For this week's application, I have created a voicethread that discusses Learning Managment Systems. After going through the past year and a half using a LMS, I am totally sold that this type of learning does work.
Sure, there are others out there who will arugue with me, but once they see how affective the learning can be from a LMS, I believe their opinion may change. It becomes my job as a teacher/leader to open these types of people's eyes to this type of learning style. This may be done by simply taking the time to share ideas, web sites, and specific classes that have allowed me to change my way of thinking as a teacher.
My Voicethread can be viewed at: http://voicethread.com/share/1366480/
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Week 8-Reflection
Throughout this course I have gained many new ideas to implement into my classroom as the 2010-2011 school year begins. The strongest idea that has been brought to my attention through this class is the fact that differentiated instruction is not making individualized lesson plans, but rather is a philosophy that looks at the big picture of education and placing groups of students into groups that allow them to be successful (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009).
As this school year begins I have already began creating surveys that will allow me to find out information about students' learning profile, interests, and learning styles. Once students have completed these surveys, flexible grouping will be seen when entering my classroom. By using flexible groups, students will be more engaged and hopefully will become better life-long learners.
UDL and DI has also opened my eyes to the importance of using technology on a daily basis in the classroom. Again technology helps the engagement level of students, but also prepares them for a world that is immersed in technology. UDL, DI, and 21Century standards demands teachers to change their "old school" mentality of teaching and become familiar with and implement new concepts in order to provide the most effective learning opportunities for all students.
As this school year begins I have already began creating surveys that will allow me to find out information about students' learning profile, interests, and learning styles. Once students have completed these surveys, flexible grouping will be seen when entering my classroom. By using flexible groups, students will be more engaged and hopefully will become better life-long learners.
UDL and DI has also opened my eyes to the importance of using technology on a daily basis in the classroom. Again technology helps the engagement level of students, but also prepares them for a world that is immersed in technology. UDL, DI, and 21Century standards demands teachers to change their "old school" mentality of teaching and become familiar with and implement new concepts in order to provide the most effective learning opportunities for all students.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Week 8-Final Post
Throughout this course I have been introduced to several new ideas using technology and organizational tools such as the GAME Plan. As I set goals using the GAME Plan model I found that certain technology tools such as digital story books truly enhance the quality of my plan. One of my goals for my GAME Plan was to share and gain ideas with my fellow staff members. I found that the discussions I had with my fellow staff members were worth while and I have gained new knowledge that I plan on incorporating into my lesson planning next year.
In terms of new tools and ideas I plan to use, the use of digital story books is definitely something I will plan on using at the beginning of the school year. Creating project based units with the use of the GAME Plan will be another strategy I will use. Project based units allow students to become problem solvers and goal oriented students and hopefully in the future, adults.
As for the continuation of my GAME Plan, I plan on starting off the school year with the same type of conversations I had at the conclusion of this year with my fellow staff members. I am excited to share new ideas with fellow teachers and launch these ideas with my students.
In terms of new tools and ideas I plan to use, the use of digital story books is definitely something I will plan on using at the beginning of the school year. Creating project based units with the use of the GAME Plan will be another strategy I will use. Project based units allow students to become problem solvers and goal oriented students and hopefully in the future, adults.
As for the continuation of my GAME Plan, I plan on starting off the school year with the same type of conversations I had at the conclusion of this year with my fellow staff members. I am excited to share new ideas with fellow teachers and launch these ideas with my students.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Week 7: GAME Plan
The GAME Plan has brought several grate ideas forth for me to use in my classroom. I have enjoyed learning about the GAME Plan and plan on using it as the 2010-2011 school year grows near. What I enjoy about the GAME Plan is the structure it provides me as a teacher and my students. I feel much more confident now having students set goals and a plan to achieve those goals. Personally, I feel that I need to use it more in my professional life before I completely deploy it for my students to use.
Overall, using the GAME Plan helps me as a teacher to teach students more about being problem based learners. Creativity is also strongly enhanced by using this tool, which in my 5th grade class is a definite area that needs improvement.
