When focusing on my GAME plan, I will need to make sure I have my resources available for me to use. First, I will make sure I have daily access to a computer and computer lab. I will need to make sure I am using my computer daily to become familiar with all of the digital tools. I will also make sure my students have computer access as well because I want them to also feel comfortable with using the different types of technology. Not only will I make sure I have computer access, but I will also consult my colleagues for additional help and support. I will ask my colleagues if they have any suggestions or pointers for me about carrying out my GAME plan. I will also ask them if they’ve experienced using a variety of digital tools and if they have used technology to communicate with students and parents.
Not only do I need resources, but I need to make sure I survey my students in the beginning of the school year. I will survey them to see how familiar they are with technology and ask them how many types of digital tools they have used before in the classroom. This survey would help me determine where I stand in the classroom with them and where they stand with their comfort level to technology. I would also need to find out which students and parents didn’t have access to a computer on a daily basis if I want to be successful in communicating using technology.
Last but not least, I have taken a few steps to achieving my GAME plan. First, I have spent hours becoming familiar with the different types of learning tools available. I have also asked my colleagues for advice using these tools and any pointers. Lastly, I have contacted my district about their procedures when it comes to blogging and using wikis with students and parents.
Caryn,
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to your questionnaire I would recommend creating a set of questions that prompts the students to provide details on their Facebook pages, specifically asking them how they decorate their Facebook page, how many photos they have uploaded, how many videos they have uploaded, and how often they check Facebook. The answers should help provide a more detailed background as to what they are capable of and it can be used to show the students they already are working with software, it is just on a basic level.
Good luck with your GAME plan.
Shawn
I think that conducting a survey or giving them a pretest on digital tools is an excellent idea. In an urban district, with a high concentration of immigrants it is important to know how much experience students have with technology to best support their needs. Some students may have very little experience and will need supplemental tools to learn how to use technology. This survey can also serve as a guide to creating differentiated instruction.
ReplyDeleteRobert Newell response to Caryn--
ReplyDeleteI think you are on the right track as far as assessing prior technology knowledge. Often, it can be that students are quite adept at surfing around, but later they might stall out when it comes to accomplishing educational objectives you set out for them.
Cell phones are a good place to get kids thinking and talking about technology. I obtained permission from a principal to allow kids to bring their phones to my class, and they did a show and tell of all the different features of their phones. This was a great way to get a dialogue going, and some of the students who had similar phones were able to "coach" the less techno-aware classmates. As a teacher, it gives you a strong general snapshot of where your students may be on the technological continuum, and helps set up cooperative groups where the digital "wizards" are able to teach any students who may need catching up.
Have a good week,
Robert Newell.