As promised, we will use this blog to discuss the Visioning Institute document.The VI document explains that schools must adapt to the ever expanding digital learning environment. Our children, the "digital natives" have almost unlimited information at their fingertips via the internet. They know how to navigate through technology while we as adults are still trying to learn how to "Tevo" or record a T.V. show. (Some of us may still be trying to figure out how to set our VCR!)
If this is the case, how do we or how should we embrace this new learning environment for our students?
How would this look like at Birdville Elementary?
How would this look like in our classrooms?
What do we need to make this happen?
We will continue to discuss the VI document through this blog. The expectation is that all staff members will post a comment to each blog posting, and respond to another staff member's posting. Enjoy!
If this is the case, how do we or how should we embrace this new learning environment for our students?
ReplyDeleteWe should embrace this new learning environment by allowing the students as much contact with new technology as our school is financially able to provide
How would this look like at Birdville Elementary?
Meshing traditional learning and teaching practices with computer time.
How would this look like in our classrooms?
Mini research projects, seek and discover activities, make it fun for the kids to look up information. There are tons of learning games online that can be integrated into "real life" activities.
What do we need to make this happen?
Money
We have a choice in whether or not we embrace this new learning environment for our students. We can choose to continue doing what we have always done, and not fully prepare our students to be successful or, we can get out of our comfort zones and do whatever it takes to prepare our students for success in the future. We tell our kids to take risks daily. When they don't know how to read, we teach them strategies to make them successful readers, when they are having trouble in math, we make the steps to solving the problem more simple, and provide opportunities for them to practice with protection from adverse consequences. So, we expect our students to be risk takers, and try new things that make them step out of their comfort zone. Yes, it is scary for them. Yes, it makes them very uncomfortable, but we expect this of them, and we encourage them every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteThe same principal holds true when you think about adults and technology. We need to take risks, and learn new technologies that make us uncomfortable. I think this will make us more empathetic to our students when we are reminded how scary it is to take a risk. One quote that really stuck out to me in the video we watched at a staff meeting was "We are preparing our students to live and work in a world where the technology hasn't even been invented yet."
I think we have an incredible support system at BES through our staff members and ITS. I think it will take teachers leading by example, and making time to make sure that our co-workers are being successful with the new technologies that we are implementing on our campus. Once teachers who are apprehensive about implementing a new technology see the success in other classrooms, they will hopefully be encouraged to try it out in their classroom.
Another idea would be to have a mentor teacher. We could partner with a teacher who is more proficient with technology than us to walk us through implementing the new technology in our classroom.
To make this happen on our campus, we need to make sure that we as teachers are staying current on all of the technologies that are available! I would also like to see our campus have Promethean boards, time to teach teachers how to use the new technologies, and of course money!
Laura - I like the comment you made about taking risks. It is so hard to to try new things, & technology can be just plain intimidating. But, as you said it is worth the risk. Through the help of Cheryl & Renda last year, I have incorporated more projects and activities using programs & tools I had never used before. Because of this, my kids have shown new levels of creativity & problem solving skills. It is amazing how natural they are in the lab & with so many tools that we (as adults) struggle with.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Laura that we are going to need more training and more practice with technology in order to get really good at it.
ReplyDeleteI am excited about the Literacy Lab and the opportunities offered for the primary grades. I think this will be a facility that will grow in technology as we grow in our learning. When thinking about literacy it is amazing to think of all that can be done with technology: podcasts, Audacity, MovieMaker, Research, Book Reviews, etc. The list goes on and on. As we continue to learn these things will develop with more depth and application for students.
I am excited to be part of 21st century learning.
First, we need to make sure all students know the basics of a computer and stress keyboarding skills. Most of our students do not have access to a computer at home, but they have many opportunities at school to work with different forms of technology. There are digital cameras, Small Wonder video cameras, scanners, CPS for challenging quizzes, and of course, PCs. Our new math curriculum uses technology to enhance learning concepts with the Quiz Show and virtual manipulatives which our students love. We really need to get better at utilizing the resources we have on our campus and in the district. We need time to train teachers on using different forms of technology and easy ways to implement them into their lessons. We don’t need anything complicated, just simple ways to use technology in every day teaching. Keep things simple and teachers will run with it! Renda
ReplyDeleteI agree with Maegan & Laura that we need to educate ourselves as teachers to use the new technology available to us & to our students. Many exciting opportunities are out there with Cheryl & Renda to help us. At BES this year we have the new literacy lab & opportunities to integrate social studies, science, & math, as well as creating math tests to go with our new math curriculum.
