You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

Bob Mullen utilizing the VGo Robot to help a student learn from home.

This guest blog post was written by Bob Mullen, Principal ofBlack River Middle School in Chester, NJ. Bob has been an educator for over 40 years as a teacher, administrator, and coach. He prides himself on knowing every child's name and supporting pedagogically sound teaching. Over the past few years I have had the good fortune of working with and learning from Bob. He is a 2014 Bammy Award Finalist for Middle School Principal of the Year and has the distinction of leading a middle school that has twice been designated as a Middle Grade Forums School to Watch. You can learn more about by following him on Twitter @Principal_Mullen. Below you will find several ways that Bob has embraced technology and virtual tools to help promote the success of students and staff. 

Google Classroom
I am using Google Classroom this year to open up communication with my teaching staff.  I can flip faculty meetings and save valuable time.  Teachers can make comments, and they also have the opportunity to share information with other staff members.  I am already receiving positive feedback from our staff.

Google Slides
I posted a summary of Domain Three of the Danielson Model on my Google Classroom.  I now have the opportunity to exchange ideas with my staff concerning instruction, the heart of the Danielson Model.  I also have included a video of Charlotte Danielson summarizing the main points we will discuss in our upcoming faculty meeting.

Adobe Voice
I used Adobe Voice to reinforce some major concepts we expect our teachers to use during everyday instruction.  It is very simple to use, and it saves an incredible amount of time.  I took pictures of a few slides and recorded my message.  It was easy to edit if necessary.  It is a great tool for administrators.

Twitter
We are telling our story at Black River Middle School through the use of Twitter.  I take pictures of our teachers and students on a daily basis as they engage in extraordinary activities.  I use my phone, Chrome Book, or Ipad to take the pictures and then post them on our website.  It is important to let parents know the great things our teachers and students are working on.