Melanie Olson's 20% Project

I was able to accomplish a lot with my 20% project time!  I loved being able to justify taking that much time to work on things that I was interested in, had every intention of exploring, but hadn't been able to take the time to play around with because I was putting other things first. 

Each week I eplored something different.  I took time to look for meaningful apps to use on my five student iPads that helped students with math, literacy, and creativity.  I played a lot with screencast-o-matic and was able to use that tool to help my short term substiture learn about the technology that I had been using with students so that she could continue what I was doing while I was gone.  I was able to search a lot of creativity tools for the kids to play with along with presentation tools to share what they have learned. 

While working on my 20% project I was able to accomplish many things in the NETS*S standards. 

2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessment incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers:

b. develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress.

 

I was able to design and develop learning experiences and assessments incorporating new tools for my students.  I think that the activities I have planned have and will continue to challenge students to further their learning in all subject areas. 

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teacher:

d. model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning

 

I have been a model for students in using technology.  They often help me with using the iPads or introduce me to new apps, but I have been able to be "the expert" to share new tools with them.  The students get really excited when I announce that I have a new tool to share. 

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. Teacher

c. evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.

Having learned so much about new technology tools, I have been able to grow as a teacher and share my knowledge with others.  I am currently planning for net school year with my QUEST team and am incorporate more technology usage into our lessons and activities for students.

Overall, I feel that I have grown a lot as a teacher and will continue my journey incorporating more technology into my classroom and into the lives of my students. 

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