Just as many of the concepts I have gained through my classes at Walden have assisted me in being a better instructor, this class will only add to my success!
Overall, using the GAME Plan helps me as a teacher to teach students more about being problem based learners. Creativity is also strongly enhanced by using this tool, which in my 5th grade class is a definite area that needs improvement.
Just as many of the concepts I have gained through my classes at Walden have assisted me in being a better instructor, this class will only add to my success!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Week 6: GAME PLAN
What I have learned:
This week's resources really opened my eyes to the importance of social networking and how powerful of a tool it can truly be.
What goals am I still working on?:
My first goal of sharing and gaining knowledge about technology through my teaching peers is still the goal I am working on. The whole idea of social networking using a wiki from this past week aligns directly with this goal. Setting up a staff wiki site would be very beneficial for sharing such ideas as a staff.
New Goals:
Again, after learning the importance of social networking, a new goal of mine is sharing with other staff members how a wiki is set up and used.
Extending what I have learned:
Beign on summer vacation now makes this portion somewhat difficult. Although our staff gets together once a month for social gatherings, I could possibly through this idea out. I feel that at the begininning of next year it is something that I will be sharing at our back to school meetings!
This week's resources really opened my eyes to the importance of social networking and how powerful of a tool it can truly be.
What goals am I still working on?:
My first goal of sharing and gaining knowledge about technology through my teaching peers is still the goal I am working on. The whole idea of social networking using a wiki from this past week aligns directly with this goal. Setting up a staff wiki site would be very beneficial for sharing such ideas as a staff.
New Goals:
Again, after learning the importance of social networking, a new goal of mine is sharing with other staff members how a wiki is set up and used.
Extending what I have learned:
Beign on summer vacation now makes this portion somewhat difficult. Although our staff gets together once a month for social gatherings, I could possibly through this idea out. I feel that at the begininning of next year it is something that I will be sharing at our back to school meetings!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Week 5-Game Plan
Effectiveness of Actions:
I feel that my actions taken towards my game plan were/are very effective. The responses I have received from staff members have been beneficial and put to use. The models I created have been viewed by students and allowed them (students) to design quality projects.
What I have learned:
I have learned that taking time to have conversations with both staff members and students is a great teaching and learning tool. Conversations with students about technology has allowed me to see where the students' strengths are as well as their weaknesses. These conversations have also allowed me to see where I need to spend some time learning. This becomes the part of being a life long learner.
Still Learning:
As mentioned in my past blog posts, I still have learning to do with technology devices my students use. Last week I learned about a new video tool that I will look into as it seems like a tool that will help with the engagement level of my students.
Adjusting my plan:
The area I see I need to make adjustments in is designing more units that promote problem based learning. After reading this weeks assignments and viewing the video clips I have realized that problem based learning is truly the way to go as a teacher.
I feel that my actions taken towards my game plan were/are very effective. The responses I have received from staff members have been beneficial and put to use. The models I created have been viewed by students and allowed them (students) to design quality projects.
What I have learned:
I have learned that taking time to have conversations with both staff members and students is a great teaching and learning tool. Conversations with students about technology has allowed me to see where the students' strengths are as well as their weaknesses. These conversations have also allowed me to see where I need to spend some time learning. This becomes the part of being a life long learner.
Still Learning:
As mentioned in my past blog posts, I still have learning to do with technology devices my students use. Last week I learned about a new video tool that I will look into as it seems like a tool that will help with the engagement level of my students.
Adjusting my plan:
The area I see I need to make adjustments in is designing more units that promote problem based learning. After reading this weeks assignments and viewing the video clips I have realized that problem based learning is truly the way to go as a teacher.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Week 4-Monitoring My GAME Plan
Finding Information:
As I have began working towards my goals I have found that staff members that I work with on a daily basis have a number of great ideas on implementing technology into teaching. One thing I have found is that most staff members I work with seem to use technology to help them stay organized and deliver content. In a PLC meeting last week, I asked two of my colleagues how they use technology in interactive ways with their students. This sparked an excellent conversation and we began brainstorming ways for the students to use items such as the SmartBoard as an interactive tool. One thing that came out in our conversations was the fact that technology is a great way to get all students involved and engaged in learning (Laureate Education Inc., 2009).
