Monitoring the GAME Plan

In order to achieve any goal it is important to monitor whether you are sufficiently making any progress and reflect if the strategies that are chosen are working (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). I will reflect on my progress by reviewing my resources, any modifications that are being made, what has been learned and if any new questions have arisen.  

Goal 1

Standard 1C – 1. Use knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning. C. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).

Information and Resources

As I gather my resources, I find that there is a flood of resources out there.  Maybe too much.  I am also learning that many of the resources can be used for different lessons which allow me to reuse digital tools in my lessons so that students can be more proficient in learning how to use them.    

Modifying the Action Plan

When I started, I wanted students to demonstrate knowledge using a wide variety of digital tools.  In my mind I was thinking I needed a different tool for each project that I present. I am now thinking I will start off with a few different tools, extend their proficiency using those tools, and then allow them to pick their favorite digital format at the end of the year.

What I learned

Having many different digital tools is not necessarily a good thing when the students have not used them before.  It was difficult to have them learn how to use Google Slides and not come back to it because we are using a word processing program and concept mapping software. It seems like there are too many toys and not enough time.

New Questions

I have to make a decision whether to give them exposure to many resources or try to raise their proficiency in just a few.  I am still figuring out what resources and tools are the most effective for the students to demonstrate their learned knowledge.

Goal 2

Standard 5C – 5. Teachers are expected to continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their schools by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.  C. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis in support of student learning (ISTE, 2008).

Information and Resources

In my attempts in growing as a professional, I have recently sent in an application into the district to attend an Ed Tech conference.  I am still awaiting the results of that.  I also got my grade level to participate in a global effort to expose our students to computer science by introducing our students to programming for one hour.  The event is called The Hour of Code and it takes place the week of December 8-14^th.

Modifying the Action Plan

Since educational technology is always changing and being modified, this is going to be a non-stop venture until I do not find myself involved in the industry any longer. There are no short term goals other than a case by case basis, but I will always strive to learn and keep up with current conventions of educational technology when it comes to professional practice.

What I learned

I have attended a few meeting and corresponded to the technology department a few times since the beginning of this action plan. I learned that not everything that is presented is a prize piece of information, but there is always that chance in finding a golden nugget.  Not all the technology coordinators attend every meeting, but when I correspond with some of those who do not show up, they always seem feel they missed out on something.  These meetings are also opportunities to share out any ideas or resources we may have. With these meetings, conferences and workshops, there is something for everyone, but if you do not go, you will never find out if you missed out on something really valuable.  

New Questions

I am still making decisions on what I bring back to share with my class, my colleagues, my principal, or my filing cabinet.  These are ongoing questions that change with every meeting I attend.  I do bring questions to the meeting, but that’s like going to a flea market and looking for something in particular when people just go to see what is there and picking up something that just stood out to them.

References

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

Carrying Out the GAME Plan

In order to strengthen my confidence and proficiency in the GAME plan I have created, I have reviewed the progress of the goals I have selected through the three key processes of planning, monitoring and evaluating (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).  In determining the progress I have made thus far, I will reflect on the resources needed to carry out my plan, any additional information I may need, and the steps I have taken so far.   

Goal 1

Standard 1C – 1. Use knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning. C. Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).

Resources needed – The ultimate goal when thinking about resources, is to get the students to one-to-one computing.  Unfortunately that is beyond my control.  The best I can do is two-to-one, so when planning lessons that support my goal I need make sure they can be attained by students sharing a computer, or plan a computer rotation that will suffice their needs. Also, while I have consolidated a list of digital resources I have used so far, I continue to keep an electronic file of resources that I can have the kids use to present the knowledge they learn. Hopefully by the end of my game plan I can compile of list of standards throughout the content areas with specific digital resources that can be used by students.

Additional information needed – I still need to survey the students, monitor their reaction, and evaluate their responses of the digital tools I give them.  I do not want the students to lose their motivation of the assignment by having them do something they do not want to do.  I want their projects to be an experience rather than a chore. I also do not want the digital format of the assignment to take away from their learning goal.  If the task is too difficult, they are going to zone out on the purpose of the assignment and not try as hard as they should to present a quality product.

Steps taken so far – I have done a few projects in the past and I am in the process of doing another one (creating a concept map from notes taken from a textbook).  I make notes on the effectiveness of the digital tools I let the students use, and how effective it was in allowing the students present the content they have learned.  I have already heard some moans of our next project when I briefly mentioned it to them, but I do not think they fully understand what it encompasses.

Goal 2

Standard 5C – 5. Teachers are expected to continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their schools by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.  C. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis in support of student learning (ISTE, 2008).

Resources needed – Even though I have attended conferences in the past, been technology coordinator for many years, and even opened myself up for suggestions of others whether it originates from my colleagues, classmates (Walden), or my friends, I still need to keep leaning about new strategies, tools, or resources that support student learning. Technology is an ongoing process and integrating that technology into the classroom will always be evolving.  I need to keep informed of the new trends either by continually attending technology conferences, subscribing to an educational publication that is concentrated on technology or periodically take a class that will redirect my focus as needed.

