Ongoing professional development supports effective teacher use of technology through the use of instructional technology coaches, teams of teacher leaders, or other systems of support.
All subtopics align with the VILS outcomes and guiding questions align with the criteria in the Portfolio Framework Guide. Use the questions to guide your reflection on the artifacts to narrate your journey toward the goals.
Guiding questions:
Include and reflect on the VILS Teacher Survey Data* and Technology Integration Matrix* (TIM) data (optional for extension schools).
How did the data guide the support provided to teachers? *Extension schools can refer to any school or district data.
Upon analyzing the survey results, it became evident that there were varying levels of comfort and expertise among our teaching staff regarding technology integration in the classroom. To address this diversity, I developed a tailored approach to support, with a focus on individualized coaching and group professional development sessions.
Firstly, we scheduled one-on-one meetings with each teacher to discuss their specific needs and concerns identified in the survey. These individual sessions allowed for a personalized approach to building tech skills, ensuring that teachers received targeted support in areas where they felt less confident. We provided hands-on assistance, guided them through using new tools, and offered resources to enhance their understanding.
Additionally, based on common themes and needs identified in the survey, we organized regular professional development sessions throughout the year. These sessions were designed to cover a range of topics, from basic technology integration strategies to more advanced tools and applications. The content was curated to align with the teachers' needs as identified in the survey, fostering a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
How have the results of the survey impacted student learning?
Identifying the diverse levels of technology proficiency among teachers allowed us to tailor instructional strategies to better meet the needs of students. For instance, where teachers were more adept at using technology, we encouraged them to incorporate more interactive and collaborative digital activities into their lessons. Conversely, for those who expressed lower confidence, we provided additional support and resources to gradually integrate technology in a way that felt comfortable for them.
By addressing the specific areas of concern highlighted in the survey, we aimed to create a more cohesive and engaging learning environment. For instance, if teachers expressed challenges in assessing student progress through digital means, we worked on implementing formative assessment tools that not only made it easier for teachers but also provided real-time feedback to students, fostering a more dynamic and responsive learning process.
Furthermore, the professional development sessions based on survey insights enabled teachers to discover and incorporate new educational technology tools into their classrooms. This, in turn, enriched the learning experiences for students. Whether it was through interactive presentations, virtual field trips, or collaborative online projects, the use of technology positively impacted student engagement and motivation.
Results from our internal Tubman Ops survey
TTS Survey Results 23.24
Guiding questions:
How are teachers supported individually and in small groups?
Throughout the year, I've been dedicated to supporting our teachers both individually and in small groups to enhance their technology integration skills. Individually, I've provided personalized coaching sessions tailored to each teacher's needs and goals. Whether it was helping them navigate new software, troubleshoot technical issues, or brainstorm innovative lesson ideas, I've been there every step of the way to ensure they feel confident and empowered in their tech use.
In small group settings, I've facilitated collaborative workshops and team meetings where teachers could learn from each other's experiences and share best practices. These sessions have fostered a supportive community of educators who are eager to experiment with new tools and techniques in their classrooms. For example, I was able to meet with each grade level to model how to use digital assessments to give ongoing feedback via the official feedback cycle.
By offering individualized support and fostering a collaborative learning environment, both in one-on-one sessions and small group team meetings, I've helped our teachers develop the skills and confidence they need to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practice, ultimately benefiting our students' learning experiences.
How do the above supports align with the steps outlined in your Transformation Action Plan or Sustainability Plan?
By focusing on individualized support and collaborative learning opportunities, we're not only meeting the immediate needs of our teachers but also laying a solid foundation for long-term technology sustainability within our school community.
How have VILS Learning Experiences impacted student learning in your building? What role has administrative support or VILS coaching played in that?
As the Technology Coach at our school, I am proud to reflect on the significant impact of the VILS grant on student learning this year. Due to this grant, we were able to provide each student with their own 1-to-1 device, ensuring equitable access to technology resources both in and out of the classroom. The inclusion of mobile data on these devices further empowered students to engage with digital work at home regardless of their WiFi status.
The grant also allowed students to access digital platforms such as ST Math and Discovery Education, broadening their horizons and enhancing their learning experiences. Through the utilization of these digital platforms, students were able to delve deeper into various subjects, explore interactive content, and engage in personalized learning experiences tailored to their individual needs. The accessibility and flexibility offered by these resources have undoubtedly enriched our curriculum and fostered a more dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Moreover, the funding provided for the Technology Coach position has been instrumental in supporting teachers and students alike in effectively integrating technology into instruction. As the Technology Coach, I have been able to provide ongoing training, assistance, and support to educators, helping them leverage technology to enhance their teaching practices and facilitate student achievement.
Supplemental video for teachers: Setting Stream Restrictions for Google Classrooms
Supplemental video for teachers: Archiving Old Google Classrooms
Supplemental video for teachers: Adding test items in Edulastic
Supplemental video for teachers: Simultaneous users in Securly
Supplemental video for teachers: How to use Kami's read-aloud feature
Supplemental video for teachers: Setting correct Kami features
Self-Reflection: Use the portfolio guide and self-reflect on your progress (Choose one: Emerging, Aligning, or Optimizing).
We are in Alignment this year.
How does your school demonstrate excellence in showcasing the outcomes listed above?
Overall, our commitment to showcasing ongoing professional development is evident in the personalized support, collaborative culture, and innovative use of technology that define our school community. We believe that investing in the growth and development of our educators ultimately benefits our students and ensures that we continue to strive for excellence in education.
Next Steps: What are your next steps to adopting equitable teaching practices for digital learning and engaging in responsive, professional learning experiences?
To move into Optimizing, we could strengthen support from school leadership and embed collaborative learning opportunities into our professional development framework. By being included in meetings with other instructional coaches, we can foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and share best practices, ultimately enriching our collective knowledge base and strategies for equitable digital instruction. We can continue to cultivate a culture of equitable teaching practices in the digital age, empowering all educators to thrive in their roles as facilitators of meaningful learning experiences for every student.
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