This week has definitely been a struggle for me. Not only am I wrapping up the first semester, trying to complete some long overdue grading, and working to complete my final exams, but I am also wrapping up my government students' first service learning project. I must admit, I have not slept much this week, and I think I am getting sick. No matter, I will push through as many educators do on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis.
As I review my GAME plan, I am continuing to work towards achieving my goals. One thing I have realized this week and is something that I am always struggling with is the notion that organization reduces stress. With a million things going on at once, it seems difficult for me to prioritize and focus on achieving one thing at a time. Again, part of my GAME plan is to find ways to organize myself, which in the end will make me a better educator. Also, I am finding ways to branch out and make connections in order to find meaningful, project based assessments in my class. Through various resources, I have learned about Nings. This interesting social networking tool can provide a daily exposure to technology for my students. Hopefully this is something that I will continue to gain experience with and one day implement into my classroom.
As for now, I really do not see setting more goals for right now. I want to continue to utilize the resources I have learned, gain experience in using these technologies, and find appropriate ways to implement them into my classroom. The resources for this course have helped tremendously by giving me examples of technologies to use for project based assessment, social, and educational networking. However, part of my problem is instead of focusing on simply one concept, I tend to want to try and work on all of them. I need to understand this is a learning process and like my students, I need to take the time to master the concepts in order to fully understand how and if these technologies will fit in my classroom.
I think I will take a week off to focus on finishing up the first semester. Although I have so much to do, I am sure that I will continue to contemplate and think of ways to achieve these goals.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Evaluating Progress
I realize this is late, but the work still needs to be done. I have found myself in a position currently that has really opened up my eyes as to how to achieve my goals. First of all, I feel that educators, as one of my colleagues pointed out, need to listen to their students' ideas. I must say that I have learned a great deal from my students but until this past week, it never dawned on me to use their input for my own problem solving and goal achieving. First of all, my first goal was to create new, content rich, project based assessments while implementing technology. Since this was our first week back from Thanksgiving, I realized that we have much to be thankful for. Sometimes the most insignificant thing to us could mean the world to somebody else. This is why my government students are currently working on a service learning project that is devoted to using technology and students' ideas. On our campus, my students and I are currently planning a letter writing campaign by sending personal notes and letters to our soldiers in harm's way. Through Operation Gratitude (http://www.opgratitude.com/), my students will be collecting letters to soldiers written by our students and staff. Students will have to find ways to promote the event (creating digital images and flyers), use problem solving and critical thinking skills, presentation, and technology (create PowerPoint or Movie) for the presentation. For the most part, this is a student driven assignment, and I am just trying to find ways to assess my students. They are required to have daily blog posts, attendance will be figured in some way, student presentations, and a final reflection post. I am still looking for ways to improve this, but this is the first time I have implemented anything like this in my class.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monitoring the GAME Plan
As I reflect upon my goals for this week, I must say that I am a little behind. I guess my excuse is that I have a week off to finally catch up on my sleep and all of my grading that I have put off until this point. No matter, I will answer the following questions to the best of my ability.
For the most part, I have had a good start on finding some resources available that I can utilize in my classroom. Since I am on break, I do have an opportunity to email some of my colleagues and pick their brains for technological resources they utilize in the classroom. Also, I have received some good ideas and information by collaborating with my colleagues in this class.
Secondly, I do not think I need to modify my plan of action, but I do need to spend more time on my goals and the necessary actions to complete them. This modification could come further down the road, but for now, I need to just simply put some more time and effort into coming up with reasonable resources to use in my classroom.
Thirdly, I have learned that many of my colleagues are in the same boat as me. Many are trying to figure out ways to really improve the use of technology within their own classrooms for the benefit of their students. Again, I think that I simply need to spend more time on "picking" the brains of my colleagues to develop reasonable technological resources that can be used in my own classroom.
Finally, I do not have any new questions as of right now simply because I have not done a ton of work on completing these goals. I realize that this is the point of this class, and I will be honest, I need to do a better job of finding resources to use in my classroom.
I am open to any suggestions that you might have and will welcome your ideas with an open mind. Thanks.
For the most part, I have had a good start on finding some resources available that I can utilize in my classroom. Since I am on break, I do have an opportunity to email some of my colleagues and pick their brains for technological resources they utilize in the classroom. Also, I have received some good ideas and information by collaborating with my colleagues in this class.
