Professional Learning Plan CEP 812

Before beginning the Educational Technology Certificate courses this spring and summer, I thought that I was using technology in my classroom. However, I barely scratched the surface. I have learned about so many cool technology tools to use in my classroom, I am very excited for this school year to begin so I can begin using everything that I have been learning about and personally using through CEP 810, 811, and 812.  Looking back to the beginning of this summer, I created my Personal Technology plan and my plan for growth.

Personal Technology Plan on Prezi

In this plan I talked about how important it is for educators to continually be educating ourselves not only with the newest things in our content areas, but to also be up to date with everything going on with technology as we are living in the digital age. As teachers, we have a great opportunity to transform what is going on in the classroom by using technology not only to promote better teaching and learning but to prepare our students for the 21st century. To facilitate this for myself, I am continuing my studies at Michigan State in the Masters of Educational Technology program and will continue to share ideas and collaborate with other educators through networks such as MACUL, twitter, MERLOT, Classroom 2.0, etc. By continuing my education not only through the masters program but continually each and every year, I am keeping myself and my students current with technology. 

My plan for growth included exploring Google Docs and Forms, which I have done in both CEP 811 and 812. I feel that I am ready to implement and teach my students all that is available within Google Docs and Forms, and use them as regular tools in my classroom. I also wanted to explore the use of cell phones in the educational setting. I have not yet fulfilled this goal and will continue to seek out ways to incorporate and change the mindset of school officials to turn cell phones into educational tools instead of discipline issues. I did learn of one cool tool for using cell phones, "poll everywhere". This tool can allow me to carry out informal assessments, poll the class, or collect any information pertinent to the lesson that is being taught. It is also a great tool in lieu of CPS systems. It is a cost efficient way to get the same results. There is also the opportunity for students to use their cell phone or use a computer to contribute.

With all of the tools that I have acquired this summer, I hope to use technology as a main force in my classroom. I will now be looking how to adapt my lessons and performance assessments so that technology can be used to enhance both in the delivery and for students to use as tools for creation, collaboration, and communication.  I plan to share these tools with my colleagues as well to help foster an environment where technology is accepted and welcomed. I will seek feedback from colleagues, collaborate with fellow educators through MACUL space and MERLOT.

I feel that I have accomplished many of the goals I set for myself towards the beginning of this summer. I know that I have some goals I am still working on and new goals that will come into the picture continually. I am looking forward to teaching my students how to use the various technology tools in my content area but also building their foundation so that the tools they learn can be used in any course and at any level. I look forward to be an advocate for technology both in my school and district as well as for any educator interested in technology in both their teaching and in their lives.