¡Bienvenidos a un año nuevo! Welcome to a new year!
I am writing my first blog post before the school year starts. I am so very excited to start the new school year! This is going to be an interesting year and a year of firsts. This year, I am going to use what is called the flipped classroom. What this means is that grammar notes will be given via a video/webcast clip. Students will watch these videos at home for homework and will take notes before coming to class. Then, in class, we can focus on the production and use of the language (speaking/reading/writing/listening). Activities in class will be more focused and meaningful.
Once the flipped units start, I will send home a more detailed explanation of what is expected during the unit. All due dates, quizzes, projects, unit assessments, activities will be provided. I will have different methods of asking questions. One will be on twitter via the hash tags (#nespn1 and #nespn2). These discussion/question pages will be able to be used during the day and during classes. While students are working in small groups, students can post questions that can wait to the end of the period. The other way to ask a question to get quick responses (away from the class) is via email (shawnadkins@nelsd.org).
The use of twitter in class is dependent on the use of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) in the classroom. I will have forms to send how for BYOD agreements. Students will have a two strike agreement. On the second strike, students will not be permitted to use their own device or devices I have available in the classroom. Students can earn strikes anywhere in the building, so students need to make sure that they are not using their phones when they are not supposed to be.
I am looking forward to sharing more technology use with the students this year. Technology is a very large part of our lives. Pretending it does not exist or not permitting students to use it will be a disservice to all the students. I want my students to learn how to use their devices and technology for their benefit in their education and their lives.
If a student does not have access to a smartphone/tablet/iPad/kindle or any other device that can connect to wifi, I have 11 chromebooks and 2 iPads that can be used by students during class time, homeroom, and study hall (provided devices are available and students have turned in the usage agreement form at the beginning of the year). All devices will stay in Mr. Adkins' room (Room 2). No exception.
If anyone has questions, please contact me at any time. You can call, email or tweet. Here is all my contact information:
phone number: 328-6575
email: shawnadkins@nelsd.org
twitter handle: sadkinsump
I look forward to a great and exciting year!
Hasta Luego
