As I reflect back on this course, I have learned a lot from using the GAME plan. Using the GAME plan I have discovered that I need to plan with my colleagues in order to improve my teaching methods. I learned how to use several technology tools during this course. I learned how to podcast, and use Microsoft Photo story3.
Using the GAME plan has made me realize not everything will go as anticipated. I will still pursue creating a blog on our school website after the holidays are over and we go back to school. I have not received any indication that I will not be able to complete that goal. I feel that having a blog linked to the school website will encourage students and parents to communicate about upcoming events or important dates. I look forward to putting the blog in place before the school year ends.
To increase my use of technology into the classroom I plan to collaborate with my colleagues more and help them plan online social collaboration activities for our students as well as problem-based learning activities. To keep up with the ever changing technology I will continue to attend professional training courses and bring back what I learn and implement those ideas or tools into my lessons. My goal is for my students to be creative thinkers who are confident, motivated, persistent, open-minded, as well as flexible (Laureate Education Inc., 2009). Overall, this course has been very eye opening experience that I have learned a lot from. I have a much better understanding of what it means to be a self-directed learner.
Cennamo,K., Ross, J. & Ertmer,P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont,CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Week 7 Update: Using the GAME plan with Students
After evaluating my GAME plan (Cennamo, Ertmer & Ross, 2010), over the past several weeks I have a better understanding of the NET-S. These standards are important not only for teacher’s but also for our students. It is important for our students to see the value in creating a GAME plan and be able to set reasonable goals, make progress or take action, monitor their work and then evaluate the outcome.
To introduce the NET-S into the classroom I would like to create a Power Point presentation with the standards in student friendly terms so they will understand them better. As a whole class we will set two goals for everyone with a plan for them to set another goal for themselves. They will be required to contribute to our class blog to indicate what their GAME plan is and to see how they are progressing towards the goals they have set. I will check to see how they are coming along and help them make adjustments as needed.
At the end of the nine week grading period the students will reflect on their GAME plan to share their accomplishments or failures and what their plans are for future projects and assignments.
National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (2008). ISTE. http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm, access December 19, 2009
To introduce the NET-S into the classroom I would like to create a Power Point presentation with the standards in student friendly terms so they will understand them better. As a whole class we will set two goals for everyone with a plan for them to set another goal for themselves. They will be required to contribute to our class blog to indicate what their GAME plan is and to see how they are progressing towards the goals they have set. I will check to see how they are coming along and help them make adjustments as needed.
At the end of the nine week grading period the students will reflect on their GAME plan to share their accomplishments or failures and what their plans are for future projects and assignments.
National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (2008). ISTE. http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_for_Teachers_2008.htm, access December 19, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Week 6: GAME Plan
Over the past few weeks I have been working on my GAME plan. GAME plan is a self directed learning approach created by Cennamo, Ertmer, and Ross (2009). My GAME plan consists of two goals that I have been working towards. The first goal was to create a blog on my schools website and the second was to teach my students how to successfully use technology that relate to real world experiences.
I have spent several hours working to accomplish my goals. This experience has helped me see the need to be proficient in technology. When I first started this program through Walden I was intimidated the first time the assignment was to create a blog. I soon overcame my fears and realized I needed to embrace technology in order to be able to teach students in the best possible way and help them be successful when they enter the working world.
My greatest challenge has been finding time to meet with the technology department to get approval to continue with my blog. I will continue pursuing this goal until it is either completed or I am told I can't because of district policies. I do believe that after the holidays I will see progress in this goal.
My second goal has been somewhat successful because I have been able to plan with fellow colleagues to integrate real-world activities into the curriculum. However, doing so can be very overwhelming and time consuming.
To further improve my proficiency in technology I will continue to collaborate with my colleagues and share what I learn as I continue my journey of education.
Cennamo,K., Ross, J. & Ertmer,P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont,CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
I have spent several hours working to accomplish my goals. This experience has helped me see the need to be proficient in technology. When I first started this program through Walden I was intimidated the first time the assignment was to create a blog. I soon overcame my fears and realized I needed to embrace technology in order to be able to teach students in the best possible way and help them be successful when they enter the working world.
My greatest challenge has been finding time to meet with the technology department to get approval to continue with my blog. I will continue pursuing this goal until it is either completed or I am told I can't because of district policies. I do believe that after the holidays I will see progress in this goal.
My second goal has been somewhat successful because I have been able to plan with fellow colleagues to integrate real-world activities into the curriculum. However, doing so can be very overwhelming and time consuming.
To further improve my proficiency in technology I will continue to collaborate with my colleagues and share what I learn as I continue my journey of education.
Cennamo,K., Ross, J. & Ertmer,P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont,CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Week 5 Blog: Evaluating my GAME plan progress
I have attempted to work on my GAME plan over the last week, but I haven’t been very successful. I was on track until this past week when other deadlines seemed to take priority. As Cennamo, Ertmer and Ross state, in order to be effective at achieving a desired learning goal, self-directed learners must first establish a GAME plan. The first was to set a goal, take actions, monitor and finally evaluate how effective the actions have been towards meeting the goals (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009).
