As I reflect on the standards set by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) I am soon realize that I feel confident with the indicators set for teachers. After looking at all the standards, I would have to say that I feel pretty comfortable Facilitating and Inspiring Student Learning and Creativity. I think of myself as a creative person and someone who likes to generate those ideas with my students. I like to use creativity in my lessons because I have found that my students seem to be more engaged in the topic. With using creativity in the classroom, you are able to pull from and incorporate lots of different tools for the students to use.
When having to narrow down an indicator, I found that I was closely linked to being able to "promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness" (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008). I feel that I have a good handle on the use of technology that I incorporate into my classroom. My students have completed Power Points, Podcasts, Voice Threads and are also using the computer daily for research, writers workshop, and online skills practice. Though this year, I have seen my students feeling more comfortable with using these tools as well. I feel that with this knowledge I can "develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress" (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008). For example, I have created profiles on an online site, Study Island, for my students. With this program, my students are able to access their accounts and work on skills that they need to practice. Not only can I monitor their work, but they too can see their progress.
When students are able to set goals for themselves, take actions for those goals, monitor their progress effectively and evaluate their outcome, they are able to follow the GAME plan. I think that it is important for not only the teacher to follow this plan, but for students to understand and follow through with it as well. I think this idea gives a sense of ownership to students.
With every teacher, there is always room to improve ones ability and learn more. As a teacher, I know that it is important to continue learning. Looking at the standards, I know that I am a true believer of collaborating with peers and setting ideas out there. However, I am one to do as I am told and not necessary lead. This year, I have been put more into leading roles. I know that I am more than comfortable and confident in these roles. I wish however that when looking at the standard that refers to "Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership" through the use of technology, that I was able to show off what my students have been working on to not only the other teachers, but through our community. I know that with the indicator that states that I "participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning", I know I could be doing more of that. (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008) As a teacher that knows it is important to keep learning, I know that it is important to continue the use of technology in the classroom with new skills and ideas. I also know that if I could become more of a leader in this area, I would be able to achieve the indicator that states that I"contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community" (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).
I know that there are many teachers in the building that do not feel as comfortable using technology in their classroom as much as I do. I think if I were to make "modeling these tools" my GAME plan, I would be able to set my goal of reaching out to these teachers and starting them on simple projects of using technology in the classroom. With that, I could take action by helping these teachers incorporate a technological tool in their classroom, by showing them how easy these tools can be (especially for students). I think once these teachers are shown how to use these tools, they would too feel more comfortable. I then would make a plan for how the teacher and myself would monitor the progress. We would look at not only the skills of the teacher, but the skills of our learners. How are the tools being used? Is this strategy effective? How often are we incorporating technology in our classroom? After that, we would evaluate how the lessons were going. Are our students learning in a way that is beneficial to them? How have their grades been effected by incorporating these tools? How is the level of comfortability in both students and teachers?
LIke I mentioned before, every teacher can find a way to improve their teaching style. There is always room to continue learning. With this in mind, both teacher and student will be engaged during the learning process.
Elizabeth
Resources
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Tiffany to Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteWow, you have set some great goals for yourself and have outlined a clear path to achieving these goals. One of my goals this week was also to "develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress" (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008). I was having a hard time thinking of actions I could take to meet this goal. I am so fortunate to have you in my group this week, Study Island sounds great! I have visited their website and am looking into it more. I would love to hear more about your experience with this program as it sounds like a great tool! Did you see a change in students learning because of using this program? I am really anxious and curious to learn more about this tool.
I am a true believer that students need to take ownership and make goals involving their own learning. One thing I am trying this year in my literacy class is “The CAFÉ Book: Engaging All Students in Daily Literacy Assessment and Instruction”. I appreciate how students have choice and learn how to evaluate their learning independently. It would be interesting to create a technological component to this tool as well.
