I have targeted two National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T) and Performance Indicators for integrating technology into my classroom. (See previous post)
The first goal that I have set was to use an interactive whiteboard and develop “do now” activities along with general competence to design relative learning experiences. I have never used a Smartboard and really want to spend time exploring the different parts of the software. The Smartboard is supposed to be installed sometime this month and I am checking weekly on it’s installation. In the meantime., I have used some of the tutorials associated with Smatboard technologies. I have developed a large list of bookmarks about using lessons about Social Studies and the interactive whiteboard. My strategy is to spend an hour a week to read through and analyze these sites. My do now’s are archived in my computer at school so I need to get access to them in order to evaluate their use using the inetractive whiteboard.
The second goal is to use a Moodle account to increase student, peer and parent communication. I am awaiting access to an account this summer so I can develop a better understanding of how to use Moodle. My district had some professional development time devoted this summer but the accounts were not yet established. I want to establish a time management schedule in order to balance the added use of this software as I expect a learn as I go process. Of the two goals, I need to spend time exploring and using the account as it is a platform for all Social Studies teachers this year. Please advise if you have any experience with this program.
Jim
8Th SS
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Hi Jim,
ReplyDeleteYou seem to know how to put a plan into place! I like how you are committed to spending time each week to find resources for the Smartboard. That is in fact the part of learning something new that takes the longest time... finding the resources that would be applicable to your classroom. I just thought I would remind you, even though you probably will already do this, that using your colleagues' Smartboard knowledge will be your best resource. Even better for you would be for teachers to put their Smartboard lessons on the server, so everyone has access to supporting students with awesome supplemental lessons (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). I wish there were a website with all the Smartboard lessons from people around the world; there probably is... if you find it- let us know!
Resource:
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.
I have used Moodle during a technology camp for students. They really seemed to enjoy it because it opened dialogue for a meaningful discussion between the students. I think you and the students will benefit from this experience.
ReplyDeleteJim.
ReplyDeleteYou will find that in SmartNotebook their are many resources built in such as clipart, maps, flags, timelines, backgrounds, etc. Go to Gallery/Essentials for Educators or Lesson Toolkit and let your creativity run wild. The Smart Board programs are very intuitive and user friendly. Hopefully your district or school will have training sessions for you. My school has one this summer. I am going to learn more about Smart Response clickers. After awhile you will probably begin to wonder how you ever taught before Smart Boards. Have at it!
Paul McVey
HS SS