Tech Integration & Human Connection in Social Studies
Welcome to the Modern Classrooms Project Podcast. Each week we bring you discussions with educators on how they use blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning to better serve their learners. In this episode, Frank Hernandez, a 30-year veteran educator to talk about his journey in education and his embrace of the Modern Classrooms model in his social studies classes.
Frank emphasizes human connection, stating how important it is to humanize himself as an educator. "It makes me look like, hey. He's a regular guy, he's a regular person, just like us." Frank dispels the myth that Modern Classrooms require excessive work, emphasizing organization instead. He highlights its positive impact on his professional growth, transforming him into a facilitator of learning. His goal is to continue implementing MCP and share it with other educators.
Here are three key takeaways from this podcast episode:
Humanizing Education: Frank prioritizes building relationships and creating a supportive learning environment. He navigates sensitive historical topics by encouraging critical thinking, acknowledging biases, and reminding students of the historical context.
Tech Integration: Frank effectively uses technology for instruction, assessment, and engagement. He describes using technology to enhance learning, from virtual field trips to diverse digital assessments.
Flexible Structure: Frank balances deadlines with individualized pacing and support. He balances structure and flexibility, especially with new students frequently joining his large classes. He notes, "It's a balancing act."
Discussion questions for PLC and PD:
Frank mentions the challenge of balancing structure and flexibility, especially with a large class size and frequent influx of new students. How do you create a learning environment that accommodates both structured learning and individual pacing, and what strategies do you use to integrate new students effectively throughout the year?
Frank uses a variety of technology tools in his classroom, from creating online field trips to incorporating video assessments. What are some innovative ways you use or would like to use technology to enhance student engagement and understanding, particularly in subjects like history or geography, and how do you ensure equitable access to these resources for all students?
Frank emphasizes the importance of humanizing education and building rapport with students. How do you prioritize creating a classroom culture that fosters positive relationships, celebrates student questions, and acknowledges the human side of both educators and learners, especially when dealing with potentially sensitive or controversial topics in your curriculum?
Our Host
Toni Rose taught MS English for 10 years and will forever identify as a teacher. Toni Rose strives to be the teacher that they never had growing up, so they focus on anti-bias, anti-racist work and wants to create a brave space for everyone around them. As a queer Filipinx, they understand just how important it is to be represented, be valued, and belong. They especially love being a thought partner for and celebrating teachers.
Our Guests
Frank Hernandez
II have served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, student coordinator, tutoring coordinator and truancy officer. Currently teaching high school world geography and world history. Proud married man , stepfather to 3 adult children, 1 grandson and dog daddy of 2 terrier mixes.
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