ReplyDeleteOften technology is intimidating to us at first , but once we begin to use it,it opens doors for us & for our students. It is the wave of the future!
We just need money, time, & training to do the best we can with constantly changing technology.
Cindy Adkins
New technology can be intimidating! I do think it is a highly effective way to get through to this generation of learners. I know that for my speech kiddos, video feedback is an effective and exciting way to help my kids understand areas of success and areas of needed improvement. I often video my students using a SmallWonder camera -- then I simply connect it to my computer and the students can see and hear themselves almost instantly. I've found that using technology is more helpful in teaching skills than many other strategies I have used in the past.
ReplyDeleteI feel that each one of us would benefit from more training in new technology so we can utilize these effective teaching methods more often and in more situations in the classroom.
I like what Katie and Laura said about taking risks. I know it is difficult for me to incorporate technology into PE. Part of the reason is that I am afraid of it! I am afraid of messing up or looking like I don't know what I am doing. (You know, because I ALWAYS look like I am on top of things!:0)) I/we have to learn to ask for help if I/we need it. It is okay to not know everything. That is why we have Cheryl and Renda!
ReplyDeleteIn PE I have a goal of trying to acquire some Wii systems to use in the gym. I need to meet the kids where they are. One way (not the only way) to do this is through the gaming technology. This is what they understand and this is what they find valuable and important.
I think that technology is available we just need to find what is pertinent to our subject/grade-level learn how to use it. Money wouldn't hurt either. If you know where I can get me some o' dat, let me know!
We should embrace this new learning environment by allowing the students as much contact with new technology as possible. At BES we see the two labs now set up, & the COW is coming. By combining traditional learning with technology we can give opportunities for practice, research,& exciting visual & distance learning
ReplyDeleteexperiences especially for those who do not have access to technology at home.
Cindy Adkins
Technology is the future. Change is now. We can open many doors for our students in a way
ReplyDeletethat is simple and fun for each other.
Sandy
I believe that using technology in my classroom helps me to be more organized! Each music class is fast paced and I strive to keep the student’s attention and focus for as much of the class as I can. If I even have a few seconds of down time – just changing CD’s or setting something up – I can lose the momentum of the class. Using power points and an ipod has already helped me with this but I know that I could learn more about videos, cameras and recording devices. The kids LOVE when we learn a new song and then record it. We play it back and evaluate our performance. I have only done that a few times and I would love to learn more about recordings. I know that these resources are available; I just need to be brave and try more of them out. - Amber Woods
ReplyDeleteI have always been a fan of technology. I love using it in my classroom. I agree with Amber that it keeps me more organized. The kids love to use it,so the more I can include technology in my lessons, the more engaged I know they will be. My students get so much more out of a lesson that they can see and hear than anything I am lecturing to them. I love to watch those students' faces light up when they earn computer time. Most of my students don't have computers at home and having access for them in class makes school an even more positive experience and gives them more reasons to want to come to school!
ReplyDeleteI liked all of the ideas above about training and using technology in our classrooms. I have been doing some research about best practices for ESL kids in the classroom, and I would like to share a brief example of a first grade class using technology. This is something we could all do if we wanted to.
ReplyDeleteThe teacher read a book to her students and they discussed the main idea of the book. Then partners were asked to construct a shallow diorama of the main idea by drawing characters and standing them in the box with the supporting details surrounding the main characters. The teacher gave instruction on how to do this and provided materials such as ribbon, fabrics, cardboard, and all kinds of extra supplies that she had collected.
When they were finished, the teacher photographed each diorama and put the photographs on the computer for a slide show. She allowed the partners to make comments on their creations and taught them how to write them on the photographs (I think she used Power Point, but I'm not sure). The teacher put them all together and had a production for the parents on "Celebration Day." The kids were so proud and probably learned main idea better than with some of the ways we teach it.
