Reflection on Reaching and Engaging all Learners Through Technology

As I finish out the final week of the course, I look back at the path of some very interesting concepts. Concepts such as UDL, Universal Design for Learning and DI, Differentiated Instruction brought a new perspective to how my classroom could reach all learners. Communicating with my classmates on a weekly basis through our Differentiation Station Network helped tremendously with those new concepts. As I explored the websites that we shared, large amounts of information were gathered. As a Science "Specials" Teacher, I found an interesting article from The Access Center called Differentiated Instruction for Science, that can be found at http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/sciencedifferentation.asp. The article basically gave me a clear picture of how DI could work in my Science classroom.

Some immediate adjustments that I am making toward my instruction are what I refer to as the beginning phases of DI in my classroom. With the knowledge gained from the course and some assistance from a colleague next door, I am giving students more options to succeed in Science. I am starting with a 4th Grade class by creating groups based on their academic strength. The advanced students will have a choice board of activities to choose from. The middle range students will have their assignments and will work independently with some assistance. My lower students will have constant assistance to guide them along.

The integration of technology into the class has been a slow process. I do use my laptop computer to bring up various educational websites plus, powerpoint presentations. I was promised an interactive white board, which has not been delivered yet. Having one desktop computer for thirty students to use will be quite a challenge. I may be able to use other computers in neighboring classrooms and those in the media center. At least, we are heading in the right direction even though we are moving at a slower pace.

References
The Access Center. Differentiated Instruction for Science. Retrieved February 6, 2010 from http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/sciencedifferentation.asp

Reflection

As the course draws to a close, there are a few things that I will definitely reflect on. The first is the development of my GAME plan. Originally, I had great visions of my students working creatively with technology and being able to reflect on their experiences with technology. The plan was to bring the mobile laptop cart into my science classroom to accomplish these goals. As I made these plans, administration had decided to create a third computer lab in an empty classroom with that cart. The room was available to anyone, and I soon learned that finding a time slot was not going to be as easy as I thought. When I did get the chance, many technical issues popped up with the laptops. I have now learned that this process of integrating technology into my science instruction will not happen overnight. I will not give up, but I have to be patient. Our technology team at school, has been my closest allies on this long road. Now I share my ideas with them to assure success. I look forward to the new year and to start over with a new improved GAME plan.

The second item of reflection is directly related to my instructional practice as a science teacher. Working on the wiki page with my fellow classmates was an exciting and rewarding experience. The fact that we were working together from different parts of the globe, still amazes me. It also made me think of our local stream down the road from the school, and all the possibilities of connecting technology with science. Over time, a new GAME plan began to develop, but in a different way. I always felt the best ideas were the ones that grew slowly. I look forward to spring and a class visit to the stream, and hopefully some new technology tools for science. Another idea that will enhance my science instruction, will be digital story telling. I find this concept to be a powerful way of getting the message out to the audience. Over time, this will become a regular part of teaching science to the many grade levels I see each day.

Using the GAME Plan Process with Students

First, I have to apologize for being a day late with my Wednesday blog. I was unable to get an Internet connection on my computer. Hopefully, there will not be anymore problems.

Throughout this course, we were asked to make goals, set a course direction, correct what was not working, and learn from it. I have certainly had my ups and downs with the implementation of my technology goals within my classroom. We were able to take some small steps with the mobile laptop cart to help with science research. I plan to work closely with my technology team to speed up the process. I am a big fan of innovation and creativity in my science class. I am very excited about the idea of using digital storytelling with the student's science activities to enrich their learning.

Revising my GAME Plan

Being able to collaborate with my classmates on a project such as a wiki has been a great learning experience. Many of my coworkers at school find it amazing that a group of people from all parts of the globe can work together on a single project.

A goal that I am still working on is for my students to do a reflective blog on what they have learned in science. The mobile laptop cart has been placed in an empty classroom to become a third computer lab for our school, which has become very popular with all grade levels.

My new learning goal is to do something creative with movie making software and hand drawn pictures to make short science movies. I think that this idea would really get the attention of my students and help them understand various science concepts.

To improve my learning, I really want to set up time with our technology team and discuss ideas and goals that I have for my students and how to get started.

Evaluating My GAME Plan Progress

I am happy to say that the new carpet that was put in during the break, looks and smells great. With the help of a few students, the classroom looks much better.

My first goal of having students learn about their world with the use of digital tools is still on hold. We have heard nothing from the company that wants to help our school. Maybe Santa will bring some new science equipment to my classroom. Goal #2 of students using technology to reflect on lessons, can happen with new scheduling procedures for the laptop cart.

What I have learned so far, is that some things require a lot of patience, especially new technology. Right now, I do have three digital devices for science but not enough probes for other experiments. Perhaps this is the time to become experts at what we have already. I will continue to research equipment that could be used to help in our lessons.

Monitoring My Game Plan, Got the Rug Pulled From Under Me!

This school year has been one that I will not forget. I started off the year with my large roomy science classroom only to be moved weeks later to a smaller room. Then I found out this month we were getting new carpet during the break, which meant packing up again. I am worried about what I will find Monday and how I will conduct my lessons.

I was told that a company down the street was interested in being a sponsor for our science department and wanted a wish list of things I needed. No word on that. Goal # 1 is still on hold, however I can still research the equipment I need for wish list #2.

Goal #2 of student reflections on blogs could still happen. I did talk to our technology team to get things started. The technology specialists are also getting carpet. I will also need the mobile laptop cart for my room.

I'm hoping that things will settle down at our school. One thing that I have learned this year, always expect the unexpected.

Carrying out my GAME Plan

To get my plan rolling in the right direction, I first need to do more reading on what is available on portable digital tools. I want to be sure which equipment is grade appropriate and can the students benefit from the experience. When I have made my decision, I will create my "wish list" and present it to one of our school sponsors. For my other goal, I am investigating when our mobile laptop cart is available for use.

For more information on laptop use, I will be communicating with our technology team for direction and advice. I will also talk to a company representative on which hand held devices are best for our science students.

The first steps that I have taken so far involve scheduling of the laptop computers. Not only am I competing with other classroom teachers for the equipment, but also administrative use in training teachers. I am also working with one of our technology specialists on setting up a plan for student blogging and reflection.