Rob--Featured Teacher: Tricia DiFulvio

"While her students believed they had strong computer skills, they actually only had strong gaming skills. This has opened a world of real life/college and career computer skills allowing them to spark a new interest."

Tricia DiFulvio
6th Grade Teacher
McGraw High School
McGraw Central School District

Congratulations to our June 2015 Featured Teacher Tricia DiFulvio. Tricia is completing her 20th year of teaching, the last three of which have been spent in the McGraw Central School District. She considers herself blessed to work with sixth grade students at McGraw High School focusing on ELA and social studies. Additionally, she spends several periods a day supporting juniors and seniors who struggle to pass the Global and U.S. History Regents.

What are some of the innovative ways that Tricia integrates technology into her curriculum?
Tricia was able to pilot a four week program using Chromebooks extensively in her classroom. The pilot program was made possible through collaboration with the CNYRIC's Model Schools Program. During the program, Tricia created her first Google classroom in which all work was distributed paperlessly. Not only did she share informational articles, videos, and activities for students to reflect upon, but students shared their ideas and comments with each other through Google Classroom. Students who were absent easily completed assignments while at home as all of the information was online in the Classroom assignment and announcement page.

While students were working on a document, Tricia could watch their progress on her own computer and make comments in the margin. Papers were never misplaced, as frequently happens with sixth graders, because their Google Drive kept every paper, even after they submitted it was submitted for review. Once Tricia assessed their papers and made comments, she could return the papers to the students who had a running tab of their grades, what was due, and what was already done.

How have students benefited from Tricia's technology integration initiatives?
Through surveys Tricia created, students were able to anonymously share feedback on how she was doing and the instructional strategies she was using. Their honest voice allowed her to adjust the classroom to better facilitate her students' learning. Students showed more interest in reading and writing while using the Chromebooks. Even though their time with them was limited to four weeks, students requested to continue utilizing Google Classroom so they could access work from home and still submit things electronically. Plus, if a student needs a paper copy, they can print from that site as well.

While her students believed they had strong computer skills, they actually only had strong gaming skills. This has opened a world of real life/college and career computer skills allowing them to spark a new interest.

Is This You?
Are you the type of teacher who thinks about technology integration and new ways to enhance instruction, engage students, and make learning fun? Know someone who fits the profile? Recommend a "Featured Teacher" so we can recognize and celebrate great work in the area of instructional technology!

Meet Our June Featured Teacher: Tricia DiFulvio