Moodle is a new way of presenting lessons, training and discussion to anyone who has internet access. Our state superintendent of public instruction has started to use it for training purposes. This allows teachers to receive training without having to pay for substitutes or travel expenses. The training of each participant can be tracked to ensure they have completed the training.
This Prezi presentation looks at using Moodle in the classroom for online teaching and learning.
http://prezi.com/me-osg2jkxph/edit/#0_1545513
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Reflection on Using the Game Plan in the Classroom
Developing the GAME plan for my students helped me to reach their different needs. It provides all three modalities and allows differentiated instruction (Laureate Education, 2009). As Peggy Ertmer stated I do not have to change my instruction all at once. The GAME plan allowed me a place to start by choosing two goals to focus on currently. From there I can continue to set goals, create an action plan, monitor it and then evaluate its success (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).
More than my students benefited from my GAME plan. By setting, the goal of online assessments I have learned how to develop assessment my students can access from the internet whether they are in a computer lab or at home. Because of this, my department now has access to online testing for all of our students and I am currently training them on how to create their own. The online assessment is important, as our state has gone to online testing of our state standards. Students need practice with assessments in this form so they are comfortable when taking the state test.
The adjustments that I am going to make because of integrating technology into my instructional practice are the use of blogs and wikis. Creating a blog and wiki with my students has created a new passion for them and they look forward to coming to my class. They enjoy the communication that the students and I have outside of the class. Google reader has provided an easy way to track new posts on their blog so I can reply in a timely manner. This aspect of technology has had more of an impact on my class then setting of goals and finding the individual websites.
I will continue to integrate the national educational technology standards (NETs) for my students and myself in my classroom. As I become more proficient as a teacher. . The NET-s standards provide a “roadmap” for teaching effectively and with professionalism in the classroom (James, 2010). I must transform my classroom into a learning environment that will prepare my students for the digital world they will be entering when they leave high school.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful
classroom use. Mason: Cengage learning.
James, J. (2010). ISTE International Society for technology in Education.
Retrieved December 12, 2010, from International Society for technology:
http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx
Laureate Education, I. P. (2009). Ingtegrating technology across the content
areas. Baltimore: Author.
More than my students benefited from my GAME plan. By setting, the goal of online assessments I have learned how to develop assessment my students can access from the internet whether they are in a computer lab or at home. Because of this, my department now has access to online testing for all of our students and I am currently training them on how to create their own. The online assessment is important, as our state has gone to online testing of our state standards. Students need practice with assessments in this form so they are comfortable when taking the state test.
The adjustments that I am going to make because of integrating technology into my instructional practice are the use of blogs and wikis. Creating a blog and wiki with my students has created a new passion for them and they look forward to coming to my class. They enjoy the communication that the students and I have outside of the class. Google reader has provided an easy way to track new posts on their blog so I can reply in a timely manner. This aspect of technology has had more of an impact on my class then setting of goals and finding the individual websites.
I will continue to integrate the national educational technology standards (NETs) for my students and myself in my classroom. As I become more proficient as a teacher. . The NET-s standards provide a “roadmap” for teaching effectively and with professionalism in the classroom (James, 2010). I must transform my classroom into a learning environment that will prepare my students for the digital world they will be entering when they leave high school.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful
classroom use. Mason: Cengage learning.
James, J. (2010). ISTE International Society for technology in Education.
Retrieved December 12, 2010, from International Society for technology:
http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx
Laureate Education, I. P. (2009). Ingtegrating technology across the content
areas. Baltimore: Author.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Week 7 Using the Game Plan with Students
Students that are going to function autonomously in their learning must learn to be self directed (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). Therefore, in my GAME plan the first goal focused on students setting their own learning goals and then being able to assess them. In order for this to happen, I identified the NETs teacher standard of designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments along with modeling digital-age work and learning as my goal (James, 2010). I need to be able to customize the learning activities to address the students’ diverse learning styles. I also needed to learn technology to provide the assessment that I wanted the students to use. By developing these learning experiences, the students will be able to apply their learning to create original works, use models and simulations to explore math concepts that ties directly to their first NETs student standard (James, 2010).
