EES - Staff Development

(6 hours)

Well, this was the culminating task for me. I got to teach my Staff Development Unit, "Using Photo Story 3." This was really a fun time overall. I was kind of nervous because it was the first time that I would actually meet Dr. Downs in person. However, I did not believe any of the horror stories. :)

I had gone to EES the day before and done some site prep, including checking out the technology in the actual room I would be teaching in and getting copies made. I talked through how things would go with my cooperating Media Specialist as well. I was all set! The day of, things were crazy to say the least. I got there early to help out with story times in the Media Center. It was then that my cooperating Media Specialist told me that her grandfather had just passed away last night and she was leaving as soon as I was set up to teach. I was horrified - I was the reason that she was still at work! I told her that she did not have to stay, but she insisted.

Before I knew it, the clock had struck 12:00 and the time to present had come. Technology-wise, things went smoothly. Also, people asked legitimate questions and seemed genuinely interested in the program. Before I knew it, the clock had struck 12:45 and most of the participants had to leave. (Hind sight is always 20/20 about time management. We were so into the different facets of the program that time slipped away!) We kept trucking with the remaining participants still in tow. We ended about 1: 15 or so. Everyone was very excited about using Photo Story 3 and couldn't wait to get started on a story of their own. Feedback was all positive on the evaluations and I am excited about doing something like this again in the future.