We are excited to feature Kristina Wambold, a digital learning coach for ESD 112 in Vancouver, Washington and Google for Education Trainer! She will be joining forces with the NCCE Tech-Savvy Teachers to present the NCCE Summit, featuring Google for Education, in February at the NCCE conference in Seattle!
We caught up with Kristina recently to find out more about how she uses technology for enlightenment and organization in her busy training schedule!
Name: Kristina Wambold
Location: Vancouver, Washington
Current job(s): Digital Learning Coach for ESD 112, Google for Education Trainer
Current computer: MacBook Air, DELL
Current mobile device(s): Samsung S5, iPad Air, CTL Chromebook
One word that best describes how you teach or work: Connected
What apps/software/tools can you not live without?
In my current role as a Digital Learning Coach working with several districts, using multiple devices, I could not survive without Google Drive! Google Drive allows me to switch between devices and school district accounts with ease. Anywhere, Everywhere, Anytime with Google Drive. Another must have is Snagit by TechSmith. Snagit allows me to create quick and easy training screencasts that I share with my teachers and students. Snagit also allows me to create annotated screenshots for step-by-step directions. [Editor’s Note: Snagit is the preferred screencasting and screenshot tool by the Tech-Savvy Teachers! Best money you will ever spend.]
What is your favorite organizational tip, app or advice?
Google Now? Google Wow!
Staying organized with email can be tricky—You open an email to read, yet you don’t have time to address it right away; since it’s read you forget to reply. That is until I started using flags within email. Now when I open an email that I don’t have time to address, I flag it so that I don’t forget to reply later.
Scheduling life can be trick when you’re a working parent but with the help of layered Google Calendars I am able to make life work. On my cellphone I layer over 20 calendars to ensure I’m always where I need to be when I need to be. Calendars alone is amazing but add Google Now into the mix and your phone will become your new life secretary.
What is your browser of Choice?
Chrome!
If you had $1,000 to spend on classroom tools and wanted to make the greatest impact on student learning, how would you spend it?
The greatest impact on student learning comes from students that are active and engaged, thus I’d spend $1000 on devices in the hands of students. This would include Chromebooks and cameras—not necessarily one-to-one but enough to allow students the tools needed to create.
What is your favorite avenue to connect with social media?
Social Media has become my PLN connecting me with some many fabulous educators from around the world. As a Google Trainer I use Google+ to flip professional development and connect with educators using GAFE. If I have a Google related questions Google+ is my first stop.
As a tech-savvy teacher, what everyday thing do you feel you excel with/at versus other teachers/administrators/mentors?
One of my strengths that enables me to work with some many different people is my ability to build relationships. Through these relationships I’m able to encourage risk taking in the classroom.
What is the best teaching advice you have received?
The best advice I’ve ever received as an educator is to find balance between your classroom and personal life. As a passionate educator, it is easy to get wrapped up in grading papers, lesson planning, students and committees. Too often family, hobbies and health can take a back burner to the classroom. Without a balanced life we can become overstressed resulting in not being our personal best at either side of life. Although I’ll be the first to admit I’m not a pro at balance—it is my goal.
What is your workspace/classroom like?
I have a cubical at ESD 112 that I visit a few times a month. The rest of my time is spent in classrooms around the region.
Cubical (Left) & the Mobile Office
Join Kristina, the Tech-Savvy Teachers and other great speakers and trainers at the NCCE Summit featuring Google for Education, presented by the Digital Bug and NCCE Tech-Savvy Teachers!