In researching the technology website (NETS-T) I was enlightened with the standards presented in meeting the needs of our students. As with all content we want to meet all levels of students and educate them in the best possible manner and with the current modern tools. When integrating technology into the classroom we can reach our students at a higher level and bring content in a new perspective. In using technology, the options seem endless and having a concrete plan can benefit both the educator and the student. In viewing, the standards two stood out to explore in more detail. In taking these standards to the “GAME” plan (2010) the following lays out the details in exploring this lesson.
Goal-To further understand and implement these standards by utilizing technology within the classroom.
1.c. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
c. promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.
2.b. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
b.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.
In order to meet these goals it is important to attain background knowledge first and then set the foundation of what is expected from the students. First students will utilize tools in order to understand ideas in a creative way. Second for students to do this in a warm, inviting, and motivating environment to discover their answers in a self directed way.
Action-In taking action to meet the goals students will use online resources to work with each other. Students can research online the topics they are learning about and in order to discuss use blogs to interact with each other their thoughts and ideas. Students will learn how to set up and use blogs to communicate and collaborate their thoughts and answers they find with others. This will also include discussing information with their peers and learning how to present their findings.
In creating an environment for all this is to take place the educator must have the tools and surroundings to accommodate this learning. It is also important to give the power to the students to be in charge of their own discovery.
Monitor- As students learn, explore, and discover their information it is important to monitor if they are on track. In utilizing online resources and blogs, you must ask are their goals being met. Are students understanding how they influence the community they are part of online. In conducting their research, do they have all the tools? Is their environment a place where they feel comfortable asking questions and exploring their topic?
Evaluate and Extend- As the finished exploration ends was it successful? In evaluating, how students responded to the environment and the usage of the technological tools will give an answer to their process. As students use blogs, will they use it in the future and was it beneficial to expressing their thoughts. In stepping back and reflecting upon the activities did I meet the goals and expectations set forth from the beginning?
Whoa! This has been a huge exploration on the break down of meeting goals, or just two goals in technology. It seems to have blown me away in what goes into in writing this into a word format. At times as an educator, you do this frequently however; this has brought me to a deeper understanding of what goes into a lesson step by step. This has definitely been a learning experience.
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/
2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
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.
I think placing the students in charge of their learning by using self-directed learning and creative thinking is one way to set them up for success in the future. These are important 21st century skills that we can incoporate into our content lessons. You may also like to monitor students progress and your own progress towards these goals by conferencing with students and asking them questions to ensure they are on track and utilizing information effectively. Conferencing with students may also be a way to evaluate the goals for yourself and reflect on what the student has gained from this experience.
ReplyDeleteI would suggest, as you work on these goals with your students, if for you to perform all the tasks the students must either prior to the students or simultaneously. My students often enjoy and learn from seeing me complete the tasks, and even struggle with them sometimes, with them. It is a best practice to model and think aloud as you are performing the task so the students can see and hear your thought process.
ReplyDelete@Meredith
I am a fan of conferencing as an evaluative tool! It is one of the best ways to really get to the heart of what students are understanding.
To Mrs. Blankenship:
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that preparing a GAME plan is a good way to help teachers and students to organize their lessons integrating technology in content area learning. I like it because it shows how to plan step by step, the entire process. It is a bit overwhelming, but it think this aspect of the course is enlightening.
Pauline
Hi Mrs. B - You mention in the Action part that educators need to give the power to the students to be in charge of their own learning. I think this is one of my biggest challenges. I keep feeling like I need to be in charge, but at the same time I see that my students are so much more engaged when they take the wheel, even if they are just reading and discussing with a partner. I think having students use blogs to post their findings and discuss with other students is a great step in self-directed learning! A few of my students have their own personal blogs, so I have thought of letting them be the class 'experts' and have them talk other students (as well as me) through the process of blogging. This could help create the "warm, inviting, and motivating" atmosphere you mention when creating a successful environment.
ReplyDeleteThere is much emphasis placed on 21st century skills today in our schools. Allowing students to take responsibility for their learning is an important concept that is being pushed by many districts. If we, as educators, can incorporate technology to assist us in getting this accomplished with our students, then we are headed in the proper direction. I personally have difficulty getting my students to change over to this learning style but I keep pushing forward.
ReplyDelete