Looking back over my GAME plan this week, I think the plan part is just what I needed to affect change in my classroom. I have been meaning to look into new ways that I can integrate technology in my class assignments but have been discouraged by the lack of access we have had in the past to computers. This is no longer the case since I now have a mobile lab of computers stationed in my room (for use by the other middle school teachers as well as myself). But more than that, I have reviewed my goals of engaging students with the use of technology, and really unleashing the creativity that they have in order to allow them to demonstrate what they know, and the result is that I, myself feel more engaged in teaching and facilitating this change in classwork. I have spent much time investigating what is out there this week. Resources that I need in order to implement new technology in each unit I teach this year are: time to learn about the technology; time to create my own models for teaching students the technology; visits to other teachers who have worked with other technology and opportunities to collaborate with them; and the courage to step out of the box of the traditional classroom.
As for the goal of demonstrating the use of technology to parents and students through a blog, again I need time to set it up and investigate the pitfalls. The blog I am using now will assist me in that learning. I need accountability to continue to update the blog and class website, so I have asked a teacher across the hall to check with me on Monday afternoons to see that I do that. I have already sent parents an email asking for their suggestions about how I can improve the class website for them and for their children. I hope to set about making it as helpful for them as possible.
The third goal I have is to promote professional growth in the area of technology in the classroom. I haven’t attended any training programs for the Promethean board, but just yesterday my principal sent me an email with a training video for the Promethean. Although I haven’t had time to view it, I plan to. I also need to observe some of our more “tech-savy” teachers and how they use the board with their classes.
As I look back over this post, I am seeing that, as is true with most teachers, my biggest need at this point is time. My commitment is in place and now my excitement is generating action, so I hope to continue to increase my knowledge now that the technology is in place in my school.
Brenda
ReplyDeleteNice blog update. I can totally feel your pain when you mentioned needing time more than anything else. I can hardly keep up with Walden stuff, let alone trying to do more stuff at school.
As for your new Promethean board, they are very useful, but you need to do the trainings. Sorry. There are several from the company at Prometheanplanet.com. Also, once you sign in with your own account, you can download many different flip charts that are ready to go. Just search and download. Like PowerPoint, it's one of those things that you just have to keep using to get the hang of. And there is always someone else out there that knows a cool trick you never knew of.
As for the website, I know you and I both teach 7th grade, but my main inspiration for teacher websites is mrcoley.com. Yes, this guy teaches 5th grade, but his website is fantastic. I know I have mentioned this site in other Walden classes, but if you have never checked out his site, give it a few minutes. It is amazing. He is a technological genius !
Hope these ideas help. Have a good week.
Wayne
Brenda
ReplyDeleteThe truth is that unless new knowledge is put to use, it becomes useless, and this is precisely why an inability to easily access technology in the classroom becomes so distressing for someone engaged in this program. I am glad that you now have a mobile lab, but I totally understand both the time conundrum and the hesitation to start stretching in another direction.
That being said, I must register my approval of your plan of action as well as the steps you’ve already taken to keep yourself on task. Having an accountability partner is a great idea, and bringing colleagues and parents on board is a smart move. I’m sure that there is expertise to be tapped among parents as well. Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer (2009, p.167) speak to the value of establishing a “culture of collaboration” so as to create “safe, interactive learning environments.” Undoubtedly, these classrooms allow for “community knowledge, students’ interests and concerns”, and cross-disciplinary instruction to have their impact on student outcomes (Jewett, Wilson & Vanderburg, 2011, p416). Time permitting, I know that the path you’ve chosen will equip your students with the much-touted 21st century skills.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Jewett, P., Wilson, J. & Vanderburg, M. (2011). The unifying power of a whole-school read. Journal of Adolescent Literacy 54(6) 415-424
Brenda,
ReplyDeleteSo little time, so much to do! Since implementing new technology tools requires time and effort, it may be beneficial to set aside a specific, protected time to do so. Create “tech Tuesdays” as your time to update or explore technology for 1 hour (or more). Unless it becomes a part of your routine, it is likely that it will be overlooked. Set a reminder on your email. I have to do this for reflection. 10 minutes – each day. I had to make myself to do this for a month; now it is part of my routine.
The following is a YouTube video that goes over the basics of ActivInspire – software used with the Promethean board:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGsBwOF3kAI&feature=related
I like that you are asking for feedback from parents regarding your website. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer list four steps in developing a website (2009, p.67):
1. Define your audience, goals, content, tools
2. Design the layout, menu, navigation structure
3. Develop by converting graphic, text, movie, and sound files to appropriate format, generate HTML, add links
4. Deliver by uploading all files to appropriate servers
Even though you have already created your site, it may be beneficial to review these steps and make changes as needed.
Make time for technology!
Jessica H.
Reference
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards-based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
You guys are great! I think I needed a little encouragement this week. Just feeling a little overwhelmed. But, I have to admit, I thought this blogging was going to be one more thing I had to do for the Walden class. Now, I find myself reading each post. I think the information posted here is in some ways more practical and relevant. It feels like a real sharing with colleagues instead of an assignment. I guess if that works for me, it would work for my students. We do learn so much from each other. Thanks for the advice and the very practical and helpful websites. Please keep it up! I really appreciate the encouragement and help!
ReplyDelete