Standard V: Productivity and Professional Practice.
Goal 1: Use more technology to communicate with students and parents.
Actions: I would like to start texting parents and students a few days before a test or quiz. To do this I need to get parents or students to email their cell numbers along with their cell phone providers (this is needed to set up text from a pc). Then I can cut and paste them into a group, and simply send out an email from my computer with a quick heads up that will go to their cell phones.
Monitor Progress: Have I done it or not? Getting started is the first step. From there adding numbers will be a continuous process. I imagine that some students will get the information for me, but there will be quite a few that will do their best to not give up their parents cells.
Evaluation: I would like to have 100% parent communication via email or text by semester I. There are always families that do not have these technologies, and that is ok. I will still find a way to communicate. Based on this 100%, I will base my grade off what percent I am actually communicating with.
Standard III: Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum.
Goal 2: Facilitate more technology-enhanced experiences for my students.
Actions: Create one new project a year that uses technologies to research, execute, and present the information. This goal will continue for four years, until I have a project for each semester. To do this, I will use my in-service days where students have the day off, to collaborate with my co-workers on a project. I know I can sell the idea, and if a group of us agree on a project, together we can create some pretty neat projects. If all the teachers are on board, it will be much easier to implement.
Monitor Progress: Have I done it or not? Writing and executing the first project will be the biggest step. After I have one down, I think the others will be much easier. And after the first time, the first year, the second time will be way easier and smoother. All I will have to do is minor tweaks to the first project.
Evaluation: My goal is one new project a year, so I think anything short of that is failure. I want to have this project written before the first day of school. I know if it is not done by then, chances of getting completed will be cut in half each day after that, approaching zero fast.
Communication with parents is critical for student success. How do you communicate now? Do you have a school or teacher web page? Do parents have access to their grades online? Do you email parents? Emailing is definitely better than trying to phone when we can have up to 100 students a day. I have tried group emails but I find parents don’t check email as much as I anticipate. Do you feel you will get better responses from texts? Do you think there will be any issues with cost?
ReplyDeleteWith web pages and online grades, the onus is on the parent’s to monitor their students’ progress. With group emails and texts, the onus is on us. Do you have an opinion on where the responsibility should lie?
Nancy
We do have grades online. I prefer email communication. Cost was a thought for the texts, but it is my experience most plans are unlimited these days, especially if you have a teenager.
ReplyDeleteI want to use the text just as reminders for up coming quizzes. Not necessarily primary communication.
I think this is a great idea, especially for out students. This is their most used form or communication and they are students of the technology era. We need to conform to this as educators, administrators, school board members, and community. I may barrow your idea for my students and continue with email and online GradeBook posting for parents. With parents being a bit older, they may be more apt to access email and the online communication method our district uses through GradeBook.
ReplyDeleteRichard, I believe that the goal that you wish to accomplish is very relevant and definitely one that all teachers should bear in mind. An action plan that you could also take is to get your students involved in activities that would help you to find out the learning style of your students. Also, observing the students' performances would be a form of evaluation.
ReplyDeleteRichard,
ReplyDeleteI really like your texting idea. I have a website where I post tests and quizzes, but texting would definitely be more effective! I also like your idea about creating one new technology project a year. By just focusing on one at a time, you can really make some great projects! Good Luck!
Sally
I like the idea of texting. I hope that most of your students have cell phones and their parents do as well. I dont think that will be a problem. I too try to add a new project every semester. I believe this is the best way to do it because you can spend a great deal of effort in creating a really engaging project.
ReplyDelete