In working to increase my use of UDL in lesson planning, I did upload the lesson template to Google Docs. While there I decided to search the existing templates and found a student survey that I thought would be useful (George, 2009). Also I found a great many resources available that would be helpful to teachers who are planning lessons using the principals of UDL. Most come from the CAST website, so I am unsure about the legality of me uploading them to Google Docs. I know I would be more apt to use these guides if I can easily access them there. Would this be acceptable as long as I cite the sources of information, or is this considered copyright infringement? Media specialists and technology teachers, I need your expertise here!
I do not feel like I need to modify my action plan at this time. I do feel as if I need to take more action though. It seems like the holidays are one of the most challenging times of the school year to accomplish much of anything with the students' excitement building and the many activities that come along with the season. Unfortunately I have not had many opportunities to use the new technology tools that I learn about in class with you all in my own classroom. I am always referencing the activities that we do and know that I must take time to make the time for incorporating these new ideas.
So far I have learned that the students are impressed when I make mention of the new technology tools that I am using. It is easy to see they are excited and perk up when I mention these ideas. I realize just how significantly technology can increase student engagement, now I just need to harness it!
Questions that I find myself asking are along the lines of my tech-resistant peers. Though I possess a better mind-set, I am now finding myself facing some of the realities. Why won't our Board stop being so old fashioned and unblock the great sites I want to use. How can I pry the CRS system from the hands of the math teacher who always seems to be using it the day I want to? When will I fit it all in? Again, I think it is partially the timing that is holding up my GAME plan and I know there are ways to work around the challenges I am facing and recognize that many other teachers face many more. I will continue to work towards my goals and appreciate all of your help and suggestions!
George, Marj. Google Docs. accessed November 25, 2009. http://spreadsheets.google.com/gform?key=tf7makOc8IlxEZxbDKyyYMQ#
Posts
April,
ReplyDeleteSorry for the road blocks and frustrations you are dealing with right now. It seems that many of us share the frustration of our schools, districts, counties, etc. blocking websites that we believe are beneficial to our instruction. My suggestion is to determine which websites you find that are blocked that you would like to use with your students. I would then create an argument as to why the websites are integral to what you are trying to teach your students. After you have this ready, you can start with your Instructional Technology person to determine the steps in reaching the right person to fight for the unblocking (is that a word?!) of critical resources for you and your students.
As for trying to gain access to the technology (CRS) you need, you could take one of two paths. One is to track the amount of use and beg your principal (using your collected data) to purchase additional technology. The other option is to try to write a grant in order to purchase the software you need (in your spare time, I know!).
As far as fitting it all in, I say take baby steps. Set an achievable goal to integrate technology into 1 lesson per week, 2 lessons per month, etc. When you have some down time such as over the summer, you can take the time to determine how to integrate more technology into your curriculum. You need time to explore resources and determine how you can integrate them, but unfortunately we do not have that time while school is in session.
Be proud of what you are accomplishing and keep pushing on!
Hello April,
ReplyDeleteI just discovered the wonders of Google docs. I haven't explored as much as I would like but I have managed to create two surveys.
I can hear your frustration within you post. I have to agree with Sarah. Take baby steps! Don't let the road blocks get you down instead go around them and discover another route to take.
Do you have a building tech person at your school or within the district? If so discuss with them how you can get sites you need unblocked. In my district we have a committe we send suggestions to and typically if we can agree our point they will open the site.
Good Luck and pat yourself on the back for all you do to enhance your students lives.
Dawn Bell
Hi Ladies,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support! We do have a building tech person, but he is assigned to our school only three days a week, and unfortunately is not much help. I have been able to work with my media specialist to gain access to a few sites, so at least I am making some headway. I liked your suggestion about getting a grant, Sarah, and I hope to be able to work on that soon (I'm thinking May; post-graduation haha) so at least my students next year can benefit from even more technology integration opportunities.
April, check out these two sites for more information on copyright issues for educators:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ21.pdf
and the more recent:
http://www.ccumc.org/copyright-matters/fair-use-guideline
I got the information from http://www.cyberbee.com/copyrt.html
I'll be reading them for myself. Hope they help!
I have a great relationship with our School's Librarian, who also manages the two school computer lab. She is not the IT person, but she does take an invested interest in the students and the projects they work on. I try to get into the lab at least once a week, and more closer to vacation breaks. She likes to help so much that I consider her a "team teacher" when we are in the lab. And best of all, if a site is bloked that we need for research - she just gets on the phone and tells the District IT person to unblock it. I own her a big cup of coffee.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sites Susanna! I hope to find out more from them. :)
ReplyDeleteTodd, it sounds like both of us are fortunate to have helpful library teacher. I'm sure mine would like a Starbucks gift card too! Thanks for the Christmas gift idea!
I have to give my district major props for this recent allowance: computers signed on as a teacher can log onto YouTube. But I still use this website to get rid of any comments and ads: http://www.theeter.com/
ReplyDeleteTry it and maybe it can be an access to videos that you might want. My students are still at a roadblock on this though as they want to use videos in their projects- but signed in as students, they can not watch too many videos.