Teachers of the 21st Century must be willing and eager to be students of the technology world. It is vital that educators are searching and perfecting the needed skills to complete this endeavor. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) list 5 standards known as the National Education Standards for Teacher (NETS-T) that provide direction and guidance in preparing lessons for the 21st century class through: creative and inspiring lessons, providing and developing digital learning experiences and assessments, modeling digital tools, learning, and digital citizenship and continuing professional development. In order to be an effective teacher, I would like to focus on creating and implementing creative digital lessons that inspire, engage, and incorporate collaborative learning environments outside my physical classroom (NETS-T 1 and 2). These changes will be accomplished by creating a plan of action known as GAME (goals, actions, monitoring, and evaluation) and by applying the advice and assistance of my Walden colleagues (Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P., 2009).
The first step in my GAME plan is to set goals for me as an educator. As a third grade teacher, I have to plan lesson plans each day for all content areas. Our district has created their own curriculum to assure that the state standards are being addressed and taught each day in every lesson. This practice does not allow for much diversity or creativity. However, as a technology magnet school, we are given a little leave way in this matter. With the pressure to improve our state scores and fill the student-learning gap, I have fallen short in diversifying from the district plan. Teaching only what is on the state test has left creative exploration and self-discovery out my plans. I have justified this omission on our fast-paced curriculum. My goal is to allow at least one creative project per content area each nine weeks. I also plan to collaborate with another classroom outside our school each nine weeks through virtual tools. This opportunity will offer authentic and real world experiences for my students.
The action step of my plan includes reaching out to my Walden colleagues to create collaborative lessons and/or projects. I have applied and been approved by my principal to use Skype to communicate with other classrooms and experts throughout our digital global community. My students will use several digital tools and forms of media to communicate and create student directed projects. Students will provide input and direction for each project by developing assessments and guidelines for each endeavor.
Monitoring the plan will be the responsibility of the class and educator. The students will reflect on progress through journaling and class discussion. The educators will also engage through discussions and goal reflections. A checklist of outcomes will be comprised and reflected on throughout the process. Revisions will be made or adjusted as needed.
Evaluation of the projects and lesson will be given informally and formally throughout. One area that I need to work on is the development of various assessments. Due to our constant test preparation, we use many formal data testing tools. I need to improve my skills on how to use the data to build stronger strategies or improvements in deficit areas. I would really like to learn more about building or implementing digital portfolios to promote self-discovery, engagement and for their own learning. Evaluation will also direct how or if this project was effective. The project’s effectiveness will be based on the ability to adapt or change in order for the students to learn or achieve the goals agreed upon.
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.(pp. 26, 42).
ISTE NETS and Performance Indicators for Teachers(NETS•T) http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
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6 comments:
Integrating technology can not only be tricky but time consuming. Being on the "other side" I was the technology instructor who was determined. For example utilizing Wordle http://www.wordle.net/ to create word clouds that contain the spelling words for the week. An extension would be to define these words using a concept created in Microsoft Word or Kidspiration software. This is something that can be started on Monday and then continued in morning homeroom or during those few minutes of down time. If you have access to technology on a regular basis then you have already won half of the battle. There are websites where learner's can practice both math and language arts skills instead of a practice book worksheet. I have also found that using a Smartboard for interactive practice is also another way student's can connect and teachers add a technology component. You can monitor student progress and reflect on the strength and weakness of the lesson instantly!
Connie,
Your GAME plan is well rounded and complete. By implementing a collaborative effort with another classroom you have opened the walls of your classroom and your students can "see" outside of their world. This is a great experience for you and your students. You have spoken in the past about how your students need to be exposed to more of the world and this is a going to do that for you and your students. A wonderful authentic learning experience.
And by getting your students input involving directions and assessments, your students are actively engaged in the processes. This helps to develop their GAME plan. Your students are so fortunate to have you as their teacher.
Dolores
Susan,
I have saved wordle to my web site. I will have the students access tomorrow. It is frustrating when I find a great site and the district has denied access.
Kidspiration is a great tool for vocabulary and writing.
Dolores,
Thank you for the encouraging words. I want to expand my students view of the world and I believe this project will.
Skype is a great resource that can be used in the classroom. In the past I have used it to talk amongst teachers and reflect on lessons that we have worked on. I would like to take this to the next level by using the Skype to have interaction amongst classrooms in our building.
Connie,
I found that Wordle was one of the few websites that my district did not block. The only thing with wordle is that I had to print out the work because the only option was to save it to the public library. Maybe they have since made more options available or you can figure out a way to save it that I did not try. Good Luck!
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