It is no secret that new and emerging technologies are great transformers. The different tools have the power to take one from a boring mood to an exciting place, from mundane to anticipation and from having little or no interest to an enlighten attitude. I have come to realize that the existence of these technologies does not necessarily mean change. The change comes when individuals are prepare to gain knowledge and share with others, in essence, action need to be taken for change for change to occur.
Over the past two weeks I had the opportunity to develop a plan that demonstrates ways of incorporating new technologies I have been introduced to into my classroom/school. The plan sought to enlighten and incorporate virtual and MUVE. These tools once viewed as fun and game can in and of themselves educate and aid in the passing on of norms and values to the young.
Dr. Oniel (2010) states that change can take place best when vision is clear and conveyed in a way that motivates individuals. One way I see to strengthen my plan is to develop clear cut vision that I myself is familiar with and believe and then seek to sensitize my school community. Vision that is simple, direct, inspirational and practical will aid in the execution of my plan to incorporate MUVES into the teaching learning environment that would no doubt enhance learning.
Necessity is said to be the mother of all inventions, therefore I will leave room in the plan to add or subtract any plan, tool or device that may not prove useful to student at a particular time. Also acknowledging that success in the classroom is a team effort, having feedback and the voice of colleagues will be accommodated. Dr. Thornburg (2010) notes that technology surface in different ways, they are those that evolves meaning that they develop out of existing ones, they are those that are rhymes of history and other that are redcloak. In order to identify them and their potential to aids in teaching and learning, it is important to keep seeking after knowledge. The fact that I teach curious creatures it is equally important for me to be curious and eager to learn about new things. By doing this there will always be a way to implement and used new and emerging technologies.
References
Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
21st century learners need 21st century tools and methods.
Posted in Uncategorized August 22, 2010
Follow the link
http://www.slideshare.net/dallee/online-learning-power-point-4853902
Posted in Uncategorized July 27, 2010
Posted in Uncategorized July 27, 2010
Follow the link below which will take you to a power point presentation on the benefits of online learning.
http://www.slideshare.net/dallee/online-learning-power-point
Posted in Uncategorized July 27, 2010
This is a link to my power point presentation of online learning
(more...)
Posted in Uncategorized July 27, 2010
REFLECTION ON UDL and DI
It goes without saying that our classrooms are diverse, unfortunately owing to the way we have been socialize/ taught very rare do we recognize and address diversity. If there is a definite difference that is staring us in the face then we recognize and take steps to address it; such as a child in a wheelchair or one whose mother tongue is different than the one used in the classroom. However, often time due to curriculum structure and District goals many of our students needs go unaddressed.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Differentiated Instruction (DI) supports diversity and encourages educators to incorporate principles of UDL into the daily curriculum. UDL principles of recognition which seek to promote teaching that supports essential cues and pattern identification; which caters to a specific kind of learner aids in the incorporation of everyone in lessons being taught. Other principles of mastering skillful strategies for action and that of engaging learners are also useful ways to reach all students in our classes. Technology plays a vital role in the success of UDL, not only does it complement UDL goals and aid in differentiated instruction learning in the classroom, but it also make teaching and learning fulfilling and ‘easy’.
This present course opened up an avenue for a great degree of collaboration with class members, together we explored the web for material on UDL and DI that we use to build our knowledge base and expand learning. Information shared in the form of personal strategies tried and proven and others reviewed from websites were quite helpful. I have been introduced to and explored website of teachers from around the world who had a wealth of information to share, these sites I never knew existed. In addition the CAST website explains and breaks down UDL and DI very well. http://www.cast.org/teachingeverystudent/ideas/tes/chapter4_2.cfm. Other useful links explored and shared within groups differentiated Station that can be used by almost all teachers regardless of grade or class size are http://www.udlcenter.org/aboutudl/udlguidelines.
I have learn a lot about the need to give attention to diversity and given strategies to best do so. As a matter of fact I have already began to merge new information to that which I have been doing. And plans are on the way to begin a fresh with my new students in the upcoming year. I gather that for DI to be effective a link must first be made between teacher and students. One of the best way to create and maintain this link is to have learning profile. Hence one of the first thing I will do on meeting my students is conduct a survey in which I will be able to identify learning differences. Another plan is to teach group dynamics and encourage group work and collaboration in addition to incorporating whatever technology is available.
