Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Reflection
As this course is coming to an end, I feel relief that I will have one weekend to relax, but also extremely satisfied with the amount of knowledge I have gained. When I wrote my original GAME plan my focus goals were Standard 1, to Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity, and Standard 3Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. As I progressed through the course, I learned a lot of way to engage learners through digital story telling. I felt that was the most beneficial week for me and meeting my goals. I learned about projects that incorporate Math and other content areas using technology. I feel I have a larger range of projects to pull from now. I am already in the works of redeveloping a Social Studies project from paper to a digital story.
To use the GAME plan process with my students, I don't believe it needs to be modified. They are old enough to understand and put forth each step of the process. I can see using this for long term projects and assignments. It is a good habit for them to get into when planning and learning how to stay organized.
Like I stated above, I am already making changes to my projects to incorporate technology, specifically, digital stories. I already use social networking for literature circles, but I came up with ways to use a wiki to just hold conversations with students outside of the classroom. For example, posting a wondering question and having them respond to it. I think this type of homework will be more interesting for them.
Sarah
To use the GAME plan process with my students, I don't believe it needs to be modified. They are old enough to understand and put forth each step of the process. I can see using this for long term projects and assignments. It is a good habit for them to get into when planning and learning how to stay organized.
Like I stated above, I am already making changes to my projects to incorporate technology, specifically, digital stories. I already use social networking for literature circles, but I came up with ways to use a wiki to just hold conversations with students outside of the classroom. For example, posting a wondering question and having them respond to it. I think this type of homework will be more interesting for them.
Sarah
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Thank you
Colleen,
I’m sorry you don’t have pacing guides. That must make it difficult to plan. We do have the responders in the building. I will need to sign them out when I want to use them.
Cris,
Thank you for your encouraging words and support! Unfortunately, I do not have a document projector, which I am sad about. I did at my old school and absolutely loved it! I’m not sure if we have Compass Learning, but will look into it as well as the other resources you listed. Thank you so much for all your ideas!
Amanda,
Thank you for your encouraging words and support!
Kristen and Kimberly,
Thank you for your support! If I can’t meet with the tech teacher this week I will definitely take it upon myself to try to learn how to use them.
Sarah
I’m sorry you don’t have pacing guides. That must make it difficult to plan. We do have the responders in the building. I will need to sign them out when I want to use them.
Cris,
Thank you for your encouraging words and support! Unfortunately, I do not have a document projector, which I am sad about. I did at my old school and absolutely loved it! I’m not sure if we have Compass Learning, but will look into it as well as the other resources you listed. Thank you so much for all your ideas!
Amanda,
Thank you for your encouraging words and support!
Kristen and Kimberly,
Thank you for your support! If I can’t meet with the tech teacher this week I will definitely take it upon myself to try to learn how to use them.
Sarah
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Continuing my Game Plan
Are you finding the information and resources you need?
In researching for my Game Plan I am finding valuable information on how to engage my students in Math class. The county pacing guide has been a huge help because I am able to see what concepts my students at an advanced level should be learning in each unit. I am actually finding a lot of resources from my classmates on their blogs. I have already started looking into Google Sketch up and have a student already in mind that would LOVE this program.
•Do you need to modify your action plan?
I feel like I am running into a problem with my time frame for my game plan. I would like to speak with our school based technology teacher to learn more about the hand held responder system to implement in my class. However, she has been extremely busy and overwhelmed (along with the rest of the staff) and finding time to meet with her may be a problem. I was also hoping to have her show me some useful programs that would enhance my teaching. I may need to modify this resource and try to find the information elsewhere.
I also need to make checklists for myself so I can stand on track and be sure I am completing my task for the week.
•What have you learned so far?
So far I have become more acquainted with the standards that I am teaching. I am also learning about new technology programs from that my classmates are sharing on their posts. In addition, I am learning the needs of my 50 math students. I am also learning their personal likes and dislikes which will help me determine what types of projects to create.
•What new questions have arisen?
What other resources can I use to learn about the hand held responders if my technology teacher is not available to teach me?
How often should I use the responders?
How can I assess students working on individual projects?
If anyone has any ideas or unique math programs to share, I am hope to ideas! Thanks :)
Sarah
In researching for my Game Plan I am finding valuable information on how to engage my students in Math class. The county pacing guide has been a huge help because I am able to see what concepts my students at an advanced level should be learning in each unit. I am actually finding a lot of resources from my classmates on their blogs. I have already started looking into Google Sketch up and have a student already in mind that would LOVE this program.
