As I have learned how to wield the many tools requiring a modicum of transliteracy, I have realized the critical need for professional development. Before the pandemic, I was free to pick and choose professional development as I followed my students’ interests and needs. When I spoke to my colleagues about the professional development the district required, my colleagues explained the flavor-of-the-day aspect of required PD. Some told me to take what I liked and leave the rest. I tried to use what I had learned with fidelity at least until I had internalized the learning. Some teachers stuck to the methods that they had always used.
After the shelter-in-place order was received, I realized that my professional development needed a major upgrade. I needed to be much more transliterate if I was going to navigate the virtual classroom. I would have to engage my students with tools we could share in the online space. I needed tools that allowed me to assess student participation. Similarly, my colleagues were also challenged. I was always surprised as to the different tools and professional development each teacher used. I worried that our teaching would not be cohesive across grade levels. I questioned whether equitable access was being addressed. I felt alone.
Transliteracy has helped me collaborate with teachers online. I have been inspired by teachers that shared ideas, strategies, and feedback. Through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, I have learned about tools I could use in my classroom. My transliteracy is growing daily. Next, I plan to dive into Instagram and TikTok. I may even brave the world of video gaming. Why? Because it will help me connect with my students. 21st-century skills are constantly being developed, and my students will need transliteracy, and I must lead the way.
My capstone message addressed the impact of professional development on student achievement. Valid data was not easy to collect during this school year. Students and assessments were in a state of flux. I struggled to get teachers to respond to my surveys. I was learning how to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. This was part of my transliteracy learning curve.
Once I learned how to present my action research project in an academic paper, Tasked with learning how to share my journey with stakeholders in the visual space, I had to learn how to design an infographic, website, logo, poster, and video presentation to share my learning. As it stands now, I have become more transliterate than I ever could have imagined. Yet, I feel that I am at the very beginning of my transliteracy journey. I want to polish my skills and learn more to motivate my students and my colleagues to reach for the stars. I am eager to apply my transliteracy skills to my personal life to share with my family, friends, and community to help grow a better tomorrow. I am grateful for my cohort and my teachers for pushing me to take this journey. Thank you! And now I need a nap.
After the shelter-in-place order was received, I realized that my professional development needed a major upgrade. I needed to be much more transliterate if I was going to navigate the virtual classroom. I would have to engage my students with tools we could share in the online space. I needed tools that allowed me to assess student participation. Similarly, my colleagues were also challenged. I was always surprised as to the different tools and professional development each teacher used. I worried that our teaching would not be cohesive across grade levels. I questioned whether equitable access was being addressed. I felt alone.
Transliteracy has helped me collaborate with teachers online. I have been inspired by teachers that shared ideas, strategies, and feedback. Through Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, I have learned about tools I could use in my classroom. My transliteracy is growing daily. Next, I plan to dive into Instagram and TikTok. I may even brave the world of video gaming. Why? Because it will help me connect with my students. 21st-century skills are constantly being developed, and my students will need transliteracy, and I must lead the way.
My capstone message addressed the impact of professional development on student achievement. Valid data was not easy to collect during this school year. Students and assessments were in a state of flux. I struggled to get teachers to respond to my surveys. I was learning how to analyze both qualitative and quantitative data. This was part of my transliteracy learning curve.
Once I learned how to present my action research project in an academic paper, Tasked with learning how to share my journey with stakeholders in the visual space, I had to learn how to design an infographic, website, logo, poster, and video presentation to share my learning. As it stands now, I have become more transliterate than I ever could have imagined. Yet, I feel that I am at the very beginning of my transliteracy journey. I want to polish my skills and learn more to motivate my students and my colleagues to reach for the stars. I am eager to apply my transliteracy skills to my personal life to share with my family, friends, and community to help grow a better tomorrow. I am grateful for my cohort and my teachers for pushing me to take this journey. Thank you! And now I need a nap.