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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.
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It sounds like you are taking the necessary steps to continue to become knowledgeable about emergent technologies. The seminar you are attending sounds like it would be very informative and beneficial to growing as a professional. I hope that you will later share any new information that you learn.
ReplyDeleteI had checked into Operation Tectonic Fury after you suggested it. I have not had the opportunity to implement it in my classroom, but it sounds like it has been going very well for your students. Having students create songs about the content that they are learning can be very effective. After visiting the Ron Clark Academy, I tried this with my students about reduce, reuse, and recycling, and they really enjoyed it as well.
If your school district is willing to spend the money, I strongly suggest trying to get a class set of SMARTboard clickers. Our school has purchased three class sets so far, and we have been using them for instruction and assessment. The students have really enjoyed using them, and have been effectively learning from their use. Keep on your path to meeting the goals of your GAME plan and best of luck!
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. My school has the Promethean Boards, but not the student response systems. Perhaps I can talk my Principal into making the money available. If not, I can always apply for a grant to get a class set of my own.
Your commitment to technology, be it your for students or yourself, is admirable. I am impressed that you found a relevant technology forum to attend as well as locating a website to enhance a specific curriculum component in your lesson planning. That should serve as strong motivation and inspiration to those in your school. I feel certain that you would be able to obtain a student response system, as the benefits and results should speak for themselves. I bet your enthusiasm is catching - keep us the good work.
ReplyDeleteKen,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are well on your way to meeting your goals. The forum you are going to attend sounds really amazing, right in line with what we have been learning about in our classes. I admire you for attending a forum as well as classes. I would have to agree with you that you are in fact meeting your goal!
Your student project with the music videos sounds so fun. This is the perfect example of how much more effective activity based learning is over learning by teacher lecture. I have no doubt that your students learned the content presented because it was presented in such an interesting and engaging way. -Amber