As I get further and further in reaching my GAME plan goals, I am learning more about myself as a teacher and person.
Goal 1: I have discovered that I have not always followed digital etiquette policies because they had never been brought to my attention. One mistake that I have made, at school, was not taking the time to double check an email before sending it. There are too many times where I am too busy, or am rushing through something to even think twice before sending. That has come back to haunt me the one time I actually said something I should not have. Now that I have had time to find resources and create an actual definition for digital etiquette that works for myself, I am more aware of my Internet and email interactions. This is useful because it will, in the end, keep me out of trouble in the future.
Goal 2: As I have started learning about different technology and the way it can be used in my classroom, I have found myself taking more risks with my students and allowing them to "play" with the technology for the hands on effect. Most recently, I have implemented a new use for PowerPoint. In the past, I have always used it for support to presentations; each slide sharing something new. Now I am using it for something more entertaining. Last week my students had finished their reading group books and I needed a culminating project for them to do. Instead of having them do something individually, I allowed them to work in groups on a Book Trailer (similar to a movie trailer), to share their book and try to get other people interested in reading it. I have never seen so much creativity and expansive vocabulary than I had seen on their final products. I was thoroughly impressed by them. This shows me that stepping outside of my own comfort box and allowing the students to display their creativity is an incredible experience and therefore has alleviated some of my concerns.
As of this moment, I am still comfortable with my goals and the steps I am taking to reach them. I do not have any questions, but I still have some concerns. The main point of where my concerns come from is my hesitation in trying new things. However, now that I see that stepping out of my norm works, maybe I will be more inclined to try it more often.
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I love your thought in your second goal. I fully understand what you mean when you say that the students went above and beyond your expectations. It is awesome when we see our students move forward on their own and really take ownership of their creations. This happens a lot in my music class because music is something that students can take pride in.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love the book trailer idea. I am totally going to use that and don't worry I will reference your site as the place where I got the idea. How is that for digital etiquette?
Way to go James! I would be more than happy to send you an example if you like. Would you like one?
ReplyDeleteThat book trailer idea is cool! (Sorry I'm late responding to this, but I'm still impressed with the idea.) I think that's the thing with tools like power-point and Microsoft Movie-Maker. We tend to sort of pigeon-hole our ideas of what those thing should be used for and then we have a hard time thinking creatively. Perhaps a good idea would be to do just as you suggest, introduce the tools to your students and just let them play a bit and see what they come up with. (I think if you had older students, it would be pretty cool to do a "music video" that keyed to characters and themes in the book).
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