2c: Establish shared goals with educators, reflect on successes and continually improve coaching and teaching practice.
The survey represents Standard 2 because learning from others (i.e., seeking feedback), is important not only for learning more about one’s mentee, but also making improvements to one’s coaching approach and techniques. As a Connected Learner, one should consistently look to improve, and not be afraid to receive constructive feedback. By soliciting feedback, coaches can learn how to better serve educators.
Before adopting technology to integrate into the classroom, it is important to understand the obligation teachers have to themselves, their colleagues, and their students. Effective technology integration involves teachers adopting various roles as they introduce and apply technology into curriculum.
2a: Pursue professional learning that deepens expertise in the ISTE Standards in order to serve as a model for educators and leaders.
2c: Establish shared goals with educators, reflect on successes and continually improve coaching and teaching practice.
The ISTE and CA Common Core State Standards connect to Standard 1 in that they are a guide not only for coaches, but to also guide others through the process of accessing and adhering to the ISTE standards that have been established, not only for coaches, but for teachers and students as well. The standards also serve as a guide to my improvement as a coach, but also have shared visions with my colleagues, who can then lead students in being more aware of their relationship with technology, and how best to navigate it.
Pear Deck is a useful Google Slides extension that allows teachers to build interactive slides that students can respond to in various capacities. Responses can be anonymous; when I am presenting a concept or skill, I find Pear Deck helpful to engage students in the learning process by interacting with the information presented, and what I particularly like about the extension is that student responses can be anonymous, which tends to give students the courage to allow their voices to be heard. This extension has a free version as well as a licensed version
The Kahoot! quiz tool is multi-functional, so students can play self-paced, as a class, or on their own to assess their own knowledge. I like to create my own Kahoots to test my students understanding of a lesson, then give them the link to play and practice on their own. What I enjoy is giving a play-by-play of the standings after each question, which seems to raise the stakes for some of our more competitive students.
Edpuzzle gives teachers the ability to take any video and create “stops” where there are questions asked to check student comprehension. I found this most useful during distance learning when I needed to hold students accountable for watching and responding to TedTalks, or documentary segments that I used to enhance our lessons. It is also a great resource when a school purchases a license, because then you can see what you colleagues are creating as well.
Tutor.com is a tutoring service that connects students with professional tutors 24/7. Students chat or speak to a tutor to receive help on a variety of subjects. I particularly like that I can assign students to submit their essays for review before they turn it into our Google Classroom, so they receive effective feedback from a professional tutor, then revise before turning in a final working draft.
While the Remind app has been around for several years, it has continued to better its product as educational needs have changed. So far this year, Remind has been a powerful resource for me to send reminders to parents and students, and also have two-way contact with students who are home on quarantine. Remind keeps me connected with students and parents without having to use my own cell phone number, and I can also set time boundaries so I will receive messages during blocks of time that are appropriate.
2b: Actively participate in professional learning networks to enhance coaching practice and keep current with emerging technology and innovations in pedagogy and the learning sciences.
This artifact is placed under Standard 2 because it focuses on how coaches must stay current with technology, and support teachers who need updated digital tools and programs in the classroom. The artifact is a reminder that coaches must continue to push themselves in terms of pedagogy and how students gain knowledge. As coaches, we are committing to be connected, life-long learners who are servant leaders to our colleagues.
Education is ever-changing, and the past two years have proven that educators must embrace the important role that technology now plays in curriculum and the classroom. While some newer teachers have had technology training and feel comfortable with integrating new technology tools into their curriculum, many veteran teachers feel that they have not been properly prepared to face this shift in education.
PLNs are a quick and easy resource to educate oneself with new technology and effective classroom integration. Learning from other educators on a regular basis is usually more effective and beneficial, and effectively enhances school-site professional development as well. Finding an effective PLN is an invaluable way to support content-specific classrooms, and further, facilitates student engagement. Most of our students do not know a world without technology, and we need to adjust our curriculum and delivery accordingly. Both newer and veteran teachers are encouraged to find PLNs that support integrating technology tools that effectively support student learning to meet the needs of our 21st century learners.
There are many educational technology PLN platforms to choose from, so educators should find one (or more) that supports their needs, and is easy to enjoy. Podcasts, Facebook groups, Twitter feeds, and blogs are some of the PLN options that educators can take advantage of. For a quick start, check out some the PLN resources below, and get connected!
Edsurge (podcast/website)
The Edsurge podcast and website issues in education that are connected to educational technology; this is a great resource for those who are interested not only in edtech, but in the issues surrounding it.
Edtech 4 Beginners (Facebook group)
This group is a great place to get started if you have questions, or are not quite sure what PLN to join! Start off slow and learn from others who are also beginning to navigate educational technology tools.
Edtech Hacks (Facebook group)
This is a Facebook group that shares videos and content to help teachers integrate educational technologies into the classroom.
Office of Educational Technology (US Dept. of Education) (website)
The official United States Department of Education website that addresses technological advances in education, and shares new programs and expectations for educations, from Kindergarten through Higher Education
Edtech Bites (podcast)
An education technology podcast (and appears on other platforms) that addresses technology tools and everyday fun. This podcast integrates edtech, food, and fun!
This podcast hosted by Chris Nesi explores various edtech tools, and also advocates for the use of podcasts in education.
KQED MindShift (website/podcast)
This website offers podcasts, events, and social media groups that address the ever-changing world of education, and how technology is a part of that.
The Edtech Podcast/The Edtech Podcast Retweeted (Twitter)
This multi-platform PLN has events, courses, books, and addresses everything from public schools to lifelong learning. Their goal is to bridge the relationship between education and technology.
Free Technology for Teachers (blog)
This blog shares tutorials for Google tools, workshops, resources, and 14 years of archives to search through, along with regular blog posts on current edtech issues.
The Daring Librarian (blog)
Gwyneth Jones shares her expertise and insight into neat features of edtech tools, and blogs about tools that bring fun and enjoyment to the classroom.
2b: Actively participate in professional learning networks to enhance coaching practice and keep current with emerging technology and innovations in pedagogy and the learning sciences.
The PLNs artifact is housed under Standard 2 because PLNs encompass the idea of creating relationships and making global connections with other educators to become more effective at integrating technology into the classroom. Learning from others outside of one’s community and comfort zone is key in continuing to learn in this ever-changing area of education.
