In order to achieve any goal it is important to monitor whether you are
sufficiently making any progress and reflect if the strategies that are chosen
are working (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). I will reflect on my progress
by reviewing my resources, any modifications that are being made, what has been
learned and if any new questions have arisen.
Goal 1
Standard 1C – 1. Use
knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to
facilitate experiences that advance student learning. C. Promote student
reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual
understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes (International
Society for Technology in Education, 2008).
Information and Resources
As I gather my resources, I find that there is a flood of
resources out there. Maybe too
much. I am also learning that many of
the resources can be used for different lessons which allow me to reuse digital
tools in my lessons so that students can be more proficient in learning how to
use them.
Modifying the Action Plan
When I started, I wanted students to demonstrate knowledge using
a wide variety of digital tools. In my
mind I was thinking I needed a different tool for each project that I present.
I am now thinking I will start off with a few different tools, extend their proficiency
using those tools, and then allow them to pick their favorite digital format at
the end of the year.
What I learned
Having many different digital tools is not necessarily a
good thing when the students have not used them before. It was difficult to have them learn how to
use Google Slides and not come back to it because we are using a word processing
program and concept mapping software. It seems like there are too many toys and
not enough time.
New Questions
I have to make a decision whether to give them exposure to
many resources or try to raise their proficiency in just a few. I am still figuring out what resources and
tools are the most effective for the students to demonstrate their learned
knowledge.
Goal 2
Standard 5C – 5. Teachers
are expected to continuously improve their professional practice, model
lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their schools by promoting and
demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources. C. Evaluate and reflect on current research
and professional practice on a regular basis in support of student learning
(ISTE, 2008).
Information and Resources
In my attempts in growing as a professional, I have recently
sent in an application into the district to attend an Ed Tech conference. I am still awaiting the results of that. I also got my grade level to participate in a
global effort to expose our students to computer science by introducing our students
to programming for one hour. The event
is called The Hour of Code and it takes
place the week of December 8-14th.
Modifying the Action Plan
Since educational technology is always changing and being
modified, this is going to be a non-stop venture until I do not find myself
involved in the industry any longer. There are no short term goals other than a
case by case basis, but I will always strive to learn and keep up with current conventions
of educational technology when it comes to professional practice.
What I learned
I have attended a few meeting and corresponded to the
technology department a few times since the beginning of this action plan. I
learned that not everything that is presented is a prize piece of information,
but there is always that chance in finding a golden nugget. Not all the technology coordinators attend
every meeting, but when I correspond with some of those who do not show up, they
always seem feel they missed out on something. These meetings are also opportunities to share
out any ideas or resources we may have. With these meetings, conferences and workshops,
there is something for everyone, but if you do not go, you will never find out
if you missed out on something really valuable.
New Questions
I am still making decisions on what I bring back to share with
my class, my colleagues, my principal, or my filing cabinet. These are ongoing questions that change with
every meeting I attend. I do bring
questions to the meeting, but that’s like going to a flea market and looking
for something in particular when people just go to see what is there and
picking up something that just stood out to them.
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.
International
Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for
teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from
http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx
Hi Steven,
ReplyDeleteI think you make a great point about using the same tools more than once in order for students to become proficient in them. When introducing a new tool, it takes a lot of effort on the teacher’s part to ensure that they are proficient enough with it and at a level where they are comfortable to teach it. They then need to determine the best way to introduce the tool to their students and dedicate some time to showing the students the necessary components of the program or tool. Finally, the first time a tool is used, it often takes longer to complete a task, as there is not a comfort level associated with what they are doing. Utilizing a tool again will eliminate time both on the prep side for the teacher as well a time spent on the actual assignment in class. A very common theme that I hear from teachers is that they are reluctant to use technology due to the time it takes to set up, introduce, and utilize. Many of the teachers in my school are a bit more willing when I volunteer to assist in their classes the first time a new technology tool is introduced, but they are often trying to use new things all the time. I try to explain to them that it is ok, and still innovative, in fact, to use the same tool over again. There are often different aspects you can utilize, or the purpose might be slightly different. The push to integrate technology does not have to mean learning something new for both teacher and student, but rather utilizing a tool that accomplishes the goal we are trying to reach. I think that your note to modify this part of your plan is an extremely smart one.
Jessica
Hey Steve,
ReplyDeleteLooks like you are asking all the right questions with how you want your students to learn the technology for the use of education. I think you can keep this technology going in your classroom all year long with google slides. I think you can use it for presentations with your class, instead of showing the on the board you can have them open the slides on their individual computers. Try focusing on just one or two technologies that you think are the best to learn no matter what subject or profession you work in. I think word processor and google slides is a great jumping off point.
-David Yam