Blog Post #1

To begin preparing for my practicum, I reviewed the technology needs assessment from the Elmore County Public School system. This information was acquired from the technology coordinator, Barbara Burchard. After analyzing the document, I determined the areas in which there was a need. In addition, I interviewed Mrs. Burchard in order to identify other areas of need with regard to technology. Gathering this information and analyzing the data took approximately three hours. I used this information as well as the ISTE Standards for the basis of my professional development plan. To begin preparing the professional development, I had to complete a training course on Quality Matters. This was an online course in using the Quality Matters rubric, which is used to evaluate online courses. The course had several components and took approximately two hours to complete. The bulk of my time then was spent on utilizing the QM Course Worksheet to build my professional development plan. The worksheet included all components of the plan, including basic course information and format, course learning objectives or competencies, materials, technologies, course interaction component, and instructor perspectives. This plan was developed over a three week period and required approximately 60 hours to complete.

The above-mentioned activities and procedures gave me the tools I needed to be able to build my professional development plan. Analyzing the information from the needs assessment gave me insight into the needs of teachers in my own district. I was able to determine the areas in which teachers would benefit from professional development. I was also able to review the ISTE standards which were also used to build the professional development plan. From the Quality Matters training, I learned all of the components an online course would have to include. From that material, I was able to evaluate each part of my plan to ensure the QM standards were met.

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