Home > Assignments > 4-A-2: Wiki Posting: Five Ways to Think about Change
INSTRUCTIONS:
List five ways to think about and address changes in technology in your classroom and school. With each way briefly describe how you plan to apply your thinking with your colleagues.
Before developing your five ways to address change suggestions consider the following:
Considering the list of fears you brainstormed in the previous assignment, what are the common objections and fears your peers or administration may have to changes in technology?
How can you assess if the the objections/fears are valid? How can you educate your peers in determining if these fears and objections are valid?
How can you inspire peers who share similar beliefs and interests to apply changes in technology to their classroom or students' learning?
How can you get peers out of the "Resistance" phase into the "Exploration" phase?
Post your "five ways to address change" in the table below. Review your peers' postings and post at least one comment in the Discussion Tab above.
5 Ways to Address Change
Submitted by:
1. I plan to post homework daily on our school website instead
of having students write assignments in their planners, I don't think I'll get much
resistance to this because people can still use the old planner if they choose to.
2. I can try setting up a class wiki to be used to answer school questions
by class members, I think this would be a great tool and people who may not be
tech savvy may still try it because of the advantages it will provide. I can offer to set my
colleagues up with their own wiki if they are interested.
3. I can switch completely to an online Skyward Gradebook, I have been hesitant
because I think I always need a back-up, but if I print a copy every now and then
that may be the trick.
4. Indoor recess time can offer some Wii games, we have a Wii in our gym from a grant,
I think kids may like to earn Wii time during indoor recess. I can offer to set up a Wii rotation
schedule with my two colleagues. I can show them that it won't be any extra work because
the kids know how to set it up themselves.
5. After introducing the Wii for indoor recess, I can begin to use the Wii for classroom lessons,
my colleagues and I can brainstorm ideas with our classes on how the Wii can become an
educational tool.
KellieA
1. After having a SMART board recently installed in my classroom, I plan to create more activities that use the SMART board. This would involve interactive games (using SENTEO response system) and allowing students to construct graphs and use the built-in programs. 2. I will continue to update my blog on a daily basis that will summarize what transpired in class that day and give visuals and other resources that would help with the comprehension of a topic. 3. I will allow for more project creation for extending research on topics. I hope to allow students to create podcasts that they can share and then listen to on their iPods or other mp3 devices. 4. At the beginning of the unit, I will allow the students to access all of the assignments to see if they would like to approach them in a different order and allow for them to turn them all in at the completion of a unit. I might only do this for one unit and see how it goes! 5. I will give additional resources that will be good places for students to research alternative methods for solving problems. I hope they will use any resource available, including our class blog, to learn required information. This would include the textbook but not be limited to it.
Ryan F.
1. I have an airliner (a cheaper version of the smartboard). I took training over the summer on it but have not used it since. I will scan copies of the homework I give to my students. Instead of going over it on the board or on a transparency, I will use the airliner. I will even allow the students to use the airliner to show their classmates how they answered a problem. Most of my colleagues already use their airliner so I think they will be very supportive of me using it in my classroom and even help me if I need it.
2. I have a Moodle site. The only thing I use it for is to link our practice tests from our online textbook. Moodle offers the opportunity to put quizzes, tests, surveys, forums etc all online. I need to offer more to my students on this site because rumor is, we are getting rid of our school websites and going strictly to Moodle sites since they are free. Again, I won't have any problem with my colleagues because some of them already use it as their main site for their students. The students won't have a problem with it because some of them know more about Moodle than me since they have used it in previous years.
3. FasttMath is installed on a computer in our classroom. We got it free at the NCTM conference. I need to be better at rotating students through it to better their basic multiplication and division facts. It offers games to the students if they answer so many correctly so I think they would find the break from class as fun. If it works out, I can speak at my math department meeting to the other teachers and let them know that I have a great program that they may be interested in. THat way we don't have to wait until 8th grade for our students to get more practice with their basic facts.
4. At the start of each chapter, we have the students do a crossword puzzle or word search just to become familiar with the vocabulary words they will encounter during the chapter. I was recently introduced to Wordle at a conference and I'm excited to introduce it to my students. It is a great way for my students to brainstorm the vocabulary words and then print out a picture of the words for their notebooks. I think introducing this site to other teachers would be beneficial and I see no resistance to it since it is a great tool.
