DLL Journey at Lamar University

Brought to you by Gizmo Productions Houston, Texas Published February 2020

After the first class meeting of 5317, I was thrilled to hear about our assignments.&nbsp;It was a little scary at first but excitement took over.&nbsp;I jumped right into the assignment and began working immediately on my project.&nbsp; I eagerly submitted my article to TCEA's TechNotes during the early stages of this class.&nbsp;I was energized to get a positive email saying my article was interesting and would be printed.&nbsp;I was thrilled to write an article to aid other teachers and thought it was a great educational opportunity that something I wrote would be published.&nbsp; My article was approved and published by TCEA's TechNotes.&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.tcea.org/bee-bots-in-the-early-childhood-classroom/">Click here to access the article.</a>&nbsp;They also tweeted it out and tagged me.&nbsp;I was truly surprised when they also added it to their Facebook page.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Einstein quote, Pinterest, received from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/515802963549539578/?lp=true

My <a href="https://digitallearningandleading.blogspot.com/">Blog</a> is for the Digital Learning and Leading Program at Lamar University. This blog will include the discussion questions from the classes as well as other entries that will pertain to my teaching experiences in pre-k during this journey. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/angelmherring/">Pinterest </a>is a wonderful place for sharing ideas and photos of things that are happening in your classroom. I love seeing what teachers are doing in their class, the materials they use, and new ideas. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/975388825890055/">Facebook</a> is my favorite type of conversation and communication. I love how teachers can post in different groups with their own pictures and ideas. It is nice to be able to collaborate with other teachers in your grade level. I have my own TECHNOLOGY page where I try to post things daily. <a href="https://twitter.com/AngelinHouston?lang=en">Twitter</a> is a great connection tool where you can watch the conversation and check the hashtags. <a href="https://www.instagram.com/angelmherring/">Instagram</a> is a simple way to give a snapshot of the great things in your classroom. <a href="https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Texas-Kindergarten-Teacher">Teachers Pay Teachers</a> is a place to share sources that you are using in your classroom.

Finally, one quote that stayed with me the entire length of the program was , “It always seems impossible until it’s done!” by Nelson Mandela.&nbsp;That is the truth! At times I doubted if I would get the assignments done. I doubted my abilities. I doubted my strength and perseverance to complete the class or the program.&nbsp;I doubted if I wanted to finish, and I also doubted how important getting my Masters was. Then I remembered that promise I made to my daddy a couple years ago before he passed. I knew that I had to finish what I started.&nbsp;#keepingmypromisetomydaddy2020 I have learned the possibilities are endless and this is a new chapter in my life. I am glad that I have completed the Master’s Program with an <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/angelherringdll/home?authuser=0">extensive ePortfolio of work</a>, and I know that both my parents would be proud of the accomplishment.&nbsp;I just wish they were here in the present form to see me graduate and walk across the stage. If there is a way to celebrate in Heaven, I know he and my mom are singing, dancing, smiling, and saying,&nbsp;“Hallelujah! Our girl did it!”&nbsp;&nbsp;

For my online course in <a href="https://app.schoology.com/home">Schoology</a>, I am using the Texas Pre-K State Guidelines. The access code is V67V-F34M-R2VRV. It works out that there are 5 units required for this class, and there are 5 standards in the technology domain. They are basic rules, and the students will be able to complete them with the help of their parents. The parents will need to read the instructions for their child and help them send in the assessment portion. Parents are allowed to help guide their child, but it says in the instructions they are not to complete the assignment for their child. Everything in the course is minimal because the students are four years old, and they are just now being introduced to academic technology. In Pre-K we keep everything basic and simple. One step directions or maybe two steps are what we provide in class, so I want to maintain simplicity for them online. I need for them to be able to understand and comprehend when their parents are reading the directions. Part of their learning process, at this age, is learning to follow instructions.

