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.
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Hey Amy,
ReplyDeleteI really like your ideas for monitoring both you and your students. I was thinking as I read your blog entry that it might be fun for you and your colleagues to think of all of the key factors that you would like to monitor about yourself and turn them into a rubric. This could be a fun and easy method to always have records of your progress.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteLike you I teach first grade and integrating technology can be a challenge. we recently got wireless laptops and I was so excited to use them, that i decided to use them with a plan in mind but I really did not try them out first. My patience were certainly tried! Amazingly my students understood how to use a laptop but had no clue when it came to typing in a web address. It also took a while to get the computers set up. My suggestion to you is to make sure you have a well thought our practiced plan before using the technology.
Jen