I have been working on my GAME plan very intensively this week because I am on spring break. This has given me the time to look at many of my assessments and change them to include technology based ideas. In both Algebra and Geometry I have a "lab" set up for the following chapters, and part of my assessment will be involving them using that technology to demonstrate full understanding of the content. For example, I have always done a project based unit for area in geometry where the students need to design something with all shapes represented, research how big it would be in real life, list those dimensions, scale the dimensions down, draw the design to scale, then find the areas of all the shapes represented in real life measurements. This year I have decided that the students will be using drafting software to create their drawings, and then they can use google sketchup to create a three dimensional representation of their design. This will allow me to not only use the technology, but bring the projects into the next unit of surface area and volume.
As for the websites getting approved I have been actively working with the administration and tech department to figure out what will be allowed and what will not be allowed. If they put a stop to what I want to do then I will need to revise my plan a bit. I will still make the blog site and wiki site that I want, but it will be hard to make it mandatory for the students to use them because not all of them have Internet access at home. Hopefully all will go well when I meet again with them next week, but as for now my plan is not changing.
I am happy with my progress so far in my GAME plan. I don't know about the rest of you, but I actually feel a sense of accomplishment. These are goals I have had for almost a year now, and I am finally put them into practice. For me it has always been hard to get started, and this class has forced me into starting these ideas in the classroom. It has been wonderful to see that my ideas are starting to take shape in the classroom and my students will benefit from me finally doing what needs to get done. So, overall the journey to this point has been a lot of work, but very fulfilling and rewarding. I cannot wait to get everything done and in place for my students to use.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I think it is great that you are taking such an active stance in achieving your GAME plan goals. It sounds like you are well on your way to reaching them. I really like the project-based lessons you have created for your geometry unit, and think that your students will definitely benefit from their integration into the curriculum. Not only will they be learning the necessary content material, but they will be building skills in a technology tool that many may use in the future. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteLike you are doing, I plan on using my spring break for modifying my assignments and assessments. It is at the end of April, and I have already started listing things that need to be updated. I like how you are integrating Google SketchUp into your geometry class. I plan on doing the same thing, in order to explore three-dimensional diagrams and figures.
ReplyDeleteLast year, I asked about receiving access to blogs or wikis, but I was denied. Apparently, there was an issue with one teacher at a middle school who was using it inappropriately. So, my district is now very stern about not allowing teachers to have blogs or wikis. Good luck with your battle.
Part of my GAME plan is finding math WebQuests. So, if you are interested, the links below have WebQuests which incorporate different technologies.
Geometry - http://www.glencoe.com/sec/math/geometry/geo/geo_05/webquest/index.php/ct/2005
Algebra 1 - http://www.glencoe.com/sec/math/algebra/algebra1/algebra1_05/webquest/index.php4/ct
Algebra 2 - http://www.glencoe.com/sec/math/algebra/algebra2/algebra2_05/webquest/index.php4/ct
I plan to go at my GAME plan full force next week when I am on spring break. I do a project similar to yours when I teach ratio, proportion and scale factor. I think it is a great idea to use Google Sketchup for this project. I will add this to my project to help students visualize the math behind scale factor.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your administration and technology department allowing blogs and wiki's. The benefits so outweigh the risks in this case, and pioneers like yourself need to help school districts realize this.