As mentioned in my last blog, my GAME plan involves developing proficiency with using a virtual learning environment like MOODLE to access digital tools and resources to promote student creativity and learning (NETS-T 2.a) and to customize and personalize learning activities (NETS-T 2.b).
To do so, I not only need to access the MOODLE site myself, but also make certain the site is not blocked by my school’s district filter. As I have a tendency to become overwhelmed with digital media, I intend to make repeat visits while exploring the MOODLE site to ensure that I carefully explore and digest all information on the site. I am a visual learner, so I intend to sort my discoveries by creating categories as I go and posting information in a table. Additionally, I benefit from seeing models and demonstrations, so I will search and access educator blogs or demonstration sites which provide examples of how teachers are making use of MOODLE to enhance learning with their students. As I also mentioned in my original post, I need to tap into the human resources around me by seeking out those in my school and/or district in order to create a personal learning network of teachers who not only have utilized MOODLE or other technologies, but also are willing to share their experiences (Laureate Education Inc., 2009).
Thus far, I have done a preliminary visit to the MOODLE site to get a feel for the digital tools and capacities, and I have located and contacted a teacher from a neighboring high school in my district who is proficient in MOODLE to the point that he has conducted MOODLE workshops during previous TECH-fests held by my district. My next step is to arrange a visit to my MOODLE contact’s school so that I can see how he uses the virtual learning environment with his students and so that I can gain some hands-on experience with using the site’s tools and resources.
Mary
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Mary,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have thought out your preparations for your GAME plan. Making contact with a colleague in the same area will definitely help if you run into technical issues as you can easily call the person if you feel there is a problem.
I am not very familiar with MOODLE. Will it allow you to link up with International classes. If so, this would be a great way to increase the students' comprehension of International communication and cross-cultural differences. The are already communicating with people of other nations online though Facebook and YouTube so they need to learn how to professional communicate with them rather than trading insults as I have seen often on YouTube posts.
Good luck with your GAME plan,
Shawn
Shawn,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I'm not sure if MOODLE will allow me to link to international classes, I am pleased that you have brought this to my attention. I will certainly check into this, as I agree that this would be a powerful way to broaden my students' cultural and global horizons. As I learn more, I'll keep you up-to-date on my MOODLE findings.
Again, thank you for posing the question,
Mary
You are wise to learn to use Moodle. I attended a conference this week where Moodle was the topic of many workshops. I have not used it myself but have become aware that it is available to our school district. It seems that it is a purchasable environment for hosting web applications then is made available to the teachers in the district. I was told to contact an individual at out ISD where he will set me up with an initial site. I would then like to research the use of Google Docs where students can access forms, quizzes, videos and the like through the Moodle site created. It seems like a wonderful source to integrate technology into the classroom learning environment as well as having applications for home use. The students are then allowed access through user names and passwords. You are fortunate to have found a colleague who will help you set up and use your Moodle account. Access by the whole class can be done with a computer lab where each student access your Moodle and “work on the same task at the same time” (Cennamo, Ross, Ertmer, pg. 88. 2009). With an application like hot potato quiz builder, for info read http://hotpot.uvic.ca/ , and Moodle students can take quizzes that are graded for you and available through the site. While I am not real familiar with this application, I know it is freeware, and several presenters at the conference use it successfully. Good Luck with Moodle.
ReplyDeleteReferences:
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.
Lance,
ReplyDeleteLike you, I have heard a buzz brewing about MOODLE, and from what I understand, the applications are far and wide. As I learn more, I'll keep you posted. Please do the same for me!
Thank you for your comments,
Mary