Lesson Plans

In doing the required lesson plans, there are a few things that come to mind:

• the use of technology is not the lesson, it just supports the instructional strategy.
• planning is not as easy as we think.
• we should probably set and write standards relevant to our situation.
• without knowing it, we have been using instructional strategies found in the literature.
• don't let time constraints make you lose sight of your ultimate goal.

At first, I honestly wondered why we were using a format created for a totally different situation/environment. The standards were also an issue for me since I thought we should have focused on what we were accustomed to.

Now, I realise that growth and development does not occur when you resist change. I like the idea of giving lessons fun names and identifying the competencies you hope to develop.

Just a suggestion, cant we create a site, a collection of lesson plans focusing on reading in the content areas. The format of the lesson plan would be more or less the same and that standards would be created specifically for us and our purpose. On this site teachers would be able to get lesson plans, tips on lesson planning as well as share their experiences with using the lesson plans.

While we can't offer monetary rewards, we can offer support and encouragement to our colleagues.

Professional Development

Teachers have always fought to be recognised as professionals. It does not help when people make comments like.....'I'll go into teaching until I get a job' or 'I don't want to be stressed while I am doing my masters so I'll teach' or when people feel sorry for you because they just assume you are teaching because you couldn't get another job. The people (not teachers) who come into the teaching service while waiting for a real job do the students and the profession an injustice.
I have always loved teaching. Seeing the 'I get it' look on the face of a student (of any age) gives me a sense of purpose in life.
What exactly is professional development? It isn't sitting down for a 5 hour lecture or workshop conducted by someone who has never stood in front of a class. It is not teaching me how to use the ePen despite the fact that we do not have plugs in the classrooms. It is certainly not doing the crossword or reading a book while some high priced non teacher tells us how to manage our students.
To me professional development goes hand in hand with personal development. Understanding that we are all different in our interests and abilities, that teaching our students to think as opposed to just passing an exam, that we must set the example every single day of our lives( practice what we preach) and that classroom management involves understanding our students, this to me shows our development as professionals. Of course, there is much much more but there is a 300 word limit. So think about it. And in everything we do, ask yourself...'Am I being professional?', ' Am I being honest?' 'Am I doing this out of love for teaching and learning?'

Motivating Reluctant Readers with Technology?

I don't know if I am alone on this but I am not completely on board with the idea that we can use technology to motivate out reluctand and/or struggling readers. My students are not 'children of technology'. Yes they can text, send music and pictures and of course... facebook! But beyond that the world wide web is a place not familiar to them. I am not for one minute saying that I will never use what we have learnt in this course or that my students will never understand any of this. I'm just thinking that computer literacy and use of Web 2.0 tools and software should be taught intentionally. I plan to suggest to my principal that such a course be implemented for both teachers and students. The use of computers and the practice of using these technologies must become part of our school culture.
This would of course mean that basic infrastructure and utilities MUST be in place!! The home and community must also support this culture. Students must be able to practice what they have learnt and complete assignments outside of the classroom and school. I don't mean to be a 'Party-Popper' but this is my reality (the reality of my students). I honestly don't see myself using any of the wonderful things I have learnt over the last couple of months within the next academic year. I have. however, already started preparing activities based on the syllabus and text. A fun activity which is usually dampened by reality. So, do I write a letter to the Minister of Education saying that they need to upgrade the school to meet my training? or Do I let all that I have learnt just take up space in my head?

Using the internet

We can find almost anything on the Internet but is it worth the risk? I was able to find information on how to tie a tie as well as the best way to commit suicide! Anything and Everything can be found. Before we take our students on the journey of Web 2.0 we need to ensure that they are aware of the dangers. Apart from verifying the validity of the information by verifying authorship, source and how often the site is updated, we all need to always be cautious about the information we give out or the persons we interact with. Phishing and viruses are very real threats that are usually not detected until it is too late. Pop-ups and links often lead us to places that are not only irrelevant but possibly dangerous. these are some of the dangers/issues we must be aware of when using the Internet. In terms of designing our site or any work we must ensure that the content ans appearance are suitable. Contrast, colour, alignment and proximity are some of the things we must carefully consider. The layout of work must be pleasing to the eye as well as easy to read and understand.
I am thinking of actually devoting time specifically to these issues before introducing any of the Web 2.0 tools. Anything online beyond facebook is new to my students so they need to be informed of these things. Displaying posters and reminders int he classroom/lab concerning these issues would serve as constant guides. Of course, the students must actually read them. Designing a screen saver and wall paper with this information is another way to ensure that the students are exposed to the information every time they use the computer.

eBooks

Isn't this the simplest thing!!! I mean no username or password to remember ! Just an objective, power point and any picture or audio we wish. Oh, it fun too! not that he other toll and osftare we learnt aren't interesting or relevant but this is one I think everyone enjoyed. As a parent, I can't wait to create fun educational eBook for my son. As a teacher of lower school students, I am eager to sshow them how to do this and watch them create their own. I am also excite about having my upper school students create eBooks to aid their content area learning.
Of course, there are considerations. We must ensure that our objectives are clear and that the end product ( the eBook) meets the educational objectives set. We must ensure that our students understand that while the proces of creation is fun their pictures and audio must be relevant, the font must be appropriate and the content is educational.
i can honestly see myself spending hours upon hours creating eBooks!

Social Bookmarking

Keeping track of the website that we use during various stages of reasearch or as resources for our students is usually done by adding the site to our favourites bar. This allowed us to easily find them again. However, this was only useful when using one computer or lap top. Sharing these sites with our friends involved us writing down the address or literally sitting next to them so that they can see our screen.
The Web 2.0 tool social bookmarking made saveing, tagging and sharing easier. This deliscious solution requires us to save our finds on a public website that can be viewed by anyone anywhere with access to the internet. However, we still need to take the time to organise our sites as well as attach appropriate tags to them so that those looking through would be better able to benefit from our resources.
I find this an extremely useful tool especially since we are a small community of reading specialists who need to collaborate to achieve our goals. we all have varying interests (components of reading), different levels of focus ( primary , secondary) and the quantity of time we can spend online varies from person to person. By using this tool we can save each other time as well as add to the quality of our work. This is a really useful tool for personal use as well as to facilitate collaboration.

Computing in the clouds

I think I am finally begining to grasp the idea of computing in the clouds. While I was always aware of the fact that there is a wealth of information available online, I still needed to save on a data key or print inorder to read, edit and 'understand'. I made a conscious effort to leave my folder at home thereby forcing myself to access the 'clouds' and work there directly. I admit I am still not totally confident to date.

In terms of engaging my students, I am very excited to open their eyes to information beyond the text book. I expect that initially they would experience the same anxieties as I did especially since they have hinted at a fear of using the internet.

In thinking of these students, I wrote down a few reminders that I would like to share with those of you who teach students who are at a disadvantage because of the limited technology and experience. These are actually some of the things that I appreciate about the way this course is conducted.

1. Remember how you felt the first time you were introduced to it ( the tool).
2. Move slowly...dont move on until ALL you students are confident ( remember that they are at different levels of ability).
3. Allow for practice, practice and more practice... the use of these tools must be ongoing.
4. Each day, review the steps.
5. As far as possible, give individual attention. ( I know this is not always possible, grouping students so that the more capable students can assist those in need of assistance).
6. Always encourage and praise the efforts of your students.

Now, this is not the 'key' to successful ntegration of technology but it is a good place to start.

Feel free to edit my list.