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
Cheri,
ReplyDeleteI share your same dilemma when considering the use of technology to create student learning opportunities and presentations. I often find myself incredibly disappointed with results and then feel some remorse if I fail a student according to the rubric. It is much tougher to be subjective when it comes to presentations like this, even if a good rubric is in place. I feel like I need to be a student teacher again and have the opportunity to sit in with an expert teacher who utilizes this approach to education on a consistent basis. My belief is that if implemented successfully and students are motivated and held accountable, it is the best way to learn while also preparing kids for college and future careers. I am kicking around the idea of trying to attend one or two conferences so that I can get ideas and learn from teachers who have had success. At this point, my school does not have the resources (technology and knowledgeable/experienced staffed) to give me confidence I need. If found this website which excited me (in relation to professional development). I am sure there are others. I don't need to hear about any more ideas. I want to see it done effectively on a consistent basis. http://edtechteacher.org/
Greg Thorson
I agree Greg. My school also does not have the technology that gives me confidence. I agree that seeing experts actually perform these tasks effectively would be a beneficial tool in my success.
DeleteCheri,
ReplyDeleteI believe the two goals you selected were good ones. My question for your first goal would be what subject(s) do you teach? I am sure you stated this somewhere along throughout this graduate program, but it is not registering with me at this moment. From personal experience, it seems that math is the toughest subject to incorporate technology into, or at least that is what the math teachers in my building profess. It seems as if your school has one lab that is shared by the entire school. This is always an issue when trying to schedule labs. We have 7 labs at my school, and a host of wireless laptop carts; however, securing any of aforementioned technology tools in a school of 1,900 is pretty difficult. What is even more frustrating is that many times teachers are taking their students to the lab or signing up for laptop carts for trivial things such as playing games, that are not increasing rigor or presenting students with 21st century learning opportunities. I would recommend that you take advantage of your district’s “bring your own device” policy if they have one? Also in pertaining to your second goal, you are already in one of the best professional learning communities that you could imagine. Your Walden professors and colleagues can offer a plethora of resources and suggestions that can help you achieve your goals.
I teach 8th grade math, English, reading, and study skills. Math is a difficult subject to incorporate technology into, but it is possible. I wish we had a "bring your own device" policy! However, our parish policy is no electronics on campus. Thanks for reminding me of the great community I am a part of for resources.
DeleteCheri,
ReplyDeleteI admire your choice of goals to meet. I know that putting them down in writing is daunting since what you have chosen relies on reaching beyond your routine that you have made time for and includes relying on the help of others, but what I hope you find is that by becoming part of larger learning communities, you can lessen your load when it comes to having to build your own activities. By collaborating with others, you share the task and combine experience to make meaningful connections between content and technology. In regard to what you and Derico have both commented, accessing technology can be difficult and finding the right tool to use for a task is no easy matter, either. I want to add that using creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking does not have to create a digital product, but an engaging activity can be captured using digital means of photos or video that are uploaded into digital student portfolios or class websites/wikis/blogs. Best wishes as you begin our endeavor to reach your goals!
Erin
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteHey Cheri, great post and blog. As a fellow math teacher it I first would like you to know I feel your pain on trying to determine with ISTE-Net standard goals to use. I think you had some great ideas especially to talk to your colleagues about future expansion to a lesson in your curriculum. I try to consult to my fellow teachers, principals, educational specialist, etc. Collaboration is so underrated in school because many teachers have got to the level where they feel independent about solving their own issues in their classroom and they don't realize if they ask for help or a critical eye(look) at a lesson how it may change for the best.
ReplyDeleteSince 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. This introduction set the tone for the great blog post.