In an effort to monitor my game plan, there are several questions that must be addressed and answered. Amongst these questions are concerns about locating the appropriate information and resources, modifications that need to be made to my GAME plan, what I have learned thus far, and any new questions that to be addressed. The following is a summary of my review of these considerations.
FINDING INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
So far information and resources have not been too much an issue. I have researched, or rather reviewed each wiki-type site that Walden has suggested using and have landed on using Wikispaces. Like my colleagues at Walden, I am most familiar with utilizing this software since we have used it in another project. I know others exist, however, feel most comfortable using what I know. Additionally, my current class will be using a wiki next week for a project. This experience will be a good “refresher” for myself and enable me the opportunity to explore more of the options Wikispaces provides for an educator.
MODIFICATIONS NEEDED
There are two new considerations that I must attend to in an effort to launch my GAME plan. The first is that I must effectively train students on how to use the wiki. For this, I will need to set aside time during class to demonstrate its use. To accomplish this goal, I need to make certain that I have the mobile laptop cart available so that the students will be able to complete an exercise. Otherwise, I will reserve the computer lab for precisely the same reason. I am incorporating this training in my classroom based on the responses that I received from an anonymous informative survey. My students, as it appears, are not as technologically savvy as I first thought.
The second consideration that I must look after is scheduling time for the students who do not have access to technology. From the anonymous informative survey mentioned above, I have learned that not all my students have access at home. This fact puts the burden on me to find time for all of my students to participate in the same manner. If this project is a requirement of my course, I cannot punish my students if they do not have the tools at home to complete my assignment. Compounding this problem is the fact that not all of the students come in early or can stay late. They are bussed and are held to a strict time schedule. I have to find a way for students to gain access to the technology during school. Most likely, a schedule needs to be developed.
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED THUS FAR
I have learned that while I may have technology in my classroom that students see me use every day, it does not necessarily mean that they know how to use it in the same fashion OR have the same access. I think that being a good educator means not only teaching those students who have the resources to be successful, but it also means that a teacher must find the resources for those who are not as fortunate; regardless of SES, disability, or other.
NEW QUESTIONS TO BE ADDRESSED
Lastly, I am concerned about one very major factor in pursuing this venture; time. Currently, my pacing is running relatively thin in my 11th grade advanced algebra classes but overabundant in my 10th grade geometry classes. For most, this is an easy solution. Those people would opt to infuse this project into the geometry class. My concern comes in where maturity and responsibility is concerned. My 10th graders are nowhere near as responsible as my 11th graders, nor as motivated. Additionally, both sets of students seem to have a similar level of expertise when it comes to technology. I suppose if this is the case, then it would not hurt to try it this year on my 10th graders as a litmus test. With proper planning next year, time should not be an issue.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of questions regarding your students finding internet access time outside of school. I have run into the same circumstances at my school and have discovered some solutions. First, is your library (media center) or computer lab open to the students during lunch? Some of my students would eat and then go there to log in and make comments. For blogging, the students would write up their responses at home and then quickly type them in. Another option I gave them was coming to my room at lunch, before school, or after school. Again, if they had the responses written, if was a fairly quick procedure.
Another possibility was to divide the class into groups and make a weekly schedule so that after the introduction for the hour was given, the group that was assigned to that particular day could go to the computers and make their posts. Typically, it was five or six kids a day that would go out for a fifteen to twenty minute span. By the end of the week all postings were complete.
My second question involves your anonymous survey. Did you include a question that asked how they complete computer/internet assignments from other classes when they are required? I have several students that responded to my survey with a negative for having internet access at home then later explained that a relative or friend lets them do homework at their house. This may be the case for your students as well.
Lastly, I hope the hurdles don't compel you to change your GAME plan altogether. I think you are on to something that become a valuable resource for your students now and in the years to come. Once you have ironed out all the wrinkles, I think you will be satisfied with the results.
Joe – Your plan looks solid and I think it’s coming along fine. In the modifications needed section, you mentioned that your students will need training in the use of Wiki. You stated that you would be setting aside time during a lesson to teach them the skills they will need in order to use the Wiki. Wikispaces is a great site and it is very user friendly. I would suggest that you spend more than one day teaching your students these skills. Perhaps you could make it some sort of warm-up during the first ten minutes of class for one week. Spend a little time teaching the basics and then use the other days to give the students time to practice. I think that if you put them into the mix too quickly, they will break down at some point and you will probably spend more time helping them than you would have if you spent time teaching them for a few days. I have the same problem with bussed students not having adequate time to spend using technology outside of my classroom. Remember that your students almost certainly have access to public libraries that are close to home. They might have time to develop these skills at the library near them.
ReplyDeleteVernon Camp
Fred to Joe
ReplyDeleteI understand what you mean about students not being as “tech savy” as you would have thought…considering that they are the true digital natives compared to us. But what they are interested in technology is not the same as us as educators. They enjoy the same things we did as kids (movies, TV, games, music, and socializing). They just do it on technology (iPods, iPads, computers, etc.) nowadays. As teachers we enjoy many of these things too, but also understand the benefits of MS Office software, the Internet, and so many other tools because we struggled as kids without them. I remember typewriters where you had to use white out strips to remove errors or start over with a new sheet of paper.
Here is what I recommend you do with your math students. Pilot your 10th graders, but round up the most skillful students to act of tech mentors during your lessons. I teach in a computer lab all day and my tech mentors (sometime TA’s, some are volunteers who get done quickly, and some are prior VE or business students) are invaluable. I have four areas in my computer lab with about 8 computers in each…I have one student mentor for each area. Hope this idea helps!
Good luck with your GAME Plan!
Fred Aspan-Martin