Tech PD

“The Flipped PD model is an organic process for teachers to experience and understand how technology can engage students in thoughtful and critical ways.”

Overview

It is my hope that this research has the potential to reform and reshape Technology Professional Development for teachers of any grade and any subject. I am introducing a Flipped PD model as a way to respect teachers’ time, energy, resources, knowledge, and expertise. Too often teachers are expected to implement technology into their curriculum and instruction without the proper support, exposure, or experience with the technology.

I envision an online platform as a two-way communication with teachers allowing access to technology on their own before engaging in professional development meetings. In my experience, the best PD has been organic in engagement that has empowered me to see the connection to my pedagogical practice. This is the vision I have for Flipped PD: An organic process for teachers to experience and understand how technology can engage students in thoughtful and critical ways.

To that end, teachers will identify their own pedagogical needs in terms of using technology. This will allow me to not only be responsive to those needs, but also encourage teachers to direct their own professional development and access to technology.  Ultimately, It is my hope that teachers will be empowered to utilize a Flipped PD model within their Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and work together on technology to support each other’s professionalism, knowledge, and experience.

Using the platform Padlet, I have developed a series of introductory activities to initiate professional development. Community plays such an important role in my practice as a teacher and, through this platform, I hope to inspire a collaborative community.  To begin building community, I am asking teachers to create an introductory video on Flipgrid. This is a very intuitive and easy program to use and hopefully some will see the value of using it with their students. In addition, I am asking teachers to fill out a short needs assessment to give me some idea about their specific technology needs. These activities are to be done before the first PD or PLC meeting, making the meeting itself meaningful and a productive use of time.

So, Let’s Get Started…

First, watch this Video (I showed this video at Rincon). No need to watch it if you’ve already seen it.

Then, if you consider yourself “old-school,” you may want to start here.

Or, if you just want to jump in, start here Tech PD.