The final class for my degree has come to a close. I wanted to take this time to reflect on all that I have learned not only in this course but throughout the whole program. When I started this journey I would consider myself somewhat in the intermediate level when it came to integrating technology in the classroom. I knew the importance and implemented SMART Board lessons and Microsoft Office programs regularly in the classroom. I quickly learned this was not enough if I wanted my students to truly reap the benefits of integrated technology and learning. The purpose of technology in the classroom is not to teach the students how to use the products that are available now, but to integrate them in such a way that they will adapt to future technologies. By doing this, our students will be ready to conquer new ideas and products as they are created. They will stay ahead of the learning curve and might even be the creators of new and inventive ways to use technology.
In this course, I had the opportunity to plan a lesson with an emerging technology. I chose toe incorporate an online learning module as a way of introducing and teaching the students about some of Georgia's important historical figures: Tomochichi, Mary Musgrove, and James Oglethorpe. With the use of the online learning module (more specifically, Moodle), the students were able to complete most, if not all of their learning from one location. The teacher can assist in online discussions, upload important resources, and distribute online assessments in one location. The beauty of Moodle was the ability for students to learn the information in their own way - whether it be through the discussions with their classmates or the multi-media resources provided by the teacher. Also, because the Moodle is online, it provides quick and easy access to additional resources through the use of the world wide web. What drew me towards using the online learning module is the security it provides because of the private access it gives to only the students in your class.
Using the Moodle demonstrates the learning I have done in this course because it showcases all of the important aspects of technology integration. It shows us how technology can reach all learners because it allows the teacher to provide multiple ways for students to learn the material. It also promotes students to think out of the box when it comes to technology by letting them use the technology in unique ways that will benefit their own learning.
There are some things that I can continue to do to keep up to date with emerging technologies. For starters, I can attend technology conferences and other staff developments where these technologies are being presented. I can also experience the technologies myself by trying to find new and inventive ways to implement existing technologies in creative ways. Finally, I can promote the use of these tools in my school and learn from my colleagues when they find interesting and new uses for technology.
Because of this course and this program, I have seen first hand the importance of technology in the classroom. It reaches so much more below the surface of SMART Board lessons and Microsoft Office applications. It is about using technology to reach all learners, preparing our students for the digital world, and keeping up to date with the latest and greatest tools out there to promote better teaching and learning. By maintaining this passion for wanting a better learning experience for my students with the use of technology, I hope to dig as deep as I can go in an effort to create life-long learners and inventive thinkers.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Using a CMS in the Elementary Classroom
I recently did a little research on the benefits of using a course management system in the classroom. Here is a little presentation about Moodle.
My VoiceThread
Be sure to check out moodle.org for more information.
-Ashley
My VoiceThread
Be sure to check out moodle.org for more information.
-Ashley
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Reflection EDUC-6714I-7
After completing this course, I have learned so many beneficial things for my classroom. Before this, I had not been deeply studied the Universal Design for Learning as well as how to integrate technology into Differentiated Instruction. Through this course, I have learned about so many helpful resources to help me implement both UDL and DI in the classroom.
With the help of my classmates through our social network, I have learned about many useful websites to use as assessment tools to learn more about my students. Many of these tools are surveys to assess my students' interests, learning styles, learning needs, and readiness. In order to implement UDL and DI in the classroom, I must first know my students so that I can plan to teach them through their best means (which is what UDL and DI are all about). One of my favorite resources is the website surveymonkey.com. Using this website, I can create my own assessment that caters directly to my students. Once I properly know my students, I need to plan so that they can learn through their strengths. That is why I like the UDL lesson plan builder from the CAST website. This was also shared in our social networking site and it really helps the teacher plan lessons built around the UDL principles.
The aspect of this course that I will immediately use in the classroom is the UDL principle of allowing students to choose their methods of learning by providing choices to reach the same goal. I had never considered the benefits of allowing students the freedom of learning through their strengths and providing these methods in my own classroom until I took this course. I was use to having everyone use a common method and modifying that method for a small few. The UDL method says that those modifications or alternate ways of reaching the goal should be opened to every student and by allowing them to choose the best way for them will increase learning and engagement.