Secondly, I do not think I need to modify my plan of action, but I do need to spend more time on my goals and the necessary actions to complete them. This modification could come further down the road, but for now, I need to just simply put some more time and effort into coming up with reasonable resources to use in my classroom.
Thirdly, I have learned that many of my colleagues are in the same boat as me. Many are trying to figure out ways to really improve the use of technology within their own classrooms for the benefit of their students. Again, I think that I simply need to spend more time on "picking" the brains of my colleagues to develop reasonable technological resources that can be used in my own classroom.
Finally, I do not have any new questions as of right now simply because I have not done a ton of work on completing these goals. I realize that this is the point of this class, and I will be honest, I need to do a better job of finding resources to use in my classroom.
I am open to any suggestions that you might have and will welcome your ideas with an open mind. Thanks.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Implementing the GAME Plan
As I read through my colleagues' suggestions concerning my GAME plan, I was quite eager to begin working on this portion of the course because I had some great suggestions. But then again, life seems to happen. It has been a few days, but for the most part, I think I am already on my way to achieving my first goal. I assigned an individual project for my government students based on three criteria: topic has to be related to government or politics; you must use either technology and or physically create something whether it is original art, music, or a literary piece. I also told my students I would create something as well, which I have worked on for several hours trying to create a movie on Windows Movie Maker using current topics of discussion throughout the year. It turned out to be seven minutes long, and I still have some polishing and editing to do to complete it.
Goal 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity - Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
Teachers: a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness
Although I feel that I have already begun my action plan concerning this goal by improving my own creative thinking, but it will be imperative for me to consult with my colleagues within my department about how they implement technology in the classroom. I know my fellow teachers within the social science department use technology, and I hope to use my collaboration time tomorrow morning asking what sorts of technology or technology based learning they implement in their classroom. I know our department chair is truly proficient on the website Edmodo.com. Similar to a blog, you can post documents and/or other links on this similar to a blog. I know my colleagues have some great project ideas; I just simply need to ask. We are supposed to reach out this week, then I need your help as well. What websites or project based learning sites have you been successful implementing in your classroom? Open to all ideas.
Goal 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments - Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S.
Teachers: d. 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.
This goal is going to be difficult for me to achieve. I love to have fun in the classroom, and I now realize that among my students, even the ones that are doing poorly in my class, have the potential to produce quality work if giving the right form of assessment. I will admit that I have used technology based projects in my American Government class more often than in my World History class. Part of this is because I sometimes have a great idea for an assessment, but I have difficulty aligning these projects with the standards. I have a little more freedom with my government classes because seniors do not take state exams, but again, I am struggling with connecting the standards to projects. The resource I need for this goal is simply time. It is a good thing that I have a week off next week, so I can catch up on grading and focus on surfing the web for project ideas. Again, If any of you have any specific places for me to look, then please let me know.
Goal 1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity - Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.
Teachers: a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness
Although I feel that I have already begun my action plan concerning this goal by improving my own creative thinking, but it will be imperative for me to consult with my colleagues within my department about how they implement technology in the classroom. I know my fellow teachers within the social science department use technology, and I hope to use my collaboration time tomorrow morning asking what sorts of technology or technology based learning they implement in their classroom. I know our department chair is truly proficient on the website Edmodo.com. Similar to a blog, you can post documents and/or other links on this similar to a blog. I know my colleagues have some great project ideas; I just simply need to ask. We are supposed to reach out this week, then I need your help as well. What websites or project based learning sites have you been successful implementing in your classroom? Open to all ideas.
Goal 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments - Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S.
Teachers: d. 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.
This goal is going to be difficult for me to achieve. I love to have fun in the classroom, and I now realize that among my students, even the ones that are doing poorly in my class, have the potential to produce quality work if giving the right form of assessment. I will admit that I have used technology based projects in my American Government class more often than in my World History class. Part of this is because I sometimes have a great idea for an assessment, but I have difficulty aligning these projects with the standards. I have a little more freedom with my government classes because seniors do not take state exams, but again, I am struggling with connecting the standards to projects. The resource I need for this goal is simply time. It is a good thing that I have a week off next week, so I can catch up on grading and focus on surfing the web for project ideas. Again, If any of you have any specific places for me to look, then please let me know.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
What Time Is It? GAME Time!
Goals:
1) Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:
a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness
2) Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers:
d. 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.