5. I have a FLIP camcorder at home. I have often thought about taking video of math in the real world and showing my students the videos. We talk all the time about where math is (such as the grocery store when finding unit rate), but wouldn't it be more interesting to actually see it without going on a field trip? Again, I don't think colleagues would mind me sharing the videos with them because I'd be willing to allow them to use them in their rooms as well.
Andrea O.
1. Using technology should be something so routine during a lesson that students think it’s a normal part of learning. They have grown up with technology at their fingertips and expect to be able to access it during their classes.
2. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, and view the uncertainty of technology as possibility of “what could be”. You never know how much fun your students, and even you as a teacher, can have by stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.
3. Let students play a role in teaching others about technology. Net Geners are problem solvers and are confident in their ability to use technology. They go through trial and error to get things done and are able to multitask. These traits are beneficial and are something to be looked at as a positive change in the classroom. Teachers should take advantage of it.
4. Change has already begun and we can no longer deny or resist using technology. Teachers need to be comfortable enough to explore different types of technology and commit to ways of incorporating it.
5. Get together with other teachers who have rolled with change and who incorporate technology into their classes. By surrounding yourself with others who share the same beliefs in moving forward, you can stay committed to doing the same. You will also be on the cutting edge of new ideas and will ensure your students are learning in your class.
Kelly C
1. Because of the program that I work for (online school) it would not be hard to convince the administration to give their blessing. Our program lends each student a desktop Mac that they have at home and are to use to complete their project based activities. We use FirstClass as our online community where all the students, teachers, mentors and team leaders are linked together. One of the features that I love is the Instant Chat, this gives everyone access to chat with whomever is online at the time. That way if a student has a question, they can ask any of the teachers, or mentors or other students and get immediate feedback.
2. Being open-minded and willing to make mistakes is essential when teaching today. I have learned that students are so tech savy that I can learn something new everyday from them. I believe that if we listen to students and take what they are interested in and infuse them into school projects, they will be so much more vested and will learn more.
3. I love the website wordle when doing prewriting. I have used this with my online students, but is could be used in the classroom too. Instead of the old paper and pencil notes, students can use their computers and make something very colorful and creative. I think letting students use a tool like this makes them more creative and that makes them more excited about doing the actual writing.
4. I have 4 of my own teenage daughters and they all have a IPod Touch. There are so many apps that can be used for school, many of them free, that I think it is the way of the future to use mobile learning in the class. They are cool, sleek and innovative. All of the teachers, mentors and team leaders that I work have linked their Androids or IPhones to their laptops. We use the calendar feature, notes, contacts and of course there is a lot of texting going on. We are all constantly in touch with each other, which helps with collaboration, exchange of ideas and support.
5. We have access to digital cameras, garage band, IPhoto, and IMovie. The students are encouraged to use these tools to enhance their projects and earn Technology credit. We believe that the more comfortable they are using these tools, the more attractive they are to potential employers.
Kelly H
1. Online testing should be utilized more frequently. I just tried ClassMarker’s site and found it to be very useful. The students received their quiz results instantly. I would urge all teachers to pre-register their students and create their passwords. Even though a few students complained that the system didn’t allow them to change an answer, most students had no problems using it the first time around. 2. Although most teams and departments have their own Web page, there should be a Web directory for these sites that is accessible via the district’s Web site. Currently, my team’s wiki is available through PBWorks, and my department’s wiki is available through WetPaint. If our faculty wants the freedom to choose what site to use, at the very least our district should incorporate those links into each building’s home page. If not, a universal wiki site should be adopted by the district. 3. Virtual field trips should be required for all grade levels on an annual basis. Not only is this an affordable and safe experience for children, it’s very modern, convenient, and just as educational as an away trip. We already have Magpi as our Internet2 connection and content provider, so why not make use of an available resource. 4. Fund online resources such as Quia. This site allows you to create your own online game using vocabulary terms. The annual fee is $40.00, but they do offer a 30-day free trial period. You can also create quizzes, surveys, and of course, web pages. It would cost the district less to purchase than it would cost each teacher to purchase individually. 5. Offer on-site training for these technology resources. An e-mail doesn’t always convey a product's full potential the way a live demonstration can. I would even settle for a video presentation. We teachers need to know how to successfully incorporate the tools that are at our disposal into our lessons.
