Reflective PostEDUC-6714I-3 Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology

In reviewing class over the past eight weeks, I realize that there are many ways to run a classroom.  I

believe I have done a pretty good job over the past 11 years, but there is always room for improvement.  I have utilized differentiated instruction (DI) in a few ways but have found that my colleagues and classmates are my best asset.   DI is a way of teaching that allows the educator to assess the students instructional needs, creates and/or uses instructional techniques that meet those needs, then reassesses the student’s needs to inform the next round of instruction (Bray, Brown, Green, 2004.) DI is utilized in my classroom through the use of variety of formats such as power point presentations, screen casts through Jing (www.jing.com,) podcasts, and/or questioning techniques.   These techniques and methodologies will continue as well as new ones will be added such as gaming and Skyping.  It is important for educators to recognize that there is a considerable overlap between the strategies within DI.  As teachers become comfortable with these strategies several may be very effectively employed simultaneously (Enhancing Learning With Technology, 2004.)

   Utilization of the group wiki has been a big help with our assignments.  Many of the ideas for my lesson plans were from some of resources that my classmates shared.  I hope that I have helped them with my discussion answers and postings.

There is not really any changes that I will be making in regards to my technology usage.  However, I will be implementing Skype and digital storytelling tools this year.  I am trying to differentiate my assessment techniques more as well.  There is only one other teacher in the building that uses these methods so I will believe it will excite the students and get their creative juices flowing. Not only are the students sick of Power Point presentations, so am I.  I also hope to allow the students to try taking their quizzes for the different chapter sections online.  This way they try a new online tool and they get marked for me, what a perk!

Resources

Bray, M., Brown, A., & Green, T. (2004). Technology and the diverse learner: A guide to classroom practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Enhancing Learning Through Technology. (2004).  Retrieved August 10, 2010 from, http://www.members.shaw.ca/priscillatheroux/differentiatingstrategies.html

EDUC-6715I-6 New and Emerging Technologies-Reflection

As I look back on the past eight weeks, I find that some of the ideas about technology I had previously were askew.  Technology is not something that educators need to utilize just to keep their students on task.  It is a growing and living thing that touches all aspects of our lives. Whether the technology is emerged or emerging doesn’t matter in the long run.  What matters is its impact on our students by how we utilize it in the classroom.

My assignment from weeks 6 &7 utilizes the ideas from this class since it allows me to become a technology leader within my school & department, it give me a way to collaborate with my colleges to gain better understanding of the technologies they use within their classrooms and share ideas.  I also believe that a project like this allows me to be an advocate for technology within my school, an agent of change.

As a leader, I feel as if I exhibit the qualities of an “achiever”. I try to manage, support, and create a positive team atmosphere (Rooke & Torbert, 2005.) I try to always compromise and create a pleasant working atmosphere for all involved. There have only been a few times where I have been able to exercise my leadership abilities.  I would love to have a chance to show the rest of my department how this project would be an asset to their classrooms.

I believe that sharing our ideas and knowledge makes us better teachers. It allows us to take a leadership role but also relive what it is like to be a student and ask questions. Formulating these relationships with colleagues allows exposure to many different technologies and topics rather than discovering them at an in service during the school year. Bouncing ideas off of one another and debating methodologies increases proficiencies of Web 2.0 tools allowing for a more seamless integration into the classroom.

Just as stated in Lemke and Coughlin’s article more than 30 years of research on collaboration indicates, that it contributes significantly to academic learning and is more powerful than competitive learning or learning individually (pg.56.) Once the collaboration took over rather then competing against the technology and each other, true learning occurs. I think this is true for our students and the teachers as well. Once you become comfortable then you gain confidence, and are able to take the technology/information/change agent, and become one yourself.

            I really don’t think that I would change any of my efforts for learning about new technologies in regards to this class.  I am privileged enough to be part of the Technology cohort for my school as well as for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  I get to not only implement but also learn and collaborate with many teachers around the country, which has made me very open to new ideas and technologies.  I hope to assist others within my school to accept these changes and implementing them in the classroom.

References:

Lemke, C., & Coughlin, E. (2009). The change agents. Educational Leadership, 67(1), 54–59.

Rooke, D., & Torbert, W. (2005, April). Seven transformations of leadership. Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation. Located at http://www.newperspectives.com.au/downloads/
seven%20transformations%20of%20leadership.pdf

EDU-6715I-6 New and Emerging Technologies

Link to APP 4:
www.screencast.com/users/mcahoone/folders/Jing/media/76b6b21f-479e-4c42-9cd9-fe337df98062
I hope you enjoy!
~Michele

EDUC-6713I-5 Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas- Final Blog Post

As I look back on the GAME Plan I have developed throughout this course, I realize how excited I am for the new school year to start. I hope to have the web cast with another Biology class sometime in November. I am on track to compete this task. All of the hardware is at school just waiting to be used, and I have the connections in place to have the another class Skype us. The only thing I am waiting for is my roster to see what periods I have class my Biology class.

