Spotlight on Emerging Technology: Online Learning in K-12 Schools

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Resources

Young, J., Birtolo, P., & McElman, R. (2009). Virtual success: Transforming education through online learning. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(5), 12–17.

www.rcampus.com

Reflection: Reaching and Engaging All Learners Through Technology

As this course draws to an end, I have reflected on the content and ideas that I will bring into my classroom. I look forward to incorporating UDL and differentiated instruction in my lessons in order to benefit each of my students. I also look forward to bringing new ideas to my colleagues. I enjoyed learning from my colleagues just as much as the learning resources. I have saved a lot of the ideas from my group’s facebook page. One of the main reasons why I enjoyed working with my group is that we are able to get ideas from one another on what works and what does not work. I learned a lot about differentiating instruction using technology. Since I began this class, I have reorganized the way that I do my “station teaching” completely. I now have 2 centers which involve technology (computer, Activboard, and listening center). It is easy to doubt a kindergarteners ability to use technology; however, after taking this class I have learned ways for getting to know my students, how they learn best, and how I can accommodate their needs. I now know that I can teach them the necessary skills in a way that is understandable to them and incorporate it into my lesson. The biggest thing that I take from this class is having no fear and no doubt. I have no fear in using technology with my students and no doubt that they can learn it. I look forward to continuing my use of learning profiles with a few adjustments learned from this course to better serve my students. I look forward to beginning each year with the ability to know how my students learn best.

Reflection

As this course comes to an end I am reminded of the new strategies and ideas that I will bring back to my classroom AND my grade level. I feel that I have accomplished a large part of my GAME plan. We have begun technology training for professional development, I have created a class website with links for education games and other parent resources for my parents to view. Last week we had our curriculum night. As I delivered my presentation via the SmartBoard I was very impressed with myself on how far I have come. I continue to include technology into my lesson plans and have already introduced my 2 week old kindergarteners to the computer lab.

I will continue to grow in the area of technology integration but I leave here with leaps and bounds of progress!

Using the GAME Plan Process with Students

As I continue to improve my GAME plan, I am working towards a way to introduce this idea to my students. In kindergarten, it is important to teach students the importance of creativity, communication, and critical thinking. Often times I do this through group activities such as role playing, class meetings, and creative writing. I can use the GAME plan process with my students in regards to the NETS-S by having the students first set their goals. Then we will discuss ways that students can accomplish their goals. Since my students are so young, I would have to work closely with my students in helping set their goals.

I have found that establishing my GAME plan and determining how I will achieve the goal is difficult. Although I have learned so much from this process, I feel that I have struggled. I am open to any advice on this process in regards to 5 and 6 year olds.

Revising your GAME Plan/Week 6

I am making a lot of progress as I work towards my goals. I continue to learn about technology and how I can become a better teacher with technology integration. I have kept my original goals in mind but have additional goals as I work towards successfully creating lessons that are appropriate for my students. My principal has added several professional development sessions based on technology. I was glad to see that as we returned for pre-planning. I have recently worked with some of my colleagues to share online collaboration tools.

Although I have learned a lot that can be applied to my instruc
tional practice, I feel that I continue to work towards the goal of creating lessons because of the grade level that I teach. If my students were more independent I would not have as much trouble.

Based on the NETS-T I have set new goals for myself. I am looking to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. I think it is important to introduce students to real-world experience at a young age. As I create technology appropriate lessons, I want to also work on the assessments that I use. Preparing my students at a young age for using technology will set a strong foundation for their future.

Evaluating your GAME Plan Progress

Although I feel that I still have tons to learn, I have gained a better understanding of PBL learning and how it can be applied to my classroom. I have always struggled with the idea of incorporating technology into my class because my students are so young; this continues to be my struggle. I continue to work towards my goals each week through new understandings of PBL. As the new school year is quickly approaching, I have submitted my requests for professional development relating to technology. This is something that all teachers would benefit from.

I have revised my PBL activity to reflect the strategies that I have learned each week. This is really helping me as I begin to plan for the upcoming school year. I have ideas for incorporating blogs, websites, and the internet into my centers.

I am still looking for advice from teachers in the lower grades on how to incorporate technology into my centers. I do not have a para so it needs to be an activity that the students can work on independently. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Monitoring my GAME plan

The course readings and class discussions have really helped and inspired me while working on my GAME plan. My goals are to design and evaluaate lessons using technology and engage in more professional development. I have learned several ways to incorporate technology into my lessons that I will bring to the classroom. I have also looked into professional development opportunities within my school district. Because of budget cuts, our professional development has been cut back and most of our training occurs in the schoolhouse. I plan to talk to my principal about allowing us to have more professional development about technology integration. Each week I continue to add to my action plan. I feel that I am learning so much and knowing that this will benefit me as a teacher is very motivating. The questions that have come up mostly pertain to my lesson plans. I have concerns that my students will struggle with too much technology because they are so young. I also do not have any help in the classroom and I am expecting 23 students in my class next year. I usually do activities with the students in the computer lab but I am very concerned about this coming up year.