I will use the resources in the Differentiation Station social network in a few different ways to help me implement the principles of UDL and DI. First off, I will use such an innovative idea to connect myself with colleagues and possibly introduce this to my students and set up a network for each class or one universal one for each subject. This process will allow them to do exactly what I have done during this course and connect with people that have common goals and objectives as I did. I will definitely hold onto the many different suggestions, links and pieces of advice that my classmates have shared with me through this experience. I am a firm believer in constant progress and never being complacent. This type of learning and working with others in similar situations only encourages such practices.
Before this class, I had already created a class blog and a class wiki to utilize during the school year. Due to many reasons, I have not been keeping up with these two as best as I should or could. Immediate adjustments regarding technology and my instruction will start here since I have already established this as part of our course requirements. I will polish up certain aspects of utilizing these tools as well as explore others, such as Voice Thread and Ning. Most of my students are familiar with social networking sites and are probably more avid users of such technology than I am. Therefore, why not tap into that pool of resources and harness the knowledge that they bring to the table to better the experience for the rest of us? I also plan on immediately incorporating such social networking sites as Ning and what we used during this course. I also believe strongly in learning more by doing. I have strayed from this in recent years due to many reasons and need to get back to what is most important and what UDL and DI principles emphasize on: maximize learning potential for ALL learners. I have unfortunately not done my best job of this and thanks to this course, my professor and classmates, I will be encouraged to get "back on track" and do better.
Kevin
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Reflection (week 8 final post)
In my last post, I mentioned that facilitating and inspiring learning will never become a distant goal that I no longer aspire to attain. I have learned a lot in this course by doing. From this, I will design more lessons geared towards having students "do" more and not be so robotic and incorporate so much rote memorization. Unfortunately, I have also learned that my district is even further behind the technological curve than I had originally anticipated. However, I also view this as a challenge because, as a young educator in an ancient department, I can inspire change. It is obvious, with the help of such courses as these, where education and all other relevant professions are headed. Why not embrace such a movement and use such tools to enhance our learning and facilitate growth?
My GAME plan is a lot like many of my lessons that I create from scratch. It is slow-developing and while it is a solid, manageable and effective plan, little will be accomplished with little effort. There were times where I could have made certain things better and put in the appropriate time. However, there are many things that I have learned from creating my GAME plan that I will take with me and credit towards improving myself and growing both as a learner and as an educator.
Have a safe and exciting New Year!!!!!
Kevin.
My GAME plan is a lot like many of my lessons that I create from scratch. It is slow-developing and while it is a solid, manageable and effective plan, little will be accomplished with little effort. There were times where I could have made certain things better and put in the appropriate time. However, there are many things that I have learned from creating my GAME plan that I will take with me and credit towards improving myself and growing both as a learner and as an educator.
Have a safe and exciting New Year!!!!!
Kevin.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
More GAME planning (week 7 assn)
I think that my selected NETS-S goal of facilitating and inspiring learning and creativity will never change. I intend on constantly implementing new and innovative lessons that inspire both my students and myself. I constantly preach to my students that you (or it) can always be better. Tiger Woods is easily the best golfer and even after he wins several tournaments and has a career year, he responds that it could have been better and that he still has work to do (I know that he is not the best person to use as a positive example right now). This basic principle is what I hope to continue even past my retirement. My GAME plan is not quite off to the speedy start that I would have preferred. However, I have been slowly progressing and getting better. This is important and if it ever is impeded, then it will become problematic.
I intend on helping my students developing proficiency using the technology standards and indicators outlined in the NETS-S by simply sticking to what was said above: doing more and never being satisfied with complacency. Yeah, it is great to complete something and feel gratification, but could it have been better? Yeah, that lesson was great this year and I can't wait to implement it again, but will it be as successful with a different dynamic of students? Remaining constant in my self-evaluation and having students adopt similar habits will be important for developing such skills as outlined in NETS-S.
Kevin
I intend on helping my students developing proficiency using the technology standards and indicators outlined in the NETS-S by simply sticking to what was said above: doing more and never being satisfied with complacency. Yeah, it is great to complete something and feel gratification, but could it have been better? Yeah, that lesson was great this year and I can't wait to implement it again, but will it be as successful with a different dynamic of students? Remaining constant in my self-evaluation and having students adopt similar habits will be important for developing such skills as outlined in NETS-S.
Kevin
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Revising my GAME plan (week 6 assn)
The two NETS-T goals that I chose for my GAME plan were as follows: #1 - Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity and #3 - Model Digital-Age Work and Learning. My first goal was to become proficient in the technology that will be implemented. I feel confident that I have gotten more efficient with certain tools that I have already used or will use in the near future. I always seem to have an empty feeling, however, that there is much more that I should be doing and that I am still "behind the curve" in regards to integrating technology into my classrooms. However, with the limited resources that are available and through my constant efforts, it is better than it was yesterday and I will continue to improve. We have also had many assignments and learned a few resourceful tools with our classroom blog and wiki. This was another goal of mine and I feel more competent now that I have incorporated it into our classroom routine.
