- Arcademic [sic] Skill Builders - website housing math practice games
- Assistive Technology Implementation Model: CETT TEAM -
- Getting the Most from Technology in Schools (PDF) - discussion of successful integration of new devices
- Managing Classroom Technology: Tips from Experts
- Weekly Mashups - list of web based resources and tools
While gathering resources I thought of teachers who are willing to listen and have demonstrated a desire to try something new in their classroom. I wanted to give them pieces that discuss good pedagogy, best practices specific to technology, and new resources with which to practice their new understandings.
When thinking of teachers who don't like or are afraid of technology, I would seek out articles that discuss the benefits of good technology integration. It would be preferable to include items that showcase learning activities that could not be accomplished without the use of technology, and those that student outcomes were increased because of the use of technology.
I want to like this tool, but it just seems clunkier than sending annotated links in an email. The content is dated (most current publication date I can find is 2009). There are way too many broken links, and no obvious and accessible mechanism for reporting. There is no way for a general user to add new content to the database. These are major issues when you consider the participatory and ever-changing nature of the internet. A basic social bookmarking account could be just, if not more useful, than this closed resource.
For these reasons I would not share these resources, nor any of those that I found within CITEd, with an administrator. They would question my judgement and vision for moving forward with technology integration. My selection of resources would focus more on current academic research and best practices. I would avoid the practical how-to type articles, but might include a single site as an exemplary tool or resource that follows the research and best practices.
I think you hit the nail on the head by choosing the word "clunky" to describe the site. I felt the same way. To be fair, our instructor did warn us and she did state that she is looking for a new site. I agree with you, that a social bookmarking site would probably serve the same purpose. We did an exercise in my Intro to Teaching with Digital Tools course that involved choosing a social bookmarking site and then adding links that were relevant to our experience. I chose to use Delicious, and it seemed to work much better than CITEd. Do you have any experience with any particular social bookmarking sites? If so, which one would you recommend to take the place of CITEd for this particular assignment?
ReplyDeleteYou are correct, we were warned. Once I saw the topics and audience dividers, I really wanted it to work!
DeleteMy current solution is to share a direct link to a bookmark tag (I use Pinboard, which feeds my delicious and diigo accounts). I like that recipients receive an annotated list of links, with a date that shows when I saved the bookmark. I don't like that they will receive everything with that tag (unless I create a tag just for the project or person).
Michele, I found many broken links on the site also. I was interested in viewing some resources but their links did not work. I also thought that the site could improve by allowing users to add content to the database. Teachers are the best resource for other teachers.
ReplyDeleteI also included the Managing Classroom Technology: Tips from Experts. I found it, for the most part, to be helpful in providing specific tips for integrating technology in the classroom.
I like that you would add tools to help teachers who are resistant/hesitant to integrating technology in the classroom. As mentioned, our district is going one-to-one before the end of this year and I am very anxious about this move. I don’t even know what a one-to-one classroom would look like and how it would function effectively. Article about this would definitely help ease my nervousness.