Chapter 8 Foster Collaboration
Chapter 9 Strengthen Others
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Professional development in VUSD for technology is almost nonexistent. The only technology professional development I have attended was last summer. It was optional and a one day event. However, it was amazing. The way it was set up was more like unconferencing. We could not do them all in one day. We had to choose 2 session. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. I chose Google Apps For Education for my morning block. The setup was self driven. We signed up on a Google classroom set up specifically for this training. We chose the videos we wanted to watch, and discussed them with our table. In the afternoon, I chose the group using apps in the classroom. They walked us through Quizlet, Kahoot, and other apps we could use in our classroom, This was the BEST PD I have ever been to. Even with the turnout being more than they planned for, and the overall excitement from the teacher and the apparent thirst for more information. We have not had another PD on integrating technology. This is what is missing from our district. This is what is going to be effective, this is what teachers want! Now if you asked me before the training what exactly I wanted from a technology PD, I would not have been able to tell you. I knew programs and apps were out there free for the taking, but I was not even sure what I need to know to formulate an appropriate response. Now I know. I want to know what to use to transform my lessons with technology. I want to see it modeled so I can use it in my classroom. What is not effective is expecting all teachers to know how to effectively integrate technology into the classroom without training. Teachers need time to plan and research and test out new technology. Teachers need to know its okay to try something new and possibly fail. We need to know that our administrators trust us to try again and succeed. Quotes- I couldn't choose between these three:
People don't buy what you do they buy why you do it. He gave the I have a dream speech, not the I have a plan speech. We don't believe you; we don't need it; we don't like it; you're scaring us. Question: Is the research of the brain and the way Mr. Sinek explained the "Golden circle" accurate? Talking Points:
1. MODEL THE WAY - Ch 2.Clarify values; Ch. 3 Set the Example
Find your own words for talking about what is important to you.
2. INSPIRE A VISION - Ch. 4 Envision the Future; Ch. 5 Enlist Others Make a list of all you want to accomplish and ask yourself why?
3. CHALLENGE THE PROCESS - Ch. 6 Search for Opportunities; Ch. 7 Experiment and Take Risks Always be asking what’s new? What’s next? What’s better?
My principal was very clear and has stated at staff meetings regularly that the students are to be on the computers doing something. The expectation is there for even our youngest in Kindergarten. They are to be able to turn on and use a mouse or finger pad to navigate to the icon where the educational games are located. There is much freedom with the technology expectations. Eric Sheninger's Book Digital Leadership states on page 34, "With this comes the responsibility to ensure that teachers are provided the freedom to take risks, knowledge of the effective practices, resources to make it happen, and flexibility to incorporate innovative teaching strategies." We are lucky at my site that our principal gives us freedom over curriculum, teaching strategies and integration of technology.
On page 76 of The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner, they state, "In other words, if you want to get better results, make sure you practice what you preach. What you do speaks louder than what you say". Our principal, Mr. Davis, who is our main technology leader, uses technology to communicate with us. He also uses different video, slides, and other forms of technology during our meetings. He encourages us when we use any new tech in our class. Our districts vision for our elementary school is to have 1 device or Chromebook for every two students. However Mr. Davis has been pushing for 1:1. PTA has also purchased a few full Chromecarts for our school in the hopes of soon closing that gap of classrooms who share. Mr. Davis knows how important it is for education to technology to merge. Like with every school site we have driven technology leaders, and those that say they just don't have time for that nonsense. We have many staff members who are close to retirement that are very happy in there paper pencil on classroom routines. Every year I have at least one student who has almost no experience with computers. I accept that as a personal challenge to get all my students using technology. creating posts on Kidblog, creating movies on Adobespark, using Google slides and Google docs, playing games on Kahoot. I get to help them fall in love with technology in the classroom. |
AuthorI am a 5th grade teacher for Visalia Unified School District. I teach at Oak Grove, we are a k-8 school site. Archives
November 2017
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