After reviewing this week's learning resources I learned that I may be able to apply some different instructional practices to accomplish my goal of Teaching, Facilitating, and Inspiring student learning. There was a wealth of wonderful information shared this week about social networking or "educational networking" (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010)and online collaboration. I have been so focused on bringing guest speakers in to class to speak with my students, but dealing with the roadblocks of the logistics of making it happen has been a major obstacle. I realized, with this week's learning resources, that I don't have to physically bring anyone into the classroom, the technology is at my school, ready and waiting for me to utilize to digitally bring guest speakers in through video conferencing. So I realized that I don't have to adjust my goals, just my objectives to accomplish my goals. Utilizing the technology available will help in engaging student interest and demonstrating how learning can be fun because most, if not all, students enjoy interacting with technology. It will also allow me to still make the connection between what students are learning in the classroom and what individuals are doing in the working world.
For my second goal of Creativity and Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership, I feel like my progress has been solid and steady. Each week as I comment on my classmates blogs and discussion boards and read the comments left for me I feel like my professional growth grows by leaps and bounds. I consider it informative to get constructive feedback or suggestions from folks who have moved on to other roles in education, but I consider it invaluable to get the feedback and suggestions from people who are still on the "front line" with me experimenting and employing the many educational approaches available. I also continue to educate my co-workers on the implementation, management, and benefits or utilizing the online learning product we have available at our school. In this role I am fostering my leaderships skills and also extending my professional growth.
As always, I will continue to assess my growth toward meeting my goals and be ready to make adjustments as needed.
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Spotlight on technology: Social networking and online collaboration, Part 1. [DVD]. Integrating technology across the content area. Baltimore, MD: Author
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Eric,
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome your school has the technology in place for you to be able to have guest speakers virtually in your classroom. Technology is very amazing and really helps aid in taking down our roadblocks. I can't wait to hear how using these sources work for you.
I am happy that you are making progress on your professional growth and leadership goal. I agree that getting feedback from those who are at the same stage as us is not always valuable. However, it does help me in knowing how others are growing and learning what they are doing in their learning process. I often feel like those who are considered my mentor teachers--those who have been in the business anywhere from five to 30+ years may not have the same outlook on integrating technology into the classroom. Therefore, I do have to rely on those who are on the "frontline" or those who are just up a head.
Keep up the great work and I look forward to reading more about your progress!
Laura
Eric,
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice to hear how you are making such progress with your GAME plan and the growth that you've seen in yourself. I agree with feeling a since of professional accomplishment when I am able to share, assist, or teach my colleagues in something as valuable as bringing technology into our students' lives. As far as your goals, I am proud for you. Being able carry out your plan by conferencing your guest speakers is such 21st century skill at its best! Skyping is great way to communicate and partner up with classrooms across the state or country. You could even set up a weekly spot as "Rainey's Regulars" and your guests could provide inspiration via Skyping.
Good job!
Kimberly
Eric-
ReplyDeleteI think that making connections with guest speakers in an online conferencing format is a phenomenal idea-you're right, this week's resources worked out well for your GAME plan progress! The more I think about it, the better I like the idea of conferencing with a guest speaker instead. For one, it eliminates the need for travel, which is especially good for guests that would need to be provided with accommodations, etc. Furthermore, in a way I feel like the conference would almost be more engaging for the students and would create a greater sense of investment. For example, we had an author speak at school on Friday. Most of the kids seemed interested, but I don't think they felt compelled to ask questions, and were not particularly comfortable doing so. On the other hand, if they had been connected via technology, they may have felt more comfortable interacting and most likely would have felt more responsible for keeping up conversation. I have no specific explanation for my feelings, but based on my experience with kids and technology it could only bring you good things, I think.
Have a great week,
Amanda
I love the idea of online collaboration and social networks for students to use in helping them learn. You gave me an idea in that if I could have have started a social network site for students like Ning or Facebook for a project they're working on, it could have taken up less time in the classroom in the classroom. For example, a lot of our class time was used having students meet to work on their Utopia Project based on our reading of The Giver. Although the students needed the time, it would have been far more efficient if students 'met' online, using social networking sites. In the future, I'll try this idea with the rule that I must be a part of the site so I can monitor online discussions.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your great idea!