•Do you need to modify your action plan?
I feel like I am running into a problem with my time frame for my game plan. I would like to speak with our school based technology teacher to learn more about the hand held responder system to implement in my class. However, she has been extremely busy and overwhelmed (along with the rest of the staff) and finding time to meet with her may be a problem. I was also hoping to have her show me some useful programs that would enhance my teaching. I may need to modify this resource and try to find the information elsewhere.
I also need to make checklists for myself so I can stand on track and be sure I am completing my task for the week.
•What have you learned so far?
So far I have become more acquainted with the standards that I am teaching. I am also learning about new technology programs from that my classmates are sharing on their posts. In addition, I am learning the needs of my 50 math students. I am also learning their personal likes and dislikes which will help me determine what types of projects to create.
•What new questions have arisen?
What other resources can I use to learn about the hand held responders if my technology teacher is not available to teach me?
How often should I use the responders?
How can I assess students working on individual projects?
If anyone has any ideas or unique math programs to share, I am hope to ideas! Thanks :)
Sarah
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Thank you
Thank you everyone for posting on my blog. It is comforting to know that many of you share the same concerns as I do. Or have been there and know it will get easier. All your suggestions are great and I will definitely use them. I feel like I have a strong support system in this class and I am very grateful for that!
Sarah
Sarah
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Carrying out my GAME Plan
In reviewing the goals of my GAME plan, I realize I need to do a lot of exploring myself before I can begin to implement anything in my classroom. To meet my goals, I need to explore the database of information through my school district. The math department and advanced academic department post various lessons and ideas for teachers to use. I will also consult the members of the sixth grade (one grade level higher) math team. They may have ideas I can use that could use for my advanced students. Another resource I need to ultilize is our districts new pacing guides. The new pacing guides include the next grade level standards. If a child is showing mastery of their current grade level, I can see what the next grade level standard is.
So far, I have been able to get to know my students and their abilities. We have finished their beginning of the year preassessments and I am beginning to recognize which students may need to have more of a challenge. I have also begun to set up procedures and routines during class. I believe this is important because if students are working on different activities, they need to understand and follow the basic ground rules. They also need to be comfortable with students working in different areas of the room or on different things. I have tried to explain that students will be working on various activities because we all learn differently. I think it is helpful for the students to hear, but also helpful for me, who has a hard time giving up control. I want students to have independent projects but there is a little part of me that is worried I won't be able to monitor their work at all times. But I know if I teach the procedures beforehand, I will be able to trust that they will follow them.
So far, I have been able to get to know my students and their abilities. We have finished their beginning of the year preassessments and I am beginning to recognize which students may need to have more of a challenge. I have also begun to set up procedures and routines during class. I believe this is important because if students are working on different activities, they need to understand and follow the basic ground rules. They also need to be comfortable with students working in different areas of the room or on different things. I have tried to explain that students will be working on various activities because we all learn differently. I think it is helpful for the students to hear, but also helpful for me, who has a hard time giving up control. I want students to have independent projects but there is a little part of me that is worried I won't be able to monitor their work at all times. But I know if I teach the procedures beforehand, I will be able to trust that they will follow them.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Application 2: Designing my GAME plan
While looking at the ISTE website, I found two standards that I feel I would like to improve on. I have been thinking about this for some time now and I am excited to finally have the opportunity to work towards achieving them. I will be addressing the NETS-T Standard 1, to Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity, and Standard 3 Model Digital-Age Work and Learning.
Goals:
I would like to learn more about how to engage my students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools specifically in Math. By doing this I hope to address the diverse needs of my learners in math class by giving them strategies and resources to use. I hope that by incorporating technology into the classroom will help me differentiate my instruction.
Action:
To put forth my GAME plan into action, it will require a lot of preparation work. I will need to consult the professional library at school to see if there are any books on technology integration for advanced learners. I will also utilize the county wide online system of resources to see what units and/or idea are available for me to develop. Finally, I will consult with our school technology specialist to learn more about the programs that are already installed on the school computers and what can be of use to me and my students. Hopefully, all these resources will allow me to create lessons for my students.
Monitor:
There will be two steps in monitoring my game plan. I will need to monitor my progress of obtaining useful information. Once I do have useful information that will allow me to create lessons for my students, I will be monitoring their level of achievement in math, interest, technology skills and independence. It is important that students can use the technology on their own and monitor their progress.
