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.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
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.
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
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/
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Partnership for the 21st Century Skills
http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/
My initial reaction to this website was wow! Here we are in the 21st century and this website is dedicated to teaching the necessary skills our students need to not only adapt but succeed in the global business work world. As I was looking at the overview of standards, the one that caught my eye was their focus on teaching interdisciplinary themes, especially in the core subjects. Furthermore, it was nice to see an organization that is focused on teaching critical thinking skills that emphasizes a deeper understanding of content rather than just touching the basics for recall on a state test. Secondly, I was amazed that there are already fourteen states with initiatives to incorporate these skill sets into classrooms. I was not shocked to see that California did not make the list, but hopefully this will change in the near future. Thirdly, I was surprised that this organization had ways to implement these skills into state school districts. They have the blueprints already made up and methods for implementation for a number of states already using this curriculum. I am curious to see as to which of these states on the list are applying for federal money (Race to the Top funds) for revamping their educational systems. Finally, the press releases found on this site is proof that even President Obama himself is encouraging students of today for the jobs of tomorrow to be taught the necessary skills of the 21st century. He outlined his thoughts in is State of the Union Address, and if this is not enough evidence to influence these changes, then what is? Overall, this organization is making a strong argument to pursue change in education. If it were not for this particular class, I would have opposed these changes, but the introduction of teaching technology in the classroom has opened my eyes to today's business world and has forced me to accept this gleaming realization. Finally, I was surprised to see the wide variety of corporations and groups responsible for the creation of 21st Century Skills in 2002. The US Department of Education and the National Education Association were two of the many founders. I find this fascinating considering this organization has been around for almost eight years, yet this is the first I have heard of it.
I realize the significance of the question regarding to information from this site that I disagree with, and I know why Professor Wolsey posted this question because of the fact the information from this organization seems to good to be true. The only aspect I disagree with is the notion that this organization's standards are aligned with the No Child Left Behind Act. Let me explain. As I was conducting a survey of my American Government classes this past semester in regards to their education, an overwhelming majority stated their education was based on preparing them for state standardized tests. Many concluded on a scale from 1-10, with 1 being the low, many rated their public education, especially in high school from a range of 4-6. Again, their reasons for such low marks was to the fact that their education was mainly devoted to preparing them for standardized tests. Unless state governments and education policy officials begin to change how students and schools are measured (API scores), then integrating these 21st century skills will only be a dream. School districts across the United States must fight to either change the NCLB standards to include the skill sets of the 21st century, or simply repeal the act and start over. I think the Obama Administration is making strides by implementing the Race to the Top for states to receive federal funding to overhaul their education system. Hopefully these changes will include more focus on technology, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and changes in how students' intellect and education are measured.
After looking over this site thoroughly, from its mission statement, to its focus on standards and implementation of technology in the classroom, to even the press releases, I have come to realize that this is simply not a fad that will become obselete in a couple of years. The truth and reality of technology and the skills necessary to compete in the global work world will only grow, and it is up to teachers to foster that education in the right direction. Skills such as critical thinking and problem solving are imperative for educators to teach. I do my best to implement these on a daily basis, but due to time constraints, state standards, benchmark exams, and pacing guides, it is difficult to include these skills because of the demand and rigor of teachers in the classroom. We are expected to do more with less, but technology and its implementation in the classroom is one aspect of education that all teachers need to utilize in order to truly prepare our students for the "real world." On a daily basis, I need to evaluate and sometimes reevaluate my classroom lessons. Were they effective? Did my students understand the standards and expectations? In other words, did they get it? Through reflection and reevaluation, I need to evaluate the effectiveness of my lesson plans and assignments. One aspect I will include from here on out is the use of some sort of technology. For example, my government students have to respond to a question of the week (QOW), which promotes critical thinking and using technology, blogging. There are really no right or wrong answers, but students have the opportunities to address their own view points but also assess and evaluate other points of view as well. Here are some examples:
Question of the Week: Considering the current economic status of the United States, is it reasonable for the United States to continue to pour economic resources into the War in Afghanistan? Also, considering the political scenario in Afghanistan, in the long run, will the United States be doing more harm than good by trying to stabilize the country? Be sure to use complete sentences and provide specific evidence to support your arguments.
Student responses: chickenkoongoose said...
