Two weeks down…
This week I am feeling much more like I have a sense of direction. Starting the inquiry process helped me to focus, and not feel overwhelmed by the volume of information. I am feeling like I have a vision of where I am going next week, although I still have plenty to do before my final project is done.
My plan is to create something to help primary teachers integrate technology in their classrooms. From what I have seen at my school, ICT is used more in the intermediate classes than in primary. Since I have taught all grades from K-3, and have a fairly good understanding of technology, I feel like I have a foot in each world and can help teachers to bridge the gap. I am thinking of presenting a workshop at our district Pro-D day in November, but also having some sort of blog/wiki/idea board where teachers can get and share ideas of good ICT integration.
We have really focused on starting with the “why” this week. Like I mentioned last week I expected to come into this course and hear about a bunch of cool apps, web services, and programs that I could use. And we have been hearing about some great things during the 10 minutes of fame presentations. But, I have learned that the “why” (What goal do we have for our students?) informs, and is much more important than, the “what” (Which app should we use?).
So now my goal is to get primary teachers in my district thinking the same way I am thinking, but I don’t quite know how to do that. Considering the range of attitudes, abilities, and access to ICT of colleagues in this course, I know I will see a similar (if not even greater) range in primary teachers in my district. How do I get them all to understand in a two hour workshop what has taken us two weeks of discussion, research, and idea-wrestling? I don’t know, but I’m hoping next week will make it clearer.
I’m all about lists so here is my think-aloud of what I need to do:
- finish research (need to investigate screen time and digital citizenship a bit more)
- organize big ideas (read through highlighting)
- find examples of meaningful ICT integration (teachers love examples)
- see what tech workshops were offered in the district last year (don’t want to overlap, and may find possible collaborators)
- find/develop a framework for planning (check BCTLA points of inquiry for ideas)
- determine how to plan a workshop (never given one before – eek!!)
- decide on a digital platform for sharing ideas (easy for me to maintain and colleagues to contribute)
- figure out how to get teachers on board to start with “why” instead of “what” (maybe analogies to older technology)
This seems like a very ambitious list, but considering how I was feeling last week, and how far I’ve come, I am NOT going to feel overwhelmed.
Amy!
You are a fearless leader! I applaud your willingness to share what you’ve gained in this class! I love the idea of a digital meeting place for your colleagues and I know your careful planning will result in a wonderful Pro-D workshop!
I have also questioned the use of technology with Primary students. I have asked myself, “which program?”, “which app?”, “which site?” so many times…Your post is a good reminder to focus on the why? instead of the what?.
I wondered what experience you’ve had with teaching with Backward Design? It has been helpful to me when I have been distracted by HOW to teach something rather than focusing on the learning outcome I hope for. In case you don’t already know, Backward Design is a three-step planning process. Step 1: Determine desired results–what should the students know/be able to do. Step 2: Determine acceptable evidence–how will the students demonstrate what they know/can do. Step 3: Plan learning experiences and instruction–How will the students learn what they need to know/do?
We would focus on the learning outcomes we desire and we would choose the technology that would support meeting those goals. (We wouldn’t use ICT just for the sake of using ICT.) Planning with Backward Design would help determine the WHY instead of the WHAT in regards to teaching using technology. What do you think?
Amy, you have made it through two weeks! I can see how ambitious you are and your passion to grow as an educator. I’m glad I have been a part of your learning journey. 🙂
Jorden
Hi Amy, it is “the why” that has resounded loud and clear this week over the barrage of “whats” from last week, and the corresponding sense of “aaaaaaah, too much.”
I applaud your very clear and thoughtful list of action. I’m still trying to sort out how I can do the same. I think that often teachers are adept at implementing decisive, and often complex action in the classroom, with/for our students, but executing professional development or reaching out beyond our school is much more challenging. Your plan is thoughtful and specific. I especially appreciate seeing the cross-checking for previous year’s ICT Pro-Ds because often there is unnecessary overlap. I know that you’re focusing on primary and “the why” (necessary competencies/skill development), but have you narrowed down the ICT component? Or are you thinking of the shot-gun approach, and share multiple types of ICT and uses? Either way I think it is a huge undertaking, but you are most definitely the woman for the job 🙂
Jorden, thank you for the Cliff’s notes on Backwards Design. I kind of had it in my head, since a teacher at my school has done things with it, but I haven’t really investigated it myself. I think it is a good fit for planning to use technology in an integrated way.
Michelle, thank you for your vote of confidence. I don’t know that I want to narrow down the ICT focus (iPads, laptops, digital cameras, etc) because I want to encourage teachers to consider what would be the best technology for their purpose. I am still feeling a bit overwhelmed, but am hoping it will come together this week.
What a great project idea, Amy! My experience in teacher education is that primary educators do not consider ICT part of the their educational responsibility. I can see how your work could make a real contribution to helping primary educators understand why it is very important to help prepare our youngest citizens for life online. I love the idea of combing the development of an online social presence for primary educators – space for discussion, collaboration, instructional design, problem-solving, etc. and facilitating a pro-d workshop. With luck you will attract new collaborators through the face to face pro-d session. One way to help break through educators’ resistance to using ICT is to provide a simple lesson planning session, and then, as the lesson planning is underway, discuss the more difficult theoretical and conceptual ideas as part of the learning process. Let me know if I can help you with putting this together.