At first the Learning Leader Project was a way for me to keep up with the times in this fast paced movement towards technology in and out of the classroom. Students are so into technology and after all, what matters the most is engaging students in their learning. So, I started out getting familiar with the iPad and using something new each month after each LLP session.
It didn’t take long and my student portfolios went from thick, hand-written file folders to Evernote cloud folders available on any of my tech devices anywhere, any time. At PD sessions I was able to share my learning and learn from other educators in a timely fashion with the use of tweets. During home visits, I revealed educational apps, read e-books with students, help create blogs, presented web sites for video teaching, and showed parents educational sites to help with student programming. Using the iPad at home visits was quick and convenient as compared to lugging around a lap top. As the year progressed, many families also purchased iPads to assist with their child’s learning. In the classroom we used the iPad as a portable device that was easily handled for such things as: videotaping an interview with our vice principal, taking pictures of our musical at the Horizon Stage and sending them to the local paper, looking up info on the web, using apps to view the night sky for science, and viewing virtual textbooks.
As I look back on this year, I realize that it wasn’t only the students who were using this new technology. The adults, parents and teachers, were also exploring the use of technology in education. In fact working together as a team, we had captured what really matters the most: engaging students in their learning.
Carlene says:
I’m so glad you blogged about your journey this year with the learning leaders project and integrating technology into your classroom. It gave me an overall sense of where you were with the process and where you are now. The most difficult thing, in my opinion, is how to use the technology we have in a meaningful way. How to concretely integrate it into the classroom so it is a tool for great learning and not a distraction. I’ve seen you do this with great success and look forward to partnering with you next year in the classroom.
How amazing it is when an Educator jumps into and is passionate about their own personal learning. Look at the rippling effects on your community… Students, parents, colleagues… All growing from your experience. Now that’s great learning!
Carolyn J says:
I have loved to see the sparkle in your eyes and the excitement in your voice as you’ve described how you’ve been able to take activities and tasks that you’ve done with your students many times and elevate them to a richer learning experience that is much easier to manage and share. It’s because of these stories that I, too, am now a “learning” leader as an ipad was the first thing that I asked for in my new job that takes me on the road so much more. Thanks for sharing your stories. And the interview was great fun!
mrogers says:
This is connectivity in the real world, I love how this shows the gradual transformation of so many participants in your community of learners. It seems that the iPad has been a catalyst for flipping your “classroom” even though your classroom goes beyond the school walls. How cool!