This class really opened my eyes to my own teaching. I have been doing my students a disservice by expecting them to learn through one common method. The students were not reaching their fool potential because many of them were not using their learning strengths learn new concepts and communicate their knowledge. Now that I feel more confident with DI and UDL. I plan on implementing them both in my classroom.
-Ashley
Resources:
Center for Applied Special Technology (2009). UDL Guidelines, version 1.0. Retrieved from www.udlcenter.org
With the help of my classmates through our social network, I have learned about many useful websites to use as assessment tools to learn more about my students. Many of these tools are surveys to assess my students' interests, learning styles, learning needs, and readiness. In order to implement UDL and DI in the classroom, I must first know my students so that I can plan to teach them through their best means (which is what UDL and DI are all about). One of my favorite resources is the website surveymonkey.com. Using this website, I can create my own assessment that caters directly to my students. Once I properly know my students, I need to plan so that they can learn through their strengths. That is why I like the UDL lesson plan builder from the CAST website. This was also shared in our social networking site and it really helps the teacher plan lessons built around the UDL principles.
The aspect of this course that I will immediately use in the classroom is the UDL principle of allowing students to choose their methods of learning by providing choices to reach the same goal. I had never considered the benefits of allowing students the freedom of learning through their strengths and providing these methods in my own classroom until I took this course. I was use to having everyone use a common method and modifying that method for a small few. The UDL method says that those modifications or alternate ways of reaching the goal should be opened to every student and by allowing them to choose the best way for them will increase learning and engagement.
This class really opened my eyes to my own teaching. I have been doing my students a disservice by expecting them to learn through one common method. The students were not reaching their fool potential because many of them were not using their learning strengths learn new concepts and communicate their knowledge. Now that I feel more confident with DI and UDL. I plan on implementing them both in my classroom.
-Ashley
Resources:
Center for Applied Special Technology (2009). UDL Guidelines, version 1.0. Retrieved from www.udlcenter.org
Reflection EDUC-6713I-6
As this course draws to a close, I want to take some time to reflect on the progress I have made over the last eight weeks. When I started this journey, I began with a GAME plan to meet my goals of bettering myself as a teacher through the NETS-T standards. I wanted to increase the use of technology through my assessments as well as promote communication with technology through a parent blog. The GAME plan was successful because it held me accountable for reaching my goals. I first set my goals. Then I outlined my actions to complete my goals. I then monitored myself to make sure my actions were helping me accomplish my goals. And finally I evaluated the entire process to see the benefits of my plan as well as develop the next steps to further my growth (Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer, 2009).
With the GAME plan process, I discovered new ways of assessing my students through different websites and the Classroom Performance Systems for summative assessments as well as using multiple web 2.0 tools as a way for students to communicate their knowledge to me and their classmates. I also attempted to set up a parent/teacher blog but was unsuccessful because of privacy and protection issues.
Also, through the GAME plan process, I learned about the benefits of having my students use the GAME plan for themselves. I found great success with it because it outlined a systematic approach for reaching my goals. It is something my students can could really benefit from because it teaches them the steps they need to do to complete their goals as well as hold them accountable as they work through the process.
Because of this course, I plan on implementing more problem-based learning activities where my students will learn concepts as they solve a real-world problem. This method is beneficial because my students will use multiple methods to solve the problem and they can choose which method works best for them and their learning needs. This works well the the Universal Design for Learning (Laureate Education Inc, 2009). The unit plan we made will be implemented as my first problem-based learning activity. I plan on using the GAME plan to monitor and evaluate the effects of the unit plan.
This class has introduced me to so many new techniques that I will definitely take with me to the classroom. I can't wait to get in there and try them out.
-Ashley
Resources:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., and Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-based Approach. (Laureate Education Inc.) Belmont, CA.
Laureate Education Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore. Author.
With the GAME plan process, I discovered new ways of assessing my students through different websites and the Classroom Performance Systems for summative assessments as well as using multiple web 2.0 tools as a way for students to communicate their knowledge to me and their classmates. I also attempted to set up a parent/teacher blog but was unsuccessful because of privacy and protection issues.
