Ending 2017… and looking ahead
- Sarah Hodgson
- Dec 30, 2017
- 2 min read
From 8-11 December I joined the ‘Cognitive Coaching Seminar Part 1‘ (Days 1-4) facilitated by Doreen Merola at the American International School of Lusaka, Zambia.
So refreshing! It completely turned my definition of ‘coaching’ on its head. A whole new dimension that I had not encountered before. New content, coupled with a highly engaging and passionate presenter, re-ignited the flame in me! The flame that craves deeper learning and change.
I reflected on all the grand plans that I had before commencing my role as tech coach in August… I was dreaming… too much too soon. Through being ‘coached’ by other participants on the Cognitive Coaching course, my thinking changed about how the school year has gone so far. Previous to taking the course, I was concentrating on the things that I hadn’t yet accomplished, worried that I hadn’t done enough. Through focused conversations with others, I realised that I really had achieved a whole lot in the first four months:
Established a good rapport with the Elementary team – teachers, TAs, leadership.
Rolled out student digital portfolios using Seesaw as a new platform for the school – I’ve conducted teacher and parent workshops, worked alongside teachers in classrooms, and managed all the ‘admin’ side of things. A very steep, but relatively pain-free, learning curve!
Began to work with homeroom teams, integrating with units – particularly Grade 5 (digital citizenship) and Grade 2 (coding).
Helped facilitate iTime/Genius Hour in three grade levels (2, 4 and 5).
Began to discuss the realm of Digital Citizenship with teams and counsellors.
Began to work collaboratively with teachers on a Technology Skills ‘Continuum’ for teacher reference.
Set up the Ubunifu Lab and ran a parent workshop introducing the space.
Began to develop coding opportunities for students at lunchtimes.
Ran some ‘Tech Bytes’ – optional PD for teachers.
Organised Hour of Code weeks… and met with one of the Africa Code Week Ambassadors… hoping to get students involved with that somehow.
Organised and facilitated the school photographer!
So… rather a lot then!
This December break, I took time to relax, but the learning did not stop. It took a small detour… and I became a Seesaw Ambassador.
In a few days I will fly back. Back to life. Back to reality! My ‘to do’ list for the rest of the school year is already substantial: In my role as ICT Integration Coach:
Establish a consistent and comprehensive approach to Digital Citizenship throughout Elementary in collaboration with Counsellors.
Continue to work with homeroom teams and find ways to integrate Digital Citizenship and technology seamlessly and authentically into UOIs.
Complete Technology Skills ‘Continuum’ for teacher reference.
Continue to support teachers, students, and parents in their use of Seesaw.
Continue to develop the Ubunifu Lab – makerspace, coding, robotics, full ‘STEAM’ ahead!
For my professional development:
Read ‘Cognitive Coaching‘ book and work through it with the study guide.
Read, read, read. Please feel free to recommend books in the comments section below!
Keep connecting with other educators worldwide – maintain and enhance my Twitter PLN.
Other stuff:
Elementary musical! I’m on the ‘Seussical’ core team…. my roles include (but are not restricted to) teaching songs, designing tickets and program, lighting plot/design, and a tiny bit of choreography. Jack of all trades, master of none… that’s me. LOVE working on productions like this.
Yearbook. Gotta get that baby ready for publication.
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