- Collaborative work accomplished for this phase
- Your individual contribution to this week's work
- Challenges the group or you as an individual faced
- How would you apply this process with students or colleagues at your site?
- How would this process differ if implemented with actual end users? What would you need to take into consideration?
- How do we ensure that collaboration is indeed additive in lieu of individuals simply working in groups?
Part 2
1.The article speaks about preservice teachers learning to use WIPs. How would you introduce and encourage experienced teachers to use WIPs?Especially teachers who may not be as comfortable with technology?
I would partner teachers who are not experienced with technology with a teacher that is more tech savvy and provide ongoing professional development and coaching. This would provide ongoing support.
There have been many veteran teachers at my school that have benefited from other teachers that are tech savvy. I think that's the best way you can get seasoned teachers comfortable with the new technology.
The ongoing support also helps make them more comfortable, because they know their is always someone to help them if needed.
2.How can you convince teachers who have no experience with WIPs of the benefits?
Professional development that includes classroom visits to see the benefits of WIPs, would help teachers experience WIPs. Also, providing data on the benefits would be beneficial when convincing teachers to use WIPs.
I agree with you 100%. I also think we frustrate our veteran teachers by implementing new apps or new devices without giving them any training. A lot of the frustration can be nullified with professional development trainings as soon as new technology is implemented.
Yes, nothing will stop any new initiative faster than frustration. Finding ways to minimize frustration and making change easier for teachers is essential.
3. What are some factors that may keep teachers from using WIPs after being exposed to their use and benefits?
Often time’s technology is acquired and then just handed out to teachers without any formal training. Professional development is sometimes an afterthought or a luxury that some districts cannot afford.
I agree that technology is sometimes handed out with little or no professional development. Also, WIPs may scare some teachers because they may feel a loss of control over how and what their students are learning.
This is where we need a strong professional development team, a team that is on top of all the innovative changes our schools are going through. This would eliminate some of the setbacks our experienced teachers go through.
4. What are the benefits for students and teachers of using WIPs?
The impact that WIP’s has had on today’s schools has been quite significant.WIP allows the student to be involved in the process of learning, this widespread adoption of WIP has completely changed how teachers teach and students learn.
Yes, WIPs have changed the way teachers teach and students learn. It is also a great way to introduce collaboration, creativity, communication,and critical thinking into the curriculum.
It's a great way for students to get involved with the learning process and for teachers to use technology in the classroom.