Course: Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas
Instructor: Virgil Kirk
So far I have learned that integrating technology can be a slow process and I need to be very patient. This is the same when I’m teaching because students are like snowflakes – each is unique and has a unique way of learning. As a teacher I need to be patient and let them be creative in their exploration of the topics. As the teacher, I need to facilitate that learning. This may include guiding students toward a finished product. I really enjoy watching my students explore different ways to express what they have learned. This has given them ownership of their education and allowed them to express themselves.
I want to continue to incorporate technology into my content area instead of always assessing my students with flat piece of paper. In the same respect, I need to realize some that a pencil paper assessment might be the best way to assess students progress.
At this time I don’t want to add additional NETs standards onto my very busy schedule. I still need to follow through with my “Tech Café” plan and get more teachers involved with integrating technology into the classroom. I just found out that I am getting a student teacher for the spring semester. During her six weeks residence I will use that time to expand my “Tech Café” to more hands-on/in class assistance for my colleagues.
Posts
Hello Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteI too want to have more project-based assessments instead of from tests or quizzes. Since my students have learning disabilities, tests are not strength but they are bright and very creative. As you mentioned, that you are getting a student teacher, you will find that this is a great avenue to promote technology. I did my first wiki with my students about 2 years ago when I had a student teacher. Because the two of us were involved, it gave us the time to create, assess, monitor, and revise together. It was a really fun experience and my student teacher brought her knowledge back to the university. Good Luck to you. Sounds like you are right on track for meeting your goals.
Kristin
Hi Dawn,
ReplyDeleteI am finding out that the technology road can be slow at first. I hope it picks up speed soon. Our technology specialist loves your idea of the "Tech Cafe". I am hoping that she will create a training session where we can learn some new tricks.
Frank
Kathleen,
ReplyDeleteYou are more than right that students should be encouraged to express their thoughts in different ways. I have also learned that they profit from being partly guided on what to do and then they enjoy working independently - whatever their efforts are focused on.
I love your graphics and the look/feel of your page.
ReplyDeleteI have also found that integrating technology can be a process which requires patience. My students last year were so excited to learn new technologies and we were able to so much learning with the use of technology. This year I teach third grade and it has been quite an experience for me to adjust to students who are not quite as independent on the computer and with the use of technolgy. Hang in there, we'll get it soon.
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ReplyDeleteDawn,
ReplyDeleteI love how you have compared snowflakes to the unique learning of students. It is really amazing when students take pride in and truly own what they are learning. This type of learning is what impacts the student to the point of it becoming more meaningful to them and therefore never forgotten. A miraculous process indeed! Much like the formation of a snowflake :)