Monitor Action Plan _Week 4

My action plan for my first goal is coming along nicely.  My problem with having to share one lab with 35 teachers may be coming to an end.  I was speaking with my principal about how I would love to use more technology with my students but the availability of the lab severely limits the possibilities.  She then called the librarian in and our old mobile laptop station is not being used.  I will be soon receiving 13 laptops to keep in my room!  This is very exciting news to me and it will be enough laptops for my largest class.  This will be an excellent resource in providing my students with more technology based activities.

Due to a comment from Derico a couple of weeks ago, I was reminded that Walden gives us a wonderful built-in learning community and I have been embracing the wealth of information in the discussion groups and the blogs.  I have also created a small learning community at school for those teachers interested to share the technology ideas they use in their classrooms.  This has been very useful since we teach the same students we can discuss what works and what doesn't.  Thanks for all of the great advice over the past couple of weeks.

Cheri Handley

Resources and Progression of GAME PLAN - Week 3

As I review and explore my GAME plan, I am attempting to formulate a list of resources.  As far as my objective to create more relevant technological activities, I have a few favorite blogs that I visit frequently, which include the following:  http://fluency21.com/blog/2013/03/26/50-education-technology-tools-every-teacher-should-know-about/, http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=4940, and http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com/.  I also use the tech resources that Dr. LeBeau posts in our discussion threads each week.  I do need to focus more on appropriating more technology that I can have at my beck and call whenever I need it for my students.

My goal on joining learning communities is a bit more difficult.  I currently am part of this wonderful Walden community, but when I go to look for other workshops, conferences, blog groups, etc., I get overwhelmed.  Any assistance in narrowing down my search would be greatly appreciated.

Cheri's GAME Plan

Since the GAME Plan (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009)  is a guide for self-directed learning and we want our students to become self-directed learners, it only makes sense that I present my own GAME Plan so I can be a role model for my students.  The goals that follow are two of the indicators from ISTE.NETS-T (International Society for Technology in Education, 2008). and are indicators of required standards.

Goal #1: I chose the following goal because I have the desire to use more technology and digital learning experiences, but am never sure of the quality. 

G(set goals) - Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.

A (take action) – This is where I would reach out to colleagues, in my school and outside of it, to gather experiences they have used and determine if they will work for my students and be engaging to them and promote their creativity.  Also, this would be the step in which I attempt to acquire a more reliable and consistent source of technology for my students other than a lab that is used by thirty-five teachers.

M (monitor) – As I put my action plan into place, I will continuously reflect on each experience or tool I share with my students.  I will ask questions such as, “Are they engaged?  Are they being creative?  Are they learning the content?”  After each reflection I will then continue using the specified activity or tool, modify it, or never use it again. 

E (evaluate) – Evaluating is the process of determining success of you goal.  With this particular goal, I don’t see that it ever ends.  Learning experiences can always be created and new digital tools are invented each day.  This learning goal will be ongoing forever so that I can constantly add to my digital toolbox.

Goal #2:  I chose this particular goal because I think if I am an active member of these learning communities, it will assist me in meeting the goal above.

G(set goals) - Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning.

A (take action) – Action steps for this goal include researching and choosing learning communities to join.  The purpose of the chosen communities would have to be to share applications and experiences with technology in the classroom.  Another action step would be to ensure that I am an active participant in the group and not just a passive member.

M (monitor) – As I put my action plan into place, I will continuously reflect on each learning community by asking, “Am I actively participating?  Is this group giving me the learning support I need?  Am I learning more to further improve my students’ learning?”  If the answer to any of these questions is no, then it is time to find a new learning community.

E (evaluate) – Evaluating is the process of determining success of you goal.  With this goal, I feel if it is successful I will have a wealth of applications to share with my students.  Also, if this goal has been met and is successful, I may not want to leave the learning community at all.

I am apprehensive about putting these goals down in print because now I have to be accountable.  I would be ever grateful if you have any suggestions to add to or modify my GAME Plans.

Cheri Handley

References:

Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom

use: A standards-based approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA:

 Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.

International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). National education standards for

            teachers (NETS-T). Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/nets-for-teachers