My Future As a Leaner:
Mom Always Said, “Share and share alike….”
by David Crewes (7/16/12)
The title of this essay pretty much sums up the attitude I plan to share with my colleagues. Why not share what I have learned on my journey with all my co-workers? I may not be the most capable, or the most educated when it comes to technology integration, but if I can pass on just a fraction of what I have learned from the MAET program at MSU to at least a few of my fellow instructors, it would be worth my time and effort. That is in essence why I am a teacher; to share what I know while developing relationships along the way. Whether it is the 30 year veteran that can’t make their iThingy work or the teacher across the hall that wants to know what video formats are going to be the most compatible with her choice of presentation media. It all matters to me. The personal rewards I find along the way are well worth the effort I put into it, as we all face this new, scary monster called Technology.
With the passing of the Technology Initiative in my school district, there will be plenty of opportunity to be able to share what I have learned. I am currently a member of the District Technology Committee (DTC) that was responsible for the success of the initiative. I also agreed to take a lead role in the DTC as a Building Coach. While I still have to wait to see what that may entail, I am excited about the opportunity. The rollout and integration of 500 iPads in our building alone is going to be a huge endeavor. I plan on offering whatever assistance I can. We’re all in the same boat, after all. If the local Tech Geniuses need some help installing cable and hardware, I will be happy to sweat it out amid the ceiling tiles. If someone has a simple question, I will be glad to answer with the best of my ability, in a timely fashion. If someone would like to know more about an application that I have no knowledge about, I relish in the idea of learning something new so that I can help everyone understand and implement it. It may mean some late nights at the computer, or maybe a Saturday in my basement doing research, but I’m used to it. I’ve spent the last two years like that. I am a fixer. I like to help people solve problems, and that is why I became a teacher.
One of the responsibilities of the Technology Coach position is that I remain current with technology. That may be impossible with the rate that technology is expanding. However, there are many ways I plan on trying to keep as current as possible. The use of RSS feeds is an excellent way to have the news sent directly to you. I utilize Google Reader on my internet homepage, so when I see something new or innovative, it’s just a click away. Social networking is also a valuable tool used to pass on ideas and general knowledge. The social networking possibilities on the internet are constantly expanding each and every day. The trick is to find out which works best for you. This is something that I have not had much experience with, but I have started to follow several innovative members of the Facebook community for some really great ideas. Lastly, don’t ever forget old reliable Professional Development. I can collect CEUs at the local ISD or attend the yearly MACUL conference. They all offer excellent resources and ideas for technology integration. I plan to make the MACUL conference part of my routine every year. I will also take every opportunity I can to talk my principal into letting me take as many CEUs as I can get away with.
I think the most important thing I have learned from the MAET program is how to make my class more engaging. More engaging means more fun, in my book. More time for laughing, more time for exploration, and more time for learning. I think the starting point in my future will be “flipping my classroom”. The lectures and lessons will be online, so the exploration, labs and homework can be done in class. I won’t be able to flip all my classes at once or to the greatest extent, but I plan on sharing my experiences with my colleagues as soon as school starts in September. I am truly looking forward to the challenges that our technology integration will bring.
As I look into the near future, it does not seem as hazy as it did when I first began my journey through the MAET program. I see a future filled with potential and growth. Not only for me, but for those who embrace the future that technology can give to our district. I will strive to pass on the cumulative knowledge to those people, and together we can bring about a period of growth change for our community.
With the passing of the Technology Initiative in my school district, there will be plenty of opportunity to be able to share what I have learned. I am currently a member of the District Technology Committee (DTC) that was responsible for the success of the initiative. I also agreed to take a lead role in the DTC as a Building Coach. While I still have to wait to see what that may entail, I am excited about the opportunity. The rollout and integration of 500 iPads in our building alone is going to be a huge endeavor. I plan on offering whatever assistance I can. We’re all in the same boat, after all. If the local Tech Geniuses need some help installing cable and hardware, I will be happy to sweat it out amid the ceiling tiles. If someone has a simple question, I will be glad to answer with the best of my ability, in a timely fashion. If someone would like to know more about an application that I have no knowledge about, I relish in the idea of learning something new so that I can help everyone understand and implement it. It may mean some late nights at the computer, or maybe a Saturday in my basement doing research, but I’m used to it. I’ve spent the last two years like that. I am a fixer. I like to help people solve problems, and that is why I became a teacher.
One of the responsibilities of the Technology Coach position is that I remain current with technology. That may be impossible with the rate that technology is expanding. However, there are many ways I plan on trying to keep as current as possible. The use of RSS feeds is an excellent way to have the news sent directly to you. I utilize Google Reader on my internet homepage, so when I see something new or innovative, it’s just a click away. Social networking is also a valuable tool used to pass on ideas and general knowledge. The social networking possibilities on the internet are constantly expanding each and every day. The trick is to find out which works best for you. This is something that I have not had much experience with, but I have started to follow several innovative members of the Facebook community for some really great ideas. Lastly, don’t ever forget old reliable Professional Development. I can collect CEUs at the local ISD or attend the yearly MACUL conference. They all offer excellent resources and ideas for technology integration. I plan to make the MACUL conference part of my routine every year. I will also take every opportunity I can to talk my principal into letting me take as many CEUs as I can get away with.
I think the most important thing I have learned from the MAET program is how to make my class more engaging. More engaging means more fun, in my book. More time for laughing, more time for exploration, and more time for learning. I think the starting point in my future will be “flipping my classroom”. The lectures and lessons will be online, so the exploration, labs and homework can be done in class. I won’t be able to flip all my classes at once or to the greatest extent, but I plan on sharing my experiences with my colleagues as soon as school starts in September. I am truly looking forward to the challenges that our technology integration will bring.
As I look into the near future, it does not seem as hazy as it did when I first began my journey through the MAET program. I see a future filled with potential and growth. Not only for me, but for those who embrace the future that technology can give to our district. I will strive to pass on the cumulative knowledge to those people, and together we can bring about a period of growth change for our community.
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