Evaluate:
To evaluate myself through this progress I will be looking for completed lessons. If I am unable to produce lessons, I have to go back put forth different actions. If I am able to produce lessons, I will be evaluating the success of them. To do this, I will be looking at how students are progressing and if they are retaining the information. I will also not their interest level. A big factor in creating these lessons is that they are engaged.
I am hoping this course will help me create lessons for my students who can use technology as a way to extend their learning.
Goals:
I would like to learn more about how to engage my students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools specifically in Math. By doing this I hope to address the diverse needs of my learners in math class by giving them strategies and resources to use. I hope that by incorporating technology into the classroom will help me differentiate my instruction.
Action:
To put forth my GAME plan into action, it will require a lot of preparation work. I will need to consult the professional library at school to see if there are any books on technology integration for advanced learners. I will also utilize the county wide online system of resources to see what units and/or idea are available for me to develop. Finally, I will consult with our school technology specialist to learn more about the programs that are already installed on the school computers and what can be of use to me and my students. Hopefully, all these resources will allow me to create lessons for my students.
Monitor:
There will be two steps in monitoring my game plan. I will need to monitor my progress of obtaining useful information. Once I do have useful information that will allow me to create lessons for my students, I will be monitoring their level of achievement in math, interest, technology skills and independence. It is important that students can use the technology on their own and monitor their progress.
Evaluate:
To evaluate myself through this progress I will be looking for completed lessons. If I am unable to produce lessons, I have to go back put forth different actions. If I am able to produce lessons, I will be evaluating the success of them. To do this, I will be looking at how students are progressing and if they are retaining the information. I will also not their interest level. A big factor in creating these lessons is that they are engaged.
I am hoping this course will help me create lessons for my students who can use technology as a way to extend their learning.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Reflection
In what ways has this course helped you to develop your own technology skills as a professional teacher?
During this course I have been exposed to new technologies that I knew existed but never tried using. More specifically I learned how to create a podcast and a wiki. Not only did I create these but I learned the educational benefits of using them in the classroom. Since I created them myself, I understand the steps which will help me to teach the process to my students.
In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?
This course has deepened my knowledge of teaching strengthening the fact not only students learn the same way and technology is a way to reach students on a new level. I was also exposed to a new set of skills, called 21st century skills, that students are expected to graduate with. This has transformed the field of education and required teachers to change their instruction accordingly.
In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?
Technology has allowed vasts amount of information to be available to students at all times. Teachers are no longer the only source of information in the classroom. Students are exposed to information and have the freedom to look things up. For this reason, students can enter the classroom with a greater amount of knowledge then before. This can help guide instruction, which is one of the reasons for teachers to include students in the learning process. Through collaboration and the use of technology, students have the freedom to create projects from start to finish. This involves them in the learning process.
In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?
I will continue to expand my knowledge or learning and teaching with technology by finishing my Master's degree. I will also continue to receive my RSS feed of other teachers' blogs and read about ideas other educators are using in their classes. I will implement new strategies into my classroom and take assessments to see what is working and what isn't. Lastly, I will seek out professional development through my district.
Set two long-term goals (within two years) for transforming your classroom environment by which you may have to overcome institutional or systemic obstacles in order to achieve them. How do you plan to accomplish these goals?
Within the next two years I would like to accomplish many things. But one big idea is to have my students create a wiki for a project. Ever since I learned about a wiki I have been wanting to use it in my class, but didn't have the opportunity this year. Next year I would like it to be a grade level project. I can foresee there being problems, such as lack of motivation from other teachers or not enough time to complete it. A second goal I have for myself is to incorporate 21st century skills into all my lessons. I will like to have them listed on my plans next to my objectives for the lessons. I believe this will be difficult at first just because it is new, but I believe it will help transform my classroom and provide the most productive education for my students.
Refer to your checklist from Week 1. Have any of your answers changed after completing this course?
When looking back at my checklist from week 1, I noticed a lot of answers changed. The reason they changed was before this course I didn't use technology a lot in my room. Not because I didn't want to but because I didn't have the resources to do. After starting this class I realized that is not an excuse. I created a class blog and even though it was very difficult to explain everything without being able to show them, I did achieve it and the results were great!I began using digital tools to communicate with my students and provide different ways for them to share information.
During this course I have been exposed to new technologies that I knew existed but never tried using. More specifically I learned how to create a podcast and a wiki. Not only did I create these but I learned the educational benefits of using them in the classroom. Since I created them myself, I understand the steps which will help me to teach the process to my students.
