RESOURCES NEEDED
Since my game plan involves students developing a wiki, there are several concerns of mine. The first is that all of my students have access to technology to perform the task. Without access, I cannot expect for the assignment to be completed. Currently, I have access to a mobile cart with laptops. If needed, I could check out the cart and have the kids work on the assignment at school. The second is that students are proficient with the software. I may need to set aside some class time to effectively train the students on how to use the program we use. The last consideration that comes to mind is the students of mine with disabilities that may need a revised role because of their disability or assistive technology to help them complete the assignment.ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NEEDED
Currently, I believe I will need to know who has access to technology outside of school and who does not. I may need to group those who do not together so that we can check-out the mobile laptop cart at one time. I would like to avoid this since it seems to single kids out and I would like to keep the groups as homogeneous as possible. I also will need review my inclusion students’ IEP’s so that I understand what the limitations will be for them. STEPS TAKEN
Since I already have my inclusion students’ IEP’s in my possession, I have been able to review them for limitations. I have a couple of students with ADD/ADHD who may have difficulty staying on task. Another student has a severe eyesight impairment that is very evident in class. Yet another has severe social/emotional concerns. As a result of my findings, I have set up meetings to consult with my special education colleagues about the best approach for these students.
Todd to Joe -
ReplyDeleteYou may be surprised at how diverse your students are when it comes to their technology at home. I had thought by now that pretty much everyone has a computer with Internet access at home, but it turns out I have about ten percent of my students who do not. When you factor in those students who share computers with their families, those home computers that are not working properly, and all those other obligations, you may find out that it is unrealistic to ask the students to work on technology primarily at home. Your access to the mobile computer cart laptops may be your best first option, and then allow the students to complete the work at home it they wish.
Our district is considered financially challenged, so we cannot ask the students to "buy" school supplies. One item we as teachers asked the students to get is a flash drive, so they can have their work with them regardless of where they are working. Most of the students got one, and there were a few that did not. For those who could not afford one, I provided some time during their lunch period where they could "earn" one by filing, cleaning, or hanging decorations.
You may also want to look into your district's networking capabilities. For example, each of our students is assigned a network drive, or "H" drive, which is accessible from any workstation within the district. This helps increase availablity, not only during the evenings, but also as the students change grades.
Thanks for sharing, and good luck!
Todd Deschaine
Chris to Joe:
DeleteHey, does your school have either a PC or a Mac lab? I know that the easiest way to do a wiki is to sign-up for the computer lab often. I also know that it’s very hard to share time with all the other teachers in the school. When I was teaching 7th grade it was a constant struggle trying to get computer time, so having access to a mobile lab is a great idea. If you have problems with computer access, your students might also be able to access the wiki from either an iPhone or iPad. My county will soon be implementing a ‘Bring your own technology’ policy that would allow the students to bring their own laptops and tablets for school use. This may be another avenue for you to try if your county will allow it. I’m not sure what software you are using for the wiki, but it would also be convenient if the students could access the wiki from home and not just from school. I would think your learners with ADD/ADHD would probably be fine with a wiki activity. These students usually do well with technology driven assignments. For your student that is visually impaired, Macs have a zoom function that allows you to quickly zoom the screen by holding the apple key, option key and plus key.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteThat is great that you would like your students to create a wiki. We just had a short meeting last week about this topic and how to incorporate it into the classroom. Does your school have a technology coordiator? If so, you could have this person come to your class in the computer lab to discuss how a wiki works and help the students set one up. You could also use the media center specialist that may can help you and your studnets. Mine suggested that students work in small groups so that they can share the work load and help[ each other if they are not technology proficient. If they do not have access to a computer outside of school, they can come in before or after school to use the computers in the media center or the lap tops you check out.
Another suggestion they had with us was to use a bookmarking site. This helps students to successfully "surf" the net with sites that have been approved by you or the school. This will help your students with disablities to narrow their search and keep your ADD/ADHD students focused. I hope you find these suggestions helpful and I wish you luck in carrying out your GAME plan.
Malissa
Fred to Joe -
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have a great start on your GAME Plan! I was wondering if your school has a computer lab or library with computers that your students can use after school? We have one at out school and we also have a local library that many of our students use when our school's library closes.
It is a good idea to check to see what students have at home because you may or may not have much of an issue depending on your group of kids. Currently, I have small classes and only a couple students have no computers at home with the technology they need for my projects.
Great approach to your plan!
Fred