My GAME plan action was to seek out other colleagues who may have used the computer as a conferencing tool and to use self-directed learning skills to assist me in reaching my goal. Using my self-directed learning skills I have visited a Wiki and discovered a feature for discussions. I have manipulated this feature to determine how best I can integrate as a technology to for conferencing.
I have received ideas from colleagues to use other forms of technology beyond Wikis. For example, the use of blogs sites created for educators is another option. I am now considering the tools I will need to use in addition to my colleagues. There is a textbook I have requested to review its content in search of applicable strategies for integrating technology. The textbook is Teachers Discovering Computers: Integrating Technology in the classroom (Shell, Cashman, Gunter and Gunter, 2004). In addition to what I have mentioned there is another resource that I have encounter to assist me in my action plan. Lue and Lue (2000) have mentioned three different websites that I could visit that would explain how to use video conferencing in my classroom. These three websites have not yet been visited but in the near future I will embark on reviewing them to learn how they may assist in reaching my goal for using the computer as a conferencing tool.
To create instructional activities involving technology will be effective in impacting student learning not because of the website or software used but more due to the way it is used by the teacher (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). With this in mind as I continue with my GAME plan I am monitoring my action so that as I reach my goal of learning how to integrate technology to reach all students, I will be comfortable with the technology before I present it to students.
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Leu D., & Leu D. (2000). Teaching with the internet. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc.
Shelly, G., Cashman, T., Gunter, R., & Gunter, G. (2004). Teachers discovering computers: Integrating technology in the classroom. Boston, MA: Course Technology.
I do not know if you are like me, but I love to find books and professional materials to learn from. I have a great library and this one sounds like a good one to get more info about and add it to my list of must reads.
ReplyDeleteLook at this link and see if anything here might be useful for you to experiment with.
http://open-tube.com/7-free-web-conferencing-tools
A colleague of mine also mentioned this a few weeks ago.
Marilyn Goodrich
K-12 Ed. Con.
I think you are doing a great job! All the resources in the world do not compare to hands on learning, well atleast for me this is the case. The more experience you gain the easier it is to understand the resources that we are using. I discovered that working on my own game plan. The first time I spoke with the a tech I had no idea what he was saying to me. AFter messing with the software own my own the second time I spoke with him I actually understood some of what he was saying. Keep up the hard work!
ReplyDeleteKevin Kleespies
Fayette, I think that one of the keys to learning technology is communicating with other colleagues. I use wiki and have found it to be a useful website where you are able to communicate with educators around the world. Blogs are very useful,you can monitor your students progress and students enjoy using blogs. I think when the new school year begins we will be able to carry out our GAME plan more effectively.
ReplyDeleteJulie Luton
Fayette,
ReplyDeleteTake a look at edutopia and see if there is anything that might work for you to access new information for your plan. There just might be a blog for you to see what others are doing in this area. It is worth a look!
I have found a few things that I needed in order to make sense of something. I also was able to access a webinar to learn more about another topic. Sign up for their newsletter also.
http://www.edutopia.org/
Marilyn Goodrich
K- 12 Ed. Con.
I've been learning a lot about my topic for my GAME Plan on the internet. I hope you find some good information on the sites you have bookmarked. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009) suggest using Online Learning Communities to learn from others who are doing the same types of activities. Have you found any blogs or wikis on your topic?
ReplyDeleteSarah
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.