During the final weeks of this course I looked at implementing RCampus in the classroom. The driving force in my choice was the fact that I will be changing schools this fall. RCampus is a technology tool my colleagues and I hope to get approval to implement in our classrooms. With approval and implementation of this particular education management system, I will be able to assisting in leading the school in a possibly new direction.
Do I still have a lot to learn? Of course. Am I ready for the challenge? Absolutely. As I learn more about the system, I hope to share its benefits as well as possible downfalls with others. This course as well as others through Walden has taught me that in order for change to occur, sometimes we have to take an initiative that may change how others perceive education, technology, and the classroom.
The use of Web 2.0 technologies can promote self-learning in our students, provide real world learning experiences, and open doors of communication (Lemke & Coughlin, 2009). At the beginning of this program, I felt I was doing pretty well as far as technology was concerned….but as I went through the courses, I quickly realized that I must continue to research new and emerging technologies. I never really thought about how such things as social networking and digital gaming could be educational and used in the classroom. Now I find myself looking for ways to incorporate these technologies in my classroom.
The biggest obstacles still seem to be administration, community and lack of knowledge. It is up to educators such as the ones I have met through Walden as well as many others from all over the world to change how people perceive technology in the classroom. It is not just installing computers, LCD projectors, SmartBoards and other technologies. It is about putting technological skills into practice, putting technology into the hands of our students, and showing students how technology can help them from an educational standpoint not just from a social and entertainment one.
I do not plan to change all aspects of my classroom at once, but I hope to begin implementing some of the things I have learned and build as I go. Good luck to everyone I have met along this journey and I hope to ‘see you’ again!
Lemke, C., & Coughlin, E. (2009). The change agents. Educational Leadership, 67(1), 54–59.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Are we there yet??
Final Reflection – Reaching and Engaging All Learners
As I think about beginning this course, I remember how stressed I was and the uncertainty of another class. Now that I am in the final week, I find myself amazed at how quickly eight weeks pass and wonder why I was so stressed. As with all of the courses I have taken, I have had the opportunity to work with some great people and have learned things I can use in the classroom.
One area thing that I was reminded of during this course is the importance of being aware of the different learning styles that may be present in the classroom. It is equally important that the students are aware their own learning styles. Tomlinson (2009) states people learn differently and given the chance to express learning in various ways could increase the success of students in the classroom. By varying teaching strategies, teachers have a better chance of reaching most if not all students in the classroom.
Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction were major topics during this course. Universal Design for Learning or UDL is an approach to teaching and learning that focuses on the diversity of student abilities, needs and interests (Rose & Meyer, 2002). Differentiated Instruction or DI is an approach to teaching and learning that gives students multiple options for taking in information and making sense of ideas (Hall, Strangman & Meyer, 2003). Individualizing instruction and assessment may seem like a very difficult task, but through this course I have realized that making this happen may not be impossible. How many of us are already differentiated instruction due to IEPs and 504s? Why can’t this mindset be transferred to all of our students not just the ones with specific plans?
Technology can play a major role in creating a classroom with UDL and DI principles at the center of the action. With the resources that have been shared by classmates, I have many resources to continue this journey of differentiated instruction. The more I delve into the resources that can be found online, the more I believe I will be able to create and maintain a classroom that will help students be the best they can be.
Reaching and engaging all learners – Are we there yet? We may never be there completely, but with the resources and information gained, we are certainly much closer!
Hall, T., Strangman, N., & Meyer, A. (2003). Differentiated instruction and implications for UDL implementation. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/publications/ncac/ncac_diffinstructudl.html
Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/
Tomlinson, C. (2009). Learning profiles and achievement. School Administrator. 66(2), 28–33. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.
As I think about beginning this course, I remember how stressed I was and the uncertainty of another class. Now that I am in the final week, I find myself amazed at how quickly eight weeks pass and wonder why I was so stressed. As with all of the courses I have taken, I have had the opportunity to work with some great people and have learned things I can use in the classroom.