Digital Learning and Leading Lamar University By Angel M. Herring

Influencing Change in Others and Making a Difference

In the process of implementing my <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r07EtlV-Qm4MZDDOy-fkxChXZp3IhBIHC62wyimdgNk/edit?usp=sharing">disruptive innovation plan</a> and using my call to action <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuXG2X4BKY0&amp;feature=youtu.be">video</a>. I want to make some changes in pre-k to help students build a foundation in the way they use technology to enhance their learning. I want the students to take pride and ownership of their own learning as well as learn from their learning. The Influencer Model is an important tool when making changes and wanting to influence people to do something new. First, I decided what my results would be during this change. My goal is for students to use an ePortfolio as a foundational learning tool to showcase their creativity, explore opportunities, and find their educational voice. The next step was to create three vital behaviors that would help us reach our goal. Next, I needed a way to measure what we are doing in the class and help us fix any issues that may occur. Lastly, I had to consider who would be the influencers. The infographic details the vital behaviors needed in order for us to reach the desired results in our pre-k classroom with energetic four year olds. Influence and change go together like peanut butter and jelly. They are both good, but together they are better. I used the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sOFudQOhs8lPIH63Kutg0gfnPUwrUHXe/view">six sources of influence</a> to help influence my team. I am targeting motivation and ability in three specific areas: personal, social, and structural. I am using different approaches to the different areas to help increase the chances of success.

I composed a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/17JJuN1tQtu3g3Pa7kHb1V5HXQvc00OsBV3inDYPw160/edit?usp=sharing">proposal letter</a> to the technology department about an innovation project. My topic was starting an e-Portfolio in pre-k, rather than waiting for third grade when students are to create a Google Site as part of one of their required technology projects. The students will be using their 21st century skills while they take ownership of their work so their true personalities will begin to surface. Next, I completed a <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KSXVZXdyTF2STvlL3Eq3xDkczSxWHRoM8WSaGc1ETIw/edit?usp=sharing">literature review</a> which has research to support using ePortfolios and its benefits, as well as using the growth mindset and COVA approach in the classroom. In this day and time, the world of technology is continuously moving, growing, and changing. Information is readily available at all times with the internet and a click of a few buttons. Lastly, I created an <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r07EtlV-Qm4MZDDOy-fkxChXZp3IhBIHC62wyimdgNk/edit?usp=sharing">implementation outline</a> of the disruptive innovation plan to incorporate ePortfolios in the lower grades. This plan will help build a foundation of technology skills and be an extension of the current technology requirements students will fulfill in third grade. This plan includes a pilot program as well as a multi-step implementation plan for the future. The video is a "Call to Action" <a href="https://youtu.be/OuXG2X4BKY0">video</a> about ePortfolios in the classroom. It was created using Google Slides, all videos and photos taken by me with a Samsung Galaxy S7 phone, Smart Recorder App used for voice overs, inserted and edited with iMovie, completed in the Houston area. For more information regarding innovative education and ePortfolios, this is an <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QOgHkHqmOFB8dNIMdIPM8a5JwfoYyOeNLVu2tTh3Lk4/edit?usp=sharing">annotated bibliography</a> of additional resources.

I have been a classroom teacher for 14 years. I have taught pre-k, kindergarten, and second grade. I hold a Texas Educator Certificate, Generalist EC-4 and an ESL (English as a Second Language) EC-4. I have a Google Certified Level 1 certificate, Microsoft Innovative Educator, and also an Apple Certified Teacher. I am a Certified Campus Technology Specialist by TCEA (Texas Computer Educator Association). As of February 2020, I will have a Master's degree in Digital Learning and Leading from Lamar University. Being a life-long learner and learning new things is part of my life's mission. In my spare time I enjoy attending as much professional development as possible. My favorite type of PD is centered around using technology in the classroom.

