515: It's a Wrap

I found this latest course, Using Productivity Tools Effectively, had a lot of useful information and provided me with several ideas that I have applied or plan to use in my work. The topics included using graphics programs, spreadsheets, evaluating lesson plans that integrate technology, software evaluation, and using google sites (to name a few). As you can see, there was a lot of territory covered through the six week course and all of it useful information that I hope to use throughout my career.

Of all of the topics covered throughout this course, I have been able to immediately apply what I have learned about google docs and sites. I've used google docs since I began my coursework in the masters program, but I had not experienced using google forms. I had an opportunity to create a google form in order to survey my staff prior to an all staff meeting about our HOTS and 21st Century Skill focus of the month. I was able to take the results of that survey to create charts to graphically represent their responses. It was a fantastic way to gather information in a fast, effective manner and allowed me to come to the meeting prepared to facilitate a conversation about thestaff chose to integrate into their lesson plans.

I have started working on developing a google site for internal communications with the staff. I am still working out the details to determine exactly what areas to focus on, but I think it will be a great tool to communicate events, deadlines, general announcements, etc.

One of my favorite topics in this particular course has to do with fostering creativity and developing a problem-based learning environment. I think it is one of the most challenging ways to teach, but also has the potential to be one of the most rewarding. I believe it is important to put students into the driver's seat of their education and develop ownership in the learning process; which is what can happen in a PBL environment. It takes a lot of prep work, as well as a non-traditional teaching approach, but it provides students with real-life experience researching topics and developing products; and those experiences will stay with them longer than cramming for any test.

As I said, there were many topics addressed throughout this course; many of which I can apply to the work I am currently in. I think the prospect of what can happen in education when technology, creativity and curiosity are tapped is very exciting! I strongly believe it is critical for educators to create real-life learning opportunities for students in order to prepare them for life beyond the classroom, and integrating technology in a creative, inquisitive environment will help meet that goal.