Throughout this class, I have been able to flex my creative muscles to consider multiple perspectives on the issues I face in class (Cennamo, Ross,& Ertmer, 2009.) The only obstical has been my confidence to move into unchartered territory of certain Web 2.0 tools. I have always used fun and creative pedogoagies within my classroom but this task will probably be my biggest accomplishment. Just a Katherine Cennamo stated in the Laeurate DVD, it is necessary to think in different ways for creative thinkers, and promote self regulated learners (2009.) I feel it is most important that students in high school learn how to plan, monitor, evaluate, and be actively involved in their learning to fully reap the benefits of learning inside and out of the classroom. This a key aspect of authentic learning is a great way to prepare for higher education as well as the work force. By helping learners appreciate their own accomplishments, understand the process that enabled those accomplishments, learners gain important metacognative skills (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009.) Research has shown that reflection, a form of metacognition, is a vital component of authentic learning (Leaurate DVD, 2009.) It is my goal as a 21st Century educator to utilize the best methodologies I know to prepare my students. Authentic learning approaches have helped me in this class and others. I hope that I can aid my students by teaching them strategies and keeping them focused on their learning goals. This class has allowed me to utilize my peers to bounce ideas off of and gain great ideas for my classroom.

I really don't believe that I have to make any adjustments to my instructional practices. From the first day of class, I set the standard in my classroom. The students know how they are to act within the wall of my classroom but also in regards to the web, email, and social networking. We have a very structured policies, in regards to, the internet and classroom behaviors and the expectations that they will be held to. This helps the students realize that we do not tolerate bad behaviors or horse play and disciplinary action will be taken if unethical or inappropriate behaviors arise.

References:
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, Cenage Learning.

Laureate Education Inc. (Executive Producer.) (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author

Blog Post: Using the GAME Plan Process with Students- Week 7

After going through the GAME Plan Process, I have found that I enjoy having time for reflection and more importantly the collaborative aspects. As an undergrad student, I didn't see "the big picture" and the value in both of these. But by allowing me to see the comments of my peers and envision their methods vs. my own, I have embraced and see there importance.
As for utilizing it within my classroom, that is a big yes! It allows for all performance indicators to be met within the METS-S across the curricula, but more importantly utilize the higher level thinking skills which are so important to utilize in the classroom. I believe with methods like this we can help students to become independent thinkers who also know how to communicate effectively within a collaborative environment. This is so important in the work spaces of today and the fields of the future.

Resource:
https://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007_Standards.pdf

Game Plan Week 6

I feel my game plan is heading in the right direction this week. I have been online a lot trying to connect with other educators by following them on twitter.com and also the blogs of some noteworthy educators I have found along the way. It is fascinating the in site and experience that some people have and are willing to share. I also have been going to some of the sites that have been suggested in the laureate DVD which have also been wonderful.
I think the new goal I have set for myself is to truly dive into the feeds I have subscribed to and try at least 2 new ideas I have found and use them for the upcoming school year. This is not really a NETS-T goal but more of a personal barrier I am trying to overcome. This is a bit out of my comfort zone but I am charging ahead.
I don't really need to improve my learning per se. It is more a challenge of trying something new. I can always adapt, but getting to that step is a tough one.

Game Plan- Week 5

In reviewing my progress so far, I have found that I am in pretty good shape. I know what I am doing, how to proceed, and have the technology accessible. I have two small problems: 1. No class to Skype with yet. 2. Need to have the nerve to actually do it. I am pretty technology oriented, so that part is not bothering me. It is more student behaviors and preparedness. I hope they are attentive, respectful, and appropriate in all senses of the word.
I think I need to focus on a Skypeing partner and designing some rules above and beyond our own classroom rules. I also don't think I need to modify things as yet. However, once I find another class to work with, more joint decisions will have to be made.

GAME Plan- Week 4

This week I spoke to my Librarian/Media Specialist, about teachers in other states, who teach a science class, that would be willing to Skype with me and debate a topic. I also asked a few of my department members, but no definite leads so far. Everyone is still trying to get in touch with their sources.
I don't believe that I have to change my plans as of yet but that may be the case in the near future. I am still holding out hope that a source will arise and I can begin practicing to get all of the "bugs" out before I get in front of the students.
If anyone has any other ideas let me know.
Thanks,
~Mrs. C

Game Plan- Week 3 Post

As mentioned from the previous post, I want my students to become socially responsible for themselves on various types of media they encounter. I want them to realize that their actions have consequences and they need to be responsible for them. In order for me to convey the severity and importance of web safety, I will utilize my colleagues to make connections across the curricula. This way the students see that it is a collaborative effort to protect them and aid them ultimately in their studies. I also feel it is important to allow the students to explore Web 2.0 tools only after being in serviced on them myself. I was lucky enough to be part of the Powerful Learning Practice Cohort lead by Will Richardson. I have learned many ways to use technology within my classroom but I feel the students can also teach me as well. They linked to technology constantly and working together benefits us both. I also will continue my professional development to keep me abreast of new technologies that arise.