Action:
Part of my goals for this particular class are to improve my own creative thinking in order to model this in the classroom and provide my students with relative content assessments and projects while using technology. In order to complete these two goals, I will have to utilize the resources available to me to strengthen my own technological skills by finding new ways to create meaningful and relative, content projects using technology. By the end of this eight week course, I would like to have a series (a minimum of five solid resources) of resources bookmarked on my computer that will help me create solid lessons and projects.
Monitor:
Obviously, this is going to be an ongoing project, but I feel that in order to complete these two goals, I will have to work on this course every day, even if it is only for fifteen minutes. Although the world is busy, I feel it necessary for me to maintain a high level of organization in order to complete my goals. I must remain focused on the goals, and if need be, alter either my goals or my plan of action, depending on the scenario. I will begin to write check lists and to do lists to make sure that I am completing the steps to conquer this goal.
Evaluation and Extend:
One of the struggles that I foresee having with completing these goals is simply time management. I will have to budget my time accordingly and focus on the task at hand on a daily basis.
1) Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:
a. promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness
2) Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers:
d. 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.
Action:
Part of my goals for this particular class are to improve my own creative thinking in order to model this in the classroom and provide my students with relative content assessments and projects while using technology. In order to complete these two goals, I will have to utilize the resources available to me to strengthen my own technological skills by finding new ways to create meaningful and relative, content projects using technology. By the end of this eight week course, I would like to have a series (a minimum of five solid resources) of resources bookmarked on my computer that will help me create solid lessons and projects.
Monitor:
Obviously, this is going to be an ongoing project, but I feel that in order to complete these two goals, I will have to work on this course every day, even if it is only for fifteen minutes. Although the world is busy, I feel it necessary for me to maintain a high level of organization in order to complete my goals. I must remain focused on the goals, and if need be, alter either my goals or my plan of action, depending on the scenario. I will begin to write check lists and to do lists to make sure that I am completing the steps to conquer this goal.
Evaluation and Extend:
One of the struggles that I foresee having with completing these goals is simply time management. I will have to budget my time accordingly and focus on the task at hand on a daily basis.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Application 8: Reflective Essay
Throughout this course, I have consistently been frustrated. I am frustrated because I have realized there are so many technologies available to teachers in order to better understand and teach the material to our students. I am frustrated because learning these new technologies has been a bit of a struggle for me. In the end, these frustrations have proven to me that I am capable of learning how to utilize these new technologies in the classroom for the benefit of my students and education in general. This course has given me new insights to technology that I never thought were capable in the classroom. In short, this course has taught me that teachers along with students will always continue to learn, and this is truly important for the educational process.
Although I was familiar with how to incorporate some technology in the classroom, I am reminded of Dr. David Thornburg saying that implementing technology in the classroom is not necessarily doing different things but doing things differently (Laureate, 2008). Using an LCD projector to project a power-point presentation is not necessarily doing different things. However, this is different than the simple writing notes on the blackboard for students to copy. But in order to dramatically change the classroom, teachers have to utilize technology in ways that not only create excitement and enthusiasm for the subject material, but teachers have to find ways to make the material meaningful to the students (Dede, 2008). Furthermore, Hall Davidson points out classrooms do not have to become radically different, but if teachers empower their students and give them the tools and training, then the skills learned will funnel into the classroom (Laureate, 2008).
This course has truly opened my eyes to the importance of technology in the classroom. With all the debate out there concerning education reform, I believe implementing technology in the classroom will not only help our students learn, but it will also prepare our students for the global work force and teach them 21st century skills, such as collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication (Trilling, 2005). I have seen my skills in terms of technology increase over the past two months. What I thought was never possible, I have learned a great deal of the importance of technology and how to use simple, yet effective tools in the classroom. Even though I have used blogs in my classroom for the past two years, I have learned from this course and through the discussions with my colleagues of how to take the usage of blogs to the next level. For instance, I have noticed my students’ writing is becoming better and better week in and week out. Students are now writing for an audience, instead of writing for just the teacher, which requires them to be more attentive to their spelling, grammar, and arguments (Thornburg, 2008). Secondly, I can continue to push towards implementing more technology based assignments. For instance, I plan on utilizing the lesson plan I created for Application 6 (with many modifications per Dr. Wolsey). The use of wikis, blogs, and podcasting in the classroom will hopefully provide the “spark” students need to be accountable for their own education and create a product in which they will use the skills of technology they already have in order to create a project based assessment that is meaningful and relevant to their skills (Nussbaum-Beach, 2008). By providing these project based lessons, such as wikis, podcasts, or blogs, students can now find relevance and meaning to their own education based on the material that interests them (Keengwe, 2008). As an educator, it is my goal to find meaningful and relevant assessments that motivates my students to want to learn. All teachers realize that students need to be motivated and interested to do the work. By utilizing technology, students will have an opportunity to learn 21st century skills and apply that knowledge, which is most relevant to their lives (Keengwe, 2008).