FranS
1. View technology as a tool rather than an obstacle. Get out of your comfort zone and be willing to experiment to find the positive benefits of new technology. Model the use of technology with students and portray technology in a positive light, even if it problematic at times. 2. Be patient. Change always involves time to implement. Be willing to put time and effort into making the change. You might see yourself as over-worked already, but the students are the ones who will be short-handed in the end by your lack of commitment to change. 3. Find like-minded teachers who are also committed to exploring technological possibilities and implementing them in the classroom. This will allow me to bounce ideas off of others who are not only sympathetic to my visions, but also share some of those visions for change involving technology. Be willing to share your expertise with other teachers who may be resistant. Even if the district will not provide formal, paid opportunities for technology training, teachers who are comfortable with the technology need to make themselves available to anyone who is willing to learn! 4. Be open-minded and listen to the ideas of students and other teachers. While I have a very firm idea of the objectives I want students to meet, I can be flexible about how students reach those objectives. If students have ideas for how they would like to present their knowledge, I would like to accommodate their wishes and see what they can do!
5. Commit to creating opportunities for students to access extra course material online. No teacher should feel like it is their duty to “hide” the content of the curriculum from students. Since all teachers have access to the district Moodle, they can create a Moodle for each of their classes. Teachers should upload any supplemental materials that will be helpful to students who want the extra materials. For example, I can upload guided notes and PowerPoint notes from the textbook publisher so students can access them if they need the extra help. It is a simple way to accommodate for struggling students.
AlisonM
1. Creating a more interactive guidance website that students can post questions on. I would like to use a forum such as a blog or wiki that I can respond to and they could reply to each other through.
2. I would like to use an online calendar such as 30 Boxes to post important deadlines for the college application process. These can include the SAT test dates, college application deadlines, and financial aid application deadlines. Students will have access to the electronic calendar and get reminders emailed to them directly.
3. I would also like to use a VoiceThread to go over the resume building process with students. Through this process, they can access the information at their convenience and pace.
4. As a school counselor, I am constantly in the crossfire between students/parents and teachers. Parents often call to request homework on short notice or to requests communication with their child's teachers. By advocating a higher use of technology to the teachers, pertinent information can get out to the parents and students faster and more efficiently.
5. Every year, I give "pep talks" to many students who are not committed to school for reasons such as it is boring or they are not learning anything. By discussing the benefits to using more technology with this generation, I am hoping to convince some to change their approach to the classroom. So many of my colleagues truly want what is best for their students and to see them be successful, they are just not aware of the technologies that are out there and that so many of them are free.
Michelle Z.
1. The first way I will deal with change is to use my knowledge of teaching the net generation and I can hold 45
minute sessions on teaching about technologies such as WIkis or Blogs. This will help ease people into
new technologies and they will feel comfortable because it is someone they know teaching the training,
2. The next way I will deal with change is to restructure my lesson plans. I recently did this and it work out well. I took a lesson using PowerPoint and had my students create a webpage on their assigned topic. It sounds difficult but my learning support students had their site up and running in two days. I feel being open to change and actually trying it will help the Net Generation.
3.I will use my free time to take more classes and attend more trainings so I am comfortable and confident in a new lesson. If I am confident in the lesson, then I will be a more effective teacher.
4. I will start up a class web site page. This is optional in my school but I feel that I should have one. My students do not write down assignments or projects but they are always on the computer. I feel this will keep our class closer and increase my students chances of knowing when an assignment is due and complete it.
5. Finally I will team up and communicate with veteran teachers in my department and together will teach across the curriculum using technology. This will benefit the students but also the teachers. The veteran teachers will become more willing and more confident using technology in their subject area.
Mike Z
1. The first thing I would do would be to utilize my SMART board for more than just notes presented in Power Point format. I'm beginning to realize that notes typed up on PP slides are no more effective or engaging than simply writing the notes on the board. I want to attempt to use my board for more interactive, engaging presentations. There are numerous sites out there with games and tools for use with SMART Boards and I want to spend some time finding some tools that I can use in my own classroom.
