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.