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Saturday, March 10, 2012

Teaching with Technology Update Week 2

Reading about using technology in the classroom this week has taught me how easily it can be implemented.  Making and using KWHL charts, using shared websites with students, and utilizing the effectiveness of parent communication were all illustrated. The book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works by Howard Pitler, (et al.) may become my bible for completing the technology research project I have planned.

Teachers set learning goals for students because of mandated standards and benchmarks, but allowing students to set their own goals and learning objectives increases their achievement in the classroom. A KWHL chart generated via technology allows students to generate, edit, and modify goals. This week’s reading in the above-mentioned text offered tips on how to use ‘Kidspiration’ and ‘Inspiration’ to set goals. Setting goals gives students ownership in their learning leading to increased motivation and participation.  

 “Specific, criterion-referenced rubrics let students know exactly what is expected of them. However, rubrics like these are not always easy to design and can eat up precious lesson planning time…” (Pitler, et al.) There are “free” online templates for rubrics that can be used as is or modified; readily available for student and teacher use. They cover a wide range of subjects and topics.

Another idea I found useful was data collection via the use of surveys for pre-assessment and post assessment of student knowledge. Survey’s can help identify learning misconceptions and narrow down objectives needing the most attention. Students may be able to choose from the identified objectives to set their goals for learning.

Reference:

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

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