Technology is a ladder that you climb not a pond that you jump into. Well these last few weeks have been a whirl of information. School return extensions, Ministry and Board messaging about the use of "asynchronus" and "synchronus" learning, (and no, the message has not been consistent) and of course the resources and learning within my IICT Part 2 course. It really is easy to become overwhelmed, especially in this climate of "emergency remote learning". We are planning and delivering content in a way that is new for many of us. One thing that has been constant is my concern for equity for all of my learners. In some ways this way of teaching has highlighted issues that perhaps I was not versed in. Types of jobs my parents have, families caring for elderly people, families with significant health issues within the home,lack of comfort and accessibility to tech and internet. I have been privy to a vast amount of ideas surround apps/programs which I am so thankful for. The SAMR model however, was one bit of learning that I feel will guide me on this tech integration journey. It really demonstrated to me how I have been using tech within my classroom (really more of just a substitution tool) rather than something could truly enhance my students learning. What's surprising though is how simple modifications of use can make such an long lasting impact on understanding.

How has my learning over the last several weeks link to the Standards of Professional Practice? COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS: I continue to be sensitive to the needs of my students, their home situations and families PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE: More than ever, this material is current and relevant to our present schooling scenario. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Responding to student needs and capabilities using relevant technology. LEADERSHIP in LEARNING COMMUNITIES: Thankful to be surrounded by colleagues within and outside of my current course who have provided me with resources for student success. ONGOING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: The learning continues...we are only half way through this course and at least a month or more of "remote learning". This learning journey of mine will continue. I am sure that I will still have moments of being overwhelmed with the plethora of information that is out there....I will however try to keep in mind that learning about authentic and meaningful technology integration is a ladder I must climb and not a pond to dive into.