UDL Presentation

I created the following presentation for course EDUC 6714.  This course is about how to reach and engage all learners through the use of technology.  This presentation that I designed is to instruct educators about UDL and how it connects with brain research.  Furthermore, it provides the viewer with information about how to apply these principles by using technology and resources provided by CAST.  Click the link below to view my PowerPoint.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/o8cglbbxqd61oxp/UDL%20Presentation.pptx (may take a moment to download)

Week 7 Game Plan Reflection

From implementing two GAME plans into my instructional practice, I have learned the importance of setting goals.  I am motivated to set additional GAME plans that correlate with other NETS-T standards as well with the learning dispositions and proficiencies of Walden University.  I have also realized immediate adjustments I can make to my integration of technology into the classroom.

My first GAME plan has gone well in the classroom and I have seen the impact it has had on my own practices as well as on student learning.  I better understand the fair use policy and the importance of making citations in my own teaching materials.  I also see the changes my students have made in using images legally from the web and treating others respectfully through online collaboration activities.

My second GAME plan required changes as I monitored and evaluated its progress.  I had to modify my actions to focus on changes in my classroom over ones at the district level.  However, I utilized my peers in my second GAME plan and they supported me in selecting best practices when it came to integrating technology in the classroom (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010c).  I spent time talking to all of my students about how they want to use technology in class and to start off small I have made a few changes.  Of course, this is something that happens over time and also depends on the content we are learning.

The GAME plan is something that I can easily use with students.  Once my students determine what they want to know more about, we can determine how to learn it using a KWHL chart (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010c).  Although I am using different vocabulary, students still have a goal and have to figure out their actions to arrive at their goal.  This is where PBL could come into place.  Students can choose how they will arrive at a solution using a method of their choice.  Students will be challenged, possibly work collaboratively, and participate in authentic learning (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009)

There are certain changes I can make immediately to my integration of technology into the classroom.  This course reminded me about how I can assess through the use of technology which allows for easier organization and quicker analysis of data (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010a).  My students enjoy using classroom responders and I need to realize the benefit this tool provides.  I enjoyed learning about how technology lets teacher customize instruction more easily to reach all learners (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010b).  I will begin considering the needs of my students and what applications or assistive technology could help them.  Finally, I gained a better understanding on how to incorporate digital storytelling into my classroom.  I was always a bit hesitant due to the age of my students, but I was provided with excellent suggestions.  I plan to have my students start off with programs they are already familiar with to create original stories to share with their classmates (Laureate Education, 2010d).

References

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.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from

http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Program 7:  Assessing student learning with technology [DVD]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Program 5:  Meeting students’ needs with technology, part 2 [DVD]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Program 1:  Promoting self-directed learning with technology [DVD]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Program 12:  Spotlight on technology: Digital storytelling, part 1 [DVD]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Week 4 Monitoring My Game Plan

Since I have set goals and determined the actions and resources needed, it is time to monitor if I am on the way to achieving my goals.  My results will indicate if I need to make any modifications to my GAME plan so I can improve proficiency with the NETS-T indicators.

Goal: To model and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology.

This GAME plan is going well.  I have found excellent resources online and have already implemented an internet safety packet with my students.  They enjoyed learning about being safe online and this sparked some great discussions.  We have begun to discuss our district’s internet use policy and why we have filters.  I do not see any need to modify this GAME plan.  However, I have realized how difficult it can be to use images that are not copyrighted.  I used to just go on Google, search for a certain clip art or photograph, and place it into my presentation.  I am now taking the time to make sure the image is not copyrighted and to also cite my sources.  I have continued to modify my previously designed instructional materials to include citations.  I know that students may find citing sources tedious work but they now realize its importance.  I definitely would appreciate any links to sites that have images for students to use legally.

Goal: To participate in a local learning community to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.

I had to make modifications to my second GAME plan.  Unfortunately, at this time students are not being invited to sit on the district technology committee.  This has motivated me to start small in my own classroom.  I am taking time to interview my students through small, focus groups.  I will discuss with my students how they believe they learn best and what changes to technology implementation they would like to see.  The primary results I have learned so far is that my third graders want more time to create items that they can share with others.

