I learned how technology can be integrated into assessment this week. Dr. Ross (2009) stated that the "steps in determining effective assessment include: 1. Identifying learning objectives, 2. Determining teaching methods, and 3. Choosing supporting technology"(Assessing Student Learning with Technology - dvd). Using technology to assess students not only expedites the grading process, but it allows teachers to assess students in an organized way that truly evaluates their content learning. Students can even become more involved in assessing themselves, monitoring, and evaluating their progress towards learning goals.
Are you finding the information and resources you need?
One of my goals is designing and developing digital-age learning experiences and assessments. I feel that I am finding the information and resources I need to achieve this goal. Through online research, I am finding neat lesson plans and online resources, such as Artsonia.com and some cool content videos, to develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments.
Another goal is engaging in professional growth and leadership. I feel that through this class and my other classes at Walden and through the professional development opportunities I am taking part in throughout this school year in my district, I am engaging in professional growth and leadership.
Do you need to modify your action plan?
No, I feel that I am working on achieving my goals and moving forward.
What have you learned so far?
I have learned the importance of using technology to support content area learning and to use technology, not just for its own sake, but to really enhance content. I have also learned the importance of setting goals, taking actions towards achieving those goals, monitoring, and evaluating progress. I believe that it is important to provide students opportunities for more self-directed project-based activities, where they are given choices, and are working hard to meet the objectives of the project.
What new questions have arisen?
How can I give my students more opportunities to use the computer lab, when many of the computers in the lab are not working? I want to provide my students, as a class, with more opportunities to research online and use internet resources on their own in the lab.
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I agree with you that I have learned the importance of setting goals for myself. As teachers we often say we want to learn or try something new and that is as far as it gets. We really need to practice what we preach and follow through with these goals and monitor and evaluate our progress.
ReplyDeleteI understand your frustration about having computers that don't work or other glitches with technology. I have had a wonderful thanksgiving lesson planned and the web site went down 5 minutes in. That is where being flexible is super important. It sounds like your plan is working out very well so far. Good luck with the rest of your plan.
Is your lab manned? If not, have the problems been reported to your IT techs? If it is manned, are you sure the problems have been reported?
ReplyDeleteWe used to have an unmanned lab at our school for teachers to use, but it was horribly neglected and abused. The computer lab teacher at the time (for the other lab)said I was the only teacher who regularly let her know of problems and that she really appreciated it becuase that was the only way that she could get them fixed. Maybe you could be the one to initiate the needed repairs.
When working with a computer lab that is not fully functional it makes integrating technology difficult. One of the ways my school solved this problem was to write a technology grant getting a wireless laptop lab that different teachers can use in their classroom. This took place of our computer lab because we didn't have the room for it in our building. We have two tech staff that works on fixing any computers in the building as best they can anything they cant fix is sent in as tech work order.
ReplyDeleteOne of your goals was leadership. You could take the lead in getting a grant to help update you computers in your school. This would help not only your students but the whole school.
Becky,
ReplyDeleteA piece of advice that I will offer is to download and archive videos and images found online whenever you can. I have planned lessons around online resources that were not there when I repeated the lesson the next year. That is really frustrating!
We have the same problem at school. Three classroom sized labs and no availability for weeks on end! It is always a race to sign up!
Thanks for all of your comments and suggestion!
ReplyDeleteResponse to Nancy: No, our school lab is not manned. Our school has no computer teacher, just a 4th grade teacher who is in charge of fixing technology problems. She is very busy and it takes time to get things fixed. I and one other teacher are really the only ones to use this lab because of how outdated it is and hard it is to use the computers. I do report repairs to our district tech person and most things get done by the end of the school year. But, costs are a problem as far as new tech goes.
Response to Danika: Great idea! I will try to seek out a grant for a mobile laptop wireless lab. Does the wireless lab involve some kind of unit that transmits the internet signal to the laptops? How does the whole wireless system work? I will talk with our district technology coordinator about this option. It would be good because the computer lab is often closed for weeks at a time for Scholastic book fair in there, dental clinic in there, IEP testing in there. The lab is like our school's multipurpose room.
I agree that we that the importance of technology is and will be a useful tool in our classrooms. It always comes down to availability and resources. In Michigan public education has taken huge hit finacially. Every year the government is cutting back on educational spending. With the lack of funding, technology has taken a back seat to improving the technolgy needs of our students.
ReplyDelete