Professional Development Plan

As the textbook mentions, professional development about technology integration is critical to a teacher’s implementation.  In discussions, classmates and I have established administrators rarely offer useful professional dev elopement for technology. So, how are 21^st century teachers to bring technology into the classroom with authenticity?

I’ve made sure to keep up with new developments in my content area and discipline. I’ve taken multiple courses on thematic units, mini-lessons, and literature circles. Yet, I have never been offered or taken a course on technology integration. I’ve seen the many benefits technology offers my students. Increased engagement and real-life application are just the beginning of the positives that teachers could see when technology is authentically integrated into the classroom curriculum.

On that vein of real-life applications (which I believe is critical to my teaching), I plan on learning more about problem-based learning and using technology for assessments. Currently I am unemployed, so I’ve had trouble finding courses I can take via the Internet or locally (without an affiliation with a specific district). The Buck Institute for Education offers an online “DIY” course that delves in-depth into problem-based learning. There is also a companion text entitled “PBL Get Started Kit” I am interested in purchasing. All these resources can be found at BIE’s site http://www.bie.org/diy.

I’ve also found a webinar offered through Technology in Education Services (TIES) entitled “Project Based Learning Overview” (the course information can be found here http://keepcertified.ties.k12.mn.us/facilities/ties/search/classDesc.cfm?cid=136300). (There are many great one-hour webinars also offered through TIES, which can be searched here: http://www.ties.k12.mn.us/Professional_development_workshops.html )

The text had a huge cache of resources for using technology as assessment or in assessment, but I’ve also found some webinars I am interested in viewing to increase my knowledge of using technology or new tools for assessment. Several of the titles I have saved for viewing are “New Directions in Classroom Assessment” and “Technology Counts: K-12 Seeks Custom Fit.” All of these can be accessed through Education Week’s site http://www.edweek.org/ew/marketplace/webinars/webinars.html

This course has certainly encouraged me to wake up and take charge of my own continued education on topics that matter to my teaching. While I may not have a classroom at the moment, if I keep myself informed of new practices and research and alternative methods, I will all the more desirable a candidate when I do apply for my next position.