Wes Akers

In INTE 6999 Leadership for Tech Innovation, our professor, Len Scrogan, introduced me to a technique I have not experienced in any of my other graduate classes – course quiet time.  After an intense session of learning, we took about a week break to process the information we acquired and reflected on how we could apply our learning in our classrooms and buildings.  Since December is usually a hectic time of the year with the end of semester 1, final exams, and the winter break, I decided it was the perfect month for course quiet time.  It turned out to be the right decision because my colleagues were overwhelmed with the semester ending and most were unavailable over the winter break.  This time proved to be truly beneficial for two participants who teach 8th grade Language Arts.  During this time, they reflected on their learning and created a blended learning research unit to implement at the start of semester 2 using Schoology.  Additionally, two participants who teach 6th grade Social Studies started planning to integrate technology stations into a unit about ancient Inca, Mayan, and Aztec civilizations.  We’re working together to take kids on virtual fields to some important geographic locations and ruins.  I’m excited to see how the kids react to using technology to learn and experience something new!  Overall, I feel course quiet time has given us the time to begin the planning required to begin the application stage.