What's Your Why?
Why = The Purpose
We believe in enhancing students' engagement, and creating meaningful learning experiences to promote ownership of learning.
How = The Process
We will do so by utilizing blended learning in combination with the state mandated standards and the district purchased technology and applications.
What = The Result
We prepare students to be self motivated learners who take ownership of their learning in all places and spaces by creating educational projects using technology, guidelines, and choice.
Tech-ing TEKS: Blended Learning Initiative, is a blended learning plan that prepares students for the technology-based learning we use today. Because we are already integrating the TEKS, we are abiding by the minimum standards set forth by the district. Many times stakeholders are reluctant to buy in due to the climate that comes with change, however, the perks of my innovation plan include utilizing the resources already purchased to receive the maximum benefit for all.
Teachers
Educators will need to properly know how to navigate and facilitate the usage of the apps purchased by the district, but the district would not have to buy any new materials for that to happen. Students must know how to navigate technology and incorporate it into their learning to be adequate digital citizens. Texas now has technology standards that are expected to be learned and used throughout the curriculum. Piloting my innovation plan will allow us to assess what goes well and make adjustments to maximize learning for students. It can also reduce work for educators, and save money for the district. If it is something we already own, why not use it to the maximum benefit? This innovation plan is not exclusively for content areas. A pilot can also take part in electives, where subjects such as band and athletics, and create videos on sports, playing instruments, and more.
Leadership
Many campuses have leadership programs where they have classroom teachers who are interested in taking on leadership roles. Promoting the innovation plan through content areas can be a task that aspiring leaders take on to help troubleshoot concerns and even build data. Having leads to help facilitate the disbursement of information can help in communication.
Community Engagement
Forums and sessions can be held quarterly for family engagement sessions that promote tutorial sessions for families who want to know more about how to use the applications to better help their students at home in their learning.
By showing students how to use what they already have to maximize their learning, they are one step closer to being self-motivated learners who take ownership of their learning in all places and spaces.