Posted in Uncategorized June 28, 2010
Learning to teach with technology is a lifelong journey. Cennamo, Ross and Ertmer (2009) states that as teachers, we are responsible for creating opportunities to reach desired learning goals. In today’s classroom where teaching and learning can be quite daunting, it is imperative that educators carefully design ways to teach citizens to fill the shoes they are expected to fit in the world at large. Technology has changed the way we do almost everything, classrooms should therefore adopt such strategies in our efforts to create well rounded individuals. The GAME Plan designed and worked at during this course sought to aid teacher in delivery of relevant instruction and students understanding content the best way possible. Though efforts were made to follow GAME plan, there were times when goals set were ignored. Despite not referring to GAME plan at times, I see its importance and have benefitted greatly from developing it. I have gained new learning and insight in lesson delivery, understanding student’s interest and through research acquired information on the use of different web 2.0 tool. As a result of my GAME plan there has been an introduction to and greater understanding of NETS-S and NETS-T standard. Insights have been gained as to the importance of using ISTE as a guide to teaching and interacting with students of all ages. The importance to be aware of new and developing method of teaching and also to be self-directed learners has been made more obvious to me over the past weeks. In addition, as a result of my GAME plan I am been made more aware of ways technology can be integrated in teaching. Planning to make myself more knowledgeable have reveals ways technology can be used even in classroom where equipments are limited and almost lacking. These new insights will have tremendous impact on my future teaching and learning experience. I will not put a limit on the different technological tools both my students and I have at our disposal neither will there be a week of teaching without the use of some form of technology involve, even if it means students listening to a recording. The fact that a classroom blog is created, students can always ask a question, provide feedback and or respond to classmates. The fact that technology can be so easily integrated in and outside the classroom gives no excuse. Throughout this course I have experience numerous ways different forms of technology can be integrated in the teaching of English Language and Literature, as such I can identify adjustments I will be able to make in integrating technology in my teaching. One thing is to have involve in more project base learning. This activity will afford students to experience several form of technology. I will also give teacher a chance to learn more about these emerging tools and brings out the creativity of all participants. References Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Posted in Uncategorized April 25, 2010
NETS-S standard and NETS-T are very interrelated. It is no use for teacher to be equip with information that they keep to themselves… ISTE provides key on both teacher and student facilitating each success. Recognizing this I can presently identify several way in which my GAME plan will aid my students in becoming proficient in NETS-S standard. During the weeks I have “played” around with several web tool, podcast is one such tool. Having revisited podcast I created before and making attempts to create others I now have a better understanding of how it works. Introducing this in my classroom will aid in fulfilling NETS standard #1 which is Creativity and innovation. It stipulates that create original works as a means of personal or group expression and use models and simulations to explore complex systems and issues. Students should be able to understand and use technology system and select and use application effectively it will also help many on their road of becoming digital citizens.
In exploring different educational website in which I borrow ideas and submit suggestion I gather information that will aid students in reaching NETS standard #4 Critical thinking and Understanding. Task and information shared by other classroom will generate thinking among students and caused them to conduct research on own and learn independently.
My plan began with me wanting to learn more about technology so as to better meet the needs of my students. In achieving this, I sought the feedback of colleague, conduct research, and practice. Having done this, my next step is to share this information with my students and hope that they too will benefit. Wish me luck!
Posted in Uncategorized April 16, 2010
In pursuing my GAME plan I have had the opportunity to expand my knowledge in the use of different technological tools, I have also reacquaint myelf to some technologies I was introduced to in the past. My eyes have been opened up to a lot more resources for use in the teaching learning environment. I have had very little avenue to share and put in practice most of information I have been exposed to. However, plans are been made to share what has been learned. My original goal was to becom more verse in tools and devices to make lesson more interested and fun, also to employ NETS standard of creating digital citizens, and adding creativity and innovation to my classroom. I realized that in order to accomplish this in the long run I needed to first educate myself and be equip with the knowledge. Hence, I set out to learn through practice. This has been beneficial thus far, with suggestion and insight form of colleagues I have managed to conduct research, use tools and practice. I will continue to work on the goals I already set, and continue to seek further assistance and practice in achieving the ultimate goal of completing this degree and step by step use technology to enhance my students learning and enrich both mine and their lives.
Posted in Uncategorized April 8, 2010
The progress in achieving my goal and getting the GAME plan into play has been slow but successful. It is good to know that information and resources are available on the internet, if search is done correctly. I had the opportunity to consult the website recommended by a classmate and found it useful. Information needing to have creative self directed learning has been explored; I have revisited a virtual field trip site visited in a previous course. I did this to reacquaint myself with the concept for the future when I will introduce it to my students. I have also revisited some PowerPoint presentation I did, to reacquaint myself with the software, previously I encounter difficulty when presenting written information accompany by sound.
Information and resources such as those presented on various sites explain ways to use internet tools to the ones advantage and those which give step by step information on usage of different software. In addition, presently at my school there is a very willing and helpful Information Technology teacher who is never busy to help and share with fellow colleagues. He has also been of assistance to me in my GAME plan.
Presently I see no need to modify my GAME plan as with the assistant of the internet, colleagues, and my present Masters programme, I seems to be making head way in my NETS standard.
Posted in Uncategorized April 4, 2010
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