Are you finding the information and resources you need?
As I reflect on my GAME plan and the actions I’ve taken thus far, I am feeling confident that this is going to be a successful endeavor for me. As I stated in my earlier post, I have signed up for two technology training sessions at the beginning of the school year, and I have also been in contact with my building IT person to set up some times for us to meet and discuss the various technologies specifically available in my building. Both of these steps will allow me to fully take advantage of the district-sponsored, FREE technologies that are at my disposal during the school year. In addition, I have been spending more time navigating the Prezi website (www.prezi.com) to better learn the software and to create some initial presentations for my students that I will use at the beginning of the year.
As for my blog, it is simply a matter of me finalizing my plans and committing to what I want to include on the blog. As this is a creative endeavor, I continue to change my mind, so I have spent some time browsing other “teacher” blogs to see what those teachers are doing with their spaces.
Do you need to modify your action plan?
I am comfortable with my action plan as it is. I continue to fluctuate on how I want to format my blog and deliver the content, but the concept and purpose of the blog remains the same. I have contemplated simply creating a teacher webpage, but I like the openness of the blog, and the way it allows for direct dialogue and communication in a way a website does not.
What have you learned so far?
Thus far, I have been reminded of something I knew before; technology is an incredible tool that can be used to enhance lessons, classrooms, communication, etc. Though some of the technology tools require a great deal of work on the outset (creating blogs, creating Prezi presentations, setting up WebQuests, etc.), the end result allows for a streamlines, more efficient product/communication/outcome. In addition, the technology feature gives the added element of familiarity for students, as they spend a large majority of their time embracing technology in their daily lives, thus increasing student interest.
What new questions have arisen?
I am nervous about keeping up my blog, and I question whether or not I will be able to be as diligent at keeping it up to date as I want to be. When the school year starts and all of the extra-curricular commitments are added, I worry that my blog won’t be as effective as it could be. Aside from me realistically questioning my own ability to give the blog the needed amount of follow-through, I have no questions at this time. (Side note: I know I will be able to keep my blog up to date to most standards and expectations, but I am the type of teacher who wants everything I do in the classroom to exceed expectations, so we’ll see this goes!)
Danielle,
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is difficult to stay caught up on everything. I feel that once I have finished the Master's program, I will have to spend time going through the content we have learned that I may have forgotten about. Also, I understand what you are saying about the blogs. Think of creative assignments that keep the blogs active. As time goes on, maybe the blog will become more interactive between you and the students or student to student. You could use the blogs for homework or project help. One of my favorite assignments with my students was using the blogs for book reviews. These blogs became very interactive over time, especially when other students began reading the recommended books. However, I did run into a little problem when I began using blogs with my students. The responses to each other had no substance. For example, some responses were "Cool," I like that too," or my favorite, "Hee, Hee, Hee." Once I realized my mistake, I took the time to teach them how to respond to their friends' blogs. Just think of an idea that makes the blogs creative and fun, and I think you will have an easier time with the follow through.
Danielle,
ReplyDeleteThe thing about a good blog is that the more you do it, and the more responses you get to it, the more you'll want to do it. I understand trying to meet my own expectations as opposed to those of the general standard. I too am a perfectionist.
For that, I tend to write my blog posts in advance and edit them before posting. That way I can work on several at once, adapting them as I go and I don't feel rushed to put something out before I feel it is ready.
Thanks for the comments!
ReplyDeleteJonah, I love the idea of utilizing the blog as a place for students to share book reviews with each other. In doing so, they are not only sharing their thoughts with their classroom and utilizing technology; they are also practicing forming opinions and communicating those opinions in writing. In addition, your suggestion about taking the time to teach students how to appropriately respond to their classmates' blogs is excellent. Students are so used to responding to their friends via texting and social media, they need to be reminded how to effectively communicate on an educational blog.
Benjamin -
I like your suggestion of typing out my blog posts before-hand. In doing so, I can stay ahead of the game and make sure I have clearly articulated everything I want to communicate. Good idea!