Thinking back on this journey and working with two different cohorts Touro’s value system is evident in how they run the program and foster the learning of the participants. I was skeptical about how an online class could foster collaboration and a sense of community but that hasn’t been the case. Because of the high standards of inter-professionalism the I feel the feedback I have gotten from the members of the cohort and the professors has been critical in my research and putting this all together in the Capstone. Being able to research and learn about what we feel is needed for us as teachers and our students really address the values of Intellectual inquiry, discovery, and passion for life-long learning, Student-centered education. This allowed me the freedom to let my driving question evolve as I was doing my research and identified a new need for my students and me as a teacher. I also really appreciate the diversity within the cohorts. There are all grade levels of teachers, different districts, different types of schools and students. We all came in with different levels of technology skills as well. I really think fresh, outside perspectives can really be critical feedback. My focus is on making a change within my classroom, more specifically with me becoming a better teacher for my students. Because of that, I have been sharing what I have learned with my colleagues and principle indirectly. In our PLCs as we develop lessons and units, I share what I am doing with these new tools and strategies for integrating technology. They become curious and want to learn them for their classes as well. It has led to a possible peer tutoring opportunity. My partner teacher likes the idea of building a webpage but is concerned she doesn’t have the tech skills or know how. So, after my kids build and become comfortable with Weebly they are going to go help the other classes get their sites up and running. So the teacher and students are learning together. Also, my principal did come in my science class as they were turning in their link to the Weebly site they are building. As far as formally sharing with my principle and staff my capstone, I don’t think I’ll do that. I think I am sharing by doing.
2 Comments
Samuel Urena
10/29/2018 07:21:48 pm
I appreciate your opinion and point of view of our cohort on how it's very diverse because of where we teach, grade levels and content. But what really struck with me is how you pointed out that we came in with different levels of tech use or understanding. That brought in fresh ideas to our cohort and I think give every single one us confidence in trying new things but most importantly making our classrooms better for us and for our students.
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Paula
10/29/2018 09:35:20 pm
Questioning whether an online cohort can foster collaboration and a sense of community is a valid concern. Honestly, I had the same reservations, but was impressed to see the close sense of community within our cohort. In addition, we do have a variety of grades represented in the cohort. Being the only elementary teacher in the first two trimesters, didn't make me feel that I couldn't learn or relate to my peers, in fact I learned a lot from them. Touro does try to make sure that all students are valued and supported.
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AuthorJeff Albertazzi Archives
November 2018
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