Resources

Created with Padlet

Tools to Check out

Snag-It This is a screen capture tool that can take screenshots or record video with sound. It then sends your video straight to Youtube and you can share the URL from there. Haiku Deck This is a presentation app that allows users to create really professional, artful presentations. The presentation can be easily embedded in a website or blog to be accessed by others. Mural.ly This is a visual collaboration tool for organizing, sharing, and developing ideas.  It is basically like a a large shared wall for mapping out ideas. MindManager This is a mind mapping app that allows users to manage projects, organize information, and brainstorm.  It also has features that allow budget calculations and formulas as well.   Personal websites and blogs These can be used to make announcements and share information.  Archives for all PDs can be stored here as well as resources that staff may need to access regularly.   Padlet Padlet is basically a virtual bulletin board that allows users to collect and display information on any topic. Users may add images, videos, links, and more. Padlet is a great way to collaborate with others and share information. Professional Development Model

For my PD model I began with a needs assessment. This first step would help administrator's get a feel for their teachers' strengths and weaknesses, but also allow the teachers to voice their needs.  The next step would be to build PLCs or teams based on the assessment results.  Teachers could then join the team that they feel best fits their needs.  Once the teams have been established, they would then need to create some goals and together create a learning plan.  The next step would be the actual learning part of the process. This could be done in a number of ways such as through demonstrations, activities, sharing lessons and best practices, and walk-throughs.  Teachers would then need to implement and practice what they have learned in their own classrooms.  During this step of the process, there would be on-going support provided by team members as well as the tech leaders.  The last step would be assessment to determine the effectiveness and impact of the PD process.  This step would also need to include planning for the next steps.  Teachers could then repeat the process as needed or even repeat the the process with a new team focusing on another learning path.

Personal Learning Networks
In this video, educator Steve Rugar discusses the importance of moving beyond traditional ways of thinking about teaching and learning. He suggests that teachers give their students more control of their own learning by connecting them to as many people and resources as possible.