Last year at this time, I had zero experience with blogging, collaborating on wikis, or creating pod or screencasts. This year, however, I not only have had experience with these technologies, but also have become brave enought to utilize blogs, wikis, and screencasts with my students in my classroom. Doing so has given my teaching new life, and I have noticed a substantial increase in student motivation and engagement.
In order to keep up this momentum, I intend to expand my commitment to a life-long journey of growing as an educator to include growing in my abilities to teach with technology. To do so, I will use the GAME plan to set goals, create action steps, monitor my progress, and evaluate achievement of my goal (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). For the first leg of my self-directed learning journey, I intend to focus on the following NETS-T indicators:
2.a- design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity,
2.b- customize and personalize learning activities to address students' diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilites using digital tools and resources.
My GAME plan for strenghthening my confidence with these two indicators is as follows:
G (Goals): I would like to develop proficiency with using a virtual learning environment like MOODLE to access digital tools and resources to promote student creativity and learning (2.a) and to customize and personalize learning activities (2.b).
A (Action Steps): I intend to explore the MOODLE website to learn more about the specific software applications and digital tools, as well as searching for blogs or demonstrations of how other teachers have made use of MOODLE. Additionally, I intend to seek out teachers in my school and district to create a personal learning network of those willing to share their experiences with MOODLE and other technologies (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009).
M (Monitor): I will monitor my developing proficiency by creating a list of MOODLE applications and features and checking off the ones I feel confident manipulating and using. Additionally, I will consider my content goals and attempt to match appropriate MOODLE applications with desired learning experiences.
E (Evaluate/Extend): One way to evaluate and extend my proficiency is to reflect upon my ability to actually use MOODLE's application and digital tools to meet my NETS-T indicator objectives of promoting student learning and creativity and of differentiating and customizing instruction. Once I have the confidence to create such learning experiences, I can continue to reflect, evaluate, and make improvements.
Ultimately, I am looking forward to using my GAME plan to customize and design creative learning experiences for my 8th grade English language arts students. If anyone out there has experience with MOODLE or other virtual learning communities, please feel free to share your experiences.
Warm wishes,
Mary
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer), (2009). Promoting self-directed learning with technology (DVD). In Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Reading your blog has gotten me interested in using MOODLE myself. This type of lesson would absolutely encourage students to become more creative and learn the content as well. Cennamo explains that there is a micro-world, which allows students to learn from manipulation, experimentation, and exploration of specific topics in a virtual manner (Cennamo, 2009). MOODLE seems to work in the same respect. Students are able to access information posted by educators and other students. Educators can post activities and work for students to access. This type of learning is essential because students can interact with one another and participate in learning activities together when they are away from the classroom.
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.
I am only slightly familiar with MOODLE as well. Your post has inspired me to look more closely at this virtual learning environment for my own teaching assignment, third grade. This week I will be attending the MACUL conference and I hope to attend a hands on workshop where we learn to create Moodle quizzes using a Cloze question format. The workshop also covers other types of questions in Moodle quizzes and discusses the best formats for use. If I am able to learn anything to help you I will pass it on.
ReplyDeleteWhat I find most important in this weeks learning resources about developing technology rich learning experiences is the importance of creative thinkers as self-directed, autonomous learners. “They are able to set their own educational goals, manage their own learning, and assess their progress. Students then need our support while in the process of becoming self-directed learners” (Cennamo, Ross, Ertmer, pg. 83, 2009). Your GAME plan is excellent and with practice in MOODLE and observation of the learners through trial and error, I believe this technology will be of great benefit to your students and your classroom learning environment. As we incorporate new technology and allow the students self directed practice we are preparing them for a future where these skills will be of greater importance than ever before.
Resources:
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.
Arianna and Lance,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your interest in MOODLE and your positive feedback about my GAME plan. Sometimes it is hard to tell if you are on the right track until you get a response.
Lance, I especially look forward to your sharing insights from your MACUL conference.
Thanks again for your feedback.
Mary