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To all,
I recently created a screencast presentation to influence my fellow educators to consider using a curriculum management system, suplementing the traditional classroom. I hope you enjoy it. Feel free to provide your thoughts on the subject.
http://www.screencast.com/users/KennethBedwell/folders/Jing/media/7a3a330f-48b0-4ac1-bb78-a94bc2db4c15
Ken Bedwell
27 March 2011
22 December 2010
EDUC 6713 Reflection
I acquired several useful tools over the past two months that will improve my performance as an educator. I was introduced to the concept of having students participate in self directed learning activities in week one. Although I have been utilizing this learning method for decades as a way to develop professionally, I have not utilized it in the classroom. Developing young people’s self directed learning skills seemed like a good idea so I gave it a try. I utilized the Jason Project (http://www.jason.org) with my students for a sedimentary rock unit. Learners had missions to accomplish, which led to engaged research. This experience reinforced my view that authentic learning and critical thinking activities are necessary for long term academic success.
During week two we learned about a self development approach known as a GAME plan. In a GAME plan one first sets reasonable, achievable goals. We used NETS-T (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers.aspx) as a basis for developing our individual plans. My personal goal was to implement new learning, locate quality resources, and broaden my professional network. Throughout the course we took action to meet our goals, monitored progress, evaluated effectiveness and made changes as needed. I also learned this can be an effective method of involving students in their own learning.
Midway through the course we utilized universal design as a way to improve the learning experience. Taking each young person’s individual learning needs and developing a plan to meet those needs helps the entire class, and makes me a better educator.
The second half of the course was spent creating a unit consisting of three distinct lessons. The first lesson consisted of problem based learning. Students are given a problem to solve. As they seek answers to their problem they learn the required content, as well as critical thinking, research, and writing skills. The second portion of the unit consisted of a collaborative project. The third portion consisted of digital storytelling. While we developed our unit my classmates and I utilized a collaborative approach for peer reviews via a Wiki. Using this wiki reminded me of how quick technology allows us to acquire large amounts of information, how easy it is to make available to the public, and how quickly it can be destroyed through a single click of the button. I think this is important to remember when teaching young people these skills as they will suffer setbacks while learning the technology.
During week two we learned about a self development approach known as a GAME plan. In a GAME plan one first sets reasonable, achievable goals. We used NETS-T (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers.aspx) as a basis for developing our individual plans. My personal goal was to implement new learning, locate quality resources, and broaden my professional network. Throughout the course we took action to meet our goals, monitored progress, evaluated effectiveness and made changes as needed. I also learned this can be an effective method of involving students in their own learning.
Midway through the course we utilized universal design as a way to improve the learning experience. Taking each young person’s individual learning needs and developing a plan to meet those needs helps the entire class, and makes me a better educator.
The second half of the course was spent creating a unit consisting of three distinct lessons. The first lesson consisted of problem based learning. Students are given a problem to solve. As they seek answers to their problem they learn the required content, as well as critical thinking, research, and writing skills. The second portion of the unit consisted of a collaborative project. The third portion consisted of digital storytelling. While we developed our unit my classmates and I utilized a collaborative approach for peer reviews via a Wiki. Using this wiki reminded me of how quick technology allows us to acquire large amounts of information, how easy it is to make available to the public, and how quickly it can be destroyed through a single click of the button. I think this is important to remember when teaching young people these skills as they will suffer setbacks while learning the technology.
15 December 2010
Using a GAME Plan with Students
The GAME plan format can be useful in helping students create a self development plan that targets technology skills. I would begin by going over the National Education Technology Standards for Students with the class (http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-students/nets-student-standards-2007.aspx). Once students knew what the standards were, we could discuss which two standards would have the biggest impact on student achievement should we demonstrate marked improvement. Our initial goals would be to improve performance on the two standards selected. My personal preference would be for my learners to improve communication, collaboration, and research and information fluency. However, I would want students to have input so that the goals are theirs and not necessarily mine. Once our goals are set, students could make a poster as a reminder and post it near our computer stations in the room.
Students will need to come up with a plan of action to meet our goals. The class as could discuss activities that could be used to learn the desired skill. We could look over the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) that are to be covered in the near term and identify topics that match up well with the skills (http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=6148). We will take action to meet the stated goal through activities planned into my daily lessons. Learners will discuss progress at the end of each week and determine if we are meeting our goals, or if we need to make changes to our plan. As our first goals are achieved, we can set new goals and continue the process.
