Wednesday, July 24, 2013

7/24 Reflection

7/24 Reflection

What an amazingly rich day of learning, discussions, wonderings, and opportunity.  In fact, there was so much packed into today's class I can only hope I documented enough in the Notes/Thoughts below.  I'm going to have to spend some significant time going back through the links below if I hope to truly comprehend the thinking and potential actions that came out of today.

I am most excited to share my learnings around the various google tools with my building colleagues, and the notion of flipped PD with our Director of Technology and Innovation.  I believe our district is on the precipice of something really special with our integration of instructional technology, and yet we stand little chance of creating a new reality without a reformed vision of professional development.

Notes/Thoughts - 7/24

Engaging discussion of instances where technology has not been used effectively:
  • Video lesson in first period, replay for subsequent classes throughout the day
  • Troubles with email correspondence - especially with parents
  • Social Media and its many effects on schools
    • Where is the line one what constitutes a disruptions to the learning environment?
    • Are there ways to embrace it to support learning, and how?
    • We need to get out ahead of communication because in the absence of truth people will create their own reality (and spread it)...
  • Low-tech use of high-tech equipment
    • One on one conversations with staff
    • Struggles with feeling like we need to over communicate because of the various modalities because some staff choose to only use one format
  • Districts limiting staff use of laptops during summer
    • A time when teachers would spend their own time using and becoming more comfortable with technology
Flipped PD   - An article in Education Week describing a transformed model of technology professional development in a Minnesota school district
  • What would be the first step if you wanted to begin down this path?
  • How do we balance tight vs. loose in order to build capacity and momentum?
Google
  • Doug Bundy 
  • Google Notes/Highlights
  • Student Source  - Can search by standard and get resources (some have been created by students, while others are just curated by students and brought in/linked from other sites/resources) <currently about 250 separate modules>

3 comments:

  1. It was awesome & mind blowing to be in the weeds today. Even our center court was engaging this morning.

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  2. Glad you enjoyed the day. A bit overwhelming at times, I know. G is a great presenter and does this to groups all the time! Hope you find some chunks of meat to chew on and integrate into your practice next year!

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  3. Yesterday was full of new learning for me. I have never done anything with Google docs. I an going to try the flipped PD out. It sounds like fun!

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