I think your idea of reaching out to other teachers in your building and helping them to incorporate technology is a wonderful idea. Working on small goals at a time would be good for teachers that are new to technology so they do not get overwhelmed. Having a quick GAME plan meeting with each teacher could be a good idea. Then you would know what their goals were and how you could be of greater assistance to them.
Good luck with all your goals!
Tiffany
References:
Boushey, G & Moser, J. (2009). The CAFÉ Book: Engaging All Students in Daily Literacy Assessment and Instruction.
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Eva to Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI was also impressed with your post and the 21st-century learning environment you seem to have established in your classroom. It is inspiring to hear all that you do!
As someone with less experience, I have a couple of questions for you, if you don't mind. First, I am hoping to come up with some applications for both podcasts and voice threads in my classes. In what ways have you used these tools?
Secondly, I share your goal of "participating in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning" (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008), and am curious if you know of any "global learning communities" other that the Walden University community, or if you know of any local venues. I am not sure how to begin the process, but am anxious to figure out a means of keeping up with my education and growth in technology application, and these seem like excellent ways. I truly believe that "teachers and teacher educators must continually keep up with the changing opportunities and demands created by new technologies" (Borko, Whitcomb & Liston, 2009, p.4). You seem to have added the role of teacher educator in the sense of supporting colleagues with technology. I do so, to a more limited degree, as well. Have you found any websites or other means of connecting with local or global learning communities?
Finally, I like what you shared about the importance of having students actively participate in their own GAME plans. I look forward to exploring Study Island and the “Café Book” Tiffany mentioned in her comment. Thank you for your thoughts and feedback.
Sincerely,
Eva Kaminski
References:
Borko, H., Whitcomb, J., & Liston, D. (2009, Jan/Feb). Wicked problems and other thoughts on issues of technology and teacher learning. Journal of Teacher Education, 60(3), 3–7.
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). 2008. Retrieved on 02/09/10 from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Hello! Thank you so much for both your responses. It is so nice to hear all your compliments. I just want to make sure that, as a teacher, I am doing my best to support my learners and my peers. Reaching out to them creates a wonderful learning environment for everyone.
ReplyDeleteTo Eva, your questions are great. First of all, my students created a Pod cast on their Famous MIssourian. After doing much research, they chose their MIssourian and created an interview. Their interviews were then turned into Pod Casts. Now this activity and project did take much time and guidance, but it also gave my students a sense of ownership and creativity. I set the expectations along the way and the students created wonderful pieces of work. I am in the process of putting their final products on my classroom webpage and will let you know when I do!
As far as the Voice Threads, part of the fourth grade grade level expectations are to study the habitats of animals. We also take a field trip to the St. Louis Zoo. Before we go, the students are given a checklist of things to look for. They are to chose one animal they would like to study more and research it. They took photographs of their animals and complied lots of information on them as well. We turned this project into a Voice Thread that they then presented to the class. They loved working on this project!
In terms of participating in local and global communities, I feel that I could use more work in this area. I really have just gone to workshops in the area with fellow teachers, but I know I need to do more.
I hope this has helped. I appreciate both set of comments. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Good luck!
Elizabeth
I was able to utilize a program that allowed students to monitor their progress on basic algebra skills. My students were always eager to continue working on their problems due to the minor motivations of gold stars and indicator bars of their advancement. Being able to utilize a program such as this again I feel would not only improve students' math skills but also assist them in utilizing appropriate technology in class. This in turn would assist me in becoming more familiar with appropriate types of technology to use in class.
ReplyDeleteNicole
You seem very advanced in you knowledge of how to incorporate technology in the curriculum and across the content area. I teach physical education and we very rarely get to use the computer lab how would you model instruction and create lesson to support my students learning.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea about educating your colleagues and supporting their growth as 21st century learners. I feel all educators should be working to improve these skills. One challenge in this, however, is being able to provide the support necessary for each teacher to grow at a rate that is comfortable for them. As we all know, much of the staff are not digital natives and struggle greatly with these changes. How do you plan to provide the necessary support to assure success with these teachers?