Professional Development for All

At the beginning of 2018 I wrote down a few things I would like to start doing this year in my job. 

 To be honest most of the things I wrote down were things I have been wanting to do for a while, but writing them down seemed to give them focus.  Even then, they stayed on paper, and not much else happened.

I enjoyed reading Four O'Clock Faculty - A Rogue Guide to Revolutionizing Professional Development.   Some of my takeaways was to try something new, no matter if it succeeds or fails.   One of my early principals encouraged his staff to try something new and take risks because "Even if you fall on your face, you have made progress!"   The book also challenged me to think creatively about professional development.  PD is my area that I love.  I work hard to try new things, some of which have been amazing and some of which I would love to erase from people's memories.  Note to self - not everyone is into Pokemon Go.    

So I took another look at my list and decided to jump in and not overthink it (which I am known to do).   I have decided to take professional development to the students.   I focus my PD time on staff and teach "lessons" to students.  But what if I start showing students quick tips on tech that can help make their projects and assignments better.  Maybe they can then teach teachers who have not had time to learn those tips any other way.   Out of these thoughts, Monday Tech Minute has been born. I have created 2 over the break with a target of having several ready to go at any time.  My goal is to share a tech tip with students (and staff) in about 60 seconds each week.   I will email students the video each week and they can watch or not, as the topic fits them.   I am excited to see how this plays out, and mostly excited to see an idea come to life!

Here is my first edition of Monday Tech Minutes going out Monday, March 19th: