Monday, August 10, 2015

Corey Holmer Introduction Post

Howdy everyone! My name is Corey Holmer. I am currently an integration coach for a k-8 district in Crystal Lake, IL and will be starting my new role as an educational technologist for Lake Forest. Before taking this role as technology coach, I taught 7th/8th grade science for 5 years.

As a classroom teacher was fortunate enough to pilot technology in my classroom to better improve and teach 21st century skills. Starting in my first years, we started a class blog with Wordpress and used tools like Glogster and Google Apps to collaborate in and out of the classroom. I furthered my growth as I became the first 1:1 iPad teacher for out district, receiving a full set of iPads and an Apple TV to create a paperless classroom. During my two years with this amazing technology, we transformed the classroom into a learning environment where collaboration, project based learning, and technology use became the norm. It was this experience that helped me become the district-wide integration coach.

For the past two years, as the integration coach, I have helped our district move forward with the implementation of Google Apps, iPads, teacher websites, and other technology initiatives. I have also helped create and implement our middle STEM program through a partnership with Northwestern University.

Outside of the district I have shared my work locally and nationally at conferences. I am also a Google Certified Innovator and authorized Google Certified Trainer. Most recently I was recognized by the ISTE organization as the 2015 Outstanding Young Educator for my work in coaching and integrating technology into the classroom.

I am most excited to further of knowledge of online tools and collaborate with professionals in the field. This will be my first year using Chromebooks as a 1:1 device and am always looking for new ideas. Excited to be part of this class!

5 comments:

  1. Hi Corey,

    It sounds like you have great tech experience as a coach and a teacher. I can't wait to learn more from you. Are you excited about the transition to Chromebooks? I did a 1:1 trial this year comparing chromebooks and iPads in my district. We went with iPads and start 1:1 implementation in our middle school building this year. I did love the chromebooks though. Very easy to use and great capabilities. We did struggle with video production but started working with WeVideo and websites. I hope all goes well with your new position in Lake Forest.

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    1. Kelly it's a shame you can't have access to both the iPads and Chromebooks in a 1:1 setting- they serve different purposes for different assignments!

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  2. Thanks for the thoughtful introduction, Corey. Congrats on your ISTE award! I was at the conference as well. Was there anything that you learned there that you will be able to implement this year? I know many of the fabulous techies you will be working with in Lake Forest- you are in great hands. Being a coach is exciting and has it's challenges at the same time. I hope the workshop will introduce you to at least one or two new tools that you can use with your teachers this year.

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  3. One more question, Corey- what brings you to this workshop?

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    1. Hi Nicole. Fairly certain we have met and done a few Edcamps together.

      Happy you were able to attend ISTE, always a great time. My takeaways came mostly from the connections and building my network. I did attend a few sessions on digital storytelling, which I enjoyed.

      I have take this course as part of the Technology Education program. In order to receive the K-12 endorsement (only have K-9 right now), I need to complete an endorsement program. This is my first class!

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