The Global Classroom: Ms. Loren Loomis and her Second Graders Hangout in Classrooms Around the World

Picture
In 2013, I started using Chromebooks in my second grade classroom at St. James Regional Catholic School. We are a Google for Education School.  At first I started out with 10 Chromebooks that were shared by all of the students. In the beginning, I thought to myself how am I going to teach 22 second grade students to use a Chromebook, knowing that each student needed my immediate individual attention at times. I realized that I needed to put into practice what I teach my students everyday by using a good Growth Mindset. I knew that I needed to be patient, persevere, and learn from my mistakes. Once I put those attitudes into place, I realized that this could happen and I was ready to take on the challenge of teaching my second grade students how to use technology in the classroom daily and not only in their bi-weekly computer class.​
Picture
Starting in 2017, each student has their own Chromebook to use on a daily basis. I try to incorporate various technology features into the classroom everyday. One of my favorite things to use is Google Hangout, exposing the students globally by connecting with other schools around the world on Character Day, Dot Day, Global Read Aloud, and Projects by Jen. This gives my students the opportunity to meet other students in different parts of the world and learn about their cultures. We use Google Earth to find their location and compare where we are on the globe. Once we make a connection, we create a group project shared through G-Suite or Padlet. Once we finish our shared project, our class will connect again through Google Hangout. I love trying new technology techniques in my classroom because the children are so adaptable to it.
​​
Ms. Loren Loomis
St. James Regional Catholic School

Loren loves decorating her classroom. Each year she chooses a completely new theme. In years past, the themes have been, "Away at Camp", "A Train Ride Across America" and this year's is "King of the Jungle". Check out the Jeep and the Giraffe in the pictures below. When she isn't coming up with creative new ways to engage her students, she loves spending time down the shore with her family. 

Loren was nominated to be a Featured Teacher by her principal Ms. Barbara Burke. “Loren is a remarkable teacher who shares her gifts and talents with the St. James Regional Catholic School community  everyday! Her technology skills are only one of her many gifts! Loren is an exemplary teacher who supports our mission in word and action! I am so proud of her selfless dedication to all the students, parents , faculty and staff.”
AOPTech would like to thank Ms. Loomis for sharing her classroom expertise with us.
​We also would like to  thank Ms. Burke for sending us the nomination.  

​​If you know of a teacher that should be featured next month let us know here - Nominate a Teacher