A Technology-based Grant for Transformative Learning
Developing information
literacy, technology skills (in students):
Literacy does not often come to mind when thinking about mathematics in schools, however, geometry is deeply rooted in vocabulary that is often unfamiliar to students. Like a foreign language, geometric vocabulary must be at the forefront of mathematical understanding and communication, and so, using web tools, such as a class wiki to create a list of relevant vocabulary, or an online journal to record findings in class activities could benefit students in their abilities to communicate about math, but also use technology to do so. Additionally, to ensure that the TI-Nspire™ technologies are used efficiently and effectively, some students will have prior experiences with such technology, while other will not. Providing preliminary tutorials and web resources for students to use with the calculators would be especially helpful in the first few encounters students have with them. Meeting the diverse needs of your students through the idea of Universal Designs for Learning (UDL): It is difficult to predict the needs of future learners in future classes, but through collaboration with students, teachers, and parents, there are many ways that students can be provided access to technologies. Having worked with TI products in the past, and having had a variety of learners in my classroom, I know that TI provides source material in multiple formats. I have used TI software in the past that’s functions (on tablet or other devices) mirror that of TI calculators for students with physical disabilities. Most recently, TI has added additional web resources, including video and audio, for students that need alternate forms of printed or electronic materials. Through flexibility in my teaching and willingness to meet the needs of all learners, there should be no reason that this plan cannot meet the diverse needs of my students now and into the future. Some of these aforementioned resources include: TI Student Zone TI Math Nspired Resource Center TI Professional Development Social and ethical uses of technology and healthy practices in the use of educational technology: In using technology in this DreamIT project, there are always social and ethical issues that arise. It is important when introducing the technology to remind students of the school handbook and the technology use policy that they signed prior to registration, so that vandalization and theft of technology can be kept at bay. Additionally, healthy practice of this technology should be demonstrated, first and foremost, by the classroom educator. The calculators and Navigator System will be property of the school and will remain in the classroom so that all students will have equal opportunity to use them; adequate time will be allowed for students to use the calculators as needed. With the purchase of a TI-Nspire™, the vast library of materials from TI are downloadable and free for use on the web, however, it should be made clear to students that the proper permissions were obtained for any material reproductions. Since the TI-Nspire™ Navigator™ System works on a closed network, concerns of Internet safety are null, but appropriate communication from teacher-to-student and student-to-student will be modeled and expected of all students. Using technology to facilitate/develop creativity and critical thinking skills in students: This plan certainly uses technology integration to challenge students to think more critically about geometry. The use of the TI-Nspire™ activities as discovery opportunities for students will challenge them to draw on their prior knowledge and think in new and unfamiliar ways about the math at hand. The TI-Nspire™ allows what is familiar (the calculator) to be used in a new and innovative way to promote social learning (through the Navigator system) and critical thinking (Math Nspired activities). Using technology to engage in professional development & leadership: As an educator, it is important to me to reach out for opportunities for continued professional development and learning. I too am a learner, and have worked to create a network of educators and resources that I can use for continued improvement. Two ways I have recently done this is through enrolling the MAET program at Michigan State University, and by staying connected to a growing network of innovative educators via Twitter and RSS feeds. I actively seek opportunities within my district and county to stay on the “cutting edge” of web 2.0 tools and technologies, and have recently worked with peers in my building and district to help them do the same. Overall, I strive to be a technology leader in my school and district, and although I am at the early stages of this, I feel I have already become a reliable resource to many of my colleagues. |
Overview
Transformation
the Total PaCKage
Evaluation
Implications
Resources"One's destination is never a place but rather a new way of looking at things." -Henry Miller |