Introduction to RCampus

My assignment was to learn about and then produce a presentation about learning management systems for use in schools. Here is my presentation!

http://www.slideshare.net/shondawilliams/introduction-to-r-campus

Reflection

Now that this course is over, I feel that I am more capable to provide academic instruction to my students. In this course I have gained a greater understanding of Differentiated Instruction and the Universal Design of Learning. All students are different and I have to incorporate different strategies into my lessons to provide the best learning experience for all learners. “There isn’t a right amount of novelty for all students” (Laureate Education, 2009). There is not one way that works for every student. Incorporating technology into my lessons is one of the most powerful ways to do that. I teach Learning Disabled students, so I already was using differentiated instruction, but now that I have a better understanding of how technology, I will incorporate more into my lessons.

Being part of this class has been very beneficial for me. I have received bundles of great ideas and information from my colleagues. I really appreciate everyone that was part of social network, and I thank you. Believe it or not, because of you my 2010 – 2011 school year has started out with a bang. Last week was the first week for students, and I used my Smart board three times already. My students love the interaction and I enjoy providing that experience for them. The resources that you have shared with me, I have shared them with my team members and they found them very useful.




Resources
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Reaching and engaging all learners through technology. Baltimore: Author.

Final Thoughts and Reflection

Reflection on GAME Plan

My GAME plan seems to be working pretty well. I think it will work even smoother once the school year begins. I want my students to have engaging and enjoyable experiences with technology while in my classroom. I want them to be comfortable when using technology, and to understand how important and worthwhile it can be if used properly. I want them to experience collaboration with teachers and students beyond the walls of our own classroom. I can't wait to introduce my plan to my students and get them working with technology.

New Learning As a Result of GAME Plan

I have learned a great deal about the Smart board this summer. I can't wait to show my students what I have learned. I am excited because I received access to lesson plans and websites that I can share with my students, and with colleagues who did not attend the training.

Adjustments to Instructional Practice

This past school year, I used the Smartboard maybe three times a month. This year I plan to use it a lot more, and get my students familiar with it. I am excited that I already have a Unit plan for Science ready to put in action. The digital story is going to be very exciting for my students and for myself. My first goal for this upcoming school year is to setup a classroom blog and to find a teacher who is willing to collaborate with my students and myself.

GAME Planning with Students Week 7

The standards in the NETS-T align with the numbered standards of the NETS-S. It is very important that teachers fully understand the NETS-T before they are capable of teaching them in their classroom. The students take what they have learned from the standards taught by their teacher and put it into practice in the classroom in order to demonstrate their knowledge and creativity.

In my classroom, I would begin with the standard of Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making(NETS-S). My students will have the ability to obtain critical and thought provoking learning experiences while incorporating the latest forms of technology. And best of all, they will be able to share their experiences beyond their very own classroom. I think that special needs students will achieve a lot if they are able to work in teams or partnerships to support and challenge each other.

I am looking forward to GAME planning with my students next year. I would love to showcase their work and wow my colleagues with what my students are capable of.

GAME PROGRESS WEEK 6

School is out so it is kind of hard to work on my collaboration goal the way that I would love to. I will use the summer to focus and plan lessons so that my students and I will be able to collaborate with other teachers and students.

My second goal of expanding my knowledge with technology is still going well. I am working with the Extended School Year program in my district, and I work with two fourth graders on specific goals in their IEPs. It is fun and we get a lot done in four hours a day, Monday through Thursday. I use the Smartboard a lot with them, and they love the computer. I was introduced to this math program called Flashmasters, and it is a lifesaver. It helps the kids to learn their basic math facts, and they enjoy doing it.

GAME PLAN Progress Week 5

These past few weeks have been very stressful for me, but now I am ready to focus on my GAME plan. I talked to a few teachers about cross-curriculum ideas and collaborating for next year, but I didn’t get much feedback. Of course everyone was like that sounds great, but they kind of just blew me off. I am the new person on the team with three veterans, so they are kind of happy with the way things are. So I think just trying to complete my first goal, which is collaboration will be a little difficult. My second goal of expanding my knowledge and confidence with technology is going quite well. My district is offering free course this summer, and I have already signed up for two. One is a digital camera course and the other a smart board course. I am already familiar with the smart board, but I want to stay up to date with changes and new information.

Implementing my plan will really get started when school starts back in August and I am excited. I want to inspire my students and challenge them at the same time. I am really looking forward to this.

GAME PLAN

The two goals I would like to strengthen are: facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity and design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments. This is something that I am working on for myself, and in order for my students to be prepared for the work world they need to be strong in these particular areas as well. To grow stronger in theses areas I will set goals for myself, do what I have to do to meet the goals, continue to monitor and reflect on my progress, and last but not least evaluate my achievement level (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).



G:I plan to use technology more in my lessons, and maybe get my students to help create some of those lessons. I would really like to increase how I use technology in my classroom for assessment. I would like use technology on a one on one basis with my students, since I have such a small group. I have already started working towards this goal by using the Smart board in some of my lessons.



A:Ask other teachers about ways to incorporate technology in the classrooms. Continue to learn as much as I can about technology, so that I can teach my students how to use it creatively but effectively.

M:I will make sure that I monitor and reflect back on every lesson I teach to the kids. I will continue to monitor how they are using technology. I also plan to keep a journal of my reflections.

E:Continue to reflect and see what I can do to make the lessons better. Do I need to do more or less. If everything goes good, I will extend my learning and the students learning.

References:

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.