Looking
back on the previous weeks of developing my game plan, I can be honest to say
that my ideas of what direction to take was somehow being overshadowed with the
work of experts whom presented material based on their own experiences and/or the
experiences of other experts’.
With the resources and different avenues in promoting success in my
classroom, however, I was able to visualize what direction was perhaps best for
me or from my own creative thinking.
The questions of whether my “Game Plan”, actually meets the criteria of
promoting success of my learners is a huge concern of mine mainly because I
really care about their futures and as an educator my firm belief of “if they
fail, I fail” drives me to go above and the norm. In today’s classrooms as Hibbert, E. N. (1995) states:
Using grades, motivation and
artistic achievement instead; however, not only are these criteria extremely
subjective and easily manipulated, but they do not ensure that these students
would excel in and benefit from academically advanced classes. That being said, the integration of
technology alongside proper assessment such as the usage of e-portfolios and
rubrics are needed for 21st century success.
One
technology component that would be beneficial in my classroom for next year is
a focusing each lesson around multimedia projects, with a more in-depth concentration
on mobile phones in the classroom.
This weeks resources, Barrett, H. (2011) explains the 6 different
function that can be achieved with mobile phones and the process thereof
including:
·
Capturing and storing evidence
·
Reflecting
·
Giving and Receiving feedback
·
Planning and Setting Goals
·
Collaborating
·
Presenting to an audience
Each resource promotes
learning in the classroom, upgrading from a more traditional setting where the
teacher is the primary source of information, into 21st century
concepts allowing more creativity from the student along with accountability of
working independently to complete the task at hand. For math, I have been doing research in finding innovative
sites that would assist my learners’ success, while develop a passion for
learning. Websites such as: http://www.m2.com, and http://www.netop.com, has really leveled the playing
field for learning in my classroom where the students are engaged in learning. The features are geared toward the
educator, where they has to worry less about whether students are finding
distracted websites. M2 Presswire
2012 states: “With the classroom management software's new Ultimate Web
Control, teachers can quickly and efficiently manage web resources in advance
of and during class. A website that might be distracting students can be
blocked on the fly while teaching, remaining unavailable until the teacher
unblocks it.”
With E-portfolios and
Rubrics being introduced in to the next phase of my “Game Plan”, the focus is
geared toward the learner and their accountability on being able to “reflect
and goal setting (Barrett, 2011).”
Cennamo, at. El 2009 states:
“depending on the needs of your students and your school, you may choose
to incorporate one or two different types of assessment portfolios or perhaps a
hybrid of two including:
1.
Documentation Portfolios, which demonstrates growth by incorporating
work samples that shows a range of student proficiency over time.
2.
Showcase Portfolios, which contains samples of exemplary work
common for assessing entry into a program, such as Advanced Placement (AP).
For instructional purposes,
we will be using the 1st as a means of reflection on student
proficiency through the school year.
This presents the learner with a visual in what they are accomplishing
academically, what is needed to maintain success, and if achievement level low;
feedback on what is needed to increase success.
So
far, I haven’t had any modifications made to my “Game Plan”, though I have
found a list of helpful website to implement my plan using technology as a
basis for my learners success. Most
importantly, is the usage of assessments as a contribution to that success. In the event to increase the level of
information or concepts being grasped, a series of Forced-Choice Assessments
including multiple choice questions, true or false, fill in the blank will be
provided weekly throughout the semester. As an option for implementing 21st
century thinking into the classrooms, at least twice a month the test will be
administered during computer lab. This
assessment is generally “quick to administer and can be readily developed or
obtained in these formats, especially for constructs with lower levels of
cognitive demands (Cennamo, el at. 2009).” The only disadvantage of this
type of assessment would be developing tests where learners are to demonstrate
a certain level of comprehension and understanding through analyzing and
evaluating.
Resources
Hibbert,
E. N. (1995, Jul 02). Gwinnett voices readers' letters TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
budget isn't fun and games. The Atlanta Constitution (Pre-1997 Fulltext).
(2012,
Jan 11). M2 Presswire.
Barrett, H. (2011). Using technology to support
alternative assessment and electronic portfolios.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. Technology
Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach 2009