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have learned how to create a group wiki and add pages to it. This will become effective for small group assignments that will also require some individuality. Many group projects are somewhat difficult to assess due to the struggle of balancing requirements within a group and properly allocating responsibilities. This will promote group involvement but will also require students to do some on their own and not be so dependent on their group members.
What goals are you still working toward?
I will always be working on my first goal and was also the reason for it being the first: become proficient with the technology that will be implemented. I am a strong advocate for the integration of technology and am not generally the teacher that gives students' grief when their phones are out. I will always be working on self-improvement and some of my professional goals will remain constant. I am also still working towards a constant goal of never accepting mediocrity. My students deserve someone with leadership qualities to show them what it is like to tackle a new problem, like embracing new technologies, and making the best of a situation.
Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?
I would have to say that the last learning goal, #5 Engage in Professional Growth & Leadership would be a new NETS-T that I would set for myself. Reiterating what I said earlier, I firmly believe that teachers must remain effective by constantly searching for new and effective lessons. Resorting to complacency and being repetitive only promotes dull, ineffective instruction and poor leadership. Being able to continuously improve professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources are all mentioned within this learning goal.
What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning?
I intend on using this week's social networking and online collaboration lessons in my classes. My students are all actively involved in some sort of social networking site and to be able to harness that knowledge and incorporate effective instruction is something I look forward to attempting.
Kevin
What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have learned how to create a group wiki and add pages to it. This will become effective for small group assignments that will also require some individuality. Many group projects are somewhat difficult to assess due to the struggle of balancing requirements within a group and properly allocating responsibilities. This will promote group involvement but will also require students to do some on their own and not be so dependent on their group members.
What goals are you still working toward?
I will always be working on my first goal and was also the reason for it being the first: become proficient with the technology that will be implemented. I am a strong advocate for the integration of technology and am not generally the teacher that gives students' grief when their phones are out. I will always be working on self-improvement and some of my professional goals will remain constant. I am also still working towards a constant goal of never accepting mediocrity. My students deserve someone with leadership qualities to show them what it is like to tackle a new problem, like embracing new technologies, and making the best of a situation.
Based on the NETS-T, what new learning goals will you set for yourself?
I would have to say that the last learning goal, #5 Engage in Professional Growth & Leadership would be a new NETS-T that I would set for myself. Reiterating what I said earlier, I firmly believe that teachers must remain effective by constantly searching for new and effective lessons. Resorting to complacency and being repetitive only promotes dull, ineffective instruction and poor leadership. Being able to continuously improve professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources are all mentioned within this learning goal.
What learning approaches will you try next time to improve your learning?
I intend on using this week's social networking and online collaboration lessons in my classes. My students are all actively involved in some sort of social networking site and to be able to harness that knowledge and incorporate effective instruction is something I look forward to attempting.
Kevin
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Evaluating GAME plan progress (week 5 assn)
* How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
I am still developing a skill at time management. I am beginning to accomplish my goals that I have set out, however, it is probably at a slower pace than I would prefer. I have taken a few of my ideas that I have developed and at least attempted to find a way to integrate technology. We have went to our library and I have had a few small group assignments that forced them to utilize various aspects of the internet. However, I am also not quite where I would like to be. There is always room for improvement!!!
* What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have definitely learned to try things out and be experimental. I have shown my students through practice, that it is alright to not completely understand something and learn through experience. I have shown my students how to make mistakes and learn from them. Fortunately, I have an older group of students and they are hopefully taking to what I have done thus far. I have also learned to allow students to help me in the process. Albeit I am the teacher, I definitely have allowed my students more leverage into helping me and each other learn from one another. If a student has an idea or prior background knowledge with using a resource that most may not be familiar with, I have gotten better about relinquishing the controls and allowing others' to take the reins.
* What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
I still have to learn A LOT. I always seem to have this empty feeling that I have no clue what I am doing and am going to repeatedly fall on my face. I am the type that needs to know exactly where I am going and the purpose for doing something. Entering a new realm and having to incorporate technology within a district such as mine, with little to none, is very difficult and requires much patience.
* How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
Rather than wish I had more resources to work with, I am going to take advantage of what little I do have. It is too easy for me to simply whine and complain for all of our district's shortcomings. This only creates frustration and benefits no one, especially my students. I will adjust my GAME plan according to what is needed for each particular class. If one class is more individualized, I will shorten the groups down. Basically, I will attempt to highlight each student and each class's strengths and build on our weaknesses. Having a reliable lesson to fall back on that is relevant and worthwhile will be something that I need to make an adjustment to my current plan. I have had several difficulties in the past with our building and technology so to be completely reliant on a factor that I can't control bears way too much risk.
