Professional Development
Extending the use of Google Slides, Google Docs, Google Drive and Edmodo across the district to Enhance Student Writing Skills
Overview of Google Slides
Overview of Edmodo
Overview of Google Docs
Overview of Google Drive
Components of Effective Professional Development
The Intercultural Development Research Association defines seven aspects of effective professional development. These can be seen below.
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Professional development is a lifelong process- Teacher preparation programs often do not give future teachers all of the tools they will need once they enter the classroom. Moreover, those in the profession must find ways to learn about new theories and tools that are applicable to the profession.
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Professional development is based upon learning theory-An effective professional development program provides opportunities for participants to learn about research-based best practices, use data on children and parents in designing instruction, witness effectiveness through models and examples, use and reflect on practice, design instruction and the management of instruction, share and form accountability networks with other personnel, and evaluate and be accountable for what happens in the classroom.
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It is essential for schools with minority students-Professional development requires the application and adaptation of knowledge and cognitive skills to solve issues related to the needs of a diverse student population.
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It can be enhanced through a technology-enriched environment-Technology can bring professional development to the classroom and offers many opportunities for teachers to learn and grow.
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It must be partnered with a strong curriculum-A research-proven curriculum customized for a diverse student population is a prerequisite for student success.
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It is critical for accountability-An accountability system that ignores the value of professional development is flawed and is not consistent with what research demonstrates about factors that contribute to student success. The No Child Left Behind Act has tightened requirements by specifying acceptable rates of progress to ensure that all groups of students – disaggregated by poverty, race, ethnicity, disability and limited English proficiency – succeed in school.
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It requires commitment from others-Funds made available that target professional development.
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Click on upper left slide to start slide show.
My Overall Professional Development Plan
The Individual Professional Development Session I Designed
When hired by the Southwest Preparatory School District, teachers are trained to use Google Slides, Google Docs, Edmodo and other Web 2.0 tools. In other words, teachers are expected to utilize such tools in their classrooms. In spite of these training sessions, though, many of Southwest Preparatory School Districts' teachers are reluctant to use these tools. Whether they are not comfortable using them, unsure of how to use them effectively, or simply believe that they would be embarassed in class due to technology skills that are somewhat lacking, it seems that the district has not given its teachers enough training to make them feel comfortable with using Web 2.0 tools.
Moreover, like is the case with so many districts in Texas, the Southwest Preparatory School District's students have shown a tendency to struggle with regard to writing skills. Specifically, when asked to respond to open-ended prompts, students have difficulty writing paragraphs that contain enough detail and analysis to truly demonstrate their understanding. Students also seem to be reluctant to revise their writing, for doing so with paper and pen takes some time. This is further complicated by the fact that non-ELA teachers often struggle with methods for enhancing students' writing.
With all of this in mind, I have designed a training meant to reinforce the importance of using Google Slides, Google Docs and Edmodo in the classroom while also giving non-ELA teachers the tools they need to help their students' writing to improve. It is my belief that if I reteach the instructors how to effectively use these tools and demonstrate practical methods for them to use to improve writing in their classrooms, then the teachers will respond positively.
In short, by allowing students to write using Google Slides and Google Docs, the revision process is simplified. Moreover, students can collaborate with each other while writing, thereby learning from one another. Then, their writings, when posted to Edmodo, can be critiqued by all, allowing for writing to improve. Feedback can be provided via Edmodo, as can practice excercises.
The training module can be seen below.
Overview of this assignment
The purpose of this assignment was to design a training program to improve instruction in my district. Since the methods outlined on this page have proven to be successful on my campus, the district has decided that I should train teachers on all of its other campuses.
While I realize now that giving this training in two or three hours may not be realistic, I tried to set a time frame that would help all training attendees to focus and get to work immediately. After the initial design, I went back and made it more visually appealing.
Ultimately, I am trying to "push" many of the other teachers in my district into the 21st Century.