Needed Resources
To address my first goal of incorporating one new digital tool or resource each quarter will require a variety of resources depending on the digital tool or resource. To correlate to available resources at my school, hardware tools must be already available or be available through grant funding. My school currently has 3 computer labs with 30 desktops, 1 mobile lab of 30 laptops, and 3 Flip cameras. I will probably need to collect reading material, attend training, or work with a colleague to support implementation of the digital tools. For my second goal of creating a blog, podcast, and wiki to utilize a variety of digital-age media to communicate, I will need the following resources: computer or laptop, internet access, software to create podcasts, and participation of others to contribute to the wiki.
Additional Information
Websites or articles with information on digital tools or resources will assist in determining which tools will best enhance the standards-based lesson. Being informed of available training opportunities would be useful. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer state that “you can actually use technology to learn more about technology” and “the Internet opens up a huge range of opportunities that you may not have locally” (2009, p.10). The Internet provides a wealth of information on tech tools and will be my primary source of information.
Steps Taken
I have been locating websites with digital tool resources and information. The following links represent the websites:
I am working on blogging and creating pages within the blog to organize my communication. I am currently working on generating ideas for the orientation podcast and recruiting students and colleagues to assist with the project. I just created a wiki for my school at https://thewildcatway.wikispaces.com/. This wiki was set up with privacy settings restricting who can access this information. I am still learning the features of a wiki, but I have taken the first step by creating one. The site has tutorials and guides that address creation and maintenance issues.
Reference
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards-based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Wow...
ReplyDeleteI really think you post is fantastic and you really seem to know where you are in the research process. It seems that your goal is very targeted and you are proceeding with the proper steps in order to take action.
As a next step in your GAME Plan, I would start to develop some sort of criteria for posting on the blog. I think the sooner you develop a rubric, the sooner you can begin to implement your blog.
It is obvious that you are very motivated and really want to succeed in the incorporation of technology into your curriculum and I think that you are well on your way to doing so. Keep chugging forward and you will make excellent progress in the area of technology.
I think the rubric for posting on the blog is a good idea. It gives students an idea of what you are looking for and helps them to take it serious as an academic tool. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer state that wikis can be used "to create your own resources or projects on a closed network, to provide space for group journaling or writing, or to engage students in debates about course topics" (2009, p.59). Since you teach Language Arts, there are many ways you can use the wiki to enhance learning. You could have them respond to a general question about their independent reading. It could be almost like an electronic book share. Some of the shy students might be more willing to express themselves in this media.
ReplyDeleteCennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards-based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
You clearly have a vision for what you must do to accomplish the goals you have laid out in your GAME plan. One thing I have noticed from this week's work is that this is a huge step in the process. Knowing where you are going and what you must do to get there is half the battle. In addition, the resources you have available in your school is a great advantage. The technology you described not only allows for easier planning and implementation of various methods but, with a little modeling and guidance from teachers, can lead to students becoming self-directed learners who actively seek out learning opportunities. Also, you have obviously done the necessary work to begin identifying other resources that may be available to you. The websites you have cited are great. I have no doubt you will eventually reach your goals. The only advice I may be able to offer would be to expand your focus when looking for additional resources from others who may be in the same position as you. It's important to remember that whatever one is looking for there is probably someone out there with similar goals who may be looking to collaborate (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).
ReplyDeleteReferences:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program Number Four: Enriching content area learning experiences with technology part 2 [Webcast]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author