Standard+V

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. Teachers:
 * 5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership **
 * a. ** participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning
 * b. ** exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others
 * 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
 * d. ** contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community

Unfortunately I can't say that I am involved in many groups, committess, or programs that promote technology. I really wish I had taken a technology course years ago, because I have learned so much about how digital tools can not only help students achieve academic goals, but in this day in age students enjoy technology. During this class I became part of Diigo and formed a Delicious account, which are great ways to share information, articles, and ideas with others. Our school often seems to put technology on the backburner due to financial restraints, that if a teacher wants to use and incorporate technology it seems we have to take the initiative to learn it and apply it. Joining professional journals (Edutopia, eSchoolNews, ISTE) also offer articles and suggestions on improving technology in the classroom. I can honestly say my eyes were shut to the technology world prior to this class. I not only have a new appreciation for the many digital possibilities, but I also feel like I learned a whole new way to teach. I have been implementing many tools in the classroom and my students think I'm such a "hip, cool" teacher! I have mentioned this before, but I plan on taking a technology workshopt or course to continue my new found knowledge. I just feel our district is limited with computers and they do not allow cell phones, therefore I would have to show the staff the educatonal value of the many tools.
 * 1. List ways in which you are involved in promoting technology and increasing your own professional growth and leadership. This could be through involvement in professional organizations, grade level groups, professional training you provide, professional learning communities, global communities you are involved in via the web such as nings, blogs, diigo groups, or other educator networks, a school network, district committee work, sharing with school leaders, etc.**


 * 1a. List at least 2 ways you can better improve your professional practice of modeling lifelong learning and leading the way for promoting and demonstrating effective use of digital tools and resources**.
 * I would like to lead and facilitate a group, most likely my department that describes new and effective ways to incorporate technology in the classroom. I wouldn't say that I'm an expert by any means, however I do think I could introduce a few digital tools that teachers in our district would find very useful.
 * Our technology teacher often goes to workshops and conferences in the area that deal with technology integration. I do meet with her (her room is next to mine) periodically so she can show me new tools. She has presented Thinkfinity at a faculty meeting, however she and I could collaborate and run in-service opportunities to spread the word of technology for classroom use.

Resources that I could use to keep up with current technology would be subscribing to additional online journals that offer new classroom activities. I also think continuing to maintain and check my Diigo and Google Reader accounts will give me ideas from other educators. I definitely could research more ideas and ways to use technology in the classroom. Our school doesn't have any committees devoted to technology, so any group would have to be an online group that shares ideas. After taking this course, I am going to ask the school if they would let me join our technology teacher in attending various workshops. I definitely don't want to lose the new skills that I have gained.
 * 2. List resources that can help you grow in this area **.