The resources posted by my peers in the Differentiation Station social network are mostly subject related so while I do not think I can incorporate them all I can include them in some of my lessons. For example, the links leading to geography lessons can be incorporated into Darwin’s voyage on the Beagle for evolution and any of the literature sites can be used to improve reading and writing skills in science. On the other hand, there was a link specifically for the use of creating graphic organizers. Any subject area can use graphic organizers to break large concepts into more manageable parts for effective learning.
These shared links can help me to incorporate multiple subject areas within science which will spark interests in favorite subjects therefore leading to effective learning. This allows the implementation of UDL and DI strategies because it is differentiating instruction among a variety of subject areas. The graphic organizer website is a great example of an assignment that is good for visual learners which is part of both learning profiles and learning styles.
One adjustment that I have already made to differentiating instruction in my classroom is implementing multiple activities into one lesson. For example, for cellular respiration, I did the following: warm-up, cellular respiration power point notes, cellular respiration hands-on lab, cellular respiration graphic organizer, and homework questions. There was never a dull moment and no activity lasted an extended amount of time. It kept the kids moving around which in turn kept their attention.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Week 8: Reflection
Week 8: Reflection
I feel that I have taken many of the necessary steps to improve on my GAME plan.
First, I have set reachable GOALS that can easily be achieved by speaking with the technology director in our county, our school’s ITS guy, and professional learning coordinator. I also have been able to self-teach by navigating new programs and technology on my own.
The ACTION that I have taken to achieve my reachable goals involve contacting the county’s technology director to ask her questions on how to improve my blog, create my wikispace page to be used in my classroom, and many other questions to help guide me when attempting to use new technology. I have also put in numerous requests for our school’s ITS guy to upload new programs onto my school computer and also scout out an appropriate place for my new Promethean Board. He also has “cleaned up” my computer to ensure faster access when using both the desktop programs and the Internet.
In order to MONITOR my need to gain knowledge of new technology I like to play around with it so that I can become more familiar with how it works and how my students can benefit from such a program.
Last, but not least, I will EVALUATE and EXTEND my plan by the knowledge that I have gained and how easily I can navigate through new technology and programs. If I do not feel comfortable enough to navigate through the technology on my own I will need to strengthen my plan so that I can eventually reach that comfort level.
I have had a chance to learn of a new program called Classroom Performance System (CPS) . It is a system that allows teachers to import tests, created in our textbook’s testing program, for the purpose of review. It comes with individual student clickers so that each student can participate in a classroom game while the system also saves individual student results. It took me about a week to understand the entire program but it was worth it when the students responded in the positive way that they did and had the experience of learning with technology.
One immediate adjustment that I have made concerning improving my technological path to success is to add a Tech Resources page to my classroom wikispace. I added programs such as VoiceThread, Microsoft PhotoStory, and the classroom blog page. I hope to add to this list as I discover new programs so that there are multiple ways to reach the diverse learning styles in the classroom.
I feel that I have taken many of the necessary steps to improve on my GAME plan.
First, I have set reachable GOALS that can easily be achieved by speaking with the technology director in our county, our school’s ITS guy, and professional learning coordinator. I also have been able to self-teach by navigating new programs and technology on my own.
The ACTION that I have taken to achieve my reachable goals involve contacting the county’s technology director to ask her questions on how to improve my blog, create my wikispace page to be used in my classroom, and many other questions to help guide me when attempting to use new technology. I have also put in numerous requests for our school’s ITS guy to upload new programs onto my school computer and also scout out an appropriate place for my new Promethean Board. He also has “cleaned up” my computer to ensure faster access when using both the desktop programs and the Internet.
In order to MONITOR my need to gain knowledge of new technology I like to play around with it so that I can become more familiar with how it works and how my students can benefit from such a program.
Last, but not least, I will EVALUATE and EXTEND my plan by the knowledge that I have gained and how easily I can navigate through new technology and programs. If I do not feel comfortable enough to navigate through the technology on my own I will need to strengthen my plan so that I can eventually reach that comfort level.
I have had a chance to learn of a new program called Classroom Performance System (CPS) . It is a system that allows teachers to import tests, created in our textbook’s testing program, for the purpose of review. It comes with individual student clickers so that each student can participate in a classroom game while the system also saves individual student results. It took me about a week to understand the entire program but it was worth it when the students responded in the positive way that they did and had the experience of learning with technology.
One immediate adjustment that I have made concerning improving my technological path to success is to add a Tech Resources page to my classroom wikispace. I added programs such as VoiceThread, Microsoft PhotoStory, and the classroom blog page. I hope to add to this list as I discover new programs so that there are multiple ways to reach the diverse learning styles in the classroom.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Week 7 Blogpost: Refelcting on my GAME plan
The two NETS-T standards that I initially chose to improve on were model digital-age work and design and develop digital-age learning assessments. More specifically, I wanted to improve on the following indicators: “customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities usingdigital tools and resources” and “model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning” (www.iste.org, 2008).