Kevin
I am still developing a skill at time management. I am beginning to accomplish my goals that I have set out, however, it is probably at a slower pace than I would prefer. I have taken a few of my ideas that I have developed and at least attempted to find a way to integrate technology. We have went to our library and I have had a few small group assignments that forced them to utilize various aspects of the internet. However, I am also not quite where I would like to be. There is always room for improvement!!!
* What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have definitely learned to try things out and be experimental. I have shown my students through practice, that it is alright to not completely understand something and learn through experience. I have shown my students how to make mistakes and learn from them. Fortunately, I have an older group of students and they are hopefully taking to what I have done thus far. I have also learned to allow students to help me in the process. Albeit I am the teacher, I definitely have allowed my students more leverage into helping me and each other learn from one another. If a student has an idea or prior background knowledge with using a resource that most may not be familiar with, I have gotten better about relinquishing the controls and allowing others' to take the reins.
* What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
I still have to learn A LOT. I always seem to have this empty feeling that I have no clue what I am doing and am going to repeatedly fall on my face. I am the type that needs to know exactly where I am going and the purpose for doing something. Entering a new realm and having to incorporate technology within a district such as mine, with little to none, is very difficult and requires much patience.
* How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
Rather than wish I had more resources to work with, I am going to take advantage of what little I do have. It is too easy for me to simply whine and complain for all of our district's shortcomings. This only creates frustration and benefits no one, especially my students. I will adjust my GAME plan according to what is needed for each particular class. If one class is more individualized, I will shorten the groups down. Basically, I will attempt to highlight each student and each class's strengths and build on our weaknesses. Having a reliable lesson to fall back on that is relevant and worthwhile will be something that I need to make an adjustment to my current plan. I have had several difficulties in the past with our building and technology so to be completely reliant on a factor that I can't control bears way too much risk.
Kevin
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Monitoring GAME plan progress (week 4 assn)
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone and especially enjoy the time off from school with your family and friends!!!
I have found SOME information and SOME resources I need. The problems is that I am finding some information and resources that I don't need. The biggest problem that I am encountering is one that was easy to predict: time management. I have had some success finding resourceful information, but it is cluttered with material that is useless or irrelevant. By the time I sift through what is important and what isn't, what's credible and what isn't, I have spent an absorbent amount of time. Most of this time spent is partly due to being a perfectionist, but I am also skeptical that my processes are ineffective. Being proficient in utilizing these tools, I have found, will require the one thing that I have a very limited amount of: time. I may need some professional guidance from some of you that have been there, done that. What would be an effective, time consuming method of research and development?
I have been successful in collaborating with colleagues and sharing useful information via e mail and directly. I have learned a few helpful hints on how to effectively manage a class wiki and blog from our Media Specialist (librarian). Our class has since had several assignments via our class blog. One of my modifications to my GAME plan is to enhance our blog and wiki with more advanced requirements. I intend on having students attaching hyperlinks to their responses and becoming more proficient with many of their additional tools. If any of you have any suggestions on some blog / wiki information that you have found successful in the past, please speak freely and let me in on some of your secrets.
I have definitely learned that I need to allocate more time for planning. I definitely don't adequately prepare as well as I should. As a result of these tendencies, I tend to become overwhelmed with everyday tasks that are required of us, such as grading and communicating with parents. The only real "new" question that has arisen since initiation of my elusive GAME plan is simple, how can I make it better? This is not necessarily a new question, but rather a question that should be considered new each time self-reflection is needed.
Kevin
I have found SOME information and SOME resources I need. The problems is that I am finding some information and resources that I don't need. The biggest problem that I am encountering is one that was easy to predict: time management. I have had some success finding resourceful information, but it is cluttered with material that is useless or irrelevant. By the time I sift through what is important and what isn't, what's credible and what isn't, I have spent an absorbent amount of time. Most of this time spent is partly due to being a perfectionist, but I am also skeptical that my processes are ineffective. Being proficient in utilizing these tools, I have found, will require the one thing that I have a very limited amount of: time. I may need some professional guidance from some of you that have been there, done that. What would be an effective, time consuming method of research and development?
I have been successful in collaborating with colleagues and sharing useful information via e mail and directly. I have learned a few helpful hints on how to effectively manage a class wiki and blog from our Media Specialist (librarian). Our class has since had several assignments via our class blog. One of my modifications to my GAME plan is to enhance our blog and wiki with more advanced requirements. I intend on having students attaching hyperlinks to their responses and becoming more proficient with many of their additional tools. If any of you have any suggestions on some blog / wiki information that you have found successful in the past, please speak freely and let me in on some of your secrets.
