October 2017 -Jackie Scales
Name
Jackie Scales
What Do You Teach?
9th grade AVID Elective, 9th grade World Geography, & 12th grade Government
Where Do you Teach?
Goose Creek Memorial High School
How Long Have You Been Teaching?
17 years
How Does Educational Technology Play a Role in Your Classroom?
It has evolved into a vital role in my classroom. I believe it's important because the skills that are learned using technology are true 21st century skills that students must have to enter into the workforce. We've come a long way since I first began teaching. I remember when I was excited to get my PowerPoints up on those small Channel One televisions! Now, my students are interacting with apps and applying their new knowledge in a variety of ways. It's exciting to see!
How Do You Find Technology in the Classroom Helpful?
I have to give credit to my campus AVID coordinator Misty Dolgner, current Technology Integrated Specialist Lauren Mercer, former Technology Integrated Specialist Kayla Brady, and to long-time World Geography teammates Stephanie Schrull and Amy Davis for pushing me and encouraging me to try new things with technology. All of these people have been instrumental in showing their excitement about technology and have planned with me on how to use technology in my classroom. In AVID it has changed the way our AVID kids keep themselves organized, communicate with teachers and colleges, and have helped them establish and keep a portfolio of their high school work. In World Geography, our team has used technology to transform how we approach the course and truly teach them how to be a global citizen. I've been able to see my students learn to use technology for more than just social media. I would have a hard time adjusting back to teaching without technology because I have been able to see how my students will be able to apply the skills my students are learning through technology in real life.
What Is Your Favorite Piece of Classroom Technology? Why?
Google Classroom! A large number of my colleagues at GCM are using Google Classroom now. It's awesome to see my students become more organized and better students because they are using it in so many classes. I also love that I am able to sit in the waiting room at the dentist or be out somewhere that I have a few minutes and grade things from my phone on the Google Classroom app! It's been a time saver for sure!
What Is On Your Technology Wish List For Your Classroom? Why?
I'm game for trying just about anything so I'm excited to see what will be available.
What Do You Love Most About Teaching?
I love my students and seeing them grow the most. It probably sounds a little cliché, but it's the truth. I can see purpose in what I believe I've been called to do when I see a student grow either academically or just growing into a good-hearted and productive young adult. This is one of the perks of teaching primarily freshmen. They change so much during their freshman year and I get to follow them throughout their time in high school and see the transformation!
Nominated by:
Lauren Mercer, High School Technology Integration Specialist
"Coach Scales consistently implements the online testing feature in Eduphoria. Her students know it is an expectation to have their iPads charged and ready for her class. Not only is she able to quickly import and update grades in TEAMS, she immediately knows what material she needs to reinforce the next day. She communicates with her students using Google Classroom and constantly promotes and shares her students work via twitter! Follow her at @coachscales35! Great job, Coach!"