In order to instill technology skills in my students, based on these standards, I must accomplish a variety of tasks. I have already achieved my goal of speaking with our county's technology director as well as seeking out professional development having to do with integrating technology in the classroom. I actually plan to attend a Smart Board class in January in order to learn how to use my new Promethan Board.
In order to customize and personalize learning I plan to use a variety of technology in my classroom to achieve maximum learning for all learning styles. I already have plans to use my wikispace page, blogging, and VoiceThread for next semester's science classes. These types of technology are of course aside from the basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Power Point.
I plan to model technology by updating my wikispace page daily with assignments, announcements, and a daily account of the lesson plans. I also plan to participate in online discussions.
I believe that I have greatly benefited from this course by improving on my knowledge of the different types of technology and how I can integrate them into my classroom.
In order to instill technology skills in my students, based on these standards, I must accomplish a variety of tasks. I have already achieved my goal of speaking with our county's technology director as well as seeking out professional development having to do with integrating technology in the classroom. I actually plan to attend a Smart Board class in January in order to learn how to use my new Promethan Board.
In order to customize and personalize learning I plan to use a variety of technology in my classroom to achieve maximum learning for all learning styles. I already have plans to use my wikispace page, blogging, and VoiceThread for next semester's science classes. These types of technology are of course aside from the basic computer programs such as Microsoft Word and Power Point.
I plan to model technology by updating my wikispace page daily with assignments, announcements, and a daily account of the lesson plans. I also plan to participate in online discussions.
I believe that I have greatly benefited from this course by improving on my knowledge of the different types of technology and how I can integrate them into my classroom.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Week 6: Improving my GAME Plan
Week 6: Improving my GAME Plan
I have learned of many different types of technology, such as VoiceThread, that I can incorporate into pretty much any science lesson. Most of the programs I have learned can also be changed to adhere to the needs of the diverse learners in my classroom.
I am still currently working on gathering more information on the promethean boards. I did find out (thank you Rachel) that I cannot write on the board with a dry-erase marker but that it comes with its own special marker that I can use to write on it and then save that information to upload onto my wikispace for my students’ viewing pleasure.
Based on the NETS-T standards from week one, I would like to still focus on demonstrating the effective use of different technologies in the classroom. For example, I tried using the CPS (Classroom Performance System) for the first time by myself today on the LCD projector. This program involves students possessing their own clicker and requires them to answer a question bank that I have made up for them one question at a time. It then displays data for each student and as a class. This program really encouraged the students to compete with not only other students but themselves as well.
One new goal I have in mind is that I would like to find more programs like the CPS that will engage all students while also acting as an effective tool for learning. One learning approach that I will try next time is to navigate through a new program at the same time I am being told how to use it. I learn better if I can perform a task while being guided from a more experienced teacher.
I have learned of many different types of technology, such as VoiceThread, that I can incorporate into pretty much any science lesson. Most of the programs I have learned can also be changed to adhere to the needs of the diverse learners in my classroom.
I am still currently working on gathering more information on the promethean boards. I did find out (thank you Rachel) that I cannot write on the board with a dry-erase marker but that it comes with its own special marker that I can use to write on it and then save that information to upload onto my wikispace for my students’ viewing pleasure.
Based on the NETS-T standards from week one, I would like to still focus on demonstrating the effective use of different technologies in the classroom. For example, I tried using the CPS (Classroom Performance System) for the first time by myself today on the LCD projector. This program involves students possessing their own clicker and requires them to answer a question bank that I have made up for them one question at a time. It then displays data for each student and as a class. This program really encouraged the students to compete with not only other students but themselves as well.
One new goal I have in mind is that I would like to find more programs like the CPS that will engage all students while also acting as an effective tool for learning. One learning approach that I will try next time is to navigate through a new program at the same time I am being told how to use it. I learn better if I can perform a task while being guided from a more experienced teacher.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Week 5: Improving my GAME plan
This week, I have been able to speak with our system’s technology director and our school’s IT guy about both setting up a classroom blog on my wikispace page as well as how to use the promethean board. I was also referred to a teacher at a local middle school who is currently using a promethean board and can teach me to use it at its full potential.
The few things that the IT guy told me about the promethean board is that I will no longer need my LCD projector to display notes, movies, and virtual labs. I can now use the board for all of these things. I still have a lot to learn about the board. I do want to know if I am able to write on the promethean board with dry-erase markers. Can someone tell me if this is possible? The reason I ask is because installation of the board requires that some of my white board be covered. On another note, I did get all of the information that I needed to set up a classroom blog on my wikispace page.