There is no doubt that the students of today are learning in ways that are different than how teachers were educated. Technology is playing a major role in today’s classroom, and teachers must be aware of this on a daily basis. Along with implementing new project based assessments, as an educator, I can only see myself becoming a better teacher in the future. From what I have learned during this course, I plan on using my knowledge to create meaningful, project-based assessments that cater to the needs of this generation’s students. By implementing technology and providing simple but effective instruction on how to use that technology, my role as a teacher in the classroom will change from primary instructor to facilitator. Furthermore, I will continue to read the literature concerning technology in the classroom and its positives and negatives. I believe the positives will outweigh the negatives considering that a majority of our students spend, on average, six hours per day using some sort of technological device whether it is a computer, laptop, iPod, Internet, video games, or simply watching television (Thornburg, 2008). I will have to keep this in mind when planning for the future on how to implement technology in the classroom. Furthermore, I will also have to keep in mind that teaching today has changed because of the use of technology in the classroom; teachers have to adapt in order to meet the needs of today’s digital natives (Prensky, 2001).
In order for students and teachers to meet their expectations, it is important for students and teachers to set goals for the future. In terms of technology, I have two specific goals that I would like to see achieved within the next two years. First of all, by the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, half of my assessments in my World History class will be technology based and project based assessments incorporating the use of blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other technology based projects. Throughout every unit of study, I plan on incorporating a technology, project based assessment, which utilizes 21st century skills of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and computing. Each project will consist of learning opportunities for students to address the skills they already have while using technology to incorporate these skills. For example, instead of using simple paper and pencil responses to questions, students will have to create a podcast telling the importance of democracy to the Western world. These responses will be accessible online for all students to access. Also, students will implement the usage of blogging on a weekly basis. Students will have to create a blog in order to answer in depth questions concerning the material we are studying in class. I will accomplish this goal by modeling and facilitating the use of technology in the classroom by applying what I have learned through this course and extend it to my students. Very early in the school year, I will be a facilitator of technology, teach my students how to use the technologies available to them, and provide instant feedback online to my students that may need help.
My second goal is to create a virtual classroom, which consists of student led instruction through the use of wikis to develop student achievement in the classroom. By the end of the 2011 school year, every World History student of mine will contribute to a wiki page that begins on the very first day of school. Students will be required to find meaningful and interesting sources online and copy those resources on a wiki, which will incorporate every topic of study throughout the year. Not only will students be accountable for their work, but they will also post information and sources that are relevant and interesting to them. By the end of the year, each student will have an opportunity to contribute their insight and knowledge to a particular course of study. Part of education is making the information meaningful and interesting to the students. Doing this type of project based assessment, students can collaborate, communicate, and offer their own personal touch to a topic of study. Furthermore, this wiki can be used as a good review for the state tests, if the information posted is based on the standards of California, which is the information I will instruct my students to look for before posting their sources. Ultimately, this is my goal: create a virtual classroom in which students provide the sources and learning while I sit back and facilitate the learning. Will this work? I do not know; however, I will try this to see if this does have an impact on student learning and student accountability. Again, these are goals, and I will never know if I have achieved these if I do not try.
In close, I have seen the light in terms of how technology not only impacts the students but the teachers as well. Teaching 21st century skills while incorporating technology in the classroom will only have a positive effect for student achievement and learning. Teachers have to adapt to the modern era of technology and incorporate meaningful and relevant assessments in the classroom. It is up to teachers to incorporate the 21st century skills of today for the global work force of tomorrow. In order to do this, teachers and students have to be able to use technology in ways that not only foster educational growth, but also provide meaning and inspiration for the students to achieve success in the classroom. It is up to students and teachers both to make a commitment to use technologies in the classroom to not only utilize the skills of today’s learner, but to take those skills and shape them into the learner’s of tomorrow.
