When considering my current GAME Plan and how it is working, I am a tad bit disappointed, but yet still hopeful. I believe that it is most effective to evaluate my progress consistently and make changes as needed to better my plan. Having said that, here is what I have found:
Are you finding the information and resources you need?
This is where I am getting frustrated. I simply do not have the resources available that would make my plan more feasable. I am limited to two working computers in my classroom and one thirty-minute session in the computer lab, where each student will have use of their own computer. Finding information, however, has been much better. I have found virtual field trips on www.scholastic.com as well as United Streaming. I have taught my students how to access various websites and how to bookmark them. This part has been successful and I am very excited to continue teaching my students about the resources that are available to them.
Do you need to modify your action plan?
Simply stated, yes, I do need to modify my action plan. I need to rethink my time constraints and how I am going to allow for each student to have adaquate time on the computer. I will need to do more whole group instruction using the SMARTboard for techniques and then have parent helpers available to assist the students when it is their turn for individual work on the computer.
What have you learned so far?
I keep coming back to the fact that implementing technology and project-based learning projects takes time. This has been my biggest obstacle! I have learned that I need to be extremely prepared in carrying out my plan and have appropriate resources ready for my first graders. I must be able to give them the actual website, instead of doing a search in class. I also have to remember that my students are six and seven years old. Their skills are just beginning to develop. Am I asking too much from them? Am I differentiating instruction so that each student has an end-project that is sufficient for their ability? These are just two of the many questions I continue ponder as I rethink and adjust my GAME Plan.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Carrying out my GAME Plan
As I review last week's blog and think about how I can incorporate that about which I am learning, I now can identify some of the ways in which I will further carry out my GAME plan.
Resources Needed:
First, I spoke of providing computers and integrating technology as much as possible in my classroom. To do this, I need to make sure that my students have access to working computers for adaquate periods of time. It is my job to make sure that I am aware of my students' various learning modalities and adjust my plans accordingly. For example, I use United Streaming for many of my subjects, showing video clips. I have stories on tape for those students who are better auditory learners. I would like to use SKYPE to encourage more guest speakers, even if they are in a different state. Finally, my colleagues are a huge resource for me. They are further advanced in technology and give me amazing ideas and suggestions.
Additional Information:
I believe that perhaps the most important thing for me is to identify how my students best learn. Once that is established, I can identify how to meet their needs most efficiently. When using various websites, it is very important to identify which sites are appropriate and unblocked! There is nothing worse than getting students excited about seeing something, only to be blocked! It creates frustration on both sides. Also, because I teach first grade, my students don't have the longest attention span. Therefore, it is best for me to identify which sites are most appropriate for their age and have a plan of action to access them.
Steps Taken So Far:
So far, I have looked ahead in our curriculum and identified areas in which technology can be integrated. I think it is important to make sure that the technology will truly enhance the learning experience. I have broken down certain lessons in all of my curriculum areas where I can use technology. However, this is a long process and it will take much more time to get where I want to be. It is a process!
Resources Needed:
First, I spoke of providing computers and integrating technology as much as possible in my classroom. To do this, I need to make sure that my students have access to working computers for adaquate periods of time. It is my job to make sure that I am aware of my students' various learning modalities and adjust my plans accordingly. For example, I use United Streaming for many of my subjects, showing video clips. I have stories on tape for those students who are better auditory learners. I would like to use SKYPE to encourage more guest speakers, even if they are in a different state. Finally, my colleagues are a huge resource for me. They are further advanced in technology and give me amazing ideas and suggestions.
Additional Information:
I believe that perhaps the most important thing for me is to identify how my students best learn. Once that is established, I can identify how to meet their needs most efficiently. When using various websites, it is very important to identify which sites are appropriate and unblocked! There is nothing worse than getting students excited about seeing something, only to be blocked! It creates frustration on both sides. Also, because I teach first grade, my students don't have the longest attention span. Therefore, it is best for me to identify which sites are most appropriate for their age and have a plan of action to access them.
Steps Taken So Far:
So far, I have looked ahead in our curriculum and identified areas in which technology can be integrated. I think it is important to make sure that the technology will truly enhance the learning experience. I have broken down certain lessons in all of my curriculum areas where I can use technology. However, this is a long process and it will take much more time to get where I want to be. It is a process!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Developing My GAME Plan
In reviewing the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS-T), I have identified two of the standards and performance indicators with which I am beginning to feel comfortable and others which will require much more strengthing on my part. Truly, I have to say that there aren't any that I am completely confident with, simply because I am in the beginning stages of implementing more technology in my classroom. The two standards that I feel most comfortable with are Standard 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity, and Standard 4: Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility.
