As the school year is coming to a close, and I prepare to move to a new grade level and classroom, I have found it challenging to work towards the goals set out in my GAME plan. However, I have made some strides towards incorporating more technology into my instruction.
Assessment is an area where technology can be successfully implemented to provide options for students to demonstrate their understanding of content (Laureate Education, Inc., 2013). Some of my colleagues have used clickers to administer multiple choice tests, which provides them with fast, accessible data. During the past week, I visited with my technology specialist, and learned how to use the clicker system. I had always wondered about using this software, but my fear of technology, or change, had always prevented me from using this tool. Next year, I will use this tool when I want to give a quick grammar quiz, or just to check student understanding regarding a specific skill.
In addition to speaking with the technology specialist, I had a conversation with a colleague that coordinates pre-AP courses and training. Next year, I will teach pre-AP English for the first time, and I will go through training. Because pre-AP classes are meant to increase rigor, I asked her how we could incorporate more technology with instruction and assessment to challenge students and bring real world application to assignments. She seemed intrigued by this question, and we talked about how we might be able to choose a technology based tool and include it in the pre-AP training. While I still have to find more time to conduct research on technology tools that would be applicable to my curriculum, I feel I have made some significant steps in moving towards becoming a more technology savvy instructor.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2013) Assessing student learning. [Video Webcast] Retrieved from https//www.class.waldenu.edu
Zachary,
ReplyDeleteI think it is awesome that you are going to be using the clicker system. This tool is a good way to keep the students engaged and help the more shy students express them selves in a more non-threatening environment. I have also seen the system used to take roll, so it is a very diverse tool with multiple applications. At the Ron Clark Academy, they are taking up to the next level with the next generation of student response systems,Activexpression (http://www.prometheanworld.com/us/english/education/products/assessment-and-student-response/activexpression/), on the site you can see a quick video of how the system works in a classroom. The students are not limited to multiple choice questions, they can do open ended as well to some extent. The system also reports real life times of the students individual progress, so the teacher can become a facilitator and know which students need some support and which are understanding just fine.
A second suggestion is the Edmodo site which is a similar site to Facebook, but allows for content to be monitored by the teacher and administrators. It can be used so that students can have similar experiences and prepare for college on the digital format, just as we are currently doing.
RC
Good start Zak by talking with the other professionals in your building. I think that we can learn a lot from the other teachers and it may even help build a positive rapport when there is an atmosphere of respect and cooperation. I too am interested in using clickers for my students. I often use review games before unit tests and this would be another way to quiz students before a traditional assessment. Congratulations on your new course pre-AP English. Teaching a new course can be both exciting and intimidating. You get to create it fresh. What better time to incorporate some technology. Since you will most likely have higher level students, they may even be able to offer suggestions about how they would like certain assignments and activities to use technology. Just like setting rules in a class room, if the kids can be part of the design then they are much more likely to buy into to whole deal.
ReplyDeleteDiane Miller