2. I will begin, update and maintain a class wiki that my students will use in class (and hopefully out of class) to complete assignments, find information and ask questions about Physics. I have started class websites more than once but give up and never update them. I hope to continually be looking for ways to improve my site. If given approval by the school, I would also like to look into starting a class Facebook page. Students use Facebook everyday and I would like to utilize it in the same way that wikis are used but on a platform students are familiar with.
3. I will spend time designing or searching for inquiry-based laboratory activities using online simulations. There are many simulation sites that I already use but by the time I find a lab I like, the unit is over. I hope to spend some time this summer planning ahead for the coming school year so I'm ready to utilize this technology when we get to it.
4. I will attempt to connect with other teachers, especially physics teachers, in my area and around the world to collaborate on best practices of incorporating technology in the classroom. Many teachers have tried these things and I figure it's not worth reinventing the wheel if I can find something that has worked and simply adapt it for my needs instead of completely starting over. Ongoing collaboration and feedback is what will really help me reach my goal of effectively incorporating technology into my classrooms on a more regular basis.
5. The final goal I have on how to incorporate technology is to look into using cell phones as a tool. I don't necessarily see this as an in class tool right now, but definitely an out of class tool. Since I have juniors and seniors in class I know that almost all of them have cell phones that they use to contact friends, look up information and entertain themselves. I would like to look into the possibility of using a group texting service for my classroom. I could have parents sign up for a list in which I could send texts reminding about school events and tests in class. Students could sign up for homework and class updates so they don't forget about what's due and what their homework is. Students and/or parents could also text in with questions. The nice thing about an online service would be the fact that I would not have to give out my personal number, all communication would go through a web browser.
Jake T.
1. I have an Elmo in my classroom this year. It was purchased to replace the overhead projectors in all the classrooms. I have not even begun to tap into the abilities that this tool offers. My first change: I need to set up my computer and begin using the computer and Elmo together. By doing this, it will open up a new perspective on things for the students.
2. I would like to start a class Wikispace. I have 2nd graders but many of them are on the computers and I think this is a good, and more importantly safe, place for them to post questions and share things with me and their classmates.
3. I send home a Friday Letter to my parents every week. I would like to either start emailing this newsletter to parents or post it on a class website.
4. Homework needs to be posted on the class website daily along with what we did each day. My plan is to list the class agenda and a few details about each activity.
5. I have 4 computers in my classroom. Each student is on the computers for 15-20 minutes every other day. They are playing Education City when they are on the computers. I would like to teach the students how to use search engines appropriately so they can look up information for their research paper. I would also like to give them direct instruction on word processing programs so they can publish their completed project.
Debra B.
Five Ways to Address Change 1. I thought that I could try to do something new with technology each week and share my results with my peers to gauge their interest. 2. I am also going to continue to listen to technology podcast whenever I get a chance. I will share my recommendations with my co-workers when I come across any excellent shows or topics. 3. I am going to continue to explore how to use my smart phone as a tool to be used in education. If my peers get smart phones I will be able to share the Apps that I find to be effective in the classroom. 4. I will also continue to use Twitter and Tweetdeck to develop my PLN. I will share any information that I feel can be used by our teaching staff to encourage and foster their interest in this social education platform. 5. I will try to evaluate good education technology resources that I discover on the on the Internet. I will again share the resources with my peers in the hope that they will find some of the resources to be helpful.
Home > Assignments > 4-A-2: Wiki Posting: Five Ways to Think about Change
INSTRUCTIONS:
List five ways to think about and address changes in technology in your classroom and school. With each way briefly describe how you plan to apply your thinking with your colleagues.
Before developing your five ways to address change suggestions consider the following:
- Considering the list of fears you brainstormed in the previous assignment, what are the common objections and fears your peers or administration may have to changes in technology?
- How can you assess if the the objections/fears are valid? How can you educate your peers in determining if these fears and objections are valid?
- How can you inspire peers who share similar beliefs and interests to apply changes in technology to their classroom or students' learning?
- How can you get peers out of the "Resistance" phase into the "Exploration" phase?
