Readers,
For those wondering about the MARS project from a few weeks ago, I have not heard back about the data yet. I will make sure to post a blog once I do. So for this week, I want to talk about challenges that teachers face (like myself) when it comes to implementing new technology.
Today, my math department and I just had a meeting about how we can incorporate calculus type ideas into algebra 1 courses. This can lead to less confusion on simple topics once students get to the Calculus level. The whole meeting we went through actual math questions, discussed our answers, and talked about how it would benefit students later in their math careers. The meeting was an overall success. However, now I'm wondering when I will have the time to implement these amazing new ideas and concepts. I wish we would have spent that meeting actually discussing areas and topics where this could be beneficial.
Having said that, this is how I feel about implementing technology into our classrooms. My district is really good about giving professional development days (like the one I had today that I referred to in the above paragraph). My district is also trying to get to a 1 to 1 ratio of chrome books to students. But there have not been any meetings that give us time to search the web and find new and interesting programs, games, or resources. As teachers we are already strapped for time and then we are suppose to find even more time to research the next up and coming program?
A shift needs to happen if teachers are to implement technology effectively. We need time to "play" not just be told to use technology. We need time to find the technology, try it out, and then come up with a game plan for how to use it "effectively"...not just "use" it.
It sounds like administrators are eager to get the technology into student's hands, but fail to come up with a solid implementation plan and curriculum plan for the new technology. I would try to collaborate as a math team to come up with a framework...maybe try this on a teacher work day in the summer? (Wishful thinking, right?) Does your school have a curriculum plan or is it just a free for all and they hope the students and teachers find the tech beneficial? -Amy Linville
ReplyDeleteWe have a planned curriculum but figuring out where to fit in technology is entirely up to us - and of course we don't have much "extra" time for that! haha
DeleteI think that it's great that you are considering ways to help students be successful in the future, but I'm sure that it is frustrating to walk away without any concrete ideas. I felt the same way about the 1:1 initiative at the school I was at for the past two years. We were expected to have students using the computers in the classroom, but were not given time or resources to implement them. Have you tried suggesting a professional development day devoted to collecting resources for the 1:1 initiative?
ReplyDeleteHere! Here! I agree with you wholeheartedly. It's great that your district gives you time to plan with other and allows you the time to polish and refine instruction. I know that the chrome books are all the rage right now because they are cost effective to implement and allow for one to one instruction, but that being said not being able to spend time "playing" and figuring out what to do with them or how to use them to their best advantage is really not allowing you as the teacher to take full advantage of them. I really wish that districts would stop creating mindless PD's for teachers and really allow them to take the time to be better at what they do or can do.
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
DeleteI feel like districts don't trust us and I don't blame them. The good teachers will use the time wisely, but you know the teachers who hate their jobs every day will skip out early and just go home. It's unfortunate...
Hi Erin,
ReplyDeleteI am not a teacher, but as a student sometimes I feel the same way. I cannot just be told what to do, especially online learning, but I need to have time to play with technology. That is the best way to learn and students of any age need that as well. Maybe an intro lesson can be scheduled for the students as well as the teacher, since this is with older students. Your kids may already have some experience with this technology or maybe you'll have to try some on your own to boost it along if the district will not allow time for training.
Erin,
ReplyDeleteThis is the same exact conversation that I have had with my department and principal. We are in the progress of creating a PLN on Game Layer and on Serious Games to implement in the classroom. We are trying to build in a lot of time when we present at conferences for our attendees to play with these ideas, ask questions and research the internet for more resources.
As a teacher I feel the same way as you, I know I need more time to play with the technology rather then being lectured on how to use it and what it does. I know some of my best ideas come from experimentation and talking to my team members. Hopefully Principals are reading your blog.
Heather,
DeleteIn my principals defense he does the best he can. Its typically something demanded by way higher up and therefore my principal doesn't have a lot of control over the directed PD...