Are you finding the information and resources you need?
Much of the information and resources were I need to accomplish my goals are strategies, software, programs and concepts I have already learned in my courses. The issue I am having is with implementation and time. By creating my journal and organizing a calendar to make time each week I am feeling like the task is much more manageable. In one class I have already been able to implement and change two lessons which felt really rewarding!
Do you need to modify your action plan?
I do think I need to be realistic and only focus on the classes I am teaching this semester for altering lessons and adding new technology. I was able to modify two lessons in one of my classes but I have two other classes to tackle before the end of the semester. At our next PLC meeting I plan to survey my team members to see if there is interest in a certain technology. If there is interest within my group I will then use a survey technology (many are available online) to send out a short quiz to the entire staff to see if there is enough interest in a professional development session or if staff would rather have a page of resources for each subject area.
What have you learned so far?
I have learned that I often make unrealistic goals for myself. Tackling one of these issues while working on a Master’s program, teaching full time, coaching and raising a fourteen year old and a two year old is realistic. Doing both at the same time is just too much on my plate right now. I think this class falling in the middle of state testing and AP testing is just too much for me right now. I learned that I need to slow down and tackle one issue at a time.
What new questions have arisen?
One question that has arisen is how can I get my staff excited and not scared about implementing technology into their classes? The teachers in my building are already overworked and stressed to the breaking point, so how can I convince them to buy into what I have to share? Until next time……
Hi Cristina,
ReplyDeleteA colleague recently asked me the question about getting people to buy in to the value of technology. I think one key to accomplishing this is to recognize that teachers are very overworked and to present a very small, manageable technology integration goal that they see as helpful in a problem or issue they have. If teachers see the tool as requiring only a tweak to their existing lessons, and enhancing those lessons, they may be more interested in giving it a try.
I hope that helps a little.
Susan
Hello Cristina,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your idea of checking with the teachers to hear their opinion about whether they would prefer a technology session or a list of resources. I think that this time of the year, most teachers are so overwhelm and burn out that it is good to be given an option. This will also help you because there is no need to spend time presenting to just a few colleagues.I have tried having technology sessions during my planning which last for approximate 30 minutes. I was able to share a lot and plus it gave teachers a chance to do other tasks. I also think that just making a few changes in your current lesson plans are feasible because it allow you the opportunity to incorporate new strategies to help enhance your teaching practices.
Hi Cristina,
ReplyDeleteYou sounded like you were having a tough day! I can certainly understand that. :) We do have a lot of pressures on all of us. I agree with Susan and what she said about sharing how much you can tweak a lesson. It's not necessarily chancing the whole thing. When you think about one technology that you can use for one lesson, it maybe something that the students can do on their own, and not necessarily something you need to set up. I think that if we show our colleagues how very student centered and not teacher centered technology is, they may be more accepting. Look for studies that show how technology helps in planning, implementation, and assessment. Teacher have needed to become a lot more data driven, so show them some data!
Hi Christina,
ReplyDeleteI can understand your need for time to implemnet your plan. This is our activity term and there is some form of all-school activity every week. There are sports, fund raisers, elocution and a wide variety of other contest, along with concerts and the like. Continue to press on with your integration. Once your colleages see the benefits and exciting in you and your students they will want to get on board.
Unfortunately, I have a pretty bad feeling about the response you might receive from your colleagues. It has nothing to do with the material you want to present them and its potential benefits, but everything to do with the time of year. When teachers are faced with testing, Spring Break, extra-curriculars, and all kinds of other time restrictions, one of the last things they want to be involved with is "non-required" professional learning. Regardless of how beneficial we know it can be, teachers already feel pressed for time and may choose to pass on a wonderful opportunity. While it may not be ideal for you now, summer or early fall might be the best time to try to integrate your new ideas. Good luck.
ReplyDelete