Making Myself a Better Teacher Episode 1

·  As a school administrator and instructional leader, what instructional technology would you expect to see in the written, taught, and tested curriculum of a school or school district striving to meet the needs of 21st century learners?

·       Taught curriculum

o   I would expect to see extensions and resources for the written curriculum online.

o   I would expect that every teacher in my school to create at least one detailed unit complete with differentiations and share it online.

o   I would expect to see a discussion forum for the teachers. A place where they can reflect on each others lessons, share what they learned, make suggestions for improvement, and more.

o   I would expect to see teachers using laptops and projectors on a regular basis.

o   I would expect that students would be given the opportunity to use web 2.0 tools to create, collaborate, and share.

o   I would expect to see a computer based, or preferably game based program designed and used to give students individualized instruction at their own level.

·       Tested curriculum

o   I would expect to see a test generator.

o   I would expect that students would be given the opportunity to use web 2.0 tools to create, collaborate, and share.  Less emphasis on tests and more on authentic assessments

o   I would expect to see digital portfolios

·       Written curriculum

o   I would expect to see the entire published curriculum also in electronic form, even e-book form for my students.

o   I would expect to see curriculum mapping software used to unify the entire curriculum.

o   I would expect to see a discussion forum for the teachers so they can log and suggest revisions to the curriculum

o   I would expect there to be a way for my teachers to get just in time PD if and when they need it.

·  What instructional technology would you promote to differentiate instruction for all learners?  Consider some of the tools and strategies outlined in the Jacobs' text.

Different representation

·       I would promote the use of universal access technology built into most modern computers. Text-to-speech speech-to-text, contrast, zoom, etc…

·       I would promote the use of technology that allows teachers to present materials in a variety of ways such as podcasts, or video.

·       I would promote the use of individual technologies such as tablets, laptops, or smart phones to allow students to receive instructions.

Different engagements

·       I would promote a student centered programming such as Compass Learning or Read 180 that gives student instruction at their level.

·       I would promote the use of individual technologies such as tablets, laptops, or smart phones to allow students to participate in class. Polleverywhere.com, voki, voicethread, etc….

Different action and expression

·       I would promote the use of web 2.0 technologies that allow students to publish authentic work to the world. Blooging, schooltube. Etc..

·       I would promote tools that allow students to share and discuss with other students outside their classroom and school. Wiki, google docs, etc….

·       I would promote the use of tools that allow students to participate in authentic activities at times even experts, authors, or other interested parties. Skype, diigo groups etc…