March 24, 2019

On Friday I conducted my first training session for my fellow paraeducators in Kahoot. We met
in the fifth grade pod where there is a Smartboard and each of my colleagues had a laptop.
Based on my pre survey my colleagues learn best in a hands on manner, so I structured my
session to be highly interactive. We began by participating in a sample Kahoot I created to go
over cafeteria duty. My colleagues enjoyed the competitive element of Kahoot. Then I discussed
with my colleagues how they could implement Kahoot during instruction. They shared how it
would be motivating to review with students via Kahoot because they are engaged by
technology. Additionally, it could be used to determine what concepts should be reviewed and
what prior knowledge students possess. After our discussion I demonstrated how to create an
account with Kahoot and how to build a quiz. Next I allowed my colleagues to design their own
quiz and we shared what we came up with. My colleagues were so wrapped up in the training
session they stayed well after our allotted time. They were engaged by Kahoot and understand
how students would enjoy using this tool during instruction. I had my colleagues share what
worked best for them and here are a few of the responses:
● Clear concise directions
● Ability to practice and try for ourselves
● Actually playing and creating the games
● Everything was hands-on and easy to learn
● Loved interaction and how it was presented
● Exploring the website
Also I asked my colleagues to brainstorm how they could utilize Kahoot in the classroom and
they responded by saying:
● Pre-learning assessments
● End of unit assessment
● Vocabulary definitions
● Sight words
● Writing ideas
● Study guide
● Quiz
Overall, I was pleased with the results of my first training session. My colleagues had fun and
gave positive feedback. Next time I plan on having my training session at an earlier time, so my
colleagues don't have to stay after their normal dismissal time. Also, on early dismissal days we
help out the special education team and I want to make sure that my training isn't delayed
because of that. On April 18th my next session is scheduled and I have secured the computer
lab.
April 18, 2019

For my second technology training session I demonstrated how Padlet could be used during
instruction. Prior to the session I gave my colleagues a pre-survey on their views on student
collaboration. When we met for our session each of my colleagues had a laptop and I utilized a
Smartboard so we could work synchronously. Initially, I shared a Padlet with my colleagues
asking about their plans for the summer. We then discussed how it could be beneficial for
students to use a tool that records all of their responses at once and students could build off of
each other's ideas. Then I showed my colleagues how to create a username and password and
I briefly modeled how to make a Padlet. After that I let my colleagues explore the website and
walked around to assist as needed. Overall this experience went well and I received some of
the following feedback:
● Padlet would be great for brainstorming ideas
● Whole group discussions
● KWL charts
● Pre & post assessment
● Gives shy students a chance to answer
● Padlet could be used in many subject areas
The majority of my colleagues enjoyed all of the options you can design in Padlet but one of my
coworkers found all of choices to be overwhelming. Next time I will look to incorporate some
more structure in order to not overwhelm my participants. I look forward to my upcoming and
last session on Poplet on May 17th.

May 17, 2019

For my third and final training session my colleagues and I took a look at Popplet. We discussed
how we utilize graphic organizers during instruction and venn diagrams tend to be one of the
most popular among my colleagues. At first I wanted all of my colleagues to collaborate on the
same Popplet, but I had difficulty with that. Everyone was able to access the Popplet but
unfortunately they were unable to comment like I wanted. Perhaps I had to make everyone a
collaborator on the Popplet and I did not realise that at the time. I got slightly frustrated by this,
then I decided to move on to modeling how to create their own individual Popplet. Once my
colleagues were creating their Popplet that part went smoothly and they were able to work fairly
independently. Another promising aspect of my training session was when I witnessed my
colleagues who picked up concepts faster than others, so each other what they had learned. I
enjoyed their natural tendency to collaborate and support each other as learners. Finally, when
our time was coming to a close I was encouraged by the fact that my colleagues did not seem to
want to stop exploring Popplet. We discussed how Popplet could be used in a variety of subject
areas. My teammates said it would be a fun interactive way for students to create a web or
brainstorm ideas. Additionally, they liked how a variety of learners could express and organize
their ideas on Popplet.
 Overall, I found my internship to be a positive experience. I do wish that there was more
time for training sessions, in order to have more sustained practice. Originally, I structured my
trainings to be on early dismissal days after students left as to not take away from instruction.
Another option would be to have had training after the school day but my colleagues have
families and I did not want to infringe on their personal time. Asynchronous sessions could be a
possible solution for my colleagues to have more practice with tools at a time and place that
suits their schedule. Even though we had a limited amount of training sessions I believe that my
teammates gained a lot out of the face to face, community of learners, based meetings we had.
The face to face meetings allowed for more interactions and opportunities for collaboration. I will
send out instructional Youtube videos to remind my teammates how to use Kahoot, Padlet, and
Popplet. The videos will provide some continued practice. To wrap up my internship I am going
to send out a survey to see how well my learning objectives were addressed and create a
Screencast to summarize my whole journey.