There are several quality free programs available for schools. Part of my work is helping teachers use platforms such as the ones below in the classroom.
Using technology in the classroom is a change from conventional teaching and learning. That's a good thing, but educators face a problem when being evaluated if their administrator does not know how to evaluate a teacher whose students are learning in such an environment. Regardless, teachers must be armed with the knowledge of how to prepare for such evaluations.
In cities like New York teachers are evaluated using the four Danielson Domains. This means teachers must be prepared to explain to administrators what they are doing through the lens of each of the following Domains.
Here is what that looks like.
Domain 1: Planning and
preparation.
When using a quality program, it is planned and prepared well. What this looks
like - The programs are delivered using materials developed by world-renowned
experts. This means the content is coherently delivered and created by many of
the most knowledgeable in the field.
What teachers must be prepared to do – Know who created the program and the
research behind it. Be prepared to
discuss the instructional design and elements that make this program a success
for student learning.
Domain 2: Classroom Environment
What this looks like - Teachers and students are interacting but it doesn’t
look like conventional interaction. Additionally, students may be interacting
with others around the globe. Innovative educators must know how to explain
this. Students are engaging digitally.
What teachers must be prepared to
do - Be ready to explain how you are building and developing responsible
digital citizens. Have examples handy of
teacher – student and student – student interactions. Know how to show student behavior, how it is
monitored, and what you do if there are behavior issues.
Domain 3: Instruction
What this looks like - When technology is used all students are able to
participate all the time in ways never possible in conventional
classrooms. Students are grouped and
placed in a way that is instantly assessed based on their ability. Pacing is
individualized. Student assessment and feedback is instant.
What teachers must be prepared to do – Consider putting together a slide deck
that outlines some of the elements that support instruction with real student
samples. This would include the sort of questions and prompts students receive.
The way discussion is fostered. Show a dashboard that captures student
participation. Provide a graph of the
class that shows the structure and pacing of students based on individual
progress. Give examples of the type of
instant feedback students receive as well as how student can assess and monitor
themselves.
Domain 4: Professional
Responsibilities
One of the wonderful attributes on online platforms is that they have
professional learning networks tied to them. Participate in the network created
by the platform or create your own. These are places where educators are
discussing best practices for teaching and learning. They share what works,
challenges, and tips and tricks.
What teachers must be prepared to do – Capture links that represent your
engagement in these communities. Show how you have grown from feedback given by
others and how you have helped others with your feedback. If the platforms have
webinars or Twitter chats, engage and make sure you keep a record of those in
which you participate.
What do you think? Are you prepared to have these types of conversations with administrators where you work? What else have you had success with when being evaluated using innovative practices. Have you had these conversations? What worked? What didn't? How does your role change in such an environment. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
