Technology is becoming an integral part of how students learn. They have a question; they google it. They want to watch something; they search YouTube. Most students have phones that have Internet access, are equipped with a camera, and play music. Their own personal entertainment center found in their pocket. Teachers must find a way to bridge the play of technology and the power of technology as a learning tool. Coulter notes, “The kid immersed in creative projects has a career in her future; the one responding to rote entry cues is more likely to be stuck in a lower-level job, if the job hasn’t already gone overseas” (2008, p.14). This statement caught my attention especially with the state of our country and its economic uncertainty. Teaching students to use technology as a learning tool begins with teachers becoming knowledgeable of and users of technology.
One ISTE NETS and Performance Indicator that I want to strengthen is Indicator a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity of category 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments (ISTE, 2008). Goal: To incorporate at least one new digital tool or resource into standards-based lessons each quarter. Action: teacher will research and determine appropriate technology tools to incorporate into selected lessons or units of study. Monitor: I will use student surveys to get feedback on the role of technology in their learning. Student scores on assessment will determine if content was learned while using technology in addition to teacher reflection. Evaluate: I will evaluate reflection notes to determine success of technology incorporation or lessons that need to be reviewed and other technology resources researched.
Another ISTE NETS and Performance Indicator that I want to strengthen is Indicator c. communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats of category 3: Model Digital-Age Work and Learning (ISTE, 2008). Goal: To model a variety of digital-age media and formats to communicate. Action: teacher will create and maintain a blog to communicate with students. Teacher will create a podcast to use at sixth grade orientation to communicate expectations for sixth grade language arts. Teacher will create a wiki for the English department to collaboratively work on units and documents. Monitor: I will monitor how often students view blog. I will ask for parent feedback regarding the use of a podcast. English department will meet and discuss the effectiveness of using a wiki to increase communication among its members.
It is important for me to prepare my students to be technologically proficient; moreover, it is important for me to be a competent user of technology. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer acknowledge that technology “effectiveness as a thinking tool depends on how the tools are used” (2009, p.79). It is not sufficient to say, “I have a blog.” More important is what I do with it. Just as I expect my students to be productive members of the 21st century, so should I.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Coulter, B. (2008). Bridging the gap with technology. Connect Magazine, 22(2), 14–15.
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI think your idea about creating a wiki for collaboration with your English department is a good idea. One suggestion (that would be beneficial to me) is that you make it available to others in the district (Hamilton County). I am really struggling with making everything work in my classes. Trying to incorporate Reading and Writing workshop, incorporate technology, teach all of the standards and keep up motivation and engagement of students is overwhelming for me at this point. I gain more insight in what I want to do when I read what others are doing and their successes as well as failures. I would love to be included in your collaboration.
That is a great idea to expand the wiki concept to the whole county. Since we are all implementing reading and writing workshop in middle schools, a wiki could ease the transition and promote collaboration. Work smarter, not harder.
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I think you are spot on that students know exactly how and where to find information. The Internet gives us an infinite amount of information at our fingertips. The only problem with this information is the monitoring of our students' searching. The Internet is full of correct information as well as false information.
ReplyDeleteIn your first GAME Plan, I would urge you to be more direct with your Goal, rather than just applying some form of technology every semester. Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer (2009) explain that your goal should be clear, with a focus topic (pg. 4). I enjoyed how you stated that you will survey the students for their opinion on the effectiveness of your technology incorporation. My only criticism would be to keep the surveys anonymous and really encourage the students to be truthful in their answers. I think that most kids will be humbled by the fact that you want their opinion and will give honest opinions.
I think your second GAME Plan is flawless. Technology is not necessarily needed for authentic learning to take place, but technology can be a great tool to increase motivation (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). I think the use of digital media will really encourage your students to want to learn. I know that any time I use technology in the classroom, my kids really respond well to it.
ReplyDeleteThe use of the podcast in your second GAME Plan involves parents. I think that parental involvement is huge and any opportunity to incorporate parents into the classroom is a must. As I was reading your blog, the first thing I thought of was parental involvement and you followed up by discussing it...so good for you.
Reference
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.