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“The most persistent norm that stands in the way of 21st-century learning is isolated teaching in stand-alone classrooms. Transforming schools into 21st-century learning communities means recognizing that teachers must become members of a growing network of shared expertise.”
(Quote Taken from Revisiting Professional Learning Communities at Work)
I am still working on helping foster digital citizenship in the classroom. My district is doing computerized MAP testing- using all available computers for this purpose so I am adapting my instruction to spend more time modeling and doing whole group instruction to keep myself on track. I am using the white board very heavily at this point. I think this is forcing me to spend more time on planned mini-lessons that teach technology basics, net etiquette, and critical analysis. This is one cloud that has a silver lining. My students have been anxious about getting back to the labs.
One learning goal that I want to set for the rest of this year is Standard 5: Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
I am going to start with a local learning community. I have arranged for a speaker to come to our next two cohort meetings to help teachers learn more about computer programming and streaming videos. From that point, we will evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice to support student learning. My hope is that the teachers will return to their schools to share these ideas with their co-workers.
It has been challenging to progress steadily on my original goals for the reasons included on my last post, but I am trying to be flexible in finding alternative modes of instruction.
I decided to go back to the "Just Do It" motto today when I told my fourth grade students that I would help them animate their bridge pictures and record them reading their stories with "Crazy Talk" software. We will see how it goes but they are so excited. It will force me to do more of the requirements that will be used in weeks 7 and 8.
http://www.reallusion.com/crazytalk/
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm
Seven Mind Mapping Tools to Try This Year
1 year ago
Heather,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea to have a speaker come in. Sometimes it seems like teachers will listen and value what an outsider has to say simply because it is novel to them. Also the work you have been doing with your students sounds like an excellent model for your peers. Once they hear the students talking about what you all are doing in your class, they may be excited to try it too!
Yes April- I agree that the teachers will look upon an "expert" as having more credibility. She works with our educational television station (ETV) and the state provides the United Learning Streaming services from Discovery through ETV. The other speaker is going to show teachers how to implement SCRATCH computer programming into their classrooms.
ReplyDeleteYour idea to bring in speakers is a good one. It sounds like you really want to get the word out to the teachers in your district about technology. You seem to have a wonderful "Let's share" attitude which should engage and invigorate those around you. Isn't it great to have your students "so excited!" Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteIt really wasn't too hard to talk people into coming in either. They are excited to share their expertise. I think it comes from the knowledge that they can help so many students with every seminar.
ReplyDelete