My first goal was to set up a blog on our school web site as a communication tool for students and parents. I am still planning to do this as long as it doesn’t get stopped by the district. So, far I do not see that happening.
The second goal was to follow NETS.T, http://www.iste.org standard 3b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community member using digital tools and resource to support student success and innovation. I have been more successful in this area because it is something I am more familiar with. I have been teaching my students how to use voice thread. During reading students had to write a different ending to a story, so I had them write it and draw pictures of the characters and setting. When they were finished they were able to record the ending and post their pictures. Each student was given feedback by me or their regular classroom teacher. They were also encouraged to share with their parents and ask them for comments as well. They have been motivated to want to write more, which is encouraging since they don’t typically like to write.
I have learned that things don’t always go as planned and I need to continue to try and not give up on my goals. I have been collaborating with my colleagues about my GAME plan and it is encouraging to know they are willing to help me accomplish my goals.
I still need to learn how to set up a blog on the school website, but it is more a lack of me not following through with the plan than it is the district stopping me at this point.
At this time I will continue to work towards my plan and adjust it as necessary.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards
My first goal was to set up a blog on our school web site as a communication tool for students and parents. I am still planning to do this as long as it doesn’t get stopped by the district. So, far I do not see that happening.
The second goal was to follow NETS.T, http://www.iste.org standard 3b. Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community member using digital tools and resource to support student success and innovation. I have been more successful in this area because it is something I am more familiar with. I have been teaching my students how to use voice thread. During reading students had to write a different ending to a story, so I had them write it and draw pictures of the characters and setting. When they were finished they were able to record the ending and post their pictures. Each student was given feedback by me or their regular classroom teacher. They were also encouraged to share with their parents and ask them for comments as well. They have been motivated to want to write more, which is encouraging since they don’t typically like to write.
I have learned that things don’t always go as planned and I need to continue to try and not give up on my goals. I have been collaborating with my colleagues about my GAME plan and it is encouraging to know they are willing to help me accomplish my goals.
I still need to learn how to set up a blog on the school website, but it is more a lack of me not following through with the plan than it is the district stopping me at this point.
At this time I will continue to work towards my plan and adjust it as necessary.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Monitoring My GAME Plan Progress
To continue to improve my GAME plan this week I have found that I need more information in order to accomplish my action plan. GAME plan is an idea from Cennamo, Ross and Ertmer’s text book, Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use (2009). The idea behind GAME plan is to set a goal, take action towards that goal, monitor, and then evaluate the goal you have chosen.
One of my goals was to set up a blog on our school website. Following NETS.T, http://www.iste.org standard 1b,engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. I am in the process of checking with my technology department to see what the district’s policy is on having a classroom blog and if the parents of the students will have to sign permission to utilize the blog. I am still waiting to meet with a technology coach to get clarification and suggestion to accomplish this task.
The second goal comes from NETS.T standard 3b.Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation. I am working towards teaching my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively. I am currently waiting to receive the interwrite along with the new model classroom. I was given an update a few days ago about it. There is a possibility that all of the equipment will be installed over or Christmas break coming up soon. So it is doubtful that I will be able to share my experience with using it before this class ends. However, I will try to keep everyone informed on my progress through this blog.
Some questions have come up as I have been working on this plan. How much will I have to teach them about using a blog or the new interwrite? Will they be able to teach me? How strict do the guidelines need to be? As Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer (2009) states, when working in technology-enriched learning environments, students will benefit from having guidelines that indicate what they should accomplish during the lesson, what they are expected to have beforehand, and what they should do after their computer time is over. I will have to find what works for my students and adjust the guidelines as necessary.
So far I have learned that things don’t always go as planned or as easy as I thought they might have been. This time of year is especially busy at school and with family, so I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time towards my action plan as I would have liked.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
ISTE International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). NETS-T. Retrieved November 29, 2009, from Http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/FroTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T__Standards_Final.pdf
One of my goals was to set up a blog on our school website. Following NETS.T, http://www.iste.org standard 1b,engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. I am in the process of checking with my technology department to see what the district’s policy is on having a classroom blog and if the parents of the students will have to sign permission to utilize the blog. I am still waiting to meet with a technology coach to get clarification and suggestion to accomplish this task.
The second goal comes from NETS.T standard 3b.Collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation. I am working towards teaching my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively. I am currently waiting to receive the interwrite along with the new model classroom. I was given an update a few days ago about it. There is a possibility that all of the equipment will be installed over or Christmas break coming up soon. So it is doubtful that I will be able to share my experience with using it before this class ends. However, I will try to keep everyone informed on my progress through this blog.
Some questions have come up as I have been working on this plan. How much will I have to teach them about using a blog or the new interwrite? Will they be able to teach me? How strict do the guidelines need to be? As Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer (2009) states, when working in technology-enriched learning environments, students will benefit from having guidelines that indicate what they should accomplish during the lesson, what they are expected to have beforehand, and what they should do after their computer time is over. I will have to find what works for my students and adjust the guidelines as necessary.
