Week 2 Reflections

Q.  Describe one significant idea or issue that has arisen for you, as you were engaging in the topics during Learning Experiences #1 and #2.

A.  I think the overarching idea that has occurred to me is that there are a LOT of resources out there and sometimes we just have to be flexible in our thinking in order to make some of this work.  For example, I know that in my school (and across my Board), teachers are often complaining that we have not got enough access to Chromebooks, etc. for our students; but I'm coming to realize that DDSB has actually done a lot more for us than other Boards!  With a bit of creativity, cooperation and planning, we can actually find solutions for most of our woes, and most of those cost little to nothing.

Q.  Elaborate on how specific resources, ideas or experiences in the Learning Experiences have contributed to your learning. e.g. reading material, course activities, etc.

A.  LE 1, E-tivity #6  - Web 2.0 was a particularly interesting one for me because it gave me an excuse to look further into a resource (Edpuzzle) that I had heard about but not had time to learn about during Distance Learning.  I think it is going to be a really useful tool, and I was glad of the chance to try it out with a purpose.  

In LE 2, I found myself thinking a lot about the Special Needs students in our school and the technology we use with them.  At first I wondered if I had fallen into a rut of just using the same tech all the time (primarily Read & Write and Flipgrid) because it was comfortable for me, and that perhaps there was more out there.  However, I found the LE very reaffirming, as I discovered through reading my colleagues' posts that many of them prefer and use the same tools as I do!  I also took the opportunity to contact two friends of mine, one of whom just retired as our SERT, and the other who has taught many small class Spec. Ed. classes, and I found that they used and recommended the same ones as well.  I suppose the lesson is, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."  That's not to say I won't be continuing to watch and listen for new ideas (Marni's post on Fluency Tutor blew my mind!), but that I shouldn't doubt myself and my professional judgement so easily.

I will say that some of the resources have seemed a little outdated and I didn't find them as helpful.  The first article we read on the study of labs vs. classroom computers was so old it mentioned the use of floppy disks, and some of the articles in LE 2, E-tivitiy #6 were from 2012 (which in technological terms is quite a long time ago).

Q.  Share how your participation in the discussion forums have contributed to your learning and connect this to your understanding of the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession.

Personally, I really enjoy the discussion forums and all of the knowledge that is shared there.  I have learned about technology I wasn't aware of, and new ways of using those that I did know about (Fluency Tutor, eg.).  When I was at teacher's college at the University of Calgary, they really emphasised the importance of collaboration in the teaching profession, and I took it to heart.  I very much enjoy the experience of building ideas together with my colleagues and making something better than any of us could have made alone.  I feel like that is what is gained from the discussion forums.

When I review the Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession, I see that they also encourage this same collaborative style.  Under "Professional Practice" it states, "Members refine their professional practice through ongoing inquiry, dialogue and reflection."  I feel that this dialogue and reflection both take place in the discussion forums, as my colleagues and I discuss and share our best practices and our struggles.  

In "Leadership in Learning Communities", it states, "Members promote and participate in the creation of collaborative, safe and supportive learning communities."  While I believe the main focus on this statement is within our schools and classrooms, I think it also applies to our own professional learning as well.  Through the discussion forums, my colleagues and I have, I believe, created a collaborative, safe and supportive learning environment for one another.

Q.  Discuss any outstanding questions and the steps you may take to further explore your interests as part of your learning in the course.

A.  Right now I think my biggest question is, "Where am I going to start when preparing for the next school year?"  We are only half way through the course and I already have so many new ideas and strategies and it's a bit overwhelming.  I know from experience that the best strategy is to pick one thing that I want to use right away, develop comfort with that, and then choose the next new tool or strategy to incorporate into my practice.  A lot may also depend on whether next year will be back in the classroom full-time (which, if the rumours in the news are right, is what it's shaping up to be), or whether it will include a blend of online and in-person learning.

One thing I plan to do to further my learning is to work more on getting to know Scratch.  I have had my students use it before with the Learning Partnership (Coding Quest) and I would like to be able to assist my students more effectively next time I take part in the program.  Over the summer I plan to work with my daughters to create some fun things in Scratch as it's something I would like my kids to do and it will help me learn it at the same time.

Later in the summer, I will be in touch with my teaching partner and determine together what really resonated with both of us and what we would like to begin with in the upcoming school year.