21 July 2011

Course Management System

My presentation is located at:


http://www.mixbook.com/photo-books/interests/course-management-system-5738027

24 June 2011

Reflecting on EDUC 6714

This course has given me a better understanding of UDL and Differentiated Instruction (DI) and better ways to incorporate the two in my classroom. I have heard of DI in the past but was never sure if I was using it correctly. DI is not creating more work for students. I couldn’t imagine creating different lessons for all my students but now I know that is not the case in order to meet the needs of all students.


I compiled a list of resources that were acquired throughout this course for future use. The Differentiation Station was a great source for information. I believe using the resources will enhance my teaching and students’ learning. I plan on sharing the sites with other teachers in the future. As a result of this course, I also plan to use technology much more in my classroom this coming school year.


I will use the new found technology whole group as well as with individual instruction. I also want to get parents involved using class blogs and newsletter. I will also create surveys at the beginning of the year to learn more about the students. I want to incorporate the use of digital storytelling and concept maps into more lessons. I like Dr. Tomlinson’s use of the words flexible management (Laureate Education, 2009). I feel that being flexible is a key word in teaching and to add management is even better. I have to remember that I am building a foundation for all students at the kindergarten level. What may work one year with technology may not work the next. It is my hope that I will help each student reach his or her highest potential for learning.


Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.

22 April 2011

Evaluating the GAME...

I plan on using the GAME plan in future years. I have confidence that I can set goals and achieve them one step at a time. With this GAME plan, I now realize I can use more technology with younger students. I want to teach them they can set goals accomplish them as well. I also want to continue my current GAME plan goals. The goals are:

1b) Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

3c) Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

I have found many resources that will help me incorporate more technology in the classroom with this project. I want to continue to expose students to real-world issues that will help them become better 21st century learners. From this course, I have also learned about better ways to communicate with parents through technology.

13 April 2011

Reviewing the GAME...

During this adventure of the GAME, I have learned to create a few goals and stick with them and you can achieve the goals. I have a tendency to jump around and eventually get to it. I want to set an example for my students and show them they can reach goals no matter how big or small. They can set a goal and follow it one step at a time.

When I saw this GAME project, I was slightly overwhelmed. I thought, this must be how my students feel when I give multi-step directions all at once. Even though my students are 5 years old, I know they can go through the GAME process and have success. I am still amazed how much a 5 year old knows about technology. I feel I am teaching the basis for what the students will experience in the future.

06 April 2011

Revising the GAME...

I think the GAME plan is moving along well. I currently am using various websites that I’ve come across with my students. I think the GAME plan is moving along well. Our grade level was introduced to videos that are on Discovery Ed. (our district’s testing site sponsored by Discovery) I am not too familiar with it besides where to go when we test our students. We are supposed to get more training this summer. The videos provide great supplement to our teaching, whether introducing or closing out a unit. A video is more engaging than a stack of worksheets.

I just attended training on using a Mimio. I am excited about the opportunities it gives in teaching the students. Unfortunately, there is only a handful available at my school. There is a waiting list and we can then have it for a month. I definitely put my name on the list. Until I get one, I want to do a little more research on the ways I can use it with my students.

I am not ready to set a new learning goal. I want to accomplish my current goals before I start on a new one. I am going to take what I have learned and keep learning so I can be more effective at integrating technology.

30 March 2011

Evaluating the GAME...

My actions were effective in meeting my goals. I recently found a webquest on a rain forest to add to a unit we did. It was neat to take the students to a place we do not experience in Florida. I would like to start using PowerPoint slides to show students digital storytelling. I am not too familiar with it so it is a goal to learn more about it. I am also trying to remember to check a website before showing it to the students. I will lose the attention of the students if I am playing around the website to see if it is a reliable one. My co-workers have been interested in learning about websites they can use in their classrooms. They are excited to share the information with others.

My students’ parents are interested in the class website. Many have said it will help them in keeping up with class activities because newsletters do not always make it home. I hope in doing a class website, I do not run out of time. Time is always the factor for a teacher…..

23 March 2011

Monitoring the GAME…

I feel my GAME plan is moving along in a positive direction.

1b) Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.

I have created a list of websites in all content areas that I can use in the classroom. I have a document camera and projector that I have hooked up to the computer. I can show the students the websites whole group and do any of the interactive activities. I also have been sharing the sites with other teachers and inviting my suitemate’s class over to show “cool” websites. The only problem is I need to make sure the site is not blocked at school so I have been checking in the morning.

3c) Communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital-age media and formats.

I am researching other class web pages and blogs. I am writing down ideas that I can use for the future. I want to know the better sites I can use with the limited amount of time. I am in the process of collecting surveys from parents about how often they would use a class page and/or blog.