Recently, Massachusetts DESE has released standards for high quality professional development as part of the Race to the Top initiative.
A set of coherent learning experiences that is systematic, purposeful, and structured over a sustained period of time with the goal of improving teacher practice and student outcomes. It enables educators to facilitate the learning of students by acquiring and applying knowledge, skills, and abilities that address student needs and improvement goals of the district, school, and individual. HQPD conforms to best practices in research and relates to educators' assignments and professional responsibilities.In this summer course we will explore current online technology tools, discuss their impact on student learning and develop lessons and strategies to integrate them into current teaching. The goal is to research and develop technology integration project that supports the curriculum and helps students reach their learning goals to be implemented during the 2013-2014 school year.
In the spirit of this course, I will be challenging myself to learn more as well. For example, I usually use Edublogs to host my blog. I am writing this using Blogger for this course and will continue to add features throughout the summer. Some modules will be the same that were used in summer 2012 and others will be trying new tools. I will be learning from you through your feedback and reflections.
Take risks, think out of the box, don't give up, and enjoy the ride.
Are you ready?
Stephanie, I'm really excited about the opportunity to incorporate new tools into my teaching. Now that I have a handle on tools like iWeb and iMovie (thanks to you!), I'm ready to involve technology in an altogether new way in my classroom.
ReplyDeleteYou are ready for the next step - a move to the cloud! Technology integration in and out of the classroom is a big request from our students.
DeleteStephanie, I have always challenged myself to learn more and to be the best I can be -- to take healthy risks to better myself and my situation. I have always embraced technology....I was one of the few students who actually had a computer in my house when I was in 5th grade. It had a black screen with orange text and we used Leading Edge Word Processing. Over the years, I have always tried to stay ahead of the game when it came to technology -- especially when I started teaching. Though I am always willing to try new things, it has been a few years since I have taken a technology course, so I am looking forward to this course to try out some new things.
ReplyDeleteGreat! we will be exploring many different online tools. It will be nice to have the Language teachers' perspectives. I look forward to learning from all of you, too.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, that little guy in the video couldn't be any cuter! Okay. So. I got a MacBook last summer and drive my husband crazy as I spend my evenings playing around with different things and procrastinate cleaning as he watches the sport of the season. So now, I can say "But this is for CLASS, I have to figure this out..." He can still roll his eyes if he wants!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie
ReplyDeleteIn my other life (not at school), I am a photographer with a small business. In order to compete, I have had to embrace technology and keep up with the big dogs. I had a facebook account in grad school and had a facebook page for my business before there even were business pages. I have a blog (I'm jumped around a few times---currently using blogger), have created a website or two (or three), and attempted twitter (totally not sold). The hardest thing is keeping up with all of the connections.
This year, I implemented a classroom blog (it's been part of my vision for years) and added some info for parents. It's not nearly as developed as I had hoped, but my plan is to become a regular poster on my blog in the next year. What I think I need most is a plan---a carved out time to write, and a calendar of topics to write about.
Hi Stephanie! I'm looking forward to getting some new tools for my bag o tricks! I try to keep up with the kids as far as technology goes. I think, considering I didn't grow up with computers, I've done a pretty good job keeping up personally, but would like to utilize more online tools for my instruction. Being a band director, we rely on music and our instruments for instruction......that's about it.....so it will be interesting to work on tying all of this in and making it applicable! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Steph! As you know, I spent most of the semester pulling out my hair, and completing wonderful projects that I will incorporate into my classroom--so I feel pretty confident on the "learning" part. I would love to focus as much as I can on the "teaching" aspect of technology--especially the communication part. Looking forward to doing this in English, as well! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie! This is where I need to be! For so long, I have been meaning to spend the time setting up a classroom blog but just haven't managed to get to it. Truly, I have always put it on the list, just not high enough to ever get done. I am excited to finally get to this and am so glad that this course will offer the how-to and the time for me to make it what I want. My 4th graders will be psyched!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie! I loved that video. That very enthusiastic boy reminds me to keep a positive attitude! I'm looking forward to this class, and hoping that I can learn how to use some blogging with my class this upcoming school year.
ReplyDeleteIf you believe in your self, you can do it!!
ReplyDeleteThis is another comment to check this out.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great start to this class! Your blog posts set the bar very high. My classmates have followed suit. So much Inspiration and Humor! ...how will I rise to the challenge myself?
ReplyDeleteOne of the goals for the coming year is to go out of my comfort zone and include technology. I teach several students all day long and would like to add in a new element to my teaching to keep them interested and engaged. Since technology is how many of these kids communicate now, I would like to find safe technology ways to communicate with them in an educational format, such as a blog. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteSorry that last comment was from Jenny Lawton - the only way I've been able to post a comment to far. I am still working on that part. :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, I think I finally have an idea of what to do here. Im really looking forward to this class because I am completely settled into a comfort zone and already am way behind the technology learning curve, so I really appreciate this chance to start catching up a little. And yes, this is the third time Ive tried to post something. at least.
ReplyDeleteHi, Stephanie I feel that I have a lot of computer skills. However, it has been a few years since I have taken a class, and I need to up-date my skills. I don't know if I am ever really in my comfort zone because I always try projects a hundred different ways before I am satisfied.
ReplyDeleteIt just so happens that I am changing the way I use blogs in my creative writing course. I am looking forward to the new tools that I will be able to incorporate into the revision. The plan is to use the blog more as a journal for my students, and just like any journal, I want my students to be able to express their ideas in as many different ways as is possible. Each thinker and writer is different, and a journal should reflect that. Hopefully my tool box will be equipped with all that I need to make the blog as lively and thought provoking as my students can handle.
ReplyDelete