One of the two International Society of Technology in
Education (ISTE) indicators I chose to improve, the designing and developing
digital age learning experiences with assessments, has left me with a few road
blocks in logistics. My initial plan was
to use responders for forced-choice formative assessments but the lead to be
way too time consuming and hard to track down (the school shares one set). I have been searching for other “quick”
methods for capturing the students’ understanding during a unit. My students have access to three computers in
the art room. With my smallest class that
is still a ratio of twenty students to three laptops. Students are not allowed to use personal
devices during school hours. I’m looking
for suggestions. For summative
assessments I have set up a few Google Doc self-reflection forms for my
students to try out. My time is so
limited with my students. I am also looking for ways for students to complete
honest assessments outside of art hours.
Hi Lindsey! Nice to read your post and your GAME plan goals. I believe I understand your multiple frustrations or road blocks. I teach elementary general music and can greatly appreciate limited time with students, which really hampers implementing and exploring some of the topics that have been covered in the Master's Program. Our set-up is just different enough from a regular classroom setting, but in this day and age of education reform, I am thrilled with the new information I have been gaining and finding ways to integrate it into my classroom to improve the experience for my students. Now, back to your road blocks. In place of the handheld response systems, have you tried an exit ticket system? Although they wouldn't have time to write a full length reflection, this could be a way to capture what they immediately gathered from the days lesson. A quick, five question yes or no format on a scrap of paper could do the trick, taking 30 seconds at the end of class. I use this frequently and find it works well.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had an answer to the time aspect; I never have enough hours in my day and am just hoping to survive the end of the school year and Master's work. Here's to a big finish, right?! I am just hoping that I can remember and implement all the things I am learning as I work on my curriculum this summer. I, too, picked a goal of engaging in professional growth. I don't lack for resources just time to participate, so again, looking forward to summer to get more accomplished in that area, also.
Best of luck with your goals!
Julie Kubbs
Julie,
DeleteThanks for the exit ticket idea! Some days I do a verbal ticket out the door but never a written one. I love the idea. I am already picturing envelopes taped to the wall by the door with vocabulary cards in them. Hmmm! That also gives me the idea for some sort of poll idea for integrating technology. Thanks for the comment!
Lindsey
Hi Lindsey:
ReplyDeleteIt appears that when you are doing your best in accomplishing a goal that there are many road blocks before any task is accomplished. For some reason, this is just the way it is. I commend you for identifying the fact that those are just stumbling blocks and you will be able to accomplish and complete your GAME plan without a doubt. According to the International Society for Technology in Education, I must continuously improve my professional practice by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources (ISTE, 2008). There are many avenues that one can select from to use in order to accomplish their goals, but being able to select the right one depends on the situations of each student and their capability. I recognize that for each of my students, the best assessment would be the forced-choice formative assessments. This is because this assessment is especially constructed for students with lower levels of cognitive demand. I am in the field of teaching students with special needs and loving it! Have a good week!
Michelle R. Person
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.
International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved
fromhttp://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers
Lindsey,
ReplyDeleteI understand your frustration; I have similar issues when it comes to technology. At one school, I have eight computers in my room and my personal laptop and personal Ipad at the other. I do a lot of group work anyway, but it is a must when I am using the computers. One of the things I have done is work with the teacher to use her school computer lab time. I have found that if you can get the classroom teacher onboard and it fits with what they are doing they are more willing to help. Does the school have a set of Ipads you could use? Hey can you get permission from the principal for students to use their own devices in your room? Maybe if they bring it to you first thing in the morning they might be more willing to let the students bring them. Just an idea. Have a great day!
BJ Fontalbert
BJ,
DeleteI have asked a few teachers to volunteer their class computer lab time to art related activities. It is usually hit and miss. Some teachers are more than willing while others have their own agendas. There is one fourth grade teacher at my school who has written a grant for a class set of iPads which I definitely take advantage of! I think I might be able to have principal permission for students to use personal devices. However, since most of my students are very young and do not own their own devices it can be difficult. It is my goal to slowly add tablets to the art room with a few fundraisers. Thanks for the tips!
Lindsey