I asked whether or not they would be willing to engage in classroom websites and wikis. They responded favorably, clarifying that they would only do so if it was "fun." While I wasn't surprised by this response, I am not sure how to ensure participation outside of class, when access is so sparse. Wahl and Duffield (2005) remind us that web resources "include many materials with high student interest, such as articles on snowboarding, sports, and popular media figures" (p. 4). My first goal must be to expose students to all of the great resources available on the web that will help them become more successful in school, and in their lives. I will allow 2-3 students in each class an opportunity to search the web for resources that fit into the day’s lesson. Those who are off task, will lose this opportunity. Those who find something that they think is fun or at least engaging will earn extra credit points for sharing it with me and the class. This will hopefully increase student belief that all resources related to school are boring and “lame.”
In terms of the reflective process, I asked my classes what they thought of the opportunity to reflect on my practices during each quarter. I confirmed that they would earn points for engaging in the process, but would not be graded for their responses. I granted them freedom, provided that they are respectful in their concerns and offer realistic alternatives to criticisms. They excited over the idea, and are looking forward to the opportunity to share honest opinions.
The aspects of my GAME plan are challenging, and will occur over time. I intend to incorporate as much technology exposure and reflection into my lessons as possible, but need to be realistic. First things first.
I am open to any and all suggestions!
Thanks for reading what’s on my mind!
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Using technology to customize instruction part 2 from: Promoting creative thinking with technology from Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
Wahl, L., & Duffield, J. (2005). Using flexible technology to meet the needs of diverse learners: What teachers can do. WestEd, pp. 1-11. Retrieved from http://www.wested.org/cs/we/view/rs/763.
Posts
Tarebare,
ReplyDeleteWhat is your computer situation at school? Is there a computer lab, do you have access to a computer in your room. You may want to make it a goal to provide computer access during the school day at some point during each week so that students can use that time for reflection.
Thanks, Bonnie for your response.
ReplyDeleteWe do have a computer lab, which is, unfortunately, a challenge to get in to. If I reserve the lab, I must use it for the entire period. I have one student computer in my room as well as my laptop, which I often allow students to use. We had a laptop cart with only six laptops on it, but someone stole all of the power chords, so we're out of luck there for now. We are facing many behavior challenges related to gang affiliation among other things, and the administration feels that technological resources are not something these particular students have earned just yet. I am hopeful, but have to go it on my own for now.
Tarabare, The fact that many students from your school, "frequent the libraries to use social communication tools," is a clear indication that students have an interest in staying connected and using technology. I am impressed with your attempt to make class relevant to them by allowing 2-3 students to search the web for appropriate resources. You are adding to that relevance by including "the opportunity to reflect" on your practices. I believe everyone will benefit from this experience because you have presented it in an open, nonthreatening manner. In our class text, Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use, the authors state, "If we want students to express their own opinions on controversial issues, or to feel comfortable challenging others' points of view, they need to feel assured that they will not be criticized or reprimanded for doing so" (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009, p.176). You have stated that your students come to you from a closed, critical environment, keep doing what you are doing and I expect you will see very positive results.
ReplyDeleteReference:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Susan Reed