Facilitate Change 

 During EDL 677, I had the opportunity to facilitate change by creating and sharing an infographic on X. I researched how to close cultural gaps on the EdSurge website and then used Canva to create an infographic. This is one assignment I led that I would want to change because of the topic I chose to share with others on X. Although there are cultural gaps between students and teachers and even among teachers in a school building, there are still so many opportunities to close the cultural gaps that happen naturally through building relationships. 

What would I like to share instead? I am glad you asked! 

I would have shared an infographic about the transformative potential of giving your students more choices in the classroom. Implementing this option would be a game-changer for some educators.

Student choice in the classroom is pivotal for several compelling reasons, each contributing to a more engaging, effective, and personalized learning experience. Pandolpho (2020) states, "One of the most powerful ways to impact achievement is to actively engage students in the life of the classroom." By allowing students a say in their learning process, educators empower them to take ownership and responsibility for their education. This empowerment not only leads to increased motivation and engagement but also underscores the crucial role of educators in fostering student growth. Kiser (2020) states, "Student choice is not just a menu of decisions but is about empowering students to establish what they want to learn. It involves a paradigm shift of inspiring possibilities. It allows freedom and power in the classroom. It gives students the autonym to determine the route they want to take to learn new skills." Below is a video that shares 10 ways to implement student choice in the classroom. 

                                                                       (Spencer, 2016) 

Moreover, student choice acknowledges and caters to a classroom's diverse learning styles, interests, and strengths. Not all students learn best through the same methods; some prefer visual aids, while others benefit from hands-on activities or auditory instruction. Allowing students to choose how they learn or demonstrate their understanding can lead to more effective learning outcomes. Additionally, choice can help students develop critical thinking and decision-making skills as they weigh their options and make informed decisions about their learning paths. Sheninger (2019) says, "Our students want to be creative, collaborate, utilize technology for learning, connect with peers near and far, understand the messages the media convey, and solve real-world problems" (P 84). 

Edutopia is a great website to read about the benefits of student choice. 

Lastly, incorporating student choice prepares students for real-world scenarios where they will constantly be faced with decisions and the need for self-directed learning. It encourages independence, self-regulation, and life-long learning habits that are not just beneficial but essential beyond the classroom walls. Sheninger (2019) emphasizes, "It is about providing learners with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in college, careers, and jobs that have not yet even been created yet" (P 84). This underscores the vital role of educators in equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. By treating students as active participants in their education rather than passive recipients, educators can create a more dynamic, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment that prepares students for the complexities of the modern world.

(Saoud, 2011)

References 

Kiser, S., (2020, December 17). The Benefits of Student Choice. K-12 Resources by Teachers, For Teachers. TeachHub.com.

Pandolpho, B. (2020, March 10). Simple Ways to Promote Student Voice in the Classroom. Simple Ways to Promote Student Voice in the Classroom | Edutopia 

Saoud., C. A Primary Graffiti Blog Teaching Blog (Image). Primary Graffiti: CHOMP! Themed Learning with a FREEBIE!.

Sheninger, E. (2019, April). Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times. Corwin. 

Spencer, J.(2016, September 27). 10 Ways to Empower Students with Choice. (Video). Https://youtu.be/L08wNizulOY  

Which field experience had the most significant positive impact on your growth as a technology leader?

 

Positive Impact on My Growth as a Technology Leader

In my Ed 629 class, we embarked on a collaborative journey to design purposeful professional development for our fellow students. Our group delved into 'The Interactive Classroom' by Kristen Merrill and Joe Merrill, each taking on a chapter to explore and share our favorite resources. My section focused on the significance of teachers learning from their peers, whether within the school building or through external sources like podcasts, blogging, and bloggers, and the power of building a PLN using Twitter. The book was a treasure trove of resources. During our class presentation, we shared resources via a Wakelet, ensuring everyone had access, and each class member contributed their thoughts through a Google Survey, enriching our collective learning experience. 

(Merrill Merrill, 2020)

"The Interactive Class" by Joe and Kristen Merrill is a tremendous educational advancement because it combines technology and innovative teaching methods to create engaging and interactive learning experiences. Merrill & Merrill (2020) emphasize, "One way you ensure that your students' learning is interactive is to make sure it is rigorous"(p 11). It is essential to set the bar high for your students. You would be surprised how they respond to work that challenges them. Sheninger (2019) states, "Rigor is a concept that describes either an assignment that challenges students to use critical thinking skills or a challenging learning environment that is supportive and engaging" (P. 97). Merrill's YouTube Channel is a great place to get ideas to use in the classroom. 

