Applying Ed Tech: ePortfolio-Compiling It All Together-By Margie Mead
I see the growth mindset, failing forward strategies, and the COVA learning approach impacting my learning in so many positive ways. I am still trying to figure out WordPress on my own and failing miserably. I didn’t want to switch to Wix or Squarespace because I chose WordPress. I have a lot of time and even a few tears invested in WordPress. I am seeing first hand how choice over your learning makes you want to own the living crap out of it. I am truly annoyed with WordPress, but I’m also completely engaged with wanting to learn how to use it. I do think BlueHost is causing issues with my learning, but it is helping me with my patience and that’s also needed in the tech world. Growth mindset and failing forward strategies have impacted me in so many positive ways during a time of tremendous need for personal and professional growth. The ADL program could not have had better timing coming into my life. I am learning so much about myself and how to communicate with and understand others. I always thought I was an amazing communicator because of my empathy for others, but I am learning that empathy is just part of what makes great leaders great at communicating. I have always known I lack confidence when speaking up about what I feel strongly about, but I am also learning through this program what I am truly passionate about and that has given me a stronger voice and a yearning to learn more. I want to see change in education, if not for me, for teachers to come. It will be more efficient and engaging for students and teachers one day.
The growth mindset project was one of my favorite projects so far in the program. I think because I have used it the most in class with students, my team, and it has been put in our staff weekly newsletter. I loved getting to know my fixed mindset and giving her a name. It has really helped me be more aware of when I start to get on the negative train. I feel like it has helped me be more aware of others’ fixed mindsets and not get defensive in certain situations.
Working on my Learning Manifesto video I felt overwhelmed from the start of this class thinking about this assignment. Reading others’ learning manifestos I thought would help me get my own ideas organized, but I just felt my thoughts getting more out of control. I organized my thoughts as best as I could by typing out my answers to the focus questions. I then brainstormed for a meaningful question and made a video. In the end I felt fired up about inefficiency the most. Mainly because of things going on at my school at the time. This was probably the only assignment I felt the least proud of and was just glad it was done. I even told my group to remember that done is better than perfect at one point. I am in the process of fixing my Learning Manifesto corrections up and hope to have the edits done by midnight of 15th.
My Learning Communities are what got me into wanting to go to grad school and when I stumbled upon the ADL program I felt like God was speaking to me. “This is what you need to do Margie!” I have followed people for years and loved checking blogs everyday for new ideas. 15 years ago Pinterest got me hooked, but then I found blogs, Instagram and Twitter. Twitter has to be by far my favorite way to find new ideas and watch live videos.
The first Wednesday of the month we have a team leader meeting, which in my opinion, lasts way too long. The next day the team leaders usually have a meeting during planning to go over the meeting notes. I decided to make a Tik Tok to share the notes, so that my team could watch from home with a glass of wine in their pjs or just listen on their way to work. The team leader meeting was an hour and fifteen minutes long. Check out my 2 minute and 53 second Tik Tok Meeting Notes video. It was a huge hit among all the teachers. Our IT teacher even made a Loom this week for us to watch on a new math platform we are rolling out, so she wouldn’t have to meet with each grade level and take up one of our planning hours. The Loom also saves her time as well.
I’m having fun learning how to make Tik Toks and like having a YouTube Channel because I see endless possibilities with both of these platforms. And bonus…my 4th graders think I’m the coolest, and I’m totally here for it.