The one thing that I really need to do soon is set up a meeting with the teacher at the middle school so that she can show me how to use the board. I also need to search our area for seminars on the using the board. I am scheduled to receive the board after Christmas so I am in a time crunch with learning how to maximize its use in time for 2nd semester.
If anyone has any insights on how to use the board or just to let me know what all it can do please let me know. Thanks!
The few things that the IT guy told me about the promethean board is that I will no longer need my LCD projector to display notes, movies, and virtual labs. I can now use the board for all of these things. I still have a lot to learn about the board. I do want to know if I am able to write on the promethean board with dry-erase markers. Can someone tell me if this is possible? The reason I ask is because installation of the board requires that some of my white board be covered. On another note, I did get all of the information that I needed to set up a classroom blog on my wikispace page.
The one thing that I really need to do soon is set up a meeting with the teacher at the middle school so that she can show me how to use the board. I also need to search our area for seminars on the using the board. I am scheduled to receive the board after Christmas so I am in a time crunch with learning how to maximize its use in time for 2nd semester.
If anyone has any insights on how to use the board or just to let me know what all it can do please let me know. Thanks!
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Week 4: Improving my GAME Plan
Wow! Thanks to everyone that recommended websites that I can use for my high school-aged science students. That pretty much covers the question about me obtaining information and resources needed to implement my GAME plan. However, I would like to have options for technology other than that of the Internet and the computer. I would like to have access to a Promethean Board or Smart Board so that I can extend my knowledge beyond the computer and its programs. There are so many different technologies out there that can help all types of learning styles. Don’t get me wrong, the computer is a wonderful resource, but it can only do so much and may not cater to all learning styles.
The one thing that I may need to modify in my GAME plan is to attend a seminar on using a Promethean Board. We have been named a Title 1 school this year and because of that we will receive extra funding. My principal recently approached me and offered to set up a board in my classroom. His goal is to set up more technology in classrooms that will benefit the needs of special education students. Since I teach in a team-taught classroom he offered me this wonderful opportunity that I just could not turn down. Now I must learn how to use it and understand how this will maximize student learning.
One thing I have learned as I improve upon my GAME plan is that there are many different types of technology out there and that, just like your lesson plans, technology needs to be differentiated as well. Just because a teacher may be using the LCD in her lessons does not mean that she should use it as her form of technology EVERY time. It is important to change it up and keep the students engaged with a variety of technological methods.
Has anyone ever used or is using a Promethean Board? Can you offer me any suggestions as I begin learning about them? Also, what all can it do?
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Week 3 Post: Improving my GAME plan
In order to improve my GAME plan I will need to first speak with our county’s Technology Director for guidance as well as discuss tools that are readily available for implementation in my lessons. It seems that for most of my lessons the following resources will be appropriate: computer, LCD projector, computer lab availability, access to educational websites, lab supplies, and the course text. I will also collaborate with my team-teacher in order to modify lessons that will fit all learning styles.
My intention is to teach my students effectively by not only differentiating instruction for an entire unit but for a single lesson as well. For example, I would like to have multiple learning strategies within one lesson so that each student has an equal opportunity to learn effectively using their personal learning style.
So far, I have been able to speak with the county’s Technology Director when I took her seminar on creating a wikispace page. I plan to get my wikispace set up so that I can post information and assignments for my students to view at home. I also plan to include a link to my science classroom blog in order for them to comment on specific science topics. Some other steps that I have already taken to implement my GAME plan are signing up for computer lab use in advance, researching valid educational websites, and building up quite a large supply of lab materials for the many hands-on activities we do in science.
The one thing that I am having trouble with is finding educational websites that will challenge my 9th and 10th grade students in science. Does anyone out there know of or use one in their classroom? The main one that I use is http://www.discoverylearning.com/. The program found on this site is called Gizmos. All others seem elementary and do not challenge my high school-aged students.
My intention is to teach my students effectively by not only differentiating instruction for an entire unit but for a single lesson as well. For example, I would like to have multiple learning strategies within one lesson so that each student has an equal opportunity to learn effectively using their personal learning style.
So far, I have been able to speak with the county’s Technology Director when I took her seminar on creating a wikispace page. I plan to get my wikispace set up so that I can post information and assignments for my students to view at home. I also plan to include a link to my science classroom blog in order for them to comment on specific science topics. Some other steps that I have already taken to implement my GAME plan are signing up for computer lab use in advance, researching valid educational websites, and building up quite a large supply of lab materials for the many hands-on activities we do in science.
The one thing that I am having trouble with is finding educational websites that will challenge my 9th and 10th grade students in science. Does anyone out there know of or use one in their classroom? The main one that I use is http://www.discoverylearning.com/. The program found on this site is called Gizmos. All others seem elementary and do not challenge my high school-aged students.
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