Looking Toward the Future
As I look toward my future learning I wonder where it is going to take me. The goal of being a lifelong learner can sometimes be tantalizing seeming as though there are endless options on which to capitalize and, with finishing the graduate program, where do I want to direct my focus next? The graduate program has really opened my eyes to the uses of technology and opportunities to continue building a technology rich and engaging classroom. In the master’s program I focused a lot on the math aspect of my degree so I would like to continue building on Spanish. Finally, I want to continue building a toolbox of educational and technological resources to enhance my teaching.
To continue my focus on technology I hope to research more about becoming a Google Certified Teacher. A peer was recently discussing the certification and I feel that there is a lot to learn. The school district where I teach provides all teachers and students with a Google account and access to all that Google applications. I feel that since we have the resource available I would like to be able to capitalize on it and incorporate it into my classroom. The best way to do this would be to get training from the experts themselves to best use these tools, which I would then share with my colleagues as well. I think it will be a great learning opportunity for me and really enhance the use of Google’s tools in my classroom and, hopefully, my school.
To continue my focus on technology I hope to research more about becoming a Google Certified Teacher. A peer was recently discussing the certification and I feel that there is a lot to learn. The school district where I teach provides all teachers and students with a Google account and access to all that Google applications. I feel that since we have the resource available I would like to be able to capitalize on it and incorporate it into my classroom. The best way to do this would be to get training from the experts themselves to best use these tools, which I would then share with my colleagues as well. I think it will be a great learning opportunity for me and really enhance the use of Google’s tools in my classroom and, hopefully, my school.
To expand upon my knowledge of teaching a world language I hope to continue courses offered through the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Through my involvement with the intermediate school district’s world language curriculum review team I was introduced to virtual learning modules created specifically for teachers of word languages. I have completed 3 courses with the curriculum review team this year and found them very informational. It is often hard to find courses designed specifically for the teaching of a world language so I am really looking forward to capitalizing on this opportunity. I think these courses will expand my views on teaching world language and will be reflected in my lesson designs and teaching.
Lastly, I feel that I need to have an ever-growing toolbox to use in my classroom. The world of education is never stagnant and I, as a teacher, need to be prepared. Students are all different and will need different styles of teaching and resources so having a well-formed toolbox will help me be prepared for these ever-changing needs. To build this toolbox, I have found that the best way to find valuable resources is to network with other teachers; attend conferences, collaborate within the school district, communicate with teachers outside of the school district and be constantly on the lookout for tools to be used in the classroom. Specifically, I plan on attending annual conferences for Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) and Michigan World Language Association (MiWLA). I also plan to continue my involvement in district professional learning communities (PLCs) and curriculum review teams (CRTs) to communicate and collaborate in and out of my district.
In summary, I know there is a lot more to learn in the fields of education, technology, mathematics, and Spanish. With these three plans in mind I will be able to continue moving in the right direction with my goal of being a lifelong learner. The world is always changing and education is a part of that. By being a part of these communities I hope I will be able to continue growing and changing with the times and creating a learning environment that is rich in technology and current on available resources.
In summary, I know there is a lot more to learn in the fields of education, technology, mathematics, and Spanish. With these three plans in mind I will be able to continue moving in the right direction with my goal of being a lifelong learner. The world is always changing and education is a part of that. By being a part of these communities I hope I will be able to continue growing and changing with the times and creating a learning environment that is rich in technology and current on available resources.
Photo credits:
- Google Certified Teacher - http://www.edudemic.com/understanding-google-certification/
- ACTFL Language Educators' Learning Portal - https://www.actfl.org/assessment-professional-development/language-educators%E2%80%99-learning-portal
- MACUL - http://macul.org/