I really like the GAME plan approach for self development. I believe students will find the approach useful in creating their own goals, developing action plans, monitoring progress, and evaluating effectiveness. A GAME plan is a useful method for self-directed learning across the content area, as well as topics of interest outside of the classroom (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009 ).
Reference
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
Students will need to come up with a plan of action to meet our goals. The class as could discuss activities that could be used to learn the desired skill. We could look over the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) that are to be covered in the near term and identify topics that match up well with the skills (http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=6148). We will take action to meet the stated goal through activities planned into my daily lessons. Learners will discuss progress at the end of each week and determine if we are meeting our goals, or if we need to make changes to our plan. As our first goals are achieved, we can set new goals and continue the process.
I really like the GAME plan approach for self development. I believe students will find the approach useful in creating their own goals, developing action plans, monitoring progress, and evaluating effectiveness. A GAME plan is a useful method for self-directed learning across the content area, as well as topics of interest outside of the classroom (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009 ).
Reference
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
07 December 2010
Another Edition of Game Plan Progress
Welcome to another edition of GAME plan progress. My first goal is to demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx). I did not experience much progress this week. I have not yet implemented new learning from my technology forum. However, I do intend to after the holiday break. I am attending professional development training this week relating to our district’s online curriculum. In addition, I am learning more skills through Walden coursework.
My second goal is to better design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx). I am modifying my use of the Jason Project to enhance learners focus on required content. In addition, my grade level is going to encourage use of technology for a writing project, both as a research tool and a production tool. We have not tried something like this since I started working at my school. In the past, writing has been assigned through prompts and completed in an afternoon of brainstorming, creating rough drafts, and hopefully a final copy with correct edits.
I have no intention of changing my learning goals at this time. I consider my goals to be long term, rather than short term. I will extend my knowledge by continuing my education, learning from my network of classmates and peers, and improving my performance in the classroom.
My second goal is to better design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx). I am modifying my use of the Jason Project to enhance learners focus on required content. In addition, my grade level is going to encourage use of technology for a writing project, both as a research tool and a production tool. We have not tried something like this since I started working at my school. In the past, writing has been assigned through prompts and completed in an afternoon of brainstorming, creating rough drafts, and hopefully a final copy with correct edits.
I have no intention of changing my learning goals at this time. I consider my goals to be long term, rather than short term. I will extend my knowledge by continuing my education, learning from my network of classmates and peers, and improving my performance in the classroom.
30 November 2010
Game Plan Progress Update
Today I worked towards my goal of continual growth in technology knowledge and skills (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx) by attending the “Twenty-First Century Teaching and Learning Forum” through the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 in Waco, Texas (http://www.esc12.net/). The forum was not quite what I expected, but still worthwhile. The experience left me with the feeling of having listened to a six-hour Promethean sales pitch.
Presenters introduced, explained the benefits of, and demonstrated use of the Promethean Activclassroom including; Activsound, Activslate, Activote, Activexpression, Activsoftware Inspire and Activboard+2. Activsound is an audio enhancement program in which a microphone wirelessly sends the presenters speech to speakers. Activslate is a remote control panel for the Promethean board. Activote is a hand held wireless device used for voting. I am not impressed with any of these products. I can speak loud enough to be heard in my classroom, I do not mind being located near a Promethean board or laptop, and I like seeing kids raise their hands.
The three items I did find interest in is Activboard+2, Activexpression and Acticsoftware Inspire. Activboard+2 includes an updated Promethean board with integrated speakers, a mounted projector and updated lesson development software. Activsoftware Inspire contains preprogrammed lesson development software for use with the Promethean board. Activexpression are student hand held devices that send data through word, number, or symbol format to answer multiple-choice questions. The selections are automatically recorded and can be downloaded into an excel file. This gives the teacher instant feedback on content understanding.
While at the training, I learned from our technology representative that our campus has ordered eight sets of the Activexpression devices, and upgraded our software license to Activsoftware Inspire. The use of these devices will expand my current ability in the classroom. I will have to familiarize myself with the Promethean software, locate resources and practice with the hardware. However, I feel students will be engaged in content and will enjoy taking short formative assessments (quizzes) following a lesson using the devices. For example, I can integrate Brain Pop (http://www.brainpop.com/) with Promethean, watch a selected video on the board and students can take the quiz using Activexpression devices. The quiz is graded automatically, and I have data telling me who understands content, and who I need to target in small group instruction.
