In order to achieve my GAME plan I must begin to act on the goals I set. Fully engaging students in my classroom will require me to let go of some of the control through collaborative technology and technology-based assessments As I am one week into the GAME plan process, I have begun the process of becoming a well-rounded teacher, but I still have a long way to go.
Resources:
A variety of resources are required in order for me to follow my GAME plan. Internet access and a computer are necessary as I continue to research possible lesson plans and assessments that integrate technology. An additional resource, and probably the most important, is my technology coordinator as she holds information that is key to advancing my (and my students’) connectivity to the web. While my school is behind the times in technology integration, the technology coordinator is able to give me insight into what new technology resources will be available for next school year. The final resources that I can use to help me carryout my GAME plan are the remaining courses I have in my Walden program. The courses along with my peers have proven to be great resources in developing my skills while teaching me about new programs and software.
Information:
The key source of information that could limit my success in carrying out my GAME plan is my school district’s/principal’s policy on incorporating social collaborative technology. If social collaborative tools are not permitted in my school district, my choices of assessments and my creativity in my assessments will be limited. An additional source of information that could impact the development of my future assessments is the schedule for the computer lab next year. While it may seem silly to some people, the restricted amount of computer lab time significantly affects my lessons and assessments.
Steps Taken So Far:
I have not contacted my technology coordinator or principal about the technology restrictions within the district because I want to fully educate myself on the functions that I will utilize in the social collaborative technology. My first step in this process has been becoming more familiar with the possible functions on a blog along with the security functions. As I am the first teacher in my district (that I know of) to include a blog into my classroom, I want to be prepared to explain my goals for using this technology before I take the idea to my principal and technology coordinator.
Amanda.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being one of the first teachers (if not THE first teacher) to incorporate blogs into your classroom. I enjoyed reading your blog post, and I find that you and I share some of the same ideas about where to find research about technologies available for use (our technology coordinators). Also, like your school district, my district is very particular about what type of sites are available for student access. Currently, I do not know of any social communication websites, like Facebook or MySpace, that students have access to from school; despite the fact that these sites similar to these could prove beneficial if used with caution.
You mentioned that you wanted to be prepared to answer questions about your goals for using a blog in your classroom. I think that is a wonderful plan. Have you considered sharing any of the “blog centered” parts of videos from the Walden courses with your school district personnel? It would probably be best to get permission from Walden first (rights to share parts of the videos); but, seeing as many of the video presenters make great arguments for using blogs in the classroom, I think it would be worth the effort. Also, there are some pretty good YouTube videos about the uses of blogs in the classroom. You might want to look up “Blogs in the Classroom” on YouTube.
Good blog post.
Tonya Todd
Tonya,
ReplyDeleteI should correct my blog post. I have NOT included a blog into my class yet. I was not clear when I said "As I am the first teacher in my district (that I know of) to include a blog into my classroom, I want to be prepared to explain my goals for using this technology before I take the idea to my principal and technology coordinator." I intended to say that I am the first teacher in my district to seek out the option of including a blog into my class. Part of my GAME plan is to become more informed and educated on the steps I must take to include a blog in my class.
Thank you for the suggestion to use Walden and Youtube videos to help inform my administrators. Great idea!
Thanks!
Amanda
Hi Amanda.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great idea to be prepared. And, still, congradulations on working toward the implementation of blogs!
Tonya Todd
I commend you for taking the leap and going beyond where your school district is currently at. Only by pushing the administration will they be able to hear the importance of changing policies for the better. I struggle as well with certain restrictions in my school district (NYC). They have severely limited access and a hyper controlling filter mechanism. Sometimes I can’t even play science animations for my kids because the website is deemed a “social networking site” due to the fact that people can comment on the animation. This is extremely limiting in what the students have access to in order to enhance their learning.
ReplyDeleteI am wondering if wikispaces or some sort of wiki would enable you to get around the limitation on “social collaborative technology”. I have found this very productive in my work with my students and this site is not blocked for my district. Maybe this is one way to work around the existing construct in place.
Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI also love the fact that you are currently using a blog with your students. I have been trying to work this into my classroom and this is actually a big part of my own game plan as well. I fell that it is essential for us to get our students involved in things like this now while they are young. That way as they get older they will be able to easily navigate the work force that they will be in. I love that you are getting them started now and that you are helping them navigate through it with the help of your modeling. Thanks for your posting.
Erinn