My Game Plan so far - hopefully better than the Broncos

Week 4 -  Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My Game Plan (to review)

I plan to explore and begin to create technology based assessments that will replace the current book of standardized test forms. I have already implemented a “project-based technology” assessment that allowed students to opt out of the standard test in order to construct an on-line presentation of the same material. This project allowed students to either create "velocity" word problems in PowerPoint, or they could choose to take the section book test. All students opted for the computer lab, and the assessments were a big success. The scores on the end of chapter tests showed me that the students got the information and were able to process it. I had given extra-credit problems in the test assuming that the scores would be so low. It backfired on me and many students ended up with scores above 100%.

I need to continue to look for some new technology based assessment tools beyond the Activotes and and PowerPoint projects. I will explore the internet for different types of performance-based assessments in the life and physical science areas. While it may not be possible to get to the computer lab for each assessment, I can use my laptop and Promethean Board to provide "class" assessments in the classroom. Any Science teachers out there who have come across online dissection labs or on-line physics labs, I would love to share resources. I think my kids are about "mythbustered" out.

One issue I will have to address with my students when we return to the lab for the next technology based assessment is the fact that some of them are working to hard to get the project completed first. It almost becomes a competition to see who can finish with just the "required" amount of work. A few students went above-and-beyond on the last project, but most just wanted to know "is this this okay?" I finally had to tell them that if they wanted me to look at it - I probably would find something else to change or add. I need to prepare a better rubric for them to help cut-down on these problems.

But 4 weeks in, it is going well. We will only have 14 days of school after Thanksgiving break, and I have one more technology project planned. I want to get my students involved in a wikispace and have them research and collaborate on Breakthrough Inventions of the 20th Century.

Come on Broncos!

The Denver Broncos football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field. While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to head coach McDaniels and demanded a tryout. Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line. When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, "You're terrific!!! Sign up for the season, and I'll see to it that you get a huge bonus." "Forget the bonus," the turkey said, "All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?"

Week 3 Application
GAME plan review

G – Set Goals
Goal #1 – Students will help to determine which technology “path” to follow. Students will begin to manage their own learning and progress. They will be able to customize their assessments using technology.
Goal #2 – Students will be able to choose the technology resources that best fit their learning style. (Students will be given the outline, but they can choose how to complete the test)

UPDATE 11/17:
This week I began a new technology project for my 7th grade Life Science Class. The instructions were to pick an animal, and then describe how it fits into the animal classification hierarchy. They could choose from three different technology outlets to design their project. The first choice was a 15-20 PowerPoint slide presentation with “all the bells and whistles.” The second choice was a multi-media poster designed with Microsoft Publisher. The third choice was left up to the student’s creativity. One student has opted for this option and is in the process of designing a blog for her animal. All other students are creating PowerPoint presentations. (No takers on the Publisher poster)

A - What actions you will take to achieve those goals?
I plan to explore and begin to create technology based assessments that will replace the current book of standardized test forms. I have already implemented a “project-based technology” assessment that allowed students to opt out of the standard test in order to construct an on-line presentation of the same material.

M – Progress Monitoring?
I have access to all student information saved in the computer lab, so I can log into a student folder and look at the technology piece. I can give them comments or offer suggestions at any time. I will also seek student input to keep assessment ideas fresh. Sometimes the best test is a test designed and constructed by the students themselves.

UPDATE 11/17:
Our school librarian is “hooked” on this project and has taken the added interest of helping me with the technology issues that arise with students. It is nice to have another set of eyes and ears in the lab (especially with 36 students). She has been a great help so far, and evens lets students come back in the afternoon for extra help.

E - Evaluation.
Multiple forms of technology based products can be hard to judge on the same level, but in the end, all of the projects should include the same amount of content. I will need to make modifications in some of the technology pieces for my ILP, RTI, ELL students in order for them to be successful. I will also need to develop short, specific rubrics that encompass various technology presentation formats. Ultimately, I need to be confident and resourceful in the technology available to students, and in my ability to instruct with this technology.

UPDATE 11/17:
In this DISCOVERY METHOD approach to learning, I have simply given students the topic and final requirement. I have left most of the information searching and research to them to conduct. Of course, I am constantly monitoring and observing student progress, and always available to offer ideas and suggestions. But the students themselves are in charge of deciding what is – or isn’t – important to the final project. I have made modifications to the project so that my two RTI students will be successful with a shorter presentation.

My Technology GAME plan:

Walden Course 6713I-3 Integrating Technology Across the Content Area

Week 2 Application

My Technology GAME plan:

The following GAME plan is based on my desire to increase the level of technology interaction of my students in my science classroom. Based on the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T) and Performance Indicators for Teachers, I am looking at specific indicators b and c from Standard 2: Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments.

Teachers design, develop, and evaluate authentic learning experiences and assessments incorporating contemporary tools and resources to maximize content learning in context and to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes identified in the NETS•S. Teachers:

b. develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress

c. customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

To improve my performance in the indicator areas b. and c., I have developed the following GAME plan:

G – Set Goals

Goal #1 – Students will help to determine which technology “path” to follow. Students will begin to manage their own learning and progress. They will be able to customize their assessments using technology.

Goal #2 – Students will be able to choose the technology resources that best fit their learning style. (Students will be given the outline, but they can choose how to complete the test)

A - What actions you will take to achieve those goals?

I plan to explore and begin to create technology based assessments that will replace the current book of standardized test forms. I have already implemented a “project-based technology” assessment that allowed students to opt out of the standard test in order to construct an on-line presentation of the same material.

M – Progress Monitoring?

I have access to all student information saved in the computer lab, so I can log into a student folder and look at the technology piece. I can give them comments or offer suggestions at any time. I will also seek student input to keep assessment ideas fresh. Sometimes the best test is a test designed and constructed by the students themselves.

E - Evaluation.

Multiple forms of technology based products can be hard to judge on the same level, but in the end, all of the projects should include the same amount of content. I will need to make modifications in some of the technology pieces for my ILP, RTI, ELL students in order for them to be successful. I will also need to develop short, specific rubrics that encompass various technology presentation formats. Ultimately, I need to be confident and resourceful in the technology available to students, and in my ability to instruct with this technology. (Laureate 2008)

Laureate Education Inc. (2009). “Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences with Technology”. Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.

National Education Standards at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf