In revisiting my goals that I have set within my GAME, I see that I am on the right path of monitoring them. The first goal in my GAME plan is inspiring and to facilitate my students to be creative and think for themselves in real life situation. I feel that I am finding resources that will help me reach this goal. Some of the findings that I have found is how to incorporate performance-based assessments for each of my students. Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009) states that performances can very quickly extend beyond the demonstration of rudimentary skill and can require students to demonstrate very complex behaviors that may exhibit choices based on personal values and creativity (Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer, 200). Researching performance-based assessments will help students become creativity and displays skills that are more than just the traditional pen and paper. This a way that I have been finding research needed to achieve my goal in my GAME plan.
I do not think I need to modify my GAME plan because by conducting my research and meeting within my professional learning committees at my school, I am able to gain valuable information about alternative ways of getting my students to perform at a high and knowledge level. Within these PLC at my school I am able to ask and see what type of technologies other teachers are using to help their student develop an understanding of how to relate school assignments and assessments to real life.
I have learned with my PLC that there are multiple of ways to evaluate student's knowledge of standards. Some things that have been mentioned by my PLC are some of the ways that Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer mention. For example, having students create a journal using a word-processor, journaling software, and even blogs (Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer, 2009). Others are project-based assessments like creating concepts maps, Powerpoints or video presentations. Some new questions that have risen is how to incorporating all the different ideas that I have gain from my PLC. Technology has made education more accessible and flexible because there are more and more ways to demonstrating mastery of a particular area rather than pen and paper. I am excited about how my GAME plan is being developed and carried out.
Resource:
Cennamo, Katherine, John Ross, and Peggy Ertmer. 2009. Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use. Cengage, Ohio.
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Thomas,
ReplyDeleteWe also have PLC time at our high school. We mostly talk about our curriculum areas and things going on in our department. We rarely get to talking about how technology can enhance a lesson. What a great idea to show teachers how to use technology to enhance their class, not just use it for the sake of using it. I definitely plan on bringing that attention to the administrators setting up our PLC time. During your PLC time do you have other teachers presenting or do you have specialized individuals showing you how to use the technology?
Megan
Thomas,
ReplyDeleteMy school has been using PLC's for the past several years. We have been using this time by department to develop our power standards by quarter and create common assessments. My math department PLC is currently working on creating common assessments and then analyzing the results of students in the same course with different teachers. I can see the value of using technology for assessments in several ways. For the students, they can demonstrate proficiency in a style they choose. For teachers, they can easily compare results and data if assessments are taken on-line. With high-stakes tests tied to graduation, it has been hard for the math department to stay to far from the style of the high-stakes test -- multiple-choice and short-answer. So, my PLC is focused mainly on math. Are your PLC's grouped by subject area?
My district has no professional development on how to integrate technology into the classroom. Those of us who are trying, do so by trial and error. What a great idea to have a place like your PLC to discuss integrating technology.
Anna
Thomas,
ReplyDeleteWe also have PLC's at my school which are usually quite effective in educating the teachers in different areas. It seems that about every third PL or so is focused on using some sort of technology, so I think my distrct does a pretty good job of pushing new ideas and technological advances in the classroom. I actually will have the opportunity to present to teachers how to use Moodle at one of the upcoming PL's. It sounds like you are well on your way to achieving your GAME Plans. Good work!
Josh
To all,
ReplyDeleteThank you all for the comments. Our PLC meetings area great way for all of our departments to discuss issues that are important to the school. It's great that teachers can share their trials and success over technology. We, also share data and develop common assessments. Our PLC is to grow and become a good co-worker. Technology is at the forefront of education so it is a great opportunity for educators to share their own knowledge of what works and what does not.