(https://stemtoolkit.weebly.com/creating-significant-learning-environments/part-of-the-puzzle). To help this, we look at the standards before we begin. I want them to be aware of what they need to get out of the project as we move along. It’s not enough to just complete the project. They have to learn certain things from it as well. I am finding that they are now being more intentional about their work and feeling better about what they have accomplished. Our work with ePortfolios at the beginning of the program has been a huge part of this (https://stemtoolkit.weebly.com/applying-ed-tech-eportfolios).
I have been doing so much more with portfolios in my class. In the past, we would add work to the portfolio and move on. Now, the portfolio is a daily part of class. Their work goes in the portfolio, they add a reflection to it, and then I look at their work and reflection together. The work may not make it into their public portfolio, but throughout the whole process, they are building a body of work that shows all of their growth and learning. As I move on, I am taking those same attributes that I am putting in my class and infusing it into my work with other schools. Periodically, I get the opportunity to work with other schools to help them with putting coding into their curriculum. It is an awesome chance to really reach out and help so many more learners. I have started really using the COVA approach with it as well. There are facets that I teach in a direct way, and others that I let the participants experience. As we work, we discuss how to give their learners more choice and ownership in the classroom. Coding classes do not need to be traditional teacher focused endeavors. They can be exploratory and very authentic. One of the keys is to measure what is truly important (https://stemtoolkit.weebly.com/assessing-digital-learning). I am taking my COVA learning and helping others implement it in their classrooms as well. The “Growth Mindset” has been so important throughout. I had done a lot of work both in class (https://stemtoolkit.weebly.com/stem-toolkit-blog/previous/2) and personally with the growth mindset. I attribute a lot of my success to it. I’ve never had the idea that I couldn’t learn to do something. I am one that will watch a video or pick up a book and learn something that I want or need and own it from there on out. As I moved through the program, the growth mindset moved from something I did myself to something I am now teaching others. I am learning to be more aware of the situations and experiences others bring as I work with them (https://stemtoolkit.weebly.com/digital-learning-globallocal-context). As I work with these other teachers, it is inspiring to hear them talk about using a growth mindset in their own practice to bring coding into their classroom and school. Finally, in my own district, my work with COVA and CSLE has been instrumental in working with my department. As the CTE department chair, I have a unique challenge. Each teacher is essentially a singleton teacher. In fact, most of them have 3 or 4 unique preps that no one else teaches. This situation has always been intimidating for me. I cannot just show them how I do things and then hope it goes well. The PL work we have done throughout has been so helpful in getting the department to move forward and be more embracing of change (https://stemtoolkit.weebly.com/leading-organizational-change). The state and the district have changed a lot of things over the years. This year, we still have changes, but we have been able to weather them better. To build on that, I have been putting together plans to help address more of the ongoing PL issues we have for our department to help them grow and take a more open approach to their subjects (https://stemtoolkit.weebly.com/developing-effective-professional-learning). It is a process and a long journey, but I feel I have to tools to do the job.
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About 3520This course is the capstone course in the DLL program. I am reflecting on, adjusting, and making plans for the next steps in my Innovation Plan and personal growth. Innovation Plan Links
Innovation Plan Project Proposal Plan Outline Change and Leadership Professional Learning Plan ArchivesCategories |