So far I have learned that things don’t always go as planned or as easy as I thought they might have been. This time of year is especially busy at school and with family, so I haven’t been able to dedicate as much time towards my action plan as I would have liked.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2010). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
ISTE International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). NETS-T. Retrieved November 29, 2009, from Http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/FroTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T__Standards_Final.pdf
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Continuing my GAME Plan
This week I have been asked to give a description of the resources and information that I need to carry out my action plan.To continue my GAME plan, I still need to do more research on how to get a blog started on our school website. After collaborating with a technology coach, it was suggested that I use Shutterfly, which has a component that serves the same service as blogging, and glogster. Both of which I know very little about. So, that is my next step that I will be taking. I plan to meet with the coach within the next few days.
The other goal that I have been working on is for my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively. I took the step in the right direction this week.
I just learned that I will be getting a new model classroom with a projector, document reader, document camera, surround sound system with microphone for both the teacher and one for student use and in addition to this a DVD/VHS player for classroom use. Up until now I have been using an overhead projector and transparencies. This has put some limits on what I can do. I attended an in-service training last night on how to use all of the components. Some of which I had some knowledge, but some I had no knowledge of. So, in order to teach my students how to operate and use the equipment I needed to be trained. Probably the best part of the whole training, at least for me, was the fact that I will also be getting an Interwrite board because our technology coach received a grant. One of the requirements for getting one is that I will have to attend two training sessions and develop a lesson plan utilizing it in the classroom. I can say that I am very excited about learning how to use the new technology tools that I will be getting by the end of the year or right after our Christmas break. If anyone has any great plans for using the Interwrite, they would greatly appreciated.
Gayla
The other goal that I have been working on is for my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively. I took the step in the right direction this week.
I just learned that I will be getting a new model classroom with a projector, document reader, document camera, surround sound system with microphone for both the teacher and one for student use and in addition to this a DVD/VHS player for classroom use. Up until now I have been using an overhead projector and transparencies. This has put some limits on what I can do. I attended an in-service training last night on how to use all of the components. Some of which I had some knowledge, but some I had no knowledge of. So, in order to teach my students how to operate and use the equipment I needed to be trained. Probably the best part of the whole training, at least for me, was the fact that I will also be getting an Interwrite board because our technology coach received a grant. One of the requirements for getting one is that I will have to attend two training sessions and develop a lesson plan utilizing it in the classroom. I can say that I am very excited about learning how to use the new technology tools that I will be getting by the end of the year or right after our Christmas break. If anyone has any great plans for using the Interwrite, they would greatly appreciated.
Gayla
Thursday, November 12, 2009
GAME PLAN
As I looked over the NETS standards, there are two standards that I want to be able to use in the classroom. The first one is standard 1b. Engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources.
Goal – For my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively.
Action – I will evaluate my lessons and incorporate real world problems that my students can relate to using their own experiences. Using webquest and virtual field trips are activities I will use to engage my students and to improve the lesson.
Monitoring –I will consider how the process is going and then determine where improvements are needed and decide what needs to change in the plan.
Evaluate – I will look at the ways technology was utilized and develop strategies to improve my lessons. I will ask co-workers for input and advice.
The second area is 3b: collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success.
Goal – To implement a way to communicate with parents, students and peers, I will utilize a variety of ways to communicate more effectively. I would like to create a class blog, so that parents and students can check to see what has been taught. It can also be used to help parents stay informed on what is happening in the classroom.
Action – I will post a blog onto my school website, so the student’s can access it easily to get information on missed work or upcoming events.
Monitor - I will consider how the process is going and then determine where improvement needs to take place and decide what needs to change in the plan.
Evaluate – In order to check my progress, I need to survey my students, parents and peers to see how effective the blog has been. If it needs to be improvement
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). "Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences with Technology, Part 1." Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Gayla
Goal – For my students to have a better understanding of technology and be able to use it correctly and effectively.
Action – I will evaluate my lessons and incorporate real world problems that my students can relate to using their own experiences. Using webquest and virtual field trips are activities I will use to engage my students and to improve the lesson.
Monitoring –I will consider how the process is going and then determine where improvements are needed and decide what needs to change in the plan.
Evaluate – I will look at the ways technology was utilized and develop strategies to improve my lessons. I will ask co-workers for input and advice.
The second area is 3b: collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success.
Goal – To implement a way to communicate with parents, students and peers, I will utilize a variety of ways to communicate more effectively. I would like to create a class blog, so that parents and students can check to see what has been taught. It can also be used to help parents stay informed on what is happening in the classroom.
Action – I will post a blog onto my school website, so the student’s can access it easily to get information on missed work or upcoming events.
Monitor - I will consider how the process is going and then determine where improvement needs to take place and decide what needs to change in the plan.
Evaluate – In order to check my progress, I need to survey my students, parents and peers to see how effective the blog has been. If it needs to be improvement
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (2009). "Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences with Technology, Part 1." Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
Gayla
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