Concerning our current economic status,it is still reasonable to keep pouring economic resources into the war in afghanistan. For one reason only, we and other nations may be in danger. This is why it is very important for the United States to stabalize the Afghani Government. The United States, however, must be precise and efficient in there plans and strategies because we can not stay in the war for to much longer. Only then will it be unreasonable to use such resouces on the war. We must go in accomplish a stable Afghani Government, stop al Qaeda momentum, help build a stonger Afghan security, create in the people the right political view or knowledge of to have or want a stabilize government, and then have a moderate move out. Now knowing reality all of these wont be 100% but if every task is met to an average level the people should be used to the reconstruction and begin to keep the process going. This should last no more than 2 yrs. After this point it becomes our greatest economic problem and we will start to dramatically suffer for it.
January 14, 2010 7:24 PM
Also, I will start to implement the use of podcasts (beginning next week) for my class discussions in my government classes. Not only will these be available online to students, but these can be a valuable resource for students to go back and listen to the comments their fellow classmates made in class. Furthermore, if a student was absent, this will also give them an opportunity to catch up on what they missed. But in the end, the use of technology, critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration are skills that our students must have in order to succeed in the global work world. Without these necessary skills, we would be doing not only ourselves, but our students a great disservice. The world of education is changing and with that change, teachers need to change as well in order to meet the needs of our students. I think that the Partnership for the 21st Century Skills is a great start for all school districts across the United States to take a look at and truly consider implementing some of these technological skills into the daily curriculum.
References:
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. www.21stcenturyskills.org.
My initial reaction to this website was wow! Here we are in the 21st century and this website is dedicated to teaching the necessary skills our students need to not only adapt but succeed in the global business work world. As I was looking at the overview of standards, the one that caught my eye was their focus on teaching interdisciplinary themes, especially in the core subjects. Furthermore, it was nice to see an organization that is focused on teaching critical thinking skills that emphasizes a deeper understanding of content rather than just touching the basics for recall on a state test. Secondly, I was amazed that there are already fourteen states with initiatives to incorporate these skill sets into classrooms. I was not shocked to see that California did not make the list, but hopefully this will change in the near future. Thirdly, I was surprised that this organization had ways to implement these skills into state school districts. They have the blueprints already made up and methods for implementation for a number of states already using this curriculum. I am curious to see as to which of these states on the list are applying for federal money (Race to the Top funds) for revamping their educational systems. Finally, the press releases found on this site is proof that even President Obama himself is encouraging students of today for the jobs of tomorrow to be taught the necessary skills of the 21st century. He outlined his thoughts in is State of the Union Address, and if this is not enough evidence to influence these changes, then what is? Overall, this organization is making a strong argument to pursue change in education. If it were not for this particular class, I would have opposed these changes, but the introduction of teaching technology in the classroom has opened my eyes to today's business world and has forced me to accept this gleaming realization. Finally, I was surprised to see the wide variety of corporations and groups responsible for the creation of 21st Century Skills in 2002. The US Department of Education and the National Education Association were two of the many founders. I find this fascinating considering this organization has been around for almost eight years, yet this is the first I have heard of it.
I realize the significance of the question regarding to information from this site that I disagree with, and I know why Professor Wolsey posted this question because of the fact the information from this organization seems to good to be true. The only aspect I disagree with is the notion that this organization's standards are aligned with the No Child Left Behind Act. Let me explain. As I was conducting a survey of my American Government classes this past semester in regards to their education, an overwhelming majority stated their education was based on preparing them for state standardized tests. Many concluded on a scale from 1-10, with 1 being the low, many rated their public education, especially in high school from a range of 4-6. Again, their reasons for such low marks was to the fact that their education was mainly devoted to preparing them for standardized tests. Unless state governments and education policy officials begin to change how students and schools are measured (API scores), then integrating these 21st century skills will only be a dream. School districts across the United States must fight to either change the NCLB standards to include the skill sets of the 21st century, or simply repeal the act and start over. I think the Obama Administration is making strides by implementing the Race to the Top for states to receive federal funding to overhaul their education system. Hopefully these changes will include more focus on technology, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and changes in how students' intellect and education are measured.
