Application 4: Monitoring Your GAME Plan Progress
Since I have started implementing my GAME Plan I feel I have made some progress in sharing information and ideas using a variety of technology-based formats. Building upon the technology resources I can communicate with my students as well as others in and outside the work environment. I also have the ability to turn to my colleagues as one of my initial resources to direct me and model some programs I was interested in. Although this is a valuable resource in the past couple of weeks I have learned there are many valuable online resources available to me when viewing the discussion postings and blog postings of my classmates
Now the list of technology resources I would like to explore has grown. In modifying my action plan I would like to incorporate these new websites and software programs. Mathtype, webquests, digital story mapping and www.eduscape.com to name a few, I think will be beneficial in obtaining my goal and expand my knowledge of technology. These websites will also enable my classified students to use the flexibility of technology in demonstrating their knowledge of a particular content area (Ross, 2009).
Additionally, I have been able to successful demonstrate more knowledge of my schools website program as well as the use of other tools in order to expand my level of communication with technology. Through my colleagues I have been able to gather more knowledge and practice with several Web 2.0 tools. These include SMART Board software, wiki spaces, concept mapping, and garage band. Learning more about these tools will enable me to develop a more differentiated instruction where students will have the ability to demonstrate their knowledge using a variety of formats. The use of these tools will enable me to provide information to my students in a more engaging fashion.
Since technology is such a rapidly growing area I have questioned if these same tools I am learning now will be of use to my students in the future. For example, are these tools going to be effective and of use to my students or will they be replaced by other, more sophisticated tools? I also have concerns about implementing instruction and integrating technology when there is a lack of technological resources available. How can I teach my students new literacy skills when I have a scarce supply of technology? In what ways can I support my students in demonstrating 21st century skills if these tools are unavailable for them?
As a result, I believe I still have a lot of practice, hard work, and research to do to achieve my goal. I do believe with all of the advances in technology it is necessary for me to continue to modify, self-evaluate, reflect, and monitor my methods as a self-directed learner when new tools are introduced and be able to apply my background knowledge in order to learn those new skills.
Ross, J. (2009, September). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas. “Assessing Student Learning With Technology”. (Laureate, CD-ROM, 2009 release).
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Carrying On Your GAME Plan
Carrying On Your GAME Plan
In order to achieve my goals of 1.) to communicate information and ideas more effectively using a variety of technology tools and formats and 2.) to continue my growth in new advancements in technology participating in local and global environments in order to improve student learning in the classroom it is important in designing my GAME Plan that I locate the right resources to achieve my goals.
As a Special Education teacher student, parent and teacher communication is imperative in providing the most suitable instruction for a child. When considering how I communicate with others I found I am most comfortable with face-to-face or telephone contact, finding
e-mail communication a rather impersonal source of communication. As teachers we have access to our own individual webpage and other tools in place in our district to communicate and share information with our parents, students, and colleagues. Although I knew enough about developing my own webpage my limited knowledge of the many features offered in setting up my website link prevented me from communicating information with others in the most effective way possible. This being the case I decided that my first step in my GAME plan for communicating information and ideas using technology would be to consult with one of the technology teachers in learning more about using the tools on my own webpage and also using my e-mail more to communicate with others.
As a result of my actions I believe with this small step I was able to not only communicate more effectively but also learn more about technology tools within our school webpage. Even this does not seem like much I do believe it is a start in achieving both of my goals. With the rapid advancements and growth found in technology along with its role in education it is necessary teachers to be active participants in learning these new skills. Therefore, in achieving my goals within the classroom in communicating information and enriching the learning experiences with new advances in technology I do feel I would benefit with more information by attending workshops, reading about the latest research in tools, and by furthering my education through college courses.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Developing your personal GAME Plan:
Developing your personal GAME Plan:
The two goals I would focus on in setting up a GAME plan for strengthening my confidence and proficiency using the International Society for Technology in Education would be: 1.) to communicate information and ideas using a using a variety technology tools and formats and 2.) continue my growth in new advancements in technology participating in local and global environments to improve student learning in the classroom. These standards are indicated in the NETS-T performance for Teachers under the categories “Model Digital-Age Work and Learning” and “Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.” (National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). Strengthening my knowledge in these areas will allow me to not only improve my students learning potential but also enrich my classes by improving my own instructional methods and learning atmosphere.
When developing instructions I agree it is crucial for educators to recognize technology’s impact when integrated in the content areas (Etmer, 2009). For this reason it is important to provide students with meaningful instruction through authentic learning experiences using these tools to gain new knowledge. It is important to apply self-directed learning skills in the GAME plan process in achieving both of my goals.
One of the first step in achieving both my Goals is to focus on and generate a list in a word document with both of these goals in the form of a KWHL Chart to assist me in recording plan of action and monitoring my progress in attaining my professional development in these areas (Cennamo, 2009).. Each goal, as in any self-directed learning experience is “driven” by an essential question (Cennamo, Ertmer, & Ross, 2009). This is why it is important for me to identify in both goals what information I am trying to obtain, to brainstorm and develop ideas on how I can accomplish these goals. This list will allow me to reflect back on what I know and provide information I need so l can locate or learn more on my search. Next, I would take Action and think about the results. Here I can review both of my goals and the resources available for me to work with in reaching the desired results, choose which is the best path in achieving my goals and apply that particular method. After taking action my progress can be Monitored by recording the results of my actions in the word document program. When it comes time to Evaluate what I accomplished, I will be able to conclude how I achieved my goals and identify what areas may need to be changed.
