After taking a look at the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards and Performance Indicators for Teachers (NETS T), I saw several categories that I felt confident in as well as several that I know I definitely need to work on.
The categories I feel confident with are:
-Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
-design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.
-participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.
The categories I feel I need to work on include:
-customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources.
-address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies and providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources.
In order to address the first indicator, I plan to begin at the beginning of the school year by getting to know my students learning styles and preferences. I would begin this by doing a survey and then observing over time what types of assignments each student performs best on. As I gain a better understanding of my students, I will design lessons that can be easily adapted to their different learning styles. The lessons will have choices for how they can be completed, depending on the student. I would like to have lessons that give the option of using different types of technology, so the students can use what interests them. For example, a research project may be completed using a poster, PowerPoint presentation, or podcast. Through the implementation of these technologies, I hope to engage students and increase their content understanding (Laureate, 2009).
The second indicator is a little more difficult for me to address. I would like to develop learner-centered lessons that incorporate different forms of technology. I will do this by allowing students some freedom in deciding certain topics that we cover in more depth than others. For example, during the ecology unit, I will allow them to pick the topic that most interests them to complete an in-depth research project on. They will still have to learn all of the material for the unit, but they will be able to pick which topic they would like to explore more and what types of technology they would like to use to achieve this. I will give ample class time, as well as be available after school, so everyone can have access to the technology they require, as well as giving passes to the computer lab or library during study halls.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program four. Enriching content area learning experiences with technology part I. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/
2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
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Alison,
ReplyDeleteI think using a survey would be a great way to figure out your students learning styles. That will be half the battle. Once you figure that out you can go ahead and take even more action at achieving your goals. I like the idea of letting your students choose how they want to complete their research project using technology. My suggestion would be to get rid of the poster and replace it with a music video that your students could create about the section you are teaching.
Katherine
Alison,
ReplyDeleteI have an idea for a category you can indclude on your survey. You can ask students of their experience or comfort level with technology. What programs have they used in the past and / or what programs they would be interested in using or learning more about. That would be a way to incorporate your second goal of letting students interest choice. Great idea and good luck!
Courtney
Hi Katherine & Courtney!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments.
Katherine- I really like your idea of having the students create a music video. This is something I can see a lot of them being interested in and it is something different from what they usually create.
Courtney- I will definitely include your category in my survey. This will not only let me know what interests them, but it will also give me an idea of what types of technology they are used to using and what I might need to go over with them before assigning a certain type of technology to be used.
Thanks!
Alison
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI like your plan for allowing students to choose their own topic and choose the technology they want to employ. I am impressed that your school provides a Study Hall period in which students can go to a computer lab or library to use the technology there to work on their assignments.
Hi John,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. As far as the study hall period goes, not every student has one. It depends on their schedule and how many classes they are taking. My district runs on a four day cycle, so if students are not taking many electives, they often have at least one study hall per cycle, so they can use this time to go to the library or computer lab.
Alison,
ReplyDeleteThe next time you sub, ask a full time teacher about a lesson that realtes to your subject area. Most teachers love to talk about what they are doing with their students. I can relate to what you are going through. I returned to teachig after subbing for the last four years.
When you substitute teach it is not the same, some teachers don't even leave lesson plans. Good luck, hope you find a job soon!
Lora