The school year is quickly coming to an end, and I am beginning to think about and plan for next year’s class. The GAME plan I have designed for myself is made up of both personal and professional goals. Thus far I feel I have been somewhat successful at receiving the necessary resources and information that I need in order to carry out my plan. I continue to have a working relationship with most important and skilled individual, the technology teacher. Discussions with my colleagues have provided me with many ideas for language arts and math lessons that encourage hands on learning while implementing technology. Not only have I picked the many talented brains of my colleagues, but I also have enrolled in a math class at a local university. This particular course will help educators find unique ways to teach math while making use of the technology and manipulatives already available in their classrooms.
As I move forward with my GAME plan I am beginning to realize that implementing technology into my lessons and activities is not as difficult as most believe it to be. Every aspect of life involves the use of some form of technology from keeping in touch with friends and loved ones to keeping track of the week’s/month’s events. I also have come to the realization that by remaining current with the latest and greatest forms of technology and incorporating these devices into my teachings that I will have more creative ways to assess student progress. In this week’s resources Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer (2009) discuss how technology and assessment can go hand in hand, but they should not be considered as an afterthought or “tacked on” to the end of a lesson. They should be incorporated throughout. (2009, p.139).
Due to the fact that school will end within the next week or so, I plan on implementing many of my newly designed activities into next year’s class. For this reason I currently believe that I am on the right track and making strides to achieving my goals. I am sure that once I begin to incorporate the different forms of technology into my lessons and learn more about the newest devices I will have many questions. Until then I will continue to work with my colleagues, take courses, and read information to help me grow and develop in completing my GAME plan.
Resource:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classrooms Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA:
Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
What's the GAME plan?
To achieve the goals I have created for my GAME plan, I will need a variety of resources. In order to create and incorporate lessons that make use of the different forms of technology used in the classroom In addition to content standards or my district curriculum map, I will need to obtain several iPods or MP3 players. Devices such as there would allow me to record and/or upload podcasts that will act as interventions for struggling readers or extension activities. I will also need access to the computer lab to use technology to enhance my student’s learning experiences. Lastly, I will need information about possible professional development opportunities, or websites that will keep me up to date with the latest and greatest designs in technology.
One thing I have already accomplished in forming a relationship with our technology teacher. Working alongside the tech teacher, will enable me to share my thoughts and obtain ideas about activities and lessons I can incorporate into my teaching. Not only can we share and obtain ideas, but working collaboratively and cooperatively with the technology teacher will also provide me with an opportunity to get firsthand experience with the technology being used and introduced in our school.
One thing I have already accomplished in forming a relationship with our technology teacher. Working alongside the tech teacher, will enable me to share my thoughts and obtain ideas about activities and lessons I can incorporate into my teaching. Not only can we share and obtain ideas, but working collaboratively and cooperatively with the technology teacher will also provide me with an opportunity to get firsthand experience with the technology being used and introduced in our school.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Personal GAME plan
In order to continue as an effective teacher it is very important for teachers to further their own education and keep up to date with the latest teaching styles, technologies and theories pertaining to education. After viewing the National Education Technology Standards and Performance Indicators (NETS*T) I am confident in my abilities to utilize the latest technological tools for the classroom however, there are a few indicators that I could improve on.
Indicator 1 : design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
Even though I am confident with my own abilities with technology, I feel as though in my classroom I can make improvements in creating a classroom that not only encourages students to take the initiative in their own learning, but also makes use of the different forms of technology to aide in motivate and enhance student learning.
Goal: to regularly create and incorporate lessons that make use of the different forms of technology used in the classroom.
Actions: To achieve this goal, I will create Podcasts for remedial readers to complete read along assignments. I will also incorporate the use of blogs through a class website that allows students to share thoughts, opinions and ideas on assigned topics. Students will also have the opportunity to use PowerPoint presentations to display what they know or have learned.
Monitor: At the end of each month I will assess how I incorporated technology throughout the different subject areas. While reflecting upon the use of technology I will complete a checklist that will display which form of technology was used, what subject it was used in, and the date it was used on.
