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Reflection - The overall learning experiences throughout the course “Reaching and Engaging all Learners through Technology” was a tremendous journey. In fact, the chall...13 years ago
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Was it all worth it?...Of Course! - At the beginning of this course, I set goals to strengthen my confidence and proficiency in two National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NET...13 years ago
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Welcome to Ms Greenlee's Class - Welcome to Mrs Greenlee's online classroom. You can check for missed assignments and for upcoming work. You may also contact me through this site. Hopefull...14 years ago
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Wednesday 8 December 2010
Revising Your GAME Plan
My GAME Plan is definitely a work in progress. I am confident that I will achieve all the goals I set out to accomplish by the end of the school term. I have learnt that not all educators are confident in using technology in the classroom especially the older teachers. Therefore, I am more patient with these teachers who simply need a bit of encouragement to manipulate the software that supplements the textbook. One goal from NETS that I aim to continue in my GAME Plan is to facilitate and inspire students' learning and creativity. By helping students to experience authentic learning situations, they will more likely to be enthused about learning a foreign language. So as I correspond with some of my students via email, I hope to extend this learning beyond teacher student dialogue to student dialogue as they are in different location. In order to improve my ability to become more proficient at using online tools, I would like to experiment with some of the suggestions from my colleagues about how to make utilize the tools of technology to allow students to participate in active learning with adequate scaffolding.
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Kerry-Ann,
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult for many of the older teachers to make the changes in their approach to teaching when they do not understand the technology themselves. When we received SMART boards three years ago in my district, many of the older teachers just kept their board in the corner or back of their classroom. They went to the workshops, but felt overwhelmed by all the possibilities one could do with the board. They preferred to use the over-head projector that they have been using prior to the new SMART boards. Over time, some have warmed up to the SMART board others have retired, so they never had to learn how to use them. Students and teachers can do so much more with the SMART board, and I think those who warmed up to it realize that.
-Lauren Cogan
6-7 language arts
Hi Mrs. C,
ReplyDeleteAs 'smart' as the SMARTBoard is, I have never used one but I know that pretty soon I will need to but all my theory into practice by finding one and learning how to use it. One way to do this is by watching numerous videos on You Tube which is an excellent online learning classroom. You can look at this link which features students' feedback on the use of SMARTBoards.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywsNjTep1JI&feature=related
SMARTBoards serve their purpose but teachers will need to ensure the use of it will provide more stimulation for the learners rather than act as a distractor. Educators both young and old must help each other to achieve the goal of broadening our horizons to impart such new knowledge to our students whose future depends on it. Teachers will definitely need time to practice using technology tools so they can feel confident in front their students. At one of my elementary schools, an elderly teacher struggles to use the computer software that has the interactive version of the text. But what is quite interesting is that when the teacher stumbles, she asks her students for the password to gain re-entry into the online software. Occasionally, I can assist but I cannot read Japanese so I am at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, the classroom must continue to reflect student-centered learning so what ever works best for each teacher until they can adjust to something new should not be frowned upon.
Thanks for your post and all the best looking ‘smart’ in the classroom.
K. Kerr
Kerry-Ann,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the YouTube idea. I was so focused on acquiring knowledge first hand or through a class, I overlooked an easy and accessible tutorial.
I find that students can be great resources when it comes to integrating technology into the curriculum. Like your response to Lauren, many older teachers (and some younger teachers) struggle with the overwhelming potential of technology. It’s easy to become stagnant, resist change, and continue teaching in the same way year after year. But, by taking chances and integrating technology, we are allowing our students to benefit from these new resources.
I have brought technology into my classroom using two different approaches. First, I try to gain as much knowledge as possible about the technology. I used blogger.com, learned about the posting, understood how the students would interact, and prepared the best I could. The second, and possibly most exciting and student engaging, I brought in the SmartBoard without knowing all of its intricacies. I soon found students offering suggestions, advice, and teaching me about the technology. It shifted the control of the classroom from teacher and student to a more collaborative classroom environment in which we were all learners and teachers.
Brad Feick
HS English
Walden University
Brad,
ReplyDeleteI love how you describe the classroom environment as one where teacher and students are now learners and teachers. In deed the opportunities that technology tools provide has redefined the classroom environment and will continue to make such indelible mark in the lives of many. There are many professional turtorials online which can be useful even in the classroom.