Last week I introduced you to the GAME plan that I have proposed
for improving my use of technology in the classroom. I chose to focus on the objectives 2b and 4d
from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE, 2012)
standards for teachers. In order to meet
these objectives or goals, there are several resources needed and steps that
must be taken in order to move closer toward achieving my plans.
For the first objective, 2b, my goal is to allow my students
more time to engage in research involving topics of their own choosing. In order to achieve this goal, I need to make
sure that my classroom laptops have updated anti-virus software in place. I also need to make sure that each machine is
functioning properly and is fully charged to allow students more mobility while
working. Some other steps that I want to
take prior to allowing the students to search independently are to review the
Acceptable Use Policy for our school system, review the established protocols
to be followed if inappropriate content passes through the established
firewalls, and hold a discussion about responsible internet use, social
etiquette, and plagiarism.
My second objective, 4d, is to communicate digitally with my
students at least once per week. Because
the avenues for communicating are limited by school policy, I will use one of
the internet-based programs already approved by the system. With its mail program, I will send each
student an initial message to start the dialogue after reviewing the user and
log-in information with the class. The laptops
that will be used to meet the first set of objectives described above will also
be used for this second part. Once
students become more familiar with the process, they may choose to send
messages from computers or other devices outside of school.
While the plan is in place, I have not made a great deal of
progress toward reaching either one of my goals this week. My students are in the process of taking
state assessment tests this week and internet access is limited to those who
are testing. Once the tests are
complete, the laptops will be upgraded by the technician and the plan will move
forward. The discussions and student
reviews will be held and the email messages will be sent.
ISTE. (2012). NETS for Teachers. Retrieved March 13,
2013, from
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a great plan in place. As teachers, we need to be flexible and accomplish things when possible. Even though you are currently working on state assessments, you will get the ball rolling as soon as possible. Best Wishes!! :)
Jocelyn,
DeleteWe actually had a nice reprieve--the students didn't take as long as we anticipated with their tests so we had an "extra" computer lab opportunity yesterday. I reviewed the acceptable use policy and we discussed what to do if something inappropriate appeared on their screens. We talked about what constituted an appropriate search and what topics would not be allowed. After completing all of that, the students had 15 minutes to "search". It was amazing what topics were chosen and how much influence the students had on each other's searches. I now have a better idea of what types of literature would appeal to each of the students based on their choices yesterday. Overall, it was a very positive experience, one that will definitely be repeated.
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteSo often when we organize to a lesson that involves technology, we only think about if it is available for use. As we try to organize and plan the lesson according to the students needs, we may forget about ensuring that the technology is actually functional. I think it is great that you include in your steps and resources to double check that the technology you are using is up to par. I also think it is so important to have conversations with our students about plagiarism. The most often occurences of plagiarism are unintentional so it is vital that we address this with our students and make them aware of all possible scenarios.
Gina,
DeleteThank you for your comments. I do think that some teachers use technology just for technology’s sake, without giving much thought as to whether it is the most appropriate method for accomplishing a task.
As for the topic of plagiarism, we have spent much more class time on this topic this year than we ever have in the past. The class has viewed the BrainPop (www.brainpop.com) video segments on the topic and we have discussed the issue much more extensively. We have pointed out copyright warnings on videos, DVDs, and in books. I do think the message has been understood based on the comments the students have made to each other. We will continue with these discussions in the future.
Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI found myself nodding my head when you discussed how important it is to make sure all the technology is ready to go. This is what I am the most frustrated with is the lack of technology available and some of it does not always work. I also have spent lesson on making sure plagiarism doesn't occur but I think I will try your presentation ideas next time.