I thought this was a good idea, and some of you might want to use it. It would take time, but think of all the skills the kids would be learning. I think I would need help getting it on the computer, so I would have to solicit some of you "technology geeks" to help me.
Ann Pappas
I agree with Kris – Students get more out of a lesson if we can meet their different needs. I also LOVE when my students find something interesting and get exciting about what we are doing! I really think that if we as teachers feel confident, organized and excited about what we are doing the students will feed off of that energy. Technology can aid us in making our classrooms exciting places to be! - Amber Woods
ReplyDeleteTechnology is the wave of the future and always changing. If we don't change with it, we could be left behind. I feel that the children now a days have the language of it and when shown the proper way will ready for the future. After all they are our future. Nancy
ReplyDeleteTo hear my comments go to my blog @ http://cherylmcknight.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI had always considered myself capable around computers and technology. I mean I was the one other teacher came to for help with their computers at my previous school. However, I recently found myself outside of my comfort zone when I signed up for Facebook and this is my first post on a blog. I am officially behind the times. Technology is changing so fast and I am struggling to keep up. I am certain many of us in education feel this way. How are we supposed to teach our students skills we lack ourselves?
ReplyDeleteFortunately, I found a website and blog that has some great technology information for educators. Each day they offer info on other sites and tools that may be used in teaching (some free, some not). They also do a weekly top 5 on Saturdays recapping the top recommended sites for the week based on clicks and views. I subscribed to the daily emails from this website. This is a great tool for learning about the various websites and technologies (free and otherwise) that are available to educators and students. They even offer ways to work with other schools. I feel like this is a place where I can try to bridge the knowledge gap in technology.
Here is the site: http://www.freetech4teachers.com/
Technology is the name of the game in this day and age and if you are not on board you will be left behind! Pam Scoggins
ReplyDeleteJana,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that you are trying to get a Wii for P.E. A Wii would incorporate many of the WOW design elements like Authenticity, and the novelty and variety!
I agree with what Katie and Laura said about taking risks. As educators, we need to be willing to take the risk of incorporating technology into our daily teaching. It may not be comfortable, but it is important for us to stay relevant and "with the times."
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how quickly students can learn a new technology or game system. Four year olds know how to operate a computer, a MP3 player, a video game, etc. Times are constantly changing and it is our job to keep up with them!
Thanks to Cheryl and Renda, Birdville Elementary is on the fast track to implementing technology into our daily routine. I agree we need more training and time to experiment and find the best way to use the new technology in our classrooms to benefit our students. Our demographics demand we use more technology, because our children are less likely to have access to updated technology at home. We are well on our way with the new literacy lab and the addition of COWS on our campus so that all students will have access to computers. Rita
ReplyDeleteI agree with Laura and Katie that we as teachers need to take risks and step outside of our comfort zone for the students. It is very scary to step out of that comfort zone and try new things in the classroom. Dee Dee said that she stepped out of her comfort zone recently to join Facebook. This year I stepped out of my comfort zone to start a blog just about daily life in my family. My blog has really allowed to feel free to express my own thoughts and feelings without the awkwardness of an audience right in front of you. Technology really allows people to be able to express thier thoughts. Students who maybe have a hard time speaking out in front of the whole class could really benefit from a blog.
ReplyDeleteI think the literacy lab that Maegan started is a great way to get our students using technology to work on literacy. My students love getting to read the books on the computer. They think it is so neat that they have the choice to choose the book they want to read and that it is read to them on the computer. My students this year are so excited when it is computer day and when it is their turn at the computer station during work stations. I also agree with several of you that said that we as teachers need to attend more trainings on how to use technology in our classroom. Heather Bailey
I agree with what everyone has said about taking risks as well. I tend to want to appear "on top" of things, so I have a fear of using new technology and then falling on my face. Just as Laura said, we ask kids to take risks so we need to practice what we preach and take them as well. Just like Heather, I've also started blogging about my personal life, and like DeeDee, I've just recently created a Facebook account. I can easily see how we could tap into either of these popular communication venues to create classroom blogs or pages to communicate with each other about what we are learning. I've even thought about having the kids post comments in a blog to me about what they feel works well and is not working in our classroom. I'm not sure of all the details/restrictions of that, but I have considered it!
