Developing a GAME plan is only the first step in becoming more confident and proficient in the NETS-T. This week I am looking at the resources and information I need to carry out my action plan.
One of my goals was to develop a classroom website that will serve as a way to produce information to students, families, and the community, and a place where students can publish their work. To accomplish this goal I will need my computer and, web development software, and an online host for my website. I will also need information related to making accessible websites for people with special needs. This week in our class, we have been looking at Universal design for learning (UDL) and assistive technology. Assistive technology and computer adaptations will allow my students more effective access to the computer (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 131). I must also get permission from my administrator and IT department before proceeding since I would be placing school information on the website. I have already put in the request and hope to hear back soon. Is there anything I am missing? Those of you who have build classroom websites might be able to let me know.
My other goal was to introduce and show my colleagues what technology can do in the classroom. Working in special education, we have access to many forms of assistive technology that could be useful for our students, but I have often seen it unused, because the teacher does not know how to properly work it. Ross states that effective teachers using assistive technology in the classroom must know how to use the technology (Laureate Education, INC., 2009). To accomplish this goal I will need information on how to use the technologies so that I can teach it to my colleagues. I will also need to make myself familiar with research that can help show my peers the benefits of technology integration. I have begun doing this already this past week. I have access to much of the research due to the classes I have been taking through Walden University.
As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions. If you have any resources that I would find beneficial in developing and carrying out my GAME plan, please let me know. It is through collaboration that we grow as educators.
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.
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I think that your second goal is a very important one. It is great that you want to share your knowledge with other teachers. Speaking from my own experience, I have ideas about things I can do with technology but I don't know how to actually use most of it. In other words, I can come up with the lessons and activities if someone would show me how to work everything and how to execute it. It would be great to have peers that could show me and it is great that you are stepping up to be that person in your school. There are probably many teachers that could benefit from your knowledge. I am sure if you share some of what we have been doing throughout this program at Walden, your colleagues will learn some effective strategies for integrating technology.
ReplyDeleteVicky,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. You mention that you are good at coming up with the lessons and activities using the technology if someone would show you how to work everything, but I sometimes have the opposite problem. I know how to use the technology, but could use ideas on how to effectively use it in my lessons. I think this is why collaboration between our colleagues is so important. We can use our individual strengths to help each other become more effective educators.
Shannon Eno
My school already has a website, but it was set up through the main technology department for the district. It is made up of templates that allow teachers to fill in information. On each school site every teacher has the opportunity to link a classroom web page. It sounds like you have a good game plan started.
ReplyDeleteI am a lot like you in the fact that I can use the technology, I just have a difficult time using it in my lessons. I couldn't agree more, collaboration is the key to becoming better educators.
Gayla