Over the past several weeks, I have learned a lot about myself and how I can better align technology with the needs of my students. After creating goals for myself and working toward accomplishing those goals, I realized that when I push myself to do something, what I learn will also benefit my classroom.
For example, my first goal (Netiquette) taught me the different ways to interact with others in social networking situations. I had no idea what "flamewars" were, and no idea that students use social networking to be brave enough to say mean things to others. I guess in the back of my mind I knew there was a possibility because kids often act this way at school, but did not think that it could be worse with the use of technology. One way that I am promoting Netiquette in my classroom is by monitoring discussions that the students have on my Wiki. I get emails about what they post and can delete inappropriate things. The students know that I am monitoring it, therefore have put a great deal of effort in communicating appropriately online. I have also found supporting videos from Brainpop to show the class about Netiquette. They loved it and learned a lot from it.
My second goal was a bit more fun for me to do research on. I discovered multiple uses for PowerPoint (minus what I had already used it for), started student penpals through Epals.com, used Skype as a communication tool in my classroom, and implemented more use of my Activboard. Along with these technologies, I have also continued to use word processing, and my classroom Wiki. Since I have had the opportunity to look and learn about new technology I feel that I have more confidence when trying something new in my classroom. This comes out because even if it fails, the students will enjoy the fact that it is something new, and it is technology. The area that I teach in has a lot of Microsoft and Boeing families, so they are well to do and strongly support technology in the classroom. I have heard nothing but positive comments about my use in the classroom.
All around I felt that by creating goals for me to obtain, as well as learning goals for my students create a cohesive classroom because we are all working together. They help me to reach my goals and I help them to reach theirs. I have also learned that by making goals, I can better align my teaching to the National Standards for Technology, which I had not done before. To me, it is important to keep learning and trying new things. By doing this, I will always be interested in teaching.
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I agree with you. Having goals for yourself as well as your students does give a better sense of community to the classroom. I also feel that approaching education in this manner helps us change the perception of the teacher role from the "all knowing instructor" to the facilitator. I believe that if we can help our students to understand that we are on the same learning journey that they are, we will be able to reach more students.
ReplyDeleteI am also aware of the need for teaching student proper "netiquette." So often we underestimate how easily students will expand from within the confines of their personal shells when offered the opportunity to become "annonymous." Many students do not even realize that they are being bullied because there is not a physical presence in front of them. The need to help our students realize this danger is very important and helping them understand how important it is to report this behavior is another lesson in itself. Congratulations on your advancement within your GAME plan.
ReplyDeleteI have also tried to implement new technologies in my classroom and have had technical difficulties. Like you said the students didn't mind. They were still engaged with the fact that we were learning with technology. Sometimes taking the risk to use new technologies in the classroom is scary, but in the end it's all worth it!
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