Reflection #1 - Learning Specialist/Instructional Designer Proposal

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Image Source: Salesforce.com

Thus far, I have enjoyed getting to work through the process of preparing my proposal. This is something different for me. I have never quite done something like this in my educational career, but I am enjoying how it is challenging me to move outside of my comfort zone. The most challenging thing for me so far is not being confident in myself and if what I was submitting was good enough. I tend to second guess myself and my work. I know that this can be fixed by reaching out and asking more questions in order to clarify my understanding of the different steps of the proposal. I will work to do this as we continue to move forward in the process. 

As soon as I read about the proposal project for this class I knew I wanted to focus it in my special education wheelhouse. Right away I thought that working to digitize goal updates using an infographic for our parents would be a great place to start. I enjoy this topic and think that it can help to build stronger connections with our parents as well as a greater understanding of the content covered in the classroom and their child's progress related to it. I feel that there is a disconnect with this now and if it was presented in a different format, parents may be willing to engage more and ask follow up questions. 

The most positive part of this process was getting the approval and feedback from my assistant principal. I always appreciate what she has to say because she was a special education teacher prior to becoming an assistant principal. I value her opinions and I know she would always guide me in the right direction. It is nice to have such a supportive administration who is willing to let me implement new things in my classroom and around the building. 

I think that it is important for educators to continue to be leaders when it comes to using technology inside of the classroom and at their schools. This is because not all students learn the same way. We can reach students in different ways by using alternative learning strategies or technology pieces to showcase their skills and demonstrate their understanding. If we do not grow as educators as the technology world continues to grow, we may hinder our students progress. This is because we are not give them access to all the tools they may need in order for them to be successful. 

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