After looking over this site thoroughly, from its mission statement, to its focus on standards and implementation of technology in the classroom, to even the press releases, I have come to realize that this is simply not a fad that will become obselete in a couple of years. The truth and reality of technology and the skills necessary to compete in the global work world will only grow, and it is up to teachers to foster that education in the right direction. Skills such as critical thinking and problem solving are imperative for educators to teach. I do my best to implement these on a daily basis, but due to time constraints, state standards, benchmark exams, and pacing guides, it is difficult to include these skills because of the demand and rigor of teachers in the classroom. We are expected to do more with less, but technology and its implementation in the classroom is one aspect of education that all teachers need to utilize in order to truly prepare our students for the "real world." On a daily basis, I need to evaluate and sometimes reevaluate my classroom lessons. Were they effective? Did my students understand the standards and expectations? In other words, did they get it? Through reflection and reevaluation, I need to evaluate the effectiveness of my lesson plans and assignments. One aspect I will include from here on out is the use of some sort of technology. For example, my government students have to respond to a question of the week (QOW), which promotes critical thinking and using technology, blogging. There are really no right or wrong answers, but students have the opportunities to address their own view points but also assess and evaluate other points of view as well. Here are some examples:
Question of the Week: Considering the current economic status of the United States, is it reasonable for the United States to continue to pour economic resources into the War in Afghanistan? Also, considering the political scenario in Afghanistan, in the long run, will the United States be doing more harm than good by trying to stabilize the country? Be sure to use complete sentences and provide specific evidence to support your arguments.
Student responses: chickenkoongoose said...
Concerning our current economic status,it is still reasonable to keep pouring economic resources into the war in afghanistan. For one reason only, we and other nations may be in danger. This is why it is very important for the United States to stabalize the Afghani Government. The United States, however, must be precise and efficient in there plans and strategies because we can not stay in the war for to much longer. Only then will it be unreasonable to use such resouces on the war. We must go in accomplish a stable Afghani Government, stop al Qaeda momentum, help build a stonger Afghan security, create in the people the right political view or knowledge of to have or want a stabilize government, and then have a moderate move out. Now knowing reality all of these wont be 100% but if every task is met to an average level the people should be used to the reconstruction and begin to keep the process going. This should last no more than 2 yrs. After this point it becomes our greatest economic problem and we will start to dramatically suffer for it.
January 14, 2010 7:24 PM
Also, I will start to implement the use of podcasts (beginning next week) for my class discussions in my government classes. Not only will these be available online to students, but these can be a valuable resource for students to go back and listen to the comments their fellow classmates made in class. Furthermore, if a student was absent, this will also give them an opportunity to catch up on what they missed. But in the end, the use of technology, critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration are skills that our students must have in order to succeed in the global work world. Without these necessary skills, we would be doing not only ourselves, but our students a great disservice. The world of education is changing and with that change, teachers need to change as well in order to meet the needs of our students. I think that the Partnership for the 21st Century Skills is a great start for all school districts across the United States to take a look at and truly consider implementing some of these technological skills into the daily curriculum.
References:
Partnership for 21st Century Skills. www.21stcenturyskills.org.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
How to use a blog in the classroom?
I have used a blog in my American Government and World History classes for the past year and a half. It started out as an online calendar, designed to post in class work, homework assignments, due dates for homework, or upcoming tests or quizzes. The primary purpose was to give parents an outlet as to what we are doing in class. If their child said to them they did not have any homework in my class, then they could always check my blog online to see for themselves. After awhile, I made my Government classes create blogs, so they could post responses to questions in an online forum. This is called "Question of the Week." Every week on Monday, I post an open ended question that requires some outside reading and research for them to answer. I give them the entire week to respond to the question, and on the first day of class, they were given a rubric as to how they would be graded. Thus far, this is how I have utilized my blog, but I am always open for new ideas.
Blogging is a good instructional tool because it allows students that may be shy or passive in class an opportunity to truly display their thoughts, opinions, and feelings in written form rather than orally presented in class. This allows all students to be heard, if the blog is used correctly.
Mike Palo
HS World History/American Government
Blogging is a good instructional tool because it allows students that may be shy or passive in class an opportunity to truly display their thoughts, opinions, and feelings in written form rather than orally presented in class. This allows all students to be heard, if the blog is used correctly.
Mike Palo
HS World History/American Government
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Welcome!
Welcome classmates to my blog for our third class together. I look forward to collaborating with all of you in the future on how we can integrate technology in the classroom.
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