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.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
My GAME Plan - Week 6
I have learned through pursuing my goals, that there is an endless amount of possibilities. There are many things to learn about technology and different programs. As I continue to progress toward my goal, I have noticed that the way my thinking has changed. I am now beginning to look at things through different eyes, more technology directed eyes other than eyes focused on what the norm is. This has been a great revelation because I am seeing things that are going to be able to extend knowledge in standard programs.
As far as "netiquette" goes, I think that I have exhausted the amount of resources to support this goal. I have found information that lead me to creating my own list of "netiquette" rules to follow. By taking ideas from others and creating my own, I will be able to find a way to have them relate to my students on a closer level.
Now that I have a good grasp on my previous goals, I am looking to aim toward a new one.
Goal #3: Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.
My first step toward reaching this goal had already been taken this past November without my realizing it. I was accepted into my school district's Integrating Technology Program for this summer. We call it ITP. This program is a week long retreat where we learn several ways to implement technology in our classrooms in various ways. I feel that this is taking a baby step toward reaching my new goal.
As far as "netiquette" goes, I think that I have exhausted the amount of resources to support this goal. I have found information that lead me to creating my own list of "netiquette" rules to follow. By taking ideas from others and creating my own, I will be able to find a way to have them relate to my students on a closer level.
Now that I have a good grasp on my previous goals, I am looking to aim toward a new one.
Goal #3: Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.
My first step toward reaching this goal had already been taken this past November without my realizing it. I was accepted into my school district's Integrating Technology Program for this summer. We call it ITP. This program is a week long retreat where we learn several ways to implement technology in our classrooms in various ways. I feel that this is taking a baby step toward reaching my new goal.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Reporting on Progress - Week 5
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
GAME Plan Progress ~ Week 4
Progressing through my goals has been tough (with report cards due last week), but I have made some gains in reaching my goals. Each of my goals are very different from each other, therefore require a lot more time and thought than having similar goals. I do enjoy having extremely different goals though because it allows me to look at different areas to improve; one is directed more for my own personal growth, but the other is directed to allow more student growth.
As I look for information and resources on appropriate Internet etiquette, I have found a few that fit what I am trying to do. One resource is especially helpful. It is from Kids Domain. This site has a list of several different ways to be polite while using the Internet. As I read through them, I even learned a few new things, although most were review. One of those new things is called a "flame war." It is when someone floods another's email inbox with unnecessary messages until if fills up.
Resources about technologies to be used in the classroom have been easily come by. I have recently set up my class with pen pals in New Zealand through www.epals.com. So far, this has been a fantastic learning experience for my class because we have used new technology. They had the opportunity to Skype with our pals and it was fascinating to see and talk to them. From that we moved to digital cameras and creating a presentation about our school to send, via email, to our buddies. There are so many possibilities that I have found and that I am excited about.
At this point, I do not feel a need to modify my goals. I think that with a little time and effort, each of my goals is obtainable and would be valuable for me to reach.
I have learned that no matter how much time and effort is put into something, you are not always going to get what you want. With many of the resources I have found, it has been necessary to find out more because each resource has a snip it of what I am looking for. Because of this, research seems endless although very valuable.
Throughout this process, only one true question has come up; are these possibilities endless? It seems as though there is no true end to the amount of information and research I can come across. When do I need to tell myself to stop? Is there ever too much information to use? I am asking these questions because I feel that soon I will be bogged down with too much information, if that is possible.
As I look for information and resources on appropriate Internet etiquette, I have found a few that fit what I am trying to do. One resource is especially helpful. It is from Kids Domain. This site has a list of several different ways to be polite while using the Internet. As I read through them, I even learned a few new things, although most were review. One of those new things is called a "flame war." It is when someone floods another's email inbox with unnecessary messages until if fills up.
Resources about technologies to be used in the classroom have been easily come by. I have recently set up my class with pen pals in New Zealand through www.epals.com. So far, this has been a fantastic learning experience for my class because we have used new technology. They had the opportunity to Skype with our pals and it was fascinating to see and talk to them. From that we moved to digital cameras and creating a presentation about our school to send, via email, to our buddies. There are so many possibilities that I have found and that I am excited about.
At this point, I do not feel a need to modify my goals. I think that with a little time and effort, each of my goals is obtainable and would be valuable for me to reach.
I have learned that no matter how much time and effort is put into something, you are not always going to get what you want. With many of the resources I have found, it has been necessary to find out more because each resource has a snip it of what I am looking for. Because of this, research seems endless although very valuable.
Throughout this process, only one true question has come up; are these possibilities endless? It seems as though there is no true end to the amount of information and research I can come across. When do I need to tell myself to stop? Is there ever too much information to use? I am asking these questions because I feel that soon I will be bogged down with too much information, if that is possible.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Meeting my GAME Plan Goals
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.
