Learner

1A. Set professional learning goals to explore and apply pedagogical approaches made possible by technology and reflect on their effectiveness.

I am continually setting professional goals for myself, and pursuing this Ed. Specialist Degree is evidence of this. When my school went 1-1 with iPads, I had never taught with any technology previously. I knew I needed to educate myself on how best to implement this new technology and immediately began looking into various degrees that could help educate me on technology in the classroom.

In addition, I also pursued my Apple Teacher Certification. To do this, I had to take courses and pass tests to earn 8 separate badges on Pages, Keynote, GarageBand, iMovie, Numbers, and others such as general Productivity and basic use of iPads. In doing this, I learned to use apps I had never used before and gathered many ideas to use in my classroom. This has definitely helped me plan effective lessons that incorporate the iPads for my students.

1B. Pursue professional interests by creating and actively participating in local and global learning networks.

I continually seek out professional learning opportunities and to expand my professional network. One way I do this is by attending EdCamps in my area. EdCamps are a very unique and laid back PD experience where anyone can present on any topic they feel educated in, and participants are free to move from session to session as they desire. Through these experiences, I have not only learned a lot but have made many lasting connections and friendships with other local educators.

I also make connections on a more global scale by having education Instagram and Twitter accounts devoted to sharing and receiving ideas among other educators across the globe. While my Facebook is still a personal account, I am actively involved in many teaching groups devoted to things such as specific grade levels or subjects, or technology in the classroom. I am constantly inspired, finding ideas for my classroom and school, and have made many connections and friendships with other educators through these virtual platforms.

1C. Stay current with research that supports improved student learning outcomes, including findings from the learning sciences.

I am devoted to staying current with research that supports student learning. This past summer I participated in a book study at my school on Bold School: Old School Learning + New School Technologies by Weston Kieschnick. The book emphasizes how useful and exciting technology is, but also that we shouldn't throw proven instructional strategies and best practices out the window when we receive this technology. The author supports a blended learning approach and really reminded me that student achievement is the outcome--not simply using technology for the sake of using the technology. I now approach my planning by first starting off with the end goal (student learning) in mind, then planning my lesson using proven strategies and best practices, and then finally looking to see if there is a way to incorporate technology that can enhance the lesson and student learning.