References:
Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., & Wachira, P. (2008). The use of computer tools to support meaningful learning. AACE Journal, 16(1), 77–92. Database:Education Research Complete database. Accession Number: 28513453
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). [DVD]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. “Transforming the Classroom with Technology: Part 1.” Baltimore, MD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). [DVD]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. “Transforming the Classroom with Technology: Part 2.” Baltimore, MD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). [DVD]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. “Transforming the Classroom with Technology: Part 3.” Baltimore, MD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). [DVD]. “Debate: Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants”. Baltimore, MD.
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5). Database: Proquest Central Database. Accession Number:1074252411.
Nussbaum-Beach, S. (2008). No limits. Technology & Learning, 28(7), 14–18. Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/article/8466
Trilling, B. (2005). Towards learning societies and the global challenges for learning with ICT. TechForum. Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/techlearning/pdf/events/techforum/ny05/Toward_Learning_Societies.pdf
Although I was familiar with how to incorporate some technology in the classroom, I am reminded of Dr. David Thornburg saying that implementing technology in the classroom is not necessarily doing different things but doing things differently (Laureate, 2008). Using an LCD projector to project a power-point presentation is not necessarily doing different things. However, this is different than the simple writing notes on the blackboard for students to copy. But in order to dramatically change the classroom, teachers have to utilize technology in ways that not only create excitement and enthusiasm for the subject material, but teachers have to find ways to make the material meaningful to the students (Dede, 2008). Furthermore, Hall Davidson points out classrooms do not have to become radically different, but if teachers empower their students and give them the tools and training, then the skills learned will funnel into the classroom (Laureate, 2008).
This course has truly opened my eyes to the importance of technology in the classroom. With all the debate out there concerning education reform, I believe implementing technology in the classroom will not only help our students learn, but it will also prepare our students for the global work force and teach them 21st century skills, such as collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, and communication (Trilling, 2005). I have seen my skills in terms of technology increase over the past two months. What I thought was never possible, I have learned a great deal of the importance of technology and how to use simple, yet effective tools in the classroom. Even though I have used blogs in my classroom for the past two years, I have learned from this course and through the discussions with my colleagues of how to take the usage of blogs to the next level. For instance, I have noticed my students’ writing is becoming better and better week in and week out. Students are now writing for an audience, instead of writing for just the teacher, which requires them to be more attentive to their spelling, grammar, and arguments (Thornburg, 2008). Secondly, I can continue to push towards implementing more technology based assignments. For instance, I plan on utilizing the lesson plan I created for Application 6 (with many modifications per Dr. Wolsey). The use of wikis, blogs, and podcasting in the classroom will hopefully provide the “spark” students need to be accountable for their own education and create a product in which they will use the skills of technology they already have in order to create a project based assessment that is meaningful and relevant to their skills (Nussbaum-Beach, 2008). By providing these project based lessons, such as wikis, podcasts, or blogs, students can now find relevance and meaning to their own education based on the material that interests them (Keengwe, 2008). As an educator, it is my goal to find meaningful and relevant assessments that motivates my students to want to learn. All teachers realize that students need to be motivated and interested to do the work. By utilizing technology, students will have an opportunity to learn 21st century skills and apply that knowledge, which is most relevant to their lives (Keengwe, 2008).
There is no doubt that the students of today are learning in ways that are different than how teachers were educated. Technology is playing a major role in today’s classroom, and teachers must be aware of this on a daily basis. Along with implementing new project based assessments, as an educator, I can only see myself becoming a better teacher in the future. From what I have learned during this course, I plan on using my knowledge to create meaningful, project-based assessments that cater to the needs of this generation’s students. By implementing technology and providing simple but effective instruction on how to use that technology, my role as a teacher in the classroom will change from primary instructor to facilitator. Furthermore, I will continue to read the literature concerning technology in the classroom and its positives and negatives. I believe the positives will outweigh the negatives considering that a majority of our students spend, on average, six hours per day using some sort of technological device whether it is a computer, laptop, iPod, Internet, video games, or simply watching television (Thornburg, 2008). I will have to keep this in mind when planning for the future on how to implement technology in the classroom. Furthermore, I will also have to keep in mind that teaching today has changed because of the use of technology in the classroom; teachers have to adapt in order to meet the needs of today’s digital natives (Prensky, 2001).
