September 2018 - Karen Trujillo
Name
Karen Trujillo
What Do You Teach?
PK - 5 Library
Where Do you Teach?
Austin Elementary School
How Long Have You Been Teaching?
17 years
How Does Educational Technology Play a Role in Your Classroom?
Where do I even start, everywhere. Technology has become such an integral part of teaching here at SFA. For example, in the library, our students learn how to use iPads and their apps so that later they can use those same apps in the classroom during the school year. Not only are our students learning how to use those apps, but I am also teaching the teachers how to use them so that they can better utilize the technology that is available to them. One of my biggest proud moments would have to be our Gator Tech Coding Club. We meet once a week in the mornings and we help our students develop the love of coding and programming. We use different robots (Ozobots, Spheros, Osmo, and many more), to help develop those skills, and our students flourish not only in our club but through the lessons learned they also flourish in the classroom.
How Do You Find Technology in the Classroom Helpful?
One of our principle uses for our iPads, comes from our GT students when developing their GT showcase projects. During this time the library comes alive with technology. This is where we use our imaginations and begin the creative process so that their projects go from been just a tri-board to a multi-media showcase
What Is Your Favorite Piece of Classroom Technology? Why?
The iPads by far are my favorite piece of technology. Usually my students, from K through 5th grade have had some exposure to either a tablet, an iPad or an iPhone and have the basic skills to use them. The excitement that shows on their faces when they realize that we will be using iPads to learn is priceless. My favorite app would have to be DoInk which is a green screen app. My students love to create using green screen and this has to be one of the easiest apps to teach them how to develop their own green screen movies.
What Is On Your Technology Wish List For Your Classroom? Why?
My wish is not only for my library, it is for the school. My wish is to some day become one to one with our devices. My goal is that we become one of few Apple Distinguish Elementary.
What Do You Love Most About Teaching?
The joy of watching my students grow and develop into life long learners. I hope that what I am teaching them here they can take on to junior high, then high school and hopefully college. Our jobs our not always easy, but if through the use of technology I can help at least one student then I have done my job.
Nominated by:
Carol Hall, CIS - Austin Elementary
"Karen is diligent in keeping students and teachers updated with the use of databases and how it supports curriculum and research skills. She encourages students to use problem solving skills through the use of coding skills, apps and "toys". Karen also uses a wide variety of apps and websites to support library skills and classroom TEKS such as Chatterpix (character traits and retelling), Popplet for story structure and several other skill building technology. Karen is always willing to go to a classroom when a teacher is in need for a first time use of technology and/or apps integration. She is in charge of Renaissance 360 and keeping students excited about reading and challenging each other to be great readers."