Friday, October 1, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Reflection for course-Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology
Throughout this course I have learned about an abundant amount of new tools and resources to use in my classroom. Many of these came from my peers that I worked with in our Differentiation Station. There are so many websites to be found and I could have spent days trying to locate the ones that were shared with me. This kept us from spending so much time locating numerous sites, instead we each found a few and shared them with the group. I plan on taking these tools and resources and using them with my students when I feel they would be a benefit to them. Being that there are so many new tools and resources, I plan to set a goal to incorporate just a few a month. This way I will not become overwhelmed and can use them in the best way possible.
Being that I do teach in an inclusion classroom with students of various academic levels, this class has been great. I have been back in school for two weeks and I am already using technology to differentiate more than I did in the past. This class has helped by giving me more tools to use and so has the new Promethean board in my room. Both of these are helping me make adjustments to my lessons and classroom management in ways that will benefit all my students. I have really learned a lot from this class and am so happy that I was introduced to the CAST website, it has some wonderful tools.
Being that I do teach in an inclusion classroom with students of various academic levels, this class has been great. I have been back in school for two weeks and I am already using technology to differentiate more than I did in the past. This class has helped by giving me more tools to use and so has the new Promethean board in my room. Both of these are helping me make adjustments to my lessons and classroom management in ways that will benefit all my students. I have really learned a lot from this class and am so happy that I was introduced to the CAST website, it has some wonderful tools.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
GAME, SET, MATCH!
This week is the last week for this class. My assignment requires that I reflect on my GAME plan and what I have learned throughout the course. I am to use the following statements to help me reflect.
Reflect on the GAME plan you developed and followed throughout the course.
Making the GAME plan and focusing on the goals have I set for myself have made me look at how I can use technology in my classroom to better educate my students. I have also learned about new tools and great ideas through others blogs and educational sites. I have also learned a great deal through comments left on my blog from my peers.
I have not been able to put a lot of what I have learned into practice because I have been out of school for the summer. I have however found many tools and resources to use with my new Promethean board next year.
Summarize any new learning that resulted from your following your GAME plan and explain what impact your new learning will have on your instructional practice.
There are two main things that I have learned from following the GAME plan. The first one is how important it is to use the NETS-T and NETS-S standards when planning my technology goals and plans. These standards really break down how important it is to focus on technology due to the ever change tech world. I have always used technology in my class to some extent, but now see how important it is to have my students using technology themselves daily. The second thing I have learned is about digital story telling and how it can be used by students. This is going to be a tool that I use in my classroom in different lessons. I think my students will love it and help them take control of their learning, at least I hope it does.
Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration in your content area(s) as a result of your learning from this course.
My main adjustment will be using my new Promethean board and the resources I have found to use with the board. This course had helped me focus on this tool and look up the resources to use in my lessons.
Reflect on the GAME plan you developed and followed throughout the course.
Making the GAME plan and focusing on the goals have I set for myself have made me look at how I can use technology in my classroom to better educate my students. I have also learned about new tools and great ideas through others blogs and educational sites. I have also learned a great deal through comments left on my blog from my peers.
I have not been able to put a lot of what I have learned into practice because I have been out of school for the summer. I have however found many tools and resources to use with my new Promethean board next year.
Summarize any new learning that resulted from your following your GAME plan and explain what impact your new learning will have on your instructional practice.
There are two main things that I have learned from following the GAME plan. The first one is how important it is to use the NETS-T and NETS-S standards when planning my technology goals and plans. These standards really break down how important it is to focus on technology due to the ever change tech world. I have always used technology in my class to some extent, but now see how important it is to have my students using technology themselves daily. The second thing I have learned is about digital story telling and how it can be used by students. This is going to be a tool that I use in my classroom in different lessons. I think my students will love it and help them take control of their learning, at least I hope it does.
Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration in your content area(s) as a result of your learning from this course.
My main adjustment will be using my new Promethean board and the resources I have found to use with the board. This course had helped me focus on this tool and look up the resources to use in my lessons.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
GAME Plan for Students
The following is what I am suppose to respond to this week: Post your thoughts and ideas about how you will use the GAME plan process with your students to help them develop proficiency in the technology standards and indicators outlined in the NETS-S. Reach out to your colleagues in this learning community for assistance if needed.