In order for students and teachers to meet their expectations, it is important for students and teachers to set goals for the future. In terms of technology, I have two specific goals that I would like to see achieved within the next two years. First of all, by the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year, half of my assessments in my World History class will be technology based and project based assessments incorporating the use of blogs, wikis, podcasts, and other technology based projects. Throughout every unit of study, I plan on incorporating a technology, project based assessment, which utilizes 21st century skills of collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and computing. Each project will consist of learning opportunities for students to address the skills they already have while using technology to incorporate these skills. For example, instead of using simple paper and pencil responses to questions, students will have to create a podcast telling the importance of democracy to the Western world. These responses will be accessible online for all students to access. Also, students will implement the usage of blogging on a weekly basis. Students will have to create a blog in order to answer in depth questions concerning the material we are studying in class. I will accomplish this goal by modeling and facilitating the use of technology in the classroom by applying what I have learned through this course and extend it to my students. Very early in the school year, I will be a facilitator of technology, teach my students how to use the technologies available to them, and provide instant feedback online to my students that may need help.
My second goal is to create a virtual classroom, which consists of student led instruction through the use of wikis to develop student achievement in the classroom. By the end of the 2011 school year, every World History student of mine will contribute to a wiki page that begins on the very first day of school. Students will be required to find meaningful and interesting sources online and copy those resources on a wiki, which will incorporate every topic of study throughout the year. Not only will students be accountable for their work, but they will also post information and sources that are relevant and interesting to them. By the end of the year, each student will have an opportunity to contribute their insight and knowledge to a particular course of study. Part of education is making the information meaningful and interesting to the students. Doing this type of project based assessment, students can collaborate, communicate, and offer their own personal touch to a topic of study. Furthermore, this wiki can be used as a good review for the state tests, if the information posted is based on the standards of California, which is the information I will instruct my students to look for before posting their sources. Ultimately, this is my goal: create a virtual classroom in which students provide the sources and learning while I sit back and facilitate the learning. Will this work? I do not know; however, I will try this to see if this does have an impact on student learning and student accountability. Again, these are goals, and I will never know if I have achieved these if I do not try.
In close, I have seen the light in terms of how technology not only impacts the students but the teachers as well. Teaching 21st century skills while incorporating technology in the classroom will only have a positive effect for student achievement and learning. Teachers have to adapt to the modern era of technology and incorporate meaningful and relevant assessments in the classroom. It is up to teachers to incorporate the 21st century skills of today for the global work force of tomorrow. In order to do this, teachers and students have to be able to use technology in ways that not only foster educational growth, but also provide meaning and inspiration for the students to achieve success in the classroom. It is up to students and teachers both to make a commitment to use technologies in the classroom to not only utilize the skills of today’s learner, but to take those skills and shape them into the learner’s of tomorrow.
References:
Keengwe, J., Onchwari, G., & Wachira, P. (2008). The use of computer tools to support meaningful learning. AACE Journal, 16(1), 77–92. Database:Education Research Complete database. Accession Number: 28513453
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). [DVD]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. “Transforming the Classroom with Technology: Part 1.” Baltimore, MD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). [DVD]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. “Transforming the Classroom with Technology: Part 2.” Baltimore, MD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). [DVD]. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. “Transforming the Classroom with Technology: Part 3.” Baltimore, MD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). [DVD]. “Debate: Digital Natives vs. Digital Immigrants”. Baltimore, MD.
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. On the Horizon, 9(5). Database: Proquest Central Database. Accession Number:1074252411.
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Sunday, February 7, 2010
Application 5 - Podcasting
I must say that there are definitely ways for me to implement podcasts into my classroom. Also, I was a little overwhelmed with trying to edit and mix some of these tracks together. I think the rough nature of the podcast with the ums and ahs does have its place. This is something I will try to get better at and also try to implement into my classroom.
The following links are for Application 5. The track titled "Application 5 Podcast" is a recording of the class discussion I had last week concerning the use of technology in the classroom. The track titled "Demographics and Podcast" is the overall makeup and breakdown of the students that were involved with my class discussion.
Links to audio tracks:
http://www.archive.org/details/MichaelPaloApplication5Podcast/
http://www.archive.org/details/MichaelPaloDemographicsofPodcast/
The following links are for Application 5. The track titled "Application 5 Podcast" is a recording of the class discussion I had last week concerning the use of technology in the classroom. The track titled "Demographics and Podcast" is the overall makeup and breakdown of the students that were involved with my class discussion.
Links to audio tracks:
http://www.archive.org/details/MichaelPaloApplication5Podcast/
http://www.archive.org/details/MichaelPaloDemographicsofPodcast/
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