I plan to also create focus groups of students in other classes and grade levels to get their input as well.  Since I am only starting in my own classroom, I have to rely on myself to make changes to how I use technology in the classroom.  My Master’s courses have prepared me well, but I am also conducting additional research in educational magazines.  I will need to observe how these changes I implement affect student learning.  I also plan to discuss with colleagues at my school how they use technology in their classrooms for additional ideas and support (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).

By monitoring both my GAME plans, I realized what areas were going strong and the areas I had to modify.  I understand now that a GAME plan is truly never complete.  There is always going to be changes to make and new goals or action items that arise.  I think that is why it is important to look for ways to apply your GAME plan action and knowledge to other areas of the profession.

References

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Program 1:  Promoting self-directed learning with technology [DVD]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Week 3 Carrying Out My GAME Plan

Using indicators from the NETS-T, I created two GAME plans to increase my proficiency and confidence.  After creating my GAME plan, I considered what resources and materials I would need to accomplish my goals.

Goal: To model and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology.

To accomplish my first goal, I look forward to using the website: http://webwisekids.org.  This site offers teachers various resources related to cyber safety.  It actually provides an internet safety kit that students can complete to learn more about being safe and legal online.  I also will look at other materials located online that could be beneficial.  On our class website, I will provide my students with links to websites that have images they can use legally.  Some examples of these websites are: SURWEB, Pics4Learning.com, and the digital collection from the Library of Congress (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).  Furthermore, I will familiarize myself with Creative Commons and the fair use policy to ensure that I am following the rules too (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  I have already begun to make changes in my instructional materials.  I am reviewing them to ensure I have cited my sources and am using legal images.  Digital resources can easily be reviewed and revised which is want I want to show my students (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).

Goal: To participate in a local learning community to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.

There are three primary resources I will need to accomplish the above task.  The first resource is students.  They need to be involved in sharing their ideas on how they want to be taught (Prensky, 2008).  In addition, teachers are needed to listen to ideas and change how they integrate the technology into their classroom.  Teachers need to utilize each other and work together on selecting the best practices to use in the classroom relying on student input (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  Educators also need to be willing to observe changes in their classroom and collect data to share.  The final resource involves technology itself.  My district already has SmartBoards, promethean responders, document cameras, and computers and laptops.  However, the students on the committee may share additional devices or software that need to be acquired.  This will require the district to look at its financial resources to determine if some of these items can be purchased even if it is just for a pilot program in specific classrooms.  To accomplish my goal above, I have asked my technology committee leader if it would be possible to have students join us for a committee meeting.  He suggested only community leaders and parents to be invited for now.  Therefore, I have decided to focus on interviewing students at my school site to receive their input.

References

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.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program 12:  Safe and ethical practices [DVD]. Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Program 1: Promoting self-directed learning with technology [DVD]. Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Prensky, M. (2008). Turning on the lights. Educational Leadership, 65(6), 40–45.

Week 2 My GAME Plan

As an educator, it is important to keep up with current technology to better prepare students with 21^st century skills.  I know it is important to not only learn how to integrate technology into the classroom, but to select best practices in doing so.  After viewing the ISTE website, I selected two NETS-T indicators that I want more proficiency with.  This will require me to set goals, take action, monitor progress, and evaluate my achievement of those goals.  With this being said, here are my two GAME plans.

GAME Plan for Indicator 4a

Goal: To model and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology.

Action:  I will make sure I cite sources in my instructional materials (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a).  I will use various resources to promote discussions and activities with my students about online safety.  I will provide my students with links on our class website to images I know that they can use legally in their work (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).

Monitor: While students are working in the computer lab, I will be closely observing and questioning my students about where they got their information and images.  I will expect to see them citing sources within their digital products to give credit to those who influenced their work (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b).  I can also observe what sites students are accessing when online to ensure they are appropriate.  Lastly, I can give informal assessments about cyber safety and copyright issues that we have discussed previously in class.

Evaluate: I can evaluate if I achieved my goal by the behaviors and products of my students.  If they start to cite their sources without prompting and if they safely research online I will know that I achieved my goal.  I can extend my learning on this topic by learning more about the fair use policy and Creative Commons so I know what myself and my students are allowed to use legally online (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b). 