After reviewing the NETS-T and the NETS-S I can see how very similar they are and how they align with one another. It is very important for us as teachers to help our students make a game plan that go along with these standards to prepare them for their future. To help them come up with their own game plan, I would show them a few of the standards that I think they should focus on and have them come up with two goals they want to focus on for the year. Since they are so young I would give the students different activities that could help them with their goals. Of course, the students would need to be guided through this whole process throughout the year.
I feel that it is so important for students to set goals that focus on technology with the way the world is ever changing with technology. It is also important for the students to help plan their own goals so they have ownership of what they are focusing on. Just like we set our on goals for our game plan.
After reviewing the NETS-T and the NETS-S I can see how very similar they are and how they align with one another. It is very important for us as teachers to help our students make a game plan that go along with these standards to prepare them for their future. To help them come up with their own game plan, I would show them a few of the standards that I think they should focus on and have them come up with two goals they want to focus on for the year. Since they are so young I would give the students different activities that could help them with their goals. Of course, the students would need to be guided through this whole process throughout the year.
I feel that it is so important for students to set goals that focus on technology with the way the world is ever changing with technology. It is also important for the students to help plan their own goals so they have ownership of what they are focusing on. Just like we set our on goals for our game plan.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Revising My Game Plan
This week we are suppose to revise our game plan if needed and answer the following questions to help us focus on where we are with our plan.
•What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
What goals are you still working toward? I have learned that I need to understand and know all about the different tools and resources I plan to incorporate into my classroom. I can expect my students to engage effectively in these activities, if I can not thoroughly teach them how use them correctly. I am still working toward both my goals.
•Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself? None right now.
•If you are not ready to set new learning goals, how will you extend what you have learned so far? The reason I do not want to set any new goals right now, is because I need to be back in school to start implementing what I have been working in my classroom. That will not be until August. I feel that using this time to create lessons and locating resources and tools to incorporate in my classroom, is what I need to focus on now before setting any new goals. I plan on continuing to use what I am learning through both goals to help me be a better teacher.
•What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
What goals are you still working toward? I have learned that I need to understand and know all about the different tools and resources I plan to incorporate into my classroom. I can expect my students to engage effectively in these activities, if I can not thoroughly teach them how use them correctly. I am still working toward both my goals.
•Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself? None right now.
•If you are not ready to set new learning goals, how will you extend what you have learned so far? The reason I do not want to set any new goals right now, is because I need to be back in school to start implementing what I have been working in my classroom. That will not be until August. I feel that using this time to create lessons and locating resources and tools to incorporate in my classroom, is what I need to focus on now before setting any new goals. I plan on continuing to use what I am learning through both goals to help me be a better teacher.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Evaluating My GAME Plan Progress
The focus of this week is still on my game plan. I am suppose to answer the following questions to help me evaluate my progress. I wish I had more to discuss in the way of progress, but being on summer break has kept me away from my colleagues.
•How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
So my action of continuing to research the Promethean website and getting ideas and charts to use in my classroom next year is keeping me right on target with my first goal. As I mentioned earlier, I have not been collaborating with teachers I work with but planning on doing that closer to the beginning of the year. Two ladies I teach with who are also in this class, have been at a week long training on the Promethean boards and I can not wait for them to share what they have learned. If you read this girls, I can not wait for a tutoring session in July hopefully. I will bring cupcakes!
As for goal two, I continue to read educational blogs where I have learned a few new ideas and tools that I was not aware of. It has also been interesting to read peoples' views on tools and resources that should and should not be used in the classroom.
•What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have learned many different was to incorporate my active board into lessons that will get my students excited and hopefully teach them more about using technology.
•What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
Oh goodness, I still have a lot to learn and will continue to always be learning when it comes to incorporating technology in my classroom. If you had asked me about using an active board in my classroom several years ago, it would have scared me. I feel that I have come a long way, but know I still have a long way to go.
•How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
I think I will keep my plan as it is for now.
