As a means of ensuring that teachers are implementing effective, meaningful utilization of technology, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) developed the National Education Standards for Teacher (NETS-T). In it, it describes ways in which teachers can examine their comfort and proficiency in each of the five standards. Upon examining these standards, I found two which I felt could be benefited through additional examination, research, and implementation. The second standard, “Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments,” and the third standard “Model Digital-Age Work and Learning,” are the two areas which I want to foster growth and gain greater understanding in.
My first goal is to become proficient in “design[ing] or adapt[ing] relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity” (ISTE, 2008). Although I feel that I have utilized technology consistently as a sixth grade teacher, I am concerned that in my transition to third grade I will not be able to seamlessly continue this level of technology integration. To work towards achieving this goal, I plan on locating pre-existing, grade-level appropriate websites to utilize in conjunction with the curriculum. Additionally, I want to begin to develop presentations to use through my interactive whiteboard. Our school has E-beams which are similar to SmartBoards, I would like to investigate what software is available to support my classroom. To monitor this process, I need to create a more specific responsibilities to ensure that I am fully completing this goal. Therefore, I will find at least 1 interactive website or webtool that I can use in my classroom every week for the next 5 weeks. Then, by the time that the school year begins, I am ready to implement this new sites and skills. In order to evaluate their effectiveness, I will use them in my classroom then I will take field notes to analyze (qualitatively) how effective I felt that they were and the sort of student feedback I received.
Similarly, for my second goal, “collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success” (ISTE, 2008). This upcoming school year, I would like to work on maintaining my school website and adding a blog component as a means of further communicating with my students families and community. By establishing my classroom website as a vital portal of information and connectedness to my classroom, I feel that I can better open the lines of communication between myself and the families. Additionally, by establishing a blogging component to this website, I feel that I can add a more personal touch to the website. Ideally, in the beginning of the school year, I will use be blogging weekly on the website, but would like to transition that opportunity to my students so that they can offer their personal blog about what is happening at school. Similarly to my other goal, I will monitor my accountability by confirming that I have updated my website weekly which I will self-monitor for the first eight weeks of school. To evaluate the effectiveness of this goal, I will take anecdotal evidence as well as surveying the families regarding the effectiveness and usefulness of this maintained website.
I feel that through effectively working with these goal, I will become a more effective teacher through utilizing technology. Additionally, by establishing weekly self-check-in, I will ensure that technology integration remains at the forefront of my focus.
Resources:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009) Technology integration for meaningful
classroom use: A standards based approach. Cengage Learning, United States.
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
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI would agree that locating pre-existing, grade-level appropriate websites to utilize in conjunction with your content area curriculum is meaningful way to use digital tools in your classroom. Implementing the use of technology tools motivates and engages students in learning content (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). However, I think one way to engage your students further, and to create an atmosphere for self-directed learning would be to have your students locate websites that correlate with your content, and then post those sites to your class websites or wiki (McCosky, 2011). This strategy was introduced to me by one of our colleagues, Missy McCoskey during our group discussion this week. She stated that she had all of her students locate the best websites that taught fractions and posted them to her class wiki. She then had them search for the best math games that helped students review fractions and had them post on a different wiki. She then had them post in another wiki for to solve fraction in their own words. Her students responded well to the assignment and I am excited to implement this idea on my classroom.By having your students search for their own teaching websites, I believe it will promote a deeper understanding of the content in your students because they have to search, locate, read, evaluate, and share their findings. Locating and evaluating websites is a 21-st century skill all students must develop to be success in and out of school (Jukes & McDonald, 2007). I would even let your students present or explain the sites they found using your E-beam. I believe it is important for students to teach and learn from each other.
Good luck with developing your teacher website! I am also working to improve my website for the new school year, and hope it will increase my communication with parents and students using the Internet. Thanks for the ideas!
Whitney Barber
Jukes, I & McDonald, B. (2007). 21st Century fluency skills: Attributes of a 21st century learner. Retrieved from http://tkcstemp.pbworks.com/f/Attributes+of+a+21st+Century+Learner.pdf
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Promoting creative thinking with technology [Webcast]. Technology across the content areas.
Baltimore, MD: Cennamo.
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI really like your ideas for working on your website--mine is definitely a sad state of affairs...
I also have to commend you for working with younger students as they learn more about technology and the internet. In a previous course, we discussed how fluid and seamlessly students can adapt to changes in technology as long as they are taught early and given opportunities to practice. Also, your ideas reminded me of the proverb from our course text, "Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand" (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, pg. 31). Imagine if ALL students were given the chance to interact with technology--even as simple as a Smartboard--the possibilities are endless! Your authentic instruction, and modeling through your website, are great lessons for your students and a great way to demonstrate your qualifications as a 21st century teacher to your colleagues and parents.
Great ideas!
Kayla
Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use. Cengage Learning: Mason, OH.