Week 4 Student Centered Learning and Professional Development

During week four we concentrated on technology based student-centered learning and professional development. I can say that the courses we have taken in this masters program has utilized each of the examples. We have worked independently and collaboratively using online classes, wikis, blogs, instant messaging, social media, audio and video. In this class particular we have worked collaboratively. This online class has us working collaboratively with websites, blogs, and collaborative word processing (Google docs). As a group we have taken it upon ourselves to also communicate through email, instant messaging, and social media. Even though many miles and conflicting personal schedules would normally cause serious roadblocks; technology brings us together to make an effective team. As a team we seemed to have a passion for a more effective staff development session for the teachers.

Solomon & Schrum (2007) tells us that “Unfortunately, even though massive amounts of money have been spent on training educators, we have not seen a real difference in the ways technology has been integrated into the classroom (Cuba, 2001: Lafey, 2004; Norris, Sullivan, Poirot & SOlloway, 200; Williams & Kingham, 2003)”. Our group took on a professional development idea that I think would assist with implementation. First, if each technology related topic would have it’s own staff development session. Second, if the teacher could provide proof of ability, they would be exempt thus saving money and the teacher’s time and frustration. Teachers that do attend would create a similar technology exercise to what they would use in the classroom based off an assignment from the staff development facilitator. Then the teacher would take this information back to the classroom and utilize it. The classroom technology would also be shared with the principal to ensure that the teacher did have an understanding and so the principal could evaluate not only the teacher but also the training. Our particular assignment requires the teacher to provide examples for students ensuring the teacher understands the technology as well as then showing the students a sample of what they could be creating. Practicing what you preach is sets a great example to the students.

Source:
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0: New tools, New schools. Eugen, OR: International Society for Technology in Education, 99-116.