EDUC 6713: APP 4 - Monitoring My GAME Plan Progress

To strengthen my proficiency in customizing learning experiences for students with diverse learning abilities, I am slowly adding to my “technology toolbox.” Discussions with my colleagues have proven somewhat beneficial, though very few teachers in my school use the amount of technology that I do, so new ideas are hard to come by. The Internet has been invaluable in this process for this very reason.

I don’t feel I need to modify my action plan, though I do think I need to find the time to focus myself on finding new tools that I have yet to try. Time has been my biggest obstacle.

I have learned that the time spent taking individual students’ strengths, weaknesses, and interests into considerations yields very large dividends. I recently offered my students a choice for a part of a long-term project they are working on – they were allowed to type a traditional journal entry about some research they had completed, or they could create a podcast, which did not involve the writing portion. Several students chose the podcast option and they were infinitely more engaged in the process than they would have been otherwise. Several of them even re-researched the material to improve the information they had for their podcast.

I don’t necessarily have any new questions, but I do have an idea for a related arts class that I would like to present to my administration. I think we need an “Internet Class” of some type; something that teaches our students how to use the Internet for academic purposes. The amount of time it takes to try and explain the difference between a search engine and an actual webpage alone to 7th-graders is unbelievable! I think they really need have time dedicated to this, especially with how much our society relies on the Internet today!

EDUC 6713: APP3 - GAME Plan Reviewed

To carry out my action plan, any and all resources are welcome and necessary. One goal is to extend my knowledge of the use of digit tools to engage students in exploring real-world problems and issues. Fellow teachers are incredibly valuable resources, as they may have ideas that haven’t occurred to me yet. Technology journals and blogs are other resources that provide great insight to new tools and applications. One such resource, which I visit regularly, is Free Technology for Teachers; I encourage everyone to check it out!

There is a never-ending amount of information needed, so to answer, “What additional information do you need?” is impossible. Information on what technologies are now available, what technologies seem to have an impact on education, and information on unexpected ways to use technology is always needed.

EDUC 6713: APP 2

As quoted by Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009), self-directed learning is, “any increase in knowledge, skill, accomplishment, or personal development that an individual selects and brings about by his or her own efforst using any method in any circumstance at any time,” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, pg. 2). In order to organize, direct, and reflect on your own learning process, and in turn, strengthen your self-directed learning skills, the authors recommend creating a GAME plan as a guide. Their GAME plan is broken down into four steps: “1) set goals; 2) take action to meet those goals; 3) monitor progress toward achieving goals; and 4) evaluate whether the goals were achieved and extend your learning to new situations,” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, pg. 3).

As a teacher in the 21st century, it is essential that I am not only aware of, but actually skilled in the newest technologies and instructional methods in order to provide my students with the education they need and deserve. To this end, I have set goals for strengthening my confidence and proficiency in the following NETS-T indicators:

“1b: [Teachers] engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources; and

2c: [Teachers] customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources,” (National Education Standards for Teachers, 2008).

To achieve these goals, collaboration with colleagues is a must. I will reach out to fellow educators, both in my district and throughout the country via online networks, and find out what has been working (or not working) for their students. Building upon and modifying what others have already started is a great way to get my own wheels turning without having to start from scratch.

Staying abreast of current research and technologies is also critical to achieving my goals. The Internet is an incredibly valuable tool for seeking out the “latest and greatest” on both fronts.

The best way to really achieve my goals is to jump in, try “it,” and see what happens. I am not afraid of new technology, nor am I afraid of testing it out with my students. If it works, great; we’ll keep it. If not, at least we gave it a shot.

The only real way to monitor my progress on these goals is through my students. I will use student surveys and observation to gauge their engagement and motivation. Monitoring their skills development and content learning will be done through projects, formal assessments, and dialogue. They are the leaders in this situation.

To evaluate and extend my learning, I will keep a journal of my “adventures.” This will allow me to take a step back and look at the “big picture” of what is going on in my classroom and with my students. It will also allow me to take an objective look at what seems to be working, what is not working, and where adjustments need to be made. In addition, workshops and conferences offered through my district and professional organizations such as the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics will extend my knowledge and skill in these areas.

References:

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_Final.pdf.