Activity 2 - Metacognitive reflection on learning and practice

Development of Personal Key Competencies

Managing self:

Prior to beginning this course, I would have said that I was strong in the key competency of 'Managing Self', however, as the weeks and months have passed and I have been challenged to complete assessments to a deadline whilst teaching full-time, I have realised that this is, in fact, an area that I have struggled with.  Whilst I thoroughly enjoyed attending the sessions at MindLab, engaging in discussion and listening to thought provoking lectures, when the time came to be self-motivated and complete the second half of the course independently I realised, that in this area, managing self needed improvement.  This has been a good personal challenge for me, and the feeling of accomplishment as each assessment is submitted, is very rewarding.

Thinking:

I would say that my thinking around eLearning and digital applied practice has definite changed, grown and continues to be challenged.  Intellectual curiosity is the desire to learn, to expand one's knowledge, and ultimately to share that knowledge with others.  I love to learn and I love to have my thinking challenged.  I especially value this when what I am learning is extremely practical and can be readily applied in my own life and work.  Using the skills and knowledge that I have obtained over the past weeks and months of this course, has contributed to my ability to problem solve the eLearning challenges our school encounters, providing PD and support to teachers and students.

Key Changes in My Practice

1.  Lesson Planning using SAMR Model - In 2015 I decided to use the study of the SAMR Model as my professional inquiry within our school.  It was also the topic for my assessments in the RCIP course module.  Through the research and study of the SAMR model I began to understand the various stages of implementing eLearning in the levels of Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition.  I kept these concepts in mind as I created lessons for my students, seeking ways to rise above merely substituting their exercise books with a Chromebook, but challenging them to learn new, innovative ways to extend their learning digitally.  I desire to continue with this mindset as I plan lessons and support teachers new to digital learning.

2.  Continued Growth Mindset - I want to constantly be open to new and innovative ideas and ways of teaching and learning.  I valued the exposure we were given to a wide range of possibilities with this course.  I think it is important to be constantly receptive to being willing to try new ways of engaging students.  It is vital that we keep up with current trends and methods, so as to provide the students with the best education possible.  The world is rapidly changing and we as teachers need to embrace it and keep up the pace.  We need to be the early adopters, the trend setters, the ones who guide young people into the  future.  We need to enable them to take technology and use it to learn and be successful.  We need to prepare them and educate them.  We need a continued growth mindset to learn alongside our students.  I desire to maintain this trait and practice in my life and career.