The first goal I am going to focus on is the process of engaging students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. I plan to achieve this goal by becoming more knowledgeable about the different types of digital tools and resources. I also plan to practice using these tools within some of my daily lessons. I will monitor my progress by constantly checking and reviewing how I am implementing technology into the classroom and I will also check to make sure I am using a variety of digital tools and resources. I will also create a check list so I am not overusing one digital tool or resource more than the others. Finally, I will evaluate my learning by asking myself what I accomplished by using that particular digital tool and I will also ask myself if this a tool my students have access to in the classroom and will be able to use as well.
My second goal that I have focuses on the indicator found under modeling digital-age work and learning. I want to successfully communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats. I plan to achieve this goal by presenting information to my students and parents virtually. During open house in the beginning of the school year, I could create a podcast introducing them to my classroom, as well as, creating a slideshow. I could also create a classroom blog site that has my classroom procedures and information on it and ask for student and parent feedback. I plan to monitor this goal by seeing how many students and parents are using my classroom blog. I will also monitor this goal by seeing if “questions” have decreased from previous years to the year where I have included technology to relay messages and information. I will evaluate this goal by sitting down and writing a reflection on my accomplishments with using technology to communicate. I will also write down notes to compare from year to year. Lastly, I will talk with other peers to hear their ideas and what they think of my ideas.
So overall, this is my first experience creating a GAME plan. I am excited to see if I am able to fulfill my goals and carry them out each school year.
Caryn,
ReplyDeleteYour idea to post podcast updates for your parents is an excellent idea. On one hand, it will keep parents up to date on assignments and projects; on the other hand, podcasting provides parents and family members who live far away a window into your classroom, enabling them to see what their child family member is learning in school. As a sixth grade teacher, this technology tool should be great for you and the parents of your students. As you pursue this endeavor, you should start by reviewing your district’s policies and resources regarding podcasting in the classroom. My district is very strict on this issue, making podcasting very difficult to do, since every podcast must be reviewed by the district and placed on the district website (rather than the class website). This diminishes the beauty of podcasting; namely, that it is immediate and easy. While I feel that my district will move in the right direction on this issue soon, I caution you to check district policies regarding it.
Once you have pursued this avenue, perhaps the following links may be of some help to you as you begin podcasting:
http://learninginhand.com/creating-podcasts/
http://poducateme.com/guide/
http://www.podcastmachine.com/#SlideFrame_1
http://www.podbean.com/
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
If you have a Mac, you can also make excellent podcasts through Garage Band.
Good luck,
Jeff Myers
Caryn,
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to creating podcasts I recommend Audacity. It will allow you to modulate the sounds and even add sound bites. Best of all, this is a freeware.
The only thing I do not like about Audacity is that it will not export the file as an MP3 unless you change the codex of a particular file (I don't quite know what it is driving at). Here is how you get around that.
Export your file as a WAV file. Download Shungs WAV to MP3 converter (this is also free software) and use that to convert your file. The nice feature for Shungs WAV to MP3 converter is that it will convert multiple files and it will place the MP3 file back in the destination folder stead of some standard temporary folder.
I recommend converting any podcasts you make to MP3 rather than leaving them as WAV as size of an MP3 file is half that of a WAV file.
Below are the links to the software. Good Luck!
Shawn
http://www.shuangsoft.com/Shuangs_WAV_to_MP3_Converter.asp
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Hello
ReplyDeleteYou have excellent goals for increasing student learning in the 21st century. Any time that you can incorporate technology into your lessons you are advancing student knowledge and better preparing them for a future where technology is paramount. In addition you are supporting the idea of students as creative thinkers, self-directed, autonomous leariners. While you see the value of exposing students to real world issues, the use of digital tools will support authentic problem solving skills.
ReplyDeleteHi Caryn,
ReplyDeleteI thought your plan to create a checklist in order to keep from overusing a particular resource. I think you have a nice idea for keeping yourself and your students balanced. I know when I have little surges of using new technologies in my classroom, students tend to take notice. I am sure it will be the same for you.
I definitely like your idea of creating a podcast for open house. So much so that I think I will have to steal it! In fact, you have me thinking about how useful doing a reoccurring parent podcast would be. At the high school level, it is incredibly rare that I ever see a parent. At open house, we get 10 minutes with each class period’s parents and we do not have conferences so those 10 minutes with the parents who show up, are the only contact I have all year. What I especially love about the parent podcast idea is that when students struggle they sometimes lash out at the teacher to their parents. Though this rarely happens now that parents can see the grade book online, sometimes kids are effective in deflecting. Most of the time a quick conversation with a parent makes this all go away. Parents need to connect with a person and a podcast allows this to happen—at least vocally.
I can see so many positives when it comes communicating large projects and expectations with parents. I think there would be many parents who would love the ability to have a “sit-down” on their own time and schedules.
Thanks for getting me thinking! I’ll be interested in your progress and hope for your success.
Lindsay
Thank you everyone for all of the great, positive feedback. That makes goal setting so much easier to push for that achievement level. I am excited and anxious about learning how to set up a podcast for my classroom. Thanks for the great websites and information. I will keep everyone updated.
ReplyDelete