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=Standard9=

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**Standard 9** ** Teachers are able to evaluate themselves. **  The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on pupils, parents, professionals in the learning community and others and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.

Evidence 1: Technology Camp Reflection



Rationale 1: During the summer of 2012 I attended a one day technology camp that was offered through Marian University. Part of the assignment required us to write a reflection on the workshops that we attended and include what we learned and how it would be useful to us in the classroom. I'm never sure what workshops will be like...some you can get a lot out of and some not so much, but I do believe that one should be able to find at least one thing of value in every session, even if it is something not to do, and I certainly did. The workshops I attended included Google Docs, Flipping the Classroom, Web 2.0, and Virtual Learning Communities. The sessions demonstrated things that were familiar as well as ideas that were completely new. For example, I had used Google Docs in the past but wasn't familiar with some of the new features such as the drawing app. I also learned why I might have been having trouble when I tried using it in my classroom.

KSD


 * 9.K.3 The teacher is aware of major areas of research on teaching and other resources for learning (e.g. professional literature, colleagues, professional associations, professional development activities).**

Technology is constantly changing, almost faster than I can keep up with sometimes, so attending a workshop like this with trained professionals and colleagues was very valuable in helping keep me up to date on technology research, practices, and resources. For example, in the Web 2.0 session we discussed cloud storage, examples of these, the benefits, and the drawbacks. In the Virtual Learning Communities, I learned how to better set up our class Moodle and about a website that lets you put virtual stickers on student work.


 * 9.S.3 The teacher seeks out professional literature, and other resources to support his/her own development as a learner and a teacher**

I see much value in attending workshops and conferences. I always learn something new whether it is a new website or resource, a classroom management practice to try, or meeting and talking with other educators. In this case I was able to do all three of these things. At the flipped classroom session, we talked with teachers from the Lakeland school district. It was valuable to have the time and opportunity to see what they were doing in their school and how they were using Edmodo to flip their lessons. It helped me grasp the concept a little more and gave me confidence that a flipped lesson would be something I could really try.


 * 9.D.4 The teacher is committed to seeking out, developing, and continually refining practices that address the individual needs of students.**

After attending the workshops, taking notes, and reflecting on what I learned as well as my current teaching practices, I was able to come up with a list of things I wanted to change or try in my classroom. Change is a good thing and when I attend workshops or conferences and reflect, I always find things I can tweak or change. This makes me a better teacher for several reasons. First, it keeps me fresh, which is especially important in the class I teach since it is technology based. Students need to learn how to use the most up to date tools that are available as well as how to use these tools to increase their 21st century skills. Second, learning about a new resources or practice is motivating to me and if I am motivated and excited about what I am teaching students, then they will be more motivated to learn. Third, I can take what I learn and share it with other teachers around the school so students can practice and to utilize the tools in other areas and really learn it.

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