Learning Experience 4 Reflection

1. Describe one significant idea or issue that has arisen for you, as you were engaging in the topics during Learning Experiences #3 and #4.

I believe that one significant idea that has arisen for me was the significance of long term planning on a school level. During the preparation of my 3 year plan for technology in my school I realized the importance of long term and short term goals. It is important to look at the pros and cons of various forms of technology, combined with their effectiveness before implementing them into a school plan. Another major issue that has arisen constantly with technology is cost, and finding ways of funding future uses of technology is very challenging.

2. Elaborate on how specific resources, ideas or experiences in these Learning Experiences have contributed to your learning. e.g. reading material, course activities etc.

I think for myself through researching various pros and cons of personal devices in the classroom, it amazes me how much information and resources are actually available for schools and staff members. Not only is important to gather information from within our own communities, but its vital that we as educators take advantage of the online resources readily available to us.

3. Share how your participation in the discussion forums have contributed to your learning and connect this to your understanding of the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession.

Once again, the discussion that has been developed throughout this course and LE3/4 has been very supportive to my learning in this course. It has been great to see the various plans, parent nights, and blogs that others have created. It once again shows how collaboration in the field of technology is so important to furthering our professional development.

4. Discuss any outstanding questions and the steps you may take to further explore your interests as part of your learning in the course.

Following the completion of this course, I will be taking on the big task of completing Integration of Information and Computer Technology Specialist. This will be my final AQ course in this field to allow me to be a leader in technology at my current school.

5. You may add any other reflection comment you wish.

N/A

E-tivity #3 - Classroom Blogs

Blogs within the school is a great way to get both students and staff engaged. I think that within the classroom, blogging is a great way to reach students in a variety of subject areas. I currently am planning to use blogs within my literacy program as a literacy circle for their independent reading for the upcoming 2013-2014 school year. This promotes the community of learners and helps foster their reading development and enjoyment. Blogs can also be used with students to share their student led inquiry in any subject area. Blogging can also be used as a tool to collaborate with students in other schools as a way of expanding the student’s learning circle.

In terms of staff, blogs provide the opportunity for staff to collaborate and facilitate the sharing of ideas. I think it would be a great tool to be used within my small school as we only have approx. 1 teacher per grade, so by utilizing Blogs, teachers could collaborate for TLCP’s and networked planning. This could provide the opportunity for teachers to collaborate on their own time and share their resources and ideas. Overall, blogging is an excellent and interactive opportunity that creates a flexible and collaborative sharing environment.

Learning Experience 3 Reflection

Well, I have successfully completed LE3! One major idea that arose for me during this Learning Experience was the importance of having a clear direction for technology. I believe that it is so important for the principal in collaboration with the staff to develop a clear plan for implementing technology into the classroom and school, and to provide all of the necessary PD to support the teachers. It is also important that those who are considered leaders in technology step up and provide their support to the staff. I think being able to prepare a survey for my staff, conduct the survey and reflect on that data has given me a great outlook heading into this school year. Furthermore, I was able to prepare a mock calendar where I could put my ideas down on a Google Calendar for our staff this year. Then I was able to take all of that information and prepare a workshop for my staff. Under no circumstances would I have had the opportunity to create all of this without the support of this course. The collaboration in this Learning Experience has been very beneficial. In particular, E-tivity #5 where I collaborated with 2 other teachers to put together a wiki page: https://intermediateresources.wikispaces.com/home This opportunity is so beneficial as it creates a central location for teachers who don’t have the opportunity to work face to face to be able to combine resources. This has been one of the most beneficial parts of this course. I will continue to prepare and rely on the previous 3 learning experiences for LE4 – School Wide instruction.