In terms of my second goal, I have found that many of my students are using the models I have created and using them as templates for their own work. I was worried at first about students copying my models exactly, but have found that students want to add more to their final artifacts.
Modifications:
At this point and time, I do not see the need for any modifications to my GAME plan. I am sure as time progresses, I will need to revisit different items.
What I have Learned:
I have learned that sharing new technology ideas during PLC time is very effective. I have learned a great deal just in the past two weeks through visiting with my colleagues and seeing what and how they use technology. I have taken some of their ideas and added to them making them very useful tools. One such idea I have picked up on is how my teaching partner is using Microsoft Excel to chart her students growth by having students keep a notebook on their math facts. This is an excellent idea because this digital notebook will follow them into next year providing next years teacher with excellent information about where the student is at in terms of their knowledge of math facts.
New Questions:
I have found that I need to spend some quality time learning about new technologies (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009). For instance, this week in our discussion postings Michael posted something on flip-cams. Flip-Cams are a tool that I have never seen used, but through discussion believe they would be a tool that would be beneficial to me.
The other question I have discovered are what are ways I can better share ideas to my entire staff as well as gain ideas from them?
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.
As I have began working towards my goals I have found that staff members that I work with on a daily basis have a number of great ideas on implementing technology into teaching. One thing I have found is that most staff members I work with seem to use technology to help them stay organized and deliver content. In a PLC meeting last week, I asked two of my colleagues how they use technology in interactive ways with their students. This sparked an excellent conversation and we began brainstorming ways for the students to use items such as the SmartBoard as an interactive tool. One thing that came out in our conversations was the fact that technology is a great way to get all students involved and engaged in learning (Laureate Education Inc., 2009).
In terms of my second goal, I have found that many of my students are using the models I have created and using them as templates for their own work. I was worried at first about students copying my models exactly, but have found that students want to add more to their final artifacts.
Modifications:
At this point and time, I do not see the need for any modifications to my GAME plan. I am sure as time progresses, I will need to revisit different items.
What I have Learned:
I have learned that sharing new technology ideas during PLC time is very effective. I have learned a great deal just in the past two weeks through visiting with my colleagues and seeing what and how they use technology. I have taken some of their ideas and added to them making them very useful tools. One such idea I have picked up on is how my teaching partner is using Microsoft Excel to chart her students growth by having students keep a notebook on their math facts. This is an excellent idea because this digital notebook will follow them into next year providing next years teacher with excellent information about where the student is at in terms of their knowledge of math facts.
New Questions:
I have found that I need to spend some quality time learning about new technologies (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009). For instance, this week in our discussion postings Michael posted something on flip-cams. Flip-Cams are a tool that I have never seen used, but through discussion believe they would be a tool that would be beneficial to me.
The other question I have discovered are what are ways I can better share ideas to my entire staff as well as gain ideas from them?
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.
Week 3-Carrying Out My GAME Plan
First I would like to apologize for the late posting of this blog posting. I didn't realize that I had a posting due this week.
Resources Needed to Carry Out My Plan;
The first resource I will need in carrying out my first goal (engage in professional growth and leadership) is time to meet with my PLC (professional learning community) team. This team is made up of myself, my fellow 5th grade teaching partner, and the two sixth grade teachers. We have generally met once a month in the past for 40-40 minutes. I would like to propose the group meeting an additional time to discuss the use of technology in both grades.
The second resource I will need in order to help me achieve my second goal (facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity) is my own personal computer as well as my school computer. by using these two computers I will be able to create models of technology projects for my students to see. Creating sample brochures, review games using power point slides, and using excel to create inter-active graphs that students could use to track academic progress.
