GAME Plan Reflection

Throughout the duration of this course I have developed an implemented a GAME plan for integrating technology into my classroom. There have been setbacks and successes, but overall I am happy with the outcome. I have learned new ways to engage and reach all of the learners in my class. There are numerous types of technology that provide diverse and rich learning experiences for children. In addition, there is a wide variety of technology tools that enable students to express their learning.

There are several adjustments I will make to my teaching methods as a result of my learning. One of the revelations I had in this course was the notion that technology is merely a means to an end. Every teacher's goal is not to use technology, but to enhance the curriculum through the use of technology. With this idea in mind, my approach to integrating technology has changed. I will create my lesson plans in the usual manner; however, I will now try to identify tools and resources that will enrich the classroom experience for all students.

Another benefit of taking this course has been the knowledge I have gained which can also be used in my life outside of my profession. The GAME plan could be used in all aspects of life. Any time I need or want to set a goal for myself I will think about what that goal is, set it into action, monitor my progress, and evaluate my success. If I can use these concepts and share my knowledge with my colleagues I will like my journey these past eight weeks has been a complete success.

Using the GAME Plan with Students

Now that I am more versed in using the GAME Plan mentioned in our learning resources, I am ready to teach my students how to use this plan to reach their learning goals. According to the NETS standards for students they must possess certain skills in order to be proficient in technology use and to be digital-age learners. I will help my students set goals for themselves that are simple and attainable. They must know that setting goals are a task they will continue to do for the rest of their life. I will show them how to take action to reach their goals. They will seek out the resources and tools they need including their peers and adults. There is so much information available it is hard to imagine a person not finding what they need. I will teach my students how to monitor their progress. One way is to maintain a blog and enlist the help of peers. The advice and feedback they have to offer is invaluable. They must continually “take a step back” and observe what progress they have made and determine if adjustments need to be made. Evaluation is a critical element of the GAME Plan. This is the time when we decide if we have met our goal or not and what we can do to ensure we do. Students need to know that it is acceptable to not reach a goal with the first try. They must identify what went wrong and decide what course of action to take next in order to stay on track. Most important of all is that they must never get discouraged or give up.

Revising My GAME Plan

Throughout this course I have learned many new technology tools and resources for implementing in my classroom. This week presented many ideas for using social networking and online collaboration to engage students and allow them to express their creativity and learning. Websites such as Facebook and MySpace, and tools such as bolgs and wikis help students and teachers "interact with their peers around the world", "give and receive ongoing feedback", and "easily manage work" created by groups of people (Laureate 2009).

In following through with my GAME plan I feel that I am still working toward certain goals. I am still working with my students to teach them some of the technology I have learned recently. I am still concentrating on being patient with my sixth graders, knowing that they all learn at different rates. I am improving my ability to differentiate instruction in a manner that accommodates these varying learning speeds and styles.

Although I am headed in the right direction toward my goals, I am not ready to set new goals for myself. It has been my experience that I should not set new goals until I have accomplished the originals ones I set out to meet. Instead of setting a new goal I will try to extend what I have learned thus far. I will continue to seek out better and more efficient ways to apply the concepts I have learned so that the implementation of it in the classroom becomes second nature.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program 10. Spotlight on Technology: Social Networking and Online Collaboration Part 1. [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.

Application 5 - Evaluating My GAME Plan Progress

The final step in the GAME Plan mentioned in the learning resources is to evaluate your progress in reaching your goal. A self-directed learner should be able to assess whether or not they achieved what they set out to do. He or she should determine what steps to take, if necessary, to change course in the journey toward the ultimate goal.

When evaluating my GAME plan I believe that the actions I have taken are helping me meet my goals in integrating technology. Having the ability to monitor my progress has made it easier to change direction before I go too far along in my plan. That way I do not waste any time or resources going in the wrong direction.

I have learned several ideas for reaching all learners and giving them the opportunity to express their learning. Technology gives students many different avenues for gathering, analyzing, and presenting information.

Although I am closer to my goal, there are still things I need improve on. I am still not completely comfortable with some of the digital tools and resources mentioned in the learning resources. With time and practice this issue should be resolved. Because my class this year is not very diverse academically, I will not be able to assess my effectiveness at reaching all of the different types of learning.

References:

Ertmer, P., & Simons, K. (Spring 2006). Jumping the PBL implementation hurdle: Supporting the efforts of K-12 teachers. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 1(1), 40-54. Retrieved from http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=ijpbl.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. Baltimore: Author.