Evaluate: I will evaluate my progress through the completion of the checklist.
Indicator 2: evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.
Goal: to stay current with the different forms of technology and incorporate these technologies into my teachings.
Actions: To accomplish this goal, I will take part in professional development opportunities, such as seminars and conferences, to remain up to date with the new resources. In addition I will peruse websites devoted to digital tools and resources.
Monitor: This goal will be monitored through the use of the checklist for goal one. Every new digital tool or resource that is learned and incorporated into the classroom and activities and lessons will be added to the checklist.
Evaluate: I will continue to evaluate my progress through the completion of the checklist and determine if more professional development opportunities are needed.
Indicator 1 : design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity
Even though I am confident with my own abilities with technology, I feel as though in my classroom I can make improvements in creating a classroom that not only encourages students to take the initiative in their own learning, but also makes use of the different forms of technology to aide in motivate and enhance student learning.
Goal: to regularly create and incorporate lessons that make use of the different forms of technology used in the classroom.
Actions: To achieve this goal, I will create Podcasts for remedial readers to complete read along assignments. I will also incorporate the use of blogs through a class website that allows students to share thoughts, opinions and ideas on assigned topics. Students will also have the opportunity to use PowerPoint presentations to display what they know or have learned.
Monitor: At the end of each month I will assess how I incorporated technology throughout the different subject areas. While reflecting upon the use of technology I will complete a checklist that will display which form of technology was used, what subject it was used in, and the date it was used on.
Evaluate: I will evaluate my progress through the completion of the checklist.
Indicator 2: evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.
Goal: to stay current with the different forms of technology and incorporate these technologies into my teachings.
Actions: To accomplish this goal, I will take part in professional development opportunities, such as seminars and conferences, to remain up to date with the new resources. In addition I will peruse websites devoted to digital tools and resources.
Monitor: This goal will be monitored through the use of the checklist for goal one. Every new digital tool or resource that is learned and incorporated into the classroom and activities and lessons will be added to the checklist.
Evaluate: I will continue to evaluate my progress through the completion of the checklist and determine if more professional development opportunities are needed.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Looking Back!
Students come to school already equipped with many special skills. I always believed that many of my students were very knowledgeable when it came to using technology, but as I gained more information pertaining to the new literacies that must be taught in our classrooms, I quickly realized that the truth of the matter is that my students still had a long way to go in order to become a “technology native.” In this week’s video resource, David Warlick states, “students are already good at playing technology. They need us to help them learn how to work it within context that is meaningful to the curriculum and to their future” (Laureate, 2009). Yes, my students are very skilled when it comes to “playing technology,” however; they lack the ability to effectively utilize those skills when it comes to relating it to things they are learning in the classroom.
The skills and information that I have gathered from this course will allow me to better prepare my students for the time when they will be required to independently make use of their new literacies. Throughout this course, I have been made aware of the fact that when providing students with new tasks I must not assume that they already have the skills and knowledge they need in order to be successful. I must take the time to teach my students the proper way of interacting with individuals whether it is on the web or in person. I must also provide models and step by step examples of the proper ways of finding/evaluating information that students would use in class reports. To make the assumption that students can properly make use of their resources because they are very skilled are using the technology can ultimately put students in a situation where they will more than likely fail.
In order to continue to provide my students with the skills needed in order to succeed in school and in the future, I plan to continue to strengthen my skills in the area of teaching the new literacies. Just as with anything in the education profession, these literacies are bound to change; therefore, I plan to take part in professional development opportunities that teach the importance of including these literacies in the classroom. I also would like to lead my colleagues in learning more about these important skills in order to better prepare our students for the world outside of school.
Reference: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom. Baltimore: Author.
