I am excited to extend my Integrating Technology learning by exploring digital tools for science classrooms at the National Science Teachers Association National Conference in Philadelphia in March. There will be a huge exhibit hall full of tools and contacts with expertise. There does seem to be too many online resources for science teachers for one person to wade through, subscribe to trials, evaluate their use in class hoping they improve content knowledge for students. Integrating technology for technology's sake is a waste of every one's time. I need some time off to do this properly and without getting behind on my grading (86 lab reports, here I come.)
Now, implementing a GAME Plan with my students in order to help them attain proficiency in different National Eduction Standards for Students is a great idea. I especially like the E in the GAME Plan anagram. Evaluate and Extending thinking is critical to true learning. We seldom give students time to reflect on their learning. Wit my science students, I have focused this year on skills and behaviors that fall into NETS standard 2: Social, ethical, and human issues and 5: Technology research tools •Students should use technology ethically and understand the effects of its misuse in society. I believe students should be able to use technology productively--using the web to find whatever they need with minimal distraction. More importantly, critical thinking is crucial in evaluating web resources, in separating fact from fiction, and making informed decisions.
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Christine,
ReplyDeleteI applaud your efforts to help your students grow in their ethical and efficient use of technology. I hope that their are other teachers in your school who are also doing this. I think that best chance our students have of mastering any of the NETS-S standards is for these standards to be consistently covered in ALL of their classes. Do you have any idea how the other teachers in your school approach this?
Nancy,
ReplyDeleteI do know that three other science teachers in our department do stress this and not all teachers use the internet for research/writing. Our English Department has published a pamphlet of online citation guidelines for students that is required curricukum for all freshmen.
Response to Christine
ReplyDeleteI agree with you comment that "Integrating technology for technology's sake is a waste of every one's time." We need to find ways to integrate technology that enhances content learning and makes learning more interesting and fun. Doing so does take time and it helps to hear other's suggestions and experiences using certain online programs and software.
What you talk about in your post has much to do with student self-directed learning and critical thinking skills. I agree that students need to become more self-directed and take on more responsibilites for their own learning.
Thanks Rebecca, I have enjoyed sharing ideas with you over the course of the last 7 weeks. Wouldn't it be great if each teacher who teaches the same subject in a school split up the core units and developed a multimedia technology centered unit and then shared the GAME Plan for that work with colleagues? What a wonderful world it would be.
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