I see no need to modify my plan at this time. I do need to look closely at my curriculum and locate opportunities to implement the digital tools I learned about today.
Presenters introduced, explained the benefits of, and demonstrated use of the Promethean Activclassroom including; Activsound, Activslate, Activote, Activexpression, Activsoftware Inspire and Activboard+2. Activsound is an audio enhancement program in which a microphone wirelessly sends the presenters speech to speakers. Activslate is a remote control panel for the Promethean board. Activote is a hand held wireless device used for voting. I am not impressed with any of these products. I can speak loud enough to be heard in my classroom, I do not mind being located near a Promethean board or laptop, and I like seeing kids raise their hands.
The three items I did find interest in is Activboard+2, Activexpression and Acticsoftware Inspire. Activboard+2 includes an updated Promethean board with integrated speakers, a mounted projector and updated lesson development software. Activsoftware Inspire contains preprogrammed lesson development software for use with the Promethean board. Activexpression are student hand held devices that send data through word, number, or symbol format to answer multiple-choice questions. The selections are automatically recorded and can be downloaded into an excel file. This gives the teacher instant feedback on content understanding.
While at the training, I learned from our technology representative that our campus has ordered eight sets of the Activexpression devices, and upgraded our software license to Activsoftware Inspire. The use of these devices will expand my current ability in the classroom. I will have to familiarize myself with the Promethean software, locate resources and practice with the hardware. However, I feel students will be engaged in content and will enjoy taking short formative assessments (quizzes) following a lesson using the devices. For example, I can integrate Brain Pop (http://www.brainpop.com/) with Promethean, watch a selected video on the board and students can take the quiz using Activexpression devices. The quiz is graded automatically, and I have data telling me who understands content, and who I need to target in small group instruction.
I see no need to modify my plan at this time. I do need to look closely at my curriculum and locate opportunities to implement the digital tools I learned about today.
23 November 2010
Monitoring the Game Plan
My GAME plan is built upon two long-term goals. The first goal is to demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills, and stay abreast of current and emerging technologies (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx). To meet this goal I planned to further my education with Walden University. Providing I register for next semester, do the coursework to an acceptable standard, and submit suitable portfolio documents, I will fulfill that goal in late April. In addition, my plan states that I will take advantage of professional development opportunities concerning technology. Today I registered to attend the “Twenty-First Century Teaching and Learning Forum” through the Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 in Waco, Texas (http://www.esc12.net/). Since I acted on an opportunity to attend a technology based professional development seminar, I would suggest I am meeting my goal as stated. The only part of my first goal that I have not made progress with is broadening my professional network. My network remains mostly unchanged.
My second goal is to better design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx). This week my class began the Jason Project, mission two of Operation Tectonic Fury (http://www.jason.org/public/WhatIs/CurrOTFeIndx.aspx). To measure learner engagement I performed an informal poll, and read a random selection of online journal posts. The reports from students, verified through journal entries, are very positive. The typical response from my fifth graders is, “The Jason Project is cool”. Any time students are interested in Earth science on a broad scale, I feel successful. In addition, my students created digital music videos this week. I formed my class into groups of four. I had each group learn a song related to weathering, erosion, and deposition (http://www.songsforteaching.com/sciencesongs.htm). Groups had to plan, perform, and record their video. My young people had a very good time making their videos, and an even better time watching them today. Today I feel confident that my class members know that waves, wind, water, and ice shape and reshape land surface.
I am finding the information and resources I require to meet my goals. I have the funding to continue one more semester at Walden. My administration supports technology in the classroom and is willing to spend on technology related professional development. At this point, I see no need to modify my action plan. I have learned that online resources must be adapted to local standards and student populations. I have to provide guidance on what learners must accomplish in order to meet learning objectives. I have not had any surprises this week. So at this point, I have no new questions. However, experience has shown me that I will have questions in time.
