**How effective were my actions in helping meet my goals:
Unfortunately, due to school being on summer break, there have not been many actions that I’ve been able to take. Those actions that I spoke of previously have gotten my foot in the door to school and district technology committees, as well as increased my range of skills in using the Promethean Board. One school technology committee member did tell me that the school district’s primary concern when using certain types of technology is accountability. They are worried that once students are given the skills to create something on the internet, some students will abuse this knowledge create inappropriate or hurtful projects for public view. I also learned more about those teachers who have decided in the past to challenge the views of our school district, and I must say, I am not encouraged to carry out my action plan. More research on my part will need to be done, not just about the benefits of certain resources, but also as to the overall mentality of district administration.
**What have I learned so far that can be applied to instructional practice?
Basically at this point, I’ve only learned a few more tools offered by the Promethean Board. There are many assessment and interactive presentation tools that can incorporated throughout my daily lessons. These tools accommodate the diverse student population in my classroom. Some interactive flipcharts are best suited for small group participation while others can be used as a full class lesson.
**What do I still have to learn? What are my new questions?
I know I still have much to learn about the Promethean Board so that I can use it to its potential in my classroom. I don’t think I’ll ever learn everything there is to know as the technology available is always developing. My questions about the Promethean Board now center on what district individuals or workshops are available to more directly learn other tools.
As far as the being involved in technology committees in order to bring change, I still need to learn about current projects, proposals, and issues being addressed. The only new question I have is simple: Is it worth it to challenge the deep-rooted views about technology held my district? Some teachers in the past have been targeted because they (amicably) disagreed. I would also like to know if they are more worried about inappropriate use at the elementary level or if this ban of certain resources stretches even into the secondary levels.
**How will I adjust my plan to fit my current needs?
I’ll only speak to the Promethean Board development. Once I learn the needs of my new class, I will be able to structure lessons with those tools that seem to be most appropriate. This will be contingent upon student interests, learning styles, and overall abilities in each curriculum area. As learned in this week’s resources, problem-based learning is an essential format in any classroom. It increases the students’ abilities to become self-directed learners and collaborate while applying their understanding to various situations, particularly within content standards. The Promethean Board is a great tool to use within the classroom because it engages students and motivates them to participate in different ways.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Joe,
ReplyDeleteOur district holds many of the beliefs as yours, and it is frustrating. We are told over and over to use technology,however, when we want to use the technology, we are told to reign it in.
We have access to a Promethian trainer in our area. We can call her for questions and help. I have never used her services before, but I know many here have. I attend two yearly technology conferences in my area, and they are full of Prometheian learning sessions, demos, question and answer forums, etc... I find that is where I get most of my help until the next year. I hope you can find more of the information you are seeking. If I can be of help, please shoot me an email.
Kelly
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous that you have a Promethian board and are able to utilize this class to help you become more successful with it. Your students are going to gain so much by being able to see interactive lessons and take assessments that will show their results instantly. Sadly, I have seen teachers get Promethian boards in their classrooms and rarely use them. I think it is great that you are willing to learn everything you can to use this technology tools to its full potential.
Have fun ~Michelle
Michelle and Kelly,
ReplyDeletePromethean Boards are great for the interactive capabilities. I'm worried that if I don't keep up with doing different things with it, that it will eventually become less enjoyable for the students, more routine, like a chalkboard with the capability of an overhead projector. Students nowadays don't remain excited about something unless it is continuously changing. So while we are excited about the possibilities of the Board, students who are exposed to it from an early age and on are about enthusiastic about it as previous generations are about a chalkboard. This makes me want to learn more uses for it than just interactive flipcharts with attached movie clips.
Joe
Joe,
ReplyDeleteWhile I do not know the details of your districts deep rooted issues with technology, I would encourage you to research what has been done in the past. Perhaps your approach, arguments and logic for changing the technology access could be much diffrent than what has been presented in the past. When we get back into school, I'd just find out as much information as possible. One thing is for sure, they are never going to change on their own. All you can do it try.
Good luck!