Before taking this class, I felt I was an effective teacher who understood the principles of good design, differentiation, and power of ongoing assessment in the classroom. I was able to hold on to this knowledge and skills in my new position of the instructional technology specialist and not get carried away by shiny, ever-changing technology tools. In my heart, I always knew that teaching and learning never were and will never be about technology tools. Going through this class validated my beliefs and strengthened my understanding of instructional technology.
The most powerful knowledge and skills I obtained in this class were the indicators of engaging learning and LoTi level descriptors. Knowing them and being able to identify each in observed lessons (thanks to the multiple opportunities for practice during the course) will help me coach teachers in implementation of technology-based and learner-centers instructional strategies. I would like to share this knowledge with my teachers during our Technology Tune-ups, monthly professional learning sessions, and ensure they understand them, too. I am also planning to integrate LoTi levels and the engaging learning indicators into a rubric that I will utilize as a formative assessment of technology integration in our building. This will allow teachers to receive specific feedback from me based on the indicators introduced to them at the beginning of the year.
Working on the final project in this class with my colleague proved to me the power of collaboration and communication. I would never be able to create anything that engaging and instructionally-sound if I worked by myself. Bouncing ideas off each other and being able to get constant and specific feedback from the peers and the professor, made me a better teacher, a stronger coach, and a connected professional. When we work collaboratively and support each other as we did during this course, we benefit our students. We have power to make them love learning and being totally engaged in activities in a 21st century classroom - kind of like this kindergartener in the picture!
The most powerful knowledge and skills I obtained in this class were the indicators of engaging learning and LoTi level descriptors. Knowing them and being able to identify each in observed lessons (thanks to the multiple opportunities for practice during the course) will help me coach teachers in implementation of technology-based and learner-centers instructional strategies. I would like to share this knowledge with my teachers during our Technology Tune-ups, monthly professional learning sessions, and ensure they understand them, too. I am also planning to integrate LoTi levels and the engaging learning indicators into a rubric that I will utilize as a formative assessment of technology integration in our building. This will allow teachers to receive specific feedback from me based on the indicators introduced to them at the beginning of the year.
Working on the final project in this class with my colleague proved to me the power of collaboration and communication. I would never be able to create anything that engaging and instructionally-sound if I worked by myself. Bouncing ideas off each other and being able to get constant and specific feedback from the peers and the professor, made me a better teacher, a stronger coach, and a connected professional. When we work collaboratively and support each other as we did during this course, we benefit our students. We have power to make them love learning and being totally engaged in activities in a 21st century classroom - kind of like this kindergartener in the picture!