The ASSURE Lesson Plan assignment had me in tangles up to my eyeballs, until about 9pm last evening. As a novice teacher, I have been schooled in lessonplanning and have even executed several successful plans in a real classroom. So, why was I having such a difficult time putting those same words and concepts onto a different format? The answer lay in persistence, perseverance, and being exposed to a newer, fresher, more upbeat, and different way of doing the same old thing. Instead of fighting my memory demons to recall my Weebly password from ages ago, I jumped in and started a new account, and off I was to where the wild things were. Several hours (or is it days) later, I encounter a finished product and no one could be more proud, or feel more deserving of a gold star. However, after reviewing the excellent work my classmates have done on their projects, I fear I may have missed the mark. Sigh. Here is hoping that my efforts have accomplished at least a good portion of the assignment's objective, with promises of improvements and revisions in the future.
The list of NETS*T standards in its majority might apply to this assignment, however, I feel the standard that is best applicable is Standard 3, specifically 3B, 3C, and 3D. As an educator in the 21st century classroom, one must embrace technology as it is the language with which our students choose to understand themselves, each other, and their surroundings. Perhaps when classroom management problems arise, and reports of students' not meeting national standards are in question, those of us in a position to change the student experience need to consider their needs and more efficient ways they learn instead of, how we learn or want them to learn. Standard 3C (International Society, 2011) indicates the use of technology to bring out higher-order thought and creativity. With this, I couldn't agree more. The students of today do not only deserve a classroom that is advanced in terms of technology, and inviting of creative expression and individual thinking, they sorely need it. It is surprising that even with the availability of technology in the classroom, it is not used as often as it could be. Access to computers and software did not lead to popular use by teachers and students, most teachers only used technology on occasion (Cuban, Kirkpatrick, & Peck, 2001).
Students with a disability or disabilities may flourish with simple technological aids in their respective learning environments. For this particular lesson, I would choose to partner a student with a disability and a more advanced student who could act as a peer mentor. Computers and technology tools are a fantastic and effective bridge to promote intellectual and social goodwill among peers.
I would love to use this type of lesson to expand on the concept that was originally introduced or to have the students come up with their own ideas on how to use the digital spreadsheet in their learning. Possible ideas are votes for student council, a poll on school lunches, the effects of caffeine on teenagers, and the like. Incorporating more visuals in the form of graphs and tables, and group presentations are also other options.
What I liked least: Because it was the most difficult, starting the whole thing was the part I disliked the most.
What I liked best: Getting to know Weebly better and liking it more, this time around.
And yes, I would do it all again without question!
References
Cuban, L., Kirkpatrick, H., & Peck, C. (2001, December 21). High Access and Low Use of
Technologies in High School Classrooms: Explaining an Apparent Paradox. American
Journal of Research, 38(4), 813. doi: 10.3102/00028312038004813
Retrieved June 14, 2012 from http://aer.sagepub.com/content/38/4/813.short
International Society for Technology in Education. (2011). Retrieved June 14, 2012 from
Hi:
ReplyDeleteAside from the fact that there is no BOLD in APA format, your essay was very well written.
-j-