First Goal: Goal to communicate information and ideas using a variety of technology tools and formats such as Wiki Spaces, 3-D PowerPoint, Screencasts, Voice Thread, iMovie, and Blogging. Some ideas I have in learning more about these tools would be by consulting with peers, experimenting with tools, or using the internet in searching for content applications. The first Action I would choose in this goal is consulting with a colleague for ideas using the technology tools listed above when designing a lesson plan. Then I would be able to Monitor progress in achieving my goal through the increase or decrease of student engagement when using these tools and recording it in a word document. Finally, I will be able to Evaluate if I successfully achieved my goal by determining the result in my implementation of the tool as well as student progress. Plus the understanding of content would give me the ability to identify strategies and which application of tools allowed them to learn best.
Second Goal: Goal to continue my growth in new advancements in technology participating in local and global environments in order to improve student learning in the classroom. Attending college courses, virtual classrooms, computer tutorials, flat classrooms, workshops. To learn more about advances in technology I would search the internet, check school technology department workshops, and research local college courses and virtual tutorials. The first Action in achieving this goal I have already chosen in pursuing a Masters Integrating Technology in the Classroom. When Monitor progress I have saved artifacts and created notes and set aside time to practice certain technology to improve skill and or change method. Finally, I will be able to Evaluate what types of tools assisted me in learning the tools and information delivered.
In summary, I believe that the GAME plan is a powerful tool in creating a successful self-directed learning goal. This process allows us to use creative and critical thinking skills in developing essential questions to guide our own learning whether you are an educator or student. As a result we create an environment where individuals become more confident and motivated in the learning process.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningfulclassroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Cennamo, K. (2009, September). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas.“Promoting Self-Directed Learning With Technology”. (Laureate, CD-ROM, 2009 release)
Ertmer, P. (2009, September). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas.“Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences With Technology Part 1”. (Laureate, CD-ROM, 2009 release)
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
The two goals I would focus on in setting up a GAME plan for strengthening my confidence and proficiency using the International Society for Technology in Education would be: 1.) to communicate information and ideas using a using a variety technology tools and formats and 2.) continue my growth in new advancements in technology participating in local and global environments to improve student learning in the classroom. These standards are indicated in the NETS-T performance for Teachers under the categories “Model Digital-Age Work and Learning” and “Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership.” (National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T). Strengthening my knowledge in these areas will allow me to not only improve my students learning potential but also enrich my classes by improving my own instructional methods and learning atmosphere.
When developing instructions I agree it is crucial for educators to recognize technology’s impact when integrated in the content areas (Etmer, 2009). For this reason it is important to provide students with meaningful instruction through authentic learning experiences using these tools to gain new knowledge. It is important to apply self-directed learning skills in the GAME plan process in achieving both of my goals.
One of the first step in achieving both my Goals is to focus on and generate a list in a word document with both of these goals in the form of a KWHL Chart to assist me in recording plan of action and monitoring my progress in attaining my professional development in these areas (Cennamo, 2009).. Each goal, as in any self-directed learning experience is “driven” by an essential question (Cennamo, Ertmer, & Ross, 2009). This is why it is important for me to identify in both goals what information I am trying to obtain, to brainstorm and develop ideas on how I can accomplish these goals. This list will allow me to reflect back on what I know and provide information I need so l can locate or learn more on my search. Next, I would take Action and think about the results. Here I can review both of my goals and the resources available for me to work with in reaching the desired results, choose which is the best path in achieving my goals and apply that particular method. After taking action my progress can be Monitored by recording the results of my actions in the word document program. When it comes time to Evaluate what I accomplished, I will be able to conclude how I achieved my goals and identify what areas may need to be changed.
First Goal: Goal to communicate information and ideas using a variety of technology tools and formats such as Wiki Spaces, 3-D PowerPoint, Screencasts, Voice Thread, iMovie, and Blogging. Some ideas I have in learning more about these tools would be by consulting with peers, experimenting with tools, or using the internet in searching for content applications. The first Action I would choose in this goal is consulting with a colleague for ideas using the technology tools listed above when designing a lesson plan. Then I would be able to Monitor progress in achieving my goal through the increase or decrease of student engagement when using these tools and recording it in a word document. Finally, I will be able to Evaluate if I successfully achieved my goal by determining the result in my implementation of the tool as well as student progress. Plus the understanding of content would give me the ability to identify strategies and which application of tools allowed them to learn best.
Second Goal: Goal to continue my growth in new advancements in technology participating in local and global environments in order to improve student learning in the classroom. Attending college courses, virtual classrooms, computer tutorials, flat classrooms, workshops. To learn more about advances in technology I would search the internet, check school technology department workshops, and research local college courses and virtual tutorials. The first Action in achieving this goal I have already chosen in pursuing a Masters Integrating Technology in the Classroom. When Monitor progress I have saved artifacts and created notes and set aside time to practice certain technology to improve skill and or change method. Finally, I will be able to Evaluate what types of tools assisted me in learning the tools and information delivered.
In summary, I believe that the GAME plan is a powerful tool in creating a successful self-directed learning goal. This process allows us to use creative and critical thinking skills in developing essential questions to guide our own learning whether you are an educator or student. As a result we create an environment where individuals become more confident and motivated in the learning process.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningfulclassroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Cennamo, K. (2009, September). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas.“Promoting Self-Directed Learning With Technology”. (Laureate, CD-ROM, 2009 release)
Ertmer, P. (2009, September). Integrating Technology Across the Content Areas.“Enriching Content Area Learning Experiences With Technology Part 1”. (Laureate, CD-ROM, 2009 release)
National Education Standards for Teachers (NETS-T) located at http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T_Standards_Final.pdf.
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