I have been doing research on the Internet to find resources that will allow me to offer authentic, meaningful and motivating activities within my classroom. I feel my students are privileged since there are so many websites available for students to practice English. Although any there are many pages designed for language students, practically all of the information found in the target language can be adapted. Some of the sites found are organized around a textbook content and students need to register to have access to all of the materials. One positive aspect is that most of these sites are free. We do have problems with paid resources. Unfortunately, we do not have a budget for this purpose. I do not feel I have to modify my action plan. Student evaluations and satisfaction surveys have demonstrated we are on the right track.
Throughout this process of implementing my GAME plan, I have seen that students not all students have the technology skills required to work online. Sometimes I must invest a little more than I would like to in preparing students to complete the tasks. How can I help these students without taking away from the others and at the same time stay within the class lesson plan?
Miriam
Does your school offer after school instruction? Our school is able to pay teachers to stay after school once a week to work with students on math, reading, and technology. If your school was able to offer after school instruction, then you could provide your students with the necessary time to practice the technology skills that your students need to complete the activities you are working on in class.
ReplyDeleteJodi,
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is difficult to believe, our school's after school program is based on teacher's volunteering their time. They are not paid. We take advantage of this valuable time to work with students who need to improve on reading and writing skills, students who are placed at low English language proficiency levels. Recently we have been working to prepare students for the institutional TOEFL exam.
I will certainly pass on your recommendation. It is a great idea!
Miriam
I have also experienced students having different levels of technology experiences. It can be time consuming. My main technology I use is my graphing calculators. Some students just seem to pick them up quicker than others. I also have students coming from differnt math teachers who use the graphing calculators more or less than me. I explain to the students that we start at square one and proceed from there. I change the speed I teach the calculators depending on the class. I also ask the students who have more experience to help those who don't. They are very good about helping others. I also have an interactive calculator that is on my Promethean board. It is very easy for me to demonstrate my key strokes for the whole class to see.
ReplyDeleteValerie,
ReplyDeleteYou are right. It is so useful when students help each other. It is also so important for the emotional support they offer. Sometimes I will just stand back and listen to the way they explain and the vocabulary they use to transmit their ideas.
It is great that you have a Promethean board. We just started using our interactive white boards this semester.
Miriam
Miriam,
ReplyDeleteWhat Valerie said was the first thing that popped in my head when you asked the question in your last paragraph. Observe the students who are more knowledgable with the computer and group them with someone who is not as confident in using technology. The students love to interact, and they learn more from each other than from the teachers according to textbook that I read from last class. Use students to help. This gives them more confident in what they are doing and the accomplishment of helping others as well. Hope you had a great Thanksgivng weekend.
Hi Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the feedback. I agree with you. It is so interesting to see how students can sometimes learn better from each other than from the teacher. They love to interact and I love to see them interacting and learning from each other.
Miriam
Miriam,
ReplyDeleteYou have agreat point about assisting the students in maintaining an organized approach to Internet research. I find myself taking way too many sidetrips while researching. It's a fascinating process, but I often lose track of time. How would you prpose to keep them focused and organized? Would you limit them to listed websites, or have a checklist? I am very interested in what you are planning because I obviously need a plan to stay focused, as well, and if I develop a personal plan, I will be able to assist my students more effectively.
Kim