For this aspect of my GAME plan, I focused primarily on my first goal of “design[ing] or adapt[ing] relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity” (ISTE, 2008). Specifically, I want to establish a clear guide for how I will find at least 1 interactive website or webtool that I can use in my classroom every week for the next 5 weeks.
There are several resources which I feel would be valuable in carrying out this game plan. First, my personal research of books, teacher resource magazines, and internet resources will yield some avenues for finding appropriate interactive tools. However, I feel a key resource in this goal will by my colleagues. As I network with fellow teachers, I feel that I will gain a plethora of new knowledge, as well as firsthand experience. Therefore, to ignite this process, I have contacted several teachers in my school district asking them to suggestions and advice on any interactive tools that might be meaningful to my new third-grade curriculum. Additionally, as I am beginning to design my yearlong plan, I am beginning to see areas which will likely be conducive to interactive webtools.
My second goal, “collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success” (ISTE, 2008) is much less in fruition because many aspects of it rely heavily on activities to complete during the regular school year. However, I have signed up to take a web-design class to bolster my skills and comfort with maintaining a class website. I believe that the more comfortable I feel with the process, the more likely I will be to maintain an effective and meaningful class website.
It is great that you have found something that you can do towards your goals at a time when most of your obvious choices are not possible. It is difficult for me to sometimes think beyond the most direct path, so congratulations and keep it up.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate that your goal(s) are both short term & long term. While your first goal focuses on a definite time period, your second goal encompasses the entire year. I know the second goal is a bit more ambitious, but I am sure that you will get there--you've outlined some great ideas already!
One idea that I was reminded of as you detailed your third grade classroom was using concept mapping software to help teach stories/books. There is a pretty neat lesson plan in our text on pgs 202-203 that is geared towards elementary school students. Although I teach high school English, I still teach basic parts of a storyline: plot, character, setting, theme...I think this simple technology could work at any level.
Keep up the good work!
Kayla
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your planning stages. I can see your thought process you have went through to make sure that you can incorporate the needs of your students. I really like the idea of searching for an online place to help everyone involved come together and collaborate to best help the lesson. I can see using a program like we do through our college or even software like ANGEL or digital blogging. What type of software have you found successful?
Andrew Hickman
Thank you all for the wonderful suggestions. Certainly, in this planning phase, it is difficult to decide where to even begin. However, I think as this process progresses, my ideas will be more focused and effective.
ReplyDeleteThank you for such great ideas- I love the idea of concept mapping- what a great way to infuse technology in the classroom in a meaningful way.
-Katie