Critical Friends Webinar

Last month, Houston A+ Challenge staffer, Alejandro Morua, utilized web technologies to conduct an online "Looking at Work" session for teachers who participated in this summer's externship for teachers.

Teachers used a structure tuning protocol to provide feedback to one another on lesson plans that incorporate skills students need to succeed in life after high school. Morua facilitated the session by inviting teachers to log in remotely to an online webinar. Teachers discussed the work and provided both verbal and written feedback regarding the lesson.

When asked about the new online process for looking at work, Morua stated, "It was awesome. Teachers were looking at their own practice and providing others meaningful feedback about their work, and they did it from all over the city -- without leaving their homes." Houston A+ Challenge will begin rolling out a series of such opportunities and other avenues for educators to connect and learn via technology in the coming months.