As I wrapped up my reading of Mobile Learning Mindset, a couple observations came to mind. First, our district really is ahead of the game with how we have provided both the devices and the training to implement a robust technology integration program for our students. Sometimes we tend to think progress is slow, but as I read the ideas presented in the book, so many of them are alive and kicking in my building, thanks to the district resources. I also feel like there is so much growing going on that we don't see yet. The roots are spreading under the surface, and this is the year where the fruits of everyone's hard work will become evident.
Chapter 8 deals with the Interactive Learning Challenges, which is something I want to work on for our staff development in August. I used the app Goosechase to present several Saturday School and ELA camp lessons, and this is the perfect app for these challenges. It offers several ways to present the learning, and the game creator can decide the required format. Now it is free(woo hoo!), and participants no longer have to create an account to use. Those playing can also constantly see where they fall in the competition, and the teacher, or game creator, can look at submissions throughout the game. Two thumbs up!! This tool is effective because it fulfills the requirements of collaboration, problem-solving, and competition. The only downside is that I am not sure the participants have access to the submissions after the game is over. Other mediums, such as Padlet, YouTube, or Google Drive might be a better choice if this was an option the teacher wants to have. And one of the best parts of the ILC is sharing it with each other, prompting good discussion.
When addressing what stood out to me the most in Chapter 9, two ideas came to mind. Campus leaders MUST see this as being part of the instructional leader role...as the TPACK model shows us. The extent to which they participate in any professional development, badging system, "appy hours" is the extent to which progress will be made on the campus. And something I had not really thought about is the importance of parent involvement. I am not sure the parents in our school know much about professional development requirements or even what we do for PD. By communicating this to them, just like any other school matter, we are attaching value to it. This might, in turn, encourage the parents to understand more about what is going on in the classroom and want to learn too.
For reflection, I would love to learn more about backchannels. I have been to several PD presentations that use them, and I never saw them as being effective. So what's the deal? I would love to learn more about Sketchnoting, although I am NOT a doodler. I think it might confuse me and distract me from the note-taking aspect since drawing does not come naturally. It would be fun to check it out. I also like the FutureMe idea. I have not examined the app that thoroughly, but if it allows me to send multiple copies of the same email over a period of time, this would really help me. It amazes me how people come up with such great ideas.
Thanks to my cohort and Lydia for challenging me and sharing valuable information to help me grow as a leader and a Pioneer. Sadly, summer is almost over, and now it's time to put all the new learning into action. Best of luck to you!
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