Just as a reminder, my first goal is to design and develop Digital-Age learning experiences and assessments and my second is to grow professionally. Time is still the biggest issue. I have heard a lot of people say it but it really is true. It takes just about all the time in the day to get things done the "normal" way that you do them. Starting something new is tough. I have been inspired reading classmates' blogs because it is clear that a lot of us have the same issues.
I did ask my principal about any professional development activities that I could take advantage of. He gave me a list of options. Even with money being tight, there is specific funds for professional development. I am glad he asked. I found a three day conference specifically being offered to first grade teachers. The focus is language arts but also touches on implementing technology. It will be really helpful to talk with other teachers who teach first grade because implementing technology with young students is a challenge.
I am continuing to add to my technology file on my computer. After speaking with my technology director he reminded me of a program we have called CCC. You can quiz your students on specific standards. What I did not realize is that you have the ability to set the program at different levels or on different content areas for every student in the class. This will help me to differentiate and develop digital-aged assessment.
When reading chapter 12 in "Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use" I was reminded of all of the ways I can integrate technology into science lessons. "Developing science skill sets with the help of technology motivates students to: 1) pose questions, 2)select methods for answering these questions, and 3) implement approaches for testing the accuracy of these answers" (Cennamo, Ross, 2009, p.268) When thinking of my second goal I usually focus on math and language arts the two subjects that we focus most on in first grade. I am inspired now to see what can be done with science!
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Katey, I can relate to the problem of having enough time for all of demands on us as professionals. I'm glad to hear your administrator is giving you the support you need.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as to what the CCC program is. It it available outside your district? What does the CCC stand for? It sounds like a program that can be applicable to any subject area.
Your passion for teaching is evident through your writing! It is wonderful that your administrator has made funds available to you for more PD! I am also curious about the CCC program that you mentioned. How does it work?
ReplyDeleteKatie,
ReplyDeleteI used CCC math years ago when teaching 4th grade. It is a great program that can help kids of all abilities. We used it for math only. So, you can use this program for history and science?
How do they differentiate those subjects? I see how it works for math.
Did you ever look into IXL math? If you search this site, you will find it useful for math. You can have students practice specific skills without paying for the site. My students use it when we work in stations for math. Some students use it for extra practice on a certain skill and others are allowed to choose harder math concepts. They keep a log to keep track of the skill they worked on and how they did that day. It will stop them after about 15 minutes and not allow them to continue for the day. My students like it for the practice.