GAME Plan for Indicator 5a

Goal: To participate in a local learning community to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.

Action:  My district has a technology committee that includes at least one teacher or administrator from every school.  However, I want students to openly discuss how they would like to be taught (Prensky, 2008).  I plan to invite students of different ages and technology abilities to participate in the district technology meeting.  If that is not possible, I will hold just a school forum where parents are invited as well.  This opportunity will allow students that freedom to share what and how they learn best with technology as we no longer can decide for them but need to decide along with them (Prensky, 2005).  The staff can take their ideas and suggestions to determine the direction our school and district should go with technology integration to improve student learning.

Monitor:  Once certain ideas and suggestions have been accepted by the district committee, various technologies will become available (perhaps only pilot programs) and select trainings will be offered for teachers.  Administrators or technology committee members will need to monitor how teachers are using the technology put into place.  I would suggest that educators record notes on how implementation with their students went and that these findings are then shared at future meetings.  Also videotaping these instructional changes could prove beneficial as well.

Evaluate: One way to evaluate this is to look at how students are performing in the classroom due to the new technology and instructional strategies that have become implemented.  To have accurate findings, teachers must be willing to implement the new technology strategies and share their new data and observations with their colleagues.  I can extend this topic by considering having students on other school or district committees.

By implementing both GAME plans, I can gain confidence in my ability to integrate technology into the classroom.  The achievement of both goals above improves student learning as well as promotes best practices for teachers.

References

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.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program 10:  Informational Literacy: Ethical practices [DVD]. Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program 12:  Safe and ethical practices [DVD]. Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Prensky, M. (2008). Turning on the lights. Educational Leadership, 65(6), 40–45.

Prensky, M. (2005). Listen to the natives. Educational Leadership, 63(4), 8–13.

My New Learning Theory

At the beginning of this Master’s course, I was asked to describe my personal theory on how students learn.  My theory had three primary components: learning styles, activating prior knowledge, and social interaction.  Although I still support these three methods, I have modified my personal theory of learning.  I have developed a better understanding of how to use social learning in the classroom and I have also integrated a few other elements into my learning theory.  All of these methods have encouraged me to adjust my instructional practices and set goals for better integration of technology into my classroom.

Social learning has always been a part of my personal learning theory, but I have developed a better understanding of why and how to use it in the classroom.  The central idea of cooperative learning (CL) is students working together in a way that enhances their learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).  I always thought that as long I had students placed into groups I was implementing CL, but I was far off.  Palmer, Peters, & Streetman (2003) explained that in CL students are working collaboratively to achieve a goal that they could not attain by themselves.  This information reconfirmed to me why I support CL, but also has inspired me to do better in how I am implementing this method into my classroom. 

Two additional elements I have now added to my theory of learning are reinforcing effort and artifact construction.  Parkay & Hass (2000) mentioned that behaviorists believe a desired outcome needs to be rewarded for learning to take place in the classroom.  Positive reinforcement is a powerful instructional strategy that I should use more often with my third graders.  In the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works, it discussed teachers helping students see the connection between effort and achievement to change their attitude and to do this by primarily showing them data (Pitler et al., 2007).  One easy way I can let students see data is through the use of Promethean responders.  These devices immediately let my students know if they got an answer correct and I can use the Promethean software to make graphs displaying class progress and accuracy.  The second element I have added to my learning theory, one supported by constructionists, involves students creating external artifacts to demonstrate their learning.  I like the idea of my students being more engaged and active in their learning as they create something to share with others (Han & Bhattacharya, 2001).  I already have thought of many ways I can use technology to support this theory, such as having students create their own PowerPoints, wiki pages, and VoiceThreads.

Voice Threads are one technological tool I want to begin using immediately with my students.  I can easily create VoiceThreads to present material to my students in a visual and auditory style.  I have already created one about the explorer Hernando Cortes and I want to try to make one for each person in my Explorers unit.  In addition, I would love to put this tool into my students’ hand and have them create their own VoiceThreads.  Each year my students research an animal in the ocean biome and create a PowerPoint to present.  I could easily have them make a VoiceThread using images from online and then record their presentations.  I liked the idea that Kevin Jarrett suggested on letting students record a story with uploaded images instead of writing one (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009b).  Often my students complain about writing and they are too young to type well, so I think they would really enjoy recording a story.  There are many other applications for VoiceThreads in the classroom that I hope to discover over time.

