Implementation+Plan

This course expanded my understanding of how technology can be utilized to enhance instruction and learning. I had read Marzano's research and was familiar with the instructional strategies, but had not put them in the context of technology.

As an administrator, I plan to model several of the applications during meetings and workshops. One of the first will be to show how Voice Thread can be used as a strategy for summarizing. I also plan to complete another slide show using PhotoPeach to recognize the efforts of members of a district team. In addition, I will try using GoogleDocs for collaborative projects on various district teams.

Not being in the classroom, I am not able to share an activity that I will use instructionally. However, I already have met with the elementary computer teachers to review how we can incorporate the strategies and tools into the curriculum. I am fortunate that both also have completed this course. This is the first year that we have designated computer teachers so we are building the curriculum as we learn. These are the tools and related strategies that we have identified to implement in the curriculum:

1. To use VoiceThread, Glogster, and PhotoPeach for summarization projects related to LA, science, and social studies. This was targeted as summarization is a district-wide strategy identified for school improvement. 2. Quizlet to help students with review and study skills. 3. Create a Graph to reinforce generating and testing hypothesis and in math and science, as well as grade level expectations for data and probability.

We also have discussed for next year to have professional development time and afterschool sessions focusing on the instructional strategies and related technology tools. The four tools above will be covered. In addition, a session will focus on Rubistar to enhance setting objectives (a district strategy) and student feedack. The curriculum review process currently is focusing on Language Arts. We will utilize Rubistar as we develop writing rubrics. I also recently shared Rubistar with a teacher to use for setting expectations and evaluating performance during cooperative learning groups.

To illustrate using PhotoPeach for summarization, I decided to share the application with my son to show how he might use it to summarize and report on a book that he is reading for language arts. The text is Angela's Ashes - one of my favorite reads. It's still a work in progress as he finishes the book.

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I loved this course! Previously, I had taken 23 Things for Administrators. Althougth, I learned a great deal, it was almost overwhelming learning 23 tools. This course seemed more manageable, and I liked the connection to Marzano's instructional strategies. It was extremely helpful discovering new ways to implement the district strategy of summarization. I also have learned many applications for greater student engagement, creativity, and learning. I already have highly recommended the course to colleagues.