Ella Christensen

After reading through this week’s materials, I wanted to focus on the Triple E Framework developed by Liz Kolb as a model for digital leadership. This framework focuses on how well technology engages, enhances, and extends student learning, rather than using technology for distraction. I believe this is an effective model for schools, and my own school, as it encourages student engagement, learning and achievement, and being purposeful with technology. When developing a technology integration plan, there are several people I would want to get in touch with and involve. I would first reach out to teachers and staff across all grade levels, not just my 4th grade team, because they are the ones implementing technology daily and can provide insight into what works and what challenges they face in the classroom. In addition, I would involve school administrators, instructional coaches, and district staff to make sure that any integration aligns with curriculum, building, and district stan...

    The digital story that stuck with me the most, and that i'm going to be discussing in this blog post, is Pinepoint by the National Film Board in Canada. This digital story immediately engaged me with its first line being "imagine your hometown never changed.." This really resonated with me, as someone who has lived in Lincoln, Nebraska her whole life (GBR). I could probably drive around Lincoln with my eyes closed I know it so well. I even teach at the same elementary school that I went to as a kid, and nothing about the school has changed one bit. I also loved that the story was interactive. Right away I wanted to learn more and click "Play".  Throughout the interactive story, I was able to explore different photos, videos, articles, interviews, and so much more. There was information on history of the town, major events, specific locations/stores in the town, people born there, and so on. I found it extremely engaging - mainly because of the music, visuals...

    I chose to read an interview with Rick Hassler titled "Avoiding Technology Crash and Burn Scenario Through Collaborative Leadership". This title stood out to me, as a second year teacher I have had multiple moments or lessons that didn't go as planner and in a sense "crashed and burned". I also think that when incorporating technology into a lesson that involves 9 and 10 year olds, there is likely to be some crashing and burning. As I started to read this interview with Rick Hassler, I realized he went through a lot to get to the role he is is now. Not only did he have almost 20 years of classroom teacher experience, but he also left education altogether for a couple of years and got experience as a project manager. Eventually as he re-entered the field of education he was given the opportunity to work as a lead coordinator for the one-to-one iPad project. This just proves that nobody in the higher roles they are currently in, got there from good luck and a ...

 Hello Everyone!       My name is Ella Christensen and I am currently a 4th Grade teacher in Lincoln, Nebraska. I am actually moving to Omaha next year and recently accepted a job at a new school as a 3rd Grade teacher. If anyone has 3rd grade advice, I will take it! I love working out, spending time outside, reading (specifically mystery novels), and I recently got engaged this past year!       As I think about digital storytelling for me personally, I am not yet sure what story I would want to tell. I think something about my first year as a teacher or the last year of college and transitioning into adult work-life could be interesting. I also think that if I were to use digital storytelling in a classroom setting, I could have students write a skit and create a video to represent one of our chapter book readings. I think this would be a fun way to get them engaged and even more excited about the book they are reading. The video could be a ...