The two NET indicators I chose were II-A: Identify and locate technology resources and evaluate them for accuracy and suitability and V-D: Use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community to nurture students learning. My goals are to learn how to better evaluate technology for use in the classroom setting and to find a way to use technology to communicate outside my classroom.
The first action I have already started is to work towards earning my masters degree in Integrating Technology in the Classroom. I have learned about blogs, RSS feeds, podcasts, voice threads, and the level of engagement that can be reached through implementing technology in the classroom. I also plan to attend a summer seminar on the Excitement for 21st Learners. The seminar is to introduce free technology resources available for all teachers to use in their classrooms. I am hoping to learn about programs that can be used to enhance the curriculum to increase student engagement and interest (Laureate, 2009).
I will be able to evaluate the resources presented for appropriateness in my classroom by asking 3 questions; what content information do my students need, what instructional strategy will I use, and what resources do my students need? (Cennamon, Ross, Ertmer, 2009). My district has a strict privacy policy that does not allow access to blog sites from school computers. Therefore, I will have to appeal to my district or access my communication site from home. I will monitor my progress by my success rate with implementing both programs to enhance my students understanding of the curriculum and my ability for my students and I to communicate with an audience outside the boundaries of the classroom.
Each year teachers in my school are asked to develop and evaluate their PGIP, (professional growth implementation plan). My plan for this year is to research and implement technology to both enhance the curriculum and to globalize student work. I will extend my learning by continuing to search for and attend seminars based on implement technology and problem based learning. I also plan to research articles that will introduce me to new methods and software available. Technology is forever changing and therefore, staying abreast of current trends takes constant effort.
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.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program four. Enriching content area learning experiences with technology part I. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/
2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
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Courtney,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like your goals and implementation of your game plan is going to be very successful. Do you think your school district will be a huge road block in order to access blogs from school? It might be inconvient, but it sounds like plan B is to use your computer at home. I am sure it will work out great. I love that your school has teachers do a pgip. I think that is excellent.
Katherine
Katherine,
ReplyDeleteI believe I can work within my school districts parameters, however, it will take numerous e-mails. It seems requests are always passed along to the next level. I am hoping if I start now I can get it up and running for next school year. Thanks for your feedback!
Courtney
Courtney,
ReplyDeleteHave you looked into setting up a web based Virtual Classroom? I have read about some that are being used by teachers who have to work around their districts restrictions. Some of them allow for students and teachers to communicate thru chat, IM, as well as structured email. Teachers post assignments, rubrics and grades on these Virtual Classrooms. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but for us to be able to interact better, digitally, with our classes it is an effective option.
My district blocks blogs and other great tools as well. I think you have a great idea for working around it. I wonder if you present your idea to someone in the technology department they may make an exception. It is so tough sometimes, trying to stay up to date but our schools not being able to access great resources. Good luck!
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