As I was doing some perusing of the internet, I came across some more sites that would benefit teachers with the implementation of differentiation of instruction:
http://mindmeister.com/ - this was an interactive mind mapping site. One map could be made and many students could comment on the map. I thought that it would be a great way to continue the "discussion" or the "reflection" that was started in class, while they were at home. It is free and seems to be user friendly. I think that it could be used for all grades, since the map would depend on what grade level built it.
http://www.zoeysroom.com/ - this was a site especially for middle school girls. They could interact with female "scientists" and "mathematicians" to see what it was like. So many young girls get turned off on math and science at that age and it seems that this might be a great way to encourage them.
On a side note, have either of you tried to download moodle? I am having trouble. I really want to learn more about it and use it next year in my classroom, but I need to get it on my computer first. Any imput would be great. Thanks and good luck with your last two weeks of class.
Kim
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Moodle is the Way to Go!
http://www.screencast.com/users/kimberley.myers/folders/Jing/media/1ea9d0db-8f54-4a1c-8f54-06c98b9b3cdc
Enjoy my screencast about Moodle. I think that Moodle would be a wonderful tool for me in my classroom.
Enjoy my screencast about Moodle. I think that Moodle would be a wonderful tool for me in my classroom.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
On Reflection - My GAME Plan
Looking back at my progress during this course, I am very pleased with the amount that I have learned and the amount of technology that I have incorporated into my classroom.
My initial goals were to work on two NETS standard areas. First to "participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning" (Standard 5a) and second, to "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity" (Standard 2a).
I did not work a lot on the first goal, since I have set things in motion to go to a great workshop this summer and will work on collaboration with fellow teachers over the summer break as well. However, I did spend a lot of time during this course working on the second goal. Creating a unit plan that including using problem-based learning, internet-based collaboration, and digital storytelling, allowed me to learn about Geometer's Sketchpad, Mathalicious, Ning and other wonderful sites. I actually used sketchpad and Jing with my students and was able to see that technology helped my students learn math and review for finals.
Using the GAME plan, having a goal, setting an action plan, monitoring my progress and then evaluating and extending my success, has been helpful and I can see now that this will be a great tool for me to use as I continue to be a life-long learner.
My initial goals were to work on two NETS standard areas. First to "participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning" (Standard 5a) and second, to "design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity" (Standard 2a).
I did not work a lot on the first goal, since I have set things in motion to go to a great workshop this summer and will work on collaboration with fellow teachers over the summer break as well. However, I did spend a lot of time during this course working on the second goal. Creating a unit plan that including using problem-based learning, internet-based collaboration, and digital storytelling, allowed me to learn about Geometer's Sketchpad, Mathalicious, Ning and other wonderful sites. I actually used sketchpad and Jing with my students and was able to see that technology helped my students learn math and review for finals.
Using the GAME plan, having a goal, setting an action plan, monitoring my progress and then evaluating and extending my success, has been helpful and I can see now that this will be a great tool for me to use as I continue to be a life-long learner.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Helping My Students Form a GAME Plan
As this course draws to a close, I realize that I have learned a lot about technology and how to use it in my classroom. More than that, however, I have realized that I need to be a life-long learner and continue to put my GAME plan to use as I learn even more. Now it is time for me to help my students become self directed learners themselves.
There are a few standards that I feel my students could spend some time working on and using the GAME plan would help them a lot. For example, I have noticed that many of my students do not really have a good understanding of how the computer can help them do better in school. They know how to use it socially, but when I ask them to use it for group projects, many tools that I mention, they have not used before.
Therefore, when my new classes come in next September, I will start by sharing the NETS-S with them and talking about why these standards are important. Then I will ask each of them to set up a goal for the year. For some, this may be as simple as learning how to use a wiki page, and for others, it may mean putting together and editing a video with a computer. As individuals, I will ask them to come up with an action plan as to how they see themselves achieving this goal.
As the year progresses, and I incorporate technology and problem-based learning into my classroom, I will have the students pull out their goal and action statement from time to time, so that they can monitor their progress. If they have achieved their goal, then they can set a new one. If not, then maybe they will need some guidance as to how to work toward achieving that goal.
At the end of the school year, and after several opportunities for them to reach their goal, we as a group will evaluate the success of the individuals and the class. Within this process, I will follow the steps as well, so that I can model the importance of working through the GAME plan.
I am really excited for next year, and for trying out some of these great ideas that we have been learning about in our courses. Have a wonderful summer, all of you, and good luck with your GAME plan!
There are a few standards that I feel my students could spend some time working on and using the GAME plan would help them a lot. For example, I have noticed that many of my students do not really have a good understanding of how the computer can help them do better in school. They know how to use it socially, but when I ask them to use it for group projects, many tools that I mention, they have not used before.
Therefore, when my new classes come in next September, I will start by sharing the NETS-S with them and talking about why these standards are important. Then I will ask each of them to set up a goal for the year. For some, this may be as simple as learning how to use a wiki page, and for others, it may mean putting together and editing a video with a computer. As individuals, I will ask them to come up with an action plan as to how they see themselves achieving this goal.
As the year progresses, and I incorporate technology and problem-based learning into my classroom, I will have the students pull out their goal and action statement from time to time, so that they can monitor their progress. If they have achieved their goal, then they can set a new one. If not, then maybe they will need some guidance as to how to work toward achieving that goal.
At the end of the school year, and after several opportunities for them to reach their goal, we as a group will evaluate the success of the individuals and the class. Within this process, I will follow the steps as well, so that I can model the importance of working through the GAME plan.
I am really excited for next year, and for trying out some of these great ideas that we have been learning about in our courses. Have a wonderful summer, all of you, and good luck with your GAME plan!
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