Also, through the GAME plan process, I learned about the benefits of having my students use the GAME plan for themselves. I found great success with it because it outlined a systematic approach for reaching my goals. It is something my students can could really benefit from because it teaches them the steps they need to do to complete their goals as well as hold them accountable as they work through the process.
Because of this course, I plan on implementing more problem-based learning activities where my students will learn concepts as they solve a real-world problem. This method is beneficial because my students will use multiple methods to solve the problem and they can choose which method works best for them and their learning needs. This works well the the Universal Design for Learning (Laureate Education Inc, 2009). The unit plan we made will be implemented as my first problem-based learning activity. I plan on using the GAME plan to monitor and evaluate the effects of the unit plan.
This class has introduced me to so many new techniques that I will definitely take with me to the classroom. I can't wait to get in there and try them out.
-Ashley
Resources:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., and Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-based Approach. (Laureate Education Inc.) Belmont, CA.
Laureate Education Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore. Author.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Using the GAME Plan with my Students
Throughout the entire process of using the GAME plan, I have seen its many benefits. It not only makes your recognize your goals but it also requires you to set up a strategic plan to reach them. The built in monitoring, reflection/evaluating, and then the revising aspect of the plan holds the "planner" accountable to reach their goals as well as record the actions that got them there.
I think this is a great thing to use with my students. Second graders have a hard time understanding the concepts of goals because they lack the ability to look further into the future. The GAME plan walks them through it step by step.
I recently looked through the NETS-S for students. The teacher goals are very similar in that they push teachers to support the student standards and help them accomplish them. Being that my students are young and just learning how to set goals and strive to reach them, I would probably introduce one standard for them to complete the GAME plan process with. The standard I find most appealing to all of my students is standard 1: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Most if not all of my students come to me barely typing their name. By expecting them to integrate technology into how they will demonstrate what they know, I am opening the door for students to learn about multiple tools and use them in their assignments. I would suggest to my students to use the GAME plan for one technology tool at a time. That way, they can master a tool and then evaluate and revise and use the GAME plan again with the next tool of their choice.
For those of you who teach younger grades, any of you have any suggestions on simplifying this process so that my students will better understand how to use the GAME plan method as well as ensuring they accomplish the goals they set out to reach? I am eager to hear from you all.
-Ashley
I think this is a great thing to use with my students. Second graders have a hard time understanding the concepts of goals because they lack the ability to look further into the future. The GAME plan walks them through it step by step.
I recently looked through the NETS-S for students. The teacher goals are very similar in that they push teachers to support the student standards and help them accomplish them. Being that my students are young and just learning how to set goals and strive to reach them, I would probably introduce one standard for them to complete the GAME plan process with. The standard I find most appealing to all of my students is standard 1: Students demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop innovative products and processes using technology. Most if not all of my students come to me barely typing their name. By expecting them to integrate technology into how they will demonstrate what they know, I am opening the door for students to learn about multiple tools and use them in their assignments. I would suggest to my students to use the GAME plan for one technology tool at a time. That way, they can master a tool and then evaluate and revise and use the GAME plan again with the next tool of their choice.
For those of you who teach younger grades, any of you have any suggestions on simplifying this process so that my students will better understand how to use the GAME plan method as well as ensuring they accomplish the goals they set out to reach? I am eager to hear from you all.
-Ashley
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Revising my GAME Plan
- I have successfully made it through the steps of my first GAME plan to improve on the NETS-T standards in my classroom. But just as any good teacher knows, the GAME plan is an ongoing cycle. As a part of the evaluating process, I have to see where I could extend or revise the plan and begin again.
So to revise my initial GAME plan, I have to ask myself some important questions:
What have I learned so far that I can apply to my instructional practices?
Well, I have learned quite a bit about assessments with technology. I have successfully implemented the CPS system for summative assessments as well as used other tools such as quia.com and surveymonkey.com as a better way to gather data and better my instruction.
What Goals am I now working towards?
I think that I have some pretty good ways to accumulate summative assessment data but I would also like to develop some rubrics and research some ways to use technology through other forms of assessment. Especially ways to create digital portfolios of student work.
Based on the standards what new goals will I set for myself?
