Sps Digital Learning Hour

Join us in this episode as we chat with Matt, a former 9th grade teacher from NYC who now works with us at SPS in Western Mass. Matt shares his journey from being a young teacher with computer skills to running and organizing technology for schools. He talks about his experience using Chromebooks and Google Classroom and how he encouraged his students to create podcasts to showcase their knowledge. Since Matt has joined our department, his work has focused on Performance Matters, organizing the Technology Coordinators and a few other projects. Listen as he shares some valuable insights into his latest project, working with Discovery School for using Standards Based Grade Book. As always, we round out our interviews by asking what our interviewees do to take care of themselves, and Matt doesn’t disappoint. Learn how he balances his work and personal life. If you're a teacher looking for great tips on teaching with technology in the upper grades, then this episode is for you. We are thrilled that Matt has

In this podcast, Victoria Ellis shares her journey of 15 years in education, starting as a paraeducator. She is now working as a Middle School math teacher at the Springfield Virtual School for Springfield Public Schools. She talks about how she found her calling as a teacher and the challenges she has faced in her journey. Victoria emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between using physical and virtual tools to teach Middle School Math. She shares her experiences of integrating technology into her teaching methods and how it has helped her reach more students and make learning more interactive and engaging. Victoria also talks about her current work at the Virtual School and the challenges of teaching in a virtual environment. She shares how she has adapted to this new way of teaching and how technology has helped her create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment for her students. Overall, Victoria's story is an inspiring one for anyone considering a career in education. Her passion f

At the SPS Digital Learning Hour, we take great pride in highlighting the diverse experiences of teachers at various stages of their careers. This week, we had the pleasure of interviewing David Steinberg from German Gerena Community School. David, who previously worked as a consultant in the private sector, made the decision to switch to a career in education after substitute teaching in his free time. He shared with us how he leverages the extensive professional development opportunities offered by Springfield Public Schools to continually improve his teaching skills. David's passion for education is evident in the way he inspires his students and we are fortunate to have him as part of our community. You can find me at: Website: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com Instagram: @beardedteched Facebook: @beardedteched Twitter: @beardedteched Tools Mentioned: Codelicious Scratch Office 365 23 Tools for 2023 (Springfield Teachers) Music: Music by AlexGrohl  from Pixabay --- Send in a voice

For this week’s podcast we are going back to the summer and learning all about what Barbara Cheney from Indian Orchard.  Barbara’s experiences range from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade. We discussed teaching early in her career through Covid to now. I have always loved teaching Summer School, and Barbara is part of a cool program during summer school through the Inventor’s Hall of Fame. I even got the chance to visit her class and we made a pretty awesome video, along with this podcast I think you’ll get insight into what English Language Learning is like here in Springfield. You’ll also learn about what technology in the classroom looks like for Barbara near the end. To see Computer Science and EL Learning in action at Boland Elementary School, check it out here. Website: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com Instagram: @beardedteched Facebook: @beardedteched Twitter: @beardedteched Tools Mentioned: National Hall of Fame of Inventors Microsoft EDU Dragon OneNote for EDU Music: M

This week I am bringing you an incredibly special episode. Over the summer I met Karen Toro and Courtney Ciras from Alice B. Beal Elementary School.  During the summer, as teachers, we can really develop new practices in a low-pressure environment. This also means that we get to try new things.  With close to 25 years teaching experience combined and Karen coming up through the Springfield School system, these two were ready to try something new! This is where Courtney and Karen come in, over the summer they signed up to learn more about Computer Science in the classroom. They took a week’s course over in Boston and it spurred them to really invest into Computer Science in their classrooms. In this episode you’ll hear all about their stories and how they ended up wanting to teach CS in their respective classrooms. It’s important to note that they are not Computer Science teachers but they learned that even if they are not teaching CS they are Computer Scientists. To see CS in action at Alice B. Beal

