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Developing Effective
Professional Learning

When deciding on effective professional development for my district, I wanted to give our teachers a tool that they could use with their students to give "Choice, Ownership, and Voice through an Authentic Learning tool" COVA (Harapnuik, 2018). The reason behind creating a professional learning course to teach teachers how to implement ePortfolios into their curriculum is to empower them to create a significant learning environment for their students. It is a holistic approach to skill development. It gives students the knowledge and skills to showcase not only their technical skills but also the soft skills that make them stand out in the workforce. In our district, we believe that real-world relevance is a powerful motivator. This Professional Learning course aligns directly with my Innovation plan which focuses on implementing portfolios into CTE classrooms. We want our students to see the direct connection between what they learned in the classroom and its application in their future careers. An ePortfolio is a tangible connection! A concise overview of the structure of my professional development in incorporating ePortfolios is as follows: Educators will participate in a 5-week program, that will take place during their weekly Professional Learning Community (PLC) sessions, as well as asynchronously. 

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"Implementing ePortfolios in the Classroom" professional learning explains how teachers can implement ePortfolios in the Classroom. This professional development course focuses on the 5 Key Principles of Effective Professional Learning. During the courses five weeks, teachers will be provided significant and ongoing time to explore the concept of ePortfolios and progressively apply their learning in the classroom. To address the challenges of implementing this new practice, the course offers ongoing support, both in-person and online, with weekly PLC meetings and discussion boards, ensuring a collaborative environment where educators can share experiences and seek guidance. The instructional design utilizes a BHAG and a 3 Column Table framework, setting ambitious goals and creating a detailed action plan for ePortfolio integration. The Course Structure and Timeline provide this structure, putting the implementation in action. The course content engages teachers actively, using varied approaches and modeling, ensuring that they are not left with just their initial exposure. The Instructional Technology Coach and Instructional Learning Coaches will play crucial roles, managing logistics and providing content-specific guidance. The content presented is discipline-specific, aligning with the needs of CTE educators, and the course addresses identified needs through targeted learning experiences. This comprehensive approach empowers educators to integrate ePortfolios effectively, aligning their curriculum with the demands of today's careers and fostering student success in the digital age. By using the links below, you can explore how this professional learning course will take shape. 

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A professional learning plan with modules offers a detailed and orderly approach to skill development, providing many advantages for both instructors and learners. By breaking down content into manageable units, modules create a progression of learning, allowing learners to start with foundational knowledge and advance to more complex topics. This course will be held synchronous and asynchronus. This module framework allows for customization and flexibility in scheduling and learning pace, accommodating diverse learning styles and individual time constraints. Assessments and discussions within each module offer regular feedback on progress, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the material. This strategy also allows continuous improvement by making it easy to update, add, and edit content  to keep it relevant. This method keeps learners engaged and interactive where they are more apt to continue their learning after the professional development is complete. Below is a my professional learning plan that includes 5 modules with continuous learning and support. 

Slide Deck for Module 1 of the ePortfolio Training

References:

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Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-directed guide to designing courses for significant learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

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Gulamhussein, A. (2013, September) Teaching_Effective_Professional_Developmt.pdf. Dropbox. https://www.dropbox.com/s/j13c5mk092kmqv9/Teaching_Effective_Professional_Developmt.pdf?dl=0.

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Harapnuik, D., Thibodeaux, T., & Cummings, C. (2018). Choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning. Creative Commons License.

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