Post your "five ways to address change" in the table below. Review your peers' postings and post at least one comment in the Discussion Tab above.5 Ways to Address Change
Submitted by:
of having students write assignments in their planners, I don't think I'll get much
resistance to this because people can still use the old planner if they choose to.
2. I can try setting up a class wiki to be used to answer school questions
by class members, I think this would be a great tool and people who may not be
tech savvy may still try it because of the advantages it will provide. I can offer to set my
colleagues up with their own wiki if they are interested.
3. I can switch completely to an online Skyward Gradebook, I have been hesitant
because I think I always need a back-up, but if I print a copy every now and then
that may be the trick.
4. Indoor recess time can offer some Wii games, we have a Wii in our gym from a grant,
I think kids may like to earn Wii time during indoor recess. I can offer to set up a Wii rotation
schedule with my two colleagues. I can show them that it won't be any extra work because
the kids know how to set it up themselves.
5. After introducing the Wii for indoor recess, I can begin to use the Wii for classroom lessons,
my colleagues and I can brainstorm ideas with our classes on how the Wii can become an
educational tool.
2. I will continue to update my blog on a daily basis that will summarize what transpired in class that day and give visuals and other resources that would help with the comprehension of a topic.
3. I will allow for more project creation for extending research on topics. I hope to allow students to create podcasts that they can share and then listen to on their iPods or other mp3 devices.
4. At the beginning of the unit, I will allow the students to access all of the assignments to see if they would like to approach them in a different order and allow for them to turn them all in at the completion of a unit. I might only do this for one unit and see how it goes!
5. I will give additional resources that will be good places for students to research alternative methods for solving problems. I hope they will use any resource available, including our class blog, to learn required information. This would include the textbook but not be limited to it.
2. I have a Moodle site. The only thing I use it for is to link our practice tests from our online textbook. Moodle offers the opportunity to put quizzes, tests, surveys, forums etc all online. I need to offer more to my students on this site because rumor is, we are getting rid of our school websites and going strictly to Moodle sites since they are free. Again, I won't have any problem with my colleagues because some of them already use it as their main site for their students. The students won't have a problem with it because some of them know more about Moodle than me since they have used it in previous years.
3. FasttMath is installed on a computer in our classroom. We got it free at the NCTM conference. I need to be better at rotating students through it to better their basic multiplication and division facts. It offers games to the students if they answer so many correctly so I think they would find the break from class as fun. If it works out, I can speak at my math department meeting to the other teachers and let them know that I have a great program that they may be interested in. THat way we don't have to wait until 8th grade for our students to get more practice with their basic facts.
4. At the start of each chapter, we have the students do a crossword puzzle or word search just to become familiar with the vocabulary words they will encounter during the chapter. I was recently introduced to Wordle at a conference and I'm excited to introduce it to my students. It is a great way for my students to brainstorm the vocabulary words and then print out a picture of the words for their notebooks. I think introducing this site to other teachers would be beneficial and I see no resistance to it since it is a great tool.
5. I have a FLIP camcorder at home. I have often thought about taking video of math in the real world and showing my students the videos. We talk all the time about where math is (such as the grocery store when finding unit rate), but wouldn't it be more interesting to actually see it without going on a field trip? Again, I don't think colleagues would mind me sharing the videos with them because I'd be willing to allow them to use them in their rooms as well.
2. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, and view the uncertainty of technology as possibility of “what could be”. You never know how much fun your students, and even you as a teacher, can have by stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new.
3. Let students play a role in teaching others about technology. Net Geners are problem solvers and are confident in their ability to use technology. They go through trial and error to get things done and are able to multitask. These traits are beneficial and are something to be looked at as a positive change in the classroom. Teachers should take advantage of it.
4. Change has already begun and we can no longer deny or resist using technology. Teachers need to be comfortable enough to explore different types of technology and commit to ways of incorporating it.
5. Get together with other teachers who have rolled with change and who incorporate technology into their classes. By surrounding yourself with others who share the same beliefs in moving forward, you can stay committed to doing the same. You will also be on the cutting edge of new ideas and will ensure your students are learning in your class.
2. Being open-minded and willing to make mistakes is essential when teaching today. I have learned that students are so tech savy that I can learn something new everyday from them. I believe that if we listen to students and take what they are interested in and infuse them into school projects, they will be so much more vested and will learn more.
