Module 10: Final Vision Bog Post #1

Final Project Brainstorm

The next three posts are focused on brainstorming and developing a final project for LIBE 477. This week’s post explains my initial ideas for my final vision project.

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 Throughout the course I have learned many new useful concepts and aspects of digital literacies that I could incorporate into my teaching for my K-7 students. My original thoughts at the beginning of the course were to examine and explore more web 2.0 tools and to use technology to engage our learners, spruce up lessons, and assist teachers (and myself) in the teaching of concepts. After much deliberation, I've decided that this is the best area for me to choose for my final project. This is for me to develop my own technology skills, but also to show new teaching opportunities and to increase the overall technology being used in our school. 

I’ve learned that the teaching of many tools themselves can be meaningful learning, but that tools can also be used to create even more meaningful learning. The two are separate ideas but equally important to consider. One idea from phase one of the course that has resonated with me throughout, is that technology must be meaningful. Kayla Delzer, who I cited in my third post, discusses realistic ways that teachers can implement apps and technology tools into their teaching programs using a “student teaching student” model. She stated that “technology can truly revolutionize education — but only if educators make wise choices about what is used and how it’s used.” An importance is placed on using technology in meaningful ways instead of just using it for the sake of saying that you are. Apps and tools are recommended for purposes of invoking creativity, critical thinking and problem solving. This is something I’d like my colleagues to see through my project. It's also a valuable resource to show that technology does not need to be overwhelming or onerous. Students can use skills to teach each other, which is very powerful learning, and in line with curriculum. 

 I've added this video again, as I would like to include it on my list of videos to share with colleagues. It's smart, engaging and does an excellent job of pointing out the benefits of using technology in schools.

What now?

Some key points for me in terms of purpose and design:
After exploring the importance of personal learning networks (PLN’s) and professional development with a deeper lens:

•  I’ve realized that I need to work more with my co-workers to showcase some of the technologies I’m hoping to use throughout the year. This will hopefully enrich the learning opportunities for the whole school. 
• In terms of technology, I feel that I’ve been working somewhat in isolation, trying to teach teachers while the lesson is occurring, or trying to debrief after the lesson, which is not ideal. 
• Technology must be meaningful, and this can best be achieved if teachers work together to plan and implement its use

Big Picture Goals...

My overall goal is to showcase some fairly simple, yet effective technology tools for teachers to check out and begin working with. This also means highlighting the positive aspects of technology in the classroom, as emphasized in the following sketchnote. (I aim to create my own sketchnote for my final project)

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I'm hoping:

•    To move away from me using tools with classes that teachers are unfamiliar with and  moving towards teachers co-teaching these tools
•      Teachers may then use these tools in the classroom more independently

My vision is therefore to create a custom platform, or "toolbox" for digital tools and resources that I’d like to use in my lessons, that teachers at my school can access and become familiar with. Hopefully enthusiasm will spread and they'll want to collaborate and learn with me! 


Why not just access one of the many websites that already exists?

There presently exists numerous websites and blogs, with a host of web 2.0 tools, but I’d like to have one that is more personally aligned with what I want, and am able to use and teach. Many websites are extremely detailed and have many tools that we're not yet ready to explore, making it seem too busy and perhaps even overwhelming. I also feel that it will be far more valuable for teachers to see real examples of tools being used by our students. This will make it less overwhelming, seem more doable, and be more meaningful. 

At this point, my target audience is directed at the teachers that I work with. I could however, share plan to share with my local TL association, and possibly with parents who are interested.

What exactly could this look like?

Right now, I’m envisioning a platform that teachers can access that can show:

·    Useful web 2.0 tools and technology for our learners

·    What the tools actually look like (our student examples as much as possible)

·   How we can use them with students for meaningful learning opportunities (quality research, videos)

·  How these tools can be used to support lessons (videos, tutorials, possibly even testimonials from students) I want to include a variety to appeal to different grades, teaching styles and level of difficulty/commitment.

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Questions I still have:

• Research: How do I best present research so that it can make the most impact for viewers? (I want viewers to see the key points but not be overwhelmed by lengthly sources)

• How many tools/resources can I realistically include? I have a list started of tools/technologies that I've used with students, but how many more can I add?

• Which format is the best to use for my project? A different blog? A weebly? A Prezi?? Is there a better option that I haven’t yet found?? I'm comfortable with Blogger now, but I've had difficulties with formatting and fonts, and feel I may want to try something new...So far Weebly and GoogleSites have been recommended by my Tech support department. 

• How do I present this to staff? One-one? Small groups? At a staff meeting (which can be difficult due to lengthy agendas)

• Will I need media consents/privacy concerns. This is a big one and will definitely limit how I can share student examples...

To be continued next week....

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