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