Another technological tool I want to try use in my classroom immediately is concept mapping software, such as Kidspiration or IHMC CampTools.  Concept maps require the learner to show they understand the relationship between topics in the map, how these topics connect to the focus question, and it helps identify the knowledge a learner has gained after instruction (Novak & Cañas, 2008).  I used a concept map recently in the classroom for a Master’s assignment on cognitive learning.  I believe my students benefited from filling in a concept map because they are very visual learners and this way they organized the content they were learning in a way that can help them better recall it later.  Utilizing concept mapping software makes it easier as the user can color code the map, add images, and easily move around concepts.  I can see myself and my students using concept mapping software more often in the near future to help in organizing information and for assessment purposes where students fill in missing elements.

Although those are two technological tools that I plan to implement immediately, I have two long-term goals for my classroom as well.  The first goal I have is to integrate virtual field trips into my classroom.  These are an effective tool to let students see and travel to places they otherwise could not go (Laureate Education, 2009a).  Students can read, see, and hear about a place we are learning about, deepening their understanding of the material.  I recently traveled to Rome, Athens, and Pompeii, all of which I teach about to my students.  How exciting it would be if I put all my photographs into VoiceThreads or onto a website and make a virtual field trip for each place.  I could record comments telling my students what they are seeing and have links to other sites with additional information.  This would take time to organize, so I would begin with just one and see how it turns out.  I can view other virtual field trips to get an idea of how to organize mine.  When I actually use one with students I would ask them what they liked and what needs improving.  I am hoping to make at least three virtual field trips to use this school year for my Government and Ancient Civilizations units.

Another long-term goal I have for my classroom is to make it more learner-centered.  This is not something I cannot change overnight, but I need to gradually make a shift from teacher-centered to student-centered lessons.  One way I can accomplish this is to remember the difference between instructional tools and learning tools (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009c).  I need to make sure I put technology into my students’ hand instead of always being the one using it.  Often I just present a PowerPoint and lecture while it is on the screen.  However, there are various ways I can make students more active participants in the lessons.  I can have them come up to the SmartBoard more often and I can let them share the artifacts they have created.  Furthermore, we can spend more time on the computers where students can contribute to our class wiki, play online games, create items in Microsoft Publisher, and complete WebQuests.  I know it will not be easy for me to completely give up my lecture-style, but I am going to try to have more student-centered lessons during the rest of my teaching career.

This class has shown me new technological tools I can use in the classroom.  It has also helped me modify my personal learning theory.  I look forward to using the new methods and tools I learned about in my classroom this year and in the years to come.  However, I will always be open to learning about new resources available to me because I realize that the learners’ environment is changing so the way we teach should as well.

References

Han, S., & Bhattacharya, K. (2001). Constructionism, Learning by Design, and Project Based Learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program number 6: Spotlight on technology: Virtual field trips [DVD]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program number 10:  Spotlight on technology: VoiceThread [DVD]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program number 13: Technology: Instructional tool vs. learning tool [DVD]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Novak, J. D., & Cañas, A. J. (2008). The theory underlying concept maps and how to construct and use them, Technical Report IHMC CmapTools 2006-01 Rev 01-2008. Retrieved from: http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf

Palmer, G., Peters, R., & Streetman, R. (2003). Cooperative learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Voice Thread Assignment

This week I learned about social learning and tools that support this theory (see previous blog post for more information).  One technological tool is a Voice Thread.  I created a Voice Thread about the explorer Hernando Cortes.  After my students learn about how he conquered the Aztec Empire, they will work in partners to create a new ending to Cortes' story.  They will show a peaceful way that Cortes could have gotten the Aztec gold and land without violence.  After creating a solution, they will create a Voice Thread recording their story and using images they either find or make.  Let me know what you think!  In the past I have always had students write a new ending yet I think they will enjoy this much more!


Link to my Voice Thread: http://voicethread.com/share/2150883/