•How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
So my action of continuing to research the Promethean website and getting ideas and charts to use in my classroom next year is keeping me right on target with my first goal. As I mentioned earlier, I have not been collaborating with teachers I work with but planning on doing that closer to the beginning of the year. Two ladies I teach with who are also in this class, have been at a week long training on the Promethean boards and I can not wait for them to share what they have learned. If you read this girls, I can not wait for a tutoring session in July hopefully. I will bring cupcakes!
As for goal two, I continue to read educational blogs where I have learned a few new ideas and tools that I was not aware of. It has also been interesting to read peoples' views on tools and resources that should and should not be used in the classroom.
•What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have learned many different was to incorporate my active board into lessons that will get my students excited and hopefully teach them more about using technology.
•What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
Oh goodness, I still have a lot to learn and will continue to always be learning when it comes to incorporating technology in my classroom. If you had asked me about using an active board in my classroom several years ago, it would have scared me. I feel that I have come a long way, but know I still have a long way to go.
•How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
I think I will keep my plan as it is for now.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monitoring My GAME plan
This week for my class, I am suppose to look over my game plan and think about what I have learned so far and answer the following questions. Now, that we are out for the summer (YAY!!) I will have much more time to really focus on this plan. The following questions will let you know where I am so far.
•Are you finding the information and resources you need? Yes, so far I have been finding more tools and resources on Prometheanplanet.com that I will use for new lessons. I have also been locating other educational blogs that help keep me up to date with the latest tools and information.
•Do you need to modify your action plan? No, not as of right now. I think my goals are just what I need to focus on and my actions are helping me accomplish these goals. The one thing I may need to change is the time I spend locating information. As I stated earlier I plan on focusing much more not that I am out for the summer.
•What have you learned so far? I have learned that there is so much information, resources and tools that it is overwhelming.
•What new questions have arisen? How can I make sure I am incorporating the technology that is best for my students?
•Are you finding the information and resources you need? Yes, so far I have been finding more tools and resources on Prometheanplanet.com that I will use for new lessons. I have also been locating other educational blogs that help keep me up to date with the latest tools and information.
•Do you need to modify your action plan? No, not as of right now. I think my goals are just what I need to focus on and my actions are helping me accomplish these goals. The one thing I may need to change is the time I spend locating information. As I stated earlier I plan on focusing much more not that I am out for the summer.
•What have you learned so far? I have learned that there is so much information, resources and tools that it is overwhelming.
•What new questions have arisen? How can I make sure I am incorporating the technology that is best for my students?
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Carrying Out the Game Plan
To carry out my game plan I will be collaborating a lot with colleagues to help me meet my first goal. I work with some wonderful teachers who are very "tech savvy" and I have so much to learn from them and maybe even share some of my ideas. I also plan on attending a DI conference where I will participate in classes that will show me how to incorporate technology in my classroom to help my students. I will also keep exploring different lessons to use with my Promethean board and also read more about it on www.prometheanplanet.com to become even more familiar with this wonderful tool.
I feel that by continuing with my master's courses, I am already taking steps toward goal II. Even by taking part in this blog and reading the thoughts, ideas, and plans of my peers is helping be successful towards this goal. I also follow other educators blogs outside my peers and have learned many new ideas and read about tools I had no idea were out there.
I decided to get my master's in Integrating Technology in the Classroom because I knew how important it would be for me to incorporate these skills into my classroom. I have actually been a little afraid of technology and not always on top of the latest trends. I have learned so much, and have started to apply what I am learning into my classroom. So, I guess I could say I have been working on my game plan before I ever had this assignment.
I feel that by continuing with my master's courses, I am already taking steps toward goal II. Even by taking part in this blog and reading the thoughts, ideas, and plans of my peers is helping be successful towards this goal. I also follow other educators blogs outside my peers and have learned many new ideas and read about tools I had no idea were out there.
I decided to get my master's in Integrating Technology in the Classroom because I knew how important it would be for me to incorporate these skills into my classroom. I have actually been a little afraid of technology and not always on top of the latest trends. I have learned so much, and have started to apply what I am learning into my classroom. So, I guess I could say I have been working on my game plan before I ever had this assignment.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
GAME PLAN
After reading over the (NETS•T), the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers, I realize that I am probably more prepared for these standards than I have ever been due to the fact that I have some great new technology in my classroom. The main tool being a new Promethean board. With that said, I still have some areas that need to be strengthened so that I am more confident and able to teach my students using more technology. As teachers, we are always learning new ideas and skills that keep us up to date and the most effective teachers we can be. Technology is definitely always changing and improving and it is our job to be on top of these standards.
