This week I have been asked to give a description of the resources and information that I need to carry out my action plan.To continue my GAME plan, I still need to do more research on how to get a blog started on our school website. After collaborating with a technology coach, it was suggested that I use Shutterfly, which has a component that serves the same service as blogging, and glogster. Both of which I know very little about. So, that is my next step that I will be taking. I plan to meet with the coach within the next few days.
The other goal that I have been working on is for my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively. I took the step in the right direction this week.
I just learned that I will be getting a new model classroom with a projector, document reader, document camera, surround sound system with microphone for both the teacher and one for student use and in addition to this a DVD/VHS player for classroom use. Up until now I have been using an overhead projector and transparencies. This has put some limits on what I can do. I attended an in-service training last night on how to use all of the components. Some of which I had some knowledge, but some I had no knowledge of. So, in order to teach my students how to operate and use the equipment I needed to be trained. Probably the best part of the whole training, at least for me, was the fact that I will also be getting an Interwrite board because our technology coach received a grant. One of the requirements for getting one is that I will have to attend two training sessions and develop a lesson plan utilizing it in the classroom. I can say that I am very excited about learning how to use the new technology tools that I will be getting by the end of the year or right after our Christmas break. If anyone has any great plans for using the Interwrite, they would greatly appreciated.
Gayla
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Wow, that is exciting news! I have an Activboard in my classroom that I use all of the time and I love it. You may be able to search online for whichever company makes your technology and see if they have any training materials. For example, I can go to a website called Promethean Planet in order to learn more about how to use the Activboard and other helpful resources. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGayla -
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I would like to commend you for having the right attitude toward all of the technology you will be gaining in the near future. Yes, in order for your students to be able to benefit from all of the technology, you will most definitely need to become proficient in its use. At the same time, you will also need to be willing to step aside and let them show you a thing or two! (-which, in all likelihood, will happen!)
I would also like to commend you for being willing to go to those in your building that can help you to become proficient. Some of our colleagues, let's face it, are a bit too proud to do that! I belong to the camp that believes that we are all in the process of becoming better teachers, and that visiting, observing, and seeking assistance from our colleagues can only help us to improve our ability to be effective teachers.
Lastly, I would like to encourage you to share what you have learned with another colleague. This will not only reinforce your learning and increase your effectiveness, but will create a possible collaboration buddy and increase that colleague's effectiveness as well. "Sharing what you have discovered with your colleauges is a crtical step in improving your instructional effectiveness." (Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P., 2010, p. 115)
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cenage Learning
Gayla,
ReplyDeleteHow exciting it must be to get this technology. I envy your Interwrite board. I have been trying to get one for the last couple of years. I am glad that it will not go to waste in your room, as it does in many classrooms where teachers are unsure how to use them (or at least not effectively). I hope that the meeting with the technology coach went well and you were able to get some more ideas. As for Shutterfly, I admit that I am not very familiar with the program, but I thought it was a picture scrapbooking program. Maybe there is more than one? You have piqued my curiosity. I will have to do some research.
Shannon Eno
Our school went through the same kind of technonlgy upgrade this past summer. Unfortunately a lot of the teachers in my building were most excited by the document cameras. To me document cameras do not do much more than an overhead projector without having to make transparencies. This does not change the way we teach but just makes it easier to stay the same. Unfortunately we think we are using technolgy and helping students through technology but really nothing changes.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments.
ReplyDeleteBrian, thanks for the suggestion of using promethean planet for ideas on how to use the Activboard. I will check it out.
Heather,I look forward to learning how to use these new tools. Sometimes teachers don't want to go to the training because it takes time away from other things. It sure does, but if I'm going to be able to utilize equipment/technology in my classroom I want to be able to use effectively and not watch it collect dust. I most certainly plan on sharing with my colleagues. My 5th grade team works well together, so anytime one of use discovers something new we always share.
Mr. Eno, When I learn more about Shutterfly I will keep you posted. I also thought it was a scrapbooking site, but we will see...
NTrichler, I am excited about the whole aspect of getting a new model classroom. I will be able to hook my computer up to the document camera and take my students on virtual field trips and do so much more than I am able to do know with just an overhead projector.
Hi Gayla,
ReplyDeleteIt's good to have an activeboard in your classroom. In my district almost every school has provided its classrooms with promethean boards. They are excellent and motivational for students.
Gayla,
ReplyDeleteWow, it sounds like you are in store for an exciting second half of the year. Over the past year, our school has received very similar upgrades to what you had mentioned in your post. Unfortunately, we still have many teachers that are timid and refuse to take the time to experiment with the new technology. Brian mentioned using Prometheon Planet as a resource. I have used this as well and am currently taking a course to become certified with this software. The website is great, and even if you don't have the Promentheon brand Activboard, you will still find it helpful to look at the flipcharts and ideas posted by various instructors. I would check to see if your district or county has a license for their software.
Best of luck with learning your new technology. With a little bit of effort, I'm sure that you will do great and it will work wonders with your students.