Technology Leadership Motivation

     This year, we have decided to promote three programs for teachers and leaders in the classroom or school. The three programs are Google Apps, Canvas, and STEM ingratiation. The STEM integration will only introduce a few things a year to not overwhelm the teachers. Instead, we want to create student-centered learning in the classroom, and students become problem solvers using STEM resources. By training teachers in this way, we want students to learn with project-based learning. So teachers can learn at their own pace and complete what they feel comfortable doing. 

    For example, I had a Spanish teacher feel nervous about using Canvas and putting some assignments online. So I walked it through with her and put information about her class on Canvas first, then build-up to the assignment. The student now submits assignments and videos on Canvas. She said Canvas has made her class more efficient. Then she had teachers see how well it worked out for and they all wanted to work up to doing the same thing in their classroom.  

For example, one of the teachers I am working with had a group of students that wanted to start a robotic club to compete in the robotics competition in February. The teacher didn’t know how to get started, so we all sat down and wrote their goals. We worked together so that everyone was on the same page. We found ways to incorporate robotics with the teachers learning objectives. We created a Twitter account for the teacher to collaborate with other teachers that have started robotics clubs and know what works for them and what doesn’t. 

For example, we have a curriculum specialist using the google app platform to collaborate with teachers across the district. I helped the specialist set up a website to one-stop-shop for schools. The website has a place to discuss the different curriculum and share ideas working at their school.


Comments

  1. AnonymousOctober 17, 2021 at 7:18 PM

    It sounds like you are doing great things in your new position! In the 2020-2021 school year, our grade had to start using Canvas for our hybrid and remote learning. We had 2 hours of PD on it, so I can empathize with the Spanish teacher's anxiety. Looking back, it was trial by fire, but our district would have benefited from having someone in a position similar to yours. We were on our own.
    I love what you did with the curriculum specialist- we don't have a great way for district level collaboration among grades. Some kind of website where departmentalized teachers could ask questions of post ideas would be beneficial. One of the things are district absolutely needs and says it can't afford is some kind of technology consultant or instructional designer. I look forward to hearing more about how you help your district!

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