3. I love the website wordle when doing prewriting. I have used this with my online students, but is could be used in the classroom too. Instead of the old paper and pencil notes, students can use their computers and make something very colorful and creative. I think letting students use a tool like this makes them more creative and that makes them more excited about doing the actual writing.
4. I have 4 of my own teenage daughters and they all have a IPod Touch. There are so many apps that can be used for school, many of them free, that I think it is the way of the future to use mobile learning in the class. They are cool, sleek and innovative. All of the teachers, mentors and team leaders that I work have linked their Androids or IPhones to their laptops. We use the calendar feature, notes, contacts and of course there is a lot of texting going on. We are all constantly in touch with each other, which helps with collaboration, exchange of ideas and support.
5. We have access to digital cameras, garage band, IPhoto, and IMovie. The students are encouraged to use these tools to enhance their projects and earn Technology credit. We believe that the more comfortable they are using these tools, the more attractive they are to potential employers.
2. Although most teams and departments have their own Web page, there should be a Web directory for these sites that is accessible via the district’s Web site. Currently, my team’s wiki is available through PBWorks, and my department’s wiki is available through WetPaint. If our faculty wants the freedom to choose what site to use, at the very least our district should incorporate those links into each building’s home page. If not, a universal wiki site should be adopted by the district.
3. Virtual field trips should be required for all grade levels on an annual basis. Not only is this an affordable and safe experience for children, it’s very modern, convenient, and just as educational as an away trip. We already have Magpi as our Internet2 connection and content provider, so why not make use of an available resource.
4. Fund online resources such as Quia. This site allows you to create your own online game using vocabulary terms. The annual fee is $40.00, but they do offer a 30-day free trial period. You can also create quizzes, surveys, and of course, web pages. It would cost the district less to purchase than it would cost each teacher to purchase individually.
5. Offer on-site training for these technology resources. An e-mail doesn’t always convey a product's full potential the way a live demonstration can. I would even settle for a video presentation. We teachers need to know how to successfully incorporate the tools that are at our disposal into our lessons.
2. Be patient. Change always involves time to implement. Be willing to put time and effort into making the change. You might see yourself as over-worked already, but the students are the ones who will be short-handed in the end by your lack of commitment to change.
3. Find like-minded teachers who are also committed to exploring technological possibilities and implementing them in the classroom. This will allow me to bounce ideas off of others who are not only sympathetic to my visions, but also share some of those visions for change involving technology. Be willing to share your expertise with other teachers who may be resistant. Even if the district will not provide formal, paid opportunities for technology training, teachers who are comfortable with the technology need to make themselves available to anyone who is willing to learn!
4. Be open-minded and listen to the ideas of students and other teachers. While I have a very firm idea of the objectives I want students to meet, I can be flexible about how students reach those objectives. If students have ideas for how they would like to present their knowledge, I would like to accommodate their wishes and see what they can do!
5. Commit to creating opportunities for students to access extra course material online. No teacher should feel like it is their duty to “hide” the content of the curriculum from students. Since all teachers have access to the district Moodle, they can create a Moodle for each of their classes. Teachers should upload any supplemental materials that will be helpful to students who want the extra materials. For example, I can upload guided notes and PowerPoint notes from the textbook publisher so students can access them if they need the extra help. It is a simple way to accommodate for struggling students.
2. I would like to use an online calendar such as 30 Boxes to post important deadlines for the college application process. These can include the SAT test dates, college application deadlines, and financial aid application deadlines. Students will have access to the electronic calendar and get reminders emailed to them directly.
3. I would also like to use a VoiceThread to go over the resume building process with students. Through this process, they can access the information at their convenience and pace.
4. As a school counselor, I am constantly in the crossfire between students/parents and teachers. Parents often call to request homework on short notice or to requests communication with their child's teachers. By advocating a higher use of technology to the teachers, pertinent information can get out to the parents and students faster and more efficiently.
