Course: Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas
Instructor: Virgil Kirk
What resources will I need to carry out my GAME plan (video, reading, experts, or colleagues, etc)?
First goal: I will need to contact my Edtech expert and discuss different technology concepts/software I can teach to my staff. During our discussion we will also compile a survey that I will give my staff to determine what their interests are.
Second goal: I will need to determine which forms of technology my students are already proficient in. I will do this be giving them a survey. The survey will cover a variety of technology concepts so I have a clear picture of my student’s skills.
What additional information do I need?
First Goal: After my teachers have finished the survey I will tabulate the information and develop a schedule with the topics for each meeting. I have decided that the “Tech Café” will be open once a month and the topics of discussion will be posted so the teachers can decided which ones would best suit their needs. My plan is to have the meetings in the morning for about 30 minutes. I will take about 10 minutes to introduce the topic and then the teachers can have 20 minutes to explore.
Second Goal: After my students complete the survey I will review their answers to decide what technology they know and what I need to teach or review.
First Goal: I have proposed my idea to my principal and he felt it was an excellent use of my technology expertise. In addition to the “Tech Café” I’m going to communicate to my colleagues via a digital newsletter. I’m in the process of developing the format. I have also talked to the Sunshine committee at my school and they will provide juice and doughnuts for the “Tech Café” to entice teachers to attend.
Second Goal: I’m reviewing different lessons that I teach and deciding which lesson would fit this goal. I want to give my students the opportunity to “think outside of the box” when they are creating their final project. Here are a few of my lesson ideas:
- Math – My students are learning about arrays – have them create a project that would visually assist a student that is learning how to solve multiplication problems using arrays.
- Science – pick an ordinary household item then redesign the object and what it is used for.
- Writing – Learning to use the 6-trait Voice - Create a story using voice and image.
I would love some feed back on my lesson plan ideas.
Dawn Bell
Posts
Dawn,
ReplyDeleteIt definitely sounds like you have a great GAME plan in place and will be able to impact many people with your ideas.
I really like the idea of surveying the teachers to find out what they are interested in learning more about because I think this will give them ownership and make them more willing to come because it is something they want to learn about. I also like that you are planning to introduce the topic and then allow teachers time to explore it while you are there to assist. Maybe this will also get students brainstorming ideas together of how they can use the technology to benefit their students. I think once a month is a good amount so teachers don't feel overwhelmed by "one more meeting." The only suggestion I have, which means more work for you, is to offer before or after school options because different people have different schedules (i.e. dropping off and picking up their kids) and you might be able to reach more people.
Do you have Kidspiration in your school? This program would be great for the array project you shared.
First, I love the Tech Cafe' project! I think bringing in the food is brilliant. If you could just get some Starbucks in there it would be perfect. All kidding aside, this is a wonderful idea and, if you don't mind, I'm thinking of modifying the concept and using it at my school. (With your blessing of course.)
ReplyDeleteYour lesson plan ideas are good choices to integrate technology. I would like to share a possible idea for your writing lesson. There is a professor in your home state of Alaska that is doing a lot of research on digital story telling. It all started as a way to preserve the native Inuit storytelling tradition and has taken him to into the importance of teaching visual literacy and technology skills. Your writing project could be taken to the next level by having the students create a digital version of their story. Check out the Jason Ohler website. http://www.jasonohler.com
Hi Ladies, Thanks for dropping in and reading my GAME Plan.
ReplyDeleteSarah: I have kidspiration on my laptop but we don't have the software for our school. It is something I tried to get purchased this year but we lack the funds. I use it with my students in class but would love it if they could create their own. Thanks for the suggestion of doing a before and after workshop. I think you are right that I could reach more of my teacher if they had an option.
Karen: By all means you can use the concept. I think that is what this is all about sharing our ideas and using those that can benefit. Thank you so much for the information about Jason Ohler. I'm surprised I haven't heard about it before. In social studies I teacher about Alaska Culture and his website will be one that I will check out and share with my students. Thanks so much.
Dawn
I really like the idea of having your staff complete a survey of what they want to learn about. Since I am doing something similar at my school I would love to see the survey you used! I think this would really help in planning the sessions and arrange for extra materials or even speakers.
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteYour "Tech Cafe" sounds like our "Chat and Chew". Teachers get together and share ideas while having a few snacks and sodas.
I really like the science lesson on redesigning an object. Thinking outside the box is great for the brain.
Frank
Hello Markeeta,
ReplyDeleteI will send you the survey via Walden email. I used google docs to create and it was pretty simple.
Frank,
What types of ideas did your staff discuss during your "Chat and Chew?
Dawn