The skills and information that I have gathered from this course will allow me to better prepare my students for the time when they will be required to independently make use of their new literacies. Throughout this course, I have been made aware of the fact that when providing students with new tasks I must not assume that they already have the skills and knowledge they need in order to be successful. I must take the time to teach my students the proper way of interacting with individuals whether it is on the web or in person. I must also provide models and step by step examples of the proper ways of finding/evaluating information that students would use in class reports. To make the assumption that students can properly make use of their resources because they are very skilled are using the technology can ultimately put students in a situation where they will more than likely fail.
In order to continue to provide my students with the skills needed in order to succeed in school and in the future, I plan to continue to strengthen my skills in the area of teaching the new literacies. Just as with anything in the education profession, these literacies are bound to change; therefore, I plan to take part in professional development opportunities that teach the importance of including these literacies in the classroom. I also would like to lead my colleagues in learning more about these important skills in order to better prepare our students for the world outside of school.
Reference: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom. Baltimore: Author.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Final thoughts about the past 8 weeks!
In the beginning of the course my personal teaching philosophy was that the majority of elementary students are hands on learners and do extremely well when given the opportunity to create their own learning. Now that the course is coming to an end I still feel that many students today learn by doing, but I would also add that they learn by interacting. Students who work cooperatively and collaboratively with their peers are still very much able to create their own learning, but they have each other to share ideas, opinions, and knowledge with.
In order to nurture the creativity of each student and their need to work with one another in situations that allow them to explore their creativity, I need to make modifications to the strategies I use in my classroom. Throughout the course we were presented with many wonderful technology tools that can be used to support any learning style. One such tool that I will incorporate into my teaching is the use of Voice Threads. These “interactive photo albums” will allow my students to share their work, make modifications to another’s work or simply make comments on the work of their peers. This tool will also be used as an electronic portfolio that will travel with our students from one grade level to the next. In addition to the voice threads I will also make use of WebQuest and concept maps. Using WebQuests in the classroom will “allow students in my class or from multiple locations to work together to learn about a particular subject…” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Maleoski, K., 2007). WebQuests are a great way for students to feel in control of their learning and be fully involved in the lesson. Concept maps will be a wonderful tool for students to use when completing a WebQuest or research. It will allow my students to organize their thoughts using graphics and words.
One goal I have for my future instruction is to educate my students on as much of the technology as possible and what it can all do. Even though I find all of this technology to very interesting I must remember that to get the most out of it is to allow my students to opportunity to explore it. Many times students are unfamiliar with the tools that are presented in class therefore, it is my job to teach them about the tool and then show them all the things that can be done using the tool. Many students know much more about technology than I do, but they still need to be made aware of how they can be used to help them learn. To do this I must provide students with exploration time. During this time they can play with it and see what they can get it to do. Once this is done, I will then complete a whole group lesson that demonstrates how it can be used to help them grow academically. Another thing I wish to improve upon is the giving of options. Knowing that all students learn differently, I must design lessons and integrate technology to support that. Not only must I do this in the lessons I teach, but I must also encourage it in presentation and projects that my students complete. Students must have a variety of tools to choose from that will allow them to show what they know. To do this I plan on providing students with at least two to three forms of technology that they can use to present their information to the class. This can be done by blogging, voice threads, PowerPoint, etc.
Dr. Michael Orey stated that “learning is the act of constructing knowledge, making meaning and making sense of the world” (Laureate Education, 2009). The knowledge obtained and technology tools shared throughout this course can easily help students in any classroom develop cognitively and socially in order to make meaning of the world around them.
Resources:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Orey, Michael (Ed.).(2009). Connectivism as a Learning Theory. Los Angeles: Laureate Education
In order to nurture the creativity of each student and their need to work with one another in situations that allow them to explore their creativity, I need to make modifications to the strategies I use in my classroom. Throughout the course we were presented with many wonderful technology tools that can be used to support any learning style. One such tool that I will incorporate into my teaching is the use of Voice Threads. These “interactive photo albums” will allow my students to share their work, make modifications to another’s work or simply make comments on the work of their peers. This tool will also be used as an electronic portfolio that will travel with our students from one grade level to the next. In addition to the voice threads I will also make use of WebQuest and concept maps. Using WebQuests in the classroom will “allow students in my class or from multiple locations to work together to learn about a particular subject…” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Maleoski, K., 2007). WebQuests are a great way for students to feel in control of their learning and be fully involved in the lesson. Concept maps will be a wonderful tool for students to use when completing a WebQuest or research. It will allow my students to organize their thoughts using graphics and words.