As I mentioned, I want to start creating digital portfolios as a form of assessment but with that I need to expand my students' use of technology. Opening up new ways for students to show me their ideas with technology is a difficult task for 7 and 8 year olds because that are still learning the basics of typing and computer use. I would like to expose them to a variety of tools so that they will have more freedom to choose their way of expressing what they have learned.
What learning approaches will you try to improve learning?
I would like to spend half of the school year teaching students how to master 3 new technology tools - Powerpoint, Voicethread, and digital story telling. Once we have learned the ins and outs of those programs, the second half of the year will allow students to choose their methods of demonstrating what they have learned.
I am welcoming any feedback on these new goals for my classroom. Has anyone used digital portfolios for their students? I am interested in reading your ideas.
-Ashley
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Evaluating my GAME Plan
We have reached the final phase of my personal GAME plan :E for Evaluating. In this phase I look back to see my accomplishments and how I got there.
I first need to ask myself: How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
For each goal - I think my actions were effective. I used my best judgments and diligently tried to accomplish my goals. I think that seeking out help from experienced sources played a key role in accomplishing my first goal of using technology effectively for assessment. I learned a lot of unique ways and they have been successful with my second graders. Although I didn't fully accomplish my second goal on implementing a parent/teacher blog, I felt like I learned so much about the process that when blogs become more accepted in the elementary setting, I will be fully prepared to launch one.
Second Question: What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice? First and foremost, I have learned the benefits of setting up a GAME plan and how useful it was to have a strategic plan to accomplish my goals. As for the goals themselves, I have learned great ways to implement technology in my assessments through a CPS system as well as creating tests online through quizmo.com. I also learned some great ways to evaluate online projects as assessments. For my second goal, I learned all the great benefits of a parent/teacher blog through the research and ideas I had to present to my administration. Although I won't be able to use one this year. I feel more prepared for later years when I feel they will be used.
Third Question: What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
I still need to continually search for unique and beneficial ways to incorporate technology into my assessments. Technology is an ever changing field and it is my job to keep up to date with new advances. I would also like to research CPS systems with full QWERTY keyboards and their benefits in the classroom. As for my second goal, I would still like to find alternate ways to effectively communicate with parents through open collaboration. I like my website but it i is so one-sided. I want it to be a two way street so my next journey is to locate other tools to open the line of communication.
Fourth and final question: How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
Like I had mentioned, I need to continue to research other forms of technology assessment as well as locating them and advocating them in my school. I also will continue to seek out additional forms of communication through technology with parents.
I hope you enjoyed going through my GAME plan journey with me. I would love to hear your feedback and views on how the journey went.
-Ashley
I first need to ask myself: How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
For each goal - I think my actions were effective. I used my best judgments and diligently tried to accomplish my goals. I think that seeking out help from experienced sources played a key role in accomplishing my first goal of using technology effectively for assessment. I learned a lot of unique ways and they have been successful with my second graders. Although I didn't fully accomplish my second goal on implementing a parent/teacher blog, I felt like I learned so much about the process that when blogs become more accepted in the elementary setting, I will be fully prepared to launch one.
Second Question: What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice? First and foremost, I have learned the benefits of setting up a GAME plan and how useful it was to have a strategic plan to accomplish my goals. As for the goals themselves, I have learned great ways to implement technology in my assessments through a CPS system as well as creating tests online through quizmo.com. I also learned some great ways to evaluate online projects as assessments. For my second goal, I learned all the great benefits of a parent/teacher blog through the research and ideas I had to present to my administration. Although I won't be able to use one this year. I feel more prepared for later years when I feel they will be used.
Third Question: What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
I still need to continually search for unique and beneficial ways to incorporate technology into my assessments. Technology is an ever changing field and it is my job to keep up to date with new advances. I would also like to research CPS systems with full QWERTY keyboards and their benefits in the classroom. As for my second goal, I would still like to find alternate ways to effectively communicate with parents through open collaboration. I like my website but it i is so one-sided. I want it to be a two way street so my next journey is to locate other tools to open the line of communication.
Fourth and final question: How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
Like I had mentioned, I need to continue to research other forms of technology assessment as well as locating them and advocating them in my school. I also will continue to seek out additional forms of communication through technology with parents.
I hope you enjoyed going through my GAME plan journey with me. I would love to hear your feedback and views on how the journey went.
-Ashley
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