ReplyDeleteOur kids need as much exposure to new and updated technology as we can provide. After all, it's been said time and time again the technology is the way of the future. I think the future is here! Technology is here...so we might as well embrace it or get left behind.
I like what Jana said about the Wii. I was just reading the other day that Nintendo is in the process of creating new interactive learning software to be used with the Wii. Wouldn't it be great if each classroom had a Wii and remotes for the kids to use with this software? Talk about engaging learning...the kids would definitely be engaged! It would bring a whole new world to the classroom!
As many have already said, using technology in the classroom is a big risk for me. I want to use it, but I just don't know where to start. I see the list of EVERYTHING that is out there...I don't know what any of it is...so I guess I give up before I even start.
ReplyDeleteI do not blog, I do not have a facebook profile (even though Jana is trying desperately to pull me into the 21st century). I honestly do not see the relevance of any of that TO ME. My family and friends are local, those who are not, I am constantly in touch with them - why blog? I have kept in contact with old friends and acquaintances - why facebook?
I need the same thing our students need. I want to see how what I am about to embark upon is relevant to me. I let my students know why they need to learn double-digit subtraction with regrouping. I let them know how they will use it in their future lives. I, too, need to know not only HOW to use all of the technology applications, but also WHY I am using some of them. -Jean Talent
I can personally say I am very behind in the technology world at home but try and keep up with it at school. Kids in some ways use it more than we do I think if I/we had more practice in implementing it into our classrooms it wouldn't seem so overwhelming to some people.
ReplyDeleteI think helping our kids at BES in developing their technology knowledge is crucial because some of our kids don't have the same opportunities at home as some of their friends and neighbors. Tammy
It is important that we integrate technology into our daily lessons because we can no longer view it as a separate ‘thing’ we do for 30 minutes a week. I see this being done at BES by using the lab, classroom computers, the small wonder cameras, digital cameras, CPS, and all the other resources we have on hand to create learning activities, reviews, and assessments that are meaningful & engaging for our kids. For example, instead of doing a flip book as a review, students could create a power point presentation. Instead of making a poster, students could create a short movie explaining the topic. For this to work in our school we will have to continue seeking out training when needed. Also, we must support each other, and share ideas & successes.
ReplyDeleteUnlike most of you, I can distinctly remember when I learned to 'click and drag.' As teachers, we had to put all of our fingers, squished together, on the apples of our cheeks when Mr. Armstrong was talking so he'd know we were listening! Acton Elementary set up 10 computers in the corner of our library back when I wore a size 4 and there we were ~ learning 'technology!' I remember Rich Armstrong being so frustrated with us! Looking back, I now realize that 'click and drag' was the foundation just like learning phonics is the foundation for reading. We've come a long way.
ReplyDeleteNow, I'm a dinosaur and menopause has taken care of the size 4! But, in reality, do we really do anything different with technology in our schools today? From these tired, old eyes, I'd have to say more no than yes. Our students know more than we do, yes, but do they get to demonstrate that during the school day? Do teachers know how to lead them through the process? No and No. Thus, to me, this is our very own beginning! As a group of teachers looking at this enormous elephant, we need to decide which 'bite' we're going to chew on. Let's get ITS in here (and Renda, too :)), get everyone one-on-one with a computer, and focus on one learning project together. Then, that's what we set out to do with our kids for a specific time period. This way, we all scared together, but we know that we know Birdville Elementary can do this one thing. Then, of course, we move on to the next bite of the elephant. That's how I see us tackling today's technology as teachers. On the other side, however, kids need to be one-on-one with a computer, too! In my opinion, this is the hold-up. We can talk in meetings all over town, county, and state...but if the issue of materials for each of the kids is not addressed, then all of us lose. Thank you, Mick, for providing our doc cameras! We all have them...we all use them...we all love them! The COW is the next thing I say 'thank you' for...using one with kids is awesome! Now, that's what will lead us forward! If you've never used one, COWS make it possible to do just exactly what I proposed earlier...and before too long, Mick will realize we need at least one per grade level to make the technology dream come true! It's going to take commitment to a process over time, commitment from each of us to help the other, and a commitment to put as much of our budget money as possible into the technology category. That's how I see it coming alive! Kathy
KP,
ReplyDeleteYou are very welcome for the COW and document cameras. One per grade??? Not unless BES wins the lottery! Seriously though, I see it as my job to lead the campus into the future, but also to equip our staff with the tools needed to do so. Yes, I too feel the frustration of wanting the latest and greatest, or sometimes, just something that works! As Cheryl can attest to, my computers, well my office seems to be haunted when it comes to technology.