I have definitely learned that I need to allocate more time for planning. I definitely don't adequately prepare as well as I should. As a result of these tendencies, I tend to become overwhelmed with everyday tasks that are required of us, such as grading and communicating with parents. The only real "new" question that has arisen since initiation of my elusive GAME plan is simple, how can I make it better? This is not necessarily a new question, but rather a question that should be considered new each time self-reflection is needed.
Kevin
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Carrying out my GAME plan (week 3 post)
Oh boy. It is always so much easier just to talk about it and not be about it. Actually putting the GAME plan into action or putting anything into action is always daunting for me. I don't know why but general anxiety sets in when I do something that I am inexperienced with. First off, technology is used more as an excuse or crutch in my district than it is something to propel student learning. It will be extremely difficult to incorporate exotic and elaborate technology into my classroom with no student computers and only one teacher laptop and projector. I know that may seem like a cop out to most (and maybe it is) but you have to understand my situation before going on...
My intended learning strategy is to get students to construct or create something collaboratively with one another and with the purpose of gaining a better understanding of our constitutional rights. By the way, I teach high school social studies and the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to teach senior government. The resources I would need is access to a smart board (possible, but need to sign out in advance), our computer lab (so that students can have some time on a computer), my projector and laptop, and I am not certain of what else. I would like to start the project off with a webcast or interview over the internet with a previous or current student (close to age of my students) that has done something similar. They will hopefully instill confidence in them that it is possible, they can get an idea of what the final product will look like, they will hear it from someone other than me and someone they would consider a peer, and finally, they will be encouraged to learn and do so by incorporating technological tools (like the webcast or internet teleconference). I am somewhat playing make believe here because I am not even sure if our district / building has the necessary tools to facilitate such a thing.
I need to know how to make the best out of a least desirable situation. Most of my students have a negative outlook on their school and their school's technology. I need something that will grab their attention and let them know that this assignment, this class and this teacher are for real. I want them to know that although this district is not affluent and necessary tools aren't available, we can still accomplish big things. I know I am being wishful, but I would like to believe that someone or some place in our school system or community could provide some assistance. We have a beautiful public library in our town. Maybe pool together resources with them? I am not sure and sometimes my anxiety can take over when I am not certain if I am heading in the right direction.
So far, the only steps I have taken is doing background research and spending time figuring out what is available. I have learned that we do have two smart boards in the building (for nearly 90 teachers to share). I have not yet try to sign one out, but I have been told that there is a "waiting list." I have spoken to our media specialist and I have been set up with access codes to bypass filtering blocks from internet searching. I have already created a classroom blog and wiki. Students have made a few posts and are becoming familiar with a few basics to using such resources. However, they are still apprehensive (like me) and aren't sure of themselves because it is new to them.
Kevin
My intended learning strategy is to get students to construct or create something collaboratively with one another and with the purpose of gaining a better understanding of our constitutional rights. By the way, I teach high school social studies and the last few years, I have been fortunate enough to teach senior government. The resources I would need is access to a smart board (possible, but need to sign out in advance), our computer lab (so that students can have some time on a computer), my projector and laptop, and I am not certain of what else. I would like to start the project off with a webcast or interview over the internet with a previous or current student (close to age of my students) that has done something similar. They will hopefully instill confidence in them that it is possible, they can get an idea of what the final product will look like, they will hear it from someone other than me and someone they would consider a peer, and finally, they will be encouraged to learn and do so by incorporating technological tools (like the webcast or internet teleconference). I am somewhat playing make believe here because I am not even sure if our district / building has the necessary tools to facilitate such a thing.
I need to know how to make the best out of a least desirable situation. Most of my students have a negative outlook on their school and their school's technology. I need something that will grab their attention and let them know that this assignment, this class and this teacher are for real. I want them to know that although this district is not affluent and necessary tools aren't available, we can still accomplish big things. I know I am being wishful, but I would like to believe that someone or some place in our school system or community could provide some assistance. We have a beautiful public library in our town. Maybe pool together resources with them? I am not sure and sometimes my anxiety can take over when I am not certain if I am heading in the right direction.
So far, the only steps I have taken is doing background research and spending time figuring out what is available. I have learned that we do have two smart boards in the building (for nearly 90 teachers to share). I have not yet try to sign one out, but I have been told that there is a "waiting list." I have spoken to our media specialist and I have been set up with access codes to bypass filtering blocks from internet searching. I have already created a classroom blog and wiki. Students have made a few posts and are becoming familiar with a few basics to using such resources. However, they are still apprehensive (like me) and aren't sure of themselves because it is new to them.
Kevin
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