Posts
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.
30 November 2010
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.
10 November 2010
A GAME Plan
Game Plan
A GAME plan is method to achieve self-directed learning (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). I will state my goal, take action to achieve the goal, monitor progress and evaluate the results of my efforts.
I reviewed the National Education Technology Standards (NETS) and Performance Indicators for Teachers. This document is located at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) website. My goal includes two standards and performance indicators to improve on in the future. The first is to demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts. I will 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). The second standard and performance indicator is to plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. I will facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx).
To demonstrate continued growth in technology knowledge and skills I will further my formal education with Walden University. Each course I take enhances my knowledge of emerging technologies. I am expanding my skill set and finding new methods of engaging students while enhancing learning outcomes. In addition, I will attend professional development opportunities at the campus and district level. I will broaden my professional network of teachers so that when a useful technology based tool comes available, I have people who can share information with me. To better enhance experiences that address content and technology standards I will look closely at the district curriculum, examine NETS-S and target areas of where technology will enhance learning outcomes.
I will self-monitor my progress for meeting my goal. So far, progress is good. However, once I meet the requirements for graduation from Walden University, I will have to take more initiative to stay current on useful technology trends. This goal will never be fully achieved, as technology advances constantly create change.
To evaluate how successfully I achieved my goals I must reflect on how I am doing my job, and how successful my students are after they leave my classroom. If I find students in my class are bored I need to find a more engaging approach. Having students utilize technology applications to enhance learning is certainly preferable to me complaining that the kids just won't listen.
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
A GAME plan is method to achieve self-directed learning (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). I will state my goal, take action to achieve the goal, monitor progress and evaluate the results of my efforts.
I reviewed the National Education Technology Standards (NETS) and Performance Indicators for Teachers. This document is located at the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) website. My goal includes two standards and performance indicators to improve on in the future. The first is to demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts. I will 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). The second standard and performance indicator is to plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology. I will facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards (http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2000.sflb.ashx).
To demonstrate continued growth in technology knowledge and skills I will further my formal education with Walden University. Each course I take enhances my knowledge of emerging technologies. I am expanding my skill set and finding new methods of engaging students while enhancing learning outcomes. In addition, I will attend professional development opportunities at the campus and district level. I will broaden my professional network of teachers so that when a useful technology based tool comes available, I have people who can share information with me. To better enhance experiences that address content and technology standards I will look closely at the district curriculum, examine NETS-S and target areas of where technology will enhance learning outcomes.
I will self-monitor my progress for meeting my goal. So far, progress is good. However, once I meet the requirements for graduation from Walden University, I will have to take more initiative to stay current on useful technology trends. This goal will never be fully achieved, as technology advances constantly create change.
To evaluate how successfully I achieved my goals I must reflect on how I am doing my job, and how successful my students are after they leave my classroom. If I find students in my class are bored I need to find a more engaging approach. Having students utilize technology applications to enhance learning is certainly preferable to me complaining that the kids just won't listen.
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