This week's podcast we interviewed Denise Cote, a Middle School English Teacher from Springfield’s Conservatory of the Arts. Mike and Denise talked all about the use of technology in the district for the last 17 years! During the interview you will learn how Denise first adopted technology in her classrooms and how that technology continues to enhance her teaching. Denise has also been a proponent of Professional Development and has taken on the 22 Tools Challenge head on. When the challenge started in January of 2022, Denise has been consistently near the top of the leaderboard. You only have a couple more months to catch her! You can find me at: Website: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com Instagram: @beardedteched Facebook: @beardedteched Twitter: @beardedteched Tools Mentioned: O365 Teams Wakelet Dyknow Schoology Nearpod Flipgrid Canva Music: Music by AlexGrohl  from Pixabay --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spsdigitallearning

Welcome to the start of a new school year. For the first episode of the year we spoke with Sarah DeFeo. This interview was recorded near the end of last year and we thought it would be a great way to start this year. Sarah teaches at White Street Elementary School and has been there for the last eight years. Sarah came to teaching 2nd grade as a career change. Throughout the interview we discussed how technology has been used with her students. Learn about her favorite tools and tools she is looking forward to integrating into her classroom. Also, you need to listen all the way to the end to hear how she takes care of herself. You can find me at: Website: https://www.beardedtechedguy.com Instagram: @beardedteched Facebook: @beardedteched Twitter: @beardedteched Tools Mentioned: O365 Teams Wakelet Dyknow Schoology Nearpod Flipgrid Canva Music: Music by AlexGrohl  from Pixabay --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/spsdigitallearning

We here at the SPS Digital Learning Hour love to spotlight teachers and this week’s episode is no different. I met Desiree Robinson from Glenwood Elementary. Desiree is a true homegrown teacher here in Springfield. You can hear her love for the city of Springfield in the way she talks about her job. She is a shining example of how you can go from being a para-educator to a teacher to a Math Instructional Leader. Her experience spans Kindergarten all the way up to Middle School. There is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from this interview. You can also hear her solid advice on how to take care of yourself as a teacher. You can find me at: Instagram: @beardedteched Facebook: @beardedteched Twitter: @beardedteched Tools Mentioned: O365 Teams Wakelet Dyknow Schoology 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 b

Here at the SPS Digital Learning Hour we are excited to bring you this week’s episode featuring Kathryn Runyan from White Street Elementary. Having taught various grade levels throughout the last 22 years, Kathryn has used a wide variety of technology tools that we get into in this episode. Back in 2002 schools were still using floppy discs!!!! Throughout this episode we learn about what technology was like back in 2002 in the classroom (hint: there wasn’t as much as you would think). One of the great things that we discussed is how technology has changed and how her teaching style has shifted during that time. Plus. I tell one of my favorite sequencing assignments which made a complete mess of my classroom! You can find me at: Website: Bearded Tech-Ed Guy  Instagram: @beardedteched  Facebook: @beardedteched  Twitter: @beardedteched Tools Mentioned: O365 Teams Wakelet Dyknow Schoology The Foos Code.org Kodable Music: Tell Me (instrumental) by RYYZN https://soundcloud.com/ryy

Here at the SPS Digital Learning Hour we are excited to bring you this week’s episode featuring KatieAnne DeMars from Springfield Virtual School. Having taught various grade levels throughout the last 22 years, which included time as a School Administrator KatieAnne brings a wealth of knowledge to Springfield’s Newest School.  Throughout this episode we learn about what technology was like back in 2000 in the classroom (hint: there wasn’t as much as you would think). You can also hear how, as an Administrator she led during the last two years of Covid and what led to going back in the classroom at a Virtual School. We also talked a little about one of the things that she does to take care of herself that you won't want to miss! I know I picked upped up a few tips.  You can find me at: Website: Bearded Tech-Ed Guy Instagram: @beardedteched Facebook: @beardedteched Twitter: @beardedteched Tools Mentioned: Canva Canvas ST Math Adobe PDF Reader O365 Teams GoGuardian Remind Re

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: 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

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 enga

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 s

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

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: 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://

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

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 Down

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

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 — A

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 —