6.1 Continuous Learning
Candidates demonstrate continual growth in knowledge and skills of current and emerging technologies and apply them to improve personal productivity and professional practice. (PSC 6.1/ISTE 6a, 6b)
Artifact:
Learning About itsLearning
Reflection:
The artifact presented in this standard was a screenshot of an online professional learning course offered in Forsyth County Schools. The course specifically focused on tools available in itsLearning, a new online management system adopted in the district. Enrollment in this online learning opportunity helped develop new knowledge and skills of current technologies and continue professional growth.
Last year was the first time elementary school teachers were expected to use the itsLearning platform and provide online learning opportunities to their students on a regular basis. Teachers in Shiloh Point Elementary needed and wanted continuous support and ongoing trainings to learn about the tools and explore a variety of strategies to implement in their online classroom courses. It was necessary for me as an instructional technology specialist to be a step ahead of them and learn the system inside and out to be able to provide such assistance. Enrollment in this online course served its purpose: new knowledge about this technology tool and strategies for implementation were obtained through ongoing explorations and online communications with other colleagues. Participation in this course for professional learning was one example of multiple continuous learning opportunities that were taken in the past three years.
Learning in this online course was necessary to apply newly developed knowledge and skills to improve personal productivity and professional practice. The responsibility of developing and maintaining a course in itsLearning for the staff was an effective way to apply new skills to practice. Discussion boards, wikis, assessment tools, and various assignments were developed and implanted in the staff course. Practicing and experimenting with all tools within the course increased personal productivity in addition to supporting professional practices of an instructional technology specialist. It helped in preparation and delivery of ongoing professional learning trainings offered to teachers throughout the year.
Personal continuous learning was necessary to impact professional learning and productivity of others in the school. Teacher success with implementation of itsLearning very much depended on my knowledge and skills. Most teachers in the school were able to design and implement a variety of technology-enhanced learning activities that engaged students in authentic learning.
Improvement of this experience could be achieved with adding some face-to-face sessions in the itsLearning course. Personal communication and collaborative brainstorming of ideas for blended learning in elementary schools would improve professional learning, which would then impact teaching and learning in every classroom.
The artifact presented in this standard was a screenshot of an online professional learning course offered in Forsyth County Schools. The course specifically focused on tools available in itsLearning, a new online management system adopted in the district. Enrollment in this online learning opportunity helped develop new knowledge and skills of current technologies and continue professional growth.
Last year was the first time elementary school teachers were expected to use the itsLearning platform and provide online learning opportunities to their students on a regular basis. Teachers in Shiloh Point Elementary needed and wanted continuous support and ongoing trainings to learn about the tools and explore a variety of strategies to implement in their online classroom courses. It was necessary for me as an instructional technology specialist to be a step ahead of them and learn the system inside and out to be able to provide such assistance. Enrollment in this online course served its purpose: new knowledge about this technology tool and strategies for implementation were obtained through ongoing explorations and online communications with other colleagues. Participation in this course for professional learning was one example of multiple continuous learning opportunities that were taken in the past three years.
Learning in this online course was necessary to apply newly developed knowledge and skills to improve personal productivity and professional practice. The responsibility of developing and maintaining a course in itsLearning for the staff was an effective way to apply new skills to practice. Discussion boards, wikis, assessment tools, and various assignments were developed and implanted in the staff course. Practicing and experimenting with all tools within the course increased personal productivity in addition to supporting professional practices of an instructional technology specialist. It helped in preparation and delivery of ongoing professional learning trainings offered to teachers throughout the year.
Personal continuous learning was necessary to impact professional learning and productivity of others in the school. Teacher success with implementation of itsLearning very much depended on my knowledge and skills. Most teachers in the school were able to design and implement a variety of technology-enhanced learning activities that engaged students in authentic learning.
Improvement of this experience could be achieved with adding some face-to-face sessions in the itsLearning course. Personal communication and collaborative brainstorming of ideas for blended learning in elementary schools would improve professional learning, which would then impact teaching and learning in every classroom.