My first Master's project - the Tech Lounge
My original plan for my Master's project was to create a dynamic and exciting workspace that would engage our students in their learning using technology. I had the full support of my principal, our PAC (who graciously paid for most of the renovation) and numerous companies in our local community that donated their time and products to make this a cool learning space. I've spent countless hours planning, pulling apart, redecorating and building many aspects of this collaborative learning space and I am so happy with the way it has turned out. Also happy are our students who love to work and play in the new lounge, be it with our math bin manipulatives or in our virtual world or on the Smartboard. This space is being used much more than it used to be and my hope is that it will become a learning hub in our school, a place where students can develop, research and create amazing projects and expand their learning in new and innovative ways.
.....but that's not really a thesis project, is it?
I've recently come to the conclusion that this amazing room is not, in and of itself, a Master's project. It is simply the vehicle from which I can implement my true Master's project, which will involve the development of a variety of lessons, activities and projects that will encourage Digital Citizenship skills and practices in our students. Having finished the majority of my OLTD coursework, and having taught using technology for the last number of years, I see a rising trend in student use of technology and social media. Unfortunately, I also see a rising trend in inappropriate use or sharing of inappropriate information, and honestly that scares me. I see a real need to educate and support our students in the effective use of technology to maximize the potential benefits and returns that we will see in the classroom. The bottom line is that our students must use technology safely and effectively. My new focus, in terms of my Master's project, is to develop a curriculum that can enhance student (and teacher) understandings and practices in using technology in the classroom.
I am excited to share that I have just accepted a contract that will see me teaching a Digital Literacies course in summer school this year, which I see as a testing ground for this initial curriculum. From there I hope to refine the program and present it at various Pro-D Day sessions in our district and perhaps beyond. That way I can share with as many colleagues as possible the importance of Digital Citizenship in our schools.
I am excited to share that I have just accepted a contract that will see me teaching a Digital Literacies course in summer school this year, which I see as a testing ground for this initial curriculum. From there I hope to refine the program and present it at various Pro-D Day sessions in our district and perhaps beyond. That way I can share with as many colleagues as possible the importance of Digital Citizenship in our schools.