As I step into the role of a technology leader, I am filled with anticipation for the transformative potential of the strategies outlined in the book. These strategies can reshape classroom dynamics, ignite student participation, and foster a deeper understanding of the material. The book is a guiding light for educators, showing us how to harness technology to adapt to diverse learning styles and cater to individual student needs. It's a beacon of hope, paving the way for educational growth and development. I also appreciate developing a Personal Learning Network (PLN) to enhance my educational leadership growth. Sheninger (2019) states that PLNs are communities of like-minded individuals with whom one exchanges information and engages in conversation (P. 144). One way I expanded my PLN was by joining Twitter. I have actively participated in chats, shared personal activities from my classroom, and disseminated great ideas shared by others. Initially, I was hesitant about joining Twitter, given my limited activity on individual social media platforms, but the benefits have far outweighed my initial reservations. Turner & Hicks (2017) suggest we monitor our reading and writing, analyze the argument, and think carefully before sharing with others (P 108). Kaufman & Rothstein (2021) emphasize three ways to seek out professional learning: 1. Navigate the EduTwitter Space. 2. Read professional books, articles, and blog posts. 3. Listen to podcasts. Lastly, The Merrills link is a fantastic blog offering several resources to help educators create interactive classrooms and develop PLNs. In conclusion, completing a PLC with and for my peers opened my eyes to the new world of professional development and how to connect with others with the same goals and interests. 

References 

Kaufman, L., & Rothstein, S. (2021 July 14). Taking Control of Your Professional Growth. Edutopia. 3 Ways K-12 Teachers Can Focus on Their Own Professional Growth | Edutopia 

Merrill, J., & Merrill, K. (2020). The Interactive Class. ElevateBooksEdu.

Turner, K.H., Hicks, T. (2017). Teaching Adolescents to Read and Write Digital Texts: Argument in the Real World. Heinemann. 

The Interactive Classroom

 

The Interactive Classroom 

The Interactive classroom is a beacon of innovation in education, revolutionizing how students engage with material and each other. By weaving together technology, collaboration, and active learning, it creates an environment where students are not just passive recipients of information but active participants in their learning journey. This method has significantly increased engagement, catering to various learning styles and preferences. Educators are responsible for creating optimal learning environments for their students. Learning needs to be interactive and happen in a way that allows students to be responsive rather than reactive (Merrill & Merrill, 2020, P. 11). To experience a sense of autonomy, students must experience their engagement in learning as a self-chosen act that reflects their own interests, preferences, and values (Cents-Boonstra et al., 2021).

The interactive classroom fosters a sense of community and collaboration among students. Group projects and peer-to-peer learning encourage students to collaborate, share ideas, and solve problems collectively. This enhances their understanding of the subject and develops essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and empathy. Joe and Kristen Merrill (2020), says "Once you can see the connection between your relationship with students and engagement in the classroom, you can then focus on how to develop and nourish these relationships throughout the school year" (P.15). In an increasingly interconnected world, these skills are invaluable. Furthermore, the interactive approach often incorporates real-world problems and scenarios, making the learning experience more relevant and motivating for students. They can see the direct application of their studies in the real world, which can ignite a passion for learning and discovery. Vishwas Pawar states that "collaboration and effective communication are essential skills in the professional world. Interactive learning environments allow students to collaborate, share ideas, and solve problems collectively. Whether through group projects, peer reviews, or virtual teamwork, this approach prepares students to function effectively in team-oriented settings, a crucial aspect of their future careers"(Pawar, 2023). This video below is an excellent example of classroom engagement. 

In conclusion, the interactive classroom is a powerful tool in maintaining student engagement. It addresses many traditional educational challenges by embracing technology, encouraging collaboration, and making learning relevant. Students are more likely to be motivated and enthusiastic about their studies when they feel actively involved and valued in learning. In the book The Interactive Class, Sara Frater (2020) says, "Have the kids learn right along with you. They are such good helpers and can figure things out with you! Let students create and share their voice, and your classroom will be an empowering place" (P 44). As education evolves, the interactive classroom represents a promising path toward a more engaging, effective, and inclusive educational experience for all students. 

The Merrills link is to a fantastic blog that offers several resources to help educators create interactive classrooms.  

References 

Cents-Boonstra, M., Lichtwarck-Aschoff, A., Denessen, E., Aelterman, N., & Haerens, L. (2021). Fostering student engagement with motivating teaching: an observation study of teacher and student behaviors. Research papers in Education, 36(6), 754-779. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02671522.2020.1767184 

Edutopia.org.(2011,June 22). Thinking Big About Engagement (Video). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IDPGUSQNes

Merrill, J., & Merrill, K. (2020). The Interactive Class. ElevateBooksEdu.

Pawar, V. (2023, August 27). Embracing Interactive Learning: Enhancing Education for Today's Learners. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com /embracing-interactive-learning-enhancing-education-for-todays-learners