2013

Essentials
Program
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONVERSATION STARTERS
Facilitators Guide
Have teachers work collaboratively in grade-level, discipline, or interdisciplinary groups to share their goals, ideas,
and concerns. Depending on your working session, you can ask groups to work on the same conversation starter or
different ones. Encourage teachers to share out their thoughts at the end of each session.
Hopes & Fears
Give teachers the opportunity to offer their input on what may or may not work as your school
transitions to 1-to-1. Conclude your discussions on a high note by outlining actionable goals and
next steps, based on the feedback they have provided.
Problems Solutions
Obstacles are inevitable, whether rolling out a new instructional program or implementing behavior
change. And change takes time! In the interim, acknowledge some of the potential problems
ahead, and brainstorm possible solutions. After all, its better to be proactive than reactive.
Sharing Best Practices
Best teaching practices need to be shared. Technology can aid this process, allowing teachers
to more easily share inspirational ideas and classroom work samples. What procedures can you
put in plaoo to koop oroativo idoas howing?
Transforming with Technology
Whats the difference between using technology in isolated cases and integrating it into your
toaoning praotioo? Considor disoussing Or. Pubon Puontodura's SAMP modol (Substitution,
Augmontation, Modihoation, Podohnition). Tnon brainstorm ways to snit your uso o toonnology
in the classroom from Enhancement to Transformational.
Excitement & Innovation
Celebrate the ambitious project you all are undertaking! Ask teachers to envision the potential
tnat toonnology brings tnoir olassrooms. Pomombor to aoknowlodgo and oommond all stops,
even the smallest ones.
PHASE 1
envision
Common Sense Says
Pomombor tnat tnoso oonvorsation startors aro moant to bo |ust tnat a starting point. nvito your toaonors to
add their voices to the discussion about rolling out your 1-to-1 program. If you include them from the get-go,
they will see themselves as valued stakeholders.
Collect and keep your teachers feedback from these conversations. At the end of the year, revisit the comments
and idoas as a way to rohoot upon your sonool's growtn.
Be ready for trepidation as well as excitement! Emphasize the importance of open and ongoing dialogue, and
set up a support system to make this possible. This will help manage expectations and reactions from the get-go.
2013
Essentials
Program
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONVERSATION STARTER
Hopes & Fears
In rolling out such an ambitious program, it is customary for teachers to be both excited and hesitant.
Voice your fears so that collectively, you can anticipate any potential hiccups and brainstorm about
solutions. Additionally, outline your optimistic expectations for the program as a way of setting some
benchmarks for the school community.
What are your hopes and fears? n a small group, hll out tno ollowing T-onart:
PHASE 1
envision
Now choose two items from each column. What are some concrete steps you can take to address or
realize each item?
Items Steps
Fear 1

Fear 2

Hope 1

Hope 2

Hopes Fears
2013
Essentials
Program
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONVERSATION STARTER
Sharing Best Practices
Constant communication is a key to a successful program. Yet technology changes at such a rapid pace,
it oan bo dihoult or ovon tno most oollaborativo oduoators to stay in touon.
What are some ways you can regularly share best practices and new nds?
PHASE 1
envision
Ways to
Share
Example: Grado-lovol oldors or
losson plans on snarod drivo
Example: Appy Hour 1x/week
to talk about new app finds
Put a star next to an idea that represents a new way for you all to swap ideas. What steps will your school
or team need to take to put this method in place?
1. 2. 3.
2013
Essentials
Program
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONVERSATION STARTER
Problem Solution
Each school community is unique. Knowing your stakeholders, your districts infrastructure, and your
student population, you may already anticipate some stumbling blocks for implementation.
What might be an obstacle for successfully rolling out 1-to-1 program in your school
or district?
PHASE 1
envision
Problem
End Goal End Goal End Goal
What are some possible solutions that you can put in place before this issue occurs?
Possible
Solution
2013
Essentials
Program
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONVERSATION STARTER
Transforming with Technology
Dr. Ruben Puentedura, founder and president of Hippasus, devised the following approach to integrating
technology in teaching and learning. He originally presented the SAMR model in 2006. Using this model,
think about where your classroom practices currently lie, and then imagine what you can do to progress to
that next stage.
How will you approach each stage to make the transition from Substitution all the
way to Redenition?
PHASE 1
envision
Redenition
Tech allows for the creation of new tasks,
previously inconceivable
Modication
Toon allows or signihoant task rodosign
Augmentation
Tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with
functional improvement
Substitution
Tech acts as a direct tool substitute, with
no functional change
SAMR (Puentedura) Actionable Ideas
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Reference: Puentedura, Ruben R. SAMR and TPCK: An Introduction. Ruben R. Puenteduras Weblog. 20 Mar. 2013. Web. 29 Mar. 2013.
<http://www.hippasus.com/rrpweblog/archives/2013/03/28/SAMRandTPCK_AnIntroduction.pdf>.
2013
Essentials
Program
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONVERSATION STARTER
Excitement & Innovation
Technology offers such promise for these 21st-century skills: communication, creation, collaboration, and
critical thinking. The newest and latest tools afford innovation in such exciting ways.
What are you most excited about regarding technologys potential in your classroom?
PHASE 1
envision
Idea 1
Idea 3
Idea 2
. . .
. . .
. . .
Lingering Questions: