In the past few applications, I've learned that one of my NETS goals--designing or adapting relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources--has been somewhat limited in my scope. I've viewed it more as finding new resources for students to use. The applications have helped me refocus on creating learning experiences for the students, i.e. designing lessons that help them use their new skills.
I've also tried to grow more familiar with NETS, so I have some new goals and standards I would like to focus on:
1) I've seen that reflection is important as we explore new learning tools, so I'm going to incorporate reflections into lessons when we work on digital skills.
2) When I've used blogs in the past, I've learned that getting everyone on the same page prior to starting is beneficial. Therefore, I'd like to focus on communication with students, parents, and colleagues about new technologies that we use or will be using.
3) Something that I always overlook, in part because I probably don't think it's up to me but, in reality, it partly is, is promoting responsibility with digital tools. I often assume students know how to use these tools and what rules follow along with them. It definitely wouldn't hurt to clarify what the rules are and what my expectations are as well.
I think I learn pretty well with new technologies, and I think the key to that is having an open mind. I'm lucky to have grown up with many of these tools coming into their own, so it really seems like second nature to me. I think it is very important to spend time with the tools before you get an idea of how they might work in the classroom. It would be nice to have been teaching a class while I was in this one so that I could have tried out some of my new ideas.
Moodle Presentation
13 years ago
Adam, I can appreciate your diligence with your GAME Plan. You are really investigating and breaking down the NETS standards to determine if the standards you have chosen fit your needs. Through this valuable reflection you have changed your focus and this is critical. You recognized that on first look the standard appeared to mean one thing but with further investigation, It was not a good fit for what you are looking to do.
ReplyDeleteThen you went a step farther and reviewed the NETS standards again and found a new direction for you to focus your attention. You have given this a lot of thought and careful scrutiny. You have looked at the needs of your students and the tools you have available and are working from there. Your enthusiasm is obvious and your students will sense that quality in you.
Best of luck in your GAME Plan and the upcoming school year. I look forward to checking back to your blog and finding updates on how your plan is working.
Fantastic post with lots of insight! I'm with you on trying out a new technology (i.e. playing with it) to see how it might be used in a classroom. I'm considering making a list of the programs available to teachers and students in my school this year with examples of how they might be used in the various subject areas. I think too often we got stuck using a program to do the same thing year in and year out when there are many uses of a program.
ReplyDeleteYes, the more you can be familiar with the new technologies that you are integrating, the smoother the lesson will go. Maybe you can start a class website where you can refer parents to visit to find out about the new technologies. Or if you already have a website, you can have a page designated for new technologies. You hit the nail on the head when you said that it is important to keep an open mind. I think this also includes thinking creatively as well as giving students options and opportunities to be creative themselves.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck,
Richard
It's great that you are so comfortable with the technology tools but is still willing to be a continuous learner. Your students and colleagues can and will benefit greatly from this.
ReplyDeleteI love your new goals. Its funny how sometimes we take thing for granted. One example I think we are all guilty of sometimes is responsibility when using digital tools. I actually am going to include that in my syllabus this year and then go over it again before each project we start, just as friendly reminder. By putting it in the syllabus, which I have parents and students both sign the back sheet and return to me, this will keep everyone all on the same page. Then with friendly reminders at the beginning of each project, most problems should be eliminated/excuses taken away.
ReplyDeleteAs for communication with students and parents and keeping them up to speed, on the sheet they return to me as mentioned above, I have both include emails if they have them. Although with the new grade program we are going to, students and parents log in and punch in their own email(this will help with typos) I can communicate with them. I am also going to start a facebook this year that will be for my classroom only, so students and parents can check there also. Nice job, keep up the good work!
I think one of the strongest points you made amoungst many, is that it is so important to get everyone on the same page. As educators we often assume are students know how to use technology tools before we do, but its not the case.
ReplyDeleteWe have facebook blocked from our district network, so how am I suppost to promote social networking as an educator. I personally see many benefits to blogging so my goal is to introduce this in my classes this year.
On top of keeping an open mind I think we need to be flexible and willing to change as quickly as our technology is changing.
I'll be interested in checking in at a later date regarding your progress!