2.+April+Field-Based+Activity+Log+Reflections


 * April Activity Log Reflections **

This month I continued with the Professional Development On-Demand activity, April 5 we setup the equipment for the presentation in the computer lab and created a desktop icon for the course in every computer. On April 6, we presented the Professional Development On-Demand program to the teachers in two separate sessions. We presented a tutorial and guided them in starting the Pre-Assessment for the first course of the program. We then answered questions they may have and allowed them to start the assessment. The experience taught me how to lead teachers through a training program and prepare me for future professional development classes. This addressed standards I.A., I.B., V.A. and V.C., these standards addressed knowledge, skills, and understanding of the concepts related to technology, continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current technology, the use of technology for professional development and lifelong learning, and to apply technology to increase productivity, (Williamson, J. and Redish, T., 2009). I worked with Sulema Reyes and my mentor Salvador Huerta during the training and gained much experience and knowledge from this training session. I enjoyed helping other teachers as they continued in their professional development experience. On April 7, I researched the internet and asked our technology director for information regarding future professional development courses that we may have during future in-services for our teacher that would address technology integration in the curriculum. The standards addressed were VII.B. and VIII.D., these standards state, “Follow procedures and guidelines used in planning and purchasing technology resources.” and “Lead in the development and evaluation of district technology planning and implementation.” Williamson, J. and Redish, T., (2009). The following week on April 12, I created my action team research report to present on April 13 to the Strategic Planning Committee. In this meeting, we summarized individual findings, discussed implications for specific actions for the district and discussed, “What are the most important actions the organization must take within the next four to five years regarding technology?” Our homework was to create a list of activities that need to take place to attain the mission and strategic objectives of our district regarding technology. On April 19 through April 23, I collaborated with Sulema Reyes to create a podcast for a motivational presentation for our students prior to their Reading and Math TAKS Assessments. We recorded dialog lines from other teachers and paraprofessionals to create the voices of different characters for the act. Next, we added music for the introduction, background, and ending of the podcast. We used Audacity to edit the music, add sound effects and combine them all together to complete the podcast for the presentation. Finally, we prepared for and performed the presentation in front of all our third and fourth grade students. This project meets standards, I.B., III.A., III.B., and VI.C., the standards state: · I.B. – Demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies. · III.A. – Facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards. · III. B. – Use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students. · VI.C. – Identify and use technology resources that affirm diversity. April 21, I worked on developing expanded activities to address the questions from the Strategic Planning Committee, and prepared action steps that addressed the statements: · Ensure that all staff will train on using existing technology equipment in the classroom effectively. · Identify business that focus on technological skills and that are interested in collaborating with La Feria ISD. April 22, the Strategic Planning Committee met to review specific strategies and results that address technology in our district for the next five years. The committee has not yet finalized the final action plans that we recommend for our district, but the experience has demonstrated that administration uses research based information to determine the best way to implement future activities that will benefit the students and the district.  Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). //ISTE// //’ ////s technology facilitation and leadership // //<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;"> standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do //<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">. Eugene, OR: <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;"> International Society for Technology in Education <span style="color: black; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">
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