Last week I described my GAME plan to improve my use of technology in the classroom (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). As review I have the following goals: Indicator: “Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources” (ISTE, 2008). Indicator: “Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation” (ISTE, 2008). I have started working on both goals at this point. For my first goal, I have created a survey and sent it home to parents. I have also started questioning and recording data from students about their technology use at home. For my second goal, I have created a mailing list of all parent emails for my homeroom and my switch class. I have also started emailing messages when I add a blog post to hopefully increase interest and promote regular visits. I have even mentioned my blog numerous times in class, pulled it up on the Promethean board, and demonstrated to students how to navigate through the site. I have also taken measures to display my web address in numerous locations around the classroom, in hopes that students will copy it down and access it from home. The resources needed for my goals will include various iPad apps according to student interests and learning styles, copies of the student surveys, and data recorded from the student interviews regarding technology. Resources such as other blogs and educational articles would definitely be beneficial when working towards my second goal. One website I have found very informative is: http://elearningindustry.com/how-to-use-blogs-in-the-classroom I feel that I am gradually working to organize my GAME plan and get things under way. I would still like to add an additional set of 3 iPads to my classroom. My class set of 24 just is not enough with a class of 26. I just want each child to have access to an iPad when we are customizing and personalizing their learning activities. I think it would also be great to have access to some itunes gift cards for purchasing some of the educational apps that may not be free. I am also still waiting on the information that will be provided in the student surveys. I am hopeful that by setting my goals, putting a plan into action, monitoring it, and evaluating my plan, then extending it I will develop a classroom that integrates technology flawlessly and facilitates all learners. References Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/iste-standards/standards-for-teachers
12 Comments
9/18/2015 04:04:14 pm
Great post!
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9/20/2015 09:39:56 am
Hey, Raegan! Thanks for commenting. I love QR codes, as well. I actually have them posted all outside my room and also in my class. It's such an easy way for visitors to get involved. I will often do animoto videos and then create a QR code and post it with the "work" on the bulletin board outside my room. The administrators love it because they can easily see a glimpse into my classroom as they pass by (as they usually have iPads in hand).
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Michele
9/18/2015 06:36:25 pm
I love reading your Blog! You were talking about “Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources” (ISTE, 2008). I currently home school my 3 children in grades 8, 10, & 12, I try to customize and personalize as many lessons as possible to include each on the topic of discussed based on their learning styles and levels. It can certainly be a tough task at times but I feel it truly tests them and much as me.
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9/20/2015 09:37:13 am
Hi, Michele.
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Erin Eickman
9/19/2015 01:19:20 pm
I really enjoyed reading your post. I had also made a goal to increase my communication with my students' parents. You mentioned a survey that you sent home to parents. What kind of survey was this? Was this related to teacher-parent communication? I think we all share the same struggle that we are trying to communicate in different ways, but are unsure if the parents are actually seeing/reading what we send out.
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9/20/2015 09:35:39 am
Hi, Erin! I described the survey a little better below in my response to Stephanie. I have faced the same problem as you, wondering if they are actually using and viewing the information I am sending a posting. I have found that I can request them to comment or give feedback to get an idea. Offering an "incentive" for their child, like a homework pass, or extra points on a test always motivate them to comment, too.
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Stephanie Battaglia
9/19/2015 02:56:10 pm
Jessica,
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9/20/2015 09:32:58 am
Hey, Stephanie! My survey consisted of basic interest questions. I sent it to the parents, but it was about the children. This was also when I asked for all of their contact information and sent them links for connecting to our blog, Remind 101, and Class Dojo. I also interviewed the children to find out what kind of technology they have at home and if they have access to the Internet. If they mentioned they have an iPad or tablet, I tried to find out what apps they use and like, and any other websites they use at home. This was very helpful to me, as I was able to add several new apps to our class iPads that I did not know about. Thanks so much for your comment. Hope you are doing well!
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9/20/2015 07:16:57 am
Hi Jessica,
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9/20/2015 09:29:51 am
Hi, Florentina! YES!!! We use ClassDojo and absolutely LOVE it! We have reward coupons in place for each point value they reach and we send home a report every Monday that must be signed. Thanks for commenting on my blog! I appreciate your comments!
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9/20/2015 12:14:27 pm
Hi Jessica,
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Tim Hampton
9/20/2015 06:50:48 pm
Sounds like you have a good start on your GAME plan. We just started using class dojo last week. What a great motivation tool. Have you linked it with all the parents in your class so they can have instant access to their students behavior? Did you have any responses from your parent surveys? I find parent surveys usually get filed in the circular file instead of being read. Think of how much better communication could be if everyone did their part. Great post!
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My dream is to create a 21st Century classroom that encourages collaboration, integrates technology, and promotes thinking deeply.
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