During the summer months, when I do not currently have a class, it is difficult to evaluate progress. However, I am working towards new ideas and ways to incorporate technology into my classroom for the fall, which is right around the corner.
So far, I have been looking for resources that I will use in my class to help students solve real world problems and meet the needs of diverse learners. This week I have really focused in on project based learning, I like the idea of using this to meet my goals. I think that using this type of lesson in my classes will help my students to solve real problem related to the social studies field, such as where should I go on vacation someday? Which countries a developed and not developed, and why is this? These types of problems are real problems that the government and others face each day, creating an environment that supports this type of critical thinking is important and incorporating technology will unlock that knowledge, as decribed by Dr. Etmer (Cannamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009).
Some of the issues that I am still working out, is how will I get the time to use these technology tools in the classroom, how will I gain access to the computers, how will I gain the knowledge necessary to faciliate these types of projects and technology? I also have some new questions like, how will I manage my classroom during PBL, how will I meet the needs of students that can't handle the noise and aren't driven to be self sufficient learners?
I will continue to seek out the experts, my fellows teachers, blogs, and our handy text for this class to complete my GAME plan.
Resources
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
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5 comments:
Hi Shaina
I have found evaluating progress toward the Game plan difficult over the summer. I do find summer the perfect time to test out digital tools and gain some proficiency befor implemeting them in the fall. My goal is to implement more real world problems into the content areas using technology.
I am from Michigan too. I teach in Macomb county about 30 miles Northeast of Detroit. I did my undergraduate work and student teaching in Kalamazoo. I am glad that the cuts were not that deep with retirements. ~ Michele
The beauty of our profession is that we get to try things out on our students and find out how they learn best. If the activity does not work, we can fix it or scrap it. We can use what we like and leave the rest. I am feeling very comfortable having all of these skills hidden away in my storage. When this program is over, I really plan on diving into my tool bag and changing how I do activities in my classroom. Once, a veteran teacher said to just develop one new item a week. I took that advice. Each year, I develop a new idea a week. After a few years, you have totally revamped your classroom style. One activity at a time and it will all fall into place. Thanks for the post. Chris
Hi Shaina,
I like the idea of having the students plan out a vacation. You might want to have them look at some of the US travel alerts and how to contact an embassy. I went to Australia in 2000 and was supposed to fly back through Fiji when there was a coup. I was a little shocked when I was contacted by the embassy and advised to change my travel arrangements. Knowing what to do in a circumstance like this could be an important skill and you might be able to pull in some of the reluctant learners by asking what they would do in a similar situation.
Just an idea on bringing in those kids that are not driven to be self-sufficient.
Cheers!
Sean
Shaina,
Definitely good questions! Real ones, too. I, too, like the idea of having students use "where will I go on vacation?" as a problem-based learning activity, as this poses many relevant problems, and they are the kind of problem any kid whose ever been on a vacation can understand. Working through the technology piece is going to be a challenge for most of us, I'd say. Good luck!
Shaina,
Do you just get access to the lab once a day for your homeroom class? How long are each of your other classes? I can see how it would be difficult to find time to get all the students on a computer. Depending on our schedule this year, I would be happy to let your students come use my computers, if needed. I've had students come in during my kid's lunch and use the computers before, so let me know if that would be a good option for you.
Erin
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