This all feels like a KWHL! First we set our goals (K) and diagramed our GAME plan with the basics of what it entails. We showed what we know (W) of our current practices, including our proficiency in certain areas dealing with technology. Now we are looking forward in the process (H), focusing on the resources and additional information that will be necessary to accomplish our goals. Both of my initial goals will involve reaching out to other professionals for guidance and instruction.
In terms of the first goal, I will ask other teachers already on the school and district technology committee about how to become involved. I will ask about current projects, proposals, and issues being addressed and align them with any goals I may have after this masters program. I know that I will definitely need to be prepared to talk to the district’s mandates prohibiting certain online resources, such as student-created and updated blogs and wikis. Before doing so, I will need to reach out to professionals outside the district for not just arguments, but safe avenues for student use. I’ll also need to follow up on suggestions with my own research to see what would fit our district. This blog constitutes my only step so far in accomplishing this, and some people have contacted me with software programs and web resources that the district may find appropriate. I’m always open to more!
As for my second goal, this one illustrating my desire become more effective with the Promethean board, I will need to watch tutorial videos that come with the product and seek more one-on-one assistance from other professionals that have found numerous ways to use it in the classroom. Other than the Promethean, the main ingredient in accomplishing this goal is the elusive concept known as “time.” I have already talked to a coworker who has volunteered to share some tips and strategies as well as show me some tools I did not know existed. I hope this will turn into a collaborative approach while creating classroom instructional tools. It just seems like the board is capable of engaging all learners at the same time, accommodating to multiple abilities, interests, and levels of participation.
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Scott,
ReplyDeletePromethean Planet has tutorials on their website to help with the board. You may also check out the forums, they are helpful as well.
Kelly
Kelly,
ReplyDeletePromethean Planet is a life-saver when it comes to most things Promethean Board related! I am on there constantly downloading flipcharts to modify for my own classroom use. Thanks for the information since I didn't know they had tutorials on there also.
Joe
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI am not going to be much help with a Promethean board (although I would love to have one!) I may be of some assistance regarding your first goal. In fact, I am dealing with some of the some concerns as you have mentioned. How good is your relationship with your tech coordinator (AKA The Computer Guy)? Having a good relationship with mine has helped me overcome several issues regarding online resources.
I agree completely with you though. Safety is very important for us and our school district. Does your district have a policy I assume that spells out each guideline clearly? Good luck finding more resources for your blogs and other tools as well. I will have to start getting the feel for a KWHL too I suppose!
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI think contacting people outside of your district is great. You could even bring solutions to problems occuring in your district if you reach out to the right people. I like to visit a website that I think is called edutopia to get ideas for what's going on in other districts. I suggest you take a couple of virtual trips and join some online discussions to help you on your journey outside of your district.
Charis Jones
Your goals sound very familiar to what my goals would be. I too, want to become a more active part of the school technology committe's. I have asked our school if we have one of these....and we do not. I also agree with you in the fact that even going outside of the district of even state for that matter is a good plan when it comes to learning more about how to become involved by asking what other schools are doing.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I have seen that Promethean Planet was already mentioned, but it is a good site to become more successful using the promethean board. I would be lost in my classroom without my Promethean board. I use it everyday for almost every lesson I teach!
Brianna
Joe or Brianna,
ReplyDeleteI can give you the names of our tech teachers for my middle school for you to contact them. We have tremendous access to software programs and they have received state and national recognition for their work. Let me know if you'd be interested in contacting them regarding arguments for safe student access to wikis, blogs, etc. Obviously I'm not going to post their information here.