I spent today in a learning session with Jeff Utecht and a group of administrators from Northwest Iowa. The content covered in this session was excellent, but instead of focusing on it I want to highlight the delivery method of Jeff's session. Although my post isn't centering around the content today , that isn't to say I won't be stealing lots of ideas he shared in the furtue.
Throughout the session, Jeff modeled ways to use technology to move our thinking to higher levels on Bloom's Taxonomy while actively engaging our group. Here are some of the ways he did that:
- Multiple members took notes in Google Docs. One member was responsible for each of the separate columns.
- One member "doodled" about the content on the board.
- Participants who had Twitter accounts tweeted about the day (#aeatraining)
- The rest of the group was able to participate in a backchannel conversation.
- Group members also posted comments and questions to wallwasher.
- Participants' groups were given a very high level task to complete and then report back to the group.
- Throughout the day, the entire group was evaluating and exploring resources and examples...lots and lots of examples.
At the end of the day, Jeff challenged the group of administrators to model the use of technologies with their teachers. Jeff's training wasn't focused on tools, but he did highlight ways that tools can enhance teaching and learning. Hopefully, all educators see the value in modeling. Can administrators really expect their teachers to use technology to transform education if they aren't modeling that? Can teachers? Sure, your high flying teachers and students will excel without modeling, but we also need to be concerned about the rest of the group!
Nick Sauers
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