My GAME plan is off and running. I feel that I have made a great start at finding and using the necessary resources to meet my goals. I realize how lucky I am to work at a high technology school that has the necessary technology to achieve my goals. I have five working computers in my classroom that students are able to use throughout the day to perform research, challenge themselves with software, and provide opportunities to meet the needs of my diverse learners. I also have access to the technology lab for one hour each week and if needed, I can request additional time. Headphones that are working correctly are probably the biggest issue I face with the hardware. It seems that audio sound is often lacking and students tend to eat and chew through the headphone cords. They are in constant need of repair or replacement. I have shown the students how to trouble shoot and try different things to get the sound to work correctly. Students are also learning how to perform Internet searches and utilize the proper Internet resources to gather information.
I have created a classroom website and have been working to keep the website updated. Students are becoming more familiar with the website along with the parents. I took the time to email many of the parents and inform them of updates and changes made to the website. I have noticed that the number of hits to the website has increased and students are bringing in evidence of activities they are doing related to the website.
I do not need to make any modifications to my GAME plan at this time. Things are running very smoothly and I am excited to see the growth and interaction between home and school as a result of technology. I have learned that websites are not too difficult to manage and time can be allotted during technology lab for the students and me to work on the website. The students easily learn the technology programs, and they are anxious to begin their independent activities and projects. Questions have risen about how I will perform assessments for the activities that are done. I need to use the assessment data that I already have to set new goals for student learning. Assessments are important in the learning process and if used efficiently, can promote and support learning (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).
The GAME plan format makes my goals and progress very manageable and user friendly. I see how my plan is unfolding and what areas may become concerns in the future. As I make modifications and adjustments, new issues and successes arise meaning that I am on the right track and my efforts will result in success.
Reference:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
You mention that you began a class website. I think this is excellent. I was so grateful when my district gave each teacher one this past year. It has made my life much easier as I can quickly post announcements and HW assignmets to the page.
ReplyDeleteI have a question for you though. You mention students are working on activities related to the website and that students are working on the website themselves. Does this mean students are editing and posting to it like a blog? I just want more clarification to exactly what students use the website for as it may be different than how I use it.
Lastly, you mention students chewing the headphones. This surprised me since in my 3rd grade class I could not imagine my students treating our classroom equipment that way. Hopefully you are teaching the kids how to respect school resources and giving consequences if they do not.
I am glad to hear your GAME Plan is going well!
The students do not update or post to the website. I just provide links, assignments, projects, etc that are ongoing so the students can access specific websites that are beneficial. For example, math facts are linked to the website and students can test and bring in certificates showing their progress. I don't think the kids consciously chew on the wires, and the chewed wires are in the computer lab which is used by K-6 students. I think the cord hangs near the mouth and without even realizing it, they chew on it. The computer teacher has sent out numerous emails and discussion has occurred in class. The chewing has decreased and headphones replaced. Fortunately, the headphones are inexpensive. The frustration comes when the chewing is discovered and a replacement set can't be found and we have to order more. The lab teacher has put up little signs with cute pictures reminding students not to chew on the cords.
ReplyDeleteKerri,
ReplyDeleteI also have a classroom website. I love it!!!! I past links of sites that the students can use to practice skills learned in class, I update their nightly homework on my site, post extra credit assignments, let the parents know what we are doing in class, etc. The website really gives me a better way to correspond with parents and keep them up-to-date about what is going on in my classroom. What type of activities do you have the students complete that relate to your website? Great Job on the progress of your website!
Heather
I will ask a question on the website with an easy, one word answer. Students right the answer at the top of their homework and then earn extra bonus points. I am not good about updating the website daily. That is my biggest challenge. I created the website and then haven't done much with it. I need to get better and use it more effectively.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you are well on your way to meeting the goals of your GAME plan and are fortunate to have parents with internet access at home. Websites are a great way to make the home-school connection and to have assignments or questions posted helps to ensure your website is viewed regularly. I have also created a website that I hardly update but one strategy I plan to implement is to set aside one particular time and day that I will designate specifically for updating my website. I hope this helps and maybe it will also work for you.