. One of the best ways that we can serve our students is by continually improving our practice and modeling risk taking, So how can technology tools help us with this pursuit?
How can technology tools help us transform our goals?
We don't often think about how technology tools can help us transform and reach our goals, but when you stop and think about it, you will be surprised how often we use technology tools as we pursue our goals. I know that I was as I considered my 2023-2024 goals and how so many technology tools I use on a regular basis to reach them.
Personal Goals and Technology Tools
This current year, I have set some pretty important personal goals for myself and without a doubt, technology tools have helped me along the way.
My personal goals for this year include achieving a healthy weight and being active. Since beginning my health journey on May 1, 2023, I have lost over 45 lbs. This journey has truly been guided and facilitated by so many technology tools. They have helped me to learn to be a healthier person.
1. Facebook: I met my Optavia health coach through a Facebook connection. As a fellow educator, she inspired me to try something new. When I first saw her post about losing 10-15 lbs, I hesitantly reached out to her and we set up a call. You never know how someone in your network can help you later in your journey. I sure didn't, but I am so glad that I reached out and responded to that post.
2. Facebook Group: I am now part of a Total Health Optavia group where I can learn new recipes, health habits, and connect with others facing similar struggles. I love the fact that I am not alone in these struggles and that not only can I learn from others, but also share my journey and inspiire them as well.
3. EatWise: I use this app as part of my health program.. It helps me ensure that I am fueling my body every two and a half to three hours. By eating healthy and regularly, I never get super hungry or start craving trigger foods. It also helps me with tracking my water intake.
4. Fitbit: Wearing a Fitbit is not a new habit for me, but now I am using data data it provides me differently. I wear my fitbit tracker each day and monitor my sleep, steps, and calories burned. This way, I can use this information to adjust my food intake and also to monitor my activity. Last week, I finished Couch to 5K and I love watching as my run statistics changed as my distance and speed increased,
5. Lifetime Fitness: As I have shared before, I love the fact that I can move now. I use my Lifetime Fitness app to check out class times and then make a reservation for the classes ahead of time. It is my current goal to attend at my gym 3-4 times a week for accountability. In addition, I also use my gym's app to do on demand workouts at home and stream them on my TV.
Professional Goals and Technology Tools
In addition to my personal goals, I have also set some pretty important professional goals. I purposely started this post with personal goals, because over the course of the last year, I learned that if I don't take care of me, I can't reach or enjoy my professional goals. These goals include focusing on coaching cycles with the educators that I work with and promoting family engagement in my school setting. Here's how technology tools have helped me in these pursuits.
ISTE Certified Educator Community: I am so proud to be an ISTE Certified Educator, but being part of this community is more than just feeling pride. Each month, we have ISTE Certified Educator meetups where we can share resources and learn from each other. I love this opportunity to continue to grow with like-minded educators.
ISTE Community Leader Slack Channel: Last month, I became an ISTE Community Leader. We also have monthly meetings where we share ideas and resources. We also communicate through our Slack channel and the new Connect platform. It was through this group that I was connected with the ISTE Community Leader Coaching group. We also have monthly gatherings. I love how I can improve my coaching using this group too.
Conferences: I love attending and presenting at conferences. It is so great connecting with all the phenomenal educators that I have met through social media. It was through attending the VSTE Conference last year that I learned about Family Coding Nights. In a few weeks, I will get to focus on coaching specifically at TCEA's Conference for Coaches in Austin, TX.
How can you use technology tools to help you reach your goals?
Consider the apps that I use as part of my personal and professional journeys. What technology tools do you use? Are there any that I should add to my toolbox or maybe I shared one that sparked your interest? I would love for you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Next Steps
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