Educators Engage in Professional Learning.
As educators, it is essential to continuously research and refine teaching practices to stay aligned with the evolving landscape of education. With new research emerging, remaining adaptable and open to change is key to professional growth. Engaging in professional learning not only enhances individual teaching skills but also fosters collaboration among peers, creating an environment where ideas and philosophies can be shared and developed. Ongoing professional development benefits every aspect of the teaching profession. Professional development is therefore enriching for both educators and their students.
One of the most useful professional development sessions our class engaged in was the Accessible Resource Centre (ARC-BC) presentation, guided by Mrs. Victoria Woelders. During this session, we explored resources designed to align classrooms with the Accessible B.C. Act, offering modifications to support students with exceptionalities, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and visual impairments. Before this presentation, I had not realized that teachers could register their students to access these tools.
One particularly useful feature I plan to incorporate into my future classroom is the “Read Aloud” function, which can greatly assist students with reading disabilities or those who benefit from multimodal learning approaches. I also learned about the importance of accessible font choices, such as Calibri, Arial, Verdana, and Tahoma, which can make written materials more inclusive for students with visual or cognitive disabilities.
Mrs. Woelders also touched on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, highlighting both its potential benefits and challenges. While many educators are cautious about AI, it is a tool that students will inevitably encounter and utilize. The presentation introduced us to practical AI tools, such as Magic School AI and apps designed to support visual learners, which can enhance classroom engagement and learning. However, the presentation also emphasized the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding AI, including its significant energy consumption and the ethical dilemmas posed by its use in creating or enhancing student work. These discussions provided a balanced perspective on how to navigate AI in education responsibly.
This presentation deepened my understanding of inclusive education and highlighted the importance of ongoing professional development. By staying informed about new tools, technologies, and strategies, educators can create more inclusive and effective learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of all students. Professional development is an essential part of growing as a teacher and ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our learners.