December 2019 - Susan Hillin
Name
Susan Hillin
What Do You Teach?
1st Grade Self Contained - GT
Where Do you Teach?
Stephen F. Austin Elementary School
How Long Have You Been Teaching?
24 years
How Does Educational Technology Play a Role in Your Classroom?
We use technology daily in my classroom. I am fortunate to have an iPad cart housed in my room. Part of our daily routines include a Technology Choice Board to create work. Students may choose apps to extend their learning. The apps push students to explore and use their creativity. We also use SeeSaw, an online digital portfolio and learning tool, to create and showcase their work with their parents.
How Do You Find Technology in the Classroom Helpful?
Technology has allowed for me as a teacher to work with students at different places in their learning process. Students can research, write, read, draw, and explain using their words. They are able to share a product with their parents that includes their voice. How powerful! They are 21st century learners. I try to provide opportunities in their learning to help them create and shine! BONUS - They want to use technology to learn!
What Is Your Favorite Piece of Classroom Technology? Why?
I enjoy having access to iPads. On most days we start a lesson one way and the students take it in a whole other direction with the iPads. I never know what's around the corner in learning when I allow them to take charge. There have been a few "never again" moments, but most of the times I am overjoyed! I am learning constantly from them. Our classroom favorite apps include - Seesaw, Doodle Buddy, Pic Edu, Popplet, Draw and Tell, Tynker, Do Ink, Book Creator, and Prodigy. I am looking forward to diving deeper in our technology use during our GT animal research project. We will add to our knowledge by using various Google Apps and Scratch Jr.
What Is On Your Technology Wish List For Your Classroom? Why?
I am looking forward to having my own classroom set of iPads and Apple TV. I would love to have a classroom set of headphones with microphones attached to make recording their voices easier.
What Do You Love Most About Teaching?
I love that I have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child!
Nominated by:
Amber Truncale, Austin Elementary School
"Ms. Hillin uses several IPAD apps including Dojo, Remind, SeeSaw, Digital Journals. She has taught the kids how to make and edit short movies and how to make and edit digital Art. She is also introducing coding in her class. She keeps in daily/weekly contact with parents via remind by sending updates and pictures."