EDC 665--Blog 2

Melissa asks "using the same learning experience, what were your desired results? Why did you choose these results?"

The learning experience that I chose related to teaching others to use the computer grading program, Easy Grade Pro (EGP). As a third year teacher, I was not sure how I would have been perceived because I was "teaching" more experienced teachers, yet it was something that I was more knowledgeable about.

My desired results were to have all teachers go back into their classrooms and be completely comfortable using the program. I felt that these results were reasonable because I gave the teachers a thorough user friendly explanation with a hands on experience. These desired results were very reasonable and did not put added pressure onto the teachers. Each trained teacher was given a lesson, with visual step by step materials in addition to the hands on experience that was provided with the training. I did not expect all teachers to utilize the program to its fullest extent, as I knew through Vtgotsky's Zone of Proximal Development, but let them know that there were other options to explore upon mastery of the basics.

Upon the completion of the workshop, I uploaded the EGP program into all of the interested teachers' computers. Many teachers were ecstatic to use the program within their classroom, but it was up to them to follow through with practicing and implementing what they learned. Speaking from experience, a new program can be somewhat intimidating when you begin it on your own upon training. It is important for you to dive right in and play around. Many people learn by doing and trial and error and that is what these teachers needed to do! About fifty percent of those in attendance at my workshop utilized the program days after the workshop. Many people commented upon the step-by-step insturctions and were appreciative of what I had done. They found that their gradebooks were much easier to use and made their lives a lot easier, especially when report cards came around.

It has now been about a year since I taught that workshop and some of my attendees have taught me a few things. They have since explored options that I had yet to explore and use. I am very proud of the end results from this experience and I am thrilled others have gone on to explore other aspects of the program without being afraid of the technology behind it!