I've been forced to sit through these professional development sessions. You know what I'm talking about, my fellow educators: those PD experiences that are more closely related to what I call an 'information dump' without any real-world practical application, examples, hands-on collaboration, etc. After such an experience, I would take my handouts (if any were provided), return to my classroom and the million and one and other things I have on my to-do list. The handout would invariably get filed away in my PD folder and when I would try to re-call the learning experience...well, I think you get the picture. This is not to say that I haven't had some amazing PD experiences in my career--I HAVE! But I would love to say that all of these experiences were wonderful.
I also know what it's like to be on the other side of the fence. Although I insisted that every PD I conducted be a hands on experience that fostered collaboration and creation, I am guilty of providing these 'information dump' professional development sessions as the K-12 Ed Tech industry usually bills PD per-day. While I did my best to support my teachers post-PD (via phone calls, emails, one-on-one webinars, and training materials), I know that the best professional development experience--and successful integration and implementation of a particular technology product--requires ON-GOING support!
Until the K-12 Educational Technology industry realizes this and places the value on PD services and the direct correlation to future sales (especially cloud-based product subscription renewals), I think schools and districts will continue to struggle with adoption and user experience.
I also think that the approach to PD needs to shift from providing teachers with a punch list or menu of offerings to supporting teacher choice and helping them along a more personalized professional development path.
I know there are companies and districts out there getting it right.
But, I can only speak from my own experience, both as a teacher and as a service provider.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Monday, September 26, 2016
I'm BACK!
Well, it has been entirely too long since I have posted. Life tends to get in the way sometimes. I just completed my first class in my M.Ed in Instructional Design and Technology program. I'm both exhausted and excited! I had no idea that going back to school (after so many years of contemplation, hectic schedules, and life events) would be so incredibly exciting and rewarding.
When I started this blog all those years ago, I was a Technology Integration Specialist and my job was to help teachers harness the power of technology tools in the classroom. Goodness, have we come a long way since then!
One thing remains the same with me, however: the belief that teachers do NOT have to reinvent the wheel when infusing technology into their lessons. Teachers can simply take one lesson or activity, and brainstorm ways that a particular technology tool can help enhance or enrich the experience. The technology is not the magic, but the technology can help teachers enhance the magical moments that occur in their classrooms on a regular basis.
I am currently working on my Google Educator Certification and learning SO much! If you haven't had a chance to check it out--DO SO! You can find the information you need here at the Google for Education Certified Trainer Program Page.
As schools look to find ways to make learning more personalized, Google should be their first stop. Google tools, both basic and advanced, can help teachers and students transition into a personalized learning environment that will give students the skills to successfully function in a technology-infused world.
As I close out my first post in nearly 7 years, I think back over my experiences as a teacher, as a national trainer/PD Specialist for eInstruction/Turning Technologies, and my current role, I can hardly believe the journey. I am a definitely a life-long learner...
When I started this blog all those years ago, I was a Technology Integration Specialist and my job was to help teachers harness the power of technology tools in the classroom. Goodness, have we come a long way since then!
One thing remains the same with me, however: the belief that teachers do NOT have to reinvent the wheel when infusing technology into their lessons. Teachers can simply take one lesson or activity, and brainstorm ways that a particular technology tool can help enhance or enrich the experience. The technology is not the magic, but the technology can help teachers enhance the magical moments that occur in their classrooms on a regular basis.
I am currently working on my Google Educator Certification and learning SO much! If you haven't had a chance to check it out--DO SO! You can find the information you need here at the Google for Education Certified Trainer Program Page.
As schools look to find ways to make learning more personalized, Google should be their first stop. Google tools, both basic and advanced, can help teachers and students transition into a personalized learning environment that will give students the skills to successfully function in a technology-infused world.
As I close out my first post in nearly 7 years, I think back over my experiences as a teacher, as a national trainer/PD Specialist for eInstruction/Turning Technologies, and my current role, I can hardly believe the journey. I am a definitely a life-long learner...
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