Copy of Professional Learning Plan

Through my CEP courses I have learned many skills for using technology as well as some wonderful web tools. I hope to use them... I plan to use classroom blogs on Blogger for organizing and communicating classroom information with students and families. I also plan to use PowerPoint and Prezi for my own presentations as well as student presentations. Then I will use Weebly to create a class website where we can post these important projects. I would also like to create a Wikispace for students to use when collaborating on projects or for producing a source of information. I would like to find more practical ways of helping my colleagues to practice using more technology in their lessons. Most teachers want to reach their students in the best way possible but they need to understand that it may require some extra effort on their part to learn about technology in the classroom. They need to understand the value of taking risks and that in the end it will be worth the outcome. So, I hope to create a blog for teachers to post ideas and questions and have continuous discussions about taking these risks in their lessons . CEP 812 Professional Learning Plan In the classroom... My goals set in CEP 810 are continuing to be met as I gain more knowledge and experience in technology. This includes: Google apps ~ organization and communication Voice Thread ~ literacy skills Social networking sites ~ build community and collaborate Digital citzenship ~ etiquette and safety Blogging ~ sharing ideas, projects, etc. These tools and goals are important variables in expanding my PLN. Without them, collaboration between the teachers in my building will not be as easily accomplished. Without that collaboration, some teachers will choose to avoid incorporating technology in their instruction. Among colleagues... Beyond my school... I would like to build connections with teachers around the world to see what tips and tricks they have for using technology. I hope to have my class collaborate with other classrooms around the world to share presentations, ask questions and share knowledge. I would also like to use web tools to help students as they conduct research. For example, they could interview professionals to gather information for projects. Goals for the next year Implementing the Wicked Problem Project, Jeopardy using the SMART Board to increase student interest and participation. I hope to do this by the end of fall 2011. Creating a staff technology blog. This will help us collaborate about ideas, questions, concerns and lesson samples regarding technology in education. I hope to have this started by the end of September 2011. I also want to learn more about how to use mobile learning devices in the classroom and how they can increase students' interest and excitement for learning. This will take a little more time though. I need to research the various types of MLDs and plan the best way to incorporate this tool given the limited financial resources that we have at our school. My main goal for the next year is to find various ways to use technology in the classroom that is meaningful and relevant to the students. I plan to do this by: As I reflect on CEP 812, I have noticed tools and ideas that I need to add to my list of goals which I had not considered while taking CEP 810. Such as...I want to think about the value of technology in the classroom and to identify areas where technology could be applied to help solve a problem. I also want to instill in my students the values and habits of being a lifelong learner. Helping them to be contributors not just consumers of technology. Being a lifelong learner is at the heart of professional development. As teachers we must not only express to our students the importance of being willing to learn but we must also embrace that concept for ourselves. Forward thinking... We cannot ignore the use of technology in the classroom any longer. Technology is here to stay. We need to approach learning ways of using technology effectively with the same response that we expect of our students when it comes to learning something that is new and possibly difficult. Without risks, nothing is gained. Therefore, expanding my PLN is very important to me. If that happens, then what? Students will miss out on some really amazing opportunities. They won't be "switched on" during instruction. They will not acquire skills necessary to grow their own PLNs. In essence, they will be greatly impacted. These goals are being accomplished and will continue to be discussed with colleagues. I desired to expand my PLN by sharing new ideas in technology with colleagues. (cc) photo by theaucitron on Flickr (cc) photo by theaucitron on Flickr Our students need us to keep up with the technological trends in order to support them becoming 21st century citizens. Our job is to help them grow in understanding and practice of technology in the classroom and beyond. As students gain more exposure and experience with using technology, they will become engaged in life long pursuit of learning. They're ready to learn, are we? Reflecting... What's next? What will I do differently? By: Julie Gill