In order to begin to carry out my first goal of my GAME plan, I knew I could use the help of our technology specialist at the school. I sat down with her to discuss the different technologies we have at the school and we talked about ways to use them in my current unit on a novel that we are reading, Across Five Aprils. She discussed ways for my students to use a web tool called "Toondoo" to create comic scenes representing main events in the story. She also showed me how my students could create concept maps for each of the characters to help them remember the different traits of each as we read since there are several throughout the book. Another avenue I would like to seek out is the help of my other English colleagues to talk about ways we can enhance our units to incorporate other classes so that we open up a wide range of collaboration between the grades.
I may need to wait to carry out the second goal of my GAME plan until the next school year begins considering we only have 9 class days left in this year. I have started to research different conference offerings for next year around my area and have also talked to our technology specialist about having her join me as well. I find it is always best to have someone else go with you to a conference because you can come away with different insights and ideas to share with the rest of our school. I have made a tentative plan with her to meet several times next year so that she can help me work on incorporating technology into my units throughout the year as well as ways we can share our learning with the rest of the school so that we hopefully start a trend with technology integration within our school.
Our population of students all have special needs and I think would really benefit from digital tools being incorporated into their classrooms so that all learning styles are being met. I think we may see many of their "disabilities" become their "abilities".
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.
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ReplyDeleteI wanted to share a site I have used which is called Kidspiration (www.inspiration.com/kidspiration). It does mind-maps, webbing, and other tasks used for students to organize their thoughts as they read or discuss a concept. I find these to be extremely helpful in the classroom, as Cennamo (et al., 2009) mention that computer applications and tasks can take classroom rigor to new highs, which would result from student’s creating their own webs and thought-organization structures as a guide to their reading and learning. As mentioned in last week’s video, computer resources also help to expand the walls and borders of the classroom, allowing students to continue adding to their maps or webs from their own computers or devices at home after the school day is over (Laureate Education, 2010). Dr. Cennamo (et al., 2009) also brings to light the idea that technology helps to inspire our students to become better creative thinkers and self-directed learners, which can be applied and directed through the skills you are learning as you continue to add one new technology resource each trimester! That is a great goal, and an easily measureable and traceable, too. A journal or your typed up lesson plans could verify that you have implemented a new technology tool each trimester, to help in the monitoring your progress through the development and utilization of your G.A.M.E. Plan, as created and laid out for us from Dr. Cennamo (et al., 2009). I also like that you are giving the students the opportunity to learn and try their new skill sets out, promoting their self-discovery and helping to sharpen their skills for the future uses in real-life scenarios.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I had decided earlier this week to go ahead and utilize a secure Twitter feed that access had to be approved to follow from a certain e-mail address that only my students’ parents receive from the school district so that they are able to check on their students’ grades and progress at any given time. However, after checking out this Schoology idea, I was instantly pleased and excited to sign-up for a new tool to implement and use, too. I like that the forum is open, friendly and inviting for discussions between parents, teachers, and students while also breaking down the walls of the classroom, which was mentioned by Cennamo (et al., 2009). I would invite you to consider asking your peers to see if any of them have set up a classroom website or knows if your school district will provide you with a host or domain for you to establish a classroom website. I have one, and my students are now helping to keep the site up-to-date with posts, updates, and establishing a “student news center” that they write up and post on their own.
Kori,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a great plan in place to sharpen your skills with technology based instruction. I am also searching for professional development opportunities through my district that deal with the implementing technology in the classroom.
As a middle school language arts teacher, I thought the web tool Toondoo sounded like an engaging way to teach students sequence, plot and main idea. Is it free? I will have to explore this option when I start teaching novels again in the fall. Thanks!
Zac
Zac-
DeleteIt is free and all of my students love it! All they need is an email account and they are good to go. I made a classroom account where my students could save all of their work and I could go in and view it that way. There are some issues at times when all students log on at once. It tends to lag quite a bit, but the program itself is great! Have fun exploring!
Kori