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Thank You for 20 Years.

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After 20 years of teaching at Brookfield Central, I am saying goodbye. Although I spent the majority of that time in the physics classroom alongside my learners. That changed for my last 18 weeks. I ended up in a place similar to where I started, teaching chemistry and biology. So, rather than dealing with juniors and seniors at the end of their high school careers, I was in classrooms with freshmen and sophomores still trying to find their place. At the same time, I was learning and teaching a set curriculum I hadn't taught in over a decade. So, we were learning. But, of course, I already knew the content.  The point of this post is to take a step back, take in, and share the gratitude from the last students I had in my 20 years at Brookfield Central High School through the cards and notes they made for me on my last day with them.  I don't take many yay me moments. But after 20 years, I think I'll soak this one in.
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Listen to the Experts: Advice to Teachers on Canvas LMS

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As we come to the close of term 2 in the block, my current students are ending their time with me.  Although I like to get feedback through the entire course, the end of the course provides a great time for reflection.  
The first piece of reflection I’m having my students do this week is related to technology.  
As more teachers in our district use Canvas LMS, it's important that we get advice on how to best use it from experts. Students use Canvas in my course virtually everyday so I consider them experts. So why not listen to advice from those who use it the most and whose opinion matters most.


Summarizing the advice

1) Model how Canvas will be used in your classroom.
2) Use the calendar to help students keep track of assignments and test dates.
3) Upload worksheets and answer keys.
4) Keep all your uploaded files organized.
5) Consider using online document submission.
6) If you're going to use a Canvas feature, find a way to use it regularly

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