In Learning, I Strengthen My Teaching....

My Students

Phil Collins' quote, "In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” hits close to home for me. I feel learning should be an ongoing cycle. More often than not, I am the teacher. However, this project would have me as the student learner, not the teacher. A role I am ready to embrace!

I am currently a 5th grade teacher at a Pre K-5th grade school, which has a wonderful parental support system.

Our school has almost 550 students at this time. My students are eager to learn and work hard. I truly enjoy teaching them. I work with two sections of ELA courses for my 5th graders. Our teachers and students are active in utilizing technology in our classrooms daily. The next step for me would be implementing Ipads. However, before I cross that bridge, I know I need to learn more about this powerful resource. As I become the student in this unique journey, I know I will in turn bring more effective technology lessons into my classroom and to my students. For now though, I will work on my proposed lesson plan and become a student. In a nutshell, I know that in learning more about ipads as a student, I can then strengthen my role as a teacher.

My Project

My plan of action in terms of Professional Development, includes meeting with my technology leader individually or with small groups. The lesson plan for my personal learning journey includes meeting for 3 sessions for me to embrace and understand the power of Ipads in school settings. In speaking with my tech leader, she recommended professional development articles & tutorials that would enhance my learning path in terms of effective academic uses of iPads. You can view the Professional Development reading list @ http://www.vrml.k12.la.us/dozieripad/articles.htm. With the use of the requested iPad mini and case in this grant, my mentor will guide me with my personal learning path. Our plan of action for this endeavor lies with striving for 2 goals: The 1st part includes learning technical issues & physical parts of the ipad such as iTunes, eBooks, ELA apps and more. The course would then include part 2. That section will help me with the long term goal of implementing Ipad lessons.

Without a doubt, with this specific plan of action, I know I will learn awesome ways to implement Ipads in the classroom.

I believe that through the guidance of my technology coach, lesson plans, professional development readings & the requested Ipad mini in this grant, I can accomplish it. I believe Phil Collins' quote, “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” I want to learn more to become a stronger teacher. Would you please assist me on my personalized learning journey?