This past Saturday marked the final offering of training by the University of Guam for the Gateway to Technology program. The end is just the beginning though as the new school year is getting under way. My understanding is that over 1,000 public school teachers participated in the training over the past 5 months. Although there are obstacles yet to be faced, I hope that this is a productive year with many advances made.
For my part, I'd like to thank all of the teachers I've met during training. It isn't easy switching roles and becoming the student, but you all did a great job. I am energized by your enthusiasm and willingness to learn new things. This blog has accumulated over 150 posts which is remarkable in that short period of time. Please take the time to read through the past posts and leave comments for the authors. I will add new posts to this blog from time to time. I hope many of you are starting your own blogs, but if you would like to pick up the digital pen again, I can always add you on as an author of this blog.
I've received a lot of positive feedback on the Gateway to Technology resource site we used during training. Many of you have inquired how long it will be available online and the answer is as long as you need it to be. If you haven't visited it since your training, you will find that I have made some adjustments. The major changes usually stem from the plethora of tech resources there are to share with you. I've continuously added content throughout the site but you'll find most of the expansion has taken place on pages for Ethics, Safety, and Additional Resources. I've added an Announcement page which I'll continue to update as I receive news to share with you. Additionally there is an Action Plan page where I list some points for you to start the year off with. In the future, I would like to add a page that provides examples of your achievements. I would appreciate it if you would share the address for your new website, blog, or perhaps a lesson you used.
It is of my understanding that additional technology training will be offered in the future. Some of it should relate to the new equipment which will begin arriving in the next months, and I believe more advanced training on specific techniques will be presented as well. I hope I am able to provide more professional development for you. I would like to present some model lessons and provide you with support as the year continues. Build your support network with teachers nearby and from afar. Stay positive and don't get discouraged. I hope this is a transformational experience for you and your students and I wish you the best of luck.
First of all, I would like to thank you for opening my eyes to so much resources. I have to admit that it was a tough week to go through teaching all day and then try to sit through 3 hours of class at night. But I did it. I believe that it was very beneficial to my teaching and I will definitely use what I had learned in class. Now, I just wish that we would have access to the internet in our classrooms so that we can take what we learned and actually use it. Thank you, again and hope to see you in future classes! Anjonette
ReplyDeleteI am so glad the course was offered. I hope the Gateway to Technology site stays online long enough for me to refer to it for as long as I need it. It contains such a wealth of information. The course was worth giving up my Saturday mornings for. I learned a lot more than I expected. Mr.Petra you did a great job teaching the class!
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