My goal for my GAME plan is to improve student learning by using technology and to discuss technology with colleagues. For student learning I used a jeopardy game on my Smart board to reinforce vocabulary words they are studying for a literature they will be reading soon. They worked in teams and were able to use their list of vocabulary words they wrote. Having the students use their list held them accountable for finishing their list before the jeopardy game. The game definitely was a motivator for my students. They enjoyed the challenge among the other teams. The jeopardy game was easy to set up and it was not a PowerPoint. The site I used was http://jeopardylabs.com I do feel the jeopardy game did enhance my students learning of their vocabulary content. It forced them to use their vocabulary in a fun situation. I also used a couple PowerPoint's already made on the internet for Anne Frank. I feel those PowerPoint’s enhanced my students learning. My students were able to see what Anne Frank looked like and they were able to see where she went into hiding. It gave them background information before they start to read The Diary of Anne Frank. I continue to take action in locating technology to use to enhance my student learning.
For my second goal, discussing technology with colleagues, I continue to do as well. In our school district, we have an Apple representative. I emailed our representative about prices of a classroom set of iPods and the other nessacary equipment to go with the iPods. He emailed me back and I was blown away by the price. For an Apple iPod Learning Lab, which is, a PowerSync Cart and 20 iPod touch 8GB, is $5,999. The price does not include an Apple laptop. It also is an educator discount price. The grant I was looking at would not cover the iPod Learning Lab. I was discouraged for a day and now I am back looking at grants again.
I did have success on talking with a colleague about hand held devices she uses for her students. She uses Senteo for assessments. It allows the educator to quickly evaluate if the students are learning the content and it instantly gives a grade. She told me all I need is the software to download on my computer and then I can use her hand held devices. I emailed my school district technology department to download the software on my computer. It is only a matter of time now.
Overall, I am making progress despite a few bumps along the way.
Take Care,
Lynette Vega
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Lynette,
ReplyDeleteI think I might like to try the Jeopardy game. I'm going to check out the website. I can't believe the ipod idea is so expensive!! I am glad you didn't let your disappointment hamper you from going in another direction. Exploring the possiblities that come with 21st century technology and how it can enhance learning is certainly exciting but at the same time is a maze of twists and turns of discovery and disappointments as we realize what is feasible and what is not.
Good luck with the Senteo!!
Ruthie
Ruthie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment. Technology is interesting. It has made our lives simpler, yet at the same time difficult in certain asspects.
I think you will really like how simple the Jeopardy game is to navigate. I am hoping the Senteo gets downloaded while I am on Spring Break.
Take Care,
Lynette
Lynette,
ReplyDeleteKudos to you for stepping out and trying to procure your own resources! I find my school's Media Center to be quite lacking and have often thought the Media Specialist should be seeking to add more for students. However, I have not taken any steps to improve the situation. After reading your post this week, I am inspired to begin a search for grants to add technology and reading material. Thank you for helping me realize that I should not sit back and expect others to act. I have no place to complain until I have exhausted all resources. Where did you begin your grant search? What advice would you give someone just starting out with them?
Aundrea Croft
Dan to Lynette,
ReplyDeleteWow! Six grand for a (not even) class set of ipods with an educator discount. That is expensive. I’m glad you didn’t get discouraged though. There are all kinds of technology devices available for students, and despite the allure of Apple’s hardware, many of the advantages of technology (collaboration, openness, access to information) are available for free on the internet. But I do understand you disappointment. On one hand it’s discouraging to think that we skimp and go cheap when it comes to the education of our children, but on the other hand, I understand, especially in this economy the need for fiscal responsibility, prudence, and even modeling with our students and schools.
As for Anne Frank, I’m glad you were able to find resources on the Internet. We just recently finished reading the drama version of Anne Frank and the students enjoyed do some research on the Internet about her family, the Secret Annex and her death and Bergen-Belsen. These are the situations in which the Internet provides unrivaled access to information and media. My students were also able to post and share diary entries on a class blog. It wasn’t much more that digital sharing but it did allow students to use technology to collaborate and learn.
Good luck when you return from spring break with your further use of technology. You really seem to have a great grasp of the ways to effectively use technology in your classroom.
Dan Lollis