The other goal I set for myself was to assist students in the area of modeling critical thinking skills, problem solving and being able to make decision about the appropriate digital tools that would assist them in their learning. In order for this to happen, I demonstrated fluency and the ability to be able to apply current knowledge of blogs and assisted them in creating their own. I am able to model how to set up and maintain a blog along with Google reader to follow each other’s blogs. This technology allows the students to share with others which important for gifted and talented students (Laureate Education, 2009) which falls under the student standard of communication and collaboration. These goals for me also relate to the student NET standards of using critical thinking skills to manage the creating and personalizing the blog throught the use of different tools such as widgets, you tube and other various links.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason: Cengage learning.
James, J. (2010). ISTE International Society for technology in Education . Retrieved December 12, 2010, from International Society for technology: http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx
Laureate Education, I. P. (2009). Ingtegrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
The other goal I set for myself was to assist students in the area of modeling critical thinking skills, problem solving and being able to make decision about the appropriate digital tools that would assist them in their learning. In order for this to happen, I demonstrated fluency and the ability to be able to apply current knowledge of blogs and assisted them in creating their own. I am able to model how to set up and maintain a blog along with Google reader to follow each other’s blogs. This technology allows the students to share with others which important for gifted and talented students (Laureate Education, 2009) which falls under the student standard of communication and collaboration. These goals for me also relate to the student NET standards of using critical thinking skills to manage the creating and personalizing the blog throught the use of different tools such as widgets, you tube and other various links.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason: Cengage learning.
James, J. (2010). ISTE International Society for technology in Education . Retrieved December 12, 2010, from International Society for technology: http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx
Laureate Education, I. P. (2009). Ingtegrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Week 6 Game Plan Update
I have learned that even though having a blog is a great first step it is important that I do not limit myself to just a blog (Davis, 2009). Quite a few different social networks are free and accessible for students. The limitation that I may face is what access I am allowed through the district. You tube, face book and my space are not allowed. I am not sure yet about twitter or wiggio. I have heard about Moodle but have not explored it. It may have one of the aspects that I am looking for in terms of getting students to help each other on line at home. Caitlin Thompson uses Moodle in her classroom and the students message each other for help. I also like Linda Phipps idea of having parents help their students by ensuring they have computer time at home. This is a concept that I am going to add in my parent letter next year as well as cover at open house.
My students have set up their blog and are really enjoying them. I was concerned that I would struggle with blog entries each week but it is easier than I thought. The students are filling out their weekly goal sheets and I am still working towards finding the websites section of addressing their learning goals. It is not for a lack of resources but of finding the time to research them. As I find the resources, I will book mark them so I have repertoire to pick from in the future. I have figured out the online assessment but have not written one yet for the students to take. My goal is to accomplish it this week.
At this pint I am not ready to set new learning goals but want to expand on the ones I have. The assessment is very important as not only will it give me information on my students but also provide practice for them before state testing. Now that I have figured out the online access problem, I want to work on writing my own problems within the program so I can generate questions. If I learn how to write questions then I can regenerate the same questions with different values. This will allow my students lots of practice on a concept until they master it. Generating question with different values requires prog4ramming ability and knowledge of html. I am rusty in html but am sure that it will come back quickly.
In terms of learning approaches, I learn best by doing. Playing with programs and websites are the fastest way for me to gain knowledge. However, I have discovered You tube and have found that you can find a video on just about anything. I need to start using it as a reference to assist in my learning.
Laureate Education, I. P. (2009). Ingtegrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
My students have set up their blog and are really enjoying them. I was concerned that I would struggle with blog entries each week but it is easier than I thought. The students are filling out their weekly goal sheets and I am still working towards finding the websites section of addressing their learning goals. It is not for a lack of resources but of finding the time to research them. As I find the resources, I will book mark them so I have repertoire to pick from in the future. I have figured out the online assessment but have not written one yet for the students to take. My goal is to accomplish it this week.
At this pint I am not ready to set new learning goals but want to expand on the ones I have. The assessment is very important as not only will it give me information on my students but also provide practice for them before state testing. Now that I have figured out the online access problem, I want to work on writing my own problems within the program so I can generate questions. If I learn how to write questions then I can regenerate the same questions with different values. This will allow my students lots of practice on a concept until they master it. Generating question with different values requires prog4ramming ability and knowledge of html. I am rusty in html but am sure that it will come back quickly.
In terms of learning approaches, I learn best by doing. Playing with programs and websites are the fastest way for me to gain knowledge. However, I have discovered You tube and have found that you can find a video on just about anything. I need to start using it as a reference to assist in my learning.
Laureate Education, I. P. (2009). Ingtegrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Week 5: Game Plan Update
Oops! I have two blogs and put my update on the wrong one. I am know on the correct one. :-)
I have been able to accomplish three of my sub goals such as having my students identify the math skill they would like to learn and setting up the sites or curriculum that will help them. My students wanted to be generic in their goals but in talking to them individually, I was able to help narrow down to a specific skill that was doable within a week. Having this conversation was quick but insightful. It helped to open communication between my students and me about what they felt were their weak areas instead of identifying them myself. I am curious to see if that translates into a more motivated learning environment. I was concerned about being able to manage finding individual skills for each student within my class but there appears to be groupings of specific skills among students such as multiplying and dividing fractions. By them filling out the forms and from the conversations, I am able to find more specific help for them as my goal is for them to be able to design and develop their own academic plan. I also want them to monitor their goals and the form allows them to keep track of what they have accomplished as they keep it in their math file.
They are in the process of setting up their blogs as I was able to get them into the computer lab. The blogs are meant to be their tool for reflection and communication. I want them to be able to evaluate their learning progress and determine if they are successful in meeting their goals this is the last step in the GAME plan and is very important for the students to become a self-directed learner (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). Flexibility is the key to getting my goals met as we are having late starts due to weather. Once they are set up then the students will be able to access them from the classroom.
I have the knowledge to now post tests on line but if the skills I want are not in the current question bank then I will have to write them. If I want the questions to take advantage of the features of the program such as cloning problems with new numbers or toggling between multiple choices and writing the answer in then I have to learn the programming aspect of the program. It does not appear to be difficult but time consuming. Like Peggy Ertmer stated I have to have the confidence that I can learn this program so my students can access it (Laureate Education, 2009).
I have learned several things about my students and needs for myself. Organization and management are always issues within the classroom and a learning curve for new projects. I need to allow for more time between when students identify their goals and when they need the necessary technology, programs and/or sites to work on their goals. I was trying within the one period to identify their goals and find appropriate technology and realized that I needed at least a day or two until I develop a better repertoire. I was surprised that I only have about four students that had Google accounts and had to help students with setting them up. These students are digital natives and yet I have more technology skills than they do.
I have several questions that come to mind this week such as should I rely on them telling me when they have had enough practice and are ready to move on? How am I going to assess these skills so that I know they are mastering them? How often do I need to assess them? How important is it for me to assess these skills if I am checking their work quickly or am providing technology that gives them instant feedback?
Some of the adjustments to my plan include having students creating an avatar before setting up their Google account. Also discussing safety issues on the internet about what information they should and should not display. I really need to back up and do some assessments of their computer skills. I am going to have the students fill out the computer survey from Reading the Web by Eagleton and Dobler (2007). Another adjustment I have made is to focus on accomplishing one thing at a time instead of try to tackle all my sub goals at once.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason: Cengage learning.
Eagleton, M., & Dobler, E. (2007). Reading the web. New York: Guilford.
Laureate Education, I. P. (2009). Ingtegrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
I have been able to accomplish three of my sub goals such as having my students identify the math skill they would like to learn and setting up the sites or curriculum that will help them. My students wanted to be generic in their goals but in talking to them individually, I was able to help narrow down to a specific skill that was doable within a week. Having this conversation was quick but insightful. It helped to open communication between my students and me about what they felt were their weak areas instead of identifying them myself. I am curious to see if that translates into a more motivated learning environment. I was concerned about being able to manage finding individual skills for each student within my class but there appears to be groupings of specific skills among students such as multiplying and dividing fractions. By them filling out the forms and from the conversations, I am able to find more specific help for them as my goal is for them to be able to design and develop their own academic plan. I also want them to monitor their goals and the form allows them to keep track of what they have accomplished as they keep it in their math file.
They are in the process of setting up their blogs as I was able to get them into the computer lab. The blogs are meant to be their tool for reflection and communication. I want them to be able to evaluate their learning progress and determine if they are successful in meeting their goals this is the last step in the GAME plan and is very important for the students to become a self-directed learner (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). Flexibility is the key to getting my goals met as we are having late starts due to weather. Once they are set up then the students will be able to access them from the classroom.
I have the knowledge to now post tests on line but if the skills I want are not in the current question bank then I will have to write them. If I want the questions to take advantage of the features of the program such as cloning problems with new numbers or toggling between multiple choices and writing the answer in then I have to learn the programming aspect of the program. It does not appear to be difficult but time consuming. Like Peggy Ertmer stated I have to have the confidence that I can learn this program so my students can access it (Laureate Education, 2009).
I have learned several things about my students and needs for myself. Organization and management are always issues within the classroom and a learning curve for new projects. I need to allow for more time between when students identify their goals and when they need the necessary technology, programs and/or sites to work on their goals. I was trying within the one period to identify their goals and find appropriate technology and realized that I needed at least a day or two until I develop a better repertoire. I was surprised that I only have about four students that had Google accounts and had to help students with setting them up. These students are digital natives and yet I have more technology skills than they do.
I have several questions that come to mind this week such as should I rely on them telling me when they have had enough practice and are ready to move on? How am I going to assess these skills so that I know they are mastering them? How often do I need to assess them? How important is it for me to assess these skills if I am checking their work quickly or am providing technology that gives them instant feedback?
Some of the adjustments to my plan include having students creating an avatar before setting up their Google account. Also discussing safety issues on the internet about what information they should and should not display. I really need to back up and do some assessments of their computer skills. I am going to have the students fill out the computer survey from Reading the Web by Eagleton and Dobler (2007). Another adjustment I have made is to focus on accomplishing one thing at a time instead of try to tackle all my sub goals at once.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason: Cengage learning.
Eagleton, M., & Dobler, E. (2007). Reading the web. New York: Guilford.
Laureate Education, I. P. (2009). Ingtegrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Monitoring My Game Plan
In terms of my first goal of having student design and developing their own academic plan, I have the form created and have found several resources. Some of the resources I have found are: cool math games.com, multiplication drill and programs for the smart board using manipulitives. The idea of students developing their own academic plan is for self assessment. Self assessment is a way that students can use to understand the criteria they are using (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).
I am finding the resources that I need with the help of my colleagues. Mike Ondayko informed me of a site he uses called portaportal to create online test for his students. A school partner and I have also been working on our test generator and getting tests posted on line. We had success today and found a way to post tests for our students. I have learned that these tests also will allow numeric answers and short answer questions. The short answer questions are not automatically graded but the students have put their answers in a box just as if they would on the state test. These features are important to myself and my department as it allows us to give our students practice with online testing before the state test in the spring. It also helps us create equality within the classroom by working with those students who do not have access to computers at home. We need to provide equity in access so all students can become successful and well adjusted learners (Nieto & Bode, 2008). I have learned a lot about connecting the tests online. Working with the program and trying to find a place to load the tests has been time consuming but will be very helpful. Finding resources are not hard it is just time consuming because I have to check out each site for appropriateness (Eagleton & Dobler, 2007).
I do not need to modify my plan at this time other than the amount of time some items are taking such as developing the assessments. However, I do need the weather to cooperate so I can have time with my students. We have had two-hour delays cutting our class times to about 30 minutes, which is not enough time to instruct my student in setting up blogs and to get through all of the plans.
The questions that have arisen are about time management and organizations. I am concerned about being able to monitor their blogs on a weekly basis and helping the students adjust to taking tests online.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason: Cengage learning.
Eagleton, M., & Dobler, E. (2007). Reading the web. New York: Guilford.
Nieto, S., & Bode, P. (2008). Affirming diversity: the sociopolitical context of multicultural educaiton. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing.
I am finding the resources that I need with the help of my colleagues. Mike Ondayko informed me of a site he uses called portaportal to create online test for his students. A school partner and I have also been working on our test generator and getting tests posted on line. We had success today and found a way to post tests for our students. I have learned that these tests also will allow numeric answers and short answer questions. The short answer questions are not automatically graded but the students have put their answers in a box just as if they would on the state test. These features are important to myself and my department as it allows us to give our students practice with online testing before the state test in the spring. It also helps us create equality within the classroom by working with those students who do not have access to computers at home. We need to provide equity in access so all students can become successful and well adjusted learners (Nieto & Bode, 2008). I have learned a lot about connecting the tests online. Working with the program and trying to find a place to load the tests has been time consuming but will be very helpful. Finding resources are not hard it is just time consuming because I have to check out each site for appropriateness (Eagleton & Dobler, 2007).
I do not need to modify my plan at this time other than the amount of time some items are taking such as developing the assessments. However, I do need the weather to cooperate so I can have time with my students. We have had two-hour delays cutting our class times to about 30 minutes, which is not enough time to instruct my student in setting up blogs and to get through all of the plans.
The questions that have arisen are about time management and organizations. I am concerned about being able to monitor their blogs on a weekly basis and helping the students adjust to taking tests online.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason: Cengage learning.
Eagleton, M., & Dobler, E. (2007). Reading the web. New York: Guilford.
Nieto, S., & Bode, P. (2008). Affirming diversity: the sociopolitical context of multicultural educaiton. Boston: Pearson Custom Publishing.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Review of my Game Plan
I have created one of the resources needed for helping the students to create their own academic plan. I created a form for them to fill out in which they identify their current level in the different areas of math. I will then sit down this week and start meeting with them individually. Once each student has identified the area they want to focus on first, I will then come up with resources for them. I will find websites and technology that will help them. I will then develop both formative and summative assessments. My next step is to meet with each student individually. To assist in their individualized learning I currently used programs that individualize the students learning. Using the multiple formats allows students to practice their skills according to Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer (2009).
One of the resources I need to access is our technology department within the district. A partner and I have been trying to place assessments online but have run into a roadblock. Students no longer have access to common folders and so we have to place the assessment on the internet with a link for them to access them. We have had to give the problem to the technology department because we do not have the rights needed to do this. We had a meeting scheduled for this week but had to postpone it because the technician needed more time to figure the problem out. Creating this assessment is important for our students in that our state testing is no online. The students need access to online testing so they become proficient with it before our state testing. It is important that we offer this technology to students who do not have computers at home so they are not at a disadvantage at testing time. We want to level the playing field for all students and provide equity and fair access for all (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 2010).
One of the resources I need to access is our technology department within the district. A partner and I have been trying to place assessments online but have run into a roadblock. Students no longer have access to common folders and so we have to place the assessment on the internet with a link for them to access them. We have had to give the problem to the technology department because we do not have the rights needed to do this. We had a meeting scheduled for this week but had to postpone it because the technician needed more time to figure the problem out. Creating this assessment is important for our students in that our state testing is no online. The students need access to online testing so they become proficient with it before our state testing. It is important that we offer this technology to students who do not have computers at home so they are not at a disadvantage at testing time. We want to level the playing field for all students and provide equity and fair access for all (National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, 2010).
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
