Journal #1 NETS-T (1).

Journal #1 

Taking Laptops Schoolwide: A Professional Learning Community Approach by Tim Green, Loretta Donovan, and Kim Bass.

APA Citation:
Green, T, Donovan, L, & Bass, K. (2010). Taking laptops school wide: a professional learning community approach. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(1), Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Publications/LL/LLIssues/Volume3820102011/August_No_1_3/L_L_August_2010.htm

Summary/ Reflection:

The article “Taking Laptops Schoolwide: A Professional Learning Community Approach” has two great main ideas. The first idea talks about how among schools in the same districts, some schools integrated laptops for students learning, but others did not. Those schools that actually integrated laptops, students did better on homework and class assignments vs. those schools that did not implement the new technology change.

What got my attention are those schools where the program was implemented, because it was found that teacher collaboration played an important role in the successful implementation at the district level. Thus, it is here where the second idea comes into play. If a teacher wants to implement a new idea into the classroom or wants to share something they are doing in the classroom, what she or he can do is to consider using a collaborative approach.

Therefore, using a professional learning community (PLC) approach would help teachers extend learning from the classroom to the home and beyond. Now, I noticed how important is for teachers to work collaboratively with other teachers. In order to improve students’ learning and instruction, we must take this approach. We need to be supportive and involved in our school.

Question #1:
In order to start a collaborative approach, what four factors do teachers have to consider at their school?
The first factor teachers need to consider is school climate. Teachers need to be aware if other teachers are supportive with new ideas. Second, communication is another factor that plays a big role in this collaborative approach. So, in order for other teachers to be supportive and engaged in the idea or program, they need to be informed about what is going on with this new idea or program. Third, teachers need to aware of the type of collaboration is currently happening at the school. Since according to the article, the most successful schools had administrators and parents who were supportive and involved. And the forth factor is progression of use. Teachers have to consider this factor to provide structure and serve as a communication tool between teachers.

Question #2:
What would you do, if you had a great idea and nobody would want to take the risk of implementing that idea?
By reading this article, I learned that by using a professional learning community approach students would greatly benefit their learning experience. If I were the only teacher in the whole school that wanted to implement the idea, I would be willing to take this risk. I would take this risk because my students are worth it, and I know that I would have the support from many other colleagues around the world. I would be networking with other teachers, sharing my ideas and hearing theirs to improve my program.