Dr. Peggy Etmer states that for teachers to integrate technology effectively we must have knowledge of basic technology skills, be confident when using technology, have solid beliefs that learning goes beyond knowing the facts, and be surrounded by people supporting us as we try new technologies in the classroom (Laureate, 2009). I kept that in mind as I looked at the NETS to discover my weaknesses.
After reviewing NETS for teachers, I have determined that my technology skills have improved over the last fifteen months. However, there is still room for much more improvement! Careful examination of NETS and evaluating my own weaknesses has led me to determine that my foundation in technology still has holes. The NETS that I have chosen to work on first is standard two: Design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments. I love to design effective lessons... Of the four objectives in this standard, I am weakest with b and c. Both objectives deal with creating technology enriched environments and individualized learning (NETS). Improving these two areas will help create self-directed learners who think creatively, are more involved in the content, and increase their awareness of how technology will become an integral part of their futures (Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P., 2010).
As a teacher, I have to do some intricate planning to help me reach my full potential, even before I can help my students reach theirs. Our text offers a plan to follow to help me. The GAME plan (Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P., 2010). So, with creating technology enriched environments in mind and expanding my differentiated instruction to provide students with more learning opportunities, I need to begin by setting goals for myself.
Goals:
I want to be able to use more podcasts and voicethreads in my class.
To prepare myself for the use of podcasts and voicethreads, I need more practice. I need to choose a lesson and create a podcast and a voicethread to make myself more comfortable with the technology. I also need to appeal to our technology department and convince them that these two skills are necessary for the futures of our students so that they will let me access the software online and download it. This could be identified as my biggest obstacle.
I will know that I have been successful when I feel comfortable bringing this technology into the classroom. I will know I have been successful when I can upload my own documents to the World Wide Web without any glitches. I will know I have been successful when the IT people install the software on my class computers.
Action:
I need information and videos on how to create a podcast and a voicethread. It would be best if this information was interactive.
The voicethread site already has a self-explanatory tutorial on how to create a voicethread. It can be found at: http://voicethread.com?#home. In addition, several tutorials for podcasting can be found on www.youtube.com.
Any additional resources needed can be researched and evaluated online. Computer labs will have to be reserved when I am ready to implement in the classroom.
For me to learn this information, I will have to take a hands on approach, along with reading and highlighting key points. In addition, if I get stuck with a piece of information I cannot figure out on my own, I have personal resources in the form of IT people and classmates on which I can rely.
Monitor:
Monitoring my progress will happen on http://delicious.com. as I bookmark the sites that prove to be most helpful. The drawback to this monitoring system is that it cannot be accessed at work.
Evaluate and extend:
This will occur at a later date.
Resources:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
http://www.iste.org/Content?NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards?NETS_T_Standards_Final
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program three. Enriching content area learning experiences wit technology, part 1 [Motion picture]. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I like the fact that your goals are very specific and direct. That is reflected in the actions that are needed to achieve those goals. After reading your post, my goals may be too broad. I may have to rethink mine!
I will agree with Susanna - the format you have laid out your plan in is very readable and attainable. The point you make about getting your network team on board is hard, because it is out of your direct control, but it's worth it, so go for it! Good luck incorporating your plan into your work.
-Stephen
Thank you both for the supportive comments!
Your goals are very specific as well as your actions outlined to achieve your goals. The fact that you are aware that you need to get your technology person involved in your plans show that they are well thought out. I would like to here how your voicethread experiments go. I would eventually like to try this technology in my class also. Sometimes though I am meeting resistance when it comes to using new technologies in the classroom. Security is always an issue and making sure that students to not post or say anything inappropriate. Thank you for your ideas.
I love your idea about learning about podcasting, you have inspired me to learn about that also.
Your post is very thorough anf professional. Well done
Post a Comment