As I progress along in my GAME plan, I have come to the "M" part - monitoring.
This is where I take a step back to look at what I have accomplished so far and if there needs to be any changes in my actions to achieve my goal.
My first question for myself is - "Am I finding the information and resources I need?"
For my first goal to find and use beneficial forms of technology for assessment, I have made some great progress. I have located and began to incorporate the CPS "clickers" in my classroom.
For my second goal of using a blog to communicate with parents is not going as well as planned. There is a lot of red tape with privacy and such that I am in a holding pattern until I get some clarification from my administration on if I can incorporate this blog as a parent communication tool. My school requires that we get anything approved by the administration before we send it home to the parents. With a blog, this step would be bypassed or the administration would have to review each blog entry before I post. That means a lot more work and time for everyone. So, as you can see, it is a big decision for not just me but for a lot of people at my school.
My second question for myself is - "Do I need to modify my action plan?"
I believe my first goal is moving right along. I am making great strides so no modification is needed.
As for my second goal, I may need to do some modifications pending on instructions from administration. Once I get the final "do's and don'ts" for the blog, I can move in with my process or modify where needed.
My third question for monitoring is - "What have I learned so far?"
Using the CPS system has allowed me to free up so much time when it comes to evaluating assessments. This tool is such a great thing for the classroom. Anytime I need to give a quick assessment or any forced-option test, the tool gives me so much data on my students. It really helps with seeing growth and weaknesses in individuals as well as the areas of strengths and weaknesses for the whole class.
As for the parent-teacher blog, I have come to realize that it requires a lot of careful planning as well as clear communication before one can even begin to be put into action.
My final question for myself is - "Have any new questions arisen?"
Yes. I have enjoyed using the CPS remotes and would like to see about some newer versions. They now make them with full qwerty keypads which would allow me to make some other types of questions besides multiple choice. I wonder if my school would be interested in purchasing a set?
Some questions for Goal #2 are - how can we begin to incorporate web 2.0 tools when the restrictions really hold us back? So many great tools are out there - what are some steps I can take advocate their use the the classroom?
I am eager to hear some comments. Thanks for reading!
-Ashley
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Revisiting my GAME Plan- Resources
As a part of reaching my goals for my GAME plan (mentioned in my last post), I need to assess what resources and information I need to carry out my actions.
For my first goal - standard #2-"Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments", I wanted to find different ways to assess student progress through the means of technology. I was especially focusing on summative assessments. One of my classmates had mentioned using CPS "clickers" as a way to gather data and assess students knowledge. I thought this would be a great place to start. I need to seek the help of my Local School Technology Coordinator about setting up the software and my class list to use the technology. I also need to explore how to create tests and the multiple ways ask questions using the technology. I was hoping to use video clips, pictures, and text in one test. Lastly, I need to know the nest way to communicate the results to parents since I am using the assessments as grades.
So far, I have located and checked out the CPS clickers from the media center. I have contacted the LSTC at my school and scheduled a time for us to work together with the clickers.
For my second goal - standard #3- "Model Digital-Age Work and Learning", I wanted to focus on creating a parent/teacher blog to promote communication. My goal is to use the blog as a means to support parents by keeping them up to date on what is going on the classroom as well as providing useful information about how they can support their children's learning at home. I also wanted it to be a place where they could communicate with one another about new and interesting ideas they have come across to support their children. This is another goal I need to discuss with my LSTC. We have very strict rules about internet use when it comes to students, I need to see what the rules are when it comes to teachers and parents. I also need to locate literature to help me explain the benefits of blogging to my parents. One of my classmates had mentioned that it requires a lot of planning and organization to jump start a parent-teacher blog because many parents have never used one and are unfamiliar with the purpose of the blog. I would also like to research the best blogs for educational use. This means blogs with less adds and more security. So far, I have researched the internet rules through my teacher handbook but came up empty handed. Most of the rules pertained to children and personal computer use. I still need further investigation so that I don't find myself in any unwanted situations.
