Element 7: Life-Long Learner

Technology-related Professional Development I've attended in the last three years:

• ISTE Certification

• Microsoft Innovative Educator

• Clever Certified Coach

• Minecraft certified educator

• Discovery Education for Educators

• Edpuzzle Certification

• Book Creator Certification for Educators

• Google for Educators Level 1 & 2

Classes I've taken outside of my county provided PD within the last two years:

• Adobe Captivate

• Transformative Technology

• Internet Development

• Research and Evaluation in Instructional Technology

As stated previously, I recently completed the courses Google for Educators level 1&2. I really enjoyed the instruction delivery for various reasons. The course layout was easy to follow and track. Using the visuals provided I could track how far in each unit I was and what still lay ahead. Each unit provided either video or audio recordings of other teachers sharing their experiences with the Google tools being addressed. There was the opportunity for me to reflect on my own practices and create plans on how I would apply the new material in my teaching. At the end of each unit was a knowelge check. This allowed me to see gaps in my understanding and go back for further instruction. 

When I came to the final assessment there were two sections: a multiple choice portion, and an application portion. What I appreciated most is that I was being tested on my ability to ackomplish authentic tasks. The training as a whole was focused on addressing my personal classroom experience. 

Only a few weeks after completing the certification for level 2, I was asked to design and teach virtual summer school for rising 8th graders. This was the perfect opportunity to activly apply the learning I had just gained. 

As I was looking forward to this next school year I made plans to enhance my classroom experience through the use of technolgy. I used to give a class lecture, but I have since changed my delivery. Each student will complete their worksheet independantly. This will allow students to work at their own pace. 

As they watch the video examples of different principles they will complete google forms to analyze what they are watching. This makes each student accountable for sharing their understanding. Students who normally stay quite in class discussions will be required to share rather than hide behind the more vocal students. When they finish they will complete a knowelge check. Students who recieve less than an 85% will be asked to review the information and complete the quiz again. 

What is unseen in the google slide I posted would be the following activities of creating their own mask and performance. The performance would be the application of this knowelge and evidence of their understanding about their character.