I’m about to be dethroned as Chief Geek of my own house…

Yes, I learned this evening that I’m about to be dethroned as Chief Geek of my own house – by a 5th grader.

It happened just after arriving home from work today, as my daughter was at the kitchen counter typing on a laptop.   I checked in to see what she was doing… responding to her Google email.  No big deal, I’ve seen this before.  Next, she realizes some friends are online, so it progresses to a simple Google Chat.  A few more friends enter and eventually some leave.  Still no big deal, we’ve been here before. Then they move to the new Google Video Chat, where they are doing full video and audio conferencing.  Still no big deal, my kids have conferenced with others before.

But while she’s video conferencing with a classmate, they decide to take it to the next level.  They agree to study for an upcoming Social Studies test while video conferencing.  Each student logs into Edmodo (popular classroom site for collaborating), where the teacher has placed a practice test.  It only allows 10 minutes to go through the practice test, but they progress one question at at time, talking their way through their rationale for one answer versus another.

Seriously Dad, I'm just doing homework.

This is when it hits me…. I’m a Technology Director, I spend my days talking to others about what it will be like in the future.  And suddenly, I’m feeling like I’m ONLY talking about it… everyone else, including my 5th grader is already DOING IT.  It was one of the most powerful 10 minutes of collaboration I’ve seen in a long time.  A really good wake up call for me.

I then took out my phone, snapped a picture of my daughter while she was conferencing, you can sense the questioning look on her face. Of course, what I thought was great –  the classmate on the other end said “That’s funny, my Mom is also talking a picture of me right now.  I don’t think my Mom has ever taken a picture of me while I’m doing my homework.”

As I’m standing nearby with a puzzled look on my face, taking in everything I just saw, that’s when my daughter lays it on me…

“Dad, it appears you’re not the only GEEK in town anymore!”

WDM Adminstrators making commitment to increase visibility in classrooms.

The West Des Moines Community Schools administrative members are making a commitment to increase their visibility in classrooms through structured walk-throughs.  A walk-through is a 5 to 10 minute classroom observation.  The administrative team will be spending the next several months fine tuning the walk-through form as well as receiving training for using eWalk software for recording observations.

Q1. What does the walk-through form look like? Who created it?
A1. A team of building administrators is preparing a draft of the walk-through form, which will be based on the core components of Essential of Effective Instruction (EEI). 

Q2. What type of format will the walk-through template be?  Checklist only?  Written feedback? 
A2.  It will contain both a checklist and an open ended written feedback. 

Q3. When will be a copy of the walk-through form be available to staff?
A3.  It should be available in the next few weeks – and we’ll post in online for everyone to see.  

Q4. If administrators are only in the classroom for 5 to 10 minutes. how are they recording this information?
A4. Administrators will be using the eWalk app on an iPad to record their observations.

Q5. As a teacher, what type of feedback will I get?
A5. Teachers will receive a copy of the form with feedback via email.

Q6. Why was the eWalk software selected?

1. In combination with the iPad, we felt it provided the easiest method for recording the walk-throughs.
2. The ability to easily compile the walk-through usage and trends
3. The ability to easily provide walk-through feedback to the teacher.

Q7. Is this required for all building administrators or is this optional?
A7. It is required for all building administrators.  This winter/spring, the expectation is to receive training on eWalk software, refine the walk-through form, and begin to practice using the instrument.  The expectation for full deployment and usage is next fall.

Q8. If the desire is to increase classroom visibility…  can/will we measure how frequently the walk-throughs happen?
A8. Yes, eWalk software will allow us to measure the frequency of the walk-throughs.