The two standards that I feel I need to focus on are #1 Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity and #5 Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership. These are both areas I find extremely important, but I am not very confident in.
Goal I- Engage students more in exploring real-world issues using digital tools and resources.
I know I need to focus more on this goal because my students need to be more in charge of their learning. I think I have been afraid my students or could not or would not be able to take control and explore to get answers.
Goal II- Participate in local and global learning communities to explore new technologies
This is a goal I feel that I have already started by getting my master’s in Integrating technology in the classroom. Even though I have learned a lot and I have implemented what I have learned into my classroom, I still have a lot to learn.
The actions I plan on taking to accomplish these goals are to complete my master’s program, participate in professional development with a focus on technology, and collaborate with peers. I feel that goal II will help me accomplish goal I. My making learning more about new technologies a priority, I will have more tools that will help me incorporate lessons that require my students to use technology to explore real-world issues. I will monitor my progress by keeping up with how much I incorporate new technologies in my classroom and more students centered projects. I feel that I will have no problem extending my learning since I seem to learn something new every day. With technology always changing and something new coming out, I will continue to learn forever.
References
ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) (2008). The ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS-T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers. retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
The two standards that I feel I need to focus on are #1 Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity and #5 Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership. These are both areas I find extremely important, but I am not very confident in.
Goal I- Engage students more in exploring real-world issues using digital tools and resources.
I know I need to focus more on this goal because my students need to be more in charge of their learning. I think I have been afraid my students or could not or would not be able to take control and explore to get answers.
Goal II- Participate in local and global learning communities to explore new technologies
This is a goal I feel that I have already started by getting my master’s in Integrating technology in the classroom. Even though I have learned a lot and I have implemented what I have learned into my classroom, I still have a lot to learn.
The actions I plan on taking to accomplish these goals are to complete my master’s program, participate in professional development with a focus on technology, and collaborate with peers. I feel that goal II will help me accomplish goal I. My making learning more about new technologies a priority, I will have more tools that will help me incorporate lessons that require my students to use technology to explore real-world issues. I will monitor my progress by keeping up with how much I incorporate new technologies in my classroom and more students centered projects. I feel that I will have no problem extending my learning since I seem to learn something new every day. With technology always changing and something new coming out, I will continue to learn forever.
References
ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) (2008). The ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS-T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers. retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Reflection for Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom
This has been a very eye opening course for me. I think the main thing I have realized through this course is that students DO NOT know how to look up information and they really do not know the difference between a reliable source and a non-reliable source. I think I take for granted that it is some what easy for me to look up information and relay what I have learned. Students these days can play games on the computer but when it come to using it for research they are completely lost. In the past I have become frustrated with students, but now realize I just have to spend more time modeling and letting the students practice locating information before I can expect them to do it on their own. Many of my students get easily frustrated when I do not give them the answers or lay it out for them to find without thought. This needs to change, but I have to take the time to teach them the correct way to locate information using the web.
Since taking this course, I now know how important it is to model, model, model with the computer. I can not take for granted that the students already know how to use their "New Literacy Skills". From now on I will make more of an effort to model and practice model and practice before I ever assign a project that requires using the internet.
My school is actually getting Promethem boards this week. They are really going to help increase participation from students and are suppose to increase test scores. I plan on attending inservice provided by our Title I program and gaining as much knowledge as I can to make my board as effective as I can for my students. These boards do so much and have great tools, but if I do not know all about them they will not be effective for my students.
Since taking this course, I now know how important it is to model, model, model with the computer. I can not take for granted that the students already know how to use their "New Literacy Skills". From now on I will make more of an effort to model and practice model and practice before I ever assign a project that requires using the internet.
My school is actually getting Promethem boards this week. They are really going to help increase participation from students and are suppose to increase test scores. I plan on attending inservice provided by our Title I program and gaining as much knowledge as I can to make my board as effective as I can for my students. These boards do so much and have great tools, but if I do not know all about them they will not be effective for my students.
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