One goal I have for my future instruction is to educate my students on as much of the technology as possible and what it can all do. Even though I find all of this technology to very interesting I must remember that to get the most out of it is to allow my students to opportunity to explore it. Many times students are unfamiliar with the tools that are presented in class therefore, it is my job to teach them about the tool and then show them all the things that can be done using the tool. Many students know much more about technology than I do, but they still need to be made aware of how they can be used to help them learn. To do this I must provide students with exploration time. During this time they can play with it and see what they can get it to do. Once this is done, I will then complete a whole group lesson that demonstrates how it can be used to help them grow academically. Another thing I wish to improve upon is the giving of options. Knowing that all students learn differently, I must design lessons and integrate technology to support that. Not only must I do this in the lessons I teach, but I must also encourage it in presentation and projects that my students complete. Students must have a variety of tools to choose from that will allow them to show what they know. To do this I plan on providing students with at least two to three forms of technology that they can use to present their information to the class. This can be done by blogging, voice threads, PowerPoint, etc.
Dr. Michael Orey stated that “learning is the act of constructing knowledge, making meaning and making sense of the world” (Laureate Education, 2009). The knowledge obtained and technology tools shared throughout this course can easily help students in any classroom develop cognitively and socially in order to make meaning of the world around them.
Resources:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Orey, Michael (Ed.).(2009). Connectivism as a Learning Theory. Los Angeles: Laureate Education
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Voice Thread
The use of voice threads can be very beneficial for students in the classroom. They are very easy to use and for this reason can be used by my third graders with ease.
http://voicethread.com/share/782503/
http://voicethread.com/share/782503/
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice
Chapter seven of the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works presents learning strategies and techniques that correspond with the beliefs of the social learning theories. Social learning theories are defined as "the collaborative conversations and interactions that take place when the students create an artifact (Laureate Education, 2009).
The strategies described in this chapter support the collaboration and interaction between students, teachers and professionals in other fields. Each strategy encourages individuals to work together in order to accomplish a common goal. One specific technique that was discussed was the JASON project. I found this particular web resource very intriguing. The JASON project is an opportunity for "students to become part of a virtual research community, accompanying real researchers in real time as they explore everything from oceans to rainforests to polar regions to volcanoes" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007). I enjoyed learning that there is a resource that enables students to become involved in expeditions that they normally would not have the opportunity to embark on.
In addition to the JASON project there are many other strategies that encourage communication and interaction between students in other cities, states and countries. All the resources presented in this chapter promote cooperative learning opportunities that will help prepare the students "for the fast paced, virtual workplace that they will inherit" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007).
Resources:
Orey, Michael (Ed.). (2009)Social learning theories. Los Angeles: Laureate Education.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007) Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
The strategies described in this chapter support the collaboration and interaction between students, teachers and professionals in other fields. Each strategy encourages individuals to work together in order to accomplish a common goal. One specific technique that was discussed was the JASON project. I found this particular web resource very intriguing. The JASON project is an opportunity for "students to become part of a virtual research community, accompanying real researchers in real time as they explore everything from oceans to rainforests to polar regions to volcanoes" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007). I enjoyed learning that there is a resource that enables students to become involved in expeditions that they normally would not have the opportunity to embark on.
In addition to the JASON project there are many other strategies that encourage communication and interaction between students in other cities, states and countries. All the resources presented in this chapter promote cooperative learning opportunities that will help prepare the students "for the fast paced, virtual workplace that they will inherit" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007).
Resources:
Orey, Michael (Ed.). (2009)Social learning theories. Los Angeles: Laureate Education.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007) Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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