Whew! Summer flies by so quickly it seems. While in the midst of enjoying some of the beautiful weather here in Northern Michigan, I have spent many days updating my curriculum for English 9 by developing an honors path within my regular course. With the help of Blackboard and our technology initiative, I am able to set up links for each level of instruction.
My goal this year is to incorporate the technology into instruction to it's fullest potential. This may be a really big task and I'm truly hoping that I haven't bit off more than I can chew here. However, with my experience teaching on-line for a university, I feel confident that I can be successful in this venture. More importantly, I feel that my students will excel with this opportunity.
First, I have uploaded all assignments, videos and resources they will need for class to Blackboard this summer. I am in the process of creating pod casts of my lectures so my students can review these at home. My goal is to assign these pod casts as their homework and for each of them to come to class prepared with questions or clarifications from the lectures. OK; so not all my students will be prepared. I mean, how many times do I get 100% of their homework in the more traditional sense. I am banking on the use of technology to help motivate my students here. I should clarify here that our district has purchased a net book with wireless internet for all students 7-12 thanks to our community and its commitment to our kids.
Secondly, my goal is to use the technology to upload all their writing assignments on-line. I will not only use my computer to grade their work, but my plan is to use recording software to produce individual writing conferences as I grade their papers. This way they can not only see, but hear my comments for improving their writing. During class, I will step away from traditional group teaching and focus on more individual needs for my students by using class time for side-by-side help and focusing in on specific questions or concerns from students.
This is the plan as of August 16th.... Stay tuned. As part of my evaluation process, I am to keep a journal of my successes, trials, stumbles and all else that goes with taking this leap into an new era of teaching strategies.
