Vision for Online Professional Development
Hello Everyone,
If you are a teacher on Spring Break, I hope you are taking full advantage of your time off. If you are not a teacher or your district hasn't started its break yet then I hope you are enjoying this beautiful warm weather. 🌞
Research
This past week I have spent time researching into professional development in education in regards to technology. From what I have read, I have learned that there are conflicting ideologies around online professional development. I have included a link to the articles that have informed this post under "References." Some researchers have found evidence to suggest that the flexibility and autonomy of online pro-d empowers educators to really learn new material and skills, rather than just checking off an arbitrary box (Cook, Jones-Bromenshenkel, Huisinga & Mullins, 2017). On the other hand, researchers have found that online learning is not enough for effective pro-d because many educators prefer hands-on experiences and opportunities to collaborate face-to-face with their colleagues (Loveless, 2007). However, I believe online learning is the perfect opportunity for educators to engage in pro-d because in the case of technological literacy, even engaging in an online platform is a hands-on experience and if the right platform is selected, there are plenty of opportunities for collaboration.
Tools
I have decided that I will be using Camtasia as the tool to film my vlogs for my pro-d content. I have used Camtasia in the past to film mock virtual lessons but have not used it in about 5 years so I am excited to practice with it again and to check out its new features. The best part about Camtasia is the ability to film the creator's computer screen so that viewers will be able to see exactly what the creator is seeing on their screen. This feature will be particularly helpful when creating step-by-step guided to using technology in the classroom.
I have also decided that I will be using Google Classroom as my sharing platform. The reason behind this selection is that I have been wanting to learn about the platform myself and the best way to learn is through doing. Additionally, Google Classroom offers a feature that will allow me to organize content into units or modules which will be very useful when introducing various technologies (i.e. SMART Notebook, Fresh Grade, Class Dojo, SeeSaw, and Scratch-see my last post for details). The best part of this platform is that it is interactive so "students" can comment and post themselves. It is unfortunate that the content is password protected but I can simply post the password on this blog, my Instagram account, potentially Twitter (if I end up creating an account), and by emailing it to the staff at my school. These sharing platforms are so important for educators in the technological age because they enable us to connect globally, collaborate, and even self-select professional development. This access to knowledge is empowering and something to be taken advantage of. To learn more, watch this following video entitled "Personal Learning Networks for Educators":
If you are a teacher on Spring Break, I hope you are taking full advantage of your time off. If you are not a teacher or your district hasn't started its break yet then I hope you are enjoying this beautiful warm weather. 🌞
Research
This past week I have spent time researching into professional development in education in regards to technology. From what I have read, I have learned that there are conflicting ideologies around online professional development. I have included a link to the articles that have informed this post under "References." Some researchers have found evidence to suggest that the flexibility and autonomy of online pro-d empowers educators to really learn new material and skills, rather than just checking off an arbitrary box (Cook, Jones-Bromenshenkel, Huisinga & Mullins, 2017). On the other hand, researchers have found that online learning is not enough for effective pro-d because many educators prefer hands-on experiences and opportunities to collaborate face-to-face with their colleagues (Loveless, 2007). However, I believe online learning is the perfect opportunity for educators to engage in pro-d because in the case of technological literacy, even engaging in an online platform is a hands-on experience and if the right platform is selected, there are plenty of opportunities for collaboration.
Tools
I have decided that I will be using Camtasia as the tool to film my vlogs for my pro-d content. I have used Camtasia in the past to film mock virtual lessons but have not used it in about 5 years so I am excited to practice with it again and to check out its new features. The best part about Camtasia is the ability to film the creator's computer screen so that viewers will be able to see exactly what the creator is seeing on their screen. This feature will be particularly helpful when creating step-by-step guided to using technology in the classroom.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGzYeh5lp54)
Platforms
(Source: https://youtu.be/q6WVEFE-oZA)
Audience
As previously mentioned, the target audience of my vlogs will be the staff at my school. However, with the help of social media and online platforms, I will be able to share my content with a wider audience. While I will be able to reach multiple audiences, I will still be creating with elementary school (Kindergarten to Grade 7) teachers in mind.
Final Thoughts
Over the next couple of weeks I will be creating and editing content to be uploaded to my Google Classroom vlogs. If there is anything in particular that you would find useful to learn about for your classroom or library, let me know in the comments and I'll see if I can create a vlog post covering that particular app or piece of technology.
Bye for now,
Miss P. 💕
References
Polly, D., Mims, C., Shepherd, C. E., & Inan, F. (2010). Evidence of impact: Transforming teacher education with preparing tomorrow's teachers to teach with technology (PT3) grants. Teaching and Teacher Education, 26(4), 863-870. doi:10.1016/j.tate.2009.10.024 Link
Keengwe, J., & Onchwari, G. (2009). Technology and early childhood education: A technology integration professional development model for practicing teachers. Early Childhood Education Journal, 37(3), 209-218. doi:10.1007/s10643-009-0341-0 Link
Bie, M., Liu, D. C., & Xu, Y. X. (2014). The use of information technology to promote professional development: Studies in teacher education. Applied Mechanics and Materials, 568-570, 1955-1958. doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.568-570.1955 Link
Alemdag, E., Cevikbas, S. G., & Baran, E. (2019). The design, implementation and evaluation of a professional development programme to support teachers’ technology integration in a public education centre. Studies in Continuing Education, , 1-27. doi:10.1080/0158037X.2019.1566119 Link
Peeraer, J., & Van Petegem, P. (2012). The limits of programmed professional development on integration of information and communication technology in education. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 28(6) doi:10.14742/ajet.809 Link
Stein, S. J., Ginns, I. S., & McDonald, C. V. (2007). Teachers learning about technology and technology education: Insights from a professional development experience. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 17(2), 179-195. doi:10.1007/s10798-006-0008-8 Link
Loveless, A. (2007).Professional development for technology and education: Barriers and enablers. Technology, Pedagogy and Education, 15(2), 139-141. doi:10.1080/14759390600769029 Link
Cook, R. J., Jones-Bromenshenkel, M., Huisinga, S., & Mullins, F. (2017). Online professional learning networks: A viable solution to the professional development dilemma. Journal of Special Education Technology, 32(2), 109-118. doi:10.1177/0162643417696930 Link
Norton, P., & Hathaway, D. (2015). Teachers' online experience: Is there A covert curriculum in online professional development? Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 23(4), 509. Link
Great response to my feedback from your last post! You consulted the research and built a solid plan for organizing and sharing your vlogs. Something to consider for your next post would be a plan for sharing your resource. You mention sharing it on your blog and through social media, but perhaps you could plan a learning-over-lunch, share at a staff meeting, or ask to have a morning of a school based pro-d. Additionally, if you have a chance for someone from your school or district to preview your work and provide you with some feedback, be sure to add that into your final post. It demonstrates tapping into your PLN for support and ideas. Looking forward to seeing what you create!
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