Additional Information Needed:
Spending time viewing new technology tools on the Internet and finding magazines that inform me of new technologies is a must. How can I implement new ideas if I am not up to date on what is out there (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009)? Another piece of information needed is schedules of teachers I am working with in my PLC groups. Viewing schedules would allow me to set up additional PLC times that don't interfer with other people's schedules.
Steps Taken So Far:
My PLC team was able to meet last Friday (May 21st) and discussed how we are using collected data to support our instruction. This allowed me to share some of the different charts and graphs I have used from Excel to keep track of my students' progress. Templates for these charts and graphs have been placed on the teacher share drive for my colleagues to use. In addition to sharing this information I have also placed a sample brochure that I created on the student share drive for students to reference during their state project. Many of my students have accessed this model and are using it as a guide with their own brochures.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.
Resources Needed to Carry Out My Plan;
The first resource I will need in carrying out my first goal (engage in professional growth and leadership) is time to meet with my PLC (professional learning community) team. This team is made up of myself, my fellow 5th grade teaching partner, and the two sixth grade teachers. We have generally met once a month in the past for 40-40 minutes. I would like to propose the group meeting an additional time to discuss the use of technology in both grades.
The second resource I will need in order to help me achieve my second goal (facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity) is my own personal computer as well as my school computer. by using these two computers I will be able to create models of technology projects for my students to see. Creating sample brochures, review games using power point slides, and using excel to create inter-active graphs that students could use to track academic progress.
Additional Information Needed:
Spending time viewing new technology tools on the Internet and finding magazines that inform me of new technologies is a must. How can I implement new ideas if I am not up to date on what is out there (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009)? Another piece of information needed is schedules of teachers I am working with in my PLC groups. Viewing schedules would allow me to set up additional PLC times that don't interfer with other people's schedules.
Steps Taken So Far:
My PLC team was able to meet last Friday (May 21st) and discussed how we are using collected data to support our instruction. This allowed me to share some of the different charts and graphs I have used from Excel to keep track of my students' progress. Templates for these charts and graphs have been placed on the teacher share drive for my colleagues to use. In addition to sharing this information I have also placed a sample brochure that I created on the student share drive for students to reference during their state project. Many of my students have accessed this model and are using it as a guide with their own brochures.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Week 2 -Developing Your Personal GAME Plan
This week Dr. Katherine Cennamo discusses with us the importance of having a GAME plan when promoting self-directed learning and creative thinking (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009). The first step in creating a GAME plan is to set a goal. After viewing the different technology standards (http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm)
I have decided on applying two of the standards to my goal:
1. Engage in professional growth and leadership
2. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Actions to take:
The first step I will take is to set goals for these two standards. To engage in professional growth and leadership my goals is to continue taking classes that are focused on the use of technology. I will also take time each week to visit with fellow teachers about technology tools they are using in their classrooms. For the leadership piece, my goal is to share different ideas about technology I have found and used during staff meetings and PLC (Professional Learning Communities) meetings.
The second step will be setting a goal for facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity. In order to begin working on this goal, it is necessary to model strategies for being an independent learner and creative thinker with my students. Creating technology projects as artifacts to share with students will be the first step of this goal.
Monitoring Progress:
For my first goal, I plan on using a calendar to monitor how many times I have had professional conversations with colleagues about technology. On this calendar I will write down notes on the dates I have these conversations. By using a calendar, I will be able to track how often these conversations are taking place.
For the second goal I will create a folder on the teachers' share drive to place copies of the work I have created to use as models for students. By viewing the folder frequently, I will be able to monitor if I need to add more samples.
Evaluation:
Evaluation of the first goal will come from feedback I receive from staff about the technology information I have shared with them. These conversations may bring up better ideas to implement.
Evaluation of the second goal come from student artifacts. If the quality of student projects and artifacts become better, I will know that the models are helpful.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.
