6.1 Continuous Learning
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Candidates demonstrate continual growth in knowledge and skills of current and emerging technologies and apply them to improve personal productivity and professional practice. (PSC 6.1/ISTE 6a, 6b)
When I first stepped into my position as an Instructional Technology Specialist, my boss required me to present at the 2007 GaETC. Since 2007, I have attended and presented in all but one year (fatherhood has its responsibilities as well) and I will continue my professional growth this upcoming year (2016) as I will be presenting yet again. I believe it is essential for me to attend and stay informed about the current and emerging technologies. Because of GaETC, I am more confident, able to present to larger than normal groups of my peers, and continue to grow my knowledge set, academic and technological skills.
One of the major takeaways from attending GaETC, I was able to combine what I had learned that year with my prior knowledge which presented me with an opportunity to build an app for our school. The school app would have never been built if I had not attended GaETC that first time, or that current time, as this was where the creative ideas started to creep into my head. I was then able to apply the knowledge and skill set I obtained at GaETC to not only improve my own personal productivity and professional practice, but use what I learned to make a positive change for all stakeholders for Madison County Middle School. The app brings teachers closer with the students and parents by providing everything needed for the student to be successful outside of school hours.
In regards to ISTE 2008 in San Antonio, it was an amazing experience that I hope all current and future instructional technology educators can attend in the future. My boss invited me to attend with her as one of the few in our department to attend. The most memorable experience, from the conference in 2008, was when we met with the owner of (a particular streaming service of educational videos) as he was trying to ensure our school district renewed their product and services again. He had a massive dinner meet and greet at a local steak house and I was instructed to order anything I wanted off the menu. So, I thought to myself, when else are you going to have the opportunity to order a Kobe beef steak? It was an amazing night, from which I “learned” so much! Honestly, I did learn that it takes money to make money, and that schools are in the driver seat when purchasing products from vendors. They want to get their name out there in the public education setting, and schools love a good deal when available. The trick is knowing that they are always available, and that negotiation skills should be a requirement for any Technology Director.
I learned that taking the first step and just deciding to present is necessary for most people to make it happen. It can be difficult to stand up in front of strangers, but so rewarding at the same time. I would like to change my one presentation per year approach and present multiple sessions per year at GaETC. I did it once, but have not attempted it since. It is time.
By my attending the conferences each year, the redelivery for the staff assists with the faculty development which in turn, improves student learning. With the redelivery and the practice what I preach approach, teachers can make the necessary adaptions to improve their own instruction and classroom management routines. The impact can be assessed by teacher observation of the current and emerging technologies redelivered from each technology conference.
One of the major takeaways from attending GaETC, I was able to combine what I had learned that year with my prior knowledge which presented me with an opportunity to build an app for our school. The school app would have never been built if I had not attended GaETC that first time, or that current time, as this was where the creative ideas started to creep into my head. I was then able to apply the knowledge and skill set I obtained at GaETC to not only improve my own personal productivity and professional practice, but use what I learned to make a positive change for all stakeholders for Madison County Middle School. The app brings teachers closer with the students and parents by providing everything needed for the student to be successful outside of school hours.
In regards to ISTE 2008 in San Antonio, it was an amazing experience that I hope all current and future instructional technology educators can attend in the future. My boss invited me to attend with her as one of the few in our department to attend. The most memorable experience, from the conference in 2008, was when we met with the owner of (a particular streaming service of educational videos) as he was trying to ensure our school district renewed their product and services again. He had a massive dinner meet and greet at a local steak house and I was instructed to order anything I wanted off the menu. So, I thought to myself, when else are you going to have the opportunity to order a Kobe beef steak? It was an amazing night, from which I “learned” so much! Honestly, I did learn that it takes money to make money, and that schools are in the driver seat when purchasing products from vendors. They want to get their name out there in the public education setting, and schools love a good deal when available. The trick is knowing that they are always available, and that negotiation skills should be a requirement for any Technology Director.
I learned that taking the first step and just deciding to present is necessary for most people to make it happen. It can be difficult to stand up in front of strangers, but so rewarding at the same time. I would like to change my one presentation per year approach and present multiple sessions per year at GaETC. I did it once, but have not attempted it since. It is time.
By my attending the conferences each year, the redelivery for the staff assists with the faculty development which in turn, improves student learning. With the redelivery and the practice what I preach approach, teachers can make the necessary adaptions to improve their own instruction and classroom management routines. The impact can be assessed by teacher observation of the current and emerging technologies redelivered from each technology conference.