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