Implementing Personal Professional Development in Web 2.0 and Learning

This course has truly immersed and enlightened me on the many uses and benefits of Web 2.0 tools in the professional setting and classroom.  I have also been made more aware of how essential it is to have a specific focus and objective when using Web 2.0 tools with students and not to attempt to implement several tools simultaneously.  Often times, district or campus administrators will push to have several different technology tools implemented at the same time without properly training the teachers responsible for instructing students on using the tool.  I have been fortunate to work in a district that is technology driven and believes in developing and supporting teachers in technology skills.  My personal professional development and learning in Web 2.0 is 2-fold:

1.  Proficiency in at least 2 web 2.0 tools each year.  In order to integrate the use of technology, one must be familiar with the technology.  There must be adequate time to obtain the following:

• Ongoing professional development to learn how to use Web 2.0 personally and professionally in the classroom.
• Knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of the web 2.0 tool.
• Frequent practice and experimentation with the new Web 2.0 tool
• Create examples/models to use for sharing/training purposes

2.  Become a technology specialist for my campus/district.  My ultimate desire is to be able to implement a district wide initiative to place technology specialists/coordinator at each campus.  This would allow technology implementation and integration to be more fluid.  As a technology campus specialist/coordinator I would like to provide:

• Updates on practical and simple Web 2.0 tools to use in the classroom
• Technology professional development
• Classroom demonstrations to assist in initial implementation
• Ensure that Web 2.0 tools are directly tied to curriculum and student learning
• Possible technology "learning center/stations"- students would rotate through to practice skills identified as needing improvement, using web-based instructional programs such as: Study Island, Reflex Math, I-Station, etc.
• Enrichment/Creativity/Discovery learning- allow students to create various products using Web 2.0 tools to share with their class as an extension of their learning.

This implementation plan is one that will not occur immediately, however, in time would allow everyone, not only myself, to benefit from Web 2.0 tools.  As technology continues to evolve and permeate every aspect of our existence, we will need to be equipped to grow with those changes.