How Are You Learning?

Over the past few weeks, my colleagues and I have spent a majority of our time discussing educational software, hardware and web tools. We have shared top resources, analyzed assistive technology, discussed potential pitfalls, and explained the systems our schools have in place to help teachers learn new programs.

However, there has been one, overwhelming sentiment that has arisen after each conversation:

WE NEED MORE TRAINING. 

Post after post, comment after comment, this theme rang true. So the question is:

WHAT IS YOUR SCHOOL DOING TO HELP TEACHERS LEARN? 

At Frelinghuysen Middle School, we have a few key programs in place to help teachers acquire the necessary skills and exposure that help ensure the successful implementation of technology, (thanks to the hard work and dedication of our Educational Computer Specialist, Chrissie Flanagan).

FMS's Tech Programs

WEEKLY EMAILS -- FMS TechGoodies Update and Honorable Mentions
Every Sunday night, Chrissie sends out an e-mail with a number of new programs that teachers may be interested in, new applications that may help with our Chromebook 1:1, Atomic Learning tutorials that teachers may enjoy, and interesting IDE Portal PBLs. Chrissie then provides our staff with a brief explanation of each of her links.

PINTREST
As of this year, all the e-mail links bring us to Chrissie's Pintrest Boards! (Follow her!!) This has helped teachers access more specific content or explore new resources.

TECHBYTES
Since it is obviously not enough just to provide links, last year, in-house professional development was offered during our prep time. Chrissie would select key resources or topics, and present them throughout the week on a voluntary basis. This allowed us to go when we had a chance--if Monday didn't work, we went Wednesday. It also allowed teachers to attend the sessions that made the most sense for them--accounting for differentiated levels of teacher ability. These sessions also cleverly featured tasty treats--get it bytes, bites--which were an added bonus! (Learning + Eating = My Kind of PD!)

TEACHER ACADEMY 
Last year, our school also began taking advantage of a Teacher Academy, allowing expert teachers to provide peer-to-peer professional development. This has been a great way to build technology confidence in our building, showcase teacher-leaders, and--most importantly--expose our staff to a wide range of new information.

FMSCHAT
When I was first hired, once a month teachers participated in a focused Twitter chat run by our instructional leader. I loved this, but it lost steam following Hurricane Sandy. Hopefully, we can bring this back as a backchannel for professional development. Many of us also use the hashtag #FMSchat when posting relevant information on Twitter. (For examples, follow @BrittSpatz).

OLD SCHOOL SHARING
FMS has an incredible culture of sharing. It is deeply embedded in the norms of our building, but if I had to pin-point a specific reason for this, it would be that each week, teachers who teach the same grade and same subject meet in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). The PLC format prioritizes collaboration as the foundation of successful teaching. (I also love the academic atmosphere that it fosters, encouraging constant learning and growth.)

After learning from the work that our ECS is doing and in the spirit of some good ole sharing, I'm attaching my Top 10 Web Tools infographic. Please feel free to use, share and reproduce. 

Click on the infographic to see it on the web.

SUGGESTIONS??
What does your school do to provide the professional development that is imperative for successful tech implementation? What do you want to see from your schools? Please feel free to share your ideas below! -Brittany