Sandra Johnson, M.A. & M.S. Susie Ceppi- Bussmann, Ph.D. New Mexico State University
Regional Educational Technology Assistance program (RETA, 1998 Technology Innovation Challenge Grant Partnership with NM school districts to provide professional development for K-12 educators in using technology for instruction RETA at NMSU
Curriculum based learning experiences with participants as students Six research-based principles Content-focus Standards-based Collaboration Authentic Demonstration Evaluation RETA PD Framework
RETA Impact Use and integration of technology in the classroom Use of constructivist practices in the classroom Increased their collaboration with colleagues Experienced greater confidence in using technology Assumed more leadership roles
In 2002 expanded into online teaching and learning (OTL) PD for RETA instructors Blended format (f-2-f workshops & online) Professional Development Dossier Workshops RETA PD for OTL
IDEAL-NM online teacher training Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) grants Education 360 5 district partnerships Facilitated OTL PD for approx. 200 NM educators Experience in OTL PD
Delivered in blended formats Face-to-face workshops Online asynchronous LMS Synchronous & archived webinars Peer mentorship and onsite and online Integrates modeling, instruction, practice, ongoing support and feedback, high engagement, and leadership development RETA’s OTL PD Model
The ultimate goal of the professional development was to improve academic achievement for New Mexico's students by preparing teachers to teach in blended and/or online formats. 35 teachers grades 3-12 Application process & contracts Stipends and equipment Overarching Goal
The three-tiered professional development model organizes teachers into levels depending on their knowledge, skills and attitude Tier One-New to online learning Tier Two- Some experience in online learning Tier Three- Very experienced in online learning, RETA’s Model
Experience the student perspective by taking a professional development course online Learning and applying LMS basic skills Revise an already-developed online unit Teach a revised unit in a blended format Support presentation to peers, PTA, and/or school board Tier 1 – New to OTL
Participate in online PD course focused advanced LMS skills, course development, best practices in OTL, introduction to Web 2.0 tools Participants continue to develop course designer skills by revising an already-developed course Teach the revised course in a blended or online format Present to peers, PTA, and/or school board Tier II – Some OTL
Participate in online PD for web 2.0 tools Develop and teach an original blended/online course Mentor other teachers Teacher-leader that provides onsite support Present webinars and/or workshops Review courses for quality design and feedback Lead presentation to peers, PTA, and/or school board Tier III – Experienced OTL
Except for Tier I teachers, self-identify which tier to participate in Collect data on student learning Collect feedback from students on their blended/online learning experience Information collected used to revise and improve the unit or course Participate in the professional learning community Participant Expectations
Build capacity to develop and deliver blended and fully online curriculum Create shared repository of blended/online courses Effectively utilize asynchronous and synchronous online learning tools Enhance curriculum with engaging learning objects Evaluate online curriculum Strengthen knowledge of research-based best practices in blended or online education Build community of learners Other Goals
Increased use of technology into classroom teaching Transformation of classroom teaching Increased engagement in professional learning community Growth in teacher leadership Increased moonlighting opportunities Impact of OTL PD
Blended is a great first step for most teachers. Online learning is not for all teachers. Learners need to be an online learner. Becoming an online teacher is a process. Online teaching is different from developing online curriculum. Not all online teachers will want or be good at developing online curriculum and vice versa. Time has to be provided for PD. Lessons Learned
Beware school/district Internet access Need administrative buy in from school/district Mentors at each school site was a plus Smaller teacher teams effective Development of blended/online courses by individual or pairs of teachers vs. group preferred District policy development for OTL important consideration – course ownership, taking and teaching online courses, etc. More Lessons Learned
Using technology for instruction Mentoring within their schools Presenting at district meetings Presenting at state conferences What Participants are Currently Doing
Time limits for program expectations Very specific milestones to meet expectations Withhold stipends until work is complete System for replacing individuals that dropped out Administrative professional development in technology integration What Areas We Need to Improve
Graduation requirements are defined in the NM State Statutes, Chapter 22, Article 13, Section graduating students must taken one of the following– Honors course Advance Placement course Dual credit course OR online course Since funding is an issue for most schools and districts, a cost effective option is needed. Model of professional development build teachers’ capacity to meet this requirement. OTL NM Driver
RETAPEDIA OTLO wiki BeBOLD wiki Education RETA OCIP Resource Center Online Teaching and Learning Graduate Certificate or Masters Programs Resources for You
If time permits, course examples will be shared with you from tier 1, 2, and 3 participants Elementary, middle, and high school examples Course Examples
Thank you for attending! Dr. Susan Bussmann Sandra Johnson Questions?