Class 10 Reflection

Reflection

Throughout this course I have gained new knowledge about new and emerging technologies. Even though I teach at a technology magnet school, where each student has their own laptop, there are many types of technology that I am unfamiliar with. This class enabled me to branch out and explore some of these new and emerging technologies. For example, I had never heard the term MUVE’s before now. I learned how multi-user virtual environments help teachers implement instructional change agents in the classroom. Through the weekly discussion I was also able to gain insight into many ways that gaming can be beneficial in the classroom. Prior to taking this course, I never would have agreed to use gaming as part of my instruction.

This course has also helped me to identify my personal leadership style. I am now aware of what leadership qualities are most effective when trying to influence the implementation of new and emerging technologies in my school. The staff at my school is very receptive when it comes to new technology. It would not be uncommon for me to present them with an idea on how to use a new and emergent technology. I look forward to sharing my newfound knowledge on new and emerging technologies with my colleagues.

Class Nine Reflection

I have mixed feelings about the Differentiation Station social networking assignment. Even though I did get several good source from my classmates, I thought I found plenty of good ones on my own. Also, the thing I like best about this online program is that I can work at my own pace. Being a busy mother of three, I often do my work the day it is due. At times I felt pressured to get my work done early because my group wanted to share our work before submitting it. I did not like the pressure of feeling like I had to get the work done earlier than it was actually due.

I feel that I already do an awesome job of differentiating instruction using technology. I will not make any immediate changes at this time.

Reflection

Creating my GAME plan forced me to take a closer look at the NET-S. Many of the learning indicators are already being covered in my classes, so writing my GAME plan helped me to focus on those that are not currently being covered.

The GAME plan has also encouraged me to make some changes in my current instructional practice. I have invited visitors in to speak to my classes about careers that involve using technology. My students are 8^th graders, so it is time for them to begin thinking about their future and what career path they might want to consider as they begin high school next year.

I have also invited someone in to talk to mu students about internet safety. Our students each have their own laptops, which they are allowed to take home if they have insurance coverage. Even though we try to do our best to monitor their behavior when they are on the computer at school, we do not know how much supervision they have when they take their computer home. Therefore, it is important for them to know of the dangers that are out there.

Using the GAME Plan Process with Students

I teach at a technology magnet school where each student has their own laptop. Technology is something we use on a daily basis. Creating the GAME Plan forced me to revisit the NETS-S and think about what I need to do to help my students develop proficiency in the technology standards and indicators.

As I continue to implement my GAME Plan at the beginning of the new year, I will continue to monitor and evaluate the progress made by me and my students. I look forward to increasing their knowledge in the area of technology related careers. I think students will be surprised at all the different ways technology can be used in a wide variety of careers. Students will also benefit from lessons on internet safety as well as application updates.

Revising My GAME Plan

Even though I do not plan to carry out my GAME plan until after the winter break, I have started to make contacts to arrange for visitors to come in and talk to my students. They will have a local police officer come in to talk about internet safety. They will also have local professionals come in to talk about various careers and what type of technology they use in their occupation. I am arranging for these visitors to visit our classroom in January.

I have learned that, technology will help to “level the playing field” for students with different abilities, needs, or preferences, (K. Cennamo, J. Ross, and P. Ertmer, 2009). Not only do students enjoy using technology, but it also helps those struggling students to have more of an advantage they would not otherwise have without technology. It can also provide extensions for those higher-level students who need and want something more challenging to do when they have completed the required assignment. The way I see it, technology has something for everyone!

One goal that I have not yet begun to work on is "Students will troubleshoot systems and applications." I have not yet approached our administration about the idea of forming a troubleshooting team consisting of students. Even though I think this is a great idea, I have a feeling they will not be very receptive to the idea.

One new goal I would like to set for myself and my students is number two on the NETS - Communication and Collaboration. Even though I have students communicate with classmates to discuss the novel, I would also like to have them "Develop cultural understanding and global awareness by engaging with learners of other cultures." This is something I will try to incorporate into my next unit of study third quarter.

As I mentioned last week I am not doing much with my GAME plan at this time. I hope to get moving on it after the holidays. One thing that I am doing is having students hold their novel discussion online by using Gaggle. This is a site approved by our district for students to use. I have set up the chat rooms and they are only allowed to chat with the members in their discussion groups, so I know it is a safe environment. I am also printing out their discussions so I can make sure they are staying on track and discussing appropriately.

I do not feel the need to modify my action plan at this time. This plan is going to take some time to fully implement. At this time my students are in the middle of reading a lengthy novel and working on writing and revising their research paper on Illinois history. These activities will take us through December and into January. Hopefully, second semester I will find some time to invite our guest speakers in to talk about internet safety and careers that use technology. The only questions I have are about the implementation of the GAME plan. Are we expected to fully carry out this plan before this class is over? I hope not because my curriculum is jam packed right now. I want to carry out the plan, but feel that I can not move forward with it at this time. Is anyone else feeling this way?