I have decided on applying two of the standards to my goal:
1. Engage in professional growth and leadership
2. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
Actions to take:
The first step I will take is to set goals for these two standards. To engage in professional growth and leadership my goals is to continue taking classes that are focused on the use of technology. I will also take time each week to visit with fellow teachers about technology tools they are using in their classrooms. For the leadership piece, my goal is to share different ideas about technology I have found and used during staff meetings and PLC (Professional Learning Communities) meetings.
The second step will be setting a goal for facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity. In order to begin working on this goal, it is necessary to model strategies for being an independent learner and creative thinker with my students. Creating technology projects as artifacts to share with students will be the first step of this goal.
Monitoring Progress:
For my first goal, I plan on using a calendar to monitor how many times I have had professional conversations with colleagues about technology. On this calendar I will write down notes on the dates I have these conversations. By using a calendar, I will be able to track how often these conversations are taking place.
For the second goal I will create a folder on the teachers' share drive to place copies of the work I have created to use as models for students. By viewing the folder frequently, I will be able to monitor if I need to add more samples.
Evaluation:
Evaluation of the first goal will come from feedback I receive from staff about the technology information I have shared with them. These conversations may bring up better ideas to implement.
Evaluation of the second goal come from student artifacts. If the quality of student projects and artifacts become better, I will know that the models are helpful.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Reflection EDUC-6712I-2
This particular course has added knowledge that I have been searching for for quite some time. The biggest revelation I will take from this course is the knowledge of how to view a web site for authenticity. Knowing if a web site is authentic or not is something I needed to become more familiar with so that I can pass that knowledge on to my students. For the past few years, this is a technology standard I have not been able to meet for lack of knowledge. Now I understand how to look at background colors, toolbar access, and reliability of information (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009).
This newly gained knowledge has already influenced my instruction as I am working with my students on a web based project. Throughout this particular unit I have had direct instruction time with students on how to evaluate a web site and have also given students individual time to search and evaluate web sites on their own. In the two short weeks I have been guiding my students through the unit, several students have found web sites that the information is not valid. Many of these web site are sites students in the past have used to find information. As I continue to have students do web based projects, evaluating web sites for authenticity will continue to be my first step in the teaching process. Teaching this skill will not only be conducted in one lesson, rather will go on throughout the year as students use the internet to find information.
A professional development goal I have set for myself is to do a better job showing students how to cite work taken from the Internet correctly. Many of the Power Point presentations I use during instructions include pictures, quotes, and/or graphs taken from specific Internet sites. By modeling to students the correct way to give others credit for their work, I hope that students begin to see the importance with this issue. As many of the presenters discussed in our resources throughout the course, it is our responsibility as the public to protect all users of the Internet (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009). As a professional, I feel that it is also necessary to share this information with colleagues so the Internet may continue to be a safe place to go for both adults and children.
References:
Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom (2009). Safe and Ethical Practices (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009 Release)
This newly gained knowledge has already influenced my instruction as I am working with my students on a web based project. Throughout this particular unit I have had direct instruction time with students on how to evaluate a web site and have also given students individual time to search and evaluate web sites on their own. In the two short weeks I have been guiding my students through the unit, several students have found web sites that the information is not valid. Many of these web site are sites students in the past have used to find information. As I continue to have students do web based projects, evaluating web sites for authenticity will continue to be my first step in the teaching process. Teaching this skill will not only be conducted in one lesson, rather will go on throughout the year as students use the internet to find information.
A professional development goal I have set for myself is to do a better job showing students how to cite work taken from the Internet correctly. Many of the Power Point presentations I use during instructions include pictures, quotes, and/or graphs taken from specific Internet sites. By modeling to students the correct way to give others credit for their work, I hope that students begin to see the importance with this issue. As many of the presenters discussed in our resources throughout the course, it is our responsibility as the public to protect all users of the Internet (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009). As a professional, I feel that it is also necessary to share this information with colleagues so the Internet may continue to be a safe place to go for both adults and children.
References:
Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom (2009). Safe and Ethical Practices (Laureate Educational Inc., 2009 Release)
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