I am interested if any of you have some suggestions for additional resources I should use to carry out my action plan. I look forward to hearing from some of you.
Thanks,
Ashley
For my first goal - standard #2-"Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments", I wanted to find different ways to assess student progress through the means of technology. I was especially focusing on summative assessments. One of my classmates had mentioned using CPS "clickers" as a way to gather data and assess students knowledge. I thought this would be a great place to start. I need to seek the help of my Local School Technology Coordinator about setting up the software and my class list to use the technology. I also need to explore how to create tests and the multiple ways ask questions using the technology. I was hoping to use video clips, pictures, and text in one test. Lastly, I need to know the nest way to communicate the results to parents since I am using the assessments as grades.
So far, I have located and checked out the CPS clickers from the media center. I have contacted the LSTC at my school and scheduled a time for us to work together with the clickers.
For my second goal - standard #3- "Model Digital-Age Work and Learning", I wanted to focus on creating a parent/teacher blog to promote communication. My goal is to use the blog as a means to support parents by keeping them up to date on what is going on the classroom as well as providing useful information about how they can support their children's learning at home. I also wanted it to be a place where they could communicate with one another about new and interesting ideas they have come across to support their children. This is another goal I need to discuss with my LSTC. We have very strict rules about internet use when it comes to students, I need to see what the rules are when it comes to teachers and parents. I also need to locate literature to help me explain the benefits of blogging to my parents. One of my classmates had mentioned that it requires a lot of planning and organization to jump start a parent-teacher blog because many parents have never used one and are unfamiliar with the purpose of the blog. I would also like to research the best blogs for educational use. This means blogs with less adds and more security. So far, I have researched the internet rules through my teacher handbook but came up empty handed. Most of the rules pertained to children and personal computer use. I still need further investigation so that I don't find myself in any unwanted situations.
I am interested if any of you have some suggestions for additional resources I should use to carry out my action plan. I look forward to hearing from some of you.
Thanks,
Ashley
Thursday, January 14, 2010
My Personal GAME Plan
Being a modern educator means I not only need to keep up with my students when it comes to technology, it also means I need to stay ahead of them so that I can introduce them to new ideas and prepare them for the digital world. One way to make sure I am constantly keeping up is to encourage my own self-directed learning through the development of a personal GAME plan (Cenammo, Ross and Ertmer, 2009)
I look to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and more specifically, the National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) as a way to gauge my efficacy when it comes to promoting technology in my classroom. Following the GAME plan formula will help me see my strengths and weakness and gives me a better outline of how to improve.
G - Goals:
After reviewing the NETS-T. I found two standards where I could definitely use some improvement. The first are in need of improvement is standard #2-"Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments". While I feel I am improving when it comes to developing worthwhile technology enhanced lessons, my assessments need some work. Part of this standard states "provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching." My current summative assessments need to be modified to work with the student-centered teaching.
The second area I could use some improvement is with standard #3- "Model Digital-Age Work and Learning". I do my best to use technology with my students but this standard also includes using technology to communicate effectively with my peers, parents, and community. Using the technology to improve my teaching doesn't stop in my classroom, it also extends to the individuals that effect my classroom.
A - Action:
The actions I plan on taking to improve on standard #2 is to research and develop alternate ways to assess my students with technology. Right now, I am also taking another Walden course- Reaching and Engaging All Learners through Technology. We have just began talking about the ways assessment can be improved with technology.
To meet standard #3 - I want to work on a small portion at a time. The first hurdle I want to jump is communicating effectively with parents through technology. Other than email, my parent-teacher communication consists of weekly newsletters and conferences/phone calls. I would like to set up a parent blog site where I can give up to date information about what is going on in the class, tips on how to better assist their children academically, and hold educational discussions where parents can give feedback. I want them to know how important their role is on the classroom and through this blog, they might feel more connected and involved.