My second goal is to better design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx). This week my class began the Jason Project, mission two of Operation Tectonic Fury (http://www.jason.org/public/WhatIs/CurrOTFeIndx.aspx). To measure learner engagement I performed an informal poll, and read a random selection of online journal posts. The reports from students, verified through journal entries, are very positive. The typical response from my fifth graders is, “The Jason Project is cool”. Any time students are interested in Earth science on a broad scale, I feel successful. In addition, my students created digital music videos this week. I formed my class into groups of four. I had each group learn a song related to weathering, erosion, and deposition (http://www.songsforteaching.com/sciencesongs.htm). Groups had to plan, perform, and record their video. My young people had a very good time making their videos, and an even better time watching them today. Today I feel confident that my class members know that waves, wind, water, and ice shape and reshape land surface.
I am finding the information and resources I require to meet my goals. I have the funding to continue one more semester at Walden. My administration supports technology in the classroom and is willing to spend on technology related professional development. At this point, I see no need to modify my action plan. I have learned that online resources must be adapted to local standards and student populations. I have to provide guidance on what learners must accomplish in order to meet learning objectives. I have not had any surprises this week. So at this point, I have no new questions. However, experience has shown me that I will have questions in time.
16 November 2010
Taking Action on the GAME Plan
This week I am required to post a description of the resources and information I need to carry out the action portion of my GAME plan. I just completed the review process of my game plan. My first goal is to demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills and stay abreast of current and emerging technologies. My second goal is to better design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx). Taking action for personal growth in technology knowledge and skills is essential for achieving my goal of designing effective learning environments and experiences involving technology.
To demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skill I will further my education with Walden University, take advantage of professional development opportunities, and broaden my professional network. I have the resources available to accomplish these steps. To further my education I require the money to pay tuition, my laptop, internet connection, printer, and the time required to complete required readings, research and assignments. Professional development opportunities are available through our district LEARN system. I simply log on to our professional development site, find desired training, schedule, and attend. The only resource I need to make sure I have enough of is time. Self-development opportunities are constantly available. I just need to locate potential resources, gain access, determine if the resource will enhance my curriculum and try it. I can broaden my professional network by interacting with my Walden classmates, communicating with technology leaning peers in my district, and obtaining additional contacts through blogs, wikis, and professional organizations. I took action this week to enhance my professional network by sharing the electronic magazine Spigot, which Dr. Lebeau introduced to us (http://spigotsciencemag.com/site/). When I send my colleagues a useful resource, they will return the favor when opportunity arises.
I am currently experimenting with a new resource to enhance student learning with technology. My grade level is beginning our Earth science unit. Jason Project, Operation Tectonic Fury (http://www.jason.org/public/WhatIs/CurrOTFIndex.aspx) provides a wide variety of access to standards based content. Members of Jason can read text, listen to audio clips, watch video, create journal entries, play interactive video games, and participate in virtual or field based laboratory experiences. If you teach elementary or middle school science, I highly suggest you view the site if you have not done so. I am confident you will find resources that enhance content understanding, particularly for those learners who retain information through audio or visual means.
To demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skill I will further my education with Walden University, take advantage of professional development opportunities, and broaden my professional network. I have the resources available to accomplish these steps. To further my education I require the money to pay tuition, my laptop, internet connection, printer, and the time required to complete required readings, research and assignments. Professional development opportunities are available through our district LEARN system. I simply log on to our professional development site, find desired training, schedule, and attend. The only resource I need to make sure I have enough of is time. Self-development opportunities are constantly available. I just need to locate potential resources, gain access, determine if the resource will enhance my curriculum and try it. I can broaden my professional network by interacting with my Walden classmates, communicating with technology leaning peers in my district, and obtaining additional contacts through blogs, wikis, and professional organizations. I took action this week to enhance my professional network by sharing the electronic magazine Spigot, which Dr. Lebeau introduced to us (http://spigotsciencemag.com/site/). When I send my colleagues a useful resource, they will return the favor when opportunity arises.
I am currently experimenting with a new resource to enhance student learning with technology. My grade level is beginning our Earth science unit. Jason Project, Operation Tectonic Fury (http://www.jason.org/public/WhatIs/CurrOTFIndex.aspx) provides a wide variety of access to standards based content. Members of Jason can read text, listen to audio clips, watch video, create journal entries, play interactive video games, and participate in virtual or field based laboratory experiences. If you teach elementary or middle school science, I highly suggest you view the site if you have not done so. I am confident you will find resources that enhance content understanding, particularly for those learners who retain information through audio or visual means.
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