My GAME plan is to promote student
reflection using collaborative tools and design relevant learning experiences
that incorporate digital tools to promote student learning and creativity (ISTE,
2008). I want to incorporate technology
to differentiate instructions to provide materials and task that support the
needs of all students (Wahl & Duffield, 2005). I want students to collaborate with each
other through the use of digital technology.
This will allow for students to critically think and problem solve
without having to be in the same location.
In addition, the use of technology will allow for students to creatively
demonstrate their understanding, synthesize, and evaluation of the topics
discussed in my class.
I order to carry out my GAME plan I am
would like to speak to other colleagues that are currently familiar with
incorporating blogs, wiki pages, and Google docs in their classroom. I would like to find out useful strategies to
how I could effectively implement them into my classroom. I would like to discuss with other colleagues
areas of problems or concerns that they experienced implementing these
collaboration methods into their classroom.
In addition, I would also like to discuss with them how they are
effectively implemented. In addition, to
talking to colleagues from my school and this class I would also like discuss
information with other science or biology teachers as well. I plan to implement blogging with my students
and in order to teach myself I want to begin to blog with other teachers
globally similar to how we do in this course.
In am also interested in researching effective strategies as well and
look forward to any article or information that anyone has to share.
I also want to incorporate
differentiate lessons where students design and develop assessments that
incorporate digital tools. I am
constantly researching new lesson ideas to incorporate into my classroom to
help captive and interest students. However,
I want to incorporate the use of more technology. This current school year I have been
researching effective assessments to incorporate into my class. The incorporation of technology can address
the learning needs of all students, which would provide for an optimal learning
environment in my class. In order to
obtain this goal I am constantly researching lessons, modifying current lessons
to incorporate technology, and reading information to learn about different
technology tools available. In addition,
I often review information from previous Walden classes to enhance and brush up
on different available technologies that can be used to enhance student
understanding. Although, I am not
familiar with most available technology I am always interested in reading
information and trying new tools.
As I am looking to increase the
incorporate of technology into my classroom I also need to become more
familiarized with the technology available.
In order to educate my self I am currently looking for professional
development opportunities that can attend to increase my knowledge. My district often has after schoolwork shops
that I plan to attend to gain more information, practice, and useful skills to
incorporate into my classroom. So far I
have been able to discuss with classmates useful blogging strategies. I have also changed a currently project in my
class that instead of creating a poster students will create a digital presentation. My students will begin to work on this
project next week and I am excited for the learning experience I will
encounter.
I am often a creature of habit and have
difficulties implementing change in my life.
However, I like most of my students are constantly connected to the
global world through my cell phone, computer, iPad, and television. I am looking forward to the changes that I
plan to implement into my classroom to encourage creative thinking and collaboration
through the digital world. I look
forward to any suggestions or ideas for classroom lesson or experiences that
you encountered.
Reference:
International Society for Technology in
Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T).
Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers
Wahl, L., & Duffield, J. (2005). Using flexible technology to
meet the needs of diverse learners: What teachers can do. Retrieved from the
WestEd website:http://www.wested.org/online_pubs/kn-05-01.pdf
Nicole,
ReplyDeleteYou have a good start to carrying out your plan! There is so many reasons to tap into the knowledge, skills, and experiences of our colleagues in the form of a professional learning community (PLC). Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL) (2014) discussed the many benefits of a PLC for both teachers and students: reduced feeling of isolation, shared responsibility of students' success, gained deeper understanding of content and its application in the classroom, etc. Taking the time to talk with other teachers who have implemented blogging successfully with their students can be of great help to you. I am a big fan of not "reinventing the wheel" unless I have too. It is also helpful to know what has not worked for others, so we can avoid some of the same difficulties.
I too, am looking for new ways to integrate technology into my current lesson plans. My challenge is to not just add it for the technology itself, but to make sure it is giving my students an authentic experience that is pushing them to utilize their creativity. The other piece that has been difficult for me is slowing down and not trying to implement technology before I am confident in my abilities with it. Ertmer (2009) reminded us that it is okay to take small steps and build our own confidence before asking our students to work with a new application.
I wanted to share a professional development opportunity that I just became aware of. Google Webinars! This is a great way to learn about all of the ways Google apps can be used in the classroom, but you can do them on your own time. Genius! You can also connect with other educators that are using them in their classrooms, troubleshoot common issues, and see examples of various Google sites. Here is the link: https://sites.google.com/site/appsforeducationresources/home
I am also going to look into becoming a Google Certified Teacher. Portland Public Schools just became a Google district. I think it would be beneficial for me to train in this, so I can help train others.
Good luck!
Kori
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating technology across the content areas: Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Southwest Educational Development Laboratory. (2014). Professional Learning Communities: What are they and why are they important? Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/change/issues/issues61.html
Kori,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the information on Google Webinars! I know that Google as tremendous amounts of tools that would be benificial to incorporate into the classroom. I am am interested in learning more about Google Classroom and the other applications that I can use as well. I think it is important that the use of technology is authentic as opposed of used only to incoporate technology into a lesson.
Nicole