IF the principal want us to use what we have in the area of technology then lets find ways that we can use it. We need some help from the district putting with putting our ideas into practice.
Good point Anthony. I'm thinking you may find as many creative and fun ways to use technology in the classroom from other teachers as you would from the "district." Although I've only been at Sunnyside for about six months, in the little time I have been here I've seen some incredibly innovative teachers...not only smart when it comes to teaching and engaging kids but it never ceases to amaze me with what they do with the technology they have. Some have a lot of technology and some a little. But it's their creativity in using it with kids (and probably a lot of behind the scenes work too!) that puts our use of technology far above that of other districts around us. Hopefully the Moodle will give us many more opportunities to share and collaborate on some of those ideas.
Yes, there are many innovative teachers in Sunnyside. I have had the opportunity to observe technology in schools during the core and during intervention classes. It's amazing all the opportunities provided for students, the creative ideas, and uses that are being implemented. It's endless. Teachers are a bank of knowledge and experiences. Collaboration, Co- planning, and Coaching are taking place at different sites.
I have had the privilege of working at Sierra this year, where we have received several class laptop carts. Although we were not one-to-one this year, I have watched teacher do incredible lessons utilizing the carts. I can't wait to see what happens at my school next year when 6th graders are one-to-one. I feel this is an exciting (and nerve racking) time to be a teacher. I get to witness and be a part of a major shift in education. And I believe that if we are committed as teachers and as a district to seek out the much needed PD (in whatever form it may come), we will see dramatic changes in our classrooms and with our students' overall achievement.
That and having the PD to go along with it to help us who are not as skilled and up to date with our technology skills. i'd like to see more mini-PD's done throughout the district in which the focus is a limited, specific topic. And I'd like to see the classes offered more than once as there are times a PD is offered and I can't attend. But if it were offered again at a later date, then perhaps I could attend. I am reminded that technology needs to be properly implemented in order to be effective.