Renita Johnson-HarrisonEDTL 506October 7, 2012

In looking at the survey results, I was shocked to see that most of the staff said they used technology often. As I studied the answers, most of them used Promethean boards, e-mail, Google Docs, and JPAMS, which most of these listed are ways to communicate and store data, but not actually hands-on for students. The Promethean board and Microsoft Office software are the only types of technology I see that they used more often which could involve hands-on activities for the students. Not many of them used other technology such as Web 2.0 tools, Webquests, blogs, social networking etc., which I consider more modern technology. Most of the staff did agree that it is important to incorporate technology in the classroom and were interested in attending PD in technology in small group form. In addition, they felt that follow up after the PD would help things flow smoothly. In looking at what the staff was more interested in , it was very close between web 2.0 tools and educational websites. Because I believe they are not really knowledgeable about what a web 2.0 tool is, I am leaning more toward PD on that. A few more people did ask for Educational websites, but we have been trained in that area already. I figured PD in introducing some of the web 2.0 tools, would be more beneficial, because many of them have not used them before. My experience with using the web 2.0 tools with the students have been wonderful. They were motivated and excited. In addition, I know many of the teachers use PowerPoint already, and showing them Voicethread would enhance it and incorporate higher order thinking and collaboration into the lesson. Like I said, we have been trained on educational websites already. I could just create a Jing on educational websites and put them as a resource on –line. If anyone really needed further help, I could work with them one-on one.

In conclusion, I feel that PD in small group PLC’s on Web 2.0 tools would be beneficial to everyone. A follow-up 5 days after to help incorporate what was covered in lessons will be applied and I will offer my assistance to anyone who felt he/she needed more training. PD on 2-3 web 2.0 tools would be enough for a one hour training. The two web 2.0 tools I believe will benefit everyone are voicethread and animoto. I chose these because most of them use PowerPoint already, and have expressed an interest in a variety of anticipatory sets, which is required in our lesson plans. Animoto is a great way to spark interest and it is easy and fun! If I had time for a 3rd tool, it would be blogging.

Yes m'am!!

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 5, 2012, at 11:07 AM, "Renita Harrison" <Renita.Harrison@wbrschools.net> wrote:

Good morning.

First I would like to thank you for your never-ending support during my graduate studies. I am in my last stretch, and I am truly excited about it. Recently, I sent out a survey to the faculty and staff here at Brusly High School that addressed technology and the strong need for it in our classroom. After viewing the results of the survey, I have come up with a few great ideas for professional development in a few areas. Even though this is an assignment given to me, I honestly believe that after this professional development on technology, it will open up more doors on how to effectively incorporate technology our lessons. After looking at the results of the survey, many teachers are interested, but cannot find the time to attend any workshops, or just do not feel comfortable enough to use it in their lessons. Whatever the reason is for not attending these workshops, my hopes are that after my professional development training, interests will grow and the staff will begin to incorporate more technology in their classes. I will make myself available to provide any assistance if needed.The purpose of this correspondence is to ask permission to provide professional development to the staff, based on the needs and interests shown in the survey. Since most of them responded that they prefer PD during school PLC’s, I figured participation would be greater at that time. Do you think it would be okay for me to conduct a PD training during our PLC’s? I have spoken to Ms. Mayeux about plans for PLC topics this month. She told me that maybe the last week in October or the first week in November would work. Would that be okay?

Again thanks for your support and patience. Best regards,

Renita Johnson-Harrison

Sounds good to me, those responses/feelings of the faculty sounded like my responses, thanks for taking the initiative and hope it pays off for EVERYONE.

From: Renita Harrison Sent: Friday, October 05, 2012 11:08 AMTo: Walter LemoineCc: Julie Mayeux; Faye DavisSubject: Renita Harrison_PD

Good morning.

First I would like to thank you for your never-ending support during my graduate studies. I am in my last stretch, and I am truly excited about it. Recently, I sent out a survey to the faculty and staff here at Brusly High School that addressed technology and the strong need for it in our classroom. After viewing the results of the survey, I have come up with a few great ideas for professional development in a few areas. Even though this is an assignment given to me, I honestly believe that after this professional development on technology, it will open up more doors on how to effectively incorporate technology our lessons. After looking at the results of the survey, many teachers are interested, but cannot find the time to attend any workshops, or just do not feel comfortable enough to use it in their lessons. Whatever the reason is for not attending these workshops, my hopes are that after my professional development training, interests will grow and the staff will begin to incorporate more technology in their classes. I will make myself available to provide any assistance if needed.The purpose of this correspondence is to ask permission to provide professional development to the staff, based on the needs and interests shown in the survey. Since most of them responded that they prefer PD during school PLC’s, I figured participation would be greater at that time. Do you think it would be okay for me to conduct a PD training during our PLC’s? I have spoken to Ms. Mayeux about plans for PLC topics this month. She told me that maybe the last week in October or the first week in November would work. Would that be okay? Again thanks for your support and patience. Best regards,

Renita Johnson-HarrisonNo virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.comVersion: 9.0.930 / Virus Database: 2441.1.1/5307 - Release Date: 10/05/12 01:34:00