Connected Learner

My Philosophy

“It’s a tool, not a toy!” I have said this countless times to students over the years when reminding them about how we use technology. Technology can be fun, but the use of technology in the classroom setting should be aligned with state standards, ISTE Technology standards, current educational practices, and based on needs, assessments, and goals for learning. Technology should be an integrated component of the educational program and used to enhance learning in a student-centered classroom. Technology is a powerful tool for facilitating learning and improving performance.

As a technology coach, I strive to support teachers with effective ways to integrate technology into their instructional practices, facilitate professional development, advocate for digital citizenship, and also provide instructional technology leadership by being a change agent, connected learner, collaborator, learning designer, and a data-driven decision-maker (ISTE-C, 2017).

To stay current on emerging technologies, practices, and innovations, I engage in professional learning networks and professional development opportunities regularly. I read Edublogs, articles on LinkedIn, posts on Facebook by Educational Technology Coaches, blog posts on ISTE, and watch live and recorded webinars about instructional technology and learning on Simplek12.com. My Twitter feed is full of #EdTech and #educhat tweets and links to articles. I listen to ed-tech podcasts I am an active member of the following Professional Learning Networks and Professional Development Platforms:

· International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) member

· Simplek12: Practical Online Teacher Training member

· Facebook Groups: Ed Tech Coaches Network, Tech Know Coach Group and Instructional Coaches

· Twitter (#EdTech, #educhat, #teachertwitter, #educhat)

· LinkedIn (#EdTech)

· Edublogs Member

· CUE (Computer Using Educators), and NSCUE (North State CUE) member since 2014

Additionally, I have the opportunity to practice emerging technologies and learning platforms with the students in my second-grade classroom and to collaborate with the excellent educators in my grade level, school, and district. It is my desire to continue to learn and to cultivate a supportive coaching culture through a shared vision based on the ISTE Technology Standards for Students, Educators, and Coaches (ISTE, 2017).

Sources:

ISTE Standards for Coaches, (2017).https://www.iste.org/standards/for-coaches.

Click HERE to go to the ISTE Blog (Ideas, Content, and Resources for Leading Edge Educators)

SimpleK12.com Professional Learning Community