I originally created my own personal GAME Plan as suggested by Cennamo (2009) in order to align my goals as an educator with the best interest of today’s students. My goals focus on integration of the reflective process as well as responsible and ethical use of Internet resources into my reading and writing curriculum. The GAME plan is a formal one in which I plan actions to carry out, monitor and evaluate the progress of achieving my own goals.
Overwhelmed with attempts of adding fancy newer technologies, such as blogs and wikis to my already demanding schedule, I became discouraged about ever meeting my goals. What I am realizing is that the integration of technology into my classroom does not have to be so complicated.
The unit I introduced this week focuses on complex processes. The twelve students who were rewarded Internet access after completing assignments have really excited over the opportunity to search the Web for “fun” resources to add to my lessons. Each of these eighth graders found a complex process that met his or her personal tastes. One young lady pulled together a collection of recipes, while a young man printed up a series of plays from an old Denver Broncos’ playbook. In the meantime, the behavior of my more challenging students has improved because they want the opportunity to “surf the web” in order to add their own interests to my “lame Language Arts” class. One student actually paid me a visit this morning before school to show me that he had printed up his bus route, explaining how important it was for him to be more familiar with that process.
It never occurred to me that such a simple suggestion would make such a big difference. Richardson (2009) reminds educators that “we cannot honestly discuss twenty-first century learning skills for our students before we first make sense of that for ourselves” (Preface, p. x). I still learn something new every day.
It is time to begin discussions on the ethical use of Internet, and all, resources. One day at a time.
Today, I am so grateful for small successes…and that’s what’s on my mind.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, wikis, podcasts and other powerful web tools for classrooms. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
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Allowing the students who have alreay completed their work time to search the internet is a great enhancement to the lesson. This provides time for those students who need additional help with their work and also provides enrichment for the kids who are done early. It sounds like your kids are excited about finding materials online that are related to your lessons. This is a great way to show how your content material has applications to the "real-world." Integrating technoogy slowly is a good approach to take so that you don't overwhelm yourself or your students.
ReplyDeleteJenny
What a great way to incorporate some technology. It sounds like the students enjoyed it. It also helps you get some work done by taking some of the searching off your hands and putting it into theirs. It is always good to have the students involved with finding things for the class, not only are the proud when you use their ideas, it also keeps them motivated to do the work since it was their idea in the first place.
ReplyDeleteYour insight about the integration of technology not having to be so complicated is a huge step. I felt the same way at the beginning of the Walden courses--extremely overwhelmed with too many new things to learn and catch up on then pass along to my students. Now I have a list of things to do and incorporate into my classes that I plan to accomplish gradually and check them off one at a time. There is no need to make it a stressful and complicated thing when you could simplify and do it more effectively as well.
Tara,
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to see that you were able to reward your students by allowing them to search effective internet sites that are useful in your content. If the students enjoy doing this, it could serve as a positive motivator for students to finish their work ahead of schedule. At times, I also find myself overwhelmed with the idea of incorporating technology into my lessons. I try my best to take a step back and understand that the technology should only be used when appropriate and when it can be most useful for the students. You are right in that it does not have to be so complicated. As Vicky mentioned above, I have also created a database of my units and recorded when technology was used and more importantly, was effective with my students. This has helped me plan my lessons and maintain a calm demeanor with my students in my classroom.
Tara,
ReplyDeleteI am curious, while the time spent on work may have diminished for some, do you find that the quality has as well? I would fear students rushing through their work to get to the end result, although my students are fourth graders and likely have a greater tendency to do so. It is for this same reason that I do not allow students who finish their work early to do homework in my class. I am also interested in knowing more about how these resources are being used to enhance your "lame" class. I do, however, think it is wonderful that your students are bringing more of themselves into the classroom, and by so doing, you are learning more about them in return. This will surely enhance your relationship and help you to better meet their needs and desires.
Krystin
Tara,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to motivate your students! I think students thrive on technology. If you get a chance listen to Jaclyn Salomon's Pod Cast at http://jsalomon11.blogspot.com/2009/12/evaluating-my-game-plan.html and listen to what her students think about technology.
Small successes are the best! Your results surprised you? I would be pleased as well. As others have mentioned, integrating technology seemed overwhelming to me too, until I accepted that small, simple steps would get me there.
ReplyDeleteMy principal is often encouraging our staff to make our lessons more relevant to our students. You have done a wonderful job of bringing relevancy into your lesson. While it may be a reward for completing work now, it may be the lesson down the road.