So what product can we expect from incorporating the 5 principles of PL?  Our goal is to work as a team to implement an ePortfolio program for all 3rd-5th grade students using a platform our district is familiar with, Google Sites. However, before doing this successfully, our educators have to be trained properly to create and use their own ePortfolios in their classrooms. Throughout the duration of this program we will have opportunities to meet to discuss the expectations for the project and provide meaningful professional learning opportunities to ensure that sessions and training are effective for all participants.  Time will be provided for educators to implement ePortfolio use in their classrooms as well as examples on how to model using ePortfolios in all 3rd-5th grade classrooms.  In order to maintain engagement in the program educators will build their own ePortfolio and have opportunities to blog.  Finally, since the ePortfolio program is for educators in grades 3-5, the program can be recommended, but not required for other grade levels or departments.  This will ensure that the program remains relevant to its specific audience. 

 

As I began creating my presentation I thought about a lot the memorable presentations that I have seen during my teaching career.  Once I realized that I couldn’t remember any, I thought of how I could change that when given an opportunity to present for others.  I thought a lot about David Phillips' presentation Death by PowerPoint.  PowerPoint seems to be the go to presentation tool for most presenters.  And although it can be a great tool, sometimes it doesn’t seem to be utilized in a way that will truly drive home the message that presenters want.  One of the things that David Phillips highlighted in his video was 1+1=0.  Meaning that a mistake that many make is presenting a slide with sentences but also speaking at the same time.  How is the audience supposed to read and listen at the same time?  It’s about presentation appeal.  One of the things that I learned is it is more efficient to stick to keywords or phrases when presenting because your audience has a better chance of focusing on the point you are trying to make.  I took this into account when developing slides during the video when revealing the 5 principles of professional learning.  I could stand and read word for word or talk about them while expecting the audience to read and listen.  Or I could add key words and visuals that match the message I am trying to get across.  

I chose Canva as a presentation tool because I felt that it would provide better ways to help engage my audience.  In my presentation I was able to use videos and pictures that described the information being presented and it ultimately proved to project a more professional product. I believe that Canva is a great tool to use to step out of the box and provide more opportunities for individuality and engagement.