Additional information needed –I need to routinely communicate with my site principal to determine the need of the staff and how I can share my knowledge with them. I also would like to meet with the different grade levels regularly and make myself available for them and help them with their integration of technology needs that the principal may not have picked up on.

Steps taken so far – I am currently the site technology coordinator and I do attend monthly meetings the district holds specifically for the technology coordinators as we discuss technology implementation within our school sites. I have also applied for an opportunity to attend the CUE (Computer Users in Education) conference next spring.  I am also taking this course in Integrating Technology in the Classroom, which is helping a lot to.  

References

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx

Developing a Personal Game Plan

In an attempt to strengthen my confidence and proficiency for seamlessly integrating technology into the content areas I will develop a GAME plan by examining the National Education Standards for Teacher (NETS-T) and assess my skills to meet the various standards and indicators.  A GAME plan is a four step, self-directed, learning process which requires you to think about and take steps to direct the learning process, specifically while learning about technology and how to integrate it into the curriculum (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009).  I will create a GAME plan in two indicators in the NETS-T as presented by the International Society for Technology in Education. The first indicator of focus is Standard 1C – Facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity: Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. The second indicator of focus is Standard 5C – Engage in professional growth and leadership: Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008).

GAME Plan for Standard 1C

Goal: In Standard 1 of the NETS-T teachers us their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning. Specifically to promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes (ISTE, 2008).  My goal for this area is to gather the necessary technological tools that can be used to allow students to collaborate and present their thinking.  As a school we have started massing a good amount of computers for student use, tough we are far off the one-to-one computing that would be ideal.  I also have in mind several digital tools that support this type of learning.

Action: As I present the digital tools to the students, I will have to do some instruction on basic use.  I do not want it to be a do what I do project, but I can show them the basics to get them started and allow them to be self-directed in their efforts to complete a task with the given tool.  These tools will include presentation software, concepts maps, blogs, and podcasts that concentrate on the different aspects of creative thinking in hopes to inspire high level of engagements to promote deep learning (Cennamo, et al., 2009).

Monitor: To monitor my actions I need to keep a record of the different tools I allow the students to use.  I need to mix up the requirements of how they present their information so they get a verity of opportunities to reflect and display their knowledge. I also need to take notes on the success of each project as well as any challenges that may present itself during the activity.  This way I will have the information available to me if I were to determine if the activity requires any modifications.

Evaluate and Extend: Finally I will evaluate whether the activities I have chosen actually resulted in student learning and aided them in their creativity.  I will apply any modifications that deemed necessary for the next group of students.  I will also evaluate my effectiveness as a facilitator to determine if I need to provide more direct instruction or involve myself less in their creation of their product.  I will also not limit myself to the digital tools I have selected, but always look out for the “next big thing” that will allow my students to present and display their understanding, thinking and creative process. 

GAME Plan for Standard 5C

Goal: In Standard 5 of the NETS-T teachers are expected to continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their schools by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and use by evaluating and reflecting on current research and professional practice on a regular basis in support of student learning (ISTE, 2008).  My goal for this area is continue to learn and grow as a professional to support achievement and advocating technological opportunities to my students and colleagues. I am currently the site technology coordinator and I do attend monthly meetings the district holds specifically for the technology coordinators as we discuss technology implementation within our school sites.

Action:  In addition to the monthly district meeting and the completion of the Master of Science Education - Integrating Technology in the Classroom course, I plan on attending regional educational tech conferences as well as being active as a presenter in a Tech Fest held for the teachers and educators within our district.  I work in a district that has now placed an emphasis on integrating technology into the classroom and is willing to provide a select few with the means to attend outside conferences and allow us to transfer our knowledge to those we work with in effort to communicate with our colleagues the importance of 21^st century skills our students need for their future.

Monitor: To monitor my actions in meaningful professional development I will need to keep a record of meetings attended with actually following through with some of the new skills and activities I learned.  I need to know which activities and strategies are grade level appropriate and decide what can be used and what can be set aside. I also need to make note of the different conferences and workshop I attend so I can evaluate their worth and effectiveness that will suffice my needs in support of student learning.  

Evaluate and Extend: Here I will make the decisions of what I bring back to my class, to my colleagues and to my filing cabinet.  I will need to reflect on the effectiveness of the regional conferences to see if it there enough for me to bring back that I can share or if was just a glorified promo for venders to peddle their technological wares. Also, I will need to evaluate the effectiveness of the local Tech Fest and see where improvements can be made and decide how the event can be modified to be more meaningful for teachers.

As self-directed learners, the GAME plan allows us to customize our approach to learning tasks, to develop relevant skills that are important to us and prepares us for lifelong learning (Cennamo, et al., 2009).

 

References

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/Libraries/PDFs/NETS_for_Teachers_2008_EN.sflb.ashx