In Review

The final evaluation for this project has been completed. When asked to rate this project on a sale of 1 -10, (10 being very successful) the district reported a score of 9.  Quality equipment was purchased and placed in service which allowed 80 teachers, who were excited about using all they had learned at a four day Teaching and Learning Institute, to integrate project-based or challenged-based learning in their classrooms. Students were excited about the opportunities and created wonderful digital content which reflected the progress being made. The methodology of project-based, technology-infused instruction was introduced district wide. Each school had a team of teachers involved so even those schools not receiving mobile labs did gain from the experience. When mobile labs are placed on those campuses in the near future, teachers are in place, ready to use the asset for project-based learning. Other teachers and administrators have requested the same professional development opportunity, indicating that the value of the project was evident to observers. The excitement that the project generated was high and the feedback from teachers and students very positive. Action Research, which is only beginning to be used as a tool for professional development in this district, was supported and promoted. Resources were shared online and in formats that many teachers had never used before so learning occurred at varied levels. Some teachers reported overcoming fears of using technology to teach, others developed new skills and some reported the experience changed the way they viewed their role in the classroom. Just that many wonderful outcomes alone would make this project a resounding success. but there were even more. However, as with any project there is always room for improvement. Additional face-to-face training, support personnel, and hours in a day would have all been helpful. Some progress was made on every campus. One hundred percent of the participants gained new knowledge and were exposed to technology integration strategies that will improve instruction. In the process of completing this project, teachers gained insight in teaching organizational skills, research skills, and helped students develop better communication skills while providing opportunities for diverse problem solving. Technology literacy has increased as a result of the opportunities. Most importantly, teachers and administrators saw the power of delivering engaging instruction in a technology rich learning environment which is relevant to their students' lives. It is my belief that this project laid the foundation for important changes to occur in Putnam County. Marsha Cruce