For the past 2 years I have been a part of the Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) program. Thanks to the amazing learning opportunities the program has given me, and the confidence that comes with knowledge and skill growth, I am extending my Hands Held Out work in 2017.
Hands Held Out is the underlying philosophy of my MIE work, that is, I offer a hand held out to colleagues in the area of learning with technology. I work beside colleagues, aiming to build their confidence and skills, setting foundations for their growth, so that they may evolve as creative and innovative educators. I encourage them to focus on ‘thinking in learning’ and to consider options for enhancing learning with technology.
Recently I have been chatting to my principal Duilio Rufo ( a supportive and visionary leader) about formalising professional development opportunities offered at school, initially for our staff and potentially for colleagues within our area.
It is with great excitement that I announce that in 2017, with the support of the principal, we will be launching the Hands Held Out Academy.
The first course to run in 2017 will be Adapting to Change. We have called for expressions of interest in the course and 12 staff members jumped at this opportunity, ready to begin this journey.
Course: Adapting to Change
Learning Intention:
This will be a practical technology course. Teachers will be provided with a Surface 4 tablet device to ensure the learning is authentic and skills learnt are transferred directly to classroom practice.
By the end of the year teachers will
- be using pen and tablet technology to change the way they plan, assess and record the learning in their classroom.
- Be familiar with a range of programs that will support flipped learning
Success Criteria:
Teachers are successful if they use the device to
- collaborate online with colleagues
- plan and evaluate lessons
- record student learning via audio and video tools
- make anecdotal notes re: student progress
- create online lessons to flip learning in the classroom
Course Requirements
Teachers enrolling in the course will be offered exclusive use of a school owned Surface device. This is a significant financial commitment by the principal but one we know will bring great benefits to teaching and learning. To ensure the introduction of the Surface device is successful, and to provide opportunities for teachers to learn about a range of programs including Office Mix, teachers enrolled in this course must commit to the following 4 tasks.
1. Use 1 RFF (Release) day to:
- receive the device
- learn the basic functions of the device
- apply personal settings and install relevant apps
- prepare the device for class use with OneNote
- enrol in the Microsoft Online Educator Community
2. Attend 6 compulsory workshops run by myself (or guest presenters)
Workshops will be:
- held in Weeks 3, 6 and 9 of Terms 1 and 2
- offered twice in the nominated weeks (Tues Am and Thursday PM – Teachers may select the most suitable session to attend)
- run for approx. 45 mins
Workshops will include:
- Discussions and demonstrations of relevant programs/tools/functions of the device that will have a positive impact on teaching and learning
- Opportunities for staff to feedback on the use of their device to improve teaching and learning
- Skype sessions with Microsoft Experts
3. Complete online training modules within the Microsoft Educator Community and become ‘badged’ in given areas – minimum 3 hours per term (teachers may elect to do more).
- Teachers will be recognised for their achievements via the Microsoft badge reward system which is recognised globally.
4. Use ½ day RFF to reflect on the course and plan for future learning (with Lynette)
I will support teachers in their learning via class visits and demonstration lessons and Microsoft Teacher Ambassadors will be invited to support training/learning as appropriate.
This initiative will also assist teachers as they work through their professional goals and accreditation process.
It is such an exciting project. I have built the skeleton of a website to support the academy. Bookmark it and watch it grow throughout 2017. ( http://www.handsheldoutacademy.com/ ) The tagline for the Academy is ‘Change Learning’ but in this instance we are not referring to students – it’s all about the teachers!