Since beginning my Master Program I feel I have taken my knowledge of technology to new heights. I have gained many strategies to engage my students and modify teaching to aid them the best way I can. I hope to continue my educational
pursuits and aid my students by utilizing these pedagogues within my classroom.

Game Plan- App2

As an educator in the Twenty-first Century, I feel it is imperative to teach my students that they have a responsibility to be respectful of beliefs and opinions of all others. I believe it is important to teach them it is alright not to agree with everyone all the time but respect the choices and stances that they take. Students need to learn that actions have consequences and that these consequences may be life altering. I think that I discuss this in my class but not as effectively and as globally as I should. When reviewing the NETS-T's I find this relates to number 4: Promoting and Modeling Digital Citizenship and Responsibility. I feel I need to work on Part D: Developing and modeling cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with colleagues and students of other cultures using
digital-age communication and collaboration tools. I don't feel I have used technology to do this. My school does not have much diversity and I feel I need to use web-cam's and other Web 2.0 tools to aid me in this venture.

Another problem I found when looking over the NETS-T was with number 5. Engaging in Professional Growth and Leadership- Part a: participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. I feel that the learning communities that I belong to should be expanded. I believe my connections here at Walden have helped me dramatically but I need to reach further than that. The unknown makes me a bit uneasy but I must step out of my comfort zone for my student's.

Goals- Since this school year is drawing to a close, I hope to set up a web cast with biology class in another school by November of next year. This will allow me to make more connections professionally and also allow my students to learn about the students in a different school who may be different from them.

Actions- I will start the exploration process beginning with the connections I have right now. My librarian and other colleges, have children and former teachers around the world who may help me on this adventure.

Monitor- I am going to set my self my time table and also work this into the minutes of our department meetings. This way the department can keep tabs on my progress and call me to task if need be.

Evaluate & Extend- Utilizing my students feed back will be the best way to evaluate my progress. I hope that the technical aspects work first and foremost. However, I want my students to learn that all just because a student is in a different state or type of school they have similar responsibilities that they have. I also want them to see that the opinions that they have may or may not be similar to the ones of others. After the initial web cast, I hope to have them quarterly. This way the students can have debates on what we are learning, the best way to learn specific topics, and maybe utilize cross curricular connections with an English class to have the students write business letters to them.

Resource
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf

Reflection- App 8- EDUC-6712I-3 Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom

In my reflections on this course, I have found myself in awe of the amount of knowledge and technologies available at my fingertips. The vast amounts of Web 2.0 tools and other technologies that have been created in recent years; can be a blessing, but daunting in the same respect. I believe it is my responsibility as an educator to utilize all opportunities to learn as many of these tools or methodologies to aid my students. It is imperative that we help children learn how they learn, so they can adapt and extend their knowledge and strategies when they encounter new tasks in new contexts (Eagleton and Dobler, 2007.) I believe using a variety of techniques allows students to identify and articulate which instructional methodologies best suit their learning style. This way they be an advocate for themselves and adjust and monitor their learning by themselves, and with help of the instructor.
This course has afforded me practice in using Web 2.0 tools, allowed me to comment on the acceptable use policy at my school, and how to validate websites for my students, as well. These practices are very important in this in preparing our students in this ever-changing digital age. It is imperative that our students know how, when, and where to locate useful information on the Internet, or on an Intranet, will become an increasingly important component of the literacy curriculum, especially because the availability of information resources and
search technologies is expanding rapidly, increasing the importance of effective search strategies (Leu, Kinzer, Coir, and Cammack, 2004.) I also believe that knowing how to effectively write and implement a unit plan can allow the educator to organize their thoughts and strategies to afford the best means of implementation for the students.
The one aspect of this course that I wish to pursue further is the tool was utilized in week four, a “think out loud” utilizing Jing. I believe this tool was a great way to allow visual learners to access the validity and reliability of websites with a Web 2.0 tool that the students may not have seen or utilized. I believe that modeling best practices in relation to website validity and the importance of Acceptable Use Policies, and Plagiarism laws is imperative in the classroom with all disciplines. Student need to give credit where credit is due and also know and understand the consequences of all of their actions in the realm of cyberspace (Laureate, 2009.) I hope to have my students use Jing next year to describe the different websites about biomes that their groups have encountered. This will be an engaging inquiry based project that will allow the students to think outside the box and practice working in a collaborative setting.

References:
Eagleton, M. B., & Dobler, E. (2007). Reading the Web: Strategies for Internet inquiry. New York: The Guilford Press.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Supporting information literacy and online inquiry in the classroom. Baltimore: Author.

Leu, D. J., Kinzer, C. K., Coiro, J. L., & Cammack, D. W. (2004). Toward a theory of new literacies emerging from the internet and other information and communication technologies. In Ruddell, R.B. & Unrau, N.J., (Eds.), Theoretical models and processes of reading (5th ed.). (pp. 1570–1613). Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

App 4- EDUC 6712- Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom

Here is the link to my screencast! Hope you enjoy!
2010-03-28_1249_App_4CahooneM
~Michele