So far, I have learning that I need to give my students a little more benefit of the doubt. I think I am nervous to try new things and as I am implementing new ideas, they are surprising me in their ability. For instance, I am begun (slowly) working towards meeting my GAME plan by testing out their tech-abilities. I have sent them assignments through email & the districts message center. I have required them to go to our online textbook to complete assignments and activities and then asked that they submit their assignment through email. As I stated, I was very nervous at first and was prepared for many questions and frustration… however most of the frustration came with the math content rather than the technology aspect.
I am still not satisfied that I have fulfilled my GAME plan, therefore, I will continue working on my current goals. As I’ve stated before, my GAME plan will most likely be a continuous process throughout my educational career. Once one goal is met, by that time another one will have come up.
To extend what I have learned so far and improve learning, I will continue to branch out of the norm, even if it is slowly but surely. For instance, instead of asking that students submit a written document, next time maybe I will give them a choice of submitting a written document, presentation, video or audio file. Sometimes I get discouraged when I watch the video resources for this course, because these classrooms that are being highlighted are at such a high level that I feel very defeated. However, I have to remind myself that that is my ultimate goal and it will not necessarily happen over night.
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I understand what you mean about being discouraged by the course videos. I think, "how on earth am I still in a classroom with one computer and these schools have so much access to technology." You are right that matching these schools will take time, and any progress we can make is worthwhile. If nothing else, this course may help us see how much we need to advocate to get technology in our rooms.
ReplyDeleteChristina,
ReplyDeleteI agree. I know in our district they are constantly telling us how we need to change our teaching style to match our students and putting all the blame on us. However, the truth of the matter is that their learning style requires the use of technology and without that technology we do not have the proper teaching materials. A textbook, paper and pencil does not always cut it anymore... however I am not rich enought to purchase technology out of my pocket. I was finally able to checkout the projector for the first time for Monday and I am very nervous about using it. Hopefully it goes smoothly. Thanks for your comments.
I think it is natural for teachers to underestimate the abilities of our students when we introduce new topics, but as you have found, students are incredible. For quite some time my belief has been that the reason education is failing in the United States is because of the lack of confidence that educators have in our students, causing teachers to, not purposefully, not challenge the abilities of our kids. We as teachers need to believe in our students and challenge them at every opportunity, even if the outcome is failure. Keep challenging your kids.
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