I find that many students are not aware of how technology will impact their future. Right now, some students feel that they know more about technology than their teachers. Rightfully so, they are experts at texting and posting their status; while in most classes, they are pushing paper and pencil. They, not their teachers, are growing up in this technologically advanced world.
I think that once students acknowledge how much more they can learn, they will be excited about what they can do. After introducing them to the NETS-S standards, as a class, we can talk about how to set goals. Students can each develop their own goal and come up with the action needed to accomplish that goal. Once they begin moving towards the goal, I can help them monitor their advancement. Then, they can self-evaluate their progress. Each student can give a presentation to the class to show how they have met their goal.
Support from the school and district would be beneficial in meeting the NETS standards. Right now, I feel as though that support is far out of reach. Many sites are blocked at school and the use of social networking is highly discouraged. Sometimes, it is very discouraging. I wish the district would realize how many learning opportunities there are available if we had more freedom at school.
I will continue to strive towards creating GAME plans for myself and my students. I know that eventually, my school district will turn around. I am going to be right there, ready to lead the way.
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Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYour plan for introducing your students to the GAME Plan format sounds well thought out and I think your studnets will benefit greatly from your effort. I really like the part of them creating a presentation to illustrate that they have met their goal.
Lisa, It sounds as if you have it all under control. You have a great plan that sounds similar to what I would like to try. I feel that the GAME plan works not only with technology goals, but could also be used with other long term projects or PBL plans. I do like your idea of students taking the time to plan it all out. I may have to consider that as well. Thanks for the idea. Good luck with your corporation. I think it is a struggle for many teachers to get their school district on board when it comes to new ideas and uses of technology.
ReplyDeleteRhonda
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteEven though your school's policy discourages the use of social networking, etc., your students can still use those same programs outside of school. The goals they set in school can be something they work toward out of school, maybe for homework or maybe for a quarterly project. They will still be able to reflect on how they are using those skills outside of school and how they can possible put them to use inside of school if they have access! It could make for a very persuasive argument for your admin!
Good luck!
Bethanne
Thanks Richard. I think the students can also learn from each other's presentations.
ReplyDeleteRhonda,I am trying to do better about having my students set goals. I usually have them write about what they want to do in the future, after high school. These are long term goals. The more I thought about it, setting short term goals for my class can be beneficial for them.
Bethanne, Just last week a teacher was told to shut down a facebook page he had just for his science class. :( I was really upset over this. I believe as teachers we should act professionally, but facebook would not be unprofessional if a page is set up for academics. For some reason my district fails to see this.
Lisa
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way about needing more support from my district and school! Our Internet just got even more retricted wehn some students at my school were caught viewing inappropriate blogs. I can no longer view blogs or wikis online without first having them approved. I has been a hassle when trying to complete some Walden homework while at school. Since I have 2 young children at home it issometimes easier to get homeowrk done before I leave school at the end of the day, but that I now much more difficult!
Sally
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI share your frustration at the lack of support we often receive from our districts on technology integration. I'm currently writing this from home tonight even though I had time during my prep to complete this. My school has blocked any and all blog sites again. This happened once before until I talked with my principal about the benefits of social learning. Blog sites were unfiltered for a while but now they're inaccessible. We'll just have to keep voicing our thoughts until they understand the importance of these technologies.
-Mike
Sally and Mike, I too cannot do some Walden work at school. I tried to comment on blogs once and it would not let me. Sally, I know how it is with small children. I have 4 whose ages range from 13 to 6. The older two help with the younger two as long as they are not arguing.
ReplyDeleteLisa