In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?
This course has deepened my knowledge of teaching strengthening the fact not only students learn the same way and technology is a way to reach students on a new level. I was also exposed to a new set of skills, called 21st century skills, that students are expected to graduate with. This has transformed the field of education and required teachers to change their instruction accordingly.
In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?
Technology has allowed vasts amount of information to be available to students at all times. Teachers are no longer the only source of information in the classroom. Students are exposed to information and have the freedom to look things up. For this reason, students can enter the classroom with a greater amount of knowledge then before. This can help guide instruction, which is one of the reasons for teachers to include students in the learning process. Through collaboration and the use of technology, students have the freedom to create projects from start to finish. This involves them in the learning process.
In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?
I will continue to expand my knowledge or learning and teaching with technology by finishing my Master's degree. I will also continue to receive my RSS feed of other teachers' blogs and read about ideas other educators are using in their classes. I will implement new strategies into my classroom and take assessments to see what is working and what isn't. Lastly, I will seek out professional development through my district.
Set two long-term goals (within two years) for transforming your classroom environment by which you may have to overcome institutional or systemic obstacles in order to achieve them. How do you plan to accomplish these goals?
Within the next two years I would like to accomplish many things. But one big idea is to have my students create a wiki for a project. Ever since I learned about a wiki I have been wanting to use it in my class, but didn't have the opportunity this year. Next year I would like it to be a grade level project. I can foresee there being problems, such as lack of motivation from other teachers or not enough time to complete it. A second goal I have for myself is to incorporate 21st century skills into all my lessons. I will like to have them listed on my plans next to my objectives for the lessons. I believe this will be difficult at first just because it is new, but I believe it will help transform my classroom and provide the most productive education for my students.
Refer to your checklist from Week 1. Have any of your answers changed after completing this course?
When looking back at my checklist from week 1, I noticed a lot of answers changed. The reason they changed was before this course I didn't use technology a lot in my room. Not because I didn't want to but because I didn't have the resources to do. After starting this class I realized that is not an excuse. I created a class blog and even though it was very difficult to explain everything without being able to show them, I did achieve it and the results were great!I began using digital tools to communicate with my students and provide different ways for them to share information.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Podcast
Here is the link to my first podcast. I interviewed 4 of my students to find out how much time they spend using technology in and out of school. Hope you enjoy it!
http://sterrone.podbean.com/
http://sterrone.podbean.com/
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
21st Century Skills
Your reaction to the Web site:
After viewing the website, The Partnership for 21st Century Skills I was very impressed and surprised with it. I knew changes were happening in the education and work environment but I didn't know something like The Partnership for 21st Century Skills was already established. I think it is great to have a national organization trying to change the education system.
What information on the site surprised you?
Honestly, somethings that surprised me were some of the new standards. They didn't seem so new to me. Having students be creative in class or collaborate and problem solve have been going on in classrooms for years....or at least I thought so. I guess the only difference now is that teachers will be held accountable? Which I think it a good thing.
Did you disagree with anything on the site? Explain.
I did not disagree with anything on the site. I think it is a positive effort to get all states on the right track by preparing students for the 21st century.
What are the implications for your students, and for you as a contemporary educator?
The implications for my students and myself are being held accountable for the new standards without the appropriate materials. For example, right now it is very difficult for me to incorporate technology because of lack of resources. So the Information, Media and Technology standard would be difficult for me.
After viewing the website, The Partnership for 21st Century Skills I was very impressed and surprised with it. I knew changes were happening in the education and work environment but I didn't know something like The Partnership for 21st Century Skills was already established. I think it is great to have a national organization trying to change the education system.
What information on the site surprised you?
Honestly, somethings that surprised me were some of the new standards. They didn't seem so new to me. Having students be creative in class or collaborate and problem solve have been going on in classrooms for years....or at least I thought so. I guess the only difference now is that teachers will be held accountable? Which I think it a good thing.
Did you disagree with anything on the site? Explain.
I did not disagree with anything on the site. I think it is a positive effort to get all states on the right track by preparing students for the 21st century.
What are the implications for your students, and for you as a contemporary educator?
The implications for my students and myself are being held accountable for the new standards without the appropriate materials. For example, right now it is very difficult for me to incorporate technology because of lack of resources. So the Information, Media and Technology standard would be difficult for me.
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