In my last post, I discussed that I emailed two instructional technology liaisons for my county in order to determine what technology tools and practices are permissible in the classroom. Unfortunately, I have not received an email back from them. I forwarded this email to another individual who educated us on our new grading program, Grade Quick) that we began using this past year. I am hopeful that he will be able to give me some feedback more promptly.
Since I will soon be receiving an Interactive Whiteboard, my GAME plan has really focused on learning more about this technology tool. The advice from my classmates was to learn everything I can about this tool so that I can utilize it to its’ full potential. A classmate suggested I visit this website for some lesson plans and templates. I have found this to be very helpful in getting me started (http://exchange.smarttech.com/#tab=0). I have also begun looking on our county’s sharepoint website for ideas. This website provides lessons and templates that teachers in our county have created already for certain units. It is easily accessible since it contains sub groups by grade level and subject area, similar to what I would like to create for my wiki resource page. I will be using this website as a reference for when I create my wiki page. I have already completed the basic components of setting up a Wiki called TechnologyTools4Us.
I was wondering if my colleagues/classmates that are specifically in grades 3, 4, and 5 would be willing to share some of their whiteboard activities that they have created and used thus far. Many times, these grades teach similar concepts, just in a modified or advanced version. With your permission, I would like to add them to my Wiki. If you would like to be a member once it is underway, I would love it! Then we can all accomplish the goal of a Personal Learning Network.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc., (Producer). (2009). Program Three. Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1 [Motion Picture]. Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore: Author.
Posts
Meg,
ReplyDeleteI researched a few sites and came up with some good ones about white boards and smart boards. Maybe they may help you.
http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/howto/smartboard/lessons.htm
http://www.amphi.com/departments/technology/whiteboard/lessonplans.html
http://www.scholastic.com/interactivewhiteboards/
Hope that helps!
Mark,
ReplyDeleteThanks you so much for thinking of me and taking the time to research some sites. I really appreciate it. I am soooooo excited to use this whiteboard. I think I will feel more productive and the students will enjoy more engaging activities. I am hoping that this will help rejuvenate my attitudes toward teaching.
Meghan
Meghan,
ReplyDeleteI don't teach those grade levels, but I do have a game made from a powerpoint file called road rally. It is like jeopardy, but not so formal. You could easily change the questions to fit any curriculum and/or concept. If you would like a copy of the file, I can send it to you. I would think that elementary students would love to play games.
Erus,
ReplyDeleteYou are right...4th graders love to play games, especially when they don't get to play them that often, at least not in school. I would love a copy of the file that you have. If you could please send it to me, that would be great. Thanks for offering!
Meghan
I was supposed to have SmartBoard training last Wednesday but was told I could not attend because it was too full. Contained classroom teachers had priority over myself and other specialty teachers. I was initially upset, but have gotten over it. I will be planning activities for grades K-5 and would love to share them. I am really going to focus on Kidspriation for a bulk of my lessons and hopefully blending it into Webspiration so students can learn how to collaborate and interact on line. I will let you know once I am officially trained and get my hands on a SmartBoard.
ReplyDeleteMeghan,
ReplyDeleteI love using sharepoint. My district just got that and it is great to use for collaborating with other teachers who are not in the same building as I.
Did you ever get feedback from your tech liasons? I am curious to know what tools you will have available to you!
Good luck in getting an email!!
Marie Gauthier
Marie,
ReplyDeleteNo I have not gotten an email back from the tech department. I am getting quite frustrated and my next plan is to call someone. I have been informed from various teachers that it is very difficult to get in touch with people from Human Resources let alone other departments. This does not make much sense to me since they are the head honchoes. They make these policies and we need to carry them out. They should be easily accessible in case we have questions in regards to curriculum.
Meghan