Connected Learner

As a member of technology professional development organizations and statewide technology coordinator listservs, not only have I been able to keep abreast of new trends in instructional technology, I have also helped my colleagues think critically about new tools and systems by providing my own input and experiences. The goals I have set for my own professional learning include further education in information technology and more active membership in professional development organizations, including reading published research and serving in leadership roles.

Throughout my career, I have been a member of the following professional development organizations:

• Computer Science Teachers Association (2017-present)

• Nebraska Educational Technology Association (2017-present)

• Nebraska State Education Association/National Education Association (2017-present)

• Nebraska State Bandmasters Association (2016-present)

• Nebraska Music Education Association/National Association for Music Education (2013-present)

• Texas Music Educators Association (2014-2015)

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I am also a contributing member to the following informal professional learning networks on Facebook:

• The Band Directors Group

• Band Directors of Nebraska

• Music Teachers

• Middle School Band Directors

• NMEA Music Teachers Discussion Group

• Music Educators Creating Online Learning

• Teachers Using Google Workspace for Education

• Nebraska Young Music Educators

• Wonder Workshop Global Educator Community

• Beginning Band Engagement

• Decolonizing the Music Room

• Common Sense Educators

• E-Learning in Music Education

• Anti-Racist Educators of Greater Nebraska

As a self-professed file hoarder, reflecting on my personal and professional growth using technology is an ongoing practice. Many of my projects build on things I have done previously, and having everything I have created just a few clicks away has been helpful as I brainstorm, create, and reflect. A scroll through my statement of philosophy will reveal links to documents that are many years old, yet still inform my perspectives and beliefs about education. Using cloud-based file storage, I was able to access these artifacts quickly and use them to develop my technology vision. 

The past three years of the COVID-19 pandemic have brought unprecedented change to education, particularly to the role that technology plays in it. The shift to e-learning and the subsequent demand for blended learning led to a number of fast-paced changes in my school. These included virtual teaching using Zoom, IT support at a distance, altered curricula and assessments, and tens of thousands of dollars in federal aid that was expected to reduce the Digital Divide. Through all of this, I worked closely with administrators to make decisions that were appropriate for my community and then train teachers and students on how to navigate new educational realities. All the while, I was obtaining feedback and modeling the continuous improvement process of identifying problems, creating a plan, implementing solutions, and reflecting on them.