5. Every year, I give "pep talks" to many students who are not committed to school for reasons such as it is boring or they are not learning anything. By discussing the benefits to using more technology with this generation, I am hoping to convince some to change their approach to the classroom. So many of my colleagues truly want what is best for their students and to see them be successful, they are just not aware of the technologies that are out there and that so many of them are free.
minute sessions on teaching about technologies such as WIkis or Blogs. This will help ease people into
new technologies and they will feel comfortable because it is someone they know teaching the training,
2. The next way I will deal with change is to restructure my lesson plans. I recently did this and it work out well. I took a lesson using PowerPoint and had my students create a webpage on their assigned topic. It sounds difficult but my learning support students had their site up and running in two days. I feel being open to change and actually trying it will help the Net Generation.
3.I will use my free time to take more classes and attend more trainings so I am comfortable and confident in a new lesson. If I am confident in the lesson, then I will be a more effective teacher.
4. I will start up a class web site page. This is optional in my school but I feel that I should have one. My students do not write down assignments or projects but they are always on the computer. I feel this will keep our class closer and increase my students chances of knowing when an assignment is due and complete it.
5. Finally I will team up and communicate with veteran teachers in my department and together will teach across the curriculum using technology. This will benefit the students but also the teachers. The veteran teachers will become more willing and more confident using technology in their subject area.
2. I will begin, update and maintain a class wiki that my students will use in class (and hopefully out of class) to complete assignments, find information and ask questions about Physics. I have started class websites more than once but give up and never update them. I hope to continually be looking for ways to improve my site. If given approval by the school, I would also like to look into starting a class Facebook page. Students use Facebook everyday and I would like to utilize it in the same way that wikis are used but on a platform students are familiar with.
3. I will spend time designing or searching for inquiry-based laboratory activities using online simulations. There are many simulation sites that I already use but by the time I find a lab I like, the unit is over. I hope to spend some time this summer planning ahead for the coming school year so I'm ready to utilize this technology when we get to it.
4. I will attempt to connect with other teachers, especially physics teachers, in my area and around the world to collaborate on best practices of incorporating technology in the classroom. Many teachers have tried these things and I figure it's not worth reinventing the wheel if I can find something that has worked and simply adapt it for my needs instead of completely starting over. Ongoing collaboration and feedback is what will really help me reach my goal of effectively incorporating technology into my classrooms on a more regular basis.
5. The final goal I have on how to incorporate technology is to look into using cell phones as a tool. I don't necessarily see this as an in class tool right now, but definitely an out of class tool. Since I have juniors and seniors in class I know that almost all of them have cell phones that they use to contact friends, look up information and entertain themselves. I would like to look into the possibility of using a group texting service for my classroom. I could have parents sign up for a list in which I could send texts reminding about school events and tests in class. Students could sign up for homework and class updates so they don't forget about what's due and what their homework is. Students and/or parents could also text in with questions. The nice thing about an online service would be the fact that I would not have to give out my personal number, all communication would go through a web browser.
2. I would like to start a class Wikispace. I have 2nd graders but many of them are on the computers and I think this is a good, and more importantly safe, place for them to post questions and share things with me and their classmates.
3. I send home a Friday Letter to my parents every week. I would like to either start emailing this newsletter to parents or post it on a class website.
4. Homework needs to be posted on the class website daily along with what we did each day. My plan is to list the class agenda and a few details about each activity.
5. I have 4 computers in my classroom. Each student is on the computers for 15-20 minutes every other day. They are playing Education City when they are on the computers. I would like to teach the students how to use search engines appropriately so they can look up information for their research paper. I would also like to give them direct instruction on word processing programs so they can publish their completed project.
Five Ways to Address Change
1. I thought that I could try to do something new with technology each week and share my results with my peers to gauge their interest.
2. I am also going to continue to listen to technology podcast whenever I get a chance. I will share my recommendations with my co-workers when I come across
any excellent shows or topics.
3. I am going to continue to explore how to use my smart phone as a tool to be used in education. If my peers get smart phones I will be able to share the Apps that I find to be effective in the classroom.
4. I will also continue to use Twitter and Tweetdeck to develop my PLN. I will share any information that I feel can be used by our teaching staff to encourage and foster their interest in this social education platform.
5. I will try to evaluate good education technology resources that I discover on the on the Internet. I will again share the resources with my peers in the hope that they will find some of the resources to be helpful.
Frederick S