In order to carry out my GAME plan, I will need access to the internet through multiple computers for my class. Currently, I have access to these resources on a daily basis in my classroom, which makes my plan much easier to manage. I know that many of these tools are free while others have free trial periods. If I find that any tool requires a yearly membership, I could look into it and see if it really positively influences the learning for my students.
Furthermore, I will need to increase my understanding of the technological resources I discussed including: podcast, wiki, blog, Webspriation, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and Digital field trips). In order to increase my knowledge and skills in these areas, I think it is important for me to practice with each of these resources so that I feel proficient with teaching the main concepts of each skill. I will continue to use the resources provided by Walden to increase my knowledge in each of these areas while also collaborating with staff to identify how they incorporate these skills into their teaching.
So far, I have started instructing my students on how to use Webspiration. We are just beginning to dive into it, but already my students are intrigued and motivated. They are coming up with ideas as to how they could design graphic organizers to enhance their learning and are natural in their digital knowledge. I am excited to see where these tools take them!
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It sounds like you are very resourceful. It's a great idea to take advantage of free-trials. You and your students reap the benefits of using the program while having a chance to determine its effectiveness in action.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed at the number of tutorials available for different technology tools. You could search for a tutorial for any of the resources you would like to learn more about and see what's available. I like the ideas of using tutorials because I could revisit as often as I want to really cement my understanding.
That's great that your introduction to Webspiration is going so well. I'm always amazed at how quickly my students grasp the technology tools I introduce and how quickly they enhance the assignment - going above and beyond what I expected.
Carolyn Doyle
Hi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI don't know if I am resourceful or just plain old cheap! At this point in my life, I do not have much to spend on materials unless I know that it will directly benefit my students in a major way. Therefore, I love the free trials! It allows me to really determine if they will be useful for my students to enhance their learning.
There are a wide variety of tutorials out there now, which is amazing! The use of the internet has really changed our world today, especially the teaching world. I cannot understand how teachers 50 years ago would be able to create lesson plans without the use of the internet. I would be out of ideas after the first month of teaching.
I am teaching 1st- 4th grade students this year, and I also am amazed at their ability to use technology so quickly. Since they are introduced to technology at home at such a young age, it really makes it easier for me as a teacher to introduce these various resource tools to my students. It is amazing to see what the students come up with at the end of the day!
Thanks for sharing,
Shannon
I agree with Shannon...free trials are a good way to explore new resources without investing a lot of money. I have, also, found that asking other teachers at your school can be beneficial. You may find someone who has already signed up for something and is willing to let you explore it before you buy.
ReplyDelete-Carrie Young