It sounds like this was a crazy week for everyone! Unfortunately, mine was no different. The good thing is that I made it through, and next week is Spring Break! Yippee!!
How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
My actions have been beneficial in helping my meet my goals in that I actually have a plan. Too many times, I tend to "fly by the seat of my pants" when I have a good idea and don't think about how it could be carried out most efficiently. By consistenly evaluating my plan, I am able to identify what is or isn't working and adjust my teaching accordingly. This has been of great benefit!
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
First and foremost, I have learned that being flexible is KEY! Also, considering the technology problems I am having (ie: lack of working computers, mice that don't work, lack of time in the computer lab) I have learned that having a backup plan is of the utmost importance. There is nothing worse than getting students excited about something, only for it to not work. In order to avoid disappointment, I now try to have a backup plan in place. I have also learned that sometimes less is more! My first graders are only able to do a few things on the computer, which originally frustrated me. But now, I have come to realize that they are able to do those things well. That shows success.
What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
To say that I still have a lot to learn is an understatement! I STILL have to learn about more age-appropriate websites for each of the first grade subject areas and how to assist thirty six -year olds in accessing them. I don't have any new questions, I just need to focus on the ones I originally had,.
How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
Simply stated, I need to continue with my original questions, focus on those areas, and again readjust as needed. I think that this will change with each lesson in which I integrate technology.
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Hi Amy,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I know what you men by the flying by the seat of your pants thing! Sometimes they are the best lessons and then there are those that are true crsh and burn. As lon as we do evaluate an ask ourselves how could I have done it differently to be more beneficial I do not think that they are neccessarily bad lessons.
I truly sympathize with you and the frustration of not having the reliable technological resources, it seems thi is an issue for many people.
I manage my second grade class in such a way as to have a small group on computers in my classroom while others are working on work I know they can do with me monitoring very little, this may include review, group work where they are wrking on a picture or coloring, cutting and pasting activity. This leaves me free to wander around the classroom as a facilitator and intervene where needed. With this approach I have found that I a more available to all my students, which helps lower my frustration level if something happens on the computers that the students can't fix.
Minty
I agree, flexibility is the key and trying to find age appropriate material is difficult. Everything seems to be directed toward 3rd grade and higher. Minty seems to have said it all. Maybe we should start our own project where we could create age appropriate material. Just a thought.
ReplyDeleteGood luck,
Susan
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I tend to not plan ahead. I really like the GAME plan because it forces me to become more organized. I understand your frustration with lack of resources. I have had this problem in the past as well. I also agree that flexibility is essential when dealing with technology. I teach high school students and run into many problems when dealing with technology.
I know I have watch my students while were in the computer lab. These students know how to use the technology. However, I have to make sure they are not on gaming sites or even messing with the equipment. Students always seem to be able to do something when you are not looking.
Amy,
ReplyDeleteSometimes we all fly by the seat of our pants! I have to agree with you and the others that the GAME plan helps you stay organized and defines areas of focus. I also think you hit on the key issue, stay flexible, and when in doubt return to the original questions. Just like anything else when it starts to go awry, get back to the basics. Great Post. And have fun on your spring break, I had one day, Good Friday and it's back to work tomorrow. Sure could have used another day or two but thanks to the six feet of snow here in Western Pennsylvania this year we are making up those days!
Amy,
ReplyDeleteI love that you mentioned being flexible. Being at the same school as you are it seems that is the lesson of the year! Seems with every step forward with technology comes two steps back. We have a new computer lab that we all love, but now for some unknown reason all the mice don't work. We have one tech guy for our entire district so he can never devote as much time as we need to just us. That being said, I think just the sheer fact that we are flexible is a lesson onto itself for our students. I think they will need that flexibility with their technology future. At least while we are being forced to be flexible we have each other nearby to laugh with. Every little bit of laughter helps!
Tonya
Hi Everyone!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the great comments! I would like to say that I am going to spend this Spring Break trying to "fix" all of my technology "issues"...but...I am not. :) I feel the need for some rest and sunshine. (Sorry, Virgil! Making up those snow days must be the worst!) I am going to take my laptop and think about my GAME Plan and how I can better my lesson plans that implement technology. It seems like we have all learned the importance of being flexible. I truly applaud all of you for that! Sometimes it is SO hard, but truly a necessity. Minty and Susan, I love the idea of creating a project that is appropriate for our young students! Tonya, if I didn't have you to laugh with, I'm not sure I would make it through this!
Thanks everyone for your great responses and ideas!
Amy