IPads and a Technology - A reflection of cycle 1

After now completing cycle 1 of TLCs with the two iPad and Technology cohorts it is now time to reflect on how the sessions have gone and how can we make them even better and more beneficial for teachers involved.

Myself and Dan Grainger sat down to evaluate the 3 TLC sessions we had planned and delivered, we produced the following evaluation:

What went well from cycle 1?

1. Teacher self challenge

What first become evident from the TLCs was the staffs involved  ability to challenge themselves by trying new innovative teaching and learning strategies. For example, a member staff new to the school who had never used IPads in teaching, had been working to set up Idoceo with all her classes, making sure all information, pictures and mark sheets were up to date.

2. Quality of presentations in TLC 3

As part of the TLC process all staff had to produce a presentation to show reflection and a journey of their learning . The idea been their start was a new app they wanted to try and the finish been full intergrattion of the app within their teaching and learning across classes.The presentations in both cohorts completed a high quality presentation which was filled with pictures, youtube clips and examples of students worked. This was further supported by their enthusiastic delivery in addition to answering questions and sharing their good practice with others.

3. Ethusiasm and motivation to improve pratice

Throughout all the sessions it was very clear that teachers were passionate about their teaching and there was a clear motivation to continue to improve their teaching and learning. This was further supported by informal discussions with colleagues which provided colloboration opportunities.

4. High % of success in intergration of apps within teaching

The end product of the TLCs is to ensure staff have been able to progress and add other tools to their teaching toolbag thus enhancing Professional Development. The sucess evident from the presentation clearly shows the success of using new apps not only with one class but a number. Some of the less ipad confident staff gained a new confidence for using mobile technology and showed good progression on their use of IPads with classes.

5. Colloboration between staff

Previously mentioned, the colloboration between staff was fantastic and their ability to share ideas of different apps they may have used previously. This aided the effective environment needed to have a successful TLC and meant the group discussions/tasks were meaningful.

How can the TLCs be improved?

1. Structure

It was felt between myself and Dan that on occasions the TLCs lacked some structure. The plan for the future would be to ensure there is a clear structure throughout the sessions and from the first TLC staff will start to build an evidence portfolio of what we have looked at during the sessions. In addition, we felt that it would be beneficial to start the powerpoint presentations from the first TLC as a working document which could be added to at any point.This would help to make the learning journey more meaningful and provide thorough, well documented evidence of learning and professional development.

Mark and Dan