<a href="https://sites.google.com/view/angelherringdll/5313/learning-philosophy?authuser=0">My Learning Philosophy</a>

TABLE OF CONTENTS

<a href="bookcreator://page/dbz0aoVxSeCHs9n2lz-y1Q">All About Me</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/lepeTWqOTkOTfN8mVAUkzw">Growth Mindset, Learning Manifesto, COVA, and PLN</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/tQI2WnPwTlSTlEFHEhJG_Q">COVA, CSLE, and Learning Philosophy</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/akJjSuzmT_CoX5K-PYC3nA">Disruptive Innovation Plan</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/X60VpH_HS_CwFiLOo0e0iw">Influencing Change in Others and Making a Difference</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/uHAVioZ-STqw-8SFs2c_vw">Local and Global Context</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/R96LatagSWyIKp1NGGX-fg">Online Learning</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/B6CWRfUcQ2aFp3d_Dxb9Rw">Published Article</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/L99nv6vRTwGi7UnCuGfkAg">Blog and Social Media Connections</a>

<a href="bookcreator://page/PpusKHaaSmaY_3HWUAu6gg">Moving Forward</a>

Growth Mindset, COVA, Learning Manifesto, and PLN

I learned about having a fixed mindset and a <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/angelherringdll/5302/growth-mindset-plan?authuser=0">growth mindset</a> (Dweck, 2006). I always strive to maintain a positive outlook on professional and personal opportunities.&nbsp;Exploring something new called <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/angelherringdll/5302/cova-approach?authuser=0">COVA</a> (choice, ownership, voice, and authentic learning) was a challenge, but I accepted it and moved onward.&nbsp;During this process, students were given the opportunity to be an active part of the learning process and able to share our own opinions and thoughts about our learning.&nbsp;With all this in mind, I generated my own <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/angelherringdll/5302/learning-manifesto?authuser=0">Learning Manifesto</a>. Networking is an important part of the educational system. I have added some <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/angelherringdll/5302/pln?authuser=0">Professional Learning Networks</a> to my ePortfolio.

Using <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/angelherringdll/5302/cova-approach?authuser=0">COVA</a> and <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/angelherringdll/5313/csle?authuser=0">CSLE</a> does align with my <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/angelherringdll/5313?authuser=0">learning philosophy</a>.&nbsp;I have incorporated it as much as possible when possible and with what would be allowed within the pre-k classroom.&nbsp;The students are only four years old, so they need structure. This is the first time they have been to school and need a limited amount of choices.&nbsp;I believe it is important to create an exciting, encouraging, and positive learning environment at all times for all my students of various backgrounds.&nbsp;I want to make the educational experience, school, a fun adventure for my students in order for them to enjoy learning and attending school each day. My perspective of learning has broadened.&nbsp;I see endless possibilities and believe anything is possible.&nbsp;Education is an amazing endeavor, and I truly can do anything I set my mind to do.&nbsp;As a lifelong learner myself, I continuously seek out knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and educational classes to help develop my skills as an educator.&nbsp;I am enthusiastic and open minded to learning new things. I consider the students to be little teachers in their own way. They have taught me how to be a better teacher, coach, and mentor.&nbsp;&nbsp;

By using an ePortfolio (modern take) instead of a paper portfolio, it turns the old way of doing something into a new modern way with additional benefits. Collecting data and work samples from students is part of the regular educational process for teachers and students, but with today's technology there is a different way to approach this necessary task by using student ePortfolios which students can create, change, and update themselves. My <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fview%2Fangelherringdll%2F5314%2Fcall-to-action%3Fauthuser%3D0&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNHqlNNBnD0De7LGrmxm3n9O3WnSuw">current call to action slideshow</a> highlights the things that worked and some things that did not work when implementing an innovation plan. My <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fsites.google.com%2Fview%2Fangelherringdll%2F5314%2Fliterature-review&amp;sa=D&amp;sntz=1&amp;usg=AFQjCNGcFl7tOc2_Q-ZxzhL5kllVxiSomA">current literature review </a>covers details of the positives aspects of the ePortfolio usage in all the grade levels. It includes many subject areas and regions of the world. It does not cover the specific needs of the different grade levels. The use of the ePortfolio in schools are a popular educational tool that is gaining a great deal of popularity among educators and students. The ePortfolio can be used in all grades to help show the personal educational growth, characteristics of a student's personality, reflection of previous knowledge, and showcase the work samples of students. An ePortfolio allows the student to take an old boring idea and make it refreshed and new again.

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