by Lee Banks
For the past couple years, I have been a frequent visitor to the International Society for Technology in Education website. Because I truly believe that schools must move into the 21st century along with their digital students, I have researched the technology standards and indicators to ensure that I am supporting the use of technology in learning.
Goals:
After reflecting on the standards and indicators, I have identified two areas that I would like to concentrate in order to improve my effectiveness in incorporating technology in my teaching. The first is to “develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress” (ISTE, 2008). My second goal is to “exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building , and developing the leadership and technology skills of others” (ISTE, 2008).
Actions:
I am very adept at using technology, but often feel I fall short in making meaningful connections for the students. I plan to keep myself up to date on the latest technology tools as well as continuing to take courses to implement the tools. I subscribe to blogs and news threads that keep me in the forefront. I also communicate with colleagues to share ideas and strategies.
I also want to be a powerful changing force in encouraging schools to place more importance on technology. Students have to know how to use technology to be productive in the 21st century. School districts need to realize this. I would like to work towards becoming a technology specialist, one who teaches teachers how to use technology and support their efforts in the classroom. This requires more coursework on how to use applications and software.
Monitor:
I can monitor my progress based on what is happening around me. Currently, I am at the forefront of technological advances in classrooms. I have the SmartBoard, the laptops, the scanner, the Qwizdoms. If teachers start gaining tools that I have not heard of, I will know I have slipped in my GAME plan.
Evaluate:
Again, I will evaluate and extend by conversing with others with the same goals. Comparing myself to others on the same path and relying on administrator reviews.
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf
Lee,
ReplyDeleteWow, you have made such tremendous advances in integrating technology into your classroom. I feel like I am just in the beginning stages and hope to be where you are in the not so distant future. I will follow your blog to see how you are doing with your GAME Plan.
I cannot agree more in the importance of developing a "technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress". There will be no better way to engage students to take responsibility for their own learning and to become independent life long learners.
Good Luck, Lee.
Thanks for the encouragement, Beth. I was lucky in that my school district piloted a program to incorporate technology into classrooms. I was able to get lots of tools for my classroom, as well as instruction and ideas on how to incorporate them. Through this program, I was bit by the "technology bug," thus why I started this Master's program as well.
ReplyDeleteLee,
ReplyDeleteDoes your corporation allow you to go to conferences on technology and perhaps curriculum design? Your state department of education would surely sponsor such a conference.
I have attended such one and the benefits that I gained were quite useful. I found that technology can be taught in such unique and creative ways.
Lee, excellent GAME plan and I really believe that you can make technology important and relevlant in your district or any other district..as long as they give you the support needed. Would you also involve business people to talk to or show students technology that they will need for the work place or maybe even find out from universities what technology they are having their students use?
ReplyDeleteAaron, that is a great idea and I am going to add that to my GAME plan. My school district has a teacher presenting at the ISTE conference in Denver this summer. So, maybe I will also add "future presenter" to the goals of my GAME plan.
ReplyDeleteRick, I think that is an excellent point, especially considering the economic conditions our schools are facing today. In order for our students to learn 21st century skills, we are going to have to rely on outside resources, including community members who use or create the latest technology tools.
Lee,
ReplyDeleteIt is evident you have the process of technology integration in your classroom well in hand. When you are openly looking for the newest in tools, there is little to hold you back. Your connections to the web and with colleagues will certainly help you.
I think your plans to explore the software and web tools for student and teacher use is a good direction to learn how to support teachers and students as a technology specialist. The cool equipment and the latest flashy pieces are very useful, but sometimes the less attractive integration of new tools for every day purposes is also very productive.
It looks like you are on a "roll!"