Chrissi Denman ITEC- 7445 Emerging Technology Dr. Cain edShelf Chrissi Denman ITEC- 7445 Emerging Technology Dr. Cain

What is EdShelf? edshelf is an web-based tool for teachers to manage teaching and learning in the classroom. “A Socially-curated discovery engine of websites, mobile apps, desktop programs, and electronic products for teaching and learning.” A great tool for organizing, planning and delivering instruction. A tool that will provide students with greater access to the curriculum, educational tools, and ways to create projects.

How does it work? Watch this video for a brief overview of edshelf.

School technology vision Our Vision: Preparing digital-age learners for success in a global, ever-changing society. Goals Leverage technology to transform traditional classrooms into digital age classrooms. Create and support effective and ethical digital age learning environments. Empower digital-age learners, teachers, and administrators to use technology tools to enhance rigorous, relevant, and engaging learning experiences.

How does Edshelf support the vision? Many of the student technology standards are met through the use of this technology. Learning can be enhanced with learning platforms, virtual reality, using simulations, videos, avatars and so much more. Edshelf supports tools that promote the collaboration through a variety of media, applications and websites. Teachers can plan and manage content, units of study, lessons, and project-based learning activities Integrating more technology promotes Digital Citizenship Teachers and students increase their awareness of available technology operations. Teachers become savvy at finding tools that support the learning in their classroom.

How will edshelf benefit teachers? Teachers can use this to organize all aspects of teaching Teachers can organize by teaching methods (ex. Flipped classroom or PBL), or many others and connect useful apps, websites, and other resources that they need to successfully implement lessons. Allows teachers to put all their favorite assessment tools in one spot and use for quick or lengthier assessments. For data collection purposes teachers can organize the types of data they are looking for by skill. edshelf has a excellent search option that filters by category, subject, age, and platform.

How will edshelf support students? Students will benefit from their teachers using edshelf because they will have access to more resources on a daily basis. Students will have more of a variety of apps to access on their classroom iPads. Student technology use will increase in the classroom if teachers are using edshelf to support student learning. Students will have access to better learning tools when their teachers use edshelf. Students will be exposed to Higher Order Thinking skills through problem solving and collaboration by using more platforms and web tools.

Target Population of Mount Bethel The total enrollment at MBES for the 2017-2018 school year is 1117 students. Caucasian student make up 76% of the student population at Mount Bethel. Asian students make up 14% of the population. Hispanic students make up 5% of the population. African American and blended races falling below 3%. 3.1% of students are recipients of free/reduced lunch. The student to teacher ratio is 16:1.

Target Population Continued….. Each classroom houses 2 laptop computers and a desktop. There are 3 laptop carts available for school wide use. Each grade level has 6-12 iPads per grade level for grade level use. Many classrooms are BYOD certified. Fifth grade students will be 1:1 next year with Chromebooks. All teaches have a county issued laptop. 1:1 devices would be ideal but Mt. Bethel’s technology resources are abundant so access to technology to support edshelf web-tools does not create and obstacle.

Digital Equity To further promote digital equity most learning with edshelf should be planned for during school hours. The computer lab can be accessed as early as 7:15 to support students that do not have a device or internet at home. Additionally, students may check out a devices from the Learning Commons if they do not have a personal device at home. BYOD certified classroom promote digital equity.

Equipment and software edshelf is a free web-based that provides a cloud for Teaching and Learning. Access to computers or learning devices with Cobb County wireless capabilities Access to the Cobb County wireless is required for each computer or learning device. Devices such as laptops, Chromebooks, PCs, tablets and iPads are able to use the resources that are available. Headphones or earbuds are needed. This has become part of the school supply lists for students but not all students will have their own.

Technical support Cobb County and specifically Mount Bethel has excellent technical support within our technology department and our building for daily hardware and software issues. The Edshelf website provides a quick tutorial video that demonstrate how to set up your learning shelf. Edshelf also provides a contact us link for any other questions or issues a users may have.

limitations This is a tool that is geared toward educators. This technology is only accessible with internet connection. This is not a tool intended for students, but a tool that will subsequently benefit students from teacher usage.

what does it cost? edshelf is 100% FREE to Teachers and Parents. While the website is free users can download apps that might not be free. If you are not a BYOD class then going 1:1 with iPads is an option. Cost per ipad is $249 per the county cost sheet.

Funding options If the school has a Foundation teacher can submit a foundation proposal for devices. Donorchoose is a great resource to seek classroom funding. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will support educational technology. E School News provides information on grant opportunities for schools that want to increase technology integration in the classroom.

differentiation Teachers can create a “shelf” that focuses on differentiation with webtools and apps. Teachers can include a teaching/learning tool to differentiate instruction in each of their different content shelves. Teachers can seek out tools that will support individual learning needs and specified outcomes.

Edshelf Research Founder, Mike Lee says, “I don’t want educators to waste time looking for the right tools. I want them to focus on doing what they do best: teaching and inspiring. Let edshelf do the work of helping you find the right tools, while you educate the next generations.” This is a powerful statement because teachers do not have the time to sift through all the technology out there. They need someone to recommend safe and productive tools to use in the classroom.

More research……. Since edshelf was established in 2012, there is not any research available on the effectiveness in the classroom, but there are many reviews on Edshelf reviewing the apps, technology tools, and websites. This is one of the most important aspects because other educators are providing feedback on the tools and this is what is going to help teachers with integrating technology into the classroom more easily.

Professional Learning Teachers will need to be well-versed on how to use edshelf as an effective technology tool for teaching and learning. Navigating the webtool can be accessed during teacher or team planning time. edshelf provides a simple instructional video that will get teachers started. Additionally, there is a great of collaboration between members/educators that utilize edshelf.

Reflection I realized after I started investigating edshelf how powerful a tool it could be for the classroom. I think this is a great tool to support teachers that are not as comfortable with technology and need some support navigating through all the educational tools that are available for classroom use. I recognize that it is a way to increase levels of technology in the classroom by providing authentic learning experiences, finding ways to engage students, differentiating for our diverse learners and managing classroom resources. I strongly believe with supportive technology tools such as Edshelf, technology can be fully embraced in the classroom without teachers feeling overwhelmed.

References Edshelf. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://edshelf.com/ Z. (2014, March 18). Overview of Edshelf. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDHmkL-XhGA