One area thing that I was reminded of during this course is the importance of being aware of the different learning styles that may be present in the classroom. It is equally important that the students are aware their own learning styles. Tomlinson (2009) states people learn differently and given the chance to express learning in various ways could increase the success of students in the classroom. By varying teaching strategies, teachers have a better chance of reaching most if not all students in the classroom.
Universal Design for Learning and Differentiated Instruction were major topics during this course. Universal Design for Learning or UDL is an approach to teaching and learning that focuses on the diversity of student abilities, needs and interests (Rose & Meyer, 2002). Differentiated Instruction or DI is an approach to teaching and learning that gives students multiple options for taking in information and making sense of ideas (Hall, Strangman & Meyer, 2003). Individualizing instruction and assessment may seem like a very difficult task, but through this course I have realized that making this happen may not be impossible. How many of us are already differentiated instruction due to IEPs and 504s? Why can’t this mindset be transferred to all of our students not just the ones with specific plans?
Technology can play a major role in creating a classroom with UDL and DI principles at the center of the action. With the resources that have been shared by classmates, I have many resources to continue this journey of differentiated instruction. The more I delve into the resources that can be found online, the more I believe I will be able to create and maintain a classroom that will help students be the best they can be.
Reaching and engaging all learners – Are we there yet? We may never be there completely, but with the resources and information gained, we are certainly much closer!
Hall, T., Strangman, N., & Meyer, A. (2003). Differentiated instruction and implications for UDL implementation. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/publications/ncac/ncac_diffinstructudl.html
Rose, D., & Meyer, A. (2002). Teaching every student in the digital age: Universal design for learning. Retrieved from http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/
Tomlinson, C. (2009). Learning profiles and achievement. School Administrator. 66(2), 28–33. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
GAME Plan - Final Reflection or is it?
As I think over the past eight weeks, there have been a lot of changes for me. At school we began a new semester and I was moved to a newly renovated building. In my room I now have a Promethean board and am hoping to get 4 computers for the classroom (they may be here by next school year). In this course one of our assignments was to create a GAME plan using NETS-T. I thought reflecting on our GAME plan each week would be somewhat monotonous, but quickly saw the benefit of visiting our plan each week to see how things were progressing.
One of my goals was to create and maintain a webpage. Maintaining the webpage has been somewhat of a challenge. I often forgot to post dates and homework assignments. I have found that most students only check the page when I update grades. Also I have discovered that many of my students who are out regularly do not have internet access to check for assignments and notes. I find myself printing lessons for them anyway. An adjustment I want to make is to find a way to make the page more engaging possibly by posting links and information students would find interesting or need. I believe my webpage will continue to be a work in progress. Maintaining and updating it will take time. If I do this regularly, students who have online access will be more apt to check it for changes and information.
My second goal dealt with facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity. This week I feel I have made some big leaps to making this goal more tangible. I attended a technology conference sponsored by my district. I receive so much information and have incorporated at least one thing I learned each day this week. Each participant received a small wonders camera for the classroom. Some of my students are already planning on making a video to review some of the concepts we have covered in class. (This is something I want to develop into a PBL unit for next semester.) I have even joined a consortium to improve and increase technology awareness in my district.
Having a Promethean Board and more technology in my classroom has given me inspiration to develop digital activities for my students. Like any educator, my goal is to engage students and have them become excited about learning no matter what subject is taught.
The GAME plan provides an effective way to monitor your goals as you prepare for any class. This may be my final reflection for this course, but the GAME plan is something I will use again!
Have a great one! See you next time!!
