Renita Johnson-Harrison conducted a survey of staff at Brusly High School about their technology use. While staff reported using technologies like email and presentation software, they did not often use more modern tools. Most staff agreed on the importance of technology in the classroom and were interested in professional development training. Renita proposed providing small group professional development sessions during PLC meetings on topics like web 2.0 tools. She received permission from the principal to provide this training in late October or early November.

1. Renita Johnson-Harrison
EDTL 506
October 7, 2012

17. In looking at the survey results, I was shocked to see that most of the staff said they used
technology often. As I studied the answers, most of them used Promethean boards, e-
mail, Google Docs, and JPAMS, which most of these listed are ways to communicate and
store data, but not actually hands-on for students. The Promethean board and Microsoft
Office software are the only types of technology I see that they used more often which
could involve hands-on activities for the students. Not many of them used other
technology such as Web 2.0 tools, Webquests, blogs, social networking etc., which I
consider more modern technology. Most of the staff did agree that it is important to
incorporate technology in the classroom and were interested in attending PD in
technology in small group form. In addition, they felt that follow up after the PD would
help things flow smoothly. In looking at what the staff was more interested in , it was very
close between web 2.0 tools and educational websites. Because I believe they are not
really knowledgeable about what a web 2.0 tool is, I am leaning more toward PD on that.
A few more people did ask for Educational websites, but we have been trained in that
area already. I figured PD in introducing some of the web 2.0 tools, would be more
beneficial, because many of them have not used them before. My experience with using
the web 2.0 tools with the students have been wonderful. They were motivated and
excited. In addition, I know many of the teachers use PowerPoint already, and showing
them Voicethread would enhance it and incorporate higher order thinking and
collaboration into the lesson. Like I said, we have been trained on educational websites
already. I could just create a Jing on educational websites and put them as a resource
on –line. If anyone really needed further help, I could work with them one-on one.

18. In conclusion, I feel that PD in small group PLC’s on Web 2.0 tools would be
beneficial to everyone. A follow-up 5 days after to help incorporate what was
covered in lessons will be applied and I will offer my assistance to anyone who
felt he/she needed more training. PD on 2-3 web 2.0 tools would be enough
for a one hour training. The two web 2.0 tools I believe will benefit everyone
are voicethread and animoto. I chose these because most of them use
PowerPoint already, and have expressed an interest in a variety of anticipatory
sets, which is required in our lesson plans. Animoto is a great way to spark
interest and it is easy and fun! If I had time for a 3rd tool, it would be blogging.

19. Yes m'am!!
Sent from my iPhone
On Oct 5, 2012, at 11:07 AM, "Renita Harrison" <Renita.Harrison@wbrschools.net> wrote:
Good morning.
First I would like to thank you for your never-ending support during my graduate studies. I am in my last
stretch, and I am truly excited about it. Recently, I sent out a survey to the faculty and staff here at Brusly
High School that addressed technology and the strong need for it in our classroom. After viewing the
results of the survey, I have come up with a few great ideas for professional development in a few areas.
Even though this is an assignment given to me, I honestly believe that after this professional development
on technology, it will open up more doors on how to effectively incorporate technology our lessons. After
looking at the results of the survey, many teachers are interested, but cannot find the time to attend any
workshops, or just do not feel comfortable enough to use it in their lessons. Whatever the reason is for not
attending these workshops, my hopes are that after my professional development training, interests will
grow and the staff will begin to incorporate more technology in their classes. I will make myself available to
provide any assistance if needed.
The purpose of this correspondence is to ask permission to provide professional development to the staff,
based on the needs and interests shown in the survey. Since most of them responded that they prefer PD
during school PLC’s, I figured participation would be greater at that time. Do you think it would be okay for
me to conduct a PD training during our PLC’s? I have spoken to Ms. Mayeux about plans for PLC topics this
month. She told me that maybe the last week in October or the first week in November would work. Would
that be okay?
Again thanks for your support and patience.
Best regards,
Renita Johnson-Harrison

20. Sounds good to me, those responses/feelings of the faculty sounded like my responses, thanks for taking the initiative and hope it pays
off for EVERYONE.
From: Renita Harrison
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2012 11:08 AM
To: Walter Lemoine
Cc: Julie Mayeux; Faye Davis
Subject: Renita Harrison_PD
Good morning.
First I would like to thank you for your never-ending support during my graduate studies. I am in my last stretch, and I am truly excited about it.
Recently, I sent out a survey to the faculty and staff here at Brusly High School that addressed technology and the strong need for it in our
classroom. After viewing the results of the survey, I have come up with a few great ideas for professional development in a few areas. Even
though this is an assignment given to me, I honestly believe that after this professional development on technology, it will open up more doors
on how to effectively incorporate technology our lessons. After looking at the results of the survey, many teachers are interested, but cannot
find the time to attend any workshops, or just do not feel comfortable enough to use it in their lessons. Whatever the reason is for not
attending these workshops, my hopes are that after my professional development training, interests will grow and the staff will begin to
incorporate more technology in their classes. I will make myself available to provide any assistance if needed.
The purpose of this correspondence is to ask permission to provide professional development to the staff, based on the needs and interests
shown in the survey. Since most of them responded that they prefer PD during school PLC’s, I figured participation would be greater at that
time. Do you think it would be okay for me to conduct a PD training during our PLC’s? I have spoken to Ms. Mayeux about plans for PLC topics
this month. She told me that maybe the last week in October or the first week in November would work. Would that be okay?
Again thanks for your support and patience.
Best regards,
Renita Johnson-Harrison
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