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.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
My Personal Game Plan
Throughout the past several months, I have been learning about ways I can improve my teaching through the use of technology. Not only have I been introduced to new programs, but I have learned new ways to use old programs. As I read through the National Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators for Teachers, I found a few things that I am not competent with yet; therefore a GAME plan is a must.
Goals:
1. To promote and model digital etiquette and responsibility
2. To use different technologies to teach to the different learning styles
Actions:
1. Teach the students about what digital etiquette is. Most students do not know the term etiquette, therefore would not know how to apply it to the digital world. I would share with them what appropriate and inappropriate actions online were and how to avoid those situations.
2. Digital responsibility is taught from the day they start using the Internet by teaching the kids not to share personal information. Not only will I reinforce this, but I will spend more time teaching the students what responsible use of technology is (ie. Internet searches).
3. Introduce and implement new technology to the students through instruction and through projects relating to curriculum.
Monitor:
1. Documentation through journaling.
2. Setting dates to have steps toward accomplishing my goals (milestones)
Evaluate:
1. After setting dates or milestones I would like to reach, I will evaluate how my progress is going. I feel that by evaluating myself throughout the whole process of reaching my goals, it will hold me more accountable for actually reaching those goals. At the end of the process, I plan on writing a reflection on my struggles and successes throughout the process.
Even though I have only chosen two goals, I know that there are other proficiencies that I have not mastered and will be working on those as well. However, these two standards are ones that I would like to focus more time on at this moment.
Goals:
1. To promote and model digital etiquette and responsibility
2. To use different technologies to teach to the different learning styles
Actions:
1. Teach the students about what digital etiquette is. Most students do not know the term etiquette, therefore would not know how to apply it to the digital world. I would share with them what appropriate and inappropriate actions online were and how to avoid those situations.
2. Digital responsibility is taught from the day they start using the Internet by teaching the kids not to share personal information. Not only will I reinforce this, but I will spend more time teaching the students what responsible use of technology is (ie. Internet searches).
3. Introduce and implement new technology to the students through instruction and through projects relating to curriculum.
Monitor:
1. Documentation through journaling.
2. Setting dates to have steps toward accomplishing my goals (milestones)
Evaluate:
1. After setting dates or milestones I would like to reach, I will evaluate how my progress is going. I feel that by evaluating myself throughout the whole process of reaching my goals, it will hold me more accountable for actually reaching those goals. At the end of the process, I plan on writing a reflection on my struggles and successes throughout the process.
Even though I have only chosen two goals, I know that there are other proficiencies that I have not mastered and will be working on those as well. However, these two standards are ones that I would like to focus more time on at this moment.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Literacy and Online Inquiry Reflection
This course has opened my eyes to a world of possibility with technology. I have never really forced myself to think about literacy and how it relates to the online world. The most striking revelation in my mind was the fact that I need to make sure that my students need to be taught how to effectively use the Internet and online resources. I have always believed that it would just "come naturally" and I would not need to directly teach those skills. I know that seems hard to believe, but there are so many other things that I am required to teach my students, this is one thing that has never come up. I believe a lot of people do not have a grasp on 21st century skills, therefore it is not important in their eyes.
Now that I know and understand that there are more skills to help students become more literate using the Internet, I will be able to implement those skills into my teaching. One thing that I plan on doing more instruction on is teaching the students how to validate a website. In fourth grade, they are doing research projects and using many different resources. Being able to distinguish which resources have good, valid information is an important skill. I will also be able to teach the students how to use other important resources online to help further their knowledge. For example, having a narrowed down, specific search topic will be useful for students in finding specific resources.
My personal goal is to get into our computer lab once a week so that I have an opportunity to teach these skills. As of right now, I have a scheduled time, but rarely visit the lab unless there is a writing project that is due. Now that I know there are other skills (besides word processing), I have more of a reason to make it to the lab weekly. Half the battle is implementing the resources that are available. Once I have figured out a plan, and stick to it, teaching these skills will come easy.
Now that I know and understand that there are more skills to help students become more literate using the Internet, I will be able to implement those skills into my teaching. One thing that I plan on doing more instruction on is teaching the students how to validate a website. In fourth grade, they are doing research projects and using many different resources. Being able to distinguish which resources have good, valid information is an important skill. I will also be able to teach the students how to use other important resources online to help further their knowledge. For example, having a narrowed down, specific search topic will be useful for students in finding specific resources.
My personal goal is to get into our computer lab once a week so that I have an opportunity to teach these skills. As of right now, I have a scheduled time, but rarely visit the lab unless there is a writing project that is due. Now that I know there are other skills (besides word processing), I have more of a reason to make it to the lab weekly. Half the battle is implementing the resources that are available. Once I have figured out a plan, and stick to it, teaching these skills will come easy.
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