Having said this, these two standards are ALSO the ones that I would like to strengthen more. Teaching first grade, these are the two areas which I feel build a solid foundation for further technology lessons. First, for Standard #4, my ACTION is to make sure my students have the technology resources at their fingertips by providing computers and that are accessible and adaquate time in which to use them. Second, I will focus on teaching them proper digital etiquette and responsibility so that they can learn the basics of collaboration and digital-age communication. For Standard #1, I will take my lessons and integrate as much technology as possible into each, giving more time for my students to think creatively and to, in a sense, guide themselves in the learning process that will be most beneficial to them. In order to achieve this goal, I think it is essential to model for my young students on a consistent basis, and engage them as much as possible.
To MONITOR my students, I will check for understanding through both student-teacher conferencing and informal assessment. To MONITOR my own progress I will conference with my colleagues and peers and readjust my plan as necessary. I really think it is important to have open communication with others, evaluate, and reflect on what both my students and I can do better.
As I become more familiar with these performance indicators, I will be able to better EVALUATE that which is truly improving and enriching the learning experience of my students. I think it is (and will continue to be) a challenging process, seeing as my students are so young and they are just learning how to read and write. However, as times change and technology becomes even more of a part of our daily lives, I believe it is important to strive to prepare my students (and myself) the changes in technology that are yet to come.
Having said this, these two standards are ALSO the ones that I would like to strengthen more. Teaching first grade, these are the two areas which I feel build a solid foundation for further technology lessons. First, for Standard #4, my ACTION is to make sure my students have the technology resources at their fingertips by providing computers and that are accessible and adaquate time in which to use them. Second, I will focus on teaching them proper digital etiquette and responsibility so that they can learn the basics of collaboration and digital-age communication. For Standard #1, I will take my lessons and integrate as much technology as possible into each, giving more time for my students to think creatively and to, in a sense, guide themselves in the learning process that will be most beneficial to them. In order to achieve this goal, I think it is essential to model for my young students on a consistent basis, and engage them as much as possible.
To MONITOR my students, I will check for understanding through both student-teacher conferencing and informal assessment. To MONITOR my own progress I will conference with my colleagues and peers and readjust my plan as necessary. I really think it is important to have open communication with others, evaluate, and reflect on what both my students and I can do better.
As I become more familiar with these performance indicators, I will be able to better EVALUATE that which is truly improving and enriching the learning experience of my students. I think it is (and will continue to be) a challenging process, seeing as my students are so young and they are just learning how to read and write. However, as times change and technology becomes even more of a part of our daily lives, I believe it is important to strive to prepare my students (and myself) the changes in technology that are yet to come.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
EDUC 67121-4 Reflection
From this class, I will take new ideas and skills that I did not possess when I entered, a short eight weeks ago. The most striking revelation I had is that I personally have not been teaching the basic technology skills that my first grade students need to have, in order to be successful in school. I have not put teaching technology high on my list of priorities, until recently. I can now see that my students MUST be shown certain skills that create a solid foundation for further learning. Because I teach such a young grade, I must continually model the necessary skills for my students, so that they will become second nature to them.
This new found knowledge and experience will influence my teaching in the way that I will now make technology a priority in my classroom. I have to teach my students that technology goes way beyond video games and gaming websites. My technology goal is to use technology more regularly across the curriculum and truly try to create more time for projects where my students can utilize their new skills. To achieve such a goal, I will have to spend time creating appropriate lessons, collaborating with other colleagues about 21st Century Literacy Skills, and finding volunteers to assist my young students. Perhaps, above all, I will need to continue pursuing my education in technology, so that I am aware of what it takes for students to be successful in this ever-changing field.
I have enjoyed learning alongside all of you!
Amy
This new found knowledge and experience will influence my teaching in the way that I will now make technology a priority in my classroom. I have to teach my students that technology goes way beyond video games and gaming websites. My technology goal is to use technology more regularly across the curriculum and truly try to create more time for projects where my students can utilize their new skills. To achieve such a goal, I will have to spend time creating appropriate lessons, collaborating with other colleagues about 21st Century Literacy Skills, and finding volunteers to assist my young students. Perhaps, above all, I will need to continue pursuing my education in technology, so that I am aware of what it takes for students to be successful in this ever-changing field.
I have enjoyed learning alongside all of you!
Amy
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