I have been a French teacher for a long time. One of the ways the students get better at speaking in French is by speaking, so I build in activities that allow them to practice and get better by using the language they are learning. They take risks and are rewarded by significant improvement and comfort in an additional language.
So now it's my turn. This is the exact process that is happening for me in LIBE 477. I need to improve my skills in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and this course in one of the ways I am doing it. It is difficult because there is risk involved—the risk of looking stupid; the risk of feeling foolish; the risk of getting it wrong publicly…but because Information and Communication Technology Skills are an area where growth is necessary, I have chosen to participate in these technology learning experiences. In the past month I have created and posted several times on a blog, inserted links and photos, made a twitter account (no posts yet!), posted consistently on Instagram, joined three google hangouts. Doing each of these activities was scary the first time, but it has gotten a little easier each subsequent time.
Manitoba Education and Training Curriculum has a Learning with ICT Model.
This model can be linked to the list of “21st century literacies” (Richardson location 177). Students have to “manage, analyze and synthesize.” (Richardson location, 177). They have to “question, design and share” (Richardson location 177). ICT is implemented as a continuum of skills throughout all curricular areas and from K-12. In this, teacher-librarians are ideally situated to help other staff and students, so I need to be developing more skills in this area.
In order to continue to develop my skills, outside of the course requirements, I have taken a few steps. First, I’ve signed up for a school committee that will force me to learn new technology skills. Committee members will be in-serviced on new applications available in the division and then we will help other staff members to learn these new skills.
In order to connect with others, I am a member of the Manitoba School Library Association. The MSLA offers workshops and I've signed up for one in March called: Teaching Information Literacy Skills in the Age of Fake News.
In my previous UBC course we signed up to receive messages through LM_Net. I find reading the information helps inform me of current issues in Teacher-Librarianship. There are often posts about useful applications and other technology.
A few weeks into this course I can agree that “There’s obviously a learning curve to this (and there are just so many hours in the day). But these technologies are within almost anyone’s grasp” (Richardson, Location 408).
Bibliography
Creative Commons Technology Image: https://pixabay.com/en/technology-information-digital-2082642/
Richardson, Will (2012). Why School? How Education Must Change When Learning and Information are Everywhere (Kindle Single). Ted Conferences.
“The LwICT Model.” Manitoba Education and Training, Government of Manitoba, www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/tech/lict/resources/posters/index.html
In order to continue to develop my skills, outside of the course requirements, I have taken a few steps. First, I’ve signed up for a school committee that will force me to learn new technology skills. Committee members will be in-serviced on new applications available in the division and then we will help other staff members to learn these new skills.
In order to connect with others, I am a member of the Manitoba School Library Association. The MSLA offers workshops and I've signed up for one in March called: Teaching Information Literacy Skills in the Age of Fake News.
In my previous UBC course we signed up to receive messages through LM_Net. I find reading the information helps inform me of current issues in Teacher-Librarianship. There are often posts about useful applications and other technology.
A few weeks into this course I can agree that “There’s obviously a learning curve to this (and there are just so many hours in the day). But these technologies are within almost anyone’s grasp” (Richardson, Location 408).
Bibliography
Creative Commons Technology Image: https://pixabay.com/en/technology-information-digital-2082642/
Richardson, Will (2012). Why School? How Education Must Change When Learning and Information are Everywhere (Kindle Single). Ted Conferences.
“The LwICT Model.” Manitoba Education and Training, Government of Manitoba, www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/tech/lict/resources/posters/index.html
Hi Beverly,
ReplyDeleteI really like how you compare your journey with ICT to your students' journey as they learn to speak French. I agree that it is important to take risks because that is how we learn, so I think it's awesome you are doing so many things to improve your skills.
Like you, I haven't really got into Twitter, but I'm working on it as well. I find I only go onto Twitter once every two weeks and read some highlights and then I feel like it's too late to post something that happened earlier that week. I want to work on posting things in the moment so I can contribute as well.
Also, thanks for sharing the Manitoba Education Literacy with ICT model. I hadn't seen this visual before.
Alicia
Risk taking is a huge part of learning. I am so glad that you have been open and willing to try so many new things to develop your skills. This attitude and the skills you are acquiring will help you be an asset to your school. Thank you for sharing the the Manitoba LwICT model. I have not seen that before. You have identified several strong strategies to help you continue to build your ICT skills.
ReplyDeleteI understand the feeling of feeling insecure and unqualified when it comes to tech tools. However, I personally experienced so much satisfaction to learn alongside the students that I don’t feel this insecurity anymore. Students are so happy to share what they know with you and others are so happy to learn from you. It is a learning experience for all and it is great that way. I remember introducing the Comic Strip app with a Grade 3 class without knowing how to save the students work until the Grade 7 students class showed up at the LC and demonstrate to the younger ones and myself how to save by emailing their work using their school email (it was the first time they were using it). It was so wonderful to see the interaction between all students.
ReplyDeleteI also learned the existence of many new web tools from the diploma courses AND learning to integrate them as often as possible. Twitter is next.