Just thought I would share this with you. I'm open to any inputs or thoughts you may have on this. A fellow teacher and I have been trying to find ways to get our middle school teachers together to have a kind of get together. At one time, we used to all get together and go to the Middle School Conference at the Lake of the Ozarks. It was a great stress reliever and it truly brought our group of teachers together. We all went out the night before the conference and had a good time, then the next day we would go to workshops and learn new ways to teach our kids.
The last one we went to was three years ago. Budget cuts and all kind of stopped us from going anymore.
This year this teacher and I have decided to create our own Middle School Retreat. The name is "Peace, Love, and Professional Development". We're going with a 60's theme with tie dye shirts and lava lamps and all. Our focus is going to be on how technology has changed our way of teaching from the 60's to today. Our focus will be on using technology in the classrooms.
We've talked in this class about who could and does teach those who are not so technologically inclined and shy away from it. Our retreat will give us a chance to actually work with these people and show them show to use these tools.
So far, things have been moving along quite well. Our tech department obtained permission for us to get the lab carts for the weekeend, our teachers are excited about getting away (and learning), and our administration has even OK'd it as part of our school's professional development time.
Our initial thoughts about the whole thing was to just get our teachers back together again. Some bonding time. As things progressed along, we thought "Why not make it a learning experience?" My plans for my part is to introduce a bunch of the web 2.0 applications that we have talked about to the group. Give them a little taste of 10 to 15 apps, and then let them decide what they want to play around with. I'll have them YOUTUBE the app and then go around and help persons' individually.
We are hoping that it will be a hit and that it will continue. If anybody has any suggestions, I'm all ears. We want this to be something they want to continue into the future. We've even talked about drawing other schools into it, if it goes well. Wish us luck!!!
I remember going to that conference when I worked there. Sorry you don't get to do it anymore; it was always a great time.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have made some great plans so far. Good luck with it!
That sounds fun!
ReplyDeleteJust a suggestion...but I would make sure to have a paper version of the directions for those who are technologically challenged with screen prints. This way they do not shy away because they can try it by themselves and not feel embarrassed if it doesn't work or they do not understand.Plus, they could have a packet to reference when they get back to the classroom.
Boy, I wish I would have had those directions for CamStudio! I think you are doing some great things Ken! Keep it up...you make the Mules proud!
This sounds great! A couple years ago I was asked to do a few hours of free apps for education session. It was all show and tell but the teachers were so eager to actually do a hands-on. But, due to budget cuts those sessions never happened. I might still have the handout for the show and tell portion and I might also have videos for a few things that might of interest to some. I'll get back with you on these items!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds likes a fantastic idea Ken. Way to make it fun yet entertaining! That would be awesome if Savitri had the handout for you!
ReplyDeleteGood for you for taking it upon yourself to make this happen for you and your co-workers! FUN professional development is always needed!
ReplyDeleteHave you thought about video taping the presentations so that others that cannot attend can still be a part of the learning? Then you could set up a wiki that had links to the material and if they can't be there they could share a video they created. They now have skype for education, some could even use skype to attend. With budgets so tight, using technology to reduce travel costs is a real asset. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea Ken. I always loved getting together with faculty. The best part of technology PF for me was the time to play with it. I commend you for allowing for that time to figure out one web 2.0 tool. I think that is always the best way to learn.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are doing that for your Middle School team. I think getting a free webpage that has links for the presentations. I know when I go to those kind of things I get it in the moment and I leave and cannot replicate the work. Links to the how to videos from the 2.0 apps. We all know they have them on their sites but for people already intimated searching a site might be hard.
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