M - Monitor:
To monitor my assessments, I plan on adding a new element to my lesson plans. I want to add a specific block each day where I can write in when and where I used technology. When I use technology as an assessment tool, I will include detailed notes to remind me of the assessment I used and its effectiveness. This will keep me on track as well as reflective when it comes to the role of technology in my classroom.
To monitor my parent/teacher blog, I will track the visits and the comments/discussions held on the blog. This will help me see if the blog is a success and beneficial for my parents.
E- Evaluate:
Self-reflection is key when it comes to self-improvement. I have to ask myself -"Did I accomplish my goals?" (Cennamo, et al., 2009) I also need to look at the effectiveness they had on my classroom and teaching. I think that is why the reflection part of my lesson plans will be so beneficial. Once I have met my goals, figuring out the next step will help me grow as an educator. I will have to look at all of the positives that happened while working on accomplishing my goal and expand on those and make them better.
I'm asking all my fellow classmates for any words of wisdom. What are some summative assessments you have tried with technology. Do any of you have a parent-teacher blog? Are there any recommendations/warnings you might have for me? I am eager to hear some responses.
Ashley
Resources:
I look to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) and more specifically, the National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) as a way to gauge my efficacy when it comes to promoting technology in my classroom. Following the GAME plan formula will help me see my strengths and weakness and gives me a better outline of how to improve.
G - Goals:
After reviewing the NETS-T. I found two standards where I could definitely use some improvement. The first are in need of improvement is standard #2-"Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments". While I feel I am improving when it comes to developing worthwhile technology enhanced lessons, my assessments need some work. Part of this standard states "provide students with multiple and varied formative and summative assessments aligned with content and technology standards and use resulting data to inform learning and teaching." My current summative assessments need to be modified to work with the student-centered teaching.
The second area I could use some improvement is with standard #3- "Model Digital-Age Work and Learning". I do my best to use technology with my students but this standard also includes using technology to communicate effectively with my peers, parents, and community. Using the technology to improve my teaching doesn't stop in my classroom, it also extends to the individuals that effect my classroom.
A - Action:
The actions I plan on taking to improve on standard #2 is to research and develop alternate ways to assess my students with technology. Right now, I am also taking another Walden course- Reaching and Engaging All Learners through Technology. We have just began talking about the ways assessment can be improved with technology.
To meet standard #3 - I want to work on a small portion at a time. The first hurdle I want to jump is communicating effectively with parents through technology. Other than email, my parent-teacher communication consists of weekly newsletters and conferences/phone calls. I would like to set up a parent blog site where I can give up to date information about what is going on in the class, tips on how to better assist their children academically, and hold educational discussions where parents can give feedback. I want them to know how important their role is on the classroom and through this blog, they might feel more connected and involved.
M - Monitor:
To monitor my assessments, I plan on adding a new element to my lesson plans. I want to add a specific block each day where I can write in when and where I used technology. When I use technology as an assessment tool, I will include detailed notes to remind me of the assessment I used and its effectiveness. This will keep me on track as well as reflective when it comes to the role of technology in my classroom.
To monitor my parent/teacher blog, I will track the visits and the comments/discussions held on the blog. This will help me see if the blog is a success and beneficial for my parents.
E- Evaluate:
Self-reflection is key when it comes to self-improvement. I have to ask myself -"Did I accomplish my goals?" (Cennamo, et al., 2009) I also need to look at the effectiveness they had on my classroom and teaching. I think that is why the reflection part of my lesson plans will be so beneficial. Once I have met my goals, figuring out the next step will help me grow as an educator. I will have to look at all of the positives that happened while working on accomplishing my goal and expand on those and make them better.
I'm asking all my fellow classmates for any words of wisdom. What are some summative assessments you have tried with technology. Do any of you have a parent-teacher blog? Are there any recommendations/warnings you might have for me? I am eager to hear some responses.
Ashley
Resources:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition).
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