My first goal was to evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice as well as looking at existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning. Resources needed to carry out this plan would be to attend professional development conferences, obtain academic journals, a journal for my students and myself to write reflections in or a digital recorder, communication with a staff member on my campus (who is heavily involved in technology), and other technology professionals in my district. One step that I have already taken was to attend the California Association for the Gifted (CAG) conference March 3-4th. I attended five technology workshops. Two of these workshops left me feeling excited and eager to implement the technologies that the presenters were using in their classrooms. Additional information that I would like to get a hold of is how current technologies have benefited K-3 students who come from limited socio-economic backgrounds. I know that many times students who have low socio-economic backgrounds do not have access at home to many technologies found in schools. Those students who are lucky enough to attend schools with any technology,
My second goal was to help my students to promote global awareness. Resources that I would need to complete this goal are computers, microphones, headsets, Internet access, webcams, and an interested classroom teacher from a different location. Steps that I have already taken are obtaining the above mentioned items to complete a communication session. The teacher and I have set up dates to "practice" with each other prior to letting our students engage in a Skyping session. Once the initial communication has happened, I think I will have a better idea as to what additional information I might need. But these are some things I inquired about just yesterday: time zone, start time, lunch, and recess times as well. This will help me have a better understanding of a good time to initiate communication.
My second goal was to help my students to promote global awareness. Resources that I would need to complete this goal are computers, microphones, headsets, Internet access, webcams, and an interested classroom teacher from a different location. Steps that I have already taken are obtaining the above mentioned items to complete a communication session. The teacher and I have set up dates to "practice" with each other prior to letting our students engage in a Skyping session. Once the initial communication has happened, I think I will have a better idea as to what additional information I might need. But these are some things I inquired about just yesterday: time zone, start time, lunch, and recess times as well. This will help me have a better understanding of a good time to initiate communication.
I love the feeling of excitement when a new idea has been presented to you and you are excieted to share it with your students. That is great!! Reflecting is so important and will benefit your instruction greatly. I think the idea of a digital recorder is great for reflection, this can be so convenient. The question that you posed is so interesting and I think that what we can do as educators is try to reach our students from a low socioeconomic background, just as you are doing, is by incorporating the technology into our instruction, which is more exposure than they would get soley at home.
ReplyDeleteThe second goal "practice" session is such a good idea and one that I may borrow :) This would work out any kinks as anyone that has worked with technology before knows can happen. The teacher that you are working with, is this the teacher of the classroomn you will be skyping with, with your students?
I think it is a great idea to use a digital recorder to keep track of the progress you are making. Do you play the recordings in your PLC group? I also think that it is great that you have had 5 days of technology training. Was it sponsored by your district? I am impressed that professional development days are being offered in Southern California. Professional growth and training is so vital in being able to grow as a professional.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned your socioeconomic students who do not have the same technology at home. What do you do in terms of home projects for them? How much class time do you allow to work on Internet projects during class time? I have always been hesitant to assign Internet projects for home because there are students who do not have that access at home.
I enjoyed your post this week. Best wishes in your goals.
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI love that feeling too! I really like the idea of using a digital recorder because I won't have to worry about losing my notebook or trying to find a pen/pencil. Also, speaking is much faster than writing. I think you are right. If we just expose them to and incorporate technology into our lessons, regardless of their socioeconomic status, they will at least have that exposure. As they go through the grades, they will have some idea of what it is about.
Unfortunately, our fist practice session was not done. The teacher that I was going to do it with forgot and went home early. We are going to attempt a "practice" session later today. Hopefully this time we can make a connection. Yes, the teacher I will be practicing with will be the one my students will Skype with her students.
Thank you for your comments and thoughts!
Cami
ReplyDeleteI have not brought my digital recorder to my PLC meetings. That is a great idea. Thank you for asking that question. I will have to remember to bring it to my next PLC meeting In April (as we already had our March PLC meeting). The training was paid for out of my principal's budget. The Gifted and Talented (GATE) team at my site was really shocked that we were allowed to attend because of the financial crisis that our state is currently in right now. We just got notice on Wednesday that our district is pink slipping 320 people...119 elementary teachers! The district made cuts going back for teachers who started teaching in 2001!
As for the technology assignments at home go, I have not given any this year. This is my first year where I feel knowledgeable enough to do an online project. I have not provided my students with enough experience to tackle something like that yet. I am hoping by the end of this school year to be able to do something where students can work at home on a project in which technology can be used at home. As for my students who will not have access at home, I will allow them to work on it before and after school as well as their recess or lunch times.
Thank you for your comments and compliment. Best of luck to you as well on your goals!