I am open to gathering the tools needed for us to embark on this journey together, but with the expectation that we will use them, not only to enhance our teaching, but to maximize our students' learning.
Mick
I’ll echo in agreement the multiple comments about risk taking. Isn’t that what we ask of
ReplyDeleteour kids each day? All learning occurs outside that comfort zone. As we teachers become students; we are reminded of our
“proximal zone.” The “new” learning must be within our grasp to succeed. If it’s viewed as unattainable, then we shut down just like
our kids.
Tech Talk’s heading on their website is: Avalanche begins with a snowflake!! How relevant that is to the integration of more technology into our classrooms. We just begin where we are--knowing that we are all in a different place & that’s ok.
We have an incredible technology department that is leading the way
& are so very patient and accommodating. Renda & Cheryl are wonderful resources that we must tap into for our kids.
Mick,
ReplyDeleteI guess I take it for granted that thought, "OF COURSE, WE WILL USE THEM!" But, before I became the dinosaur, I remember being frustrated from the position of your shoes when money was spent and then everything just sat on shelves. I believe I am right, though, by saying that when you challenge this staff, teach us what you want us to do, and make the materials available...this staff will step up and get it
done! I say yes...anybody out there with me??? Kathy
I've come late to the party but that would be because I am feeling like a bit of a virgin blogger! I feel inadequate in Technology use and therefore tend to put off, drag my feet, etc. As I read through the comments I identify with so many of your comments. Number one, we are the ones behind, not the kids! We are in the future! It's right here and now and we need to get on board. I tend to do something really Techno impressive, (at least to me), and then sit back with the thought that I've done a technology lesson I can get back to normal till next semester!! I mean really, what kind of archaic thinking is that! It should be something that is so integrated into our daily lives and daily lessons that we don't even think about highlighting it with some sort of a special notation in our weekly lesson plans. DeWayna
ReplyDeleteAs a classroom teacher I am trying to incorporate more technology into the classroom and use with student lessons. Technology can be overwhelming...there are so many things you can use and do with a class but where do we start. I am taking baby steps with my class. Unfortunately we are not a a point where they have many oppurtunities to use computers themselves (besides the computer lab & literacy lab). I don't want my students to be left in the 20th century. I want to help facilitate their 21st century education. Access will help facilitate this endeavor of more technology along with education of teachers. The Arranger in me needs to figure out how all the pieces and resources can be arranged for MAXIMUM productivity.
ReplyDeleteI like what Renda said here:
ReplyDeleteWe really need to get better at utilizing the resources we have on our campus and in the district.
We have so much of what we already need...we just need to start utilizing it! The whole "take a risk" challenge is extremely pertinent to this conversation. I like the idea thrown out there of having a partnership between someone that feel proficient with certain technology skills and someone that would like to learn more. That's an easy first step!
I'm a little slow answering this blog---sorry---the old brain just filed it away and then promptly forgot. I love technology---I believe I can safely say I'm the ancient one on campus, yet I dearly love the technology journey that I have taken. When teaching in KISD I was one of the first teachers with a computer work station---the first on my compus to use gradebook. I just created my first blog (my own kids are proud of their old mom---she even does facebook!). I'm thankful for every bit of technology that I can use with my students. Sometimes I get irritated because of the lack of opportunities we have when they come to EXCEL. With the use of the cows, I don't have to get irritated so often. My students really need to apply themselves---not that the others don't---but mine need to be pushed just a little bit further than they normally are. Things comes easy to them---I need to channel their learning so that they can maximise their opportunities to learn. i believe that technology will help me follow that path. Thanks for everyone's comments---we have a ways to go, but we all seem to be willing to join the bandwagon.
ReplyDelete