As I continue forward, it is imperative that I continue to monitor the progress of my personal GAME plan. Self-assessment is key when it comes to altering and changing my plan. Too many times people continue forward with their goals even when obstacles clearly impede them from making further progress. In this case, I need to continuously reassess my plan to modify and adapt it as necessary.
At this point, I have been very fortunate in finding information and resources to help aid in my plan. My connections with SMART technologies have allowed me to have immediate assistance when needed. Furthermore, their website offers around the clock support and I can chat live with tech support immediately. Not only that, but they also have videos available that will demonstrate particular functions and operations of various SMART tools.
I have conducted many informal surveys with my colleagues to assess their technological needs, and these conversations have helped give me some clear guidance. It appears that my current action plan is on track and that I assumed correctly when I felt that many of my colleagues needed further support for integrating technology in their classrooms. It is important that all of us understand what our needs are and how we are going to fulfill those needs (Laureate, 2009).
So far, I have learned that there is a greater need for professional development in utilizing technology effectively. It appears that too many times educators are giving technology without proper guidance. Or, they receive massive training in two or three days, but receive zero follow-up. In this case, it is important that I continue my plan until the need no longer exists. I have to not only help my colleagues, but I must continue my professional development as well.
Some new questions that arise are “How will I teach teachers in varying disciplines to use technology appropriately?” I do not want teachers to use technology for meaningless reasons; you have to make sure that the technologies you use are “representative of those embedded in your content domain” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 162). I also do not want other teachers to be deterred from utilizing my expertise because my discipline differs from theirs. Educators do not always realize that technology can be utilized in the same format through all content.
Thanks,
Christina
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Part 1. Promoting students needs with technology. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
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I believe your informal approach, to gather data from your colleagues about their technological needs, is a good start. I hope you have recorded the varied technological devices that they desire to incorporate in their lessons.
ReplyDeleteI also think that your question about meeting their individual subject content needs is valid, hence, one way in which I think you could address it, is to have them do the assignment that we had to do for application three or the discussion question that we had to do for this week four, as a type of survey. In this way, you will actually 'see' how they are thinking, you will be getting them to think about how they would like to adjust their lesson designs and integrate technology, and in turn, you may see the repeated reference to a particular technology which will be your cue to initiate their training in using that equipment. As each teacher makes the adjustment in their subject area, they will see how applicable it is to their situation.
This may sound time consuming, and it is probably, but your final statement about needing your colleagues to personally see that technology can be utilized in the same format irrespective of the content perhaps can be achieved in this manner.
All the best with your plans,
Jewel Meikle
HS English/Literature
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Jewel,
ReplyDeleteThanks, that is a great idea. I agree that I need to see their thinking if I am going to aid them effectively. I really appreciate your insight!
Thanks,
Christina