Now that I have created a couple goals to get me to the point I want to be at with meeting technology standards, now I need to figure out how to get there. The two goals that I have decided on are very different from each other. One is how to interact appropriately with technology, the other is teaching how to actually use the technology. In order to meet my goals, I will need to take very specific steps for each.
Goal 1: To promote and model digital etiquette and responsibility
To start, I need to figure out exactly what digital etiquette and responsibility is. To me, it means being able to appropriately interact with different technology that is introduced and used. I will need to start by researching what others think digital etiquette and responsibility is. I want to know what the "experts" say, but it is also important to get ideas from my colleagues. Getting their opinion is just as important as what the "experts" say because they are ones who are also interacting with students who are using technology.
Another step I need to take to reach my goal is to decide who to promote and model the etiquette and responsibility of using digital tools. This can be accomplished by simply using technology on a daily basis and making sure that students are able to see my interactions. However, after those two action steps, I am not sure where to go. It seems as though these are the only two things that I would need to commit to to reach my goal.
Goal 2: To use different technologies to teach to the different learning styles
The first action I would take to reach my goal would be to acquaint myself with different types of technology. To do this, I would find either classes focused around technology (whether it is connected to education or not) or do some online research. The Internet offers so many resources that it would be an excellent place to start looking for new technology that I would be interested in implementing. After that, I would need to figure out specific lessons where implementing technology would fit in. Once those lessons have been planned, I would love to test it out on my students. However, instead of being assessed by a colleague, I would set up a video camera so that I can use self-reflection.
From start to finish, research to reflection, there are going to be many components that work together to help me accomplish this goal. I think that if I create a timeline of events, including some of the action steps that I have chosen, it will be easier for me to focus on reaching these goals, instead of letting them just disappear.
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One resource for goal 2 would be to get more familiar with web 2.0 applications. I found a really cool site that is full different apps @ http://www.go2web20.net/. I was also thinking that it might be beneficial to take some creative thinking classes. I say this because to me it seems as though creative thinking always leads to technological innovation.
ReplyDeleteI have subscribed to quite a few different tech-ed blogs (some more education-oriented than others) since I started this program at Walden, and it is a great way to stay current on all of the new ways to reach students. Some examples are below.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the problem still remains, as you said, finding ways to implement them into our lessons. I have introduced some of my colleagues to things that I have been finding online, and we have been discussing its possible application in our classes. While this has definitely helped, I still think that I can be doing more. I have been looking for different discussion boards and forums which pertain to this subject, but not many have returned results. I am asking very specific questions – ones that pertain to my curriculum – when most of the discussions are much broader in focus. I plan on continuing my search, and I hope that you are able to find what you need as well.
http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
http://alfred.co.in/
http://davidwarlick.com/2cents/
- Scott Kaminski
I like your goal of teaching the responsible use of technology and digital etiquette. This is so important in today's digital world, and is sure to increase by the time our students reach the workplace. I would start by drafting a short "Computer Use" rule chart or plan with your students. Have students brainstorm good rules for using the computers and internet, and then select the most important four or five to compile into a chart to display by classroom computers. The students will find satisfaction and ownership in the fact that they helped create the classroom rules, and thus are more likely to follow them. Plus, you still have the ultimate control of choosing the most important or guiding student thinking to rules they may not think of. Looking up other school system or classroom technology rules for ideas would be helpful also. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHow about a class discussion around safe and polite Internet use and email practice. What are the do's and don'ts? We often have students make the rules for the classroom. They collectively come up with pretty good ones. We steer them if needed. Your technology people should be able to give you a good amount of information ... assuming there is an Internet usage policy. A simple search for "Netiquette" on Google will also turn up more than enough if you don't get local help.
ReplyDeleteI know, when it comes to learning a new technology tool, my best bet is to start a project that requires that I use it. I remember I challenged myself to use Excel to make a better gradebook then what they gave us to use on our computers. Gradequick ... on, an ancient copy. After the third year I had maxed out the width of the e=Excel spreadsheet program. It wasn't my first use, mind you, but I learned so much.
For my GAME plan I wanted to use Second Life .. a virtual world environment, only to find your participants have to be over 18. Now I am looking to start my own virtual environment server. Up to my neck now!