Max Smith

Wrap up: Teaching synchronously gave me a much broader skillset to use technology as a functional tool that makes implementing technology in the classroom more effective. #RCSLearn

R4: I wish I'd known earlier more about different features of our LMS that I was using at the time. It's always easier for me to be prepared than learn something completely new on the fly. It had some interesting video chat/recording features and some for test security #RCSLearn

R3: Skills like quick access to an on-screen magnifier and taking screenshots were super helpful in keeping the class progressing. Just because you can see it on your screen, doesn't mean the students can! #RCSLearn

R2: Some of the challenges that I faced with synchronous learners is providing one on on feedback and assistance. I found using breakout rooms or separate chats worked well. #RCSLearn

R1: When I taught synchronous live instruction during the COVID pandemic, I was always surprised by how much students would still want to participate and communicate with others. #RCSLearn

Max Smith, Westview Elementary Principal, and my spirit animal is probably a tortoise. #RCSLearn

There will be a cookout on Thursday from 6:00-7:00 at Westview for me to introduce myself as the new principal. Any Westview or Richmond community member is welcome. Food and drink will be provided.

R4: One thing I used to do was have students post on LMS and/or share in class something good that was going on in their lives. It definitely helped make Mondays more fun and gave me a better chance to know my students. #RCSLearn

R3: One of my favorite strategies is to provide students creative choice with technology. Whether that involves a problem-based design, or students being able to choose how they used tech, allowing students to get creative helped them have ownership over their work!

R2: To me, blended relationships mean giving students an opportunity to express themselves and build a relationship with the teacher both in-person and with technology. This could involve creative projects with tech and discussions for in person. Endless opportunities! #RCSLearn

R1: I always tried to take time to get to know my students, both in person and using tech. On the tech side, I'd have students share via LMS something good going on in their lives. It was always were the time in my experience. #RCSLearn

Max Smith, eLearning Specialist. My favorite part of the Super Bowl is definitely the food! #RCSLearn

Shoutout to a couple of T's for doing some neat activities for eLearning. @MattHaz had a nice overview video explaining what students needed to do and @JulieRobeson3 had a nice SEBW activity. Great job guys! #RCSLearn

Wrap Up: When students see progress in learning through proper feedback, they can gain motivation to continue learning on their own. I've seen students take a unit in my class, and continue on their own long after we completed it in class. Motivation is everything! #RCSLearn

R4: Feedback can be an integral part of emphasizing learning and growth rather than a specific grade in a course. It takes time and strategy to help young learners to understand that learning is a process. Taking time to build relationships with students can help! #RCSLearn

R3: Classrooms would look very differently. I imagine lots of small groups or rotations to check in with students to provide immediate feedback. #RCSLearn

R2: When I was a classroom teacher, I would try to have 2-3 big idea questions that students would have to answer strategically throughout the lesson on our LMS. I could read the responses in real time. This would give feedback to both me and the students. #RCSLearn

R1: Some of the best feedback I've received was from my mentor teacher my first year teaching. He would take the time during his prep to observe part of my lesson and give me in person feedback later that day. Made all the difference! #RCSLearn

I'm Max Smith, District eLearning Specialist (Elementary focus). One of the last tv series I watched was a documentary series called The American Farm. Highly recommended #RCSLearn

#RCSLearn Wrap-up: One of my favorite features from the 12 days of Techmas are the Chromebook shortcuts. Maybe I'm just a nerd, but some keyboard shortcuts are just huge timesavers.