Well, I just read and watched the posts about Voice Thread. I have to say that I am impressed! This is a great tool, I believe, for I can think of many applications for this in my classroom. I am really lovin' this class...still. It is a bit overwhelming, but yet I am being exposed to so many great ideas. I am implementing some into my classroom already, for if I don't use it, I lose it.
So, this brings me to a thought about bringing technology and other new approaches to teaching. How does a district present it to its teachers and not overwhelm them? In the video we watched, it discussed the need to creative a narrative...a dialogue where teachers are communicating. That is a grand thought, but teachers need more direction than a discussion. It has been my experience that teachers are exposed to a quick lesson on a new tool then are released into their rooms and never exposed to it again. The lesson died there, because it is up to the individual instructor to glean what of this tool can be useful to them, develop it, and integrate it. I don't believe this is an effective way to help teachers. Conversation and exposure are not enough.
I believe we need "experts" to bring a plan (not just tools) to a district. This consultant would teach a new tool, help EACH instructor create a task for their classroom, and require them to develop and integrate it (in the form of a district requirement). However, we must provide constant professional support in aiding them to develop it. That is my career goal. I really wish to give professional educators a clear direction and then support. And if this is given, I think we will see less complaining about the "old teachers", for they have great talent, but they need guidance and support, more than what a conversation or idea exchange provides.
I believe I am somewhat of an innovator in my classroom, but that's my "thing." I spend lots of extra hours with my curriculum and integrating new ways of teaching it. Others I work with, however, usually spend their extra hours coaching a sport or speech/drama or music programs. Extra curriculars drive high school. That's what our community sees: basketball games and drama performances. We have to acknowledge this reality, also.
Yet, we march on...
CathyO,
ReplyDeleteYou are indeed a shaker and a mover.
Perhaps getting your teachers involved in the technology before they plan for the classroom is the way to do it. Look at how we are sharing the learning experience with new technologies. Notice how you are making the jump to how it can be used in your classroom?
Think about it.
Z
I agree completely that our older teachers have real talent, but they need to be guided and taught how to use web 2.0 technologies in their classroom. I also agree with your stance that we need the districts to send in an expert, teach us, and then have us create a tool we can use in our own classroom. That's the only way to initiate a change in classrooms school-wide and nationwide.
ReplyDeleteLike you, Cathy, I plan on spending my extra time next school year making lesson plans using web 2.0 tools like Glogster, PLEs/PLNs, RSS feed readers, online comic strip makers, and peer editing online :)
By the way, I've read all your June blog posts - you seem to have a talent for the written word -- I don't have time to finish reading all your May entries, but I'll put a reminder on my to-do list to come back. Keep writing about your experiences. You can find me at http://mariamr.tumblr.com!
- Mariam