Leader

2A. Shape, advance and accelerate a shared vision for empowered learning with technology by engaging with education stakeholders.

I worked with our Media Specialist from start to finish to create a MakerSpace for our school. We started by researching online and visiting other MakerSpaces in local schools. We then did some planning, researched possible tools, and priced them. We presented our ideas to our principal, the PTA, and our technology department. Once approved, our school purchased the items and we set up our MakerSpace. Every class in our school now gets 30-60 minutes per week in our MakerSpace and it is a favorite of many students! Photos of our MakerSpace can be seen here.

2B. Advocate for equitable access to educational technology, digital content and learning opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all students.

As mentioned above, I worked to create a MakerSpace for our school. I strongly believe all students should have the opportunity to not only be consumers of technology, but creators of it as well. Being a K-5 school with several self-contained Special Education rooms, our students have a wide degree of variance in their needs, abilities, interest, and experience with technology. We worked hard to include materials and activities in our MakerSpace that would make the space accessible to everyone; a space where all students can go to be curious, explore, create, and express themselves.

2C. Model for colleagues the identification, exploration, evaluation, curation and adoption of new digital resources and tools for learning.

In today's technology driven world, it is important not to use technology just for the sake of using technology. I learned how to apply SWOT to check if a technology is appropriate and should be used or purchased. My school now uses this method when deciding whether or not a technology will be beneficial to teaching and learning.