Leilani
One of my goals was to create and maintain a webpage. Maintaining the webpage has been somewhat of a challenge. I often forgot to post dates and homework assignments. I have found that most students only check the page when I update grades. Also I have discovered that many of my students who are out regularly do not have internet access to check for assignments and notes. I find myself printing lessons for them anyway. An adjustment I want to make is to find a way to make the page more engaging possibly by posting links and information students would find interesting or need. I believe my webpage will continue to be a work in progress. Maintaining and updating it will take time. If I do this regularly, students who have online access will be more apt to check it for changes and information.
My second goal dealt with facilitating and inspiring student learning and creativity. This week I feel I have made some big leaps to making this goal more tangible. I attended a technology conference sponsored by my district. I receive so much information and have incorporated at least one thing I learned each day this week. Each participant received a small wonders camera for the classroom. Some of my students are already planning on making a video to review some of the concepts we have covered in class. (This is something I want to develop into a PBL unit for next semester.) I have even joined a consortium to improve and increase technology awareness in my district.
Having a Promethean Board and more technology in my classroom has given me inspiration to develop digital activities for my students. Like any educator, my goal is to engage students and have them become excited about learning no matter what subject is taught.
The GAME plan provides an effective way to monitor your goals as you prepare for any class. This may be my final reflection for this course, but the GAME plan is something I will use again!
Have a great one! See you next time!!
Leilani
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
GAME plan and my students ….
When thinking of how the GAME plan can help my students, the possibilities are endless. Just today, we met with our homeroom classes. I have a 9th grade homeroom; today we gave them their transcripts. Our discussion centered on how grades even in the 9th grade will affect their GPAs when applying for college. I mentioned having a GAME plan. Setting goals even now and monitoring those goals over the course of their ‘high school’ career. Of course, some thought I was nuts but others actually commented about the goals they have already set. We talked about the competition to get into college and to find jobs.
The discussion got me to thinking about a way to create a lesson centered on a GAME plan students create for themselves. I would like for them to research career and college choices based on the GAME plan for their future. For college choices they could research costs and course requirements (including technology skills). For career choices they could research college requirements and technology skills needed.
Many of my students feel they are technologically advanced, because they have been raised in a time where cell phones, video games and internet are the norm. However when they are introduced to new ideas such as wikis, voicethreads and other educational technology tools, you can see that these are things they are less familiar with. Many have no idea what NET-S are. Using the standards developed by the ISTE can help students when they are entering college and/or the workforce. Incorporating a GAME plan for students to use as they complete assignments using technology would increase their proficiency of the NET-S. The more proficient a student is in terms of technology, the more competitive they can be when entering the ‘real-world’.
The discussion got me to thinking about a way to create a lesson centered on a GAME plan students create for themselves. I would like for them to research career and college choices based on the GAME plan for their future. For college choices they could research costs and course requirements (including technology skills). For career choices they could research college requirements and technology skills needed.
Many of my students feel they are technologically advanced, because they have been raised in a time where cell phones, video games and internet are the norm. However when they are introduced to new ideas such as wikis, voicethreads and other educational technology tools, you can see that these are things they are less familiar with. Many have no idea what NET-S are. Using the standards developed by the ISTE can help students when they are entering college and/or the workforce. Incorporating a GAME plan for students to use as they complete assignments using technology would increase their proficiency of the NET-S. The more proficient a student is in terms of technology, the more competitive they can be when entering the ‘real-world’.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
GAME Plan – The Saga Continues…..
Reflecting on how this week has gone as far as my GAME plan is concerned….I was able to find a little time to look at a site called The Futures Channel. I have signed up for their weekly videos and letters. I am hoping through this site I can find videos to share with my students, but once again time became an issue and I did not find something to use for our current unit. On the other hand, a fellow math teacher did send a video she had found on Safari Montage on Systems of Equations. I did try showing it to my students and found many were not engaged and did not find the video useful. But they say ‘persistence pays off’, so I will keep trying.
As far as real-world applications, I did use an activity about air traffic controllers and the paths of planes this week. The students did find the activity interesting. Once again this activity was suggested by a fellow teacher.
I have found that my colleagues are an invaluable resource to my GAME plan. They usually have good suggestions and activities to share. Another area that my colleagues have been helpful in is helping with the creation of flipcharts and Power Point presentations. We often work on them together and come up with some decent ideas. The jury is still out as far as projects go….Although I assign projects, I am going to have to put some front time into some that I already have to make them use the students’ technology skills to their fullest potential.
One thing I am excited about is that on February 19th I am going to a technology conference in our district. I was able to sign up for sessions that may help me with the Promethean Board as well as other digital activities. I don’t normally get excited about conferences, but this one seems timely and addresses some of the things we have discussed in our courses!
As far as real-world applications, I did use an activity about air traffic controllers and the paths of planes this week. The students did find the activity interesting. Once again this activity was suggested by a fellow teacher.
I have found that my colleagues are an invaluable resource to my GAME plan. They usually have good suggestions and activities to share. Another area that my colleagues have been helpful in is helping with the creation of flipcharts and Power Point presentations. We often work on them together and come up with some decent ideas. The jury is still out as far as projects go….Although I assign projects, I am going to have to put some front time into some that I already have to make them use the students’ technology skills to their fullest potential.
One thing I am excited about is that on February 19th I am going to a technology conference in our district. I was able to sign up for sessions that may help me with the Promethean Board as well as other digital activities. I don’t normally get excited about conferences, but this one seems timely and addresses some of the things we have discussed in our courses!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
My GAME Plan Continued.....
I find myself using the ‘monitor and adjust’ method as I go along with my GAME plan….
My website is the first item of business…. Setting up the site was the easy part – using an online site was very beneficial and user friendly. However, keeping it updated has been difficult, I need more hours added to the day to keep everything going the way I would like. I surveyed my classes and have found that the only class that has checked the website is my Applications of Algebra class. With this information I am trying to focus on adding notes and assignments to that class. I believe my other students are not using the site because of the lack of access to internet when they leave school. I do plan to update grades for all classes regularly and allow students to use my computer when they want to check their grades.
The second item is real world videos. I have found myself concentrating on learning the best way to use my new Promethean board and find activities that will work well for my classes. I have also been given the use on an ActivSlate to use with my board (more technology to get accustomed to). When I come across relative videos I plan to use them, but have found that my time is better spent on finding, creating and/or planning lessons to use with the board. Once again, video hunting is pushed to the back burner.
My colleagues have been a big help with Promethean Board questions and activities. One of my colleagues and I have been working closely together to create and find activities to use with our students. Having someone to share the load has been great!
Adjusting my GAME plan seems inevitable…..But I don’t feel like I have lost the ‘game’. I will continue to tweak my webpage to better serve my students and experiment with the Promethean Board to engage my students.
My website is the first item of business…. Setting up the site was the easy part – using an online site was very beneficial and user friendly. However, keeping it updated has been difficult, I need more hours added to the day to keep everything going the way I would like. I surveyed my classes and have found that the only class that has checked the website is my Applications of Algebra class. With this information I am trying to focus on adding notes and assignments to that class. I believe my other students are not using the site because of the lack of access to internet when they leave school. I do plan to update grades for all classes regularly and allow students to use my computer when they want to check their grades.
The second item is real world videos. I have found myself concentrating on learning the best way to use my new Promethean board and find activities that will work well for my classes. I have also been given the use on an ActivSlate to use with my board (more technology to get accustomed to). When I come across relative videos I plan to use them, but have found that my time is better spent on finding, creating and/or planning lessons to use with the board. Once again, video hunting is pushed to the back burner.
My colleagues have been a big help with Promethean Board questions and activities. One of my colleagues and I have been working closely together to create and find activities to use with our students. Having someone to share the load has been great!
Adjusting my GAME plan seems inevitable…..But I don’t feel like I have lost the ‘game’. I will continue to tweak my webpage to better serve my students and experiment with the Promethean Board to engage my students.
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