Reflection on Reaching and Engaging Learners Through Technology

Working with Differentiated Instruction and Universal Design for Learning can seem like a daunting task at first, but as I discovered, it can be done effectively and seamlessly thanks to technology integration. A major way to eliminate the potential hurdles; including time constraints, accessing tools, finding resources, as well as applying strategies in a real classroom is to use social networking sites such as the Ning network established by my classmates and I.

Two main components of both UDL and DI are to be flexible and to also have an open mindset when working to apply these frameworks in class. The many resources my classmates and I gathered included articles informing teachers of the basics and history of these revolutionary ideas so that we can understand in what direction we should be working. We took it to the next level by contributing sources for UDL and DI lesson plans that were already prepared so that we could practice and get an idea of how to create model lessons of our own. Then resources that expanded our repertoire of technology tools that could be used in our classes to do a variety of tasks such as translate text to speech, pronounce terms, magnify information, and organize it graphically, along with many other amazing differentiation possibilities. And finally we presented our own lessons and gave each other feedback, which is invaluable for teachers as they prepare to use DI and UDL in their own class.

As far as immediate changes I plan to make for increasing technology in my class, I would have to say that I need to 'just do it'. Working on graduate courses as well as our recent freak snowstorms have caused me to have less time for putting the many ideas I have been getting in this course into action. I am excited and encouraged thanks to the hard work of my coursemates and look forward to moving forward in integrating even more technology.

Final Reflection on my Game Plan

This course has been very beneficial in helping me reach my first goal to create and design learning experiences that incorporate technology in the planning of a unit using online research, collaboration, and digital storytelling. Though I was familiar with problem based learning and promoting collaboration as well as alternative forms of assessment, I had never really considered the benefits of adding technology to these types of learning experiences. Using online tools allows students to access new sources of information, work virtually any time and place, capture their interests, differentiate instruction, and to work more creatively to both learn and assess their knowledge levels. Though eventually using technology will allow students to work more easily and effectively and focus on the content and curriculum, it does require a great amount of initial planning and preparation for the teacher. Once the students become familiar with the tools and techniques though, the teacher can really step back and allow the students to work more independently and codependently. I am excited to try my lessons this spring with my students in order to see just how effective they are.

My other main goal was to model digital age work and learning; which I also will be doing more of soon. I think it is important to know what you are talking about as the teacher, but also to keep an open mind in the event that a student knows more tricks to using certain programs. I will strive to do this as I show the students what I have been working on in my coursework. This would be my area of adjustment. In the past I have been embarrassed if I didn't know everything a student asked me, but I have to recognize that many of my students spend just as much if not more time online and using technology. I have also decided that I would like to have "tech mentors" in the class and would like to even appoint that as a role in group projects to assist myself and the students in using my new technology integrated lessons in the classroom.

Week 7 GAME Plan Update

My GAME plan is designed to help my students devlop proficiency mainly through action. In the technology integrated lessons I create my students will work with a variety of tools and techniques to better understand their applications and use. It is difficult for many people, regardless of learning styles, to learn without doing. In the lessons I will select technology that supports my content and model the activities that the students will complete. But the most critical thing that I can do to help my students is to give them time to work with the technology and try things out for themselves. I know I have learned most of my way around new programs by playing around with them and through trial and error. I want to point out to my students that although they may not initially succeed in using technolgy, they will undoubtedly learn something in the process.

Another key goal of my GAME plan was to share what I learn throughout my coursework and projects with my colleagues in order to provide a better level of reinforcement. When students work with tools and even use similar strategies in several classes, it makes it so much easier to learn. This will also benefit the teachers, as the students are already trained and ready to work. A main concern that teachers have about integrating technology is the amount of time involved in preparing the students to do the work. In this case, they would already be proficient. Additionally, I am using technology more and more for my own effective communication and organization and the students can see the benefits. They know that they are able to email me and access class information via my wiki page. They see that they can establish similar relationships with their classmates for help on homework and I think that my own progress in my GAME plan have been influential in this respect.

Our students live and will work in a different world than we do. It is our duty to model, engage, and promote effective use of technology both inside the classroom and out.

Week 6: Revising My GAME Plan

My main lesson in this course on Integrating Technology across the Content Areas is to use technology appropriately. This means neither too much access nor too limited use by both me and my students. Sometimes lessons and work needs to be done the old-fashioned way; reading print resources, solving tough problems by working them out by hand, and communicating face-to-face. Forcing technology integration can actually limit students’ creativity and can furthermore prevent their productivity. Flexibility is a characteristic that teachers today need to possess more so that ever due to the many different ways that we and our students learn and work in order to be successful.

A NETS standard I still feel that I am continuing to work on is fairly obvious; number 5. “Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership”. As I continue this course and the two remaining courses, I will undoubtedly gain a better understanding of the importance of technology in education today. Particularly, indicator d. “contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community” (NETS, 2008) will be my main responsibility after finishing my masters’ course work. I do feel like I need some time to process and practice all of the great things I’ve been learning. Right now I feel very busy with my school and personal responsibilities and don’t believe I have had the opportunity to do so as of yet.

For this reason, I plan to make it a priority to share my new knowledge with other teachers in my school after my graduation from Walden. Though it seems like I am postponing this goal, May will be here before we know it and the end of the year potentially would be a great time to work with my peers because the high-stress and increased pressure of testing will be through. To further improve my learning next time I set a GAME plan or engage in other professional growth opportunities, I will work to increase my communication with other teachers in order to ‘share the wealth’.

National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (2008). ISTE. http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm, access December 7, 2009

Week 5 Update

My action plan consisted of being sure that my curriculum drives my technology integration and brainstorming at least two existing lessons that could be enhanced by technology tools. Thus far, I am happy
to report that I am on track to reach my goal in this respect. I have not been forceful in inserting unnecessary technology into every lesson. Instead I have been using my daily tools like my SMARTBoard and PC in more efficient ways. Additionally in my coursework I have been challenging myself to be certain that I try to think about new ways to teach my content. Teachers are frequently told not to reinvent the wheel and I am now trying to instead redesign and tweak it.

Many of the scenarios from real classroom teachers in our video series have been helpful in giving me ideas for my own classroom. I am excited to try problem based learning and allow my students to take the reins of their own learning. I believe this will be especially helpful in reaching the various interest and ability levels of each individual student. However I think that PBL may present my largest challenge to reaching my GAME plan's goals. As I expressed in my group discussion I am concerned about being able to create a solid problem for my students to work to answer. Also I need to learn appropriate ways to manage this kind of learning activity.

As far as adjusting my GAME plan, I really think I need to gain more practice and experience with using PBL and planning a comprehensive unit is a perfect way to start. I am already comfortable with project based learning and hope this transition to problem based learning will go smoothly. As I teach more lessons structured this way, I work to monitor and evaluate strengths and weaknesses in this respect and then can adjust my plan accordingly.

Delay of GAME?

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#

Reviewing the GAME Plan

In order to plan lessons that employ digital tools to create valuable learning experiences, I am going to need more than just my everyday school supplies. I already have access to a SMARTBoard, wireless laptops and the LCD projector and regularly employ them. But I need to use other, less accessible technologies like the CPS systems, digital cameras, scanners, airliners, and websites that are not allowed by our Board of Education like YouTube.com in addition to the aforementioned tools. Furthermore I plan to use the strategies in the texts we have read throughout our Walden coursework and will continue to look for advice through authorities in technology integration, professional organizations, and networking communities for new ideas for use in my classroom. I especially would love to hear from my classmates about what works in their middle schools or social studies courses!

I have not yet used the GAME plan lesson format for preparing lessons, but many of the components are similar to the format our county uses now. It will be advantageous for me to upload this document to Google Docs where my colleague and I can access it easily during our planning time. Additionally, I am going to share this with my team so that we can all work to integrate technology and reach more of our learners through this UDL compatible format. One area I did make an advancement in was in sharing my use of technology to communicate with parents with my principal. I showed my principal the benefits and possibilities that having a class wiki provide versus her support and encouragement of using schoolnotes.com with other teachers. And I let her in on the handy way to post notes via our online grade book reporting system. She was impressed and I was encouraged to keep working toward my goals and I look forward to further monitoring my progress.