The purpose of the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is to inform students, teachers, and parents about the integral part technology plays in facilitating an active learning environment. With an increased number of students reporting bouts of boredom ranging anywhere from 50 and 70 percent of the school day, the time has come to take a more introspective examination at teaching practices in the classroom. My GAME plan to incorporate technology as part of an active learning atmosphere focuses on developing the components of creative thinking and authentic assessment.
My first goal is to ‘facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity” (the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), 1997-2010). I plan to utilize digital storytelling as a technique. I will begin by familiarizing myself with the basic functions of iMovie by importing and editing a movie of my students enacting a story from our literature curriculum. According to Dr. Peggy Ertmer, the key components to enhance standard based learning is through knowledge of program capabilities, confidence to implement, positive beliefs, and locating supportive resources (Laureate, 2009) .To monitor my progress during this multimedia project, I will create a rubric using Partnership for 21st Century skills to guide my work . The evaluation phase of this project will be to two-fold. This video will not only be evaluated by myself, but also by another professional in my cohort. This will ensure I have demonstrated competent knowledge of the program.
Additionally, I plan to “design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments” (1997-2010) by utilizing King-Sears and Evmenova’s Checkerboard of Choices for Integrating Low, Medium, and High Technology Into Instruction (King-Sears & Evmenova, 2007). Exploring these multiple avenues in which students can demonstrate their knowledge will allow me an authentic opportunity to assess student mastery. “When you know what your choices are, you are better able to determine whether technology is already available or whether you need to request specific technology” (2007). I will use the Checklist for Integrating Technology Into Instruction(2007) by King-Sears and Evmenova to progress monitor my ability to organize and implement these various mediums. Additionally, I will evaluate my ability to encapsulate these digital projects into various lessons by tracking the impact of student learning. This will allow me to develop my skills in the navigation of these technologies in a progressive and methodical manner (Laureate, 2009).
Technology is a tool to be used in the classroom for the betterment of student comprehension, mastery, and development. It is no longer as simple as making computers accessible to students. Instead, students must go beyond basic keyboarding and learn the importance and responsibility of the keystrokes that bring the outside world to their fingertips.
References
King-Sears, M., & Evmenova, A. (2007). Premises, Principles, and Processes for Integrating TECHnology Into Instruction. Teaching Exceptional Children, 40(1), 6-14. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program 2. Promoting Creative Thinking with Technology. [Educational video]. 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
Prensky, M. (2008). Turning On the Lights. Educational Leadership, 65(6), 40-45. Retrieved from Education Research Complete database.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
14 comments:
Julie,
I enjoyed reading your GAME plan. Dr. Ertmer commented on supportive culture, which you cited as the tools that you are going to use. Do you think that collegues might count as supportive culture also? And if so, do you think you have this backing in your school?
Robyn
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.
Julie,
I like that you are planning to differentiate between low, medium and high technology integration. I feel sometimes like we are so concerned with integrating it that it loses its power when it is not effective for all students involved. I think the checklist will help. Can you tell me a little bit more about that?
Joel
Robyn,
I wholeheartedly agree that colleagues count both school or district as well as online cohorts. Recently, my district purchased 30 month long thematic kits for the teachers in my grade level. They encompass all content areas around the theme. My teammates and I have spend the past several weeks putting together "GAME" plans. Unfortunately, technology was not included in the resources. I have busy researching and putting together a social bookmark page for my colleagues and I refer to. This gives us a chance to match a theme to our students' interest and take the time to implement the inquiry process.
Julie
Joel,
This checklist serves as a reminder for me to be aware that when activities are planned I do not get ahead of my students abilities. The first consideration is standards and does the assignment address them. Secondly, is the technology developmentally appropriate. As a pre-K teacher, I run into this issue frequently. Lastly, is the method of choice the least costly to get desired results. Lots of times it is really cool to use the newest gadgets but more expensive does not always mean better. Teachers in my school pushed for every classroom to have an ELMO. I am so glad the administration said no. I rarely even use my traditional overhead projector, so it would have been a waste. What is piece of technology you dream of having for classroom instruction?
Julie
Julie,
It is great that you can use a GAME plan with your colleagues with the new kits. Way to put our learning into action!
Robyn
Julie,
You chose two focus areas that will directly and positively impact your teaching practices and your students. I really like how you are planning on evaluating how effectively you can create an imovie. I think that many teachers are intimidated about new technology and give little thought to actually taking the time to learn the ins and outs of a new technology tool. In a sense it is almost more powerful because then you get a better picture of the steps that are needed to teach our students how to use such technology. Best of luck!
Erika
Julie,
I like your idea to use digital storytelling. It is such a neat concept and can be used in almost any classroom.
One idea that I have used in my classroom is to have students create a digital story on a battle in World War II. In my curriculum that just simply not enough time to go in depth to every battle, but allowing my students to create a story on a battle has worked out really well. Students can use a variety of programs to create their digital story depending on their technology level: Microsoft PhotoStory, Windows MovieMaker, or even Adobe Premier for those that are really advanced. I have had great success here.
Another idea I've learned about but never really tried I learned in a class in my first master's program. A teacher would choose any children's book that portrays th information that you want students to learn. It doesn't matter what grade they are in; there are always books that portray information. You can have students create a book off of your book, act it out, or in my high school age case, allow students to expand on the children's novel. I found a great website for my 12th grade economics classroom that provides children's novels based on economic concept that I am going to try to complete this year: G:\Classroom\Economics\Links\Economics\Rutgers University Economics and Children - EconKids Home.mht.
Good luck completing your goals!
Julie,
Your thoughts are interesting. My wife uses an elmo in her classroom all the time. I think sometimes technology comes down to preference which is the case in any teaching area. What does the teacher feel comfortable with? What is effective for his or her classroom?
Joel
Julie,
your goals for your GAME plan are admirable and attainable. I wish you nothing but the best in creating a better learning environment for students. I know one struggle I have is against some of my administration - the technology director. He is under the impression that technology will lead students astray and detracts from their experience. Do you encounter any resistance in this form as all of us push for a more enriched educational experience?
Robyn,
When asked about the technology component, the representative for this company actually said with a straight face that it was not something the company thought appropriate for the early childhood classroom. I would like to introduce him to Marc Prensky and then hear his response to the question.
Julie
Jordan,
I was just replying to Robyn about they very same thing. My best advice would be to back everything you do with research. When the higher-ups get wise to the 21st century, snatch up his job.
Julie
Casey,
As a pre-k teacher, my classroom library is chalked full of books I use to teach with. I love scouring used bookstores for those out of print oldies but goodies. Don't forget Dr. Suess. He has a lot of higher education themes in his books. The Lorax comes to mind for a great example of economics.
Julie
Erika,
Coming from an early childhood background where learning through play is how we do it, I understand the importance of engagement. The thing all teachers need to know is that is how all kids learn. I really get frustrated when my nine year old comes home with worksheet after worksheet.
Julie
Joel,
What grade does your wife teach? I would of love to have it when I taught older students. Now, my four year old students would use it to make shadow puppets.
Julie
Post a Comment