Undertaking a Master’s Program is a major decision in a working person’s life. I have considered doing a Master’s Program for many years before finally deciding to apply to the Touro University Master’s in Innovative Learning Program. My colleague, Martha McCoy, encouraged me to consider the Innovative Learning Program and with the outreach and financial backing of Napa Learns I was finally ready to commit. I often took continuing education classes, and while they were classes that interested me, they were disjointed and I knew I wanted to take professional development classes that were more cohesive and what better way than with a Master’s Program.
Honestly, I truly wanted to study nutrition and had no interest in technology beyond editing photos and paying bills on-line. I really didn’t know what to expect from an innovative learning program, but I did know that devices were everywhere and my classroom had a set of ipads and rather than be some old fuddy duddy (like Mrs. Harris, my 2nd grade teacher) I ought to find out what’s what. I figured that once I have a clearer idea and more information, then I could either accept or reject technology.
I quickly rejected so much that the instructor’s introduced. In my head I often said, “Oh, that’s not for my 2nd graders.” But, time after time the information would sink in and I would find myself considering a possible use, in my classroom, for many of the presentation tools or applications or websites. I quite like my approach the reject-then-reconsider-technique.
The research project was the enterprise that helped me to own the classes. Researching and implementing the e-reader pilot program in my class was the most important part of this year-long journey. Introducing e-readers to my class was something that I cared a lot about. It directly affected my students and my reading pedagogy. This was professional development of the finest kind. I love teaching my students to be good readers and here was an innovative way to help those who were struggling and those who were reluctant to read. It was a win-win situation - my students found a new way to enjoy books and I got to enjoy them enjoying books. Joy!
Piloting the e-readers was just the beginning. E-readers are a new tool in my kit and I still need to become proficient. This new school year will be a honing and fine tuning of all the possibilities that e-readers hold. My 2nd graders need to acquire strong foundational skills and I plan to continue to find innovative ways to instill those skills.
Honestly, I truly wanted to study nutrition and had no interest in technology beyond editing photos and paying bills on-line. I really didn’t know what to expect from an innovative learning program, but I did know that devices were everywhere and my classroom had a set of ipads and rather than be some old fuddy duddy (like Mrs. Harris, my 2nd grade teacher) I ought to find out what’s what. I figured that once I have a clearer idea and more information, then I could either accept or reject technology.
I quickly rejected so much that the instructor’s introduced. In my head I often said, “Oh, that’s not for my 2nd graders.” But, time after time the information would sink in and I would find myself considering a possible use, in my classroom, for many of the presentation tools or applications or websites. I quite like my approach the reject-then-reconsider-technique.
The research project was the enterprise that helped me to own the classes. Researching and implementing the e-reader pilot program in my class was the most important part of this year-long journey. Introducing e-readers to my class was something that I cared a lot about. It directly affected my students and my reading pedagogy. This was professional development of the finest kind. I love teaching my students to be good readers and here was an innovative way to help those who were struggling and those who were reluctant to read. It was a win-win situation - my students found a new way to enjoy books and I got to enjoy them enjoying books. Joy!
Piloting the e-readers was just the beginning. E-readers are a new tool in my kit and I still need to become proficient. This new school year will be a honing and fine tuning of all the possibilities that e-readers hold. My 2nd graders need to acquire strong foundational skills and I plan to continue to find innovative ways to instill those skills.