Technology Book Camp Final Skills, Reflection, and Checklist

I have to admit, I feel fairly proud of myself for my Boot Camp Skills accomplishments.  Although I chose to learn about ordinary Microsoft programs, I was able to gain a better understanding of spreadsheets and databases.   I chose these because these were the two programs that I haven’t had much experience using.  I was able to create a couple of very useful documents that I have been able to put to use immediately in my classroom.  The first was my classroom newsletter.

Every week I send home a classroom newsletter and post it on my classroom website.  My newsletter  was long overdue for makeover.  Previously, it had just been a list of paragraphs.  I was able to learn more about columns and formatting to give it the updated look of a real newsletter.  I like this format so much better because I think it is easier for parents to read and highlights topics from the week much better. 

My second project combined a few small projects.  First, I learned how to use mail merge in order to write more personal letters to parents explaining the interventions that their child is receiving.  Second, I was able to record each student’s intervention data into a chart and then convert that chart to a graph so that parents can visually see the progress that their child is making.  I plan to use this report at progress report and grade card time each nine weeks.  It was quite a challenge to figure out how to display my data in chart form, but I love the way it turned out.  I feel it looks very professional and is easy for parents to understand. 

Since I had accomplished my original goals one module early, I decided to look into a website that one of my classmates has shared called powtoon.com.  I learned how to create my own powtoon that I plan to use for poetry vocabulary review in my classroom next week.  I plan to create a few more powtoons to use as presentations in my classroom and then hopefully will feel confident enough to teach my students to use it. 

I feel I was able to meet all of my objectives.  When formatting my newsletter, I tried to make the formatting changes using the method listed in my objectives.  I discovered there was more than one way to do some of the formatting, so that was very helpful.  When working in the database and excel documents, I was able to create the cells to function as I intended, so I gained experience using functions, formulas, and references.  I wouldn't call myself an expert at this yet, but I was able to create the chart using a few tutorials.  Finally, I added the powtoons skills to my checklist.  I was able to create, edit, and format text, pictures, and sound within a slideshow.

Overall, the Technology Skills Bootcamp is a great idea.  It allowed me to focus on the specific skills that I need and not waste my time on those skills that I already have.  I was able to create a plan for myself that was relevant to what I am doing in the classroom right now.   I think it is a wonderful professional development model.  Too often, differentiation in professional development is ignored.  This would be a great way of allowing teachers to get the training they need without wasting their time.  I like the idea of flipping technology professional development.  By setting my goals and using resources to educate myself, I was able to move much faster than if I were attending a face to face class where the instructor would need to help each teacher with their individual projects.  If we were to use this in my district, it would be a great way to help teachers begin learning wherever they are on the continuum.  Throughout each time period, they could attempt to create or try a specific technology that would be relevant in their classroom.  Then, teachers could come back together with the instructor to ask questions and clarify things before starting over with a new skill.  If I have the opportunity to participate in professional development planning in regards to technology, I certainly plan to suggest this format for my district!
goals and work plan
Final Skills Checklist